The church (Dessert Rock, pastor Steve Watson) provided the primary funds and prayer support for this trip. The partnership with the church has been an invaluable link to prayer, finances and people to join in the vision. This non-controlling relationship with the church is a blessing. Our goal is to take others to catch the call to reach the lost as well.

 

We are very thankful & blessed with all that God has done. Pastor Bonifar (my Philippine email contact) turned out to be a man of vision and regional influence. Similar to our trip to India in April with Pastor Kumar Bonifar (pictured below) was a divine appointment from God. His influence and connections opened the door for impact all over the Island of Mindanao. 

 

Pastor Bonifar

 

While there we held a three day pastors conference attended by 290 pastors & leaders. The word & ministry went exceptionally well. Many pastors traveled a full day journey to attend. Some of the tribal pastors came from very remote areas and were very blessed with the opportunity to receive teaching. In 3 days, Steve & I did over 18 hours of intense teaching and leadership training. They were very responsive and pulled on our faith and anointing.  

 

The Pastors Conference 

 

We also held two small healing crusades attended by 300-500 villagers each night. Approx 130 prayed to receive Christ and many were healed. Those that responded will be the basis of a church they will start in that village. The second night, over 60 people received visible healing of various normality’s.  The Lord was definitely working the field with us, confirming the preaching of the word with attesting miracles.

 

The Crusade Meetings (Duane is kneeling on left)

 

The Philippine people are a real treasure. Their humble and respectful attitudes are very refreshing. They have strong conviction and sacrificially serve God with all they have. The youth are on fire for God. We ministered to 40-50 Bible school students, training to be pastors. Nine of these have already started home churches. I preached in one village home church with a young female pastor. The small home was filled with 60-80 people, spilling out into the street. She, as well the other young pastors, are believing God for a parcel of land to build a church (pole building).

 

They have vision well beyond their means. They not only desire to reach their country, but evangelize all Asia with missionaries as well. They have already started outreach works in several neighboring countries. They are powerful men and women in the Kingdom of God. They preach with passion and fire. We were blessed to get to know them and do our part in reaching Mindanao Island for Christ.

 

Thank you for your support for the ministry in the Philippines. We had some challenges getting there but God worked out the situation for His good. We are already looking into subsequent outreaches to the Philippines. They have bible students ready to do crusade follow up work. Every crusade should be the birthing of a village church. They need our white skin to attract a crowd and our resources to fund the crusade and church plant. Sound like fun?  If you are interested in going next time, let me know.