Dear Brethren in Christ,
Christian greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! We pray that you are all doing well and rejoicing in His abundant love and blessings. By the grace of God, the Manaring and Fugu Sur congregations are also doing well and continuing to serve the Lord.
For those who may not be familiar with our location, both congregations are in the northern part of Luzon in the Philippines. The Manaring Church of Christ is in Ilagan City, Isabela Province, and the Fugu Sur Church of Christ is in Tumauini, Isabela Province.
Worship, Preaching, and Bible Studies
Throughout October, we continued our regular Sunday worship services in both congregations, with good attendance. Our lessons included “The Christian Race” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27), “The Blessings of a Faithful Christian,” “A Christian Lives a Risen Life” (Colossians 3:1–5), and “When God Forgives a Sinner” (Acts 3:19).
My wife and I also continued our home visitations and Bible studies in several communities, including Bangad, Arcon, Pilitan, and Fugu Sur. These visits provide opportunities to encourage our brethren, strengthen their faith, and share God’s Word with their families.
We also had an opportunity to conduct a Bible study with a family in Barangay Tangkul, Ilagan City. Another study in Fugu Sur provided an opportunity to teach a family member who is not yet a Christian about the teachings of Christ. We hope that, through continued study and encouragement, he will come to understand the Gospel and obey the Lord.
Community Outreach and Fellowship
I was invited to serve as the speaker for a monthly senior citizens’ assembly in Barangay Fugu Sur, where I shared a spiritual message with those in attendance.
We also participated in several thanksgiving services and family celebrations throughout the month. These gatherings provided opportunities for fellowship and sharing God’s Word. My wife and I attended weddings in Tabuk City, Kalinga, including one where we had the honor of serving as godparents.
We also attended the wake of a neighbor who had passed away. I shared a brief spiritual message to comfort the grieving family and offer encouragement during their time of loss.
In addition to our regular ministry activities, we helped clean the church grounds and prepare the building for Sunday worship.
Prayer Requests
My wife and I visited several members and families facing health difficulties during the month. We prayed for a sister who was hospitalized with high blood pressure and for another who was experiencing a serious illness. Sadly, one sister was diagnosed with cancer following a biopsy. We were able to provide some financial assistance toward her needs and offered prayers for her and her family. Please especially remember her in your prayers.
Our family also experienced a few health concerns. I received medical treatment after being bitten by our dog, and two of our daughters needed medical attention for coughs and colds. We appreciate your prayers for our family’s continued health and well-being.
Dear brethren, these are some of the opportunities and activities the Lord blessed us with during October. Please continue to pray for us, the congregations in Manaring and Fugu Sur, and the continued growth of the Lord’s work here.
Thank you once again for your love, prayers, and continued support. May God bless you all!
In Christian love,
Samson Basilio