Mission News and Views

   May 2004 

By Missionary Edwin Jardinel

Evangelistic Crusades in Bicol 

Crusade in Labo

On May 15, 2004, we left Dasmarinas, Cavite at about 6am with my family, brother Roger, and brother Jess using his vehicle in going to Lipa City to get some equipment. We left Lipa at about 9:30 am, and reached Canapawan, Labo at about 3:30 pm.  After a little rest, we roam around, announcing about our evangelistic program.  We do not have a film, so I started with a puppet presentation and followed by some musical numbers.  There were about 150-200 who gathered, mostly kids. Brother Manny preached and gave an invitation. 

Thanksgiving service at Canapawan Labo

May 16, 2004, Sunday, we had a thanksgiving service in Labo mission.  I lectured on Baptism and Church during the Sunday School, and Brother Jess preached a message on Thanksgiving. I made an invitation, and four came forward.  3 came forward to receive the Lord and 1 for baptism.  After the Thanksgiving service, we had a baptismal service at the river and I baptized sister Robelyn.

Musical Night at Albay MBC

While we were at Labo, brother Manny had to climb a mountain in order to send a text message to inform the brethren in Albay that we are coming to have a musical night.  There was no cell site in Labo and so there is no signal in the cellular phone, except in high places.  We left Canapawan Labo at about 2 pm for Albay.  We reached Albay at about 7: 30 pm and it was already raining as it was reported that there is a storm coming.  The members enjoyed the singing activity as they also prepared their special numbers.  We ended at about 10pm.  Later on, the storm has arrived and we hear strong winds blowing the roofings of the church and the house we are staying.  A small nipa hut at the back of the house was totally destroyed by the storm.  

Revival at Albay MBC

May 17-18, 2004, Monday -  The storm was raging and we took time to rest.  In the afternoon, i conducted a Bible class with the workers and had a prayer with them in the evening.  Before we prayed, we had our sharing time.  We decided that we cannot waste our time but that we can do our best in a given situation.  We thought that God has a purpose for the storm that  we cannot go immediately to Rapu-Rapu island. We learned that there were some members who were discouraged and needs revival, so we decided that we visit them in the morning, have a workshop in the afternoon with the youth, and have a musical and revival service in the evening using only candles for our light.  On May 18, 2004, Tuesday, our musical & revival night was successful.  God answered our prayers. That night the rain had stopped, and at the middle of our evening activity, the lights returned. The youth showed up their talents and made good presentations.  Brother Jess gave a message and i gave a challenge.  God blessed the evening service and more than 10 came forward for commitment.   

Evangelistic preaching in the boat

May 19, 2004, Wednesday - At about 1 pm, we boarded a boat in Legaspi City going to Rapu-rapu island.  The boat contains about 75-90 people.  While in the boat we conducted an evangelistic preaching.  I started with a puppet to get the attention of the passengers.  Then i called on my kids, Josh and Mae with their cousin to give a special number.  Then i called on Roger to preached on salvation and followed by another preaching on salvation by Rico.  After a special song, i preached about the Scriptural church.

We passed by some small villages in the island of Rapu-rapu.  We reached our destination, Tinop-an Rapu-Rapu, at about 6pm.  

Outdoor Singing and Preaching in Rapu-rapu

At about 7pm, we conducted an outdoor evangelistic crusade near the beach for there were many houses there.  I started conversing with a puppet in my hand, then children, youth and adults gathered.  It was followed by special songs.  Then brother Manny preached on salvation and gave an invitation.  13 people came forward to receive the Lord.  We were accommodated in the house of Sister Marina, daughter of the Barangay Captain there.  

Another Singing and Preaching in the Boat

May 20, 2004 - In the morning we had time for swimming in the beach and afterward in the waterfalls.  We thought that the place is ideal for camping and we can plan for future family camps in the place or some kind of mini youth camp .  At about 10am, we boarded a small boat going to another center town because there was no available bigger boat.  Then transferred to a bigger boat where the capacity is about 80-100.  While in the boat, brother Roger started to speak and introduce ourselves and our speaker, Brother Rico.  Brother Rico preached the Good News.  Brother Eric gave a special song, and after that brother Roger preached also on salvation.  Then we gave another special song and afterward, I preached on the false way of salvation of man and God's true way of salvation.  We reached the pier of Legaspi City at about 5pm. We went to Albay MBC at Sto Domingo Albay to prepare our things for departure.  After a little rest, we traveled back at about 7pm going to Cavite.  Brother Jess and I drove his Toyota Revo alternately with just a little sleep.  We reached Cavite at about 5:30 am.  Brother Jess and I proceeded to his residence in Bulacan where we scheduled a meeting with the officers of Luzon Missionary Baptist Youth.  

These are just some of the pictures I have taken shots because the camera I brought do not have a flash to take pictures in the evening activities.  However, brother Jess Ricafrente had taken video shots with his videocam in all our crusades and activities.  On the left side is a picture of my kids Josh and Mae swimming in Rapu-Rapu and on the right side is a picture of the Luzon MB Youth officers during our meeting last May 21-22, 2004 at the residence of Brother Jess in Bulacan.  

times.