“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might . . . .” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) The last two months have been an especially intense time of serving the Lord at International Baptist Church of Dumaguete City.
June saw us finishing up our 2022–2023 academic year, culminating in our 6th commencement, with 3 graduates from our college and 2 from our homeschool ministry. We praise the Lord for Theo, JP Joy, and Arlyn overcoming many challenges over the last 5 years to reach graduation. We look forward to how the Lord will use them in their future ministries. Jonah Mae and Devine have already been accepted to join our college family in August.
The end of June also saw the wedding of two of our staff, both graduates of our college who have been serving on our team for years. Paolo and Jennifer set a great example as they dated, and we are very happy for them as they continue to serve with us, now as husband and wife.
Due to the public schools having a very short summer break (in order to “make up” for the COVID lockdowns), we had to fit both our annual Youth Rally and Vacation Bible School into July.
Our Youth Rally was blessed by the Lord. We had 7 preachers deliver 13 messages in less than 3 days to 148 registered teens. We provided the meals and overnight lodging, making for a busy schedule. God blessed the theme of God and Grit with many decisions made, including decisions to attend Bible college.
Our VBS was also a blessed time. We divided up our area into 21 locations, with daily meetings Monday through Thursday. On Friday, we had a big meeting together at our church property. The theme this year was The King and Kids, with coordinating songs, skits, and lessons. During the week, we had a high attendance of 586 children and a total of 332 led to Christ. On Friday, we had 257 children brought to IBC. The following Sunday, our attendance increased by about 50. Praise the Lord!
On top of all this, we have continued to see scores saved in our regular weekly soul-winning efforts and 48 baptized in June and July. We are tired, but it is a good tired!
None of this would have been possible without your faithful prayer and financial support. Thank you for sacrifices over the years that are now bearing precious fruit for the Saviour. Souls saved and lives changed have been added to your account.
Enjoying the harvest,
Scott Christiansen
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- 6th commencement exercises–3 from our Bible college and 2 from our homeschool ministry
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- Youth Rally – 148 teens
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- Two of our staff members, Paolo and Jennifer (Gomez), were married in June.