“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.” (II Corinthians 4:1) After two years, we are finally beginning to see a returning back to the “normal” we had before the COVID restrictions.
After the Omicron variant swept through our area, the number of cases of COVID dropped dramatically in our area. As restrictions eased, this allowed much easier domestic travel and increased seating in our services.
Our Bible college continued on normally, and I was able to teach classes on the doctrines of man, sanctification, the Person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the philosophy of ministry.
I was finally able, after 2½ years, to visit my daughter, Ruth Morrissey, and her family in Dapitan, Mindanao, where they have planted Truth Baptist Church. It was great to renew family ties and to see their work in action for a whole week. I enjoyed preaching in their Sunday morning service and joining with them for their Saturday soul winning. They have a great group of new believers who are growing strong in the Lord. They are all excited about the progress of their new church building under construction. Bro. Morrissey is doing a great job in leading this church, and they are hoping to be able to use the building in the near future.
For the first time in 2½ years, we were able to begin going out as a church family on Thursday night soul winning. Our people have been eagerly waiting for this, and the results remind us of the “old days” before the pandemic. For the months of February and March, we have seen 615 saved from the Thursday nights alone. Amen! We are also now seeing more visiting our services and getting back to seeing baptisms almost every Sunday. In the last 2 months, we have witnessed 13 baptisms in our Sunday services.
There has been some family news as well. My son Caleb and his wife Emily returned to the States for Emily to deliver their child. On March 25, Lydia Ann made her appearance as grandchild number 15! While back in the States, Caleb was also ordained at their sending church in Maine on March 2. I was able to participate by sending a video that they played in my absence. My father turned 90, and he and my mother are amazingly healthy and active. I also received word that two more of my children are expecting grandchildren numbers 16 and 17 this fall. God sure has been good to me!
As we approach Easter, how thankful we all are for the joy of Christ’s victory over death and the grave. Thank you for your help as we continue to share the Gospel with so many souls in the Philippines.
Working until Jesus comes,
Scott Christiansen
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- Saturday Soul Winning – Truth Baptist Church in Dapitan, Mindanao
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- With Missionary Mike Morrissey’s new church building under construction in Dapitan, Mindanao