MINDANAO BIBLE MINISTRIES

Dr Jose Lagapa

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:9).

In a predominantly Roman Catholic country like the Philippines, earning entrance into the Kingdom of God by good works is already a deep-seated belief in every Filipino’s heart. The teachings of the Roman Catholic Church have taken over the culture and traditions of the nation which had been under her influence for more than half a millennium (since 1521). This mind-set is impossible to uproot except through the Holy Scripture which is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom 1:16), and by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom 1:17).

The Lord be praised for the prayer and financial support of True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church through Pastor Jeffrey Khoo and the Church Session. The Word of God was taught to the young children, teens and adults through the different ministries conducted. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Rom 10:13-15a).

We also thank the Lord for the prayer and manpower support of Fundamental Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church, Lunao and Bal-ason Fundamental Mission Churches in Gingoog City. We acknowledge the labour of love of the brethren from these churches who availed their God-given time and talents for the success of these ministries.

This year’s theme for the Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Teens Bible Day Camp was “Salvation through Faith Alone!” The aim was to sow the gospel seed that faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone according to His Word alone can save a person. The lessons provided a whole perspective of what is saving faith.

The VBS was held from May 16 to 21, 2016 in six stations within Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, Philippines. Two new stations were added this year: Bethany Baptist Church and the Bal-ason Mission Church which is approximately an hour drive away from the city proper. There were three VBS teams organized. These teams did the first three stations from Monday to Wednesday and the next batch of three stations from Thursday to Saturday. A total of 423 children were ministered to in all these six stations. The far-flung Bal-ason station received the clothing donated by Mrs Seah of True Life BPC.

The VBS messages include (1) Why Must I Have Faith? (Isa 64:6), (2) What Kind of Faith Must I Have? (Rom 4:3), (3) Why Is Salvation through Faith Alone? (Gal 2:16), (4) What Is True Faith? (Heb 11:1), and (5) What Is the Result of True Faith? (Jas 2:14). Each station ended their VBS with a Gospel Rally for the invited relatives and friends of the children.

The Teens Bible Day Camp (TBDC) was held from May 24 to 26, 2016 in Gingoog Fundamental Baptist Church (FBC). Bearing the same theme with the VBS, the three-day camp included six messages: (1) Faith Required (Rom 1:16-23), (2) Faith Exemplified (Rom 4:1-5), (3) Faith Designated (Rom 4:13-17), (4) Faith Appointed (Phil 3:7-11), (5) Faith Defined (Heb 11:1-6) and (6) Faith Clarified (Jas 2:14-22). The film on the “Pilgrim’s Progress” was shown during one afternoon. Praise God for a good turn-out of 115 teens this year. About half of them were unsure of their salvation and many confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The camp also ended with a Gospel Rally for the relatives and guests of the participants.

The Bible Class for Every Christian (BCEC) launched last year was to cater to the adult members of the Gingoog FBC, Bethany Baptist Church and Lunao Fundamental Baptist Mission Church. The night classes were conducted from Monday (May 23) to Thursday (May 26) from 7 to 8.30 pm. This year’s study was on the book of Malachi with the theme, “My Message for My People.” The lessons included, (1) A Message of God’s Love (1:1-2:9), (2) A Message of God’s Faithfulness (2:10-3:6), (3) A Message for Man’s Repentance (3:7-4:1), and (4) A Message for Man’s Salvation (4:2-6). There were around 57 youths and adults who joined this four nightly series of Bible studies.

The Church Workers’ Bible Seminar was a continuation of last year’s theme on “Understanding Psalms.” This was a one-day event on May 28 participated by Church workers from different churches. They were taught “how not to” and “how to” interpret the Psalms. There were 51 participants including pastors, Bible women, Sunday school teachers and eager members from more than five churches in and outside Gingoog City.

We give praise and glory to our great God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, for whom these various ministries were done. We trust the Lord will give the increase of the seeds sown in the hearts of the children, teens, church members and workers. Please pray with us that the Lord Himself will cause these ministries to glorify His Precious Name and Magnify His Powerful Word! To Him be the honour and praise forever and ever. Amen!

Email from Rev Romeo Larano

June 9, 2016

Dear Brethren in Christ:

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior!

The Gingoog Fundamental Baptist Church, Gingoog City, Philippines would like to extend our gratitude for your partnership of the gospel and for the ministry you have extended to our place. By God’s grace, the work was very successful. We were able to minister to six barrios in our place, namely: City Central 1 and 2, Daang Lungsod, Bal-ason and Lunao. The VBS was packed with over five hundred in attendance. The gospel was preached to them and to their parents and most of them believed and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

The Teens Bible Day Camp, with over a hundred in attendance was also very successful. By the grace and help of God many of the young people believed and received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The message was also preached to their parents with the theme “Salvation through Faith Alone” and many of the parents responded positively.

We are also grateful for the study of the book of Malachi and the book of Psalms brought and taught to us by Dr. Jose Lagapa. We were all edified, built-up and blessed with the teaching and preaching of His most Holy Word!

We praise God for the Lagapa family, Raggi Aungon and Aprilaiza Sible who helped us with these endeavors and ministries, their lives and presence are really a blessing to us.

Above all, we thank you True Life B-P Church for your prayers and financial support, “for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

To God be the glory!

In His vineyard,

Romeo F Larano, Senior Pastor

Gingoog Fundamental Baptist Church

 

“I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings”
(Matt 23:37).