Early this month Ptr. Chito spent two days in training by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, for the upcoming Will Graham crusade: Bicol Celebration of Hope. Chito writes:
The Love of God! I just arrived from Naga City from a two-day training. This was hosted by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in preparation for the upcoming Bicol Celebration of Hope with Will Graham on April 28,29,30 to May 1, 2011 in Pili Stadium Naga City. Our lecturer was Dr. Bob Kendig (BGEA Counseling & Follow-up Coordinator). Eight of us (pastors) from Sorsogon were recommended to attend and be trained which in turn would re-echo the same training to churches in Sorsogon province. The training focused mostly on the Christian Life & Witness Course, a training on how to help the “babies” or “inquirers” (those who would accept Christ in the crusade) grow in their faith.
I think this is God’s “visitation” to us Bicolanos. Our place has been always devasted by varied calamities and disasters like typhoon, volcanic eruptions, flood, and other crisis and adversities. Christians in Bicol are only about 4% of the total populations. That’s why when I heard about BGEA coming to Bicol, I praised God and continuesly praising Him; looking forward to a time when a great numbers of my own people coming to the Lordship of Christ. God pours out His saving mercy and grace upon Bicolanos. Please include this always in your prayers, especially breaking the walls among Christians and churches, especially pastors here in our place, that we may be united in our vision and care for the souls of our people.
I am looking forward to attending the Bicol Celebration of Hope in Bicol. I am a pastor of a young church here in Quezon City and has a heart for reaching out people for Christ especially through evangelistic crusades. Had I known about the training last December I would have attended it. When I saw the advertisement on TV of Will Graham’s crusade this April, I told God I would like to attend and be witness of the great revival God would bring in this place – all for God’s glory! God bless.
Your prayer partner for Christ’s sake,
Pastor Mike