12:54 PM 24 Jul 2001

Dear Brethren,

The news we have received from you continue to help us to enter into your labors through prayers. And that has been a self-denying but delightful work. I hope this update will also help you in your prayers for us - which we continue to covet.

1. We thank the Lord for the blessings of the Annual Pastors' Conference early July. Because of the storm, only 59 men were able to attend instead of the 90 that we expected. But the conference went very well. All 12 messages delivered on the Government of the Church were very clear and powerful. Many expressed thankfulness for the messages preached and also for the hospitality given by the church. The men were challenged that in the light of the teachings, they have but two biblical options - Reformation or Resignation. Pray for courage and wisdom on the part of those men to do what is right before the Head of the Church - Jesus Christ our Lord.

2. The Pastors' Conference was followed by the Couples' Conference - where some of the pastors and their wives attended - including others we invited. The Lord very evidently blessed all four messages on the raising of our children. One Pastor from Bokidnon wept after the conference and confessed that he has a lot of work to do when he goes home. But he also said that he was so encouraged because what he heard preached he also saw embodied in the lives of the members of the church, which he has been observing for the week he was with us. As the home is the cradle of true godliness, pray that the Lord will use the conference to promote domestic piety in many homes.

3. The church planting work in Ormoc is moving ahead in an encouraging way. Aside from the four couples beginning the work, one Christian couple has recently been attending. They are also having bible studies during the week with other couples. Pray for wisdom as we seek to help this church-planting endeavor that God would raised a biblically well-ordered church in that place for His glory and praise.

4. Pray for other men we are also providing some help in the work. Pray for us that wisdom be giving in seeking to encourage and guide these men in the work of reformation.

5. We have finally finished preparation for our open-air ministry. Pray that we will be able to create bible study groups as a result of this endeavor. The work requires much courage, wisdom, and self-denial. Pray that God will supply the graces needed.

6. Although we see visitors attending our services, we have not seen conversions for sometime now. Pray that God would open their heart to receive the message preached.

7. We are thankful to God for the blessings we enjoy every Lord's day. What a delight that day is to us as God's people! In the Adult Bible Class we are going through the 1689. In the AM worship, having finished our studies on Colossians, we will begin a series on 1Corinthians. In the PM worship, we are considering major teachings of the bible. Please pray for continued and lasting blessings.

8. The church is in a generally healthy condition. We continue to enjoy peace and harmony. There is an evident hunger for God's word and a determination to implement it. Please pray for elders' work of overseeing and equipping the members.

Thanks for your prayers,

Pastor Jose Francis "Nene" Martinez
on behalf of he elders of SGBC-Cebu.