Dear Praying Brethren
Greetings!
It has been sometime since I sent an update about the work in the
southern part of the Philippines. I hope to do that soon. But for now, I
have some urgent matters I would ask you to pray for.
First, tonight (Wednesday) my fellow pastors (Pastor Edo, Pastor Paul)
and I will be leaving for Ozamis. After helping out this fellowship for
about three years now, it is time to interview who will become the
charter members of a church that will be established there. This group
was a charismatic church without a clear membership. They decided to
downgrade their status from a church that baptizes and celebrates the
Lord’s Supper to a mere fellowship that meets for worship and the study
of Scriptures every Lord’s Day and prayer every Friday. The interviews
will be on Thursday and Friday. Pastor Edo and I will leave on Friday
night for Cebu for the weekend ministries here. Pastor Paul will stay
behind for the weekend ministries there in Ozamis. /We would appreciate
your prayers for safety in travel, and above all, wisdom as we read the
written testimonies, interview those applying, and make our
recommendations/.
Secondly, as some of you might be aware, there is a huge Mardi Gras
every year here in Cebu in honor of an idol “Sto. Nino”. For two weeks
now, there has been big nightly celebrations leading up to a huge
revelry this Sunday on the streets for the entire day. We are
distributing tracts throughout the entire week exposing the
God-displeasing and God-dishonoring nature of this religious activity,
especially to our neighbors, relatives, friends, workmates, etc. /We
would appreciate your prayers for this effort. Pray for boldness, and at
the same time, meekness and wisdom. Pray that God will open the eyes and
hearts of many! /
Thank you for your prayers.
Pastor Jose Francis "Nene" Martinez
In behalf of my fellow-pastors and the members of Sovereign Grace Bible
Church
