Cris Pano

Pastor Cris’ Testimony

Pastor Cris grew up on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. He was born to a devoted Catholic family that persecuted anyone who dared to become an evangelical believer in Jesus. As Cris grew, he saw his older brother become a follower of Jesus, who was then beaten and forced to flee for his life by his family. After some time, Cris was invited to a Christmas program at his brother’s church, and there decided to become a born-again believer in Jesus. He, too, had to flee for his life after telling his family of his faith and sought refuge in Manilla. While there, he met a Christian missionary who took Cris under his wing and helped him enroll in Luzon Baptist Bible School. It was there that he received definite confirmation from the Lord that he was to become a Pastor and, in 1996, planted his first church.

Through Cris’s faithfulness and experience planting churches and developing leaders, he became the Field Director for White Fields Ministry in 2017. As Field Director, Pastor Cris provides oversight and direction to church planters throughout the Philippines. He regularly visits pastors at their home churches, encouraging them and helping them build sustainable practices in their homes and ministry. He teaches at the local School of Theology, which prepares students for various areas of ministry and also serves as a way of developing young men who desire to become church planters in the Philippines.

 Read more about Cris Pano’s Testimony.

Recent Ministry:

Celebrating Four Years of God’s Goodness

Mambaling Christian Community Church celebrated its 4th anniversary in October, which was marked by a dedication ceremony for four children. Pastor Lito Jamisola, our WF church planter, was the guest speaker and led the child dedication. The church community generously shared food, ensuring plenty for all families in attendance. The message, centered around the theme “The Goodness of God” from Nahum 1:7, deeply resonated with the congregation, who felt truly blessed.

Mambaling Church members continue to grow spiritually and in numbers. The fathers, mothers, young people, and children all contributed special performances during the celebration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered their time and support for the event. The women’s group dedicated their efforts to decorating, cleaning, and cooking, while the men’s group handled the purchase of pork and fish. The young people organized the church program and prepared songs, making the anniversary celebration a meaningful and memorable occasion for all.

God’s Faithfulness for Eleven Years at Salag Christian Church

We joined in celebrating the 11th anniversary of Salag Christian Church in northern Cebu, where I was the guest speaker. Reflecting on the church’s history fills me with overwhelming joy, as I remember how the Lord paved the way for this ministry to begin. The memories of sacrifices and time spent helping them come to know the Savior and grow in their faith are heartwarming.

The celebration was meaningful and impactful. Many people in attendance experienced a revival that encouraged them to continue serving the Lord. Witnessing those faithfully journeyed from the beginning brought joy and deep gratitude.

Jolbert shared his powerful testimony of how the Lord transformed his life. He spoke about how attending Sunday services each week impacted him deeply as God’s Word began to work powerfully in his heart. Since making church a regular part of his life, he has experienced remarkable changes, eventually leading him to follow the Lord in water baptism. Now, Jolbert is an active member, faithfully joining our Sunday morning services.

Inspired by his journey, Jolbert has encouraged friends to attend as well. He brought two friends who now regularly join our worship services. We pray that the Lord continues to use Jolbert as a blessing to his family and friends, inspiring others with the hope and joy he has found.

Sugar shared her life testimony with tears of joy as she spoke to everyone gathered at our group Bible study. She opened up about the many sins and heavy burdens that once made her life feel hopeless. But she has found peace beyond understanding since listening to God’s Word. She realized the incredible power of His Word to heal and restore. Most importantly, she gave her life to Jesus as her Lord and Savior, experiencing a profound transformation.

When someone begins studying God’s Word, the Holy Spirit guides them toward a deeper understanding of the Savior. Group Bible study, however, is essential for helping believers grow in their Christian walk. I encourage new believers in Jesus to open their Bibles at each study session, familiarizing them with reading Scripture book by book and verse by verse. This approach has borne fruit, as everyone shares what they’ve learned and participates actively by connecting the verses to their lives.

Together, they enjoy fellowship, support one another, and strengthen their faith through encouragement and prayer. This uplifting experience brings them joy, and they continue to return, finding growth and happiness in their shared journey of faith.

The power of prayer – Twenty-one Baptized in Kalapate

I have often announced opportunities for water baptism to those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior in our new place of ministry. However, despite setting dates, no one initially came forward to be baptized. I encouraged them many times, but no one responded, which left me feeling discouraged and hopeless, seeing them attend Sunday services and listen to God’s Word but not take the next step of obedience. My wife Jen and I prayed that God would touch their hearts and lead them to obey His Word. Finally, this month, I am overjoyed that 21 people—fathers, mothers, and young people—decided to follow Jesus in water baptism, committing their lives without turning back. My heart is filled with joy, knowing our labor was not in vain. Please pray that these new believers will continue to grow in their commitment to serve Jesus faithfully until He comes.

Children’s Evangelism in Public Schools

We had the privilege of hosting 59 young Koreans from South Korea for three days of activities with children. We visited Don Carlos Gothong Elementary School, where the group presented various activities, including singing, taekwondo, a drama about creation, and a gospel bracelet. After sharing the Gospel, many Gothong National High School students responded to the invitation to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Additionally, we provided snacks and school supplies to 250 students. Please pray that these 250 elementary school students will come to know Jesus and that they will one day follow Him, finding a local evangelical church where they can use their gifts in service to the Lord.

Evangelism in Talisay Public School

Another group of 63 young Koreans visited us to evangelize high school students at Talisay National High School. We initially invited 250 students, as our budget for snacks and school supplies was limited to that number. However, when the Koreans began their activities, around 700 to 800 students showed up to watch the presentation. The entire gym was packed, with students standing because all the seats were filled. Through the drama about creation and the cross, many high school students responded to the call to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is inspiring to see how God is using these Korean youth to bring the Gospel to public schools, demonstrating the message of salvation to those who are lost. God is employing every means possible to fulfill the mandate to make disciples of all nations.

School Evangelism in Lahug, Cebu

We also visited Lahug National High School. Securing permission from public schools for such activities is not easy; it often involves sending a request to the Department of Education’s head office, with no guarantee of a timely response, and it can take weeks or even months to get approval. Despite this uncertainty, Korean visitors were eager to help us evangelize elementary and high school students. Fortunately, my wife, who is a teacher at Cebu Normal University, was able to use her professional authority to assist us. I took her to meet with the school principal, who, without hesitation, granted permission for the Korean visitors to conduct their activities at the school. It was a blessing to see how God used my wife to facilitate this opportunity for evangelism. Each year, these Korean visitors eagerly return to help us continue the work of the Great Commission.

A Testament of Faith Amid Tragedy

Despite the tragedy, seeing these children continue to attend our Saturday and Sunday activities brings me joy. They have grown over the years, and I encourage our teachers to help them develop their faith in Jesus. I pray that God will guide and protect them, keep them safe from harm, and support them in completing their education.

Fathers Involved in Sunday Ministry

Every Sunday morning service, I ask two of our members, Jimmy and Lito, to stand and read the Word of God in Cebuano so that everyone can hear and understand it more easily. Many older people find reading difficult, so having someone read the Scripture aloud benefits everyone. These two brothers take turns reading the Scripture during my sermon, and it’s encouraging to see their confidence in standing and sharing God’s Word. Although they are relatively new to the faith and gradually grow in understanding the Scriptures, I am delighted they participate in our Sunday services. I pray that they will continue to develop their faith in Jesus and eventually become leaders in our church.

Nurturing children 

Every month during our children’s ministry, I remind our teachers about the importance of nurturing the children’s spiritual growth and encouraging their regular attendance at our Saturday and Sunday activities. In five years, I see these children growing into young Christians actively involved in our Mambaling church. They represent the future generation that will continue the work of the Lord we have started. I pray they will develop strong faith and wholeheartedly commit to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

It is very easy for these children to adjust their bodies by lying on the floor while doing their assignments. Some are coloring, and some are making Bible characters. I pray that God will use these children for his glory.

MEN IN ACTION

The Mambaling Men’s Saturday class is filled with joy as they continue to grow in their faith in Jesus. The Lord now uses many of these men during our Sunday services. Some help lead worship as presiders, others offer the invocation, and one even serves as our Sunday preacher. God is bringing revival to their hearts, and they are now eager to use the gifts He has given them. Please pray for more men to come to Mambaling and be a blessing to their families rather than a burden. Also, pray that more men will surrender their hearts to Jesus, turning away from drugs and destructive behaviors that harm both their lives and their families.

Ongoing Ministry for Your Prayers:

Vacation Bible School Walk in the Bible

We conducted Vacation Bible School across three ministry locations. In Mambaling, we had 100 children participate over three days, and in Kalapati, we hosted 120 children for two days. We provided snacks, backpacks, and school supplies for the kids. Hearing the children memorize and explain the Old Testament panorama and perform hand actions at a young age was a blessing. Seeing them listen attentively to stories of creation and Old Testament characters was heartwarming. I encouraged our VBS teachers, reminding them as they nurture the children spiritually and help them grow closer to the Savior that these young ones are the future servants of the Lord, with God’s word taking root in their hearts.

The Future Young People in the Church

I consistently remind our church planters that if we faithfully minister to fifty children and nurture their growth in faith, I believe that in five years, we can have fifty young people actively serving the Lord in our local church. One significant advantage is that these children eagerly attend Bible classes every Saturday, whereas their predominantly catholic parents may not be equipped to teach them about God’s Word. This gives us a unique opportunity to educate them in the ways of the Lord. I always encourage our teachers to focus on the children while I concentrate on ministering to the adults. Some of these children have reached the age of twelve and participate in our youth camps, actively assisting in the children’s ministry. Please join us in prayer that God will send more teachers to reach even more children for His glory.

• Pray for God’s blessings to all our teachers to help these children know the Savior more intimately.
• Pray that all these children will grow their faith in the Lord

Building a Strong Foundation for Future Leaders

We divided our children’s ministry into three sections: beginners, primary, and juniors. This segmentation allows teachers to follow up with students weekly, get to know their families and tailor their teaching to each age group. The positive outcome is that many students now recognize their teachers and are encouraged to attend our Saturday activities regularly. As we focus on our five-year goal for the children’s ministry, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of these young ones. We have dedicated teachers in Mambaling—Nena, RJ, and Kenny—devoted to this mission. I pray that God continues to provide them with spiritual strength and wisdom to guide our children, ensuring they grow into devoted followers of Christ and future leaders in our community.

Overcoming Tragedy: A Story of Hope and Resilience

I am so happy to see the remarkable progress of these siblings, who faced a devastating tragedy four years ago. Their parents were murdered due to a conflict with a local drug lord. The two children, a daughter who was four years old and a brother who was two at the time, were left to navigate life without their parents. Despite these hardships, the children have grown up and attend our children’s ministry. Seeing their resilience and joy as they engage in church activities warms my heart. 

• Pray that God continues to protect them from harm and that they will complete their studies, growing into strong and successful individuals.

Beacon of Hope for Abandoned Children

We are overjoyed to see three abandoned children regularly attending our Saturday children’s ministry. Their weekly smiles testify to their resilience despite the deep hurt and longing for a family they carry within. The church has become a source of comfort and love for them, and they now see it as their God’s family. We continuously encourage them to join our activities, ensuring they feel supported and cared for. 

• Pray for them that they will know the Savior deeply.

Kenneth’s Journey to Emotional Recovery

During children’s ministry, I noticed a child who always kept his distance during activities and photos, never seeming happy and rarely smiling. He often played alone, avoiding participation with others. Curious, I asked one of the teachers about this boy’s behavior and learned his story. One of our teachers had adopted this boy, Kenny, into their family. The child was born into a broken home, where he suffered severe physical abuse and neglect. Touched by the Lord, Kenny’s parents offered to care for him, and his mother agreed, allowing them to take the boy in. However, his traumatic experiences left deep emotional scars, making it hard for him to feel joy. 

• Pray that God will use Kenneth’s adopted family to help the boy grow in his faith and find healing from his painful past. Pray for God’s blessings and guidance for this child.

A Joyful VBS in our Pioneering Work

This month, we held a two-day VBS at Kalapate Talisay, gathering 120 children daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Praise God for the excellent weather during our activities. We utilized the vacant lot outside the garage and a nearby mango tree as our venue. The Korean visitors blessed us by providing children’s drama, dancing, singing, face painting, and balloon making. The children were delighted with the activities, snacks, and school supplies they received. Please pray that these children will learn the Savior at a young age and for continued support for the Kalapate Pioneering Place of Work.

Transforming the Youth of Mambaling: A Call to Prayer and Action

Jen, my wife, continues to devote herself to teaching the youth in the Mambaling community. Sadly, many of the youth in Mambaling are involved in drug addiction, drug pushing, and other worldly activities. We witness young people openly selling drugs on the streets, only to scatter when police officers arrive and then resume their activities once the authorities leave. This environment breeds violence and crime, making it challenging to reach the youth with the message of Christ. Despite this, Jen remains focused on instilling a solid foundation in the Word of God and fostering a relationship with Him among the few who have given their hearts to Jesus. 

• Please pray for God’s transformative power to manifest in the Mambaling community, especially among the youth, and for our church’s young people to reach out to their peers trapped in this cycle of sin and bring them to the Savior.
• Pray that the stronghold of darkness in the community will be broken down, and God’s light will shine through all who hear God’s message.

Brother Kenji’s Journey Towards Leadership

We thank God for calling Brother Kenji to be one of the leaders of the men in our congregation. Kenji is a family man with strong charisma.  He shows great interest and care for others. He has shown great potential and is poised to become the future resident pastor of Mambaling Church. His rapid growth in understanding and teaching God’s Word and heartfelt preaching are genuinely inspiring. We are now preparing him to enroll in our Bible school to further his education and spiritual development. Please pray for God’s favor as we seek His guidance in nurturing Brother Kenji into our local church pastor.

Children Extension Class 

Every Saturday morning, we hold children’s classes at our church. In the afternoon, we conduct extended courses nearby. During these sessions, children learn about the Savior and, by faith, join us in a prayer of acceptance to give their hearts to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I pray that these children will develop the right relationship with Jesus and stay away from the drugs and vices they see in the adults around them in the community.

Visitation Time

Every Saturday afternoon, I join our men’s group for visitations. We encourage one another and pray for the families we visit. Our presence helps the families feel loved and supported. We learn their urgent needs every time we see our men’s houses. We thank God for Bro. Loki for being open to God’s word. 

Transforming Lives: A Journey of Redemption

My wife, Jen, embarked on a transformative journey this April, dedicating her Sunday afternoons to teaching elementary students at Mambaling Church. These children who grapple with poverty, academic struggles, and disruptive behavior, became the focus of our ministry efforts. Tragically, their innocence had been marred by the insidious influence of drug culture, with some coerced into serving as unwitting couriers for drug pushers. Amid this bleak reality, Jen courageously confronted their behavior, demanding respect and attention during her teachings. As I observed from the sidelines, my presence was a gentle reminder of accountability, prompting a momentary shift in their demeanor. Yet, Jen’s unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Jesus truly captured their hearts. Through heartfelt prayers and the sinners’ plea, many of these children found solace and salvation in accepting Jesus as their Savior. Despite the challenges, our prayer remains that God’s transformative grace will shield them from the clutches of darkness, guiding them toward a path of redemption and service to Him.

Planting Seeds of Faith in Kalapate, Talisay City

In our newly established ministry in Kalapate, Talisay City, the Sunday service attracts a growing number of attendees. It fills me with immense joy to witness the gradual enlightenment of these individuals as they come to understand the profound significance of the Bible in their lives—the living Word of God. Each Sunday, I emphasize the paramount importance of Scripture, underscoring the foundational truth of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. I endeavor to dispel any misconceptions they may have inherited, particularly the erroneous belief in salvation through mere adherence to rules and regulations. Instead, I passionately proclaim the message of true salvation—rooted in hearing God’s Word, believing in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, and accepting Him as their personal Lord and Savior. My fervent prayer is for these individuals’ spiritual growth and maturity so they may be firmly rooted in their faith and serve the Lord. Let us pray together, seeking God’s provision for acquiring a church building in Talisay City as we embark on this journey of faith and ministry expansion.

Farewell Message of Love from Rev. Lee and Sis Becky

In April, we had the privilege of hosting Rev. Lee, a dear Korean friend, and his wife, Becky, as they bid farewell to our congregation in Talisay City. They are now preparing to return to Korea after completing their teaching ministry contract at a seminary in Cebu City. Rev. Lee delivered his final sermon, graciously accepting my invitation to speak at our church in Mambaling and our new ministry location. Their presence was a source of great joy as they shared the Word of God and tangible expressions of love for our community. Rev. Lee and Becky have been a tremendous source of encouragement to our ministry, faithfully sharing the Word of God every month. Let us lift them in prayer, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide and bless them in their future endeavors.

Initiating Bible Study Amidst Religious Diversity

In April, our ministry in Lapulapu City embarked on its inaugural parent Bible study session at our new location. Carmie led the orientation while I took charge of the teaching. Despite initial apprehensions, the parents showed remarkable attentiveness and eagerness to absorb the presented teachings. Given the profoundly ingrained Catholic traditions in the Cebuano community, some expressed concerns about our intentions, fearing we might introduce unfamiliar religious beliefs. This skepticism stemmed from the cautionary messages propagated by their spiritual leaders, urging them to adhere strictly to Catholic teachings. However, as the session progressed, it became evident that we had captured their interest, prompting me to encourage them to invite others to join our future gatherings. Through fervent prayer, we hope that God will soften their hearts and lead them to embrace His word, transcending any preconceived notions or reservations they may have.

Integrating Bible Study with Livelihood Projects

We seized another opportunity beyond Sunday gatherings by initiating weekly sessions to share the Word of God. Concurrently, we introduced them to a livelihood project to supplement their income to meet their needs. Elvie guided them in detergent soap-making, which they could sell within their neighborhood. We encouraged them to form a women’s group, pooling their earnings to ensure every member could provide for their families during Christmas. With Bible study preceding the soap-making sessions, Carmie and Elvie took charge of teaching. We hope that this livelihood initiative will prove fruitful in aiding the most vulnerable families while we also pray for their spiritual growth.

Children’s Ministry: Fostering Learning and Creativity

The Saturday children’s ministry in Lapulapu proves highly productive, with Stella serving as a vessel for God’s teachings. Simultaneously, our youth in Kalapate led the children in singing. Stella exhibits remarkable talent and creativity in her teaching approach. Whether forming circles or arranging seats, she adapts to keep the children engaged and focused. Seeing these children regularly attending and absorbing the Word of God is heartening. Let’s pray for Stella’s continued guidance as she serves our Savior.

High Heat Index, High Perseverance

Our Saturday children’s class in Mambaling remains vibrant, drawing eager participants each week. Nena and Cristal diligently oversee the ministry, extending their reach to neighboring sitios for those unable to attend the church. Despite scorching temperatures, reaching up to 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, our teachers persevere in sharing the love of Jesus with these children. No location constraint can deter us from spreading the good news of salvation. Wherever there are children, we are committed to sharing Christ’s love and inviting families to join our Sunday worship services. Considering this high heat index, many children limit their going out on the streets.  Let’s pray for the good health of the teachers and the community as we strive to share God’s word with the younger generation.

Continuing the Mission: Overcoming Challenges in Lack of Classroom

This May, our teaching ministry has borne fruit. We thank God for the 4th commencement rites, with 30 students completing their Bachelor of Ministry. Most of our teachers at CKC School of Theology are Whitefield’s church planters, and many of our students come from WF pastoring churches. These graduates now assist local congregations with Bible study and teaching ministries and are well-equipped for mission work. However, we are facing a significant challenge: the senior pastor of the CK Church may not allow us to continue using their facilities for our teaching program. Despite this, we have announced that the next class for new students will commence in July, and we are urging all our pastors to encourage young potential students to enroll. I am praying for 30 new students for the next semester. If the CK Church does not permit us to use their facilities this semester, we pray for another facility to continue our leadership teaching ministry. I firmly believe that when God closes one door, He will open another. Please pray that we will have facilities again for Filipino pastors and leaders training.

Celebrating David’s Milestone and Praying for Future Blessings

On May 29, 2024, my son David graduated from senior high school. He is now enrolled in college, pursuing a course in civil engineering. My wife Jen and I are thrilled to welcome David back to Cebu after his two years of study in Palawan. Pastor Doods, our resident pastor in Palawan, has asked for all graduates—from elementary to college—to be recognized and encouraged to serve the Lord while they continue their education. He prays for them as they advance to the next level of their studies and for the newly graduated college students to find good jobs and reputable companies. We are also happy that David is committed to leading youth activities in our church and engaging with the young people at his new workplace. I pray that the Lord will use my son in His work, particularly in handling the youth ministry and playing musical instruments in our church. I pray that the Lord will bless him so he can complete his college education and continue to be a blessing in our church ministry.

Kobe’s Graduation and Continued Journey of Faith and Service

My grandson Kobe recently graduated from Grade 10 high school, and my wife Jen attended his graduation. Kobe has now returned to Manila to continue his studies in senior high school, where he will stay with his mom. After completing senior high school, he plans to return to Cebu for college. We are grateful for the time Kobe spent with us over the past two years, during which he helped the church in music and children’s ministry. It brings me joy to see my family members serving the Lord together.

Overcoming Spiritual Blindness: A Call to Humility, Prayer, and Baptism

On the first Sunday of May, I began a sermon series on the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, focusing on humility, prayer, seeking God, and turning from sin. I encouraged everyone to open their Bibles during my preaching. However, some could not read due to a lack of reading glasses, so my wife Jen read the Cebuano Bible aloud, ensuring everyone could hear and understand. We have been ministering to 30 families for more than six months now. These attendees have been trained to open the Bible and appreciate its meaning and application. We pray that the Lord will move their hearts to proper worship and open their eyes to the truth. This first Sunday of June, my message will again focus on water baptism, emphasizing its importance according to God’s word. Pray that God will transform their hearts and minds, breaking the chains of spiritual blindness caused by religious beliefs and practices. May He open their spiritual eyes and set them free.

Honoring Mothers

This May, we joyfully celebrated Mother’s Day. The Mambaling church prepared unique tokens of appreciation for all the mothers in our congregation and Kalapate. We gave them T-shirts and water containers to help beat the heat. The young people performed unique numbers, and each church member extended warm Mother’s Day wishes to all the mothers. In these pioneering works in Mambaling and Talisay, it is noteworthy that mothers comprise the majority of the church attendees.  We always embrace the opportunity to meet their spiritual needs. I invited all the mothers to stand in front, offering appreciation and praying for God’s protection and good health. Pray that these mothers will continue to be faithful children of God, serving Him with unwavering dedication.

Nurturing Young Believers under the Mango Tree

The children are thrilled to be on vacation with no school during the summer, and we have a large turnout for our weekly children’s class. We have divided the group into two to accommodate everyone, with some meeting under the shaded mango tree near our rented space. Due to the intense heat, we ensure the kids stay cool under the tree while our teachers conduct the lessons. Our young people lead the singing and assist the children in memorizing a new Bible verse each week. Our goal is that God will raise a new generation of believers in Jesus through these children and young people, as the children are more receptive to the gospel than their parents. Pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of these little ones and fill them with the love of Jesus.

Hesitant hearts, Listen to God’s Word.

While the children were doing their activities, we gathered all the parents for our corporate group Bible study. After my Bible study teaching, we asked them what they had learned about our topic. We want them all to participate to know whether they are listening. Most have already accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior but need to grow in their faith in the Lord. Some of the attendees are not willing to give up their religious beliefs because they are afraid that if they die, they will not be buried in the cemetery without the prayer of the priest. Some of them are the ones who encourage others who attend our weekly Sunday services not to change their religion.  I am praying that God will convict their hearts not to follow the teachings of men but to listen and obey according to God’s Word and will follow Jesus in water baptism. They attend every Sunday service but are unwilling to obey the Bible’s commands.

Children help meet the needs of the Family.

Twp siblings have been actively attending our children’s ministry since we started our work in Mambaling. Their father’s source of income for living is fishing; sometimes, it is hard to catch fish, and when coming home, there are not enough fish to sell. The mother is a housekeeper and washing clothes as a source of income. These two sisters try to help their parents by selling bread in the neighborhood, so they have money for the fare to school and extra money to buy food before they go to school. And if they sell many, some money will be given to their mother to help with their daily needs. One sister attends our children’s activities weekly and helps our teacher clean the floor and wash glasses and plates after the children’s activities. I pray that the Lord will continue to help these girls grow their faith in the Lord so they can finish their studies and college. Understanding how they can go to college is tough, but nothing is impossible with God. The impossible for men is not impossible with God.

Early age is malleable for training for God.

We have opened another children’s ministry on another site near our church in Mambaling, where our teachers gather the children and start teaching them. It is our love to reach out to the children in our community so that they will come to know the Savior. They sing, and the children also participate and teach the Bible story. Most kids follow the prayer to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the prayer. I am praying that God will hear these kid’s prayers and that they will grow in the knowledge of the word of God. I know God is happy to see these little kids offer their hearts to Him. Praying for God’s protection and good health for these children.

Nurturing Faith: The Mambaling Children’s Ministry

Mambaling has a population of 30,459 in 2023, many of which are children. Anywhere you turn your face, you will see children of different ages.   Hence, the focus of our ministry is to reach out to these children who are in danger of becoming drug peddlers.  We are delighted to see the children actively participating in their weekly activities at the Mambaling Children’s Ministry. We sincerely appreciate our dedicated teachers’ love and commitment to helping these children grow closer to the Lord. Each week, the children memorize new Bible verses and songs and learn about Bible characters to understand the spiritual significance and strengthen their faith. In addition to spiritual lessons, we teach the children to be responsible by not littering. We guide them in worship through singing, studying, and listening to God’s word, fostering a well-rounded foundation in their faith journey.

Political Campaigns transferred the Children’s ministry venue to a better space. Every month, we have children’s ministry in the Lapu-Lapu-covered gym.  This month of May, our children’s ministry in Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, faced unexpected challenges when barangay officials informed us on the day of our activities that we could not use the covered gym due to a political campaign by a particular government official. With the children already present and ready to start, we quickly sought an alternative venue. I asked the security guard at the Times Square building to escort me to the administration office to request permission to use the second floor. While waiting for approval, our team, led by Korean visitors and church leaders, began the children’s activities, thanks to the security guard’s generous allowance. We praise God for this provision. We also contacted the parents present during the activities, sharing the gospel with them. Carmie started evangelism sessions, and one parent expressed interest in hosting a weekly Bible study at their home. Pastor Lito Jamisola will lead this new pioneering work in Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

My wife, Jen, teaches young people during their youth fellowship every Sunday afternoon. Jen teaches first, then young people are grouped into groups of four and report to the large group what they have learned about the topic. They start with the question-and-answer portion, particularly the message they have heard. The answer to one question that struck us the most is the question: Who is the Holy Spirit?  Some cannot answer, and many of them do not answer correctly.  This ignited our hearts to teach more and let the young generation appreciate the God of the Bible. I am praying that God will help this young generation give their hearts to Jesus and be used by the Lord in future ministry in our local church and community.

Faith and Fellowship: A Sunday Morning Journey at Kalapate, Talisay City

Our Sunday morning service at Kalapate, Talisay City, is going well, with many adults attending our service, maybe because the pastor is a senior citizen. I invited one of my Korean friends, Rev. Lee, to be my guest speaker while I was interpreting. Rev. Lee and his wife are here in Cebu to be seminary teachers. On the couple’s first visit to our new place, they expressed their delight in joining us for our Sunday service. Although we started at 8 a.m., the people were ahead of us, ready to worship God by hearing God’s word and joining us in worshipping and praising God. Jen led the worship, and the youth helped her in singing. Few fathers come on Sunday; most are mothers. Young people are also joining our Sunday activities. Every Sunday, we help them open the Bible as we preach so they know that what we say is the word of God. It is hard for their minds to understand the word of God as they are Catholic defenders. They embrace so much and follow all the Catholic requirements to be saved; it is all about doing pious works, not realizing that the work was already done by Jesus two thousand years ago on the cross of Calvary.  We guide these people to come to the Savior by faith alone, not by their good works. 

Pray that God will open their spiritual eyes to know the truth, and the truth will set them free. God’s word can transform them through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, change their minds, and lead them to embrace the new faith in Jesus alone.

Building Brotherhood: Strengthening Men’s Fellowship in Salag Church This month, I brought some of our men from Mambaling Church to our Salag church in the northern part of Cebu. The purpose is to encourage men to have fellowship to strengthen the men in Salag church, primarily when no pastor has yet been assigned. Two churches right now have no pastors: the Mambaling Church and the Salag Church. But through our visitation, they are all encouraged to continue serving the Lord. They all attend the fellowship in the evening and share their life testimony and how they came to know the Lord. Through sharing their Christian lives, they are all blessed to hear the testimony of how the Lord changed their lives. Before breakfast, we have morning devotion, and Bong, one of our church leaders in Salag Church, shares the word of God with them, and they all strengthen and are encouraged to serve the Lord faithfully.

Blossoming Blessings: Nurturing Children’s Ministry in Basak Lapu-Lapu City

This month, the children’s ministry in Basak Lapu-Lapu City is doing well. We started this program in February. The barangay captain is accommodating; they allowed us to use the barangay’s covered gym as our shelter for every Saturday activity for free, and I can use the place for a one-year program. We are happy that God used many ways to reach out to the children for the Lord, and at the same time, we can also evangelize the parents. 

Please pray for God’s wisdom in maintaining the children’s ministry for one year. And God’s wisdom on how we can bring them into a place where we can start our Sunday activities to gather the parents and children. Pray that God grants our prayer to have our place or facilities for the children’s ministry.

Saturday Stories: Nurturing Hearts in Kalapate, Talisay City

We continued our children’s ministry every Saturday in Kalapate, Talisay City. Cristal does the storytelling in the Bible, and while Cristal continues talking, we give coloring materials to the nursery to avoid moving and talking. When Cristal asks a question to be answered, many understand what she is saying and raise their hands to answer it, a good sign that the children are interested in hearing God’s word. Pray that these little ones will give their heart to Jesus and serve Him as their Lord and Savior.

Growing Hearts: Teaching Young People to Teach

We helped the Careta Cemetery in Cebu City, Children’s Ministry, for two months, where Pastor Jonet is our assigned worker. Our coming to Careta is to encourage the potential young people in the cemetery to have a passion for evangelizing the children. We also took this opportunity to bring our youth to Kalapate, Talisay City, so they could observe how we can gather children and teach them effectively in every department. We are happy to see the children attending our Saturday morning activities. We divide the group into two departments: grades 1-3 in one group and grades 4–6 in another. It is not easy for the teacher to get the kids’ attention, so they must speak loudly and with body language to attract the children to focus their eyes and minds on what the teacher is talking about. We also put the assistant teacher at the back while the teacher is teaching.

Pray that the children in the cemetery will come to the Savior and grow their faith in Jesus. Pray for the parents that they will continue joining in our Sunday morning service in Careta. Pray for our church leader, Pastor Jonet, to continue to be passionate about reaching every family living in the Careta cemetery. Pray for the church leaders to help Pastor Jonet reach out to the people living in Careta Cemetery.

This month, we are starting a livelihood program for mothers in Kalapate, Talisay City, Cebu. Elvie is teaching them how to make powdered soap detergent as a source of income at home. All the mothers who attended the activities were happy to have this livelihood project. They started selling the product to their neighbors at a very low price compared to the store. I hope and pray that this livelihood and their faith will grow, and they may become faithful followers of Jesus. Pray for the mothers who participate in the livelihood activities so that they can form a cooperative program. 

Maricel is a very active mother who attends our church’s Sunday service. She has devoted her time to beautifying the church. Even though she has only one leg, it is not a hindrance for her to do her service to the Lord. All the decorations inside the sanctuary and outside are her efforts to make the church happy and active. Even the offering and the church wall are lovely and beautiful. Pray that Maricel’s husband will continue to grow in his faith. Her husband is joining Maricel in attending our Sunday worship service. Pray that Maricel will be healthy, free from sickness, and safe when walking and going to church.

In January, we could not attend our church in Mambaling because many roads and streets were closed due to the Sinulog festival, where millions of Catholics celebrate the Feast of Santo Niño. Along with innumerable people came the millions of idol images in the streets, people dancing, and the Sinulog parade. That Sunday, after teaching the parents about graven images, Jen followed up with the youth who came on Sunday afternoon. Jen started by worshipping God through singing, then teaching the youth about the parable of the ten virgins. Jen gave them the three warnings in the parable that there are things that we cannot obtain in the last minutes, for now, is the time of God’s salvation, that there are things that we cannot borrow as salvation cannot be borrowed, and that Jesus comes at an unexpected time.   Jen challenged and prayed for the young people to give their hearts to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I believe God cursed my country because of idolatry. That is why so many people are living in squatter areas, and they are the poorest of the poor.

Prayer requests:

Pray for our ministry area, where so many people use drugs. Crime is on the rise, and people are killed almost every month in the place of our work due to the drug war in the community where we are working. Pray for God’s protection for all our church leaders and me as well.

The families who started attending one year ago are now in our Sunday worship service and continue to attend our weekly teaching. Elvie is doing well, teaching the families to grow their new faith in Jesus. We are blessed as they grow in their knowledge of the Word of God. Some read their Bible at home, and some already know how to pray. Every Sunday, I call one of them to come forward to do the opening prayer, and I am delighted they know how to pray. Some of them accompany me during my visits to the community. It is a great blessing for me to see them; they have the passion to reach out to the community to come to know the Savior. Pray that we can have our own church building in this new pioneering place of work.

Stepping aside with the Leaders to Plan Strategically

In January, we invited our church leaders in Mambaling Church to make a one-year calendar of activities and a proposed budget for 2024. My wife, Jen, sponsored us to pay for our hotel accommodation in a central hotel near our office. I shared with them the elements of a productive ministry. Before discussing our agenda, during our evaluation, four of our church leaders were encouraged to do the home visitation and follow-up and conduct home Bible studies. After discussing our agenda, we prayed together as a team, asking the Lord to remember our mission work. Our church leaders are happy and reminded that once a year, they can also experience staying in a hotel, even for one night only. This is God’s favor for them: being used by the Lord and serving in the community. We eat good food in the hotel, and all are refreshed. Pray that God will call more church leaders to continue spreading the good news of God’s salvation.

Ministering to our Musicians

Mambaling Church is a new, growing church; hence, we do not have mature Christian musicians—every opportunity I send ours for encouragement.  Our church musicians brought two more musicians into the church; they are devoted Catholic members. Al is 77 years old and is separated from his wife. He is alone, living in the house with no work, and his source of income is playing guitar if someone invites him or playing in the Catholic church. Glenn is also a very devoted Catholic member and has been a member of the Catholic choir until the present. I started presenting salvation to them during class, and after my teaching, Al reacted by saying that for us to be saved, we must do good work. He said faith in Jesus alone without good works is not real faith and is not true salvation. I slowly explained Ephesians chapters 2:8–9 to him and Glenn that our salvation is by Jesus alone, grace alone, not by our good work. Please pray for these two musicians that both may clearly understand why Jesus died on the cross. Pray that God speaks to their hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord make them grow spiritually.

Sunday School Room in the 21^st century

Our weekly children’s ministry is doing well. Every Saturday, our teachers provide materials to use for children’s learning. We need a budget to buy new materials, but the teachers xerox the materials to minimize our weekly children’s ministry expenses. Our church has no table for them, so we use the floor as their table for coloring activities. Children find it very easy to adjust their bodies when doing activities because most of them live in houses with no tables, so when they study, they are down on their knees with the floor as their table. This child is regularly active during our weekly activities. Pray that they will grow in God’s word; when the time comes, they will remember the teacher who taught them to know the Savior.

Women are growing in the Lord.

The women’s ministry is doing well, and this is the women’s group that Carmie, one of our church leaders, leads weekly bible study. Sometimes, she invited Elvie to be the teacher in their women’s fellowship. Carmie is doing well with this group; she requested that women memorize Bible verses from the Old and New Testaments each meeting. So, every one of them memorized one verse in the Bible weekly. The mothers grow little by little in God’s word.

Prayer requests:

Pray that more mothers in the Mambaling community give their hearts to Jesus. Pray that the Lord will use Carmie in doing group Bible study. Carmie now has five weekly group Bible studies in the Mambaling community. Pray that God will touch the hearts of the families and that they will join in our church Sunday worship service.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord – The decision of Nena.

Nena is one of our active teachers, handling the children’s ministry, and she also has children’s extension work every week and conducts home Bible study. She has five group bible studies every week. She is a single mom but decided to serve the Lord.  Nena always claims the word of Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”

Prayer requests:

Pray that Nena remains in good health and away from sickness. Nena’s mother is now actively attending our Sunday worship service because of Nena’s faith. Nena is eager to bring her mom to the Lord, and now she is also praying that her younger brother and father will give their hearts to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Meet Cristal -one of our church leaders.

Cristal, one of our teachers, handles the children’s ministry. She was a Bible study attendee with two kids and decided to serve the church by being a leader.  She encourages women in the community to attend Bible studies, and she becomes an encouragement in her visitation, follow-up, and weekly home Bible studies. She has five home bible studies per week. I am pleased because Rolando, her husband, and Cristal have now decided to enroll in our Bible school to be equipped to handle God’s children’s ministry. Cristal is also training the young teens to assist him during classes.

Praying together in the daily devotional meeting

One of the strengths of our church leaders in Mambaling is that they continue the daily nightly devotional meeting by studying book-by-book and chapter-by-chapter. One chapter every day, and all can share what they have learned from the passage of Scripture. After the study, they start their corporate prayer, praying for the church members, leaders, and pastor. I am confident that God will not forget their sacrifices for the Lord’s ministry. Pray that they will continue the passion of their hearts to have daily devotional meetings.

Whitefield’s Christmas -Party Delight!

In December 2023, we celebrate Christmas by bringing our families to a beautiful place in the mountain area of Cebu City. The place is very refreshing because it is a cold area away from the noisy crowd, where our families can refresh and have a break for two days.

Arnel led the morning devotion early, and RJ and Jen organized family games, creating joyful moments with the kids and parents. The day is filled not only with delicious food but also with gift surprises. We used the same event to distribute their 13th-month bonus through Pastor Steve Wheeler in the WF. We thank Pastor Steve and the WF supporters for the financial support for our Christmas celebration. May God bless the WF ministry and its extended family.

Cebu Korean Church Sale for a Cause: Gifting Joy to the Needy

The pandemic halted the Christmas celebration in the Cebu Korean Church for three years.  But again, this December, we gathered all our Bible students, including the poorest of the low-income families, to join our Christmas celebration. All in all, we gathered 150 participants during the said activity.

It has been a tradition among the Korean family members in Cebu Korean Church to have a garage sale, disposing of their stuff and other personal belongings for a one-day garage sale. Korean families brought all their secondhand belongings or things not needed to church and sold them at a low price.  Some stuff like kitchen utensils, televisions, travel bags, clothes, shoes, toys for the children, and many more. Proceeds were used to purchase gifts for the families and pastors. They buy rice and groceries for the 150 participants as their Christmas gifts. I lead the worship by singing and praying. Lito Jamisola is our guest speaker. All of them are happy to receive 10 kilos of rice and groceries as their family’s Christmas food this Christmas season. After the worship part, CKC served Korean food for all our Bible school students. But the blessing the families receive is not only a material blessing; they also go home, bringing the good news of salvation. The event was significant and successful.

Pray that those families come to know the Savior as their Lord and Savior, and someday, all these families will be active members of the local church where they live.

Soulful Celebrations: Bible, Reflections, and Games Galore

On December 17, we celebrated our Christmas activities at our new pioneering church in Kalapate, Talisay City. Jen led the indoor games, and after my preaching, Jen led the group to share what they had learned from my message. And most of them understand why we celebrate Christmas. After the activities finish, we immediately go to Mambaling Christian Church for another Christmas celebration. At the same time, we prepared food for our family members, Jen did the indoor games, and I did the preaching.

From Break to Blessing: Vacation-Turned-Ministry with Pastors and Sponsors

On December 21, my wife Jen and I visited Puerto Princesa City for the Christmas holidays with my son David. When my friends learned about it, a few expressed their willingness to share their blessings with other pastors and workers. Our intention for a tranquil celebration transformed into a livelier and joyful occasion.  We called for a fellowship and shared the blessings with 25 pastors and workers through rice and some needed grocery items.  The participants also enjoyed unlimited rice, grilled chicken, barbecues, and ice cream.  I’m happy to see the pastors enjoying the food. I felt so blessed to be the channel of blessing to our fellow workers in Christ.  I was also delighted to meet one of my young people now serving in the military. His name is Dwight Collantes. He was my guitarist in our church and now works for the government as a musician/soldier.

Spiritual Glow: Prayers in the Dark Church

On December 23, Saturday morning, Pastor Doods, our church pastor in Puerto Princesa City, invited me to speak at the daughter church 40 kilometers from Puerto Princesa City, celebrating Christmas.  The church is beside the Ugong Rock Adventures.  Ugong Rock, a limestone formation soaring 75 feet above a rice field, encompasses caves and narrow passages that guide visitors to a viewing deck atop the breathtaking rock structure. Its name originates from the reverberating sound, known as “ugong,” produced when tapping the hollow limestone within the cave. 

Gratitude Rising: A Construction of Sacrifice and Blessings

On December 24, we celebrated our Thanksgiving Sunday in the new church building. This church started 26 years ago, and now the Lord has blessed the church members.  Each family sacrificially gave their money to build a new church building. All the church members, from parents to young professionals, sacrificially gave their money to help build a concrete church building. The church invited me to be their guest speaker at their Thanksgiving celebration. All the church members brought their food for lunch and encouraged everyone attending our Thanksgiving Sunday to enjoy the food they prepared. Pray that the Lord bless all the church members and their needs, especially the church building.

Pastoral Dedication: Nurturing Seeds of Missionary Growth

On December 25, my family, Pastor Doods, and I visited another daughter church in the Municipality of Narra, Palawan.  It is 60 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa City.  The church building is new; the floor is already tiled, but the windows are still open, and the church has a full-time pastor.  Some teachers from the university are now members of the church, and some professionals also actively attend church every Sunday. The church members helped build their church building.

Their parsonage is not yet finished, so many things are still needed. The pastor is single and has only a simple mat to sleep on.  We thank God for a full-time pastor. His name is Jason; he was one of the young people in our mother church in Puerto Princesa City. When he graduated from college, he committed to being used by the Lord as a full-time pastor at Narra Church.

Pray that the Lord will continue to help the new members grow spiritually.

When I visited the church, I felt a gloomy yet lively environment, they have no electricity in the area yet, and everybody uses solar-powered lights and fans.  Despite these, the members are faithful to be part of the congregation in their worship.  They do not have a full-time pastor yet, but they have a church property and a church built of light material.  Although their chairs were made of wood, the blessing of the Lord brought the families to give their hearts to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Pray that the electricity will reach the place. Pray also a full-time pastor in the church.

Holiday Faith: Christmas Getaways with Gospel Joy

On December 26, we stayed in Narra, Palawan, and enjoyed swimming with my family. My son brought his friend, a Filipino Chinese and an atheist. His family background is communist. Pastor Doods shared the word of God with him while we stayed in the place. I continued praying while Pastor Dood shared the gospel with the boy. He promised to meet Pastor Doods again in one place in Puerto Princesa City with my son in January 2024.

Pray that the Lord will open his heart, that God will open his spiritual eyes to the truth, and that he will give his life to Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord.

Faithful Connections: Visiting Evangelist Friend with Encouragement and Prayers

On December 27, we visited my pastor friend in Quezon, Palawan -Ptr. Danny. Quezon, Palawan, is 100 km away from the city.  Ptr. Danny was my helper during my film showing crusades in the whole province of Palawan. After I left Palawan, he continued my work as an area evangelist in the entire province of Palawan. Their family prepared food for our lunch and talked and shared about our ministry, encouraging one another in words and prayers. He is suffering from a benign cyst in the jaw, which he has carried for years already.

Pray for God’s healing for Pastor Danny and protection for him and his household.

Marriage Vow: A Journey of Commitment in Matrimony

On December 28, I solemnized a wedding ceremony for one of our church members, BJ and Joy, in their home place. Their house is near the seashore. Thus, they had a beach wedding. Their parents were my church members when we started the church and have been very faithful to serving the Lord as a family.

Wedding Anniversary Bliss: Bible Study and Church Leaders Planning

December 30 is my wedding anniversary, but we decided to spend it with our bible study with Nuevo Café staff.  We are glad to share God’s word with the staff as they shared their bible reflections and personal acceptance of their weaknesses and God’s grace.

On the same day, we led our church leaders for the leaders planning.  We had some activities and Bible devotions, which gave the leaders some refreshing lessons.  We discussed everything about the growth of the church. Putting God first in everything is meaningful for Jen and me. After Bible study, we picked up our church leaders and went to the hotel together. I praise God for his word in the book of Psalm 23:6: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. To God, all glory belongs to Him alone!

Pray that the Lord will lead our church leaders to exceed our expectations for next year, 2024. Praying for God’s wisdom and strength to all our church leaders as they are now facing a new challenge in the ministry for the next year.

This month, I started to go every Sunday to our new place to lead the believers in worshiping God by singing. I taught them that part of our worship is to express our thankfulness through singing. I lead the singing and the people enjoy worshiping God. We sang Cebuano contemporary songs so it would be easier for them to understand the message of the song. I also taught them how to worship God by giving an offering.

We are happy to see everyone participating by giving. I appointed a temporary treasurer to keep the offering money every Sunday. Pioneering work at the very beginning is not easy because you do all the roles. I do the teaching and then also play the instruments for the singing. I thank God for my teacher in Bible school who encouraged me to learn the guitar to be used for worship and singing. So, through his encouragement, I decided to learn to play the guitar.

I use the guitar in every pioneering work that I start, and I begin teaching basic guitar lessons to those with the potential and the desire to learn. In my house, I have my own guitar to use whenever needed. As time goes by, and we have someone who knows how to play well, my own guitar will then be donated to the new pioneering work to be used at every Sunday service.

I am happy to see new believers in Christ worship Him through singing. I am praying that they will fully understand the meaning of true worship.

• Pray also for our first water baptism in this new pioneering workplace.
• Pray that God will give these new believers strength and courage to follow Jesus in water baptism even if the Catholic Church leaders and family members seek to hinder them.

I invited Elvie, our WF treasurer to conduct a training program titled Community Health Education (CHE). The program is conducted for six months, helping the community by educating them on health issues, creating a clean environment, and teaching them how to start their own livelihood program. This program will be a big help to the community because this approach helps them in the physical aspect but also spiritually. The goal is for the people to come to know the Savior.  After six months of activities, the CHE will have their commencement experiences and they can receive their certificate of completion. The group really enjoyed following Elvie as she presented a new song with action. Most importantly, they listen intently when Elvie is sharing the Word of God.

• Pray that God will help this program in the community.

We started our first children’s ministry every Saturday at our new pioneering work. Rose is one of our prospective church leaders at our church work and she has been encouraged to study at our school of theology.  She is now helping by teaching the children. Rose is a single mother and enjoys teaching the kids in our area.

• Pray that we can have our own church building someday in this place. Pray that the Lord will use our own church building for his glory.

This month I brought Shiela and her children to Jollibee for their favorite chicken and spaghetti. I am seeking to get to know each family and using this popular fast-food restaurant as a unique and once-in-a-lifetime treat for them. Shiela is applying to be a saleswoman at Gaisano Mall. Being a sales lady in the Philippines means earning approximately 350 Philippine pesos (seven USD) as daily wages. Her husband has no permanent job and sometimes drives an electronic bike as a source of income. The kids were very happy with the Jollibee food. Part of their family bonding time is praying that her husband can find a regular job to support the family. Despite their financial situation, Sheila and the children actively attend our Sunday worship service and enjoy the fellowship. Recently she gave her testimony on how the Lord has provided for their daily needs. The school is not far from their house, so the kids can walk back home for lunch and then return to school, so no transportation expenses are needed.

• Pray for the kids to finish their studies strong so they can finish their future college courses.