* New Missionary Arrives!

Rev. and Leah Holstege and their four children arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, January 12, 2016 in order to take up the mission work on the Philippine field.

The long awaited day had arrived!

At the airport waiting for Holsteges' plane to land

There it is!

Greeting the new missionary!

Loading up the luggage for the trip home

HOME at last!

The Holsteges' first Sunday was in Provident Christian Church.  Rev. Kleyn preached both services, since Rev. Holstege had just landed. 

Bro. Alex welcomed the Holsteges to the Philippines and to Provident Christian Church.

Rev. Holstege extending his greetings and thanks.

The girls getting to know baby Charity.

A special lunch was served and enjoyed by everyone.

In front of the Holsteges' house with Leah's parents, Lou and Cheryl Regnerus.

Leah's parents were here for a week to help with the initial settling in.  So nice that they were able to do that!  Here they are saying good bye at the airport.

"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

We are thankful to God for supplying another laborer for the harvest in the Philippines!

* Visit from CC of PRCA (4)

In keeping with Prof. Dykstra and Rev. Eriks' purpose in coming to the Philippines, on Saturday, December 17 the delegates held a meeting with the office bearers of the three congregations of the PRCP.  

The meeting was held in Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela (a central location for everyone), and chaired by Rev. Kleyn.

Prof. Dykstra gave a history of the PRCA.

Rev. Ibe related the history of Berean PRCP.

Rev. Flores presented the history of the PRC in Bulacan.

Rev. Trinidad spoke about Maranatha PRCP's history.

Rev. Eriks gave a short history of the PRCA's contact with other churches around the world.

Elder Eric Mescallado (Berean PRC), Rev. Garry Eriks, Elder Alan Penaverde (Berean PRC)

Elder Alvin Castillo, Prof. Russ Dykstra

Back row: Deacon Eric Castano, Rev. John Flores, Elder Reden Zuniega, Elder Alvin Castillo, Deacon Andrew Espiritu, Deacon Andy Ragual, Deacon Buboy Prosia

Front row: Rev. Garry Eriks, Elder Eric Mescallado, Prof. Russ Dykstra, Rev. Vernon Ibe, Rev. Leovy Trinidad, Elder Rod Bongat, Elder Alan Penaverde, Elder Renzo San Antonio

On Friday, December 23, we were able to have a time of fellowship with the pastors and their wives in our home.

The pastors enjoying afternoon merienda.

The pastors' wives.

Supper time

All of us together.

May God further the cause of a sister church relationships between the PRCA and the PRCP by means of the meetings, talks, preaching and fellowship that took place, all of which demonstrated the unity we have in the truth and cause of Jesus Christ in the midst of this world.

To God alone be the glory!

  

  

* Visit from CC of PRCA (3)

On Monday, December 19, we travelled to Bacolod City.  That evening Prof. Dykstra spoke for the Bible study group there.

Prof. Dykstra speaking on the Covenant as a bond of friendship

Answering questions after the speech

Rev. Eriks closed the evening with devotions

On Tuesday, December 20, we drove south to Sipalay for the SNO classes there.  We saw some good country scenes along the way.

Threshing rice

Plowing with the "Philippine Tractor"

That's a lot of bananas!

Both of the men spoke to the pastors in Sipalay.

Rev. Eriks spoke on Biblical counseling.

Answering questions

Discussion continued at coffee time

Prof. Dykstra spoke on how the covenant is at the center of the Reformed pastor's life and work.

Group shot

And one more picture from the market in Bacolod City.

Butchering some pigs

One more blog to follow........