by Original Author on December 28, 2003
Originally posted by Elder Gus Harter
The Ordination of Brother Mario Omila, November 29, 2003
Brother Omila united with the Primitive Baptist in 1994 in the Davao area. He later moved to Bohol and influence several ministers to come to our people. He began worshipping with a congregation in his home about three years ago. The congregation has become stable and regular. They are well taught and the time for his ordination and constitution of the church was set for November 29, 2003 on Saturday.
On Thursday morning I flew to Cebu and was joined by Elder Jovencio Bael to take a boat to Tagbilaran, Bohol. I met with three fellowships on Thursday and Friday served by Brother Jeff Tiansay, Emilo Boloron and Bernardo Dalinson. We enjoyed all three services and were encouraged over their progress. Brother Tiansay and Brother Boloron as well as Brother Omila are building structures besides their homes for meeting places for their congregation.
On Saturday morning Elder Bael, Elder Max Quichon and I formed a Presbytery to consider the ordination of Brother Omila and the constitution of the congregation he serve on Dauis Island, Bohol. Just fewer than 100 people crowded into the small building beside Brother Omila’s home. Brother Mario has been faithful to be constant encouragement to the ministers and fellowship throughout Bohol and these men responded by supporting his ordination. I moderated both ordination and constitution of the church. Elder Bael served as clerk for both and we shared with Elder Quiachon the different positions of responsibility.
Brother Omila answered the questions with both confidence and correctness. Most of his answers were in Cebuano. I have the utmost confidence in Elder Jovencio Bael who stated his clarity and correctness in his answer. I preached the charge from I Peter 5 and it was well received. After the ordination the congregation gave he and his wife Rubelyn the right hand of fellowship. It was a time of good fellowship and unity for the ministry of the area.
Following a short recess, we had the constitution of the church. Brother Omila read the articles of faith and rules of decorum. The spokesman of the church declared their endorsement and acceptance. Brother Bael delivered the charge to the church.
Elder Bael and I then caught a boat back to Cebu and I had an appointment at the church he serves. We had a warm and lively meeting with a good attendance on Saturday evening service. On Sunday morning I flew back to Davao for services a Providence Church.
G. H.
Photos of Elder Mario Omila
by Original Author on December 27, 2003
Originally posted by Elder Gus Harter
The ordination of Brother Genorlito Tanduyan, November 22, 2003.
In Zamboanga City, located on the western tip of Zamboanga Del Sur on the island of Mindanao, we have four fellowships. The city is surrounded by militant Muslims activity but the city itself is mainly Christian and has an army base and navy base within its boundary. The city is considered safe and I have been there numerous times in aiding our ministry to build their congregations. One of our ministers Brother Genorlito Tanduyan, paralyzed from waist down from a logging accident in the 70’s. He is an excellent student of scripture and an able minister of the gospel. About two years ago he embraced the doctrines of grace and put himself in disfavor with the group of his affiliation. He united with our people soon afterwards. He was baptized with a little over half of his congregation. He has remained faithful in preaching our doctrine and on November 22, 2003 was set for his ordination.
His old wheel chair which he secured in the early 80’s had been welded and re-welded numerous times and he was in bad need of new one. While in the States packing a container with my personal belongings, a good brother form Shoal Creek church Michael Maijala gave several wheel chairs for the clinic which have been in constant use and two adult wheel chairs. One was a light alloy and steel chair given for Brother Tanduyan. I brought it with my luggage and gave it to him before his ordination. The joy and happiness that was expressed by him with this gift was worth the trip. He could hardly sleep that first night and put it right beside his bed so he could see it when awakened.
There were three Elders at the ordination, Constancio Tejada, Norberto Tejada and myself. We formed a Presbytery on Saturday morning November 22, 2003. I moderated the conference and Norberto served as clerk. Brother Constancio questioned the candidate and Brother Tanduyan was clear, concise, and accurate. I preached the charge from II Tim. 4. The Lord was with us and we were blessed with liberty. The congregation numbering around 50 then gave him and his wife Evelyn the right hand of fellowship.
After the ordination we went into the constitution of the church. The articles of faith and rules of decorum were read and approved. A fervent prayer was offered by Brother Norberto. Brother Constancio delivered the charge to the church. There was not a flight out that day and I had to wait for Sunday morning to get a flight back for service in Davao. However, that evening I spent several hours in conversation with some prospective ministers in the area. The trip was productive, profitable and enjoyable.
G.H.Photos of Elder Genorlito Tanduyan