Ed Quetua

P.O. Box 1504

Wheaton, IL 60187-1504

 

Dear Brethren in the Lord:

 

   “And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plaque, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles." (Zechariah 14: 18)

 

    In their last reports, the brethren mentioned that an intense tropical storm named ‘Ondoy’ (international codename: Ketsana) hit parts of Central Luzon over the weekend of September, causing severe flooding to several provinces and brought large parts of Metro Manila and surrounding areas to a standstill. This destructive storm dumped a month's worth of rainfall in Luzon Island in about eight hours, overwhelming already strained drainage systems and partially submerging parts of the capital region with flash floods in such a short amount of time. In less than week, another tropical storm ‘Pepeng’ (international name ‘Parma’), carrying strong winds and heavy rains, made landfall at northeastern part of Luzon island (Cagayan province), Saturday afternoon (3rd October), diverting its path away from Metro Manila and Calabarzon regions. Both private and government agencies continued to mobilize, address, respond, and extend their services and round-the-clock operations on rescue efforts, evacuations, medical aid, welfare assistance, sanitation/ hygiene, health care, fishery/ agriculture/ economic recovery, power restoration, rebuilding, rehabilitation programs and other services. The rented place and apartment used by the brethren for worship were spared from the flash floods, but some brethren and church visitors experienced some degree of flooding in their homes. In these past stormy weeks, the Sunday worship and mid-week prayer services continued according to God’s appointed time, but some of the brethren were not able to attend church because of the impassable flooded roads. Please remember the brethren in your faithful prayers. “He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” (Psalms 33: 7-9) “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12: 32)

 

    The brethren said that at Bro. Arman's home, they were joined by Bro. Alfie

 in studying "Repentance Unto Life" in Bro. C.D. Cole's Volume II book, ‘Definitions of Doctrine - Sin, Salvation and Service.’ May the Holy Spirit give these precious souls a deep understanding of the truth and disassociate themselves from the one-world church in the village that teaches another gospel. At the Floodway Bible study, the work also continues to husband and wife Michael and Weng and an older housewife, Perlita. The Bible study also continues at the home of Bro. Ruben and Sister Rosa at the Dividend Homes, and also in Junction, Cainta. Bible study also continues with Bro. Allan, Aldie, AJ, Arman, Carla, and Bro. Allan's father-in-law, although he had been drinking before the Bible study and was a little drunk when he entered the room. There was a new visitor to prayer meeting, Joceylyn.

 

    Please pray for Sister Lina, who has been sick and has not been able to come to the worship service. We are thankful to our Lord that Sister Josie, who has also been ill, is now feeling better. In the GMA-Cavite and Laguna, the brethren said that the work of the Lord continues and that the brethren there are struggling from the effects of the global recession. Please pray for these precious souls that the Lord may give them the grace to be firm in their faith in spite of these challenges, that they continue to serve and be a witness for Him even when struggling with trials of life. Please also pray for those who were given jobs, many of which require them to work on Sundays or during irregular hours, that this does not become a stumbling block for them in serving and worshiping our Lord, that they continue to serve no matter what hardships and tribulations they face in their job situation. Please pray for the young women who regularly attend services at Silang, Cavite--Jairuleen, Jeanne, Jaiseree, Jennifer, Che-che, and Joan, as they are facing life difficulties but are committed to staying faithful to our Lord.

 

The young people and children continue to attend the Sunday worship service at Maybunga. There were 10 new visitors to the Sunday worship this past month. The Bible studies also continue at the various locations: the home of Sister Fe on Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm, where one of the regular attendees brought her friend and some of their relatives and neighbors to hear the Word including Maritess, Michelle and others; at Boboy's home on Fridays, regularly attended by Rowena, Mark , Marco, Ash, and sometimes Boboy, and where there are many questions about  Catholicism and about how the Lord can work in the personal lives of people and through their personal problems; on Saturdays at Sister Melany's home with Shierly, Rodilyn, Maureen, Normel, Belen, Merlyn, Edison, and Claire. The questions from this group have lately revolved around sin and spiritual death. Please also pray for the brethren who are sick like Sister Helen, Sister Julie and Sister Cely. The Bible study in Rosario continues as well. Please pray for Shierly and Criselda who have expressed concerns about true repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray that the Lord may bring them to the understanding of the truth, to love Him and stand on His eternal promises.

 

We thank the Lord for the brethren at Grace Baptist Church in Mt.Vernon,

Georgetown, KY; South Irvine Baptist Church, Irvine, KY; Bryan Station Baptist

Church, Lexington, KY; Ocoonita Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesville, VA;

and, the other brethren from the Lord's Churches of like faith and order, for

your continued financial support and most especially for your faithful prayers

in our behalf and the Lord's work. May we grow stronger in God's grace as we wait for His soon return. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)

 

In His glorious service,

Bro. Ed Quetua