SMO Celebrates 32

Student Missionary Outreach celebrated 32 years of God’s faithfulness to the ministry with a series of month-long events which was started by the 9th Bible Training Institute Foundation Day, Don’t Waste your Life (Evangelistic) Campaign in schools, and an inter-church and inter-school Anniversary Fellowship last August, 2009.

Close to 300 youths and alumni gathered on August 30 for the Anniversary Fellowship held at Bacolod Alliance Church. Pastor Dave Albornos, once an SMO’er in Bicol and now pastors a church in Antipolo, gave the message which focused on the theme The Power of the Cross (1 Cor. 5:8). Rendering special song numbers were the Afterglow singers, sisters Phylla and Amanda Magallanes, and Paul Arcolas. Among the other highlights were the memorable pantomime presented by the SMO Bible students, a fun skit  by NOHS students, and a testimony given by a former SMO’er Jessie Divinagracia who now handles the adult ministry of the church he goes to.

SMO kicked-off its month-long celebration with the 9th Bible Training Institute Foundation Day on August 10, 2009. Events in competition during the day were Creative Storytelling, Extemporaneous Speech, Preaching, Duet Singing, Skit, Bible Quiz, and Extraordinary Talent.

And throughout the whole month SMO’ers trooped to different schools in Bacolod for the Don’t Waste your Life (Evangelistic) Campaign. SMO’ers held film showings, room-to-room campaigns, one-on-one evangelism, and tracts distribution. Schools that were visited were Domingo Lacson National High School, Emiliano Lizares National High School, and Medel National High School.

Also, “Ang Panong” (The Flock), SMO group in TUP-V (Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas) celebrated its 18th year last 13 August with Pastor Nilo Engada, an alumni of that school and an SMO’er gave the message.

Photoslides of the 32nd SMO Anniversary

Photoslides of SMO-BTI Foundation Day

Photoslides of the Don’t Waste your Life (Evangelistic) Campaign

Onward to the Promise Land

FROM THE DESK OF THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR

Months ago, I wrote an article, “Just a Glimpse of God’s Smile”; it was a testimony of God’s amazing provision – a reassurance of God’s approval for the ministry that He has entrusted us with.   As Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given thee, Seek, and ye shall find, Knock, and it shall be opened to you,” so the Lord answered the ministry’s desire to soon acquire a lot and construct facilities of its own. We have been ‘wanderers’ since the ministry started 32 years ago.  Yet, in God’s perfect time, we rejoice as He showed us a glimpse of His smile through an anonymous and generous sponsor to start us off with the project.  The initial amount is just enough for purchasing the lot and starting off the foundation for a building.  We believe that the Lord wants us to seek Him more through prayers towards the completion of the SMO Training Center  and Campsite, (which will house the Bible Training Institute, conference hall, and campsite). This is also a way for us to seek His leading.  Definitely, this is another opportunity for our Christian brethren to glorify God in sharing the financial burden for the project.

Our hearts are exceedingly delighted by the Lord’s steady unfolding of His purposes and plans for the ministry.

We have been negotiating to purchase a farmland, but there were some major concerns regarding that property.  This has led us to consider looking for other possible locations that is less costly, but good enough to accommodate the growing needs of the ministry.

We have gone to check with banks’ acquired assets for a variety of property choices that would match the ministry’s needs. We have surveyed several farmlands and checked their legal documentation; but then, the Lord has not given His “go” signal yet. This has led us to persevere some more and to be persistent in our asking, knocking, and seeking the God of heaven to lead us to His will.

Interestingly, God might be leading us to acquire a 5-hectare farmland that was first offered to us at US$53,000, but was lowered to US$32,000 after a series of negotiations. This by far, we considered as the cheapest and ideal location to put up the facilities. The good thing is that the property is large and suitable enough for us to start an agriculture-based income-generating project for the ministry. To top it all, it is situated at a nearby river fronting the picturesque Mt. Kanlaon, such a charming and refreshing view of God’s perfect creation.

Matthew 7:8 continues with the promise, “For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Thus, in humility we bow down and worship the Lord with hearts overflowing with praises and thanksgiving.  In His faithfulness, He continues to reveal the next step that we should take as we learn to completely trust and wait on Him everyday.  This is just the initial step towards reaching the promise of God.  And yes, there are still ‘giants’ to meet along the way; may it be the ‘giants’ of economic crisis, the ‘giants’ of religious and political oppositions, and other giants, but our assurance rests in the character and the power of our God.  He will enable us to be more than conquerors as we continually ask, seek and knock for His will to be done in us.  Therefore, we should not be anxious and fearful.

Let us go forward to conquer the Promise Land!

(Pastor Renato S. del Mundo)

Welcoming the Beekes

When Pastor Brian Najapfour asked us if he could bring his Michigan-based mentor/professor for a talk here in the Philippines, we were excited; not because we know who Dr. Joel R. Beeke is, but for reason that we (as Filipinos) are really ‘welcoming’ to foreigners. And they could noticed it.

Dr. Beeke lectures to pastors

We started promoting Dr. Beeke’s talk for men, which he titled “Reforming the Man of God”, almost two months before May 6, 2009. As an additional bonus, his wife Mary will join him and will give a separate talk on “The Law of Kindness” to women. Through sending SMS to friends, posting announcements,  and broadcasting announcing the event over Far East Broadcasting Company (Radio DYVS), we were able to inform the local Christian community in a less costly, far-reaching, and efficient manner. We actually informed the people with no single idea how this person would deliver. All we know is that he is the President and Professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Michigan, a well-known resource speaker in the US, and a writer of books we haven’t even read. We just trusted what Pastor Brian recommended. Dr. Beeke’s talk will then become the fifth SMO Lecture Series we have been organizing for the benefit of our leaders and students, and for pastors and laypeople from other ministries. (Previous Lecture Series were given by representatives of Grace to You-Philippines, Way of the Master-Philippines, Ravi Zacarias International Ministries-Singapore, and that of Pastor PJ Tibayan, a youth pastor based in the US. All of the events were well-attended and drew positive comments).

When the Beeke’s finally arrived at Trinity Christian School, the venue of the talks, 100 men and 150 women were eager and ready to hear what Dr. Joel and Mary have to say.

Dr. Beeke and Mary relaxes with the staff

During the next four and half hours, the professor concisely shared church history with emphasis on the Reformation period. The seriousness of the study of God’s Word during that time in history cannot be underestimated. Dr. Beeke also talked about the richness and impact of the teachings of John Calvin (a timely message especially at a time when Christendom remembers the life and works of Calvin 500 years after). He ended the session by giving emphasis on the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. The talk was a heavyweight.

On the other side, Mrs. Beeke shared to the women the book she wrote about kindness. She poured her thoughts on biblical and practical insights on how to live godly lives as a wife, a mother, and a Christian to both fellow believers and unbelievers. Timely, real life experiences, and interesting questions were asked enabling a lively and informative discussion among the attendees. Despite the humid air in the women’s venue, Mary’s talk was like a breeze of cool air spreading much needed encouragement to women who were there.

Since Dr. Joel and Mary spoke days earlier in Manila, the warm couple were tired and would need some kind of relaxation. We brought them to Mambukal, a mountain resort where they could swim on a pool or dip on a hot spring. They did both and more. In his personal reflections on his Philippine visit (which Pastor Brian furnished for us), Dr. Joel wrote some interesting observations on their Mambukal trip. The account writes – “The villages we drove through on the way out were very interesting—bamboo huts, many little businesses set up roadside, sugar cane fields, water buffalo plowing rice paddies, rice spread out on the roadside drying for the day, pigs being unloaded at a roadside market, and children playing everywhere. The park is situated on a volcano, and sulfuric hot springs bubble up from the ground. The vegetation was green and lush. We took a hike to see three beautiful, consecutive, mountainside waterfalls. It was good exercise after being inside for days, but it was hot and humid. There was an area where hundreds of large bats love to hang out (literally) in the trees, above the sulfuric fumes. When they flew, their wingspan was about 15 inches. For lunch, we chose from many trays of pork, fish, squid, and chicken (all unrefrigerated), and the cooks grilled our meat for us. Every meal is served with rice. We enjoyed all the food and never suffered any ill effects from it.”

The Beekes with Filipino friends

In our time we spent with the Beeke’s we were comforted with the thought that theologians with doctorate degrees (deep and serious they may be), and with great books to their credit  are actually humans – just like us. They get tired and they sleep (we saw them really sleeping in the air-conditioned rooms we rented). And they enjoy the simple life and the mundane, like eagerly wanting to take pictures of a rice grain being dried on a highway, a native water buffalo beside the road, or a cockfighting arena.

The Beeke’s are a nice guests to host. They appreciate our Filipino hospitality and they take note of it. Dr. Joel writes – “The Filipinos are generally quite poor but very friendly; they are always smiling and, like all Asian people, are most respectful. Even a five-year-old child who shakes your hand will bow slightly and lightly bump his or her forehead against the back of your hand as a gesture of respect.”

And in his final note he wrote – “Ministry in the Philippines has vast potential. The Filipinos are industrious, eager to learn, and moldable. They battle much ignorance and embrace numerous caricatures about the (Reformed) faith, but this much is sure: the fields are white and ready to harvest in the Philippines!”

Enjoying God's creation

We thank our friend, Pastor Brian for bringing us a gift. It was a privilege to have welcomed Dr. Joel and Mary, they brought an affirmation to our Filipino hospitality and fortified our faith in the God of Abraham, Moses and Isaac, and in the same God of Luther, Calvin, and Edwards.

To you we say Mabuhay! (Long Live!)

(Dr. Joel R. Beeke’s books include: Meet the Puritans, The Soul of Life (The Piety of John Calvin), and Living for God’s Glory, among others. His wife, Mary Beeke’s first book is The Law of Kindness. Know more about Dr. Beeke by visiting www.puritanseminary.org).

Around the Region

SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS

SMO Youth Camps were held in the cities of Legazpi and Gen. Santos on May 27-30, 2009. Legazpi Coordinator, Pastor Pedro Gil “Bats” Batalla said the camp drew several youth attendees to Christ. Some of the youths from Naga (under Pastor Ed Santonia and Art Nealega) also joined the camp.

Joan, one of the campers, said that the camp brought her to a deep commitment to God and His Word. Another camper, Bianca, said that the games, aside from being fun, taught her group the importance of being united in fulfilling certain tasks, but more importantly, the camp strengthened her faith in God.

Another camp was also held in Gen. Santos City in Mindanao. This was organized by SMO missionaries Pastor Ener Gamolo, Rev. Samuel Salomon, and Pastor Noel Talisay. SMO-BTI Dean of Academics, Pastor Elmer Genol preached during the camp and held special meetings with the missionaries.

BAPTISM

Lifespring Fundamental Baptist Church in Bacolod City baptized six young people who are involved in SMO Bacolod. They were: Brylle Flores, Raumbert Emil Dula, Alvin Creg Sabino, Generiza Rapas, Llanie Bantad, and Monica Jill Salvador. They were baptized on April 4, 2009.

Alvin, one of the baptized young people, is making himself useful in the church being involved in music ministry and visitations. He is also active in inviting his classmates to SMO for Bible study.

SMO has played an active part in channeling students to local churches of like-minded faith, knowing that new believers grow healthy in a church setting. Lifespring is one of the many churches  in the Philippines that have benefitted in the campus work of SMO. At present, SMO’ers play key leadership roles in this church.

SPECIAL DONATIONS

SMO is thankful and grateful for the special donations sent by friends and other Christian ministries for the advancement of the Gospel in the Philippines. SMO acknowledges the following: Christian Aid Mission donating Bibles for the Mindanao ministry, Trinitarian Bible Society for sending two boxes of Bibles also for Mindanao, Christian Resources International for four boxes of Bibles, Christian devotionals, and theological books for the Bible Training Institute, Maranatha Christian College for the thousands of tracts, Desiring God International Ministries for several preaching DVD’s and MP3 CD’s for the Library, and SMO alumni and friends for sending a love gift for purchase of 36 Bibles for the Bacolod ministry.

CRI (USA) sends books to the library

John Piper's Desiring God Ministries sends DVD's to SMO

Bibles provided in Gen. Santos City, Mindanao

SMO Bacolod receives Bibles from Dubai friends

SMO Supports Unity of Christian Churches

In a historic gathering of Christian churches in Manila and Bacolod, prominent Christian leaders rallied its members to unite against enemies that threaten historic Biblical Christianity in the nation.

Regional Conferences held in two cities were organized by the newly formed Philippine Council of Christian Churches (PCCC). This materialized after a series of Consultative Meetings were made between International Council of Christian Churches’ (ICCC) key leaders, Rev. Dr. Quek Swee Hwa, Gen. Secretary and Rev. Edwin Ormeo, Executive Secretary for the Philippines, and Philippine pastors.

Rev. Arleen Fidel, Rev. Genovevo Lubaton, and Rev. Pio Tica, the main speakers who participated in the two venues, took turns in addressing the theme “Redeeming the Time, Uniting the Brethren”; they were joined by other regional speakers.

As a ministry partner of churches, Student Missionary Outreach volunteered its human resources in assuming certain conference responsibilities.

SMO National Director, Pastor Renato S. del Mundo said that the conferences gave the ministry an opportunity to inform pastors about the importance of the ministry’s partnership with local churches in doing youth ministry, especially campus ministry. Pastor del Mundo also told them that their churches are welcome to attend the ministry’s trainings and programs in evangelism and discipleship for their benefit.

The PCCC Regional Conferences were held at Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute (Metro Manila) and West Negros University (Bacolod) last May 14-15 and May 18-19, respectively.

Update: SMO Bible Training Institute

5TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE

SMO Bible Training Institute (BTI) recognized its six students who finished a three-year Certificate in Youth Ministry during the 5th Commencement Exercise held on March 30, 2009, at the SMO Youth Center in Bacolod.

They were: Roselyn E. Alcala, Hoppilen C. Cabaya, Raffy F. dela Peña, Jay Pee P. Erespe, Jesus A. Montille, and Regie S. Tibulan. Rev. Freddilo P. Jagorin, BTI Faculty and Pastor of City of Refuge Christian Church, gave the challenge to the graduates.

Three of the graduates now are actively involved in local churches during weekends while taking subjects at the Institute to pursue their Bachelor Degree in Theology in Youth and Church Ministry. Another graduate now works as a youth worker of a local church in Lucban, Quezon province.

ON INTERNSHIP

Third year students of SMO-BTI were commissioned to have their internship in different churches. Their designations were as follows: Michael John Agno in Fundamental Baptist Church of Agudo, Caloocan City, Jeric Otordos in Faith Christian Bible Community Church, Marikina City, Michael Jade Asplico in Christ’s Disciples Church, Naga City, and Jake Quiñosa in Pulupandan Community Church, Pulupandan.

Jake testifies that as early as now the students he’s meeting with regularly have shown a steady interest in the study of God’s Word; some of them have signified their intent to be baptized. On the other hand, Jeric said he finds it really exciting to meet with so many students in a week having interest in the study about God. He is also challenged to be given certain responsibilities in the local church in Marikina aside from being involved in youth ministry.

The 9-month internship program of the Institute will expose the interns to different church responsibilities with emphasis on youth ministry in a campus setting. This will be their last school year before they will receive their Certificate in Youth Ministry on March, 2010.

NEW STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

SMO-BTI welcomed four First Year students in the opening of school year 2009-2010, bringing to total 14 full-time students of the Institute (2 students in the 2nd Year, 4 students in the 3rd Year, and 4 students in the 4th Year). Aside from this, there are 6 other part-time students (most of them are still studying in college).

The school also welcomed guest faculty members fort the first semester namely: Rev. Freddilo P. Jagorin, Pastor Gerry Galarpe, Pastor Elmer Aliñar, and Atty. Dennis Cortez.

Summer’s Big Event

Main Topics: An Urgent Call to Biblical Unity, United in What we Believe, How we Behave, and What we Become, United in our Affection, Attention, and Appreciation.

Main Speakers: Rev. Arleen Fidel, Rev. Genovevo Lubaton, Rev. Edwin Ormeo, and Dr. Pio Tica

Summer Lecture Series

Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and editor, contributor, and author of several books and publications, will be the featured lecturer of the SMO Lecture Series. Dr. Beeke’s talk of “Reforming the Man of God” will cover topics on: Reforming the Head (Theology), Reforming the Heart (Piety), and Reforming the Hand (Application).

Mary Beeke, wife of Dr. Beeke, will give a separate talk to women on “The Law of Kindness” based on the book  she wrote. Her topics would include: The Kindness of Jesus, The Kind Wife, and The Kind Mother.

Straight Talk on Love & Sex

Graduating students of Maranatha Christian College, Bacolod City interacted with SMO Bacolod Staff and Bible Training Institute students on love, sex, and abstinence. Maranatha has been regularly inviting SMO to conduct these kind of talk to their fourth year students as a way of confronting prevaling liberal standards of today’s youth. “True Love Waits”, locally published by Church Strengthening Ministries (CSM) is the main material that is being used.

Postscript: Camp Forever 14

Forty first-time campers participated in Camp Forever 14 at Hacienda Kaftrees, Murcia last December 26-30, 2008. We thank our speakers who delivered powerful messages and our sponsors for their generosity and heart of sending a young person to the camp. Our gratitude also goes to our hard-working student leaders. God be praised!