Discipleship

Thursday through Saturday we have Bible studies all throughout Guinhawa, the barangay where we live. Dau (pictured in yellow) is eleven years old and has gone with us on visitation for the past couple of months. While sharing the Bible study with one of the believers, we resulted in talking about when we all accepted Christ. When it came to his turn he explained that he had never accepted Christ before. He was able to make a personal decision on Saturday!

Pictured left to right: (Junwell Mendroz, Pastor Benji, Boy,  and John Mark Mendroz) 

Thankful pastor Benji has been an example to these young men through discipleship!

On that same day we went to visit one of the ladies, Gina, in our Bible study; however, she was not home. We had been praying for her husband because he had been going back and forth to Manila due to health problems with his heart. Even though we have been meeting with Gina for the past couple of months Friday was the first time we had ever met her husband, Boy. It was a divine appointment that God allowed us to share the gospel with him! 

Tuesday Teach Day!

Tuesdays here in the Philippines have meant so much to me. We have been given the privilege to speak to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students in a public elementary school in Papandayan. I specifically teach 5th grade, which is the grade I was in when I received Christ. 

These students have been pulling me aside during their 30-minute recess time to pray. Today they explained how God answered their prayer for something they prayed for last week and wanted to pray about something else today. 

The students reading John 10 about the good Shepherd. 

Every Tuesday we go to each section of those grades, which sometimes leaves little room to talk to the teachers. However, today two of the teachers pulled me aside to ask about different religions and how to know what is true. They allowed me to share with them from God's Word the answers to their questions which led to the gospel. 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. I Peter 3:15

Papandayan

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays we are in a barangay called Papandayan. The majority of our Bible studies are with females; however, today two men of different families were available to listen. We have been meeting with our Bible studies for three months now going over basic truths for new believers and it is always exciting to see when some of the family members get to hear the gospel for the first time!

Jolly, who is the husband of one of our Bible studies attendees, was on his way out the door to pick up his son from school. He explained how last week, because of the typhoon that came through, he was stranded overnight on his boat that had flipped over. He waited for the current to bring him to land and made it to shore 9:30 the next morning. Since we never see him and God had spared his life I asked for just ten minutes to share with him the most important message! (pictured above: Jolly, his daughter Kathryn, his son Kevin and our infamous water bottle illustration of when you have Jesus you have eternal life I John 5:11-13). 

On the same day we had our weekly Bible study with Maribel. Her father, Rustico, who is 73 years old, we see in passing or he will leave upon our arrival; however, today he stayed and listened. At the end of the Bible study we were able to share the gospel with him. 

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Taking Initiative

Within the past couple of weeks we have been able to see the young believers carry out Bible studies and reach out to their friends and families for the sake of the gospel.

Gina (pictured above) and her family, who attend church regularly, live at the top of the mountain so we try to visit them at least once a week. There has been a lot of rain recently so we have not been able to visit her. After the church service she explained that she knew we wouldn't come because it was too slippery to hike so she gathered her family together on the usual day that we meet and they studied God's Word together! 

On another afternoon we stopped by one of our members homes just to say hello and continue on with our Bible studies for that day. Cita was busy sewing uniforms for some of the girls within the community. She said that before we headed out she wanted us to share a Bible study with all of the women there. So everyone sat on the floor in a circle and pulled out their Bibles!

Reeza (pictured in the back) has invited and influenced her neighbors for the gospel. On this particular day she had arranged for us to come and share the gospel with her neighbor, Lea. Right as we were starting to share, her mother walked up and joined us and they both received Christ!

Charise (pictured on the left) who is only five years old talks to us in Tagalog as if we are Filipino and fluent in the language =) She will sometimes go out with us on our visits to different homes. Just this past Sunday she invited her older sister to church, who is in high school. Even the youth as young as five have had influence among their families! 

What's Next

Every Friday we meet with one of our bigger groups at 3:30 for a Bible study. I spoke on faith and afterwards we had a question and answer time. The believers mentioned how they've lost some friends since following Christ, that their neighbors are questioning what they are doing, why they are attending the Bible studies and visiting people, and lastly what will happen to them once Natalie and I return back to America. Pastor Benji reminded them that they were already attending the Bible studies before we arrived. He stated that it is Christ who brings us together and unifies us. I was able to share with them Philippians 1:27, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh of the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Thankful that they are realizing the Christian walk means counting the cost, even if there is a loss of friends. This is my prayer for them that they will continue to grow whether we are present or not.

 Some of the believers who attend this Bible study

Linario

Today we met with Linario, whose house is one of our weekly Bible studies. His trust, openness, and inquiring of life and of the Bible have left us speechless, especially today. Natalie shared the Bible study on the power of God's Word. Afterwards he asked about idols because he had one in his house and wanted to get rid of it. He wanted us to see it so we followed him inside. We shared scripture about idols along with other situations that he is going through. Pastor Benji, Natalie, and myself left today with tears being shed and in awe of the whole circumstance. Thankful for Linario's desire to know truth from God's Word! We serve a God who is alive, able to see, hear, and understand!

                                                                       Linario

the idol

"They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; neither is their any breath in their mouths." "For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods." (Psalm 135:5, 16-17)

Isabel

This update is tougher to explain but thankful that it is! One of the youth in our house church, Isabel, is 12 years old. She and others have been coming with us on visitation during our weekly Bible studies. This past Thursday, August 21, Isabel invited her friend Bernadette to come with us.

 Junwell (also from our youth), Bernadette, and Isabel.

After a full day of Bible studies with Isabel and Bernadette, Pastor Benji was able to lead Bernadette and her cousin Ralph to the Lord!

Left to Right (Natalie, Isabel, Bernadette, Benji, and Ralph)

On the following day, Friday August 22, Isabel stopped by our place to play uno and brought her friend Bernadette and Lica. While playing, Isabel explained that she had led two of her classmates to the Lord that day and brought Lica for us to share the gospel with. Pastor Benji led Lica to the Lord and all four, Ralph, (pictured left to right: Lica, Isabel, and Bernadette) joined our Friday Bible study that night. 

On Saturday, August 23, we split into two teams. Benji took Isabel and Bernadette to meet a new prospect that one of our believers wanted us to visit. 

While team two hiked to the top of the mountain to share our Bible study. 

John Mark (pictured in white who is one of our young believers) translated for us.

Ralph also joined the hike for the Bible study.

Team Two (pictured left to right: Jason, John Mark, Christie, Joan, Reeza, Ralph, Natalie, Maricel, and Junwell)

Thankful for what God is doing in the hearts of the Filipinos from our house church. "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can shew forth all His praise?" Psalm 106:2

Remy

On a Saturday morning, Natalie, Benji, and I were on our way to an area called Sabang, which is about a 30 minute motorcycle ride. Not even ten minutes into our ride Benji needed to stop and rest. We pulled into a sari-sari store (comparable to a convenient store but in front of someone's house). While we were waiting Natalie and I started reviewing and practicing our Tagalog with each other. A few minutes later the owner of the house, Remy, walked up. She carried on a conversation with Benji and I knew the Lord was leading me to share with her. I asked her if she knew where she would spend eternity and she said no but that she thought her good works would be enough for heaven. She willingly allowed us to share and accepted Christ. As we were leaving she said to us, "Thank you for bringing Jesus to my family." While there our countless needs here in the Philippines I am convinced their greatest need is Jesus. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (II Corinthians 9:15)

                    Pastor Benji and Remy

Gatas / Tinapay

In tagalog the word "gatas" means milk and "tinapay" means bread. In our Bible studies we have repeatedly mentioned how the Word of God is milk to newborn believers. Some of the believers have questioned why we mention some of the same verses over and over again.  "As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."( I Peter 2:2) In addition, "But He answered and said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) During our Bible studies before reading a verse we wait until everyone finds it and they all pass highlighters around. Friday we visited Rudy's house. He recently hasn't been there due to working; however, his daughter-in-law Joy greets us every time. She walked out of her house with her Bible to meet us in our usual spot under a shady tree. I noticed right away that her Bible looked a little different this time. She created hand-made tabs to locate the chapters more easily. She took the time to make these tabs out of simple paper and tape. Even though it was a small gesture I was excited to see that her time with God's Word was important. Even at our Bible study last night we've noticed that we are having to help less and less to find where the books of the Bible are. "Finally my brethren rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious but for you it is safe." (Philippians 3:1)

Handmade tabs

 Joy with her Bible

Papandayan Elementary School

I apologize about the lack of updates. I have been finishing the coursework for my internship requirements for my Masters program. A big shout out to my kasama, kaibigan, kapatid, Natalie Hannah, for putting up with me during this time and also coming to the rescue when my laptop charger died. Without her I would not have been able to finish! 

As previously mentioned, Natalie and I have been serving at an elementary school every Tuesday. We have been able to share the gospel as well as do Bible studies with them. We have taught the students so far about creation, the trinity, and the importance of the Word of God. Recently, several of you have been in prayer with us about the concern if we would even be able to stay and teach at the school because of arising issues. We are thrilled to say that God has answered our prayer and we will be able to continue teaching! "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Natalie with her students learning about the different days of creation. 

 I gave my students the challenge to memorize John 3:16 and the following week they were able to recite it in front of the class!

Schedule

Written by Maureen for our e-mail updates:

Below is our weekly schedule. After I return to the U.S. on August 6, Natalie and Christie will continue following this basic plan through November 20.

Monday - Rest day (In theory)

Tuesday - Papandayan Elementary School - Gospel presentation and follow-up Bible studies. Natalie has grade 6 (2 sections), Christie has grade 5 (4 sections), and I have grade 4 (4 sections). Natalie will take over my 4th grade classes when I leave.

Wednesday - Visitation and in-home Bible studies in Papandayan. 11:45 AM Bible study with students at Papandayan High School during their lunch break.

Thursday - Visitation and in-home Bible studies in Guinhawa.

Friday - Visitation and in-home Bible studies in Guinhawa. 4PM group Bible study at Lito's home.

Saturday - 9 AM Youth discipleship training - Hope Baptist Church, Sabang. 4PM group Bible study at Cita and Midel's home.

Sunday - Sunday School and Worship Service at Cita and Midel's home. 2PM youth discipleship training - Central Baptist Church, Lumambayan.

Update

This was written by Maureen for our e-mail updates: 


Of the 65 people that attended the first church service at Cita's home, almost all had been personally visited by Benji, Natalie, Christie, or me over the past year or so. Many were involved in our weekly Bible study or had been visited by us in their homes on a regular basis.


Gina, however, was new to us. She had been invited by Cita and had been a Christian for a number of years.

On Friday, Cita, Benji, Natalie, Christie, and I set out to visit Gina in her home. We were told she lived at the top of the mountain. We walked and walked and walked, higher and higher and higher. Much of our walk was through mountainous jungle. At one point we came to a clearing where it became apparent how high we were. Benji immediately sat down and said he was afraid of heights and could not go on any further. When we finished laughing hysterically, we told him it was no problem, we would go on and he could sit here and wait.

Natalie and Gina's home.

Mary Jane, Gina, Mary Grace and her husband.

Cita and I

When Cita, Natalie, Christie, and I arrived at Gina's home, we found she had 4 adult children who were not believers. Christie prepared to share the gospel and we asked Cita if she could interpret. Up until this point, Cita had simply accompanied us without actively participating in the sharing. She had heard us share the gospel with Benji interpreting many, many times. When Christie started sharing, Cita was able to interpret point by point with no problem. As Christie read the scriptures in her English Bible, Cita would read it in the Tagalog Bible. Cita actually grabbed the water bottle from Christie and did our illustration of 1 John 5:11-13 by herself. It was a wonderful and moving scene for me. It has been on our hearts that the believers in Guinhawa would grow and take on a more active role in the sharing and Bible studies. This was happening before my eyes.

We left Gina's home with four new members in our spiritual family. As we walked back down the mountain, Cita's face beamed each time we shared with the people we passed how she'd done such a fabulous job interpreting Christie's gospel presentation.

. . . and if it hadn't been for Benji's fear of heights, this great step forward would not have happened :)

Shavings of Death

                                     

This morning we had our first church service in Guinhawa! Cita, who has been a believer for three years now, has opened up her home for everyone to meet there. Yesterday, while having a Bible study in her home and discussing the first service for the next day I looked down and noticed a good portion of us had our feet in wood shavings. Cita's husband builds caskets for a living at their home. I thought of the stark contrast, here we are sitting in shavings that represent death; however, God has brought new life into the Filipino brothers and sisters that were siting around me. "Made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:5

New Beginnings

This morning we had our first church service in Guinhawa, one of the barangays we have been working in. It is truly overwhelming to think about all the details that have happened for this to take place. Here is a breakdown from the past couple of years that my mom wrote out today in an update:


July 2010 - Lesia Mooney and I met Cita while walking down the street in Guinhawa. Cita gave us some bananas. We wanted to share the gospel with her but Cita's English was not too strong and our Tagalog was virtually nonexistent. We said we would come back with Benji to interpret for us.

July 2010 - July 2011 - We looked for Cita but could never find her home. Even with Christie staying in the Philippines for 5 months that year, she was never able to locate Cita.

July 13, 2011 - Benji and I reconnected with Cita as well as her husband Midel and her sons. We were able to share the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They prayed to received Jesus as Savior. We instructed them in simple Bible study.

July 2012 - Visted Cita and her family and continued with some basic Bible study.

July 2013 - At Cita's request, we started a Saturday evening weekly Bible study in her home. Cita invited friends and neighbors. One by one, people got saved and began attending the Bible study.

July 2013 - July 2014 - Benji continued the Bible study. Cita and Benji visited friends and neighbors sharing the gospel and inviting people to the Bible study.

April 2014 - Reymark, an 18-year-old young man, came to Christ as a result of the Bible study.

June 2014 - Reymark enrolled at Mindoro Bible College to prepare to be a pastor.

June 2014 - Reymark's mom was saved.

July 13, 2014 - Three years from the day that Cita was born into the family of God, we had the first church service in her home with over 65 in attendance. The morning started with separate Bible studies for adults, youth (led by Reymark), and small children. This was followed by a worship service with music, prayer, and a message. We ended by enjoying a lunch of pancit, spaghetti, and chicken soup.

the congregation

Reymark, mom, and Cita

On July 3rd, mom and Natalie made it safely to the Philippines. We have been catching up with them on all of the ministry opportunities that have happened so far. One of which, is an elementary school that pastor Benji's wife, Joan, works at. We have previously been to her classroom and have shared the gospel along with following up on Bible studies to three of the parents. This morning we all visited the school to discuss with the principal the possibility of volunteering. She began to ask questions of our background experience. We described previous job descriptions and what we're passionate about. Thankfully both mom and Natalie are teachers and are able to connect in that way. While answering her questions, the principal did not seem to want us in her school. She then asked what was our underline motive for being there. Mom explained that we simply want to share the love of Jesus and to serve her and the school in anyway possible. There was suddenly a longer pause. The next few words, I believe, surprised us all. The principal went on to say that she would love for us to teach Bible stories to the students. We never once mentioned what we would specifically like to do. We are still waiting on a final word from the principal after she discusses with some of the other teachers a plan of action. Please continue to pray that this would become an open door for us to speak truth into the lives of the students, teachers, and parents.

Traveling back to Pinamalayan while running into Pastor Gem

Rice Fields

Yesterday, pastor Benji, a fellow believer named Cita, and myself set out to do visitation for the church we are looking to start. There was a gentleman and his family they knew who needed to hear about Christ. We ended up walking through a large rice field. Several times while falling into the water and mud I thought about the cost of the gospel. Sure I was only simply getting dirty and could easily wash it off, but how much more our Savior endured and sacrificed for us. He experienced death. This weighed heavy on me knowing the cost of the gospel and the responsibility we carry to share it with others.We eventually reached the straw nipa hut after trekking through what seemed like a puzzle maze. There we met the father Rudy, his brother J.R., and his daughter Dahlia. We carried on conversations getting to know each other and explained the reason of our visit. We were able to share the gospel with them. Each one of them wanted to accept Christ! It never gets old to experience the joy of sharing what Christ did for us. Rudy, had many questions about the gospel because previously he was part of a church that did not believe in Christ being the only way. He explained the concerns and differences of his previous religion to what he was hearing now. Before, the emphasis was how much money one could give and being able have the most beautiful church in order for them to go to heaven. Thankful that God does not require this for salvation but that it is a free gift, not of works! (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Cita leading the way through the rice field.

               Dahlia, Rudy, J.R., Benji

Lessons Learned

Today marks two weeks that I have been in the Philippines. This is my 11th trip back and I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to serve. I quickly noticed in this short amount of time that I was struggling with mixed emotions. So many of these thoughts and feelings were not based on truth. These lies were beginning to affect my outlook on being here. Questions began to arise, such as, "Am I capable of serving these people?" "Is God able to use me?" "Because my feelings don't match up with what I know is truth does that make it wrong for me to be here?" During this time I was also reading Andrew Murray's book, An Exciting New Life. It is filled with basic truths and doctrines of the Christian life. In the first chapter he wrote, "Be very much in dread of your own thoughts." How easy it is to focus on our circumstances rather than on Christ. He is the one who gives clarity, peace, self-worth, joy, love, confidence, and assurance. The book goes on to say, "Man's own distorted thoughts of the way to serve and to please God-namely, by what he does and is- are deeply rooted in him."

I had a break-through, just only two days ago, and believe it or not it wasn't while I was serving. Mondays are our "rest" days. Throughout the rest of the week we are visiting people, sharing the gospel, following up on discipleship, and whatever else God brings along our path. This past Monday I was just sitting outside. I had finished writing journal entries for my school work and it was there as I was doing nothing, I had a peace that surpassed all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-8) God loves me as I am, even just sitting. He doesn't love me anymore or any less, with the feelings I have or don't have, whether I'm in America or the Philippines, if I'm sharing the gospel, or simply just sitting. Trivial as that may seem, it was crucial for me.

                    The view from our backyard

Arrival

Friday, June 15, around midnight I arrived safely in Manila. Pastor Benji picked me up at the airport and the next morning we traveled another 11 hours to reach our destination, my second home, Pinamalayan. This morning we were able to visit one of the churches that I've attended while previously living here. It's been such a great time to see people we've been working with as well as meeting new believers. They have a discipleship program for young people within their church that they've asked us to speak at for the next couple of weeks. Pray for God's Word to be spoken clearly.

This morning they sang "Because He Lives". I heard this song right before I had left to come to the Philippines. No matter if I'm in America sitting in a pew with a/c or in the Philippines sitting on a wooden bench with sweat, nothing compares to having a life with Christ.

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives."




Traveling on the ferry from Batangas to Calapan.

Pressing On

Menchie

As most of you know, in 2010 I went to live in the Philippines after I graduated from college. God led me there to spend time working with the people not having a slight inclination as to what would happen, but God had a very specific plan. You can refer back to my original blog http://theradicalexperiment.blogspot.com, which talks about the work that He did. What brings me here tonight is a particular miracle that God allowed me to be apart of. Her name is Menchie. It was brought to my attention that there were a group of mothers that were part of a children's center called Agape Child Care Center. The director asked that pastor Benji and I would go around visiting the mothers and letting them know about Jesus. Little did we know how much of an adventure we were in for. Each mother has a unique and an incredible story. Here is the post from 2010 that I wrote about one of those mothers, Menchie.


Another mother was actually sleeping when we went to visit her. I felt terrible for waking her up, but she wanted us to talk with her. We were able to share with her and her mother. When I asked them if they wanted to ask Jesus into their heart they both started crying and said yes and right there prayed to receive Jesus. I followed up with them and shared with them verses about how Jesus will never leave them and He will always stay in your heart. The mother proceeded to tell me that her husband left her a year ago because he did not want to support them anymore. She has three small children and one of them the husband took. She is also very sick now and is not able to afford the medicine. My heart broke for them but God continued to remind me that He is now with them and no longer do they have to trust in this world or other people for support but they can trust in the One who is the ultimate provider!

This was on August 19, 2010 when I first met Menchie. During the five months I was there, the very next visit after that date was a drastic change. The Menchie from my first impression was uncharacteristic of Filipinos because she wasn't smiling and it felt that there was a huge burden weighing on her. The next visit and the weeks to come she greeted us with the biggest smile and never stopped smiling while leading her through Bible study and discipleship. 

In 2011, I had the joy of introducing my mom to the all of the mothers from Pili. It was exciting for me because as I am not a mom I felt that I missed that connection between me and the mothers. Mom had several notebooks donated that we could give to the mothers that year. We included all of the notebooks with paper and pens and explained how to have devotions during your own time. When we followed up with Menchie she not  only had a devotion that she had done on her own but was making scripture applicable to her. She explained that while reading the scriptures she had a hard time understanding but had remembered the verse that my mom shared with her that talks about praying to seek understanding for God's Word. She prayed and asked for understanding and what astounded me is what she explained about what she learned during her devotion. The verses talked about not being judgemental and Menchie went on to talk about how even though her husband left her and her three small children, she cannot be judgemental towards him. How could someone be so calm and have such wisdom on a situation that is at the same time so devastating. One thing, her relationship with Christ. 

Unfortunately with my move to Virginia this year in 2012 I was unable to go back to the Philippines to do follow up; however, my mom was able to report back. Menchie had been attending the weekly Bible study in Pili and I also was able to receive hand written letters from her. Two were in Tagalog and one in English which writes: 

Sister Christie in Christ, 
Same to you, how are you and I think of you sometimes to be combined with you and me in Christ and thank for your prayer for me to support my spiritual needs and I hope that someday I awake I'm one together on mission and I want to do my mission God gave me. And about my family we are doing well but we are need of spiritual guide of God and to learn more about from God. I want to see you again. And thank for the prayer to provide my family needs and comfort from our God. And thank to God that you and your mother sister Maureen gave for me and others needs to know love of God and learn more about God. Thank to God so much, sister Christie and sister Maureen in Christ, God gave for me. and I want to meet many missionaries someday. 
Thank Divine Master for everything, I love you God and to your love for one bind. 
-Menchie Maupay


I realized I had a different framed letter from her as well that has been sitting on my dresser since I've moved here to VA. Last week I received word that Menchie was not doing well and not expected to live. Tonight, September 30, 2012 I received an e-mail that Menchie went home to be with the Lord. While it is hard to understand, I praise and thank God that Menchie is with Him now. 


While there are so many more details and stories just like hers that I have had the privilege of seeing transformed lives come to Christ, it is all the more challenging to keep pressing on. There are so many more lives, just like Menchie, that are needing to hear the gospel. "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? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" 

The first time meeting Menchie in 2010

Mom and I with Menchie in 2011

Some of our mothers from Agape Child Care Center

Originally posted: September 30, 2012