A week ago, the very first service was held in the new church building where Philip and Vina le Roux serve in the Philippines. The Agutaya church inauguration, baptisms, child dedications, and deacon ordinations, all took place in one very special celebration!
On Saturday, the day before the inauguration, they were still running around painting, and carrying benches in etc. Had it not been for the special guests (a team from the USA and one South African), they would never have finished everything! It was the most wonderful of days! This past week Phil and Vina have had time to reflect on the magnitude of what the Lord has done and are in awe. What an amazing God! It is so much more than a building. It is the work He has done in the hearts of the believers that is so evident. There were so many precious moments that they cannot possibly share them all.
Six people were baptised on Sunday. These were the first baptisms that were truly “public” in that unbelievers were invited to the inauguration who were there to witness these men and women declare their faith through baptism. This is huge! No longer bound by fear, but instead they boldly declared their faith. Praise God! Two sets of parents dedicated their children to the Lord, and four deacons – the very first, were ordained.
The Lord blessed the church greatly with a wonderful team of eight people who came to attend and serve for the inauguration. They were such a source of encouragement as well as valuable workers! Although Phil and Vina are physically very tired, their hearts are encouraged. What a wonderful tangible reminder of the body of Christ. They praise God for these men and women and for the churches that sent them! They were able to do an outreach to a primary school with the team. The children loved it! Pray for seeds that have been planted to take root in their hearts. The team also helped with the finishing touches to the church building.
A big thank you to all who have prayed and helped make this church building possible. All glory to God!
The Farm Church in South Africa has been faithfully meeting in the cold weather worshipping the Lord outside every week. Continue to keep these men and women in your prayers. Work is scarce and living conditions are difficult. Pray their faith will shine through in these difficult circumstances and that many will come to salvation.
Prayer requests:
• Continue to pray for the Farm Church. Pray for the Pastor and his wife, for their safety and provision as they serve the Lord.
• Pray for the next building project! Sunday school classrooms and a school – on another island.
• Pray for the Bible studies with the women, men, and police, and that more will attend.
• For the youth ministry, that the teens will come to salvation, and those who are saved will grow.
• Continue to pray for the lady whose family won’t allow her to have Bible study at her home, that she will be able to have it in her home once more.
• For their children and families to stay safe and healthy and for them to love the Lord above all.
• Pray for the Lord to provide an indigenous, local pastor for the Agutaya Bible Church!