A Glimpse into Butuan

Kuya Bong--my surgeon friend that I will be helping in Butuan forwarded me the following newsletter clipping, written about the 2012 Nehemiah Medical Team (which I worked with last Summer). I thought it might provide a glimpse of the different villages I might be serving, as well as how the receptivity to us went. (My comments are in Bold/Italic):

"The 2012 Nehemiah Medical Team, composed of 17 students from various States in the United States, has come and gone. However, under the leadership of Bong Dacanay, they performed several medical procedures, established new relationships in four villages and surrounding areas, distributed 77 Bibles and 25 packs of FAITH seeds. The summer, from June 7 to July 29, was a success.

The Nehemiah Team was divided into four sub-teams with 4 American volunteers and several Filipino volunteers, who translated and helped in the ministry and medical procedures. Each sub-team was assigned to a specific village and spent the majority of the summer in those villages. The four villages were Tud-Ol, Lamosig, E.G. Montilla and Consorcia. (All new villages from last year, I should add.) Below is a brief overview of what occurred in each village and how the Nehemiah Team assisted in community building, both physically and spiritually.

For Tud-Ol, the village was extremely receptive of the team and became friends with each of the members. The team established daily Bible sharing time, where they shared Bible stories in the common area of the village. Every evening at least 20 villagers gathered to listen to the stories, ask questions and reflect on the glory of God. Several believers were found in the village and the team dedicated much time to discipling them and teaching them the importance of baptism. The team endured several hardships with medical issues in the community and the death of a neighbor. However, this was a time for the team to share God’s love even more and help the people develop hope in our Father.

Concerning medical service, the team performed 25 circumcision procedures, addressed small cuts and wounds, and distributed medication for basic colds and allergies. When the medical mission team from Ft. Payne, Alabama came to assist in medical service, they pulled teeth for 16 people, checked 135 people for basic medical needs, and distributed medication for the needs of the villagers.

For Lamosig, the village was not as open and welcoming as other villages. This was anticipated from the beginning, as Bong warned the team that they may face opposition at times, but to be committed to the service of the Lord. The team worked hard as they conducted door-to-door Bible studies, but were discouraged at times because of the lack of receptiveness. However, they were able to assist a local pastor in building a church and telling villagers about the church and how they could worship together every Sunday. Some of the team members found receptive people and were able to disciple them one-on-one and encourage them to read more of the Bible and memorize verses. This proved to be effective and a wonderful way to minister to the villagers.

Concerning medical service, the team performed 23 circumcision procedures. As they were assisted by the medical mission team from Alabama, they pulled teeth for 39 people, and distributed medication for cough, cold, and allergy. They also helped 390 people with basic medical needs and checked vital signs.

For E.G. Montilla, the village was receptive from the beginning, but soon religious leaders of the community warned against the Americans and the Gospel they were teaching. Some members encountered opposition because of this warning, but disputes were settled and team members were able to share truth and explain the completeness of the Gospel. Once truth was spoken, villagers were much more responsive and receptive of Bible studies. The team began to focus on organization of believers in the community as they found several who believed in Christ and desired fellowship. As they finished the summer, they were committed to organizing the believers, discussing the possibility of building a church building, and having land donated for the building.

Concerning medical service, the team performed 54 circumcision procedures. As they were assisted by the medical mission team from Alabama, they pulled teeth for 58 people and distributed basic medication. They were able to see 258 people and check vital signs of each who came.

For Consorcia, the village was very receptive and accepting of the team. The team had wonderful door-to-door ministry, establishing contacts across the village and ministering to each household daily. One of the best ministries of the summer for the team was their ministry with the children of the village. They recognized the need to reach out to the children and soon the team members organized and began sharing Bible stories every night with the children. Each evening, at least 20 children gathered in the health clinic to listen to the stories. They were quizzed on the previous story and awarded prizes for remembering past stories. This ministry proved to be effective and ordained by God. One of the best ways to reach families is through their children, and this team did exactly that.

Concerning medical service, the team performed 60 circumcision procedures. As they were assisted by the medical mission team from Alabama, they pulled teeth of 29 people and distributed medication for the needs of the community. They were able to see 301 people and check vital signs of each who came.

The medical mission from Alabama also worked in Subait (one of the villages we worked in a good bit last year), another small village in the greater Butuan area. In Subait, the medical team checked 183 people for basic medical needs, distributed medication and they pulled teeth for 26 people."

Though I don't know exactly what villages I will be working in this time, it is very possible that these villages will be included in the ones that we work in (especially Subait). Please keep these 5 villages in prayer, that Satan would not get a stronghold while the missionaries are away, but that the new believers would continue to seek Christ's face and read and memorize the Scriptures, as well as continue having Bible Studies, and encouraging their neighbors/non-believers as well.

But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach; That is thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto Salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all them that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word (rhemas) of God.

~ Romans 10:8-17 ~