WORKERS WITH YOU IN THE GOSPEL

Thank you for your encouragement, support and prayers for my trip to the Philippines. This trip was both a growing experience for me and for the 48 Pastors/Evangelists we had in our classes. One word that often comes to mind during these trips and comes to mind again this morning is the Greek word koinonia which is often translated as fellowship in the New Testament. Koinonia does not only mean fellowship in the sense of sharing together but embodies the concept of partnership together in a common enterprise. 2 Corinthians 8.4 is one example, "begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in (koinonia) the relief of the saints..."ESV. I thank God for your fellowship, your taking part in, the Gospel in the Philippines through this trip and through your ongoing prayers for this spiritually needy country.
My recovery from jet-lag and a 12 hour time change seems to have happened quickly this time. All my airplane connections went well. Flights arrived and departed on time or early. The team enjoyed physical and mental health and unity during our week together and safety was not an issue in spite of the conflict in Manawi between the military and Muslim rebels.
Here is a picture of our team. Weymann seated far left is our team leader, I am beside him, and then Pat. The fourth team member was Larry in the red shirt and on each side of Larry is Pastor Levi our host and his son his assistant pastor and our worship leader for the week.
 

These students have three more courses to complete over the next year for graduation, John, Galatians and 2 Timothy. Lord willing I would like to go back next year and teach 2 Timothy and then attend the graduation. We will see.
Many of our students came from far away for this week of study. Here is the "Jeepnee" that dropped a number of the students off as they made their way home.

Merlene, a lady in my class traveled in the back of pastor Levi's pick up in the heat of the day for 1 1/2 hours when he drove us to the airport and then had a 5 hour bus ride home to her village ready to preach in the morning. May God raise up more men to follow in Merlene's footsteps.

 Thank you again for giving me this great privilege to represent you in the Philippines in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.