But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36
We have been holding extension classes and feeding programs in neighboring barangays (neighborhoods).
The first area was Purok 7 in Lower Cubacub. My son used his ukulele and led it along with other young people.
The second area was Mahogany Cubacub, also led by my son and other young people.
The third area was at Kobe Housing.
Pastors’ Fellowship
Pastors from the mountainous area of both Southern Cebu City and Northern Cebu City. “Iron sharpeneth iron;…” Proverbs 27:17
On Pastor Appreciation Sunday, we received some unexpected gifts from the church.
We held a church fellowship to celebrate an older couple’s wedding anniversary. We had pizza and cake.
Outreaches were held in Carmen and in Negros where Roberto Jarcia is the pastor. I have a widowed sister who is living a distance from the Carmen outreach but every Sunday afternoon, she brings visitors from her home to the outreach using a motorized tricycle. The drivers also join in the Bible study.
We helped four churches with their feeding programs: Pastor Jerome Lapinig’s church in Zamboanga City, Pastor Jehu Tirador’s church in Ilo Ilo City, Pastor John Paul Santos’ church in Kalinga Apayao, and Pastor Manuel Bangot in Gingoog City.
These four pastors receive $58 USD every month from support from donors.
Thank you, church supporters, for your faithfulness in supporting God’s work in the Philippines.
In November, we held Thanksgiving celebrations at the Carmen and Negros outreaches and shared with them McDonald’s chicken and gave out bundles of joy.
Our main church, Canduman Baptist Church, also had a Thanksgiving celebration with music and various people making pledges.
Every year in December, we choose certain public schools in the mountainous area to be recipients of bundles brought by our academy students. We also brought snacks and other stuff purchased from our monthly support. Before giving out the bundles of joy, I preached to them about the gift that we cannot see with our naked eyes, the gift that is eternal and found no other place but in our Lord Jesus Christ. We shared with these students, teachers, senior citizens, and parents about how God loves people, quoting to them John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” There were 276 students from kindergarten through grade 6. The school principal recognized these blessings, and she gave us a certificate of appreciation.
Also in December, we had a Thanksgiving service with a guest speaker and missionary visiting us. The speaker was also an ENT doctor. At the end of the message, he emphasized the message of salvation and we saw some people raising their hands as they professed Christ as their Savior.
All of these activities are not because of our work but they are the work of the Holy Spirit.
Our regular monthly support of $338 USD is not sufficient but still, God is working in the ministry here in Canduman Baptist Church. The psalmist said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25
Thank God that he is so gracious and kind. Thank you, Bethel Church, Charity Bible Church, and some faithful individuals used by God to meet the ministry needs.
Bro. Cruz
MINISTRY UPDATES
- FEEDING PROGRAM
Partnering churches were still doing great job every Saturday, this is how God proves His faithfulness in meeting their needs.
PRAYERS
Interchurch Young People Fellowship January 28
Bible Month Celebration Last week of January
Evangelistic Crusade in Kalinga-Apayao February 7-9
Matthew 28:19 28:20 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Ministry Updates
- Evangelistic Crusade in Kalinga-Apayao (February 7-9)
Covering 834 kilometers from Cebu to Kalinga, the trip involved four ventures, combining land and air travel, guided by God’s grace. We arrived at the Agbannawag Bible Baptist Mission, under the stewardship of Pastor John Paul Santos where we ministered to adults and children.
Further, the fellowship with friends during the journey was a source of immense joy. All in all, the goodness of God was evident at every turn and His provision was abundantly clear. He safely led us through each leg of the mission trip.
CANDUMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Housing Road, Canduman, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines
CANDUMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Housing Road, Canduman, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines
- Feeding Program
The continuation of the feeding program and Bible study by the other pastors, whom we support with a monthly contribution of 1 thousand pesos each, has been a vital lifeline for the community. Despite the challenges, these pastors have remained steadfast in their commitment to reach out those in physical and spiritual hunger.
- Pastor Jehu Tirador
III. Extension Classes
The extension classes led by the youth of Canduman Baptist Church serve as an avenue for imparting God’s love to children. Through creative teaching methods, such as storytelling, memory verse, games, and action songs, they strive to make learning about God’s love both enjoyable and impactful.
- Purok 6b, Mahogany
- Purok 7, Langub
CANDUMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Housing Road, Canduman, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines
- Kobe and Housing
- Carmen Outreach
Through God’s grace and the dedication of its members, Canduman Baptist Church stays unmovable in its mission to spread God’s Word to all corners of Carmen.
CANDUMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Housing Road, Canduman, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines
- Cabandungga Outreach
The continued church services in Cabandungga Baptist Mission, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Jarcia, are a testament to the enduring power of faith in the lives of its members.
CANDUMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Housing Road, Canduman, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines
- Other answered prayers
- Interchurch Youth Fellowship
The successful Interchurch Youth Fellowship, themed “Be an Example,” was a platform for worship and encouragement. It inspired young believers to live out their faith with integrity and passion. It was truly a blessing to witness my son, Elbert Josiah, share God’s Word in front of the crowd. I pray that the young people in our church will remain grounded in the faith until the Lord’s coming.
CANDUMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Housing Road, Canduman, Mandaue City
Cebu, Philippines
- Bible Month Celebration at Canduman Christian Academy, Inc.
The Bible Month celebration at Canduman Christian Academy, Inc., marked by student performances and an engaging Bible quiz, was made possible by prayer and preparation. Students and faculty came together to honor the Word of God with creativity, enthusiasm, and joy.