Kalibo Report

Praise God! Two obedient souls were baptized for the remission of sins yesterday at a nearby beach after the worship services. The new sisters in Christ are Maricel Gonzales and Darlene Magbanua - Serino. Maricel is a sophomore student of Aklan State University - Kalibo Campus, taking up B.S. Garment Industry while Darlene is a sailor's spouse and mother of two boys. They attend church services regularly and subscribe to our local Bible Correspondence Course (BCC- Tagalog). We rejoice with them as they walk in the newness of life, while praying that they will remain faithful to the Lord and may their new found faith will influence their relatives too. We have a very satisfying attendance in yesterday's services. More than 30 adults and twenty children collectively offer praises in songs and prayers to God, many were absent, but those who were not worshipping for a long time came to the assembly. We have visitors, two young individuals from the Christian Church (Disciples) who introduced themselves "pastors" in our initial meeting last Thursday. They came to worship and appeared to be very friendly. In our Bible Study we discuss topic concerning music in worship that they said they were not offended and seem agreeing to the points presented and signaling for more studies. We know that they are here just "witching" (we have been to that business too last year), looking opportunities to work in our area. One thing I learned in dealing with them is that Christian Church is straying too far with their errors calling fresh "Seminary" graduates "pastors" even without flock to feed. But we are extending our hand of friendship with them with sword of the Spirit on the other, hoping that these young men will wake up and change their hearts in unity with us. They are tracing their lineage from us and still considering us their brethren, so they found it no wrong to worship with our assembly. The brothers here is very much aware of them and we keep watching. We are fixing another public debate with a religious group called Evangel Family Church. If they would agree with the rules and the propositions, we could schedule the discussion on the third week of January 2004 in Aklan State University Seminar Hall. We are praying that this debate will push through for the defense of the Faith. We might discuss issues concerning worship and which covenant is binding today.

This coming December 22 some of our young people will go to Passi for West Visayan Annual Youth Fellowship.
Bacolod church is hosting the said gathering using the facilities of Passi church. This would be all for now Bro, Thank you so much for everything you are doing to help our ministry, may the Lord keep you and bless you as well as the brethren who were with you. With respect and appreciation to Bro and Sis Buck and to the Brethren in Jersey City with Bro and Sis Bishop.

In His Service,
Sammy