Obstacles. Hurdles. Barriers. Many people will slow down, turn around, or give up when faced with what seems like insurmountable problems. But the Philippines Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (PAFCOE) knows this is no time to retreat. Even though the pandemic has made it difficult, your prayers and support have spurred this team forward in sharing Christ in the Philippines.
PAFCOE was unable to conduct its usual evangelistic training in 2020, but God opened other doors to advance present truth during these turbulent times. Bible workers conducted 665 Bible studies online, plus two nightly online prophecy seminars for a month, which led to 118 souls coming to Christ in baptism. Praise God!
Because of your support, our enthusiastic workers for the kingdom set up three websites to actively reach souls and had 116,000 views on these online evangelistic pages. One site, the Amazing Facts Philippines new bookstore, sold nearly 1,500 items, including 705 sets of the Amazing Adventure Bible Guides for kids, all in just one month.
PAFCOE praises God for the powerful way your gifts are reaching hungry souls in the Philippines!
Overcoming Struggles
Jovilyn had a growing conviction to give her entire life in service to God. As she prayed, she found a contact card for PAFCOE, which convinced her the Lord wanted her to go through the evangelistic training program. Through the blessing and support of friends, she enrolled and loved the program. Though she started the program two days late, she worked hard and caught up.
Along the way, Jovilyn faced multiple challenges. When she became discouraged while practicing a preaching assignment, her kind teachers offered comforting and encouraging words. Her classmates were supportive and prayed for her. Their zeal for service gave her energy to move forward.
She loved the door-to-door work, giving Bible studies, and seeing people respond to the gospel. And she felt humbled to think God could use her, a sinful human, to do His sacred work.
God blessed Jovilyn when she tried to invite at least five children to a Revelation seminar. Most parents were hesitant to permit their kids to attend, so she became discouraged. But one day, she spoke with a child’s guardian who gave permission for the child to attend—and that one child brought nine of her friends!
Because of limitations from the pandemic, Jovilyn was responsible for conducting her own series and subsidizing some of the materials. She fasted and prayed and God opened a venue for her to share the three angels’ messages. The Lord blessed the series as she learned to surrender all the details into His hands. Several seekers were baptized from her meetings.
Jovilyn graduated from the PAFCOE program and now shares, “Wherever God wants me to go, I will go.” Isn’t it exciting to know how your gifts supported this young worker for the Lord?
It Was God After All
Another person you helped was Jyreveal. This young man graduated from PAFCOE and was assigned to work in a remote village with a small number of people in the community. It was located at the top of a mountain, so he and his partner had to walk downhill to fetch water and carry it back to where they were staying. But they remained faithful despite the challenges.
The small Sabbath-keeping church nearby had few members, and it was difficult to get them to help. Many had quit attending services and worked in their fields on Sabbath. In addition, Jyreveal was not very fluent in speaking the local dialect. But in faith and through your prayers, he pressed ahead.
After earnestly praying, Jyreveal was impressed to begin nightly worship services in every home in the small community. He also began providing basic health instruction and services. Hearts began turning to the Lord. He was especially encouraged to see people start reading the Bible on their own. One lady said she had a deep longing to read the Bible but didn’t know how to read. Jyreveal began teaching her.
Looking back to when he first began, Jyreveal says, “It was God who did everything.” He claims no credit for building up this church and seeing souls come to Christ. He shares, “Talents and capabilities cannot finish the work. Self-denial does.” He challenges others, “Willingly heed God’s calling whatever and wherever it may be. He will never fail you.”
Thank you for standing beside Jyreveal. He has become a powerful witness for Jesus and is not easily swayed by difficulties. Praise the Lord!
Online School Reaps Baptisms
Though restrictions postponed PAFCOE training, reaching souls did not stop. In September 2020, hundreds responded to an online Bible study course offered by PAFCOE, and many were baptized after completing the course. The extended quarantine also provided time for more enrollees to complete the course with the help of PAFCOE students.
Seven candidates came together for a special baptismal service in Albay. Each had a special testimony to share of how they heard about the online studies. One person traced his first encounter with Amazing Facts through Pastor Doug’s YouTube channel. He later discovered the Amazing Facts Philippine website, where he enrolled in the course. Vilma saw a Facebook post and signed up for studies. Lourdes received a flyer from Amazing Facts Philippines.
Encouraged by this response, we launched PAFCOE Online on February 19, 2021. The online evangelism training offers both instruction and inspiration. The lessons are based on the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Each course is packed with practical lessons and assignments designed to enable students to put their new knowledge into immediate use. The three courses include Amazing Disciples, Amazing Doctrines, and Conducting Bible Studies.
Your support makes possible these courses to be available to anyone, anytime and anywhere! Thank you for helping to create an interactive opportunity for students to learn the principles of evangelism so that soul-winning will continue to multiply in the Philippines.
Sent to Answer a Prayer
After graduating from PAFCOE and then completing a theology degree, Joshua and his new wife were assigned to a remote district in Central Luzon. Their assignment was only accessible by boat or hiking. Though the small church had many backslidden members, there was an elder who had been praying for years that a pastor would come help build up the church.
Joshua visited the elder when he came to the district. This elderly man was so faithful that he would often be the only person who attended church after the others quit. Joshua shared Scripture with the elder and as they prayed together, tears rolled down the old man’s cheeks.
Sadly, the very next day, the man was rushed to the hospital where he died. Though Joshua mourned his loss, he was grateful that the man was able to see the answer to his prayer. There are still many challenges Joshua and his wife face in reaching backslidden members, and many others who are caught up in the trappings of this world. But your prayers and gifts are inspiring young workers like Joshua to advance last-day truth in remote places in the Philippines.
Thank you for supporting the work of Amazing Facts in the Philippines. You are training Bible workers, online evangelists, and helping launch a new online Bible school that is penetrating the darkness of confusion and bringing light and hope to thousands in this beautiful nation in the Pacific. Please continue to pray and support PAFCOE. The Lord is changing lives in this island country through you.