Missionaries mobilized to give assistance to this grieving poor pastor, his wife and one remaining child. A missionary doctor treated them for TB and other illness. We pitched in to purchase a small lot and construct a simple home for them to call their own. Someone else bought a nice small motorbike. The whole family rides it – together!
Pastor Ogie was referred to us for Batch V this year. Paul interviewed him and noted that he struggled to express himself in English. The referring pastor paid the P500 ($12) deposit on his materials. (If he completes all the requirements for the certificate, this money is refunded.)
Pastor Ogie has been a faithful student. His assignments are all up to date and done with the greatest of care – read that “easy to read”! It is clear that he comprehends the lessons and is applying them in his life better than many of our other pastors who do not have a struggle with the language.
A month ago, Pastor requested a meeting with us after class. In front of him was the Counseling Record form from his packet of worksheets. “How do I properly use this?”
A story unfolded of two women in the church, an unsaved husband, and adultery. Children are being affected as well as the testimony of the little church in an area in the grips of a corrupt and controlling cult. We carefully and prayerfully discussed where he needed to begin in counseling the ladies. We showed him how to use the form to plan for the counseling sessions, keep records, and track progress. Tears flowed as we prayed.
The next week he was grinning from ear-to-ear! He told us how the offending lady had actually come to him for counseling! He and Gina had the plan and kept perfect notes – even color coded! He told us the form was of great help in preparing and identifying areas that needed to be addressed.
Please pray for this dedicated couple as they seek to serve a very depressed area just east of Metro Manila. And, pray for God’s provision to repair the rim on his motorcycle. The roads he needs to travel are hard on rims.
