I am often asked why we keep going back to the Philippines each and there are several answers to that question such as an on-going partnership with Pastor Joe Fernandez and his family. Another reason would be because of the location of the Philippines since they are centrally located in South Asia. By teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ, they can spread out to the countries around them and teach them. One more reason that I want to make at this time is the fact that they are very supportive of us coming over to their country and teaching them church leadership and theology.
Paul said in Romans 1:15a (ESV) "So I am eager to preach the gospel to you..." which is another reason why we keep going back to the Philippines. To make sure that they are hearing the real gospel of Jesus Christ instead of a prosperity gospel or something else. We focused on teaching what the gospel is on my first trip as shown in the photos below.
Teaching pastors at Mt. Carmel
Pastor Joe Fernandez interpreting for me
Each time we go over, at some point we will be teaching what is the gospel and what is not. Paul continues in Romans 1:16-17 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Edmund Ytac interpreting for me at Seaside Baptist Church during my third trip
In the passage from Romans above, Paul said that he was not ashamed of the gospel because it was and still is the power of God to bring forth salvation to everyone who believes and puts their trust in Jesus Christ. There are four thoughts I want you to see in those verses.
1. The word "power" is the driving force of the gospel. The gospel is powerful. More powerful than anything else. What else do you know has the power to take a sinful man and recreate him in a new creation that is in right standing with God?
2. The word "salvation" is the purpose of the gospel. "In the New Testament [salvation] is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ". Easton's Illustrated Dictionary
3. The phrase "everyone who believes" is the target of the gospel. The aim of the gospel is to penetrate the hearts of those who are lost and become the new creations as shown in #1.
4. The word "righteousness" is the result of the gospel. Those who believe and put their trust in Jesus Christ are made righteous, which means they are in right standing with God. Their sins are forgiven and they are His children.
In just a few months, we will be taking the gospel to Asia once again. I don't know who all is going yet, but I do know there is so much work to do. I am very thankful for everyone who has helped us raise funds in the past and I hope to have a great response from people like you again this time. There are two easy ways that you can help us financially...
1. If you wish to send us a check of any amount, you can mail it out to Rolling Fork Baptist Church and send it to 615 Rolling Fork Church Rd, Boston, KY 40107.
2. If you would like to use your debit or credit card, please visit our fund-raising page, http://www.gofundme.com/hmd2p8 and make your donation.
I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and your financial gifts. It means a great deal to see my friends and family take part in this evangelistic effort.
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