My dear readers,
1. A Partnership Sealed on Stone: “CALVARY PANDAN HALL”
The western sky glowed with the last rays of the setting sun as the Hilltop Community – the Center for Biblical Studies Faculty Staff and Board, Students and Alumni, and associated Pastors of the ACCPhil Group, gathered in front of the Sanctuary.
At 6.15 pm Pastor Caleb Dignadice gave the call to worship. With united voices, the assembled gathering filled the evening air with two hymns of praise: “Come, Christians, join to sing” and “How Great Thou Art.” Prayer of Thanksgiving was offered by Rev Diok Bacoli, Faculty Member. Then Rev Laudemar Lubaton (whom the Lord had spared from death three years earlier) spoke of how Calvary Pandan BP Church had been closely associated with the development and growth of the Hilltop Ministry over the past two decades. The story was told of how the collaboration between two, Bible-faithful groups had grown into a strong, vibrant and flourishing partnership of Bible-Presbyterians with Baptists because of our common commitment to our Lord’s Great Commission and the Bible injunction to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Then came the event of the night: The “Unveiling of Marker.” As the curtain unfolded - the words “CALVARY PANDAN HALL” set in large cut-out steel letters, mounted on the North Wall of the Sanctuary Entrance came into view. My response and closing prayer, was that God Himself would preserve the long-standing partnership in the future, through coming days of “falling away,” that the partnership would remain steadfast unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Readers, my request is: please pray for our fellow labourers at Hilltop and its associated Churches, that they will remain faithful to their calling, standing fast against the ecumenical flood tide and the end time falling away. Amen.
2. Praise God from whom all blessings flow
This visit to Hilltop was truly blessed of the Lord. Our team of three (Deacon Ko Swee Chay, Preacher Lek Aik Wee, and I) have been greatly encouraged and blessed by seeing the progress in the Gospel, by meeting the pastors and leaders who are bearing the brunt of the work, and best of all, by their faithfulness in the defence and propagation of the faith. Remember, the Lord has raised up this work in a community 85 percent Roman Catholic, in the midst of idolatry and a prevailing climate of unbiblical “Christianity.”
Today (Friday 19 Oct 07) Brother Aik Wee and I fly home, back to Singapore, ever thankful to God for our country, our Church, and our homes. Surely, the Lord had sent us for a purpose, to consolidate the Gospel effort at Hilltop and its related Churches, and to observe at firsthand, the Lord’s working among our Baptist friends and co-workers. We return more than happy and satisfied. All praise to God.
3. Aid to fellow workers in the Philippines
In the past Calvary had rallied to the aid of Hilltop Staff members afflicted with life-threatening sickness. Our timely help had saved the life of Pastor Lubaton, President of the Center for Biblical Studies (CBS), as well as helped greatly in the recovery of Pastor Bill Ebert. It was a real joy to see them both serving the Lord with fullness of health again.
Working in association with CBS, Hilltop, are some forty-five fundamental Churches (many pastored by CBS alumni). In conversations, we learned of the economic straits of some of these Gospel workers. The average income of the younger men is about S$230 per month. In order to supplement their meagre income, some do part-time fishing, pig farming, or sell cooked-food in their neighbourhood. Here I reproduce excerpts from a letter from a struggling pastor.
4. Letter from Missionary in Laoau City
His name is Jovita Enriquez, working among the people of Laoau City. This mission work began in April 2007. He says, “My heart desire is to open more Bible Study groups so that more can come to learn of God’s love. But my wife and I have to sell cooked food in order to survive, doing our mission work. We are truly anxious to focus heart and mind on the Gospel work. At present we sell our cooked food in the neighbourhood from Monday to Friday, leaving only Saturday and Sunday for our Bible classes. Please pray for us and our four children!
The Annual Workers’ Retreat organized by our Hilltop brethren is the one organized spiritual recharging for many of these young men. Those in the far-flung provinces find it a real hardship to scrape together the funds for travel and the 3-day event. And yet they come at great cost and sacrifice.
Then there is the need to buy essential books, renew worn Bibles, etc. Our 135 kg of printed material was either given free or sold at a fraction of cost. This is one way of aid our friends. Thank God for this avenue of help, remembering our Lord’s words: “It is more blessed to give …” God bless all who pray and help.
P/s Latest from Rev Peter Clements
Health wise, I have had a somewhat strange and unexpected development of late. The ascots drains which have been going on since Sept 05 are not happening so regularly. It has averaged around 700ml/week until September. After a month, we could only find 1.2 litres. It is now a month since the last drain, and it seems I would not have 2 litres this time around. Brethren, this is a minor miracle. Medication or general activity has not changed - or diet, but the fluid is just not there. In the cancer business, things generally only go in one direction - ie down, so this is good news indeed. Feet and ankles continue to be a problem, as are the blood noses once again, but these can be controlled, praise the Lord.
Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Senior Pastor