“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27.
“Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!
Visit to the Philippines
In March, James Chanco and Ruth Sanchez, the son and daughter of our founder, Pastor Amado Chanco, travelled to the Philippines. The mission trip was a great success. The whole CMFE is rejoicing for the power and kindness of our Lord Jesus. After eight long years, the Philippine government has approved the CMFE’s right to construct the Gethsemane Home orphanage in Mabitac, Laguna. We are amazed at our wonderful and compassionate, almighty God who rescued the Gethsemane Home property and protected His ministry. Now we pray for the provision of funds to construct a home for the orphans.
We are also delighted that the mission headquarters and Manila Calvary Church has been renovated and is again open for worship and ministering to the poor in the city. Once a week, the poor in the neighborhood are invited for a meal and to hear the word of God.
CMFE Ministries
CMFE pastors and workers as well as their families are rejoicing and pressing on as they witness the revival in their churches and ministries. Through prayer and hard work, their ministries flourish and have grown. The Lord Jesus is their strength and companion in all that they do. They feel the Lord is with them to direct and guide them in what they have to share. God helps them every step of the way, giving them wisdom in sharing the Gospel and touches the hearts of the people who hears God's Word. The pastors and workers are humbled and encouraged to continue the work because they are witnesses of God’s miracles, grace and mercy. Many who hear the Word accept the message of salvation.
CMFE churches continue with the revival services, crusades, travel bands and other ministries. They are eager to share the love and kindness of our Lord Jesus to all people. He came to be our Savior. The pastors are grateful and that the Lord is blessing CMFE ministries and rejoice with their humble work for the Lord.
The pastors and congregations which live in dangerous areas, like Maguindanao, are praying that the peace of God be upon them. They express their joy and gratitude that the Lord Jesus who is the Savior, protects them. Indeed, their challenging situation emboldens them to proclaim the need for a Savior.
Pastors Meeting in Davao City, Mindanao
Last April 2nd to the 3rd, we had an encouraging meeting in Davao City. Again, the district missionaries and pastors met with CMFE leadership. Ruth Chanco spoke words of encouragement from Jeremiah 32: 27 and Colossians 4:2. CMFE then awarded three certificates of appreciation to district missionaries who went above and beyond in their valuable service, assistance of the poor and consistent communication or reporting of district ministries. The pastor’s reports showed their hard work in the ministry and their love for the Lord.
What’s Happening in the Districts
Maguindanao District
This district is among the Tiruray tribe. Pastor Oscar Claudio shared about another new pioneering church in the Sultan Kudarat region, in the remote town of Marireb Esperanza. The new church has a membership of 46 families but a pastor has yet to be assigned.
The leaders and pastors in this district are asking for prayers. Maguindanao is now under the Bansang Moro, a Muslim organization. The Islamic group are imposing very strict rules for the Christian Churches. However, the pastors and leaders of the district are choosing faith over fear. They know God is present in their work. They have a history of witnessing His many miracles. They cling to His promises. They trust in the goodness of God’s plan and thus, continue to worship and serve Him. Indeed, despite of the stringent regulations and persecution, God’s work is flourishing. Praise the Lord.
Maguindanao District, is asking for prayer for their safety. They live in a war zone and have to trust God for their safety. Conflict between the government and Islamic militants continue.
Maitum District
The district missionary of Maitum is Pastor Novie Boone, a Tiboli tribesman. He is well educated and gave his report in English. Pastor Boone studied in Edenton Mission College, where he mentioned he first met Pastor Ramon and Ruth Sanchez. Pastor Sanchez was the director of Edenton for two years. They both also taught at the College.
Pastor Boone goes around to visit the different churches. The district is well organized. The church leaders and members tirelessly and faithfully serve God. The churches have a myriad of projects and ministries. To fund the district ministries, each congregation contributes 100 pesos per month to a district fund. Each individual church also has its own activities. For example, Kambuakay Calvary Church, a Tiboli tribe church in Zion, Maitum, has extension Bible studies. The people of the area are excited to attend to be blessed by God’s teaching and to fellowship with believers. They have a feeding program with the assistance of the government. The Maitum district youth group will be join the youth people of West Maasim for their Summer Youth Camp.
Currently, the district is suffering under a severe drought. CMFE has provided some assistance. Yet, despite the drought and the hardship, they continue serving. Many of the member’s crops are dying. They pray God will send the rains soon. CMFE provided some assistance.
Maasim 2 District
This District is among the Bilaan tribe. Pastor Eliseo Guimba reported that they hold evangelical crusades in all their nine sitio or towns. The total attendance is 450 and around 300 accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior. At the end of the crusades they feed the people and encourage them to attend the church services and continue their walk with Christ. For the feeding, the district provides two sacks of rice and a huge pig that costs 3,000.00 pesos, a large sum for the region. The Christian community in this district gives sacrificially to spread the gospel.
Kiamba 1 and West Maasim 2 District
Pastor Willie Adon was not able to attend the meeting. He was not feeling well. CMFE gave him help to see a doctor. This district is among the Tiboli tribe. There is new church in West Maasim, Kambias Calvary Church. Now they have three churches in Kiamba and four churches in West Maasim 2.
Kiamba 2 District
Pastor Eduardo Digan said they had a revival meeting and lots of people attended. The bible training school or the Philippine Bible Institute continues. To help with their financial needs they grow corn and bananas.
Maasim 1 District
Pastor Alan Alejo declared that the pastors in their district will love the Lord Jesus and remain faithful in His service for rest of their lives. They have revival crusade in every church. The district leadership is committed to never give up, never lose faith, always be hopeful and endure to every circumstance. Pastor Alejo also shared they have district and church evaluations to improve their ministries. They feel that listening to each other is essential to building relationships and furthering God’s work. In the face of overwhelming challenges, they need the love that makes a difference and they cannot love people without listening.
West Maasim 2 District
Pastor Peligrio Flores’s district prays and fasts every last Thursday of the month. They will have a Summer Youth camp and other districts will attend too. There are two big churches in this districts and the members tithe faithfully.
Tiboli District 2
Pastor Elwin Salyok reported that their third church is doing well. It is Basag Calvary Church and the new pastor is Pastor Berbo Dangan. This is a Tiboli tribe district in a very remote location. They continue their Bible School.
Calinan, Davao City District
Pastor Ruben Diangalon, said they will also have a summer youth camp. Pagan Suawan Calvary Church has a day care and Children’s Learning Center under the leadership of Pastor Christina Tula. Moreover, the district has a new church, Bulan Calvary Church. They are overjoyed that this remote area will have a place of worship.
Mamog Calvary Church in this district is also in a very remote area in the boundary of Calinan and South Cotabato. It is a very poor area. Most of the members live in poverty but remain faithful.
Davao del Norte District
Pastor Leahsol Siga started a campus ministry. We await more information about this new ministry. The district also has a new “pioneering” church, New Bataan Calvary Church. Though starting with a few members, the church plans to evangelize and bring more people in the area to learn about the love of God and the message of salvation.
