December 2006

Dearly beloved brethren:

Greetings from the Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

The Lord is graciously increasing His work here in Community Bible Church, Cagayan de Oro. Our Sunday School for the young people is now attended by more than 20; adults almost of equal number and the chidlren 9. However, more and more people are coming to attend the worship service proper. These last two Sundays, with me away in Bulacan (Hywell Lessis and my son Amiel preached for me while I was away), the "house" is packed.

Every Sunday, from 9:00-10:00 the Youth's have Sunday School at the front porch with Amiel teaching assisted by Ysrael Estilo; the adults is in the main hall with Hywell Llesis teaching and I am his assistant; a room used to house our guests is being used by my wife, Fely, for the nursery; and our office for the primary's. We intended to rent the garage of the vacant house directly in front of us but the owner did not like the idea we will use it for Bible instruction. Should there needs to be another room needed, then we will ferry the peopole to our house which is a kilometer away and conduct the teaching there and then bring them back for worship service.

Beginning this Sunday, we intended to move all "movables" outside of the hall to place more plastic chairs to accomodate more people (80 seats in all). God is bringing the increase...and we all are grateful to His glorious pursuing and saving grace! (Amiel and others jokingly said we have to tear down again some parts of the house to accomodate more people.) Praise the Lord for His goodness.

Fely and I were in pastor Alvin Altarez assignment in Guiguinto, Bulacan, in the Luzon Island last November 25- December 1. God gave us 8 regular students and 2 irrigulars in the Christology class. God is presenting to us an opportunity we don't want to miss in expanding the Mobile School. Even before the visit, we have already decided that Amiel will be re-assigned to where Alvin is. While Alvin is doing pastoral work, Amiel will be assisting him. But Amiel's main focus will be lay down the groundword for the Mobile School. Indeed, the field is ripe for the harvest. We need to train leaders that will go to the harvest as they are called by the Lord of the harvest.

The transformation of my daughter Dawn is so obvious. Her husband, Jonas, expressed desire to become pastor one day. She is studying nursing through a government scholarship at a school just at the back where they are staying. Keith is so busy for his exams. Medicine proper isn't after all easy. So many sleepless nights and more exams coming. But he is determined to become a missionary doctor. Kemuel is taller than me now. He just turned 14 last November 3.

Please pray for me as I teach the Eschatology class in Sukailang, Surigao City, almost 400 kilometers southeast of here, which will be this coming Dec. 11-15. Then Fely and I will also be teaching in a Couple's retreat in Tagum, Davao this coming December 27-30. Tagum City is about 600 kilometers south of Cagayan de Oro.

Advance merry Christmas and blessed new year to you all.

In His mercy and grace,

Nonilo Sanchez