Letter from Cody: Philippines – June 2009

Dear Friend,

Philippine School

Philippine School

Sometimes do things not go the way we wish or think they should? Is it sometimes hard to understand why events happen? Sometimes weeks or even years later we can look back and understand why certain things happened, but other times no matter how much time elapses, there never seems to be an answer. When we cannot understand, is the time for us to learn to trust. When we can understand everything, trust is not hard, but when nothing makes any sense, then it is that trust is developed. Fortunately, there are many promises in God’s Word for these times. Perhaps my favorite is 2 Corinthians 13:8: “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”Whatever happens, the Lord will use it to advance His truth! “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.” Proverbs 21:30. No matter how hard man may try to devise mischief against the Lord’s wise plans, nothing can prosper. Even when circumstances arrive that we do not even know what to pray for, the Lord has a promise for that time, too. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26. Joseph could say to his brothers many years afterward, “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” Genesis 50:20. May we learn to walk and trust our loving God in the dark and in the light. May we learn the lesson of complete confidence and trust in Him, that whatever happens or does not happen, we can still say, “I know my Redeemer liveth.” Job 19:25.

Philippine School 2

Philippine School

The Lord’s truth is marching on throughout the world and we praise Him that he has given us, weak and erring humans, a part to play in cooperation with Him. One area that I am excited to see how the Lord is going to work is in the Philippines. Brothers Titing and Nanding along with their co-workers and others are seeking to spread the present truth message of the Three Angels’ Messages far and wide. Through there evangelistic efforts, many churches have been started, but this also presents a problem—how to nurture and care for all of these churches. Another burden that they have had is how to train and educate the youth for a life of service in this world and the next. These two problems have come together to present a solution—a self-supporting missionary training school.

They requested funds from us to purchase a piece of land and erect some simply buildings and then through growing rice and other produce, they determine to be self-sustaining. Thus while educating Bible workers and teacher, they are also teaching the youth from the churches to be industrious and earn a livelihood. They have been busy preparing and getting everything ready to open this month. Youth from many of the surrounding churches are very interested becoming more grounded in the Bible truths, learning how to do missionary work and the practical work experience. Presently there are over thirty young people who are coming together for the beginning school year. Brother Titing will be teaching and managing the school while Brother Nanding will taking the students out on evangelistic programs. Please pray that the Lord will bless the efforts of this new school that many will be trained in the service of our King. We also ask that you remember the ongoing evangelistic, church planting and church nurturing projects that continue to increase. If you would like to support the work of these faithful brethren laboring for the Master, you can mark your donation, “Philippines.”
I am currently on my way to Angola to meet and minister with the brethren there for several campmeeting and outreaches. Please pray that the Lord will open the doors for His message to go forward with power.

Yours in the Master’s service,
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