The nation of The Philippines presents the picture of a country of conflicting perspectives. The archipelago was claimed for Spain by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The original name was changed to Las Islas Filipinas in honor of Philip II of Spain in 1542. The Spanish rule left a huge footprint on the Filipino people in the form of their “divide and rule” style of governing. Control over the people who occupied the islands was effected by keeping them divided. Today separateness remains in language, geography and the distribution of wealth. The present situation of martial law on the southern island of Mindanao is about separation. The Muslims are rebelling against the national government for the purpose of creating an independent Caliphate or Muslim homeland.
Prior to the death of Mr. Armstrong, the Church of God in the Philippines was represented by a dominant single body of some 5,000 people. Today the Church of God more nearly resembles the widely divisive national separateness.
During the past year two small congregations contacted us with the request to be a part of The Father’s Call fellowship. We proceeded cautiously, but it became obvious that we needed to know more about them as the relationship continued to grow. So, for the past two weeks I have spent time traveling to the various areas getting to know them and giving them the opportunity to get to know more personally who we are. In summary, we are seeing the reality of a goal we set for ourselves right at the beginning – “The Chief Shepherd’s loving care is our model for the spiritual governance of the Father’s flock. Therefore, we see the “sheep” as those called and brought through the gate, Jesus the Christ (John 10:7); as our Father’s beloved children, we are to shepherd them as the Chief Shepherd does.” (Ministerial Conference, January 2, 2014). A small flock in the Philippines is seeking to be shepherded and we are responding.
About a 6-hour drive north from Manila brings you to a town called Bani, in the province of Pangasinan. In this town there is a congregation of around 20 people who gather each Sabbath in the home of Renato and Remy Cuizon. On one Sabbath each month they travel an hour north to the home of Antonio and Marilyn Perote and this is where I met with them. It is a small beachside resort facing the South China Sea and it is a real treat for the members to have that environment, since most don’t live near the ocean. In the afternoon two ladies were baptized making it a special time for them all.
During the week I was able to visit with a group in the Central Visayas island of Negros Occidental. I knew these members from the past and they are scattered through a number of different church groups, but were happy to get together with me. As a result there will be a small gathering each Sabbath to download our complete service from the website.
Just as I was leaving to travel to Davao City, word came that martial law had been imposed on the entire island of Mindanao. I received a notice from the State Department, as I had registered with them, and it all sounded somewhat dire. After some counsel, it was decided that I should proceed as planned and I am very pleased that I did. Apart from observing soldiers searching the bushes directly in front of the hotel where I was staying, there was no obvious disruption within the city itself. The congregation of about 20 meet every Sabbath and there is an elder who coordinates the group – Jonathan Dicen. As with the congregation up north, they all came out of an abusive church experience and are in need of “good pasture and clean water” as they heal spiritually. They were searching for a new “home” and came across The Father’s Call website and decided to check it out.
The Filipino members expressed much gratitude for the help they receive from you all and wanted you to know that. Life is difficult for the members, but they remain cheerful and grateful to God for what they have. Please be sure to remember them in your prayers.
I also want to thank you for your prayers for the trip. On a number of occasions I needed and saw God’s hand in events. It is encouraging to see God’s direct involvement in the details and I look forward to the day His hand will be felt upon all the Churches of God to draw them into a single body for His end-time purpose.
Kind regards,
Brian Orchard
