God's Blessing on a Missionary Friend

My friends know that my last trip to the Philippines was to the Island of Cebu where a missionary named Travis Lewis (who did not know me) allowed me to be a part of his ministry, showed me great hospitality and taught me many great lessons on ministry in the Philippines.

Brother Lewis (http://www.lewisinthephilippines.com/) is on his first planned furlough after serving in Cebu for 4 years. In that time God has builded a church that is overflowing and has a whole different group of members coming on Sunday night and Sunday morning, mainly because of space. A good problem to have but it is a problem as they are finding it difficult to grow with no place to put people. This church is in Cebu City.

HERE IS THEIR LATEST PRAYER LETTER (arrived to me 7/24)

Dear Praying Friends,

The church in the Philippines continues on in our absence. We have heard great news from the Philippines thus far. In fact, many of the men have ‘stepped up’ in our absence. One of the men that had never been soul winning before said “Since Pastor is gone, the church needs more help with the soul winning”. He has been faithful ever since! We also have another man who was scheduled to work abroad but circumstances have postponed this. He has been a tremendous help at the church visiting the members and helping with the preaching. Attached to this e-mail is the picture of our 3rd Anniversary Sunday.These are just our regular church members since we do not have the space to do a major push with visitors. In fact, this group is usually divided between Sunday morning and Sunday night because we do not all fit into the building at once. For this day, we brought everyone together for one service and rented a tent outside to help with the overflow. One of the main purposes for our furlough is to raise money for property. At this point, we are renting a store front. Property in our city costs around $125 per square meter. 400 square meters would be a good start for the church at it’s present size. We sincerely appreciate the churches here in the U.S. who have given already toward this need. Currently we are at 37% of the needed funds to buy the property! God is great and mighty and He can do anything...even the seemingly impossible! The ‘Lewis Property Fund’has been set up at our regular missions support address. The church in the Philippines has been giving sacrificially toward a building. Once the property is bought, the church people will build their own building as God provides the funds. We will start with just a concrete slab, poles, and a tin roof. Over the last four months, the church in the Philippines has given $600 so far toward THEIR church building! Pray for us as we travel the roads and keep the church in Cebu in yourprayers!If you would like to contact me, my cell phone number here in the states is 512-656-8069.Travis Lewis

They are now at 42% of the money needed for the church land! God has blessed them immensely and they are rejoicing. He was just entering into New Mexico for more meetings (they are out of Texas) and look forward to seeing God provide the rest through His people so the gospel can be spread to further cities and villages. They came back to the states in May and within 3 months they have 42% of $50K to get the land and lay the foundation! The other part of their goal is to start a church in a town called Carcar. I had the privilege to see the land that was donated to them there (major blessing) a while ago and they are eager to put up a small structure to being some organized meetings there. God is moving in wonderful ways through this family and I am so glad to hear it. They will be coming to Rochester in October for a visit which we look very forward to. I know many of you who read this post prayed for this family while I was there and so it is a joy for me to share this blessing that God has given them with you.

This brother is a great blessing. He is a few months younger than I am, is fluent in the Cebuano language and is gifted as a preacher, singer and musician. Their family is a blessing and I hope that you will join me in praising the Lord for His wonderful works in their lives and in the work over in Cebu. I am thankful for having an opportunity to see what God is doing over there and look forward to being in contact with him (although a few islands away) when we get to the field!