Last month as you know, Aling died and this was a major event in
Lapoc. Her body was kept in their home for 4 days as lots and lots of relatives
and many of the believers from many of the churches all came to help. There
were over 500 people at the funeral and more than 100 who spent the whole 4
days in Lapoc up until the burial. So all the believers homes were full and
hospitality was running at full steam. It was a beautiful time. During the
evenings they had what they call a "vigil" --- this is where all the
friends and relatives gather and talk about their relationships etc. with Aling
and anything about Aling that they wanted to share. Many unbelievers also
attend these vigils which go all night and Bible teachers preach the gospel
each night to share the way of salvation with their friends and relatives who
have not yet come to understand about salvation. There were people saved during
these sharing times. God was honoured through the life and death of Aling. Ronnie
is standing beautifully and many of the believers have mentioned to us that
they have been greatly "refreshed" by Ronnie's testimony.
During the week of Aling's death, our translation partners in Lapoc were not able to help us on the translation. It was God's plan. So we did not reach our goal for May -
reminds us of the verse that says - "The mind of man plans his way, But
the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) We just came short by 1
chapter though so we completed up to and including 1 Corinthians 3. It has been
a long haul and it has been a challenge for us daily but God has given us
grace.
For the month of June we are praying to be able to
complete up to and including 1 Corinthians chapter 8 or possibly even chapter
9. Please pray with us that God will give us all we need to complete this goal.
Another prayer point - About 3 km's from Lapoc the
Philippine army are currently battling a rebel group (New People's Army). There
is much gunfire taking place and a very large battle. This battle began last
Saturday and probably many will be killed. One of our churches -
"Anlagan" is right there at the battle zone and the believers who
number about 50 in that area have all been evacuated. It is quite a critical.
Please pray that God will keep the believers safe and provide for their needs
and that they will be able to return to their homes and farms before too long.
