Philippine Update 4

Wow, 19 days flew by quickly! This has been a profitable time of teaching and encouragement. I have been truly blessed by the students, missionaries and pastors. During this time....
• Spent time with 5 FBC missionary families (Fogle, Arcedera, David James, Yoshito and Isako Kato, Kazu and Amy Kato.
• Taught a total of 47 lesson hours: two Hermeneutics conferences, two Discipleship conferences, two Bible Institute courses on Pastoral Epistles and Pastoral Leadership.
• Distributed 150 books on Bible Study methods to Filipino pastors. CLICK ABOVE FOR THE REST OF THIS BLOG

• Personal counseling with several WOLB I students and with several pastors, some are going through difficulties in their churches.
• Preached at two Chinese churches in Manila.
• Preached at Mountainview church in Perez, Calauan.
• Visited with Kazu and Amy, and had the opportunity to pray with Yoshito and Isako.
• Had dinner with the entire Kato family (three children, their spouses and grandson).
• Ate a lot of rice.

The final few days in the Philippines were a time of pouring into the lives of the students. In the SBS class (first year), I became acquainted with, Michael, Janney and Jan Paul. These young men are studying to be pastors. From the SMS class, I spent time encouraging the young men headed into ministry, including Lorenzo, Jerry Fe, Ivan, Jericho, Gerry and Pol. These are sharp young men whom I believe will be choice servants of the Lord.

I also talked for several hours with a young pastor that I know from previous visits and teaching ministry. He flew in to see me from another Island. He is struggling in a new church because of a predecessor who abused the churches finances. I was able to offer practical and Biblical advice.

I arrived in Tokyo on Thursday and went immediately to see Isako. She is dying, and in considerable pain. She was awake and mustered her strength to speak with me. She is in a hospital bed in the house, and is on high dosages of morphine, etc. The family is a great testimony, and they are doing all they can to keep her comfortable.

Kazu and Amy are doing a wonderful job in ministry here. Kazu is a real visionary and tireless worker. He is producing 6 devotionals each week in Japanese for workers to read during their commute. These are exegetical Bible studies and are being read all over Japan and even in other countries. He is also preaching weekly at the church, and developing leadership training for the members. They are introducing church membership for the first time, and recently had to practice church discipline. They have an amazing web site that is soon ready to go up. There is much outreach and great potential. We took a subway to Yokohama for a lovely Shabu Shabu dinner (you boil your meat and veg in either broth or a soy broth). Great food and fellowship. I spoke with Kaz and Amy about their upcoming furlough in 18 months. They are interested in spending the 6 months based in NJ if we can provide housing for them. I would also love to be able to provide them with a car for their travels.

It’s about time to head to the airport. I’m really looking forward to being home again with my family and church family. Thank you for your prayers on my behalf.

Pastor Paul