God is at work in the Philippines where Bill McKibben, Director of East Asia Work, and his wife, Lori, recently visited. Last November, two typhoons struck just five days apart, affecting sixteen of the eighteen regions in the country. Both were category-4 equivalents that caused widespread destruction to houses, infrastructure, and crops through high winds, flooding, and landslides. However, God miraculously spared our people and buildings. There was minor damage to the headquarters church in Bagong Sikat, and in Sinimbaan, the old sanctuary lost its roof. God’s hand of protection was over all.

The McKibbens arrived at the Manila airport on Monday, February 2, and were met by Fernan Fiegalan, the Philippines District Superintendent, and his wife, Elaida. That evening, they attended a Bible study at the Bagong Sikat headquarters. It was led by Sister Elaida and centered on Matthew 25:31-49, Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats.

On Thursday, the McKibbens and Fiegalans visited our church in Maragol for lunch and fellowship before continuing to Tabulac for a 42^nd anniversary service. The team enjoyed an inspiring meeting, during which a brief history of the work was read. This church was established with the help of our saints in South Korea and has thrived ever since. The service concluded with a good time of prayer.

A seminar was held on Saturday at the headquarters church for leaders, pastors, and workers. The theme was “Imago Dei (Image of God) . . . Christian Relationships.” It covered the unique nature of humanity, being created in God’s image, and the implications of this truth in various relationships such as marriage.

In the afternoon, a service took place at our Parista church, and the sanctuary was filled to overflowing with mostly young people who sang and testified. The sermon was taken from Zephaniah 3:17 and noted that God is mighty and will save as well as rejoice and sing over His children. A wonderful prayer meeting followed with many receiving blessings from the Holy Spirit. Afterward, during a time of food and fellowship, the youth were encouraged as Brother Bill shared how he and Sister Lori came to serve the Lord together.

On Sunday, February 8, there were over 300 in attendance at the Bagong Sikat church, filling the sanctuary to capacity. During the service, two were ordained: Teofy Grospe, who will pastor at Maragol, and her nephew, Julius Grospe, who will serve as the associate pastor at Bagong Sikat. Also, it was announced that Zenaida Ruiz, who is approaching her 80^th birthday, will become an honorary board member. In her place, Emely Lucero, the pastor at San Luis, will join the board.

As the service continued, the sermon centered on the blessings promised to Abraham in Genesis 12. He was blessed, he was called to be a blessing, and he was promised to inherit a blessing. Brother Bill characterized these promises as “The Three B’s” and declared they are available to Christians today. Another good altar service followed and then the entire congregation enjoyed a meal together in the newly completed Fellowship Hall.

In the afternoon the congregation celebrated the 64th anniversary of the Bagong Sikat church with special music along with a message from Brother Fernan. With text from Jude 3 and Joel 2:25, he spoke about contending for the faith and God's promise of restoration. Afterward, Brother Bill read a letter of congratulations from Superintendent General Sola Adesope addressed to Sister Zenaida. It honored her for her many years of faithful service in the vineyard of the Lord. She was then presented with flowers as the congregation applauded her faithful service.

On Tuesday, February 10, the team enjoyed lunch and fellowship with the saints at Sinimbaan. Then, in the evening, they went to San Luis for a service. They were blessed by testimonies given in English. One man said he had been lost in hate and bitterness until the Lord rescued him. A woman told how she hoped for a promotion but was disappointed time after time. Later, she learned that God had something better planned for her. Following the service, this same sister prayed and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many others were blessed around the altars as well.

The next evening, the saints surprised Sister Lori with a 70th birthday celebration complete with balloons, flowers, gifts, and speeches. They honored her for her faithfulness over the years in coming to the Philippines. Also, for setting a wonderful example of a godly wife, mother, and pastor's wife. She felt very blessed by all the love shown her by the beloved Philippine saints.

Services were held on Thursday and Friday in the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan. Thursday's service was attended by several visitors invited by their co-workers. The text for the message included the question, “Wilt thou be made whole?” At the close, all the visitors went forward and prayed, some with sincere tears. The Friday service was highlighted by beautiful vocal solos and several testimonies. A young lady, who is a teacher, spoke of the pain of losing her father when she was eight. She said God miraculously gave her joy and peace, and an extended family—including at church—who have helped her through the hard times. The sermon was taken from Philippians 4:7 and focused on the peace that God gives.

Following the Sunday devotional service, the team visited with our congregation in the Cavite province. This group began as an outreach and has been meeting in a home since 2009. However, land was recently purchased for the purpose of building a church. The saints were excited to begin construction and expressed gratitude for God’s provision as well as asked for prayer. The team toured the site rejoicing with them at the prospect of the Gospel expanding in this area.

The McKibben's returned home on Tuesday, February 17, with hearts full of joy at how God continues to bless the work in the Philippines. They request continued prayers for this region.

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