Greetings brethren!

I really enjoyed my last visit to the Philippines. Spending time with you has always been a delight. On the Sabbath of July 16, I had the opportunity along with Mr. Evasco and Mr. Dizon to participate in ordaining Mrs. Cora Evangelista to the office of deaconess and Mr. Benedicto Lorenzo to the office of deacon. We are very grateful for their service to the Church.

On Sunday, July 17, we held a ministerial meeting in Davao City. It is always a wonderful opportunity to spend time with our ministry. The meeting began at 9:00 am with Daniel, Richard, and Charles Macaraeg reporting about their respective roles in the work of the Church in the Philippines. Much of the day was spent discussing the location of the National Office. After much thought and discussion, we decided to temporarily locate the National Office in Davao City for approximately two years. During this transitional two-year period, we will be able to assess ways in which the National Office can best serve the needs of the Church through functions, personnel and location. I would like to solicit your prayers for God’s guidance as we move forward with the National Office.

After leaving the Philippines I had the opportunity of meeting other Filipinos living outside of the Philippines. During my visit to Thailand, I had an opportunity of spending a couple of very enjoyable evenings with Fil Olimpo and his daughter, Abbey. Fil was baptized a number of years ago and has lived in Bangkok for about five years. During our visit, his wife was in the hospital expecting their second child. After my return home, Fil informed me that his wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Congratulations to the Olimpo family! Fil listens to a sermon each Sabbath via the Internet.

I was able to spend the Sabbath of July 30 with our brethren in Hong Kong. In addition to the Ming Tak family, Edwin Mogul, and Rodia Siopan, Anita Ng from Singapore was able to join us for the Sabbath. On Sunday, I had the pleasure of traveling with the Ming Tak family to Macau to visit Mark Evangelista and his family. Mark has been working in Macau for some time and it was wonderful to visit him and his family at their home. During our visit, I was able to speak with Mark’s mother, father and sister (back in the Philippines) via the Internet. Technology is truly amazing!

On Tuesday, August 2, I had the pleasure of visiting with Gaddi Alberto in Shanghai, China. Gaddi grew up in the Malate area of Manila and has lived in China for a number of years. Gaddi faces many hardships trying to live a Christian life in China far away from his family in the Philippines. He is able to listen to our sermons via the Internet each Sabbath.

Please remember your brethren scattered throughout Asia in your prayers. Most of us have the opportunity of gathering each Sabbath for instruction, fellowship, and encouragement but some of our brethren do not have this opportunity. Let’s never take for granted the wonderful blessing that God has given us.

I wish that I could be with you for the Feast this year but my family and I will spend the Feast with the brethren in Sri Lanka. Last year they were not able to have a minister or guests join them for the Feast. I felt it was very important that a minister be with them this year. Even though I will not be able to join you this year, you will certainly be in my prayers. I know that you will have a wonderful time getting to know Mr. and Mrs. Franks. May you have the best Feast ever! I look forward to seeing some of you during my visit in November.