From the Superintendent's DESK

Director of East Asia Work, Bill McKibben and his wife, Lori, have continued their time in the Philippines with the celebration of two church anniversaries. The first was for our Cabanatuan City church. This small structure, dedicated a couple of years ago, was the final project of our late Philippines District Superintendent Joey Ruiz. The second celebration was for the new building at our headquarters church in Bagong Sikat. The following report from the McKibbens tells of these two events.

At Cabanatuan, saints and community members gathered along with many children for the January 2 afternoon celebration. After a lovely prelude from the children and some congregational singing, Roque Fiegalan, current Philippine District Superintendent, read a portion of Scripture. Then another music special was given before the message from Philippians, chapter 2, about God at work in us. And indeed, God is at work in this small congregation with dozens of children attending Sunday school and community members starting to attend.

Sunday marked the eighth-year celebration of the new headquarters church building in Bagong Sikat. Following Sunday school, the morning worship service began with the orchestra playing “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” and then the choir singing “If I Never.” Scripture was read by Emelita Torres, assisting pastor in Bagong Sikat, and for the last music special, Dew Fiegalan sang “Refiners Fire.” Then Julius Grospe, assisting minister from Bagong Sikat, brought the message from Hebrews 13:8, declaring that “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He reminded all that we preach the same sound doctrine given at Azusa Street, Portland, and the pioneering of the Apostolic Faith in the Philippines. Many things change but Jesus never changes.

The afternoon anniversary celebration began with the orchestra playing “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” and the choir singing “It Wouldn’t Be Enough.” Many nearby branch churches joined with the headquarters congregation for this service. Nearly filling the sanctuary, the congregations made a joyful noise to the Lord as they sang together. Brother Roque read a Scripture passage and Ily Fiegalan sang “The Jesus Way” before the message from Isaiah 54:3-4. The saints were reminded that while being thankful for the expanded headquarters church they are charged as individuals with expanding their hearts. They were encouraged to allow the Lord to fill their hearts to overflowing. A good prayer meeting followed, and then there was wonderful food and fellowship before many departed to their respective churches.

The McKibbens remained in the Philippines, and on Monday morning traveled with the Fiegalans to the province of Aurora on the Philippine east coast to visit our churches in Cabitaculan and Salay. They had lunch with the saints in the first location and then all joined together at Salay in the evening for a Bible study. Brother Bill chose Psalm 3 for the study and spoke about how life’s circumstances can sometimes cause even believers to feel overwhelmed and without hope. He encouraged everyone with these words from verse 3: “But thou O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.” He noted that God continues to be faithful no matter the circumstances, and He can be trusted. The Bible study was followed by a time of food and fellowship with much joy.

Another Bible study was held on Wednesday at the headquarters church, and a ministers’ luncheon took place on Thursday. The McKibbens have now departed for home. Please pray for traveling mercies as we continue to pray for God’s work in the Philippines.