Eph 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
I. KINGDOM CONCERNS
A. GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH – Paciano Rizal, Bae, Laguna
News and Thanksgiving
- In the month of July, we reached Lecture # 80 in our long Sunday School series on Christian Holiness. We are thankful for the Lord’s sustaining grace in the two years the subject has been under discussion. Pray that it will produce fruits of holiness in the membership.
- We are in the third month is our live-stream series of messages on the Story of Joseph. It has been receiving very encouraging feedback from members and visitors alike. It is wonderful to see the unfolding of God’s providence and redemption in this narrative. Pray for wisdom for Pastor NAE in continuing this series.
- We are scheduled to have our Lord’s Supper in our assembly – the first time since the pandemic. The assembly is still not normal, but we reckon that it is time that we observe this important sacrament among those who are able to attend. Pray that we can exercise all necessary precautions.
Prayer Requests
- With another ECQ put in place in the NCR, the opening of GMA is again deferred. It will now open, God willing, on August 24. Pray that the extension will mean more preparation for the tutors.
- Continue praying for the conversion of those who hear the gospel in the service (online and assembly). May the Word already implanted generate conversion. Pray for Joel Malinao, remaining unconverted in a family of church members. Pray for his conversion.
- A good number of our students graduating from intermediate level have qualified for admission to UPLB. We thank the Lord for this. Pray that they may excel in their studies, as well as, be actively involved in our student ministry when school opens. A number still are in pending status. Pray that the door may open for them too.
- Deacon Jun Medalla and Bro. Ferdie Facundo are sharing in the ministry of the Word in our afternoon assembly. Pray for wisdom in their preparation and delivery. May they be edifying to the gathered church (although only a small percentage for now).
- We are continuing our virtual Bible study with inmates in Los Baños jail every Saturday morning. We do separate sessions for male and female.
- Pray that the Lord will sustain the health of Pastor NAE as he continues to work in office every day. GMA is opening on August 24. Pray for strength for the added work and more wisdom.
- Pray for our missionary, Mark Acsay, and his family in Thailand. Lately, there has been a surge of COVID cases in Thailand. Pray that our missionary family may be protected. They also started an English Class ministry recently. Pray that it may be a venue for witness.
- We have recently printed a tract that addresses the issue of the pandemic. Pray that it may prove useful for evangelism.
B. CUBAO REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH – Cubao, Quezon City
News and Thanksgiving
- We are supposed to accept into membership Kathleen Magnawa this month but due to covid 19 infection, we had to postpone it to September. Lord willing we shall hear two more conversion testimonies this month. We thank God for these blessings.
- We also would like to praise God for Bernie and his family for having declared recovered from covid infection. Lord willing they shall be back together this week.
- We beget your prayers for our preachers who help other churches and outreaches that the Lord may preserve them from the reach of covid.
Petitions
- Please pray for the opening of classes in GMA on August 24 that there will be no more hindrance to pursue it. The closing will also have to adjust. Instead of November 18, the semestral closing will be on November 25.
- For more than a year we have not gathered in person for prayer. We decided to hold it this time on August 21 at 10:00 to 12noon. May the Lord use this activity to unite us more in love as a church.
- With the restrictions imposed by the local government in limiting church attendance during the first half of August, Please pray for the celebration of our 42nd church anniversary on 8 August. We can’t celebrate the way we want it to be celebrated. Even then, may God bless and edify us through this celebration. Our guest speaker will be Pastor Joey Sarmiento of Trinity Baptist Church, Manila. The theme is “Knowing, Loving, and walking in the TRUTH”. May we truly have an edifying and blessed celebration? UPDATE: Anniversary service moved to August 29.
- Please continue to pray our regular weekly online Bible study meetings: The Young online Bible class every Saturday, the Friday book study being handled by some of our men in the church, the Saturday Bible study being led by Ptr. Ramon at 3pm, the Saturday Bible study being led by Ptr. Ismael at 5 pm, the 5 community Bible studies of brother Levi Ilhig. May the Lord bring to light the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through these meetings.
- We are helping 3 churches in their covenanting as a Reformed Baptist church. May the Lord give us wisdom in going through the process especially in the midst of the threat of covid.
- Please pray for the upcoming wedding of Ian Agbuya and Diosa Garcia on September 25. May God help them to have a safe and blessed marriage union.
- Please pray for our members who are facing health issues: (1) Nanay Myrna for her hyperthyroid and hypertension (2) Dess Ancheta who was diagnosed with lumps near his heart and is needing surgery (3) Ray Razon who went through surgery due to stroke because of a brain blood clot. Please pray for his therapy. (4) Ruby Gacutan who just went through the painful process of 6 chemotherapy. She is now seeking to go through a test to know whether the cancer cells have been eradicated. (5) Imee Dalut who is under medication for her Lupus.
- May the sovereign Lord keep us all under his preservation.
II. CHURCH CONCERNS
1. Preachings
- In our Sunday School, we saw God’s providential dealings with the ungodly and His church. May we be comforted that His providence is intended for the good and benefit of His church. Let us pray for our loved ones that they will not continue to harden their hearts as they experience the goodness of God. May they respond in repentance and faith in Christ.
- In our first service, we were reminded of the gentleness of Jesus. May we find comfort that He does not cast off the weak and lowly. Instead, He accepts them and cares for them. May we also follow His example of gentleness, not seeking prominence in what we do, being a humble servant, and not being quarrelsome.
- In our second service, we considered some marks of biblical conversion. It consists of a decisive break from sin and a life of submission to God. May we repent of the things that we have allowed to come between us and God. May our lives be marked by continuous submission to God’s will. Let us also pray for the conversion of our loved ones and friends.
2. Services. Let us pray for delight in the Lord’s day. May we not be discouraged and grow cold because we are not able to gather physically. Let us pray for our live-streamed services. May we have a stable internet connection and clear audio. Let us also pray for those who will preach. May God grant wisdom in preparation and power in preaching.
- Bro. Simon will teach in Sunday School.
- Pas. Alex will preach in the first service.
- Pas. Clyde will preach in the second service.
- Pas. Mike will preach in the afternoon service of Molino Grace Bible Church.
3. Other ministries. Letus praise God for the ministries that were held last week: Children’s SS and Youth BS. Let us pray for the coming ministries:
- Friday – Pas. Rolly (Evangelistic Bible)
- Sunday – Bro. Josiah (Level 1), Sis. Mano (Level 2), Sis. May (Level 3)
- Tuesday – Pas. Clyde (Fellowship Bible study)
4. Announcement: Our physical gatherings are still temporarily suspended.
III. PERSONAL CONCERNS
1. Thanksgiving. Let us praise God for His mercy in sustaining us amid the pandemic and the heavy rains. May we remember all His blessings and continue to thank Him.
- Bro. Dennis’ memorial service
- Nanay Diony (recovered from symptoms)
- Mr. and Mrs. Abagon (negative result of swab test)
- Lina, Lenim, and Liane (recovered from fever)
2. Birthday
- Sis. Elvie (Aug 16) – Prayer request ko po ay yung patuloy po naming pag galing at ang pag galing din po ng ating mga kapatiran na may sakit. Nagrerejoice po ako sa gitna ng aming sitwasyon dahil napakabuti at mahabagin ng ating Panginoon. Panalangin ko din po ang salvation ng aming buong pamilya. Maraming salamat po!
- Sis. Rose (Aug 18) – Salvation for all my loved ones, spiritual growth, and health, provision and protection for me and my family.
- Bro. Ian (Aug 18) – To grow more in His likeness and sustenance ng faith
3. Frontliners. Let us pray for strength and perseverance in caring for the sick. May the Lord keep them from the infection and grant healing to those who are ill. May the government provide the promised benefits for their labors.
4. Sick. Those who tested positive with COVID-19 and those who have symptoms, Ryan Borja (suspected gallstone), Gil (therapy), Dodong (recovery from brain operation)
5. Pregnancy. Let us pray for a safe pregnancy for Tin and KC.
6. Travel. Let us pray for Dinna’s travel to Dubai this Sunday (Aug 22). Let us pray for negative swab test results here and upon arrival and for a safe flight.
7. Employment. Let us pray for those who go to their workplaces that the Lord will preserve them from infection. Let us pray for the unemployed to find a job. Let us pray that God would sustain the business of our brethren.
8. Nation. Let us continue to pray for God’s mercy to stop the ongoing surge. May the government’s imposed restrictions prove effective in curbing the spread of the virus. May we continue to cooperate by following the safety protocols. Let us pray for the continuous arrival of vaccine supplies and speedy vaccine rollout. Let us pray that God would restrain the evil hearts of those who distribute the government’s cash aid. May God grant wisdom to our leaders as they decide the quarantine classification. Let us pray for Afghanistan amid the civil unrest caused by a terrorist group. Let us pray for churches to persevere in our mandate to preach the gospel. May sinners come to Christ in the midst of the ongoing crisis.
