Philippines Update
The Work of God in this modern era began in the Philippines in 1962. Gerald Waterhouse was sent to Manila to open an office. At one point FOT attendance was around 5,000 people and required opening a second site. This means that there are many people scattered around the Philippines who have a past grounded in the Worldwide Church of God.
On this recent trip we had the opportunity to meet some of them. Gillian and I arrived mid-week and travelled to the home of Nida de Los Reyes in Imus – south of Manila. Cathy Pridmore from Napa accompanied us and our daughter JoAnn joined in from LA after the first weekend. It was great to have them along and a boon to the locals to meet more of their brethren. Nida and her husband Ding (now deceased) were members in the Concord congregation. Upon retirement, they moved back to their home in the Philippines to be near family and live a better quality of life on their US pensions. This has been a good and wise move for Nida as she is sharing her safe and beautiful multi home compound with her also widowed sister and other relatives. The ladies looked after us like royalty and we cannot express our appreciation enough.
One of the major goals we had with this visit was to try and establish a relationship with an elder from another group who would be prepared to interact with the TFC members who may need the services of an ordained elder. Our members need access to an elder who speaks the local language for counseling and vital services like anointing, baptisms and funerals.
On our first Friday evening Nida had invited 7 members to join us for dinner who were her friends and associates from the past – but not associated directly with our congregation.
Two of the invited guests were an elder and his wife, Raul and Vivian Hipe, from Church of God Sharing Village (COGSV). This is a group of former WCG members who have no association with any group outside of the Philippines. They are long-time friends of Nida and Ding. When I outlined my vision of an elder interacting with our group, Raul was very supportive of the concept. He has agreed to be available when an elder is needed and we spoke of plans where he might attend with the TFC congregation once a month and even conduct a Bible Study. I found him to be a true servant with a willing humbleness to serve.
On the next day, the Sabbath, all the dinner guests attended our services and were warmly received. A young lady let it be known she wanted to be baptized, so I asked Mr. Hipe to assist me. As the young lady spoke little English, his help was very valuable. We arranged to baptize Razziel Manangan the next Sabbath morning before services. Raul came and assisted with the baptism before returning for services with his group. (More details and photos about the baptism and this group can be found on the Father’s Call Community page on Facebook.) It was very clear to me that God had set this up, knowing the needs of our brethren. “The God Who goes before”!
We enjoyed a full day with the 45 brethren gathered for a combined service in Imus. During the afternoon Bible Study I addressed a number of concerns and questions that the members had. They are a group with diverse backgrounds within the COG community. With no ordained men in the congregation, we lean heavily on Nida and Brenda Coria to co-ordinate and oversee the needs of the group and make arrangements for keeping the Feasts.
After the first Sabbath we travelled into the central Visayas region and stayed with the delightful Somela/Baylon family whom we have known for 30 years. They also live in a multi-home compound – at Binalbagan – on the coast south of Bacolod City. It was a great privilege and joy to be able to baptize Candice’s husband Fritz, who had been counselling with me via the internet ahead of our visit. We also hosted a dinner with about 20 in attendance, including a deacon and his wife from the Living Church of God who have been long time friends. It was refreshing to see the willingness to ignore organizational boundaries for fellowship and togetherness.
The next Sabbath back in Imus we had the baptism and at services the blessing of three children. With diverse backgrounds and many challenges, our brethren in the Philippines are very appreciative of the support given to them from the United States. It was valuable and encouraging to spend two weeks with them. They truly understand that the Church is a spiritual body and yearn for more contact with visitors from overseas.
Many have told us they were praying in regard to this trip and that it would be profitable. I can assure you that the prayers were answered. God clearly watched over us – and went before.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Brian Orchard
