* Visit to Leyte Mission of the FRCB

The First Reformed Church of Bulacan has an outreach work in the rural town of Albuera, Leyte, in the central Philippines.  This past weekend I (Rev. Kleyn) was able to accompany Pastor John Flores for a very enjoyable 3 day visit there.  After a 1 hour plane flight, and a 3 hour bus ride across the island of Leyte, the final leg of our journey was by jeepney.  We stayed with Bro. Felix and Sis. Norma Montalban.

The Jeepney Ride

Montalban's Home (with the tin roof)

Our Gracious Hosts: Bro. Felix and Sis. Norma Montalban

Visiting in the Living room of Montalban's home

Upon arrival on Friday evening, we were immediately served a delicious supper.  Afterwards, we visited for some time at the church building with the members of the fellowship.  Pastor Flores led them in singing (Psalter numbers in Tagalog), and in a brief meditation.

On Saturday morning (after meeting with another contact the PRCA missionaries have in Leyte), we took a walk to visit many of the members of the fellowship in their homes.  In this way we were able especially to inform them of our upcoming meetings (a speech on Saturday afternoon, and services on Sunday).

Heading across Rice Fields to Visit Members

A Refreshing Drink of Coconut Juice, and a Taste of the Coconut

(The process:  grab your bolo knife, climb the tree to cut down the coconut, cut off the top and drink the juice, carve a spoon out of the shell, slice open the coconut and eat the meat.)

Some Accompanied Us on our Saturday Morning Visits

Cut Down on Saturday Night in Preparation for Sunday Dinner

A Meal of Fish, Rice, and Stingray

The Kitchen where our Meals were Cooked

The Ladies Who did the Cooking

Montalban's Pig

Drying Fish

A Tricycle Ride

The town of Albuera is on the ocean (Ormoc Bay, South China Sea).  Early on Saturday afternoon, we took a walk to the sea and even a brief swim.  Later in the afternoon, I spoke to the fellowship concerning the "Covenant of Grace."

The South China Sea

On Sunday morning, Pastor Flores preached.  This was the group's 5th anniversary as a fellowship.  Pastor Flores spoke on John 17:1-9.  A good number of visitors also joined us for this worship service.  A lunch fellowship followed.  On Sunday afternoon, I spoke on the place of children in the covenant.

Walking to the Church Building on Sunday Morning

(About a 10 minute walk)

The Church Building

Ready for Worship

Group Picture

The people in southern Leyte speak Cebuano.  They also understand some Tagalog and English.  While I was speaking in English, Pastor Flores translated for me - sentence by sentence.  For the most part he translated into Tagalog, but he also knows some Cebuano and incorporated that into his translation as well.

Pastor Flores Translating as I Speak

Some of the Many Children in the Fellowship

Roasted Duck - our Sunday night feast

Bro. Felix bids us Farewell on Monday Morning

It was a joy to meet and get to know these dear people of God.  Their interest in the truth was obvious, as evident by their attention and by the many questions they asked (mostly regarding infant baptism, and marriage).  May they continue to grow in the truth by means of the labors of the First Reformed Church of Bulacan, as well as through the materials that we are able to provide them.