The October Church Planting Institute (CPI) training was a test in flexibility. First, an elementary school evangelism training event was canceled when a typhoon canceled classes. As CPI training began, our coworker, Pastor Diawa, was rushed to the Emergency Room for a possible heart attack. After that false alarm, we were able to finish our training sessions. When another planned outreach event was canceled at the elementary school because of Teacher’s Appreciation Day, we simply added another impromptu day of training classes. Then, Pastor Diawa was rushed to the hospital again, discovering he had gallstones. Praise the Lord for grace to demonstrate missionary flexibility to these church planters.
Joy and I would be hard-pressed to say which excites us more, my preaching this month at the 31st church anniversary of the Mangaldan church (with the entire Mangaldan police force in attendance), or preaching at a newly started church in Santa Barbara. One speaks to God’s faithfulness, and the other to the new growth God is giving. These Filipino workers explain why CPI is a vital part of church multiplication in the Philippines.
CPI teaching is immediately applied:
“The teaching is clear, simple, and easy to follow, and easy to apply in our church planting ministry with both believers and unbelievers in the field.”
Ronnie Reside – Church Planter Mangaldan
CPI trains pastors and church planters to serve in their own communities:
“There is so much that I have learned from CPI that I have applied to my ministry at church, and in sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know Christ.”
Ramilo “Lhong” Frias – Pastor Christian Fellowship of Malasiqui
CPI develops practical ministry skills, such as evangelism and discipleship:
“The training of CPI has helped us to learn the Word of God so we can evangelize the youth, and to help those who have grown cold in their faith to return to our Lord. Thank you for your support! God bless you!”
Evelyn Galverio – Youth Leader – Malasiqui
CPI gives new church planters complete Bible training without cost while they are in ministry:
“I am so grateful that Pastor Weaver continues to join with us and to guide us in our study of God’s Word. I thank God for the great help this teaching has been, adding to my Scripture knowledge, and helping me as I serve for the glory of God.”
Nandy and Mercedes Abanilla – Church Planter – Santa Barbara
Through CPI, church planters encourage and help one another to serve Christ faithfully: These workers know that you have been faithful to help us and pray for us. They have learned from you to serve faithfully, and to help each other to fulfill the mission Christ has given us all to make disciples of every nation. Thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support!
Servants together, David and Joy
Praise Reports
- Praise the Lord for combined older and younger church planter training in early October.
- Praise God for grace to demonstrate flexibility to church planters through medical emergencies and multiple schedule changes.
- Praise the Lord for 31 years of faithful service in the Mangaldan church, and for potential for new churches, such as in Santa Barbara.
Prayer Requests
- Please pray for Pastor Diawa’s gall stones to clear without surgery.
- Pray for God to provide for our travel expenses.
- Please continue to pray for Joy’s parents, as her mother, Pauline Sutton, is making progress in physical therapy with her broken leg.
Click here to donate to David & Joy Weaver at TEAM.org (one time, monthly, or yearly), or
Call TEAM 1-800-343-3144 and make a donation to David & Joy Weaver, account #: 009312.
Checks may be sent to TEAM with David & Joy Weaver on the memo line. Mail to:
TEAM
P.O. Box 1683
Carol Stream, IL 60132-1683