Ray has seen, first hand, the problems and difficulties faced by small Protestant churches and pioneer groups in the Philippines. Pastors, church planters, teachers, evangelists and members live frugally, often missing out on meals or other temporal benefits to meet the cost of spreading the gospel and discipling converts. Their level of sacrifice is surpassed only by their zeal to do the Lord's work.
They live in areas that are ravaged by typhoons and, on a regular basis, flooded during the wet season, yet they pick themselves up after every trial and calamity, repair what needs to be repaired and get on with their lives and ministry with an upbeat attitude that would put us to shame.
Damage after a recent typhoon
God has placed us in considerably better and easier circumstances and it should be our privilege, if not our moral responsibility, to help them. At the current rate of exchange AUD$100 can go a long way in the Philippines.
Over a period of visits, through the generosity of a couple of churches, a few friends and a few family members, Ray has seen such things as Bibles being purchased for those who cannot afford them, Study Bibles supplied to pastors, laptops and printers provided for churches, a motorcycle replaced for a pastor who travels many kilometres each week to minister to several small churches and pioneer groups, and encouraging contributions being made into accounts for erecting new meeting shelters or buildings.
The pioneer church at Lagonoy, where ladies received Bibles
A pastor from Labo, Bicol with a replacement motorcycle
Pastors from Bicol in a training session in Nabua
The needs, however, are immense and ongoing and it is far beyond the ability of a few people to meet them. It has been my privilege to visit the Phillipines, fellowship with the believers in small, struggling Bible based churches, speak at their meetings and join with them in their efforts to spread the truth of the Word of God. This has given me the confidence to provide financial support to their efforts, knowing that they will be faithful in using the support to further the work of God. This DIRECT SUPPORT is of immense encouragement to the pastors, evangelists, teachers and members of these small groups.
The feedback I have received from recipients of support has given me assurance that it has been well used.
You may be in a position where you have personal knowledge of such groups and churches. If that is the case may I encourage you to consider supporting them.
I have not formed, nor do I represent, any registered charity. I am not inviting donations and I have no intention of handling anyone else's money. I am merely saying that DIRECT SUPPORT (i.e. knowing who you are supporting, and providing that support directly) is a great way of assisting those involved in the Lord's work in third world countries or developing countries like the Phillipines. The direct link helps you form a bond with those you support and helps you feel part of the work. I have found it to be a blessed experience.
Giving in this way carries no benefits as regards tax exemption, but is free of the administrative costs that often accompany registered charitable organisations.
From my perspective it is an idea worth pursuing.
Feeding programs run by churches at schools
If you wish to make any comments, or ask any questions, Ray can be contacted on: r.j.ewart@internode.on.net
A musical item at an interval at a prophetic conference in Nabua
