“I long… that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Romans 1:11-12
Evangelism camp was a blast! Nearly 200 kids came from nine churches. Twelve teams competed in challenges that involved teamwork, skill, and lots of mud and water! By the end of the week, about 40 teens responded to the gospel. Each church is encouraged to have new believers to follow up with from their area.
We were encouraged to see workers we trained in CPI (Church Planting Institute) planning and running the camp program. Kingdom Footprint, a non-profit group with a heart for the Philippines, connected us with donors who provided funds for the tents we needed for camp.
After camp, all of TEAM Philippines met in Cebu to share with each other all God has done in each of our ministries over the last year. We also planned how better to fulfill our mission to “ignite church multiplication in the Philippines and Asia” by training workers who can train others also. TEAM is encouraged that our work with CPI fits this vision so well. They want us to keep trusting God to provide our full support, so we can move back to the Philippines.
The book of Romans was the focus of this CPI training in Baguio. In two long days, 30 pastors and church planters studied through the entire book. We were not even sure this was possible! Just as Paul desired, we were “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” as we grappled with the doctrinal foundations of our faith, and how they affect our lives.
In the final chapter of Romans, we saw how people Paul had met and trained found their way to Rome to start a church Paul had never yet visited. It was an “Ah-ha!” moment for these men, who are training their own workers to be sent out to multiply churches, in locations they may never visit.
One place which we have never visited is Abra de Ilog, where one of our CPI church planters has been serving. Pastor Bonie Pineda helped establish three churches there. This month, Bonie’s battle with cancer ended, and he is now with the Lord.
Lately, we have been encouraged by:
*a business man who provided plane fare to the Philippines
*a Sunday school class that committed to pray each hour of my 24 hour flight to the Philippines, to cover this entire trip in prayer
* a coworker who helped with our expenses going to the TEAM celebration
*a brother who loaned Joy his internet “hot spot” when our internet died while I was away
*a timely gift that replaced the ministry van alternator, and the water filter for CPI… The list could go on!
We are so encouraged by each of you, who faithfully pray for us, and support us to train Filipino church planters!
Encouraged together,
David & Joy, and Weaver family
Praise
- God provided for Evangelism camp, and led about 40 teens to respond to the gospel.
- TEAM Philippines encouraged us to keep up with our vision of training church planters.
- God blessed our study through Romans with 30 church planters and pastors.
- Many encouraging, timely financial gifts and prayers made this trip fruitful for Christ.
Prayer
- Nine churches are following up about 40 new believers from Evangelism camp.
- Pray that all of TEAM Philippines will stay focused on “igniting church multiplication.”
- Ask God to comfort the family of Pastor Bonie Pineda, and the three churches he left behind, when he passed away this month.
- Pray for new opportunities for us to share with potential partners, about our ministry.