The Case for Ministry Focal Points

The Case for Missionary Focal Point

The first guests for last night’s Living Christmas Tree arrived just before lunch. The trip to Word of Life camp in Calauan can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on where in Manila you live, the time of day, and traffic. Some groups came early as “day campers.” For $1 they received dinner and the use of the pool and facilities, enjoying the quiet repose of this beautiful tropical camp.

The first “jeepneys” began pulling in around 6 PM. Kids and adults pile out of these unique Philippine vehicles, many decorated for Christmas. The program began 30 minutes late in order to seat the overflow crowd.

Philipino’s are a very expressive and joyful people. When the choir started singing and the lights came on, everyone applauded. Every time a new sequence of lights came on, they applauded. When the angels appeared, they applauded. When Mary and Joseph rode into Bethlehem on a donkey, they applauded and cheered. The response was akin to way a figure skating audience applauds every time a jump is successfully completed.

We were praying for 500 to attend Friday night’s musical. Over 700 filled every available seat. Every guest received a Philippino light meal called a “merienda” at following the program. Mike Foster’s goal for the LCT was to use it as a way to share the gospel with the local community, and demonstrate Christian kindness and hospitality. Faith Bible Church shares this philosophy, as we also present the LCT every year free of charge. The merienda here is similar to the reception that follows the FBC Living Christmas Tree. The community outreach will be emphasized on Saturday and Sunday nights, which have been reserved exclusively for local guests.

Over the past eight years, Faith Bible Church has placed a strong emphasis on the WOL ministry here in the Philippines. There are innumerable mission needs and challenges around the world. We urgently seek Divine guidance on how we respond to Christ’s command to “preach the gospel to all nations.” Our recent partnership with the Fogles and Arcedera through Evangelism and the WOL Bible Institute reflects our approach of strong partnerships in strategic ministries. This approach has many advantages, both for FBC and the missionaries we support.

Our visiting members have been impressed with the impact that this Biblically centered ministry is making here in the Philippines. We have been privileged to partner with a godly ministry during a critical time. Our efforts as one local church have been a strong part of the plan the Lord put together to build the Word of Life camp and Bible Institute. Graduates are leading churches in many remote regions of the Philippines, and throughout Asia in areas unaccessible to American missionaries.

The philosophy of focusing intently on areas of opportunity as the Lord leads us allows us to have greater awareness, accountability and interest in the work. It also benefits the missionaries here greatly. Because of our involvement and answer to the needs that the Lord has shown us, many in the Philippines have heard the gospel. All of the staff and missionaries here are deeply grateful for our partnership in the work of the gospel.

Continue to pray for the local villages invited to LCT on Saturday and Sunday night. Pray that the Lord would use this to save many souls and open new doors for ministry in the Calauan area.