Reaching the Marketplace for Jesus

Trip to the Philippines 

This is more a diary of testimonies rather than one particular testimony. Pastor Don, my wife Cathy and I all went to the Philippines to teach soul winning at a couple of churches there. Here is what our week was like. 

Thursday, Friday and part of Saturday 

Trip to Bangued. Got on the plane and flew to Detroit/Japan/Manila – what a long time on an airplane. Arrived in Manila around midnight and met by Casidsid (pastor of the church in Manila), Robin Cabasan (pastor of the church in Bangued), Larry (a Bible student), Noli (a pastor and teacher at the Bible School) and a driver (Robin’s neighbor and owner of the van). It was a 10 hour drive from Manila to Bangued, Abra. On the way we stopped for gas and snacks. Pastor Don was able to lead the young man (Jimmy, I think) selling the snacks to Christ. One of the brakes on the van went out so we stopped at a place to get the pad changed. Our driver had several used pads in the van so they picked one that fit. After arriving in Bangued we went to our hotel to sleep a few hours, change and freshen up. We then went to the church to meet everyone. 

Saturday 

Soul Winning on the Plaza.  In the evening we went to the Plaza to go soul winning. The pastor told us that street witnessing didn’t really work in their area. He said that most everyone was Catholic and every time they tried to witness to them they just got in an argument. We suggested that they weren’t trying to convert the people to “Baptist” but, rather, we should just try to get them saved and let the Holy Spirit work on their hearts about where they should go to church. 

Around 20 people were saved! We also had a chance to meet a Major in the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (SAF). His men were to provide security at the church on Sunday. He also invited us to come to the compound on Monday to speak to the SAF personnel. 

Sunday 

Anniversary Meeting.  The main reason for going to the Philippines was to celebrate the third anniversary of the Open Door Baptist Church in Bangued, Abra. The Sunday School time was spent soul winning. As Robin announced, “It’s Soul Winning Time – everyone split into groups.” Cathy took the ladies (most of them were already saved but one accepted Christ that morning). Bob took the soldiers and one politician (all seven of them got saved). Pastor Don took the remaining men – quite a large number (he led about 20 people to Christ). 

Pastor Don preached the morning service. Several people rededicated their lives to Christ. We then had a meal made possible by the slaughtering of a pig from the previous day. After eating, Pastor Don got to preach again. Everyone was on fire for Christ after the two messages. 

Monday 

SAF Compound – Round One. First thing Monday morning we went to the SAF compound. We were introduced to the Colonel in charge of all the SAF for the Abra region. He invited us back on Tuesday (from 8:00 to 10:00 AM to speak to the troops). 

Trip to Pilar. Next we took Robin’s Jeepnee to go to Pilar to see Armand’s (his brother) church. In Pilar Pastor Don led a cousin of one of the church members to Christ.  While he was talking to the cousin, Bob had a chance to explain to Robin about D. L. Moody’s desire to witness to at least one person every day. Robin made that commitment and led a grandmother to Christ.  And on the way back we stopped to visit the Borangi Captain (this would be the County Executive).  Robin had the chance to lead four more women (one of them the County Executive) to Christ. 

Soul Winning Seminar in Bangued – Part One. That evening, back in Bangued, Pastor Don did the first half of a soul winning seminar. Everyone was charged afterward. 

Tuesday 

SAF Compound – Round Two. We arrived at the compound a few minutes late.  Of course, Bob was in a panic – never be late to a meeting with the military.  They had to set up several road blocks the night before, so the soldier/police were late as well. While we waited for everyone to return, Pastor Don was able to lead the Major to Christ.  Eventually everyone was settled into the chapel and Bob preached the message. Several soldiers were saved including the Colonel – the base commander. 

College Training. After we returned from the SAF, Bob gave a 3 hour lecture to the college students, faculty and a few of the church members on the Glory of God. 

Soul Winning. We broke up into three different groups for the afternoon soul winning. Pastor Don took a group of men and went door-to-door leading several to Christ. Jeff (Robin’s brother) interpreted for Don and finished the plan of salvation for one man – leading him to Christ. Bob took another group back to the plaza for some street witnessing – again several people were saved. Cathy took the women on visitation. She was able to lead a man on the street to Christ using Roanna as an interpreter – this motivated Roanna to become a soul winner. 

Lady’s Seminar. Cathy led a seminar for the ladies on prayer. About 15 or 20 women showed up for training in prayer.  Robin’s wife, Rose, translated for Cathy to make sure everyone understood.  While the ladies met, the men were in the other room singing loudly. 

Soul Winning Seminar in Bangued – Part Two. After a very motivational day, several church members joined us for the second soul winning seminar session. The testimonies from the day of soul winning were inspirational. 

Wednesday 

Bus Ride to Manila. Another 10 hour ride. But, a fruitful one.  Don went to the back of the bus to work on his message for the night. While there, a man looked to see what Pastor Don was doing and Pastor Don was able to lead him to the Lord. 

Eunice’s House. Upon arriving in Manila we were taken to see Eunice’s parents (Eunice is a member of our church back in the states). We were able to freshen up at their house before prayer meeting. Also, Eunice’s dad got us two rooms at the New Tribes Hotel/Compound. This is a small piece of America right in the middle of the Philippines that is maintained by the New Tribes Missionaries. You never know how much you miss a hot shower and a real bathroom until you spend a few days without. 

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. Pastor Don preached at the Church in Manila. He preached an awesome message on how Christians are to deal with false accusations. 

Thursday 

A visit to John Edwards. We had an opportunity to visit John Edwards (a missionary from our church in the states). He’s working with a pastor (Kevin) that has started a Christian grade school at his church. They seem to be doing very well. 

Soul Winning Seminar in Manila. Pastor Don gave a seminar on Soul Winning where he emphasized having a 12 week program and having a trainer/trainee team setup. Several young women (teens and early twenties) rededicated themselves to soul winning and growing God’s church. 

Visiting a New Church. Pastor Robert had his first prayer meeting at a new work. He asked Pastor Don and Bob to speak at the prayer meeting and give words of encouragement. While there, at the home of one of the members, Pastor Don was able to lead a man to Christ. On the way to and from the church, Cathy had time to spend with the young ladies (5 of them) and encourage them in many areas of their Christian walk – from soul winning to boys. 

Time with Congressman Abonte. They have a Starbuck’s in Manila! We met the famous congressman, preacher and friend of the Frazier’s at 10:00 at night. He was a very gracious man. 

Friday 

Trip to Baltimore. We left the Hotel/Compound around 3:00 AM. On the plane ride from Manila to Detroit (with a stop in Japan) Pastor Don sat with a youth pastor and an outreach pastor from a church in the south. He was able to encourage them in soul winning. Arrived home at around 4:00 PM. After leaving Don’s house, Bob and Cathy went home, had pizza with pastor Paul then slept for the next 18 hours! 

Two Years Later 

It has been over two years since we went to the Philippines. Just this weekend Cathy received a necklace from one of the ladies (her name is Joy) from the church in Manila. Last month Pastor Robin was here to visit. He told me that they have people saved every week now. He was very excited about how God is using them in Abra. They have a weekly Bible study at the SAF compound – even with a new commander. And, speaking commanders, the one that was saved two years ago still loves the Lord and still emails me. He’s in Africa now with a UN force there.
He said "hi" and we stopped to talk. His name was Don. I told him we were out visiting some people from our church that lived in the next building. We started talking and he told me that he has read through the Bible three times. I told him that was a very impressive feat. I then asked him about his church background. He said he didn't really go to church. I gave him my testimony and then asked him if God should take his life was he 100% sure he would go to heaven. He said he wasn't sure but he hoped so. I told him that, in about 5 minutes, I could show him from the Bible how he could be sure and never have to worry about it again. He said that would be a good thing to know. The three of us stood there in the rain and, within a couple of minutes, Don bowed his head and asked God to forgive him of his sins and to come into his heart and save him. I gave Don some assurances of his salvation and promised to visit him over the next week. We all shook hands, he thanked us and then we all went on our way.