Volume 44   Number 8                                                                                     April 2002

This recent trip to the Philippines was the fourth time for me. It was the most extraordinary. It began with unfortunate circumstances, as my traveling companion Doug Twaddell, had to return to the USA because of an illness, which later turned out to be an e-coli infection or something similar. Thankfully, he is recovering nicely. After seeing Doug off at the airport, Roger & I had a brief rest. We then made our way to the northern part of Luzon, at almost a nonstop pace. With the exception of the congregations in Manila, Macabebe, Dammang, and Resurreccion, all places that we visited were new to me. There are matters concerning this venture which I have always believed, but now they are much clearer than before.

From the beginning, the main point in being invited to the Philippines was to share our understanding of church government. Many of the brethren there were interested in this and requested teaching on these things. We have taught that government stems from the power God has given to the church’s members; power to teach and preach the word of God. From the exercise of such things, leadership is learned. This makes it possible for elders, deacons, and evangelists to emerge from the churches. I am thankful that God granted us an opportunity to share the scriptures on these subjects. The brethren listened. We taught these things again before new audiences. To our old friends, we taught about being servants.

Sharing is a two way street. Many of us in the USA have always believed that we weren’t the only ones to know a thing or two. The brethren in the Philippines have much which they can show us. Here are my observations: I have seen a zeal toward God which translates into avid Bible studies with serious discussion late into the night. We enjoyed the work of sisters who prepared coffee and snacks for those who lingered. In almost every place we were met with an ample meal for all. This was done even by those who could not afford such things. Time and again, we were shown hospitality beyond measure. They asked for nothing in return. There were men who took time from working in the fields to hear a lesson. Women worked late into the night to facilitate the meetings. I have seen a blind widow housed and cared for by the brethren. I have seen a love for brethren that even when factions emerge between congregations, there was a willingness to reach out in love and patience. Certainly these things are practiced in the US. However, there is a depth of practice we can learn from our brethren overseas.

We were well received by brethren who had, in past times, not received us. Roger & I felt that the bonds of fellowship were strengthened. God was so gracious in this. There was much cause for rejoicing. We also traveled with Mar Bilgera, and Jinny Cris Sarceda, visiting brethren with whom they have contact. We were received with warmth and courtesy that was very humbling. Thanks to God for His kind hand as He opened these doors of friendship in Christ.

Roger was an excellent traveling companion. He did a lot of teaching and preaching, besides smoothing the way for me. In many ways he helped me to integrate into the Filipino way of life. I think the trip was kind of rough on him. He kept having some pain due to his kidneys. He planned to see a doctor after my departure. Remember him in your prayers.

The whole trip came into a clear perspective through the conversation I had with a flight attendant during the flight home. She was from the Philippines and asked about the nature of my visit. I told her that I was an evangelist and had been working with Roger Wanasen, a Filipino evangelist. This thought presented itself and I found myself saying; “It seems a little ridiculous, doesn’t it? These American missionaries coming to the Philippines, as the Filipinos are very religious. The believers I have been working with reach out to the lost quite well without the need of American missionaries.” She nodded, and I thought I could see a gleam of appreciation in her eye. She knew quite well that many Filipinos politely suffer Americans who think they know more than their hosts. I elaborated on this a little; “America is pretty dead spiritually, so why should we think we can save the lost in the Philippines?” I think this intrigued her, because she began to initiate the conversation. She inquired about the vicinity where we worked. When I told her, she said; “So what were you doing there? People are very religious in that part of the country.” I responded, “We were invited by the Filipino brethren to share some teaching with them. We were not there to convert, as the Filipino brethren share the gospel very well. This brother I have been working with, Roger Wanasen, is also coming to the US to share some beneficial things we need. I think he can stir us up to a better zeal for the Lord.” She drew a conclusion; “So it is a partnership then.” She made the plainest statement about the whole situation; “a partnership.” It is a condition of being equally yoked together.

At that time I had to disembark at Nagoya, Japan. I wish I could have visited longer with her. I think she wanted to know more. I considered our conversation often during the duration of the trip home. Perhaps we do have something to give that is of value before the Lord, and there is something we must receive in order for the work to be whole. Partnership.

(A detailed account of this trip is also available from Louis by snail or email)