2008 Mission to Philippines
April 30th
Hi All, made it into the mountains of Negros yesterday after over 35 hours of travel. It was a great trip. Made connections and prayed for a few on the way. Got some great sleep last night as did Rick Murrill. Obviously someone is praying much so keep it going!!
We are out buying supplies and food for the pastor's conference that starts Thursday.
Pray that the leaders that come will be refreshed. We think there could be some with quitting in their minds. May they all be strengthened so that the Islands will be transformed. More later. Peace, Jeffrey
April 11, 2008
Dear Friends and Family,
I trust this letter finds you strong in the joy of our Lord! As many of you recall, I have been to the Philippines in the past, and God has done great and wonderful things. Hundreds have made professions to follow Christ. God has used our leadership conferences to equip and encourage hundreds of indigenous pastors and worship leaders in their ministries on the islands. For many, this was their only opportunity to be built up. Through the generosity of people like you in the past, musical gear has been donated allowing our brothers and sisters to build worship in their churches and to go out into jails and the village plazas to proclaim the hope of Christ to poverty ridden areas. Medical supplies and reading glasses have deeply blessed many we have visited.
My last trip there was in May of 2005. As a result of that trip we identified a network of 20 churches headquartered in Canlaon City on the Island of Negros. Full Gospel Church led by Pastor Lamberto Yagao is one of the best churches I have seen in their ability to equip leaders and plant new churches. Ardent Faith Ministries has financially supported the ministry there to help restart a bible college at FGC for future pastors/church planters.
My pastor and director of Christian Growth International, Rick Murrill, and I are planning a mission trip to Negros from April 27th to May 5th. The purpose of this mission will be two-fold: first, we are hosting a leadership conference for Filipino pastors and rising leaders. All the attendees have to do is get there, and we provide everything else- all materials, conference fees, food, a place to stay, and even money for their return fare. We will host up to 125 attendees if we have the funds. Second, we are going to be visioning with their leadership to resource and position their bible college to thrive. We’d like to partner with them in a greater way to equip men and women as there is a huge shortage of pastors in the poor rural areas of these islands. It would be fantastic to conclude these meetings by giving them funds to support the school for the year. It costs about $120 per semester to support a student (program, books, room & board). Additionally, we will be joining a crusade for a few nights sharing the Good News in the nearby villages. We may take music gear and medical supplies with any additional funds.
Please consider joining with us in this mission by giving to the costs of the mission- especially the conference or supporting a student. You can give online by clicking HERE or by using the enclosed, self-addressed envelope. If you are led to help would you please do so by April 22nd? Please make checks payable to Ardent Faith Ministries and write “Watson Philippines Mission 2008” in the memo field. Any amount will help.
Finally, but with a sense of great value, I ask you to pray that God’s plans and purposes will come to fruition on this trip. Thanks for considering partnering with us on this mission and let’s see what He will do!!
Sincerely,
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