Dear Brethren;
Warm Christian greetings from all of us in Sola Gratia Ministries here in the Philippines.
I was talking to a young student of our Mobile School, Dave Collins Pablo, the other day. He made mentioned how his studies and preparations for leading Bible studies was greatly enhanced by his learning of the Greek language and the use of the McArthur Study Bible, Wyne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" and Wycliff's "Bible Dictionary". He cannot get over the joy of having these materials available in our office where he can borrow them. He is actually looking forward to having his own copies once he graduates this coming September 7. For to having these basic materials with you in the mission field fills in for the lack of access to other ministry resources a typical Filipino Pastor badly needs particularly in rural areas. Dave's experience can be multiplied 60 times as there are 60 graduating students we have in our Diploma in Theology this year coming from the different parts of the country.
Once our student can finish up Bibliology, Theology Proper, Christology and Soteriology, they will qualify to attending a 5 week intensive class in Greek language, Biblical Interpretation and Expository Preaching. (By God's grace we been able to provide them, upon enrollment, a Greek NT with Dictionary.) They have to finish Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology and Pastoral Theology before they will graduate the Diploma in Theology. Upon graduation, Sola Gratia endeavors to hand in to them the above mentioned resources. (According to our experience, if you have these basic materials, you already have quite a good library that will sustain you in ministry.) Many times, these will only be the materials a pastor we train can have in the mission field.
Coming September 4-7 will be our Pastor's Conference. We have 60 graduating students who will receive their diplomas in the last day of the event. I am appealing to you therefore, to please partner with us by providing/equipping these dear brothers with the said materials. Can you please consider sponsoring 1 or 2 students? (These materials can only be available here if we order it 4 months advance, but with almost double the price buying it in the USA. So we figure it will be more economical to buy it there and collect them "somewhere" and send it here by LBC boxes.) Your help in this area of need will be a great blessing not only for the Pastor but even for all the people they minister. It will be an eternal investment for the glory of God.
Praying for your kind consideration of this request. The Lord richly bless you.
In Christ alone,
Nonilo Sanchez ]]>
Dearly beloved brethren;
The understanding that we are in the ministry only because God has been merciful to us, and that we are not working for God but with God, helped us to have always a proper estimate of ourselves in our conduct of ministry. That ultimately it will be God who is accomplishing His purposes in the lives of His people/church.
Last Sunday, February 4, immediately after the Church service and taking lunch, we travelled almost 600 kilometers to catch up the ferry bound for the island of Leyte. We were very excited because at last the Lord opened the door for us to extend our Mobile School in the island and i will be teaching Bibliology for the next 5 days. But by the moment we are leaving Cagayan de Oro City, the rain started pouring in. It was raining all the way until we reached Surigao City where the ferry was. The waves were rough the boats were not allowed to duck in their regular terminal. We decided not to take the boat that night as that same week, we were told, 14 motorboats capsized because of the rough seas. Early the following day, the rain stopped and their was calm in the seas. We arrived in Liloan, Leyte by 9:30 in the morning and was in Baybay, the place where the class would be, at 2:30 in the afternoon.
We were already all worn out because of the long travel but was excited to make it there and looking forward to start immediately the class. We haven't taken any breakfast and lunch yet. By the time we were in the host church, we noticed that there was nobody there to our surpise. Then we heard it. An elder in the church objected to our coming and using their facilities to teach. The Pastor, who was the one who invited us, was so frustrated and embarassed. He volunteered to have us housed in the parsonage and informed us that another church in another side of the town was willing to have the class held in their building. My team, Dave Pablo, Nick Dahilan, Merlito Luga and Rolito Forcadilla were discouraged how the events turned out. But we encouraged ourselves in the Lord. He knows better than us what is the best, the excellent things that glorifies Him. After settling our things, we proceeded to the venue of the class.
The host Pastor welcomed us in their Church together with 6 others who wants to enroll in our class. It was very apparent that the Pastor himself was disinterested of our presence but was just polite to have us in their church. We prayed for God's vindication. Not even water was offered to us. By 3:20(?) we started the class and have the liberty of sharing what ministry is about from 2 Corinthians 3. God was merciful to us. The people who heard God's word were gripped by it. By the time we are done for the day, the atmosphere of indifference was replaced by the sense of awe of God's presence. Everybody was excited to come back the following day- now bringing other Pastors with them. It was not only water offered to us, but lots of food afterwards. They confessed how wrong they were in their initial attitude seeing us. True fellowship and the sweetness of God's loving presence was our experience the next few days. And O what learnings we all have from His present powerful personal voice through His Word in the Bible. Every end of the day I was exhausted yet inwardly am renewed by the Lord, very excited to teach His word to His very hungry people. Again and again am stunned by the truth that what the Scriptures says, God says and that without error. By the time we finish the class, we have 17 students , majority Pastors/Christian workers. Everyone of them were by then asking us to hold the next classes in their Church. But the host pastor and his wife and church members were persistent that the fact that we have the Theo 1 in their church, we have to hold it there to the finish. (Some of the elders/leaders of the original church who objected to our holding of classes in their facilities sat in the class. They commented later that they lost much blessings from God's word by closing their door for us.) God truly have vindicated His Word and His word is now spreading in the islands!
At the mother church in Cagayan de Oro, church attendance is now packing the building we felt the urgency to have a much bigger place for service. We did found a property measuring 2,233 square meters for a thousand pesos per sq.m. The site is very ideal for Church building and even for establishing schools. Please include it in your prayers - that God will provide for the need.
Pastor Amiel was asked by a Korean brother whom he met while in new Zealand if he can teach the Word to Koreans studying English in Cubao, Quezon City. Please pray for this opportunity to minister to Koreans, and also their Theology Proper Class in Guiginto, Bulacan next week (February 19-23). On this same date, I will also be teaching eschatology to more than 40 students in Tagum City, Davao. Pastor Mariano Detorio would also be having a class in Christology in South Cotabato. Please include this clasess in your prayers.
Let God fill our hearts with the longing to spread His glory by the spreading of His word in the regions beyond the bounds of our church building and programs. Praise God for allowing us to enter into His glorious work of saving His people from their sins.
In Christ alone,
Nonilo Sanchez ]]>
Dearly Beloved Brethren;
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5
The Lord has been very good to us. In His mercy and grace He enabled us to reach this far. May your hearts be greatly encouraged to continue wrestling in prayers in our behalf for the spread of God's Word in the islands of the Philippines.
The Lanao Ministry (Christian Teaching in Public Schools)
In spite of the pressure made by the Roman Catholic Church to the leadership of the Department of Education in the province of Lanao del Norte, whereby they screened and tried to replace the teaching materials we were giving to the teachers/students by their Catholic teaching materials, the progress of the work is in fact gaining solid ground in the hearts of many. The Principal of Pandanan Central School, in the Muslim town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, found that the Catholic materials (She's Catholic too), are not Biblically based unlike Sure Foundation (our materials). She had the teachers under her supervision encouraged to use the materials we provided and asked if we can conduct regular Bible Studies right in her office and even in her own home. (Roman Catholic Church, with the memorandum from the Department of Education, conduct teaching among the teachers every Friday afternoon in all the schools trying to counter our teachings. But God in His grace have already created hunger and thirst in the teachers heart to seek solid teaching of God's Word where our Pastors provided.) The Pandanan example was replicated in many other districts hence the contineous flow of materials from our office.
The Church Plant in Kauswagan under Pastor Sammy Lurenana has two services every Sunday conducted in different places. The attendees are coming from their daily Bible Studies amongst teachers and students and their parents. Likewise, the church plant in Tubod is even more advanced as we have already acquired a property they used in their regular services. (A School Teacher offered to sell her property to Sola Gratia and her family is the first member of the Church.) From Christian instructions at school rooms Bible teaching reaches the homes of those teachers and students who wants it. Soon the building that can accommodate more than a hundred seats will surely be filled by the Lord. The Maigo church plant is still meeting in the apartment of our missionary assigned in the area. But their Bible studies covers 5 municipalities.
Grace Mobile School of Theology and Ministry
To date we have classes held in Tagum City, Davao Province with more than 40 students graduating this coming September. In Sukailang, Surigao City more than 30 students finished the Diploma in Theology last December and we now have another batch of 18 new students. (Forty two students have taken our intensive class in Greek that lasted 3 solid weeks last year and another class will follow this coming May.) Eight students attended our first class in Guiginto, Bulacan in Luzon island held just last week with my son Amiel and Alvin Altarez teaching. We are also excited that this coming February 5-9 we will our first batch in the theology course in the island of Leyte. In Cagayan de Oro where we are classes are held in the evening of Tuesdays and Fridays attended mostly by our church members and members from other Churches in the City. In South Cotabato, classes are held in two different locations spearheaded by Pastor mariano Detorio. Lord willing by June, we can start holding classes in Lanao.
Radio Ministry
The Radio Ministry we have in Surigao City and another in Tandag, Surigao del Sur are making an impact in the lives of many people. In Surigao City, the Couples for Christ of the Roman Catholic Church have made our radio program as their devotional source every Sunday morning. Pastors in the area are following our program and told us that what they are learning from the radio been taught and preached also in their churches. We now have 3 growing church planting work in Surigao City greatly helped by the radio ministry. Coming June 11-12 will be a big gathering of the people whom we are able to minister both in the Mobile School and on Radio. It will be the first Bible conference we will in the area.
The Radio program in Tandag is also making a headway. Tandag, the capital town of Surigao del Sur, is 12 kilometers from our nearest Church. Because of the radio program, some of those who listened and send inquiries have asked to have Bible Studies in their homes. So we are extending the work in the capital town itself. Pastor Eman Estilo used a jitney to bring these brethren to and fro the church every Sunday. We would like to see that we can have another Church organized in the town itself soon.
(Note: our first radio station in Madrid, Surigao del Sur was closed in September because of the high cost of operating the whole station. However, Bible studies are on going in many different homes particulary in the Town of Madrid and Cantilan where we had a new growing Church. Pastor Joselito Sugian used his motorcycle, so with other members, to ferry these brehren to the Church on Sundays. We are praising the Lord that a retired Police General whom I am discipling now here in Cagayan de Oro has donated his 12 seater van. We are designating it for the use in Cantilan Church.)
Family Updates
When Amiel was denied US student visa last October, I know deep in my heart that God would have him leave Cagayan de Oro for another place of missionary assignment. I thought the Lord would have him go to South Cotabato where Pastor Detorio needed a young partner. The Lord closed the door for him there and instead He burdened Amiel to go to Guiginto, Bulacan, more than 60 kilometers north of Metro Manila. January 8 he left Cagayan de Oro and with Pastor Alvin Altarez started holding theological classes in different places. (I will be going up there in March to teach Soteriology.) We are looking forward to having new churches in Luzon through this missionary thrust God is opening.
Kieth Adrew is digging in in his medical studies. Every time he come home for a visit (the medical school is more than 100 kilometers west of here), he is always readings books and books and books. At times I can see him asleep in his study table with his hands either in page of a book or in the computer. He is determined to become a Medical Missionary and we together go in the mission field ministering.
Our daughter who got married last June is now studying nursing. Her husband is encouraging her to continue her studies and she's given a scholarship by the government. They don't have plans to have a baby this time - of which we are eager to have and taste for ourselves what it means to become a grandparent.
Kemuel is taller than me now at 14. Still in 2nd year in a science high school. We are also praying what the Lord would have him do in college and in ministry. He plays guitar at church.
Fely and I are getting old. God has preserved our health. Thanks to all the maintenance medicines and the sustaining grace of God who is our strenght and our all in all.
To Him alone is the glory and honor and power!
In His mercy and grace,
Nonilo Sanchez ]]>
Dearly beloved brethren,
Greetings to all of you from the Sola Gratia Family in the Philippines.
At the start of this year up to the other day, rain had just been pouring heavily bringing floods causing damaged to lives and properties. Pastor Ronie Frias had to evacuate his wife to higher grounds because the water had reached knee deep inside their home ( to think that their house uses stairs as its flooring is more than 4 feet from ground level. Many small houses were washed away and some people drowned. Pray that God will protect/preserve His people and would allow them to recover soon from devastation of their farms and other livelihood. (we praise the Lord that our newly planted rice farm was in an elevated area hence not so affected by the flood.
My son Amiel who was transfered to Guiguinto, Bulacan in Luzon island since January 8, have started to lay down the ground work for the expansion of our Grace Mobile School of Theology and Ministry. Coming January 22-26 they will have their Theology 1- Bibliology Class. Please pray God to mightily attend to the teaching of His Word. Eight students are going to participate in the first class. In the Island of Leyte, Pastor Luga would also be opening Theo 1-Bibliology Class among Pastors in Baybay, Leyte. O that God would expand the borders of His ministry through these dear brothers.
Our workers in Lanao who are following through the training of teachers in Public Schools and with their students are greatly encouraged by the new converts. The 3 young churches in Kauswagan, Tubod, and Maigo are growing slowly but steadily in their perception of God. We rejoice that in spite of many oppositions, at times dangers even of their lives, God's working to accomplish His purposes in and through these dear brothers. Please pray for their families; for God's protection and provisions for all their needs.
I will be leaving tomorrow for Davao for another week of teaching to more than 20 Pastors. From there we will proceed to Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte. Please pray that God will protect our travels and He will use us mightily in the spread of His glory to the islands. We go where the Lord wanted us to go.
Blessings to you all.
In Christ,
Nonilo Sanchez ]]>
Dearly beloved brehren;
Greetings this new year of the Lord who is the sovereign ruler of the whole universe.
I've been meditating recently John 8:28-38. I reliazed just like the religious Jews, people in the "Christian Churches" in our country don't know something is wrong with their "Christianity" not until a well meaning and straight preaching/teaching of the gospel is proclaimed without apology.
Pastor Edwin Agliam was Pastor of Tagum Evangelical Church for 8 years. He graduated in a Baptist seminary and is very conservative in his life and conduct of ministry. He was one of the first ones who enrolled in our Mobile School classes in Tagum city, as he recognized he needed to be refreshed in learning God's Word. He was able to finish 4 classes, Bibliology, Theology Proper, Christology and Soteriology. God's word has truly gripped His heart that his preaching and teaching was greatly affected. His wife and some of the Elders of their Church noticed the change in their Pastor's life that they too desired to study with us. We were very happy that Pastor Agliam gave up other commitments just to be able to attend our Greek class and the herminuetics and Expository preaching classes. He finished on top of the class.
December 27-29 they hosted the Couples retreat designed for Pastors by which I preached/taught. We praise the Lord for the result of the retreat that the couples went home with their relationships mended, reconciled, given a fresh start by the gracious Lord. (Some Pastors wives were maltreated by their husbands they don't even know how to handle themselves in the crowd. So many unresolved issues that the Lord graciously brought to the open and addresed directly by His Word. Repentance and forgiveness, renewal of vows were achieved and what a glorious ending of the retreat we have had Friday.) We went home to Cagayan de Oro so much encouraged by what God accomplished in the retreat.
Sunday afternoon, December 31, I got a message from Pastor Agliam asking for prayer because he was called by the Elder Board to answer an accusation that now he is bringing false teachings in the Church. I appears that two members of the Board were spreading news that Sola Gratia is a false cult and their pastor studying with us is now bringing these false teachings in the Church. The Elders who went to our classes defended Pastor Agliam and brought our teaching materials to show to the congregation. Pastor Agliam and his wife Jovy received verbal abuse before many. Hence majority of the members were taking their side, the congregation is in danger of being divided. The couple tendered their resignation in the Church but the people won't let them go but rather were willing to let go the 2 elders who caused all the problem. They are still in the middle of this problem and needing our prayer support.
God's Word in its purity is truly offensive particularly to those who have not learned to accept its sufficiency and final authority. But apart from God's word "christianity" is never Christian! With so much compromise in the pulpit and complacent lives outside of it is thought of to be the norm. That once you stand against it by the truth of God's word you are labelled false teacher. I shudder at the thought how far have the Church gone down or have drifted away from the centrality of Christ and His word that now it's easy for her to believe the lie and reject the truth.
Time and again incidents like this all the more confirms our calling in the ministry...Taking Pastor Agliam's word, no matter what happens, we never stop teaching the truth and be willing to pay the price to get the message accross! The Lord Jesus Christ died and stamp the truth by His blood. It will not be asking much for the Lord to require us to follow in His steps in all brokenness of heart and real loving attitude. For in the end, the truth will thriumph and accomplish the purposes of God. To Him be glory forever!
Thanking you once again for your prayers and your partnership with us in the ministry of the Gospel. His presence we covet to lead and guide us...His Spirit to direct and empower us to do His will ...for His goly alone.
In Christ and Him alone,
Nonilo Sanchez ]]>
Dearly Beloved Brethren;
Praises and honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The year 2006 has been a very exciting year in the ministry of Sola Gratia here in the Philippines. The Lord in His grace have enabled us to plant 3 new Churches in the Province of Lanao as a result of the teachings we have undertaken in the Public Schools. (There could have been more churches planted if only we have workers support as there are many openings in practically all of the municiplaties in the province.) Two thousand teachers were trained in the Sure Foundation program and more than 60,000 students taught 5 days a week the word of God.
But God is expanding the work now to other provinces where our Sure Foundation Curriculum had been used: in Siargao Island; Agusan del Sur; Tagum, Davao; South Cotabato; Butuan City; Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte. This expansion was undertaken by our students and graduates in the Grace Mobile School of Theology and Ministry and their members working in Public Schools. The volume of our printing been reduced this month of December but will again be picking up in January. We simply trust the Lord to provide for the printing needs by then as our supply will already be exhausted by then.
To date we have 24 churches started/established by SGMI: Misamis Oriental, 3 Churches; Bukidnon, 1; Agusan del Norte, 2; Agusan de Sur, 1; Surigao del Sur, 3; Surigao del Norte, 1; Davao del Norte, 1; South Cotabato, 6; Leyte Island, 2; Bulacan, 1; Lanao, 3. There are also 3 other Churches that joined Sola Gratia.
The Mobile School have also trained more than 70 Pastors/Church leaders during the period. Two Radio Stations had been broadcasting our series of Biblical preaching/teachings which greatly help the saints to be established in the faith, not necessarily Sola Gratia Churches alone; conduct of 3 weeks Greek class by 42 Pastors, and of course the Pastors Conference last September attended by 120 participants.
In our community development program we were able to help put up 2 jetmatic pumps to provide potable water to communities; sent ministry assistance, from the 5% we deduct from all our workers monthly allocated for our outreach fund to help repair church buildings other than that of SGMI, provide Cebuano Bibles; motorcycle to pastors; and the much needed song sheets (more than 100 pages of different hymns and Christian songs) we distribute to Churches; clothings, towels, school supplies, etc. not only to Pastors and their families but even Church members in need. This Christmas holiday our churches are conducting Christmas carolings not to asked but to bring gifts to distitute families...we packed some rice, noodles, cookies, cooking oil, matches, etc. all donated by members of our Community Bible Churches. It is a tremendous witness for the Lord during this time of the year: the love of Christ we share to people in simple practical ways that bless them.
We also praise the Lord that He provided us a 2 hectare farm in Butuan City now planted with rice. Hopefully this will help augment the missionaries support by way of rice subsidy. First harvest is expected the middle of March.
God in His mercy and grace have made our hands full this whole year. We see the imprent of His hands everywhere blessing the labors He called us to do. He is opeing doors to declare the gospel and adding to the Church those who are being save. His Word and His glory is spreading throughout the Islands of the Philippines! to Him alone be the glory forever and ever!! Maranatha!!
Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to you all!!!
In Christ and His glory alone,
Nonilo Sanchez ]]>
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 ]]>
Dearly beloved brethren:
God is to be praised in everything He does in and through us in the accomplishing of all His purposes.
Yesterday I felt so worn out and almost called for my son Amiel to pick me up and bring me home. But was so gracious giving me back my strenght after a little rest. The week-long teaching Soteriology class in Tagum, Davao and the visit to two our Churches in Butuan City and Surigao City last Sunday made me so exhausted. But looking back, I can only bow down and worship the Lord Jesus who made those opportunities to teach/preach God's word amazingly glorious.
The venue of our Soteriology Class in Tagum was in the garage of our missionary-pastor Nestor Pablo. (The City government have yet to approve their application for electrical connection.) Thirty eight students, 95% are pastors, cramped the place from 8:00AM - 5:00PM, Monday to Friday. In spite of the discomfort, every one came early as they said they can't afford to be late and missed even 15 minutes of the lecture. With Bibles, notebooks and pens in hand, they listened intently to the discussion from the total depravity of man, God's provision of salvation and its application by the Holy Spirit to the believing ones. When God's grace was understood, and the atoning sacrifice of Christ highlighted the glory of God on the cross, the truths proclaimed resulted to brokenness of the hearts of us all. O how wonderful and marvelous the works of God to redeem unworthy and hell-deserving sinners. Our worship of God was one of deep gratitude and purity. What a release, what freedom we have in Christ. What glorious salvation we have now and even forever more!
At the end of five days, majority of the students commented that for the first time they understand what salvation by grace alone was all about. How precious is it to the soul; how the understanding of God abases man. Pastor Alfredo Labial, who was pastor for almost 30 years under the Foursquare Church for the first time saw the doctrines of grace and exalts God of the assurance of his own salvation. He said, as with others, that its like this is the only time he was born again. He even expressed desire, if need be, to be baptized again because this is the first time he understood the doctrine of salvation clearly. (To this I just smiled at them as I know what a great controversy it will be if that request be granted.) All of the students went home praising the Lord of His abounding grace and mercy. They made commitments to teach the pure word of God no matter how much it will cost them. The joy of the Lord was overflowing in their hearts.
Every night some students sat down with me for another 2 hours studying God's word. What hunger of the soul. But Christ and His Word becomes sweeter and sweeter as we dig deeper in it. O if only we have more time and my body can endure a little longer. But when you see changed lives and ministries...it's all worth it!
Fely had to meet me Saturday at Butuan City as I wanted to see the 2 hectares rice farm now readied for planting. What a real blessing for our workers who will soon be enjoying the produce of the land should God gave us a good harvest. Sunday I spoke in Mount Zion Community Church, one of church in Butuan, under Pastor Honorio Llagas. The young congregation of more than 30 adults and many children were glad to have us. They were poor, some were obviously malnourished mothers and kids, yet they are spiritually vibrant. So full of joy in Christ redeeming love. After lunch we had to hurry for another 2 hours of travel to Surigao City to speak in one of our young Church there, Christian Family Community Bible Church, under Pastor Nestor Dahilan. Almost 50 believers were there to listen to God's living word. We intended to proceed to our Bible Camp Monday morning, 150 kilometers but I can sense my body can't bear anymore that long travel. So we cancelled the trip. Instead we headed home at 7:00 Am and was on our bed by 2:00 Pm. God is good and abundantly gracious to me and my family.
Please pray for our trip to Guiguinto, Bulacan in Luzon island this coming Saturday, Nov. 25- December 4. I will be teaching Christology to 20 Pastors and will have the first water baptism in our Church plant there. Our pastor assigned in the are is pastor Alvin Altarez. Lord willing by December 11-16 I will be teaching Eschatology to 44 students and we will finish the year with a couples retreat in December 27-29 at Tagum, Davao. ( We are expecting 60 couples, majority are Pastrors, to participate in the retreat.)
The peso have appreciated over the dollar in the last 3 months. Whereas before it was P53/$1, now it is only P48 to a dollar. It's basically goodnews to our national economy but to us it means we have to absorbed the disparity in our budget. for our workers allowances was computed at P53/$1. Our local congregations giving to SGMI have helped us meet the need but we are about to have used all of our savings to meet the need. Appreciate for your prayers concerning our workers allowances.
To Him be glory forever and ever!
In Christ alone,
Nonilo Sanchez