Hermie G* - In the southern most province of Mindanao, Philippines, this respected community leader faithfully and boldly stands for Christ…surrounded by Islamic extremists.  He has developed over many years a strong network of local churches and outreaches over many un-reached mountain regions.  His heart for economical progress for the poorest has led him into many agricultural projects such as mango tree groves to empower the village people.

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Noe - Manila

“Praying is not enough; feeding and gift giving to orphans creates space in their hearts that there is a God who cares and will eventually be their Savior.  We train tribe youth to win tribe people, teach music out of school youth to win others for Christ through music.  Thanks to HIM assistance.” With the help of Expand the Heartland funds Noe was able to help Christian brothers get back on their feet after consecutive typhoons caused extensive mudslides and flooding in his area, buying tools, rice and other basic supplies for those who had lost everything.  Noe was also able to relocate his family from the squatter area where they were living to safer home because of your help.

This gifted young man has administrated a Bible College, planted churches, overseen hundreds of rural pastors, facilitated tribal and national level seminars and training programs.  His unique call and gifting to network encourage and educate believers in continually providing open doors in Asia to build the body of Christ.

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Erlinda 

In 1985, this physically handicapped woman committed herself to serve the Lord and His people by faith.  After finishing her college and seminar level training she was asked to oversee all the alumni for ATTS.  Trained by Fred Kornis in the O.A.C. 'Sowers' program, she continues to do pioneer village outreaches throughout the Philippines a well as her disciplining and intercessory ministries.

“The money you sent has gone a long long way to help us all advance the Kingdom of God.  Testimonies of changed lives are witnessed by the community as we do Feeding Ministry for the Malnourished Kids as well as soul winning and discipleship. A highlight in this year’s activities was a Salvation Crusade where 137 souls attended.  Bags of rice were given as a “surprise gift” to all those who attended.  As it is, the people are already below poverty line without the landslides and the floods, but more so now.”                                                      (Continued)

We are doing follow-up visits to converts, they are given Bibles and discipleship training books to aid the new believers in their Home Bible Study programs for spiritual growth. 

More amazing results:  Since January until this date:
a.    40 souls have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior through our house to   house evangelism and discipleship (excluding those who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in the Crusade)
b.    22 Home Bible Studies (HBS) have opened
c.    33 Paul & Timothy discipleship programs are on-going (in and out of the church) for converts
d.    9 have been involved in our church
e.    14 Barangays (Provinces) currently are being reached
f.    21 Disciple Makers raised
g.    Increased church plant attendance from 19 to 70 (ave.) since soul winning and disciple making flourished
h.    Due to poverty in the area, by God’s grace and through your help, I am able to bless the 15 soul winners and disciple makers with a bag of grocery monthly because of their faithfulness despite their financial needs.  Those who used to be scoffers of the members of their church are now envious when they see the soul winners, disciple makers carrying groceries home. 
i.    Husbands who used to persecute their wives when they go to church caught the “God-fever” and are now going house to house to do soul-winning and discipleship themselves.                                     

The recent landslide brought utter devastation to our members.  The upside of which was many started seeking God and His protection. 

Fred was able to visit and provide gifts and a “Christmas program” to 45 homeless families living in tents.  He was took 10 local youth out in the market places and did Open Air preaching where over 400 responded and received literature.

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Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 4:14 AM
Subject: Landslides.
To: Fred Kornis

Dear Fred

I’m sorry for this late reply.  We were cut off from the world.  No power, no internet, no gasoline, no food for almost a week because all the main roads going to Baguio were closed due to landslides. 

I still can’t control my tears for all of the 53 saints that went to be with the Lord in our District.  Some of them sat under my preaching and teaching.  I can’t believe what happened to them as the members told me how their bodies were so disfigured, unrecognizable due to the severe blow of boulders and mud.  Utter devastation. 

That which was shown on TV was the exact area where I minister every week.  It’s only by God’s grace that all of our members were miraculously spared from the catastrophe, except for landslide mud in their houses.   Some are being asked to evacuate for fear of another landslide (70%).

I only rode a taxi (my car window was broken) to pray over the people and the land and check on the safety of our members.   God’s providential care was upon me as we drove through landslides.  On top of the road, on the right were huge boulders and piled mud and on the left is the steep ravine where bodies are being retrieved. 

We were only treading on tire paths.  As I looked down, some bodies were still being found and  some bodies are still missing.  Churches are filled with several coffins some of which could no longer be accommodated and had to be outside.  Weather forecasts 6 more typhoons.  God have mercy on us. 

Currently, praise God for the 2 roads that already opened, but only one way:  morning trips going down and afternoon, trips going up Baguio.  Praise God also that electricity and email connections are already restored.  Our Feeding Ministry today was cancelled.  The Longlong Elem School was open yet and most of the people are going to bury (again!) their dead more decently in the cemeteries today. 

Praise God for the money you sent which I was able to share not only for the flood victims, but also for our own victims in Northern Luzon and South Central Cordillera District Council.  We were able to help with food, water, candles, cooking utensils, vitamins for the sick and help for the bereaved.  I also shared some clothes to keep them warm from the rains.  I’ll still meet with more leaders tomorrow and see what help could still be given.

I know that God was with His own people, even to those who went through the darkness of mudslides for we have His promise (Isa 43.2,3).  To us who are still alive and walk with God our missions is simple: keep declaring THE GOSPEL that GOD is our only hope.

Please pray for comfort for the grieving pastors and members.  PRAY that God will give us wisdom, physical and emotional strength to carry on the task of providing relief and medical assistance to the bereaved and the flood and landslide victims.

In Christ’s Vineyard,

ERL, Longlong Province , H.I.M. - Philippines