“He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” (Psalm 33:5) As we see God at work, we are reminded of how good He has been to all of us.
The ministry here continues to see God’s blessings in the last quarter of 2024. Our Bible college continues to make progress as our students grow in their studies and ministries. I was able to teach two courses on child rearing, a class on personal finances, and the first of two courses on Biblical counseling. What a joy it is to see our graduates taking what they have learned in their college years and using it in their ministries. One graduate, Bro. Nelson Duran, is making progress as he starts a church in nearby Dauin, with over 150 saved through his personal soul winning. He has started Bible studies, where new believers are being taught practical, sound doctrine. He is already taking his converts out soul winning to reach their family, friends, and neighbors.
Our soul winning continues at a good pace. In the last two months of Thursday church-wide outreach, we have seen 514 saved. In addition, so far this year, we have recorded 622 saved and 247 baptized in our church services.
I arrived at my apartment for lunch one day and saw three teens using the shade on our property to work on a school project. I was able to speak with them, and they all gladly trusted Christ as their Saviour. God is very good to us, putting us in a city where people are open to the witness of soul winners.
Two of our graduates, Elmer and Abigail, became engaged on October 8. We are happy for them as they look towards their wedding in May. Our young adults continue to show it is possible to date properly and form solid Christian families.
On October 22, one of our staff men, Bro. Airo, was driving one of our church “pedicabs” with two students when a pedestrian ran right out in front of him. Swerving to avoid her, he crashed into a large pile of floor tiles stacked in front of a business. His head went through the windshield, severely gashing him. He spent over a week in the hospital as he underwent some surgery. He could have easily died, so we are very thankful that he and the other riders were spared.
In October, I began a new quarter of Sunday school lessons on the theme Staying True in the Last Days, based on II Timothy 3. With all the events going on in the world, it has been a blessing to teach our people to stand faithfully in the last days until Jesus comes.
On a personal note, I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving with my daughter Ruth and her family as they serve the Lord at Truth Baptist Church in Dapitan, which they planted over five years ago. It was fun getting to know five of my grandchildren, even if they had to put up with my puns!
I am sure you are glad that the U.S. elections are now over. May we keep our focus on that which is eternal and on God’s goodness that surrounds us. Have a very blessed Christmas and New Year!
Yours for souls,
Scott Christiansen
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- Chirwen, Nicolli, and Johnrey gladly trusted Christ.
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- Thanksgiving dinner with the Morrisseys in Dapitan
