Gus Harter’s Recent Visit to the Philippines

Originally posted by Elder Gus Harter
In the last two weeks of January my wife, Betty Jo, and I with Elder Darrel Chambers and his wife, Donna, traveled to the Philippines to encourage our churches and strengthen the children’s home, Beauty for Ashes. It had been a year since Betty Jo had seen the children that our dear Lord had blessed she and the workers to save from death’s door. We also had many of these children that had been orphaned in our own home for years. Sister Donna has been diligent in helping with clothes, books and support for these children. She agreed to travel with us to both see the work and help my wife whose health is worse than poor. I first discouraged her from traveling with me, but a team of wild horses could not keep her from visiting her beloved little children. Upon arriving in Manila we put Donna and Betty Jo on a plane to Davao to continue the ministry of Beauty for Ashes.

There has been for the last six months increased terror activity by MILF (Muslims) and New People’s Army (communists). The ministers of our churches insisted that it was not safe for us to travel to many of the churches, especially in Mindanao. Therefore we scheduled three different meetings with the ministers coming to us in safe cities. On Thursday morning and evening we held a ministers’ conference in Iloilo City. About 30 different ministers from the island of Panoy and Negroes gathered at a YMCA building. Because there were about 10 new ministers, we first explained in detail the exciting message of salvation by the sovereign grace of God. We then spent time encouraging them and giving a plan for interchurch fellowship thru regular fellowship meetings. One minister joined while we were there, and Brother Darrel baptized him.
On Thursday through Sunday we returned to Manila where the churches are growing with exciting rapidity. On Thursday night we visited with the first church established in Manila served by Elder Dominador Lazada. The building was full and the blessings of the evening were abundant. On Friday we visited three new congregations traveling several hundred miles in the greater Manila area. I wish my brethren in America could witness their new love and zeal to spread the message of grace. On Saturday we were with the Primitive Baptist Church of Kalookan City served by Elder Conrado Quinto. Before leaving the Philippines, I had promised a group of ministers I would return for their ordination. These six men have been with us for over a year, and this entire day was given for their ordination. In the morning Elder Darrel and I enjoyed both their fellowship and in depth conversation of their understanding of our doctrine and practice. This was a bright day of our trip. In the afternoon we had their ordination with over two hundred brethren in attendance. During the questioning of the candidates by Elder Conrado Quinto, the answers were both clear and concise. Most of the questions were centered around the difference in gospel regeneration and immediate Spirit regeneration. The answers were abundantly clear of separation of our people from the missionary Baptists. That night we enjoyed hearing each of the newly ordained men preach. It was an exciting day.
On Sunday, Brother Darrel went back to the church at Kalookan City. I visited three different congregations, one in the early morning and two that afternoon. Our wives returned that evening by plane from Davao, and we concluded our visit that evening with Kalookan Church. The singing and service was exceptional. The congregation had over two hundred present. We heard two of the newly ordained men, and I concluded in preaching.
The next morning we put our wives on a plane back to America. Brother Darrel and I flew to Davao City for a joint meeting of ministers from all over Mindanao. We met together Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. About 30 men arrived at Providence Primitive Baptist Church just south of Davao City. All of these men have been with us for years. Many of these ministers were with us when the churches were first established. We shared the teaching responsibility with several of the native ministers. They all did well. On Thursday afternoon we ordained to the ministry a good man, Brother Ciocon. He serves a church in General Santos about four hours south of Davao. On Thursday night we flew back to Manila having one last meeting with the ministry. The trip was both enjoyable and the Lord blessed our meetings. Brother Darrel and I were tired but satisfied it was a profitable labor.