Phil and Vina le Roux serve the Lord among the Agutaynen people in the Philippines. They recently had the privilege of being a part of a mission conference in North Carolina, USA. It was a busy, but blessed time of sharing about their ministry with the church, adult life groups, and the youth. Pray that many will see the goodness of the Lord in all He has done in their lives and across the world.
They are thankful to the Lord for the many opportunities He has given them whilst on home assignment, to serve Him and to share about His work. Phil also had an opportunity to be the guest speaker at a Bible camp youth retreat last month. This is where their daughter Valerie-Anne and husband Lamar serve. What a privilege to share the Word!
Shortly before they left for the USA in March, seven people were baptised in the ocean in front of their house in the Philippines. What a way to end their term on Agutaya Island! It was such a beautiful day with tears of joy, laughter, and memories! This is such a hard step of obedience for Agutaynen brothers and sisters in Christ, but watching those seven boldly obey has encouraged yet another five to say they want to be baptised later in the year. Thank you Lord!
There is so much to be excited about with the Agutaynen church. A new “outreach” of sorts has started on the island. Every week the police meet for a life skill development time. They have asked for Scripture to be shared with them over this time! This is a work of the Lord that started when two of the police who attended the first Firm Foundations teaching were saved four years ago. None of the others are believers, so it is a great opportunity to present the Gospel to them. Please pray for the Lord to begin a work in the hearts of these police men and woman.
Another exciting development is seeing the women step up in service. Phil and Vina worked ahead and wrote the Kid’s Sunday School curriculum ready for when they were on home assignment. Three ladies have stepped forward to teach these lessons! Phil and Vina are delighted to see the things that they dreamed of coming to fruition.
The second school room on another island is almost complete. They are really excited to see how the Lord will use this to build relationships on the island for His glory.
Yet more good news! Agutaya Bible Church is now officially recognised as a church by the Philippines government. This means that they can now purchase the land in the name of the church and begin building the much needed church building! This was a long but worthwhile process as it secures the church property for many years to come, long after Phil and Vina have gone to be with the Lord. May there be a faithful church still glorifying the precious Lord and Father!
Phil and Vina are continually blessed to see the weekly photos of the Sunday services at the Farm Church in South Africa, their passport country. Many of the people living there move on to other places as they get better work or living conditions. But the Lord sends others to take their place so that they may hear truth at this little church plant. It is a beacon in the darkness! Praise God for this church which is still standing firm after almost four years since it was first planted, and for the Pastor who faithfully shepherds these precious brothers and sisters in Christ.
The past few weeks have been a really hard time for Phil and Vina and family. They are acutely aware that the serpent of old seeks to destroy and discourage and they are holding on tight to the One who loves them immeasurably. Please be in prayer for them. Pray that they will glorify the Lord as much in the valley as they do on the mountain top. Pray that every trial will produce perseverance and that their lives will be poured out as a sweet-smelling sacrifice for Him.
Pray for:
- Agutaya Bible Church members to grow in their faith and reach out to others.
- The Farm Church to stand strong despite the daily difficulties they experience.
- The Agutaya Church that the members will thrive under a national Pastor and grow in number.
- For Phil and Vina’s family, that they will glorify the Lord in all they do, think, and say, and love Him above all.
- That they have many opportunities to glorify the Lord in the USA as they share all He has done.
- That they will not grow weary in doing good, but remain steadfast, enduring until the end.