A Pioneer is one who is among the first in an area or field. In the 1800’s, here in the USA, we think of pioneers as the ones who sold all they had and headed out west to tackle and settle a new land…

The Philippines has some pioneers also—they are pioneers for the Lord. Selling out from the material life to share the Gospel to those who might not otherwise hear it.

They start with a call and then head to areas unreached by our churches. Many times, this is without any funds or the promise of such. They may not even have jobs in the areas that they go but still, they go. Their drive and focus is reaching the lost.

Most of the time, this is in very poor areas.. Still, they go… They have families and needs just like anyone else. But they are willing to sacrifice to make a difference in God’s Kingdom.

I was told of a story of one pioneering pastor who went to a very poor area in the mountain regions. He would reach the people and then look for bee hives for honey to harvest for income. Once per week, he would bring the harvested honey down to nearby villages and go door to door to sell it in hopes that he would have a small amount of money for his family to have food…

Would we do that? Surely, there are varying degrees of sacrifices, but the point I want to make is that these folks do go and make a difference. Their stories are not often told or even heard… Yet, they still go…

I wanted to share with you about various pioneering works in different stages—some have buildings, some need buildings. Some are partially completed. Some works are embedded in areas full of false doctrines…

These people need our help. I have compiled a few pictures and needs on the next page that you can help with if you’d like.

Pictured far left is Rev. Polly Visayan who pastors Bagong Sikat Church. They are in need of a church building. They are using another building temporarily but must vacate soon. Most of all, they are reaching the lost in their community. There are many stories like Polly’s. Please consider helping out.

Pictured above is Rev. Polly Visayan and the site for the Bagong Sikat Church. The beams you see in the background are actually the poured concrete foundation support beams. It will take approximately $2500 to finish this church and get it under roof.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to two individuals and a church who have made generous contributions to the Philippines projects featured in previous issues of MISSION: NORTHERN PHILIPPINES newsletters.

First, you may recall the story about the new church plant in San Emilio. The article came out in the March, 2007 edition. I shared with you how this congregation desperately needed a church building as they were in a thatched roof shelter for a church.

The Lord touched the hearts of Jack and his wife Vivian Severe from Spring View PFWB Church in Wilmington, NC. Jack and Vivian gave a generous donation to build a permanent church building in San Emilio.

Jack served as Missions Director there since 1985 and Vivian gives to missions work projects and has worked in prison ministries. As a matter of fact, Vivian and her son have even sponsored the building of a large Maternity Ward project in Africa!

When asked how they felt about missions, they stated, “Missions is our passion!”.

That is evident by their excitement for missions and their continued giving and support. The people of the PFWB-Philippines, San Emilio Church and I want to thank Jack and Vivian. May the Lord bless you!

Church Missions Director Jack and Vivian Severe of Spring View PFWB Church, Wilmington, NC

Secondly, we would like to thank the members of Black Jack PFWB Church for their generous donation to provide the PFWB-Philippines organization a heavy duty photocopier and copier supplies!

This has been a long time need of the churches in the Philippines and because of this donation, they will be able to provide handouts and photocopies of Christian educational material for members to take home with them for further studies.

This was a big need mentioned at all educational gatherings that I was part of. The people longed for outlines of teachings so they could have something for further studies!

Thank you Black Jack Church! Your gift will continue to reach people with the Good News for many years to come. God bless you!

Black Jack PFWB Church, Greenville, NC