June 2004

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. ICor 16:9

Therefore, we do not loose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. II Cor 4:16

 

Philippines

Ron just returned from three weeks in the Philippines where it was HOT and HUMID! The temp was around 98 and the humidity was about the same. Yet, Ron and the team did very well in these conditions. Thank you for praying. The first part of the ministry was done in a maximum security prison in Manila. The minimum sentence there is 20 years. Many inmates carry multiple life sentences. The authorities almost canceled the ministry planned because of the threats by the Muslim terrorist group the Abu Sayaaf. In the end ministry went forward with high security. The team was taken in and out by a different route each day. The evangelistic crusade had to be limited to two days and in a different location each day. Even with all the security concerns the Crusade was effective with more than 40 first time conversions and several healings.

The prison itself is like a small city surrounded by a high wall with guards carrying guns. Prisons in the Philippines are very different from what we know here. The prisoners must have money to live. They need to buy there food and personal items. Meals and laundry are not furnished. They must take care of themselves. They make crafts and sell them to the visitors who are there every day. There are about 12,000 inmates and over 500 on death row. Many of these prisoners were Communist or Muslim rebels fighting against the government. Ron and the team felt God's hand of protection and experienced a warm reception from the inmates. Upon entering the prison they were all stamped on the arm with an ink stamp to identify them. There was some concern that the stamp would wear off because of the profuse sweating in the intense heat. Anyone attempting to leave without a stamp on their arm would have been kept overnight until they could be checked out. There are several American prisoners and escape attempts do happen.

The Pastors and leaders seminar held inside the prison made history. This was the first time that 13 churches have come together for one Christian event. The prison is so huge that there are many churches of varied doctrines and varied backgrounds. The teachings on Unity in the Kingdom of God were ground breaking and very well received by the participants. The attendance was over 100 Pastors and Leaders at every session. Ron, Tim Morales and John Boomer did a great job of teaching and the inmates were blessed. The last service was both joyful and sad as the Pastors and leaders were sorry to see Ron and the team leave and asked them to come back next year.

The Pastors and leaders seminar held inside the prison made history. This was the first time that 13 churches have come together for one Christian event. The prison is so huge that there are many churches of varied doctrines and varied backgrounds. The teachings on Unity in the Kingdom of God were ground breaking and very well received by the participants. The attendance was over 100 Pastors and Leaders at every session. Ron, Tim Morales and John Boomer did a great job of teaching and the inmates were blessed. The last service was both joyful and sad as the Pastors and leaders were sorry to see Ron and the team leave and asked them to come back next year.

We estimate that on this trip Ron and the team ministered to about 150 Pastors and 350 church leaders. It was a very fruitful trip that will effect many congregations. Mindanao is an area where the Pastors especially need encouragement. The terrorism and violence in this area is often directed against the church. Churches have been burned and Pastors have been assassinated. The threat level was much less this year. Ron and the team felt the prayers of God's people and are very thankful for everyone who prayed for their protection.

We will report on the Mindanao seminars in upcoming newsletters.

 

Ron and Bernadette Gartner

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