July and August were productive months. We saw 849 precious souls profess faith in Christ.
We had our first anniversary service in the work we started in Lipa City, with an attendance of 105 and 8 baptized. Many of the people are tithing, soul winning, working on jeepney routes, and going on visitation. We have been renting a house there for about $200 per month, but we are in need of more space. Please pray that the Lord would help us find a larger facility that would still be economical.
When I stop to consider what God is doing here, every day is a miracle. Perhaps instead of saying, “There are many opportunities,” it would be more accurate to say, “It is one continuous opportunity.” It’s easy to grow accustomed to and take for granted the white harvest we are in the midst of.
Sometimes we can get impatient with things that are different than they are in America. If you were to ask me if I enjoy being in the Philippines, I might say, “As long as I’m not in a hurry.” For example, the store checkout lines are very slow; but, to be honest, it’s almost always a pleasurable experience. The cashiers are usually friendly and glad to meet you. When I give a store employee a tract, other employees around them will be curious and desire one as well. I have a great time shopping, meeting, and interacting with people in the markets and the hardware stores. It’s never dull!
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and are some of the most sociable people in the world. You can preach on buses, on jeepneys, in public schools, and at businesses. People love to have you come into their homes and pray for them. When you hand out tracts, people actually read them! There’s always an opportunity to share the Gospel. Not only is the Philippines a bountiful harvest, but many doors in Asia and the 10-40 Window are opening up to Filipino Christians and missionaries as well.
It is a joy to pastor soul-winning people. I love to receive text messages throughout the week from our members who have shared the Gospel with friends, relatives, or loved ones. They find many opportunities at family reunions, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, business meetings . . . and the list goes on. Sometimes a member will be in a neighborhood, see a group of kids or teenagers playing basketball, stop them, and share the Gospel. One of our members frequently travels on business and will start business meetings with prayer and share the Gospel as he has opportunity.
Our building permit for our facilities is still in progress. We accomplished one large step, which was getting the property rezoned as “institutional.” Please pray that we would get the building permit soon.
Thank you with all of our hearts for your prayers, financial support, and sacrifice to keep us in this white harvest field.
Yours for souls,
Courtney & Ester Godsoe