The Tagakaulo Tribune - June 2004, Vol. 12 No. 6
Joseph Our seminar had just started. Joseph was doing a good job of presenting the introductory material I had prepared on "The Prophets". I was following along in my outline looking for places that need to be clarified or changed when I heard Joseph say, "Now turn to Deuteronomy 13:1-5." My ears perked up. That section was not in the outline. Joseph had one of the participants read the verse and then lead them in a good discussion of how even miraculous signs can lead people astray if they don't point to Jesus. It was excellent teaching and I immediately took notes and added them to the teaching material. Throughout the seminar, Joseph did this time and time again. He supplemented the material that I had provided with his own research. Then he used his own material to add depth to the teaching. I was impressed and encouraged.
Usually, when Tagakaulo pastors teach seminars they stay pretty close to the prepared materials. They may sometimes add a memorized verse or two but Joseph was showing a new skill that I have hoped Tagakaulo pastors would learn. He was developing his own teaching materials. I was impressed because he did this without Bible Concordances, Bible Encyclopedias, and computer searches that we often take for granted. He put a lot of work into preparing for his teaching and did a great job presenting the material. Some of you may be wondering, "What is the big deal? Our pastor prepares original study materials all of the time." Well, Joseph hasn't had the benefit of a seminary education, four years of college, a high school education, or even a middle school education. His formal education ended in elementary school because his family could not afford to send him on to school. His only other training is in our pastoral training program and his personal Bible Study. I am amazed to see how well Joseph has progressed in his teaching skills. God has blessed him. Mission Plans Joseph is seriously considering moving into a mission field after he graduates from our training program next Spring. He wants to take a trip to visit an unreached tribal group here in Mindanao later this Fall to see if that might be the place the Lord is calling him to. Please thank God for Joseph's progress and pray for his future plans. Todd, Kim, Audrie, Kalae, and Karis Audrie Update (12 yrs old) Audrie had a part in a musical play called, "Father's Heart". Just a little after her dance in the first performance lightning struck and the lights went out. Now that's what you call a show stopper! Kalae Korner (7 yrs old) Kalae finished her T-ball season with a bang. She hit a single, a triple, and a homerun. I was in China at the time but I did get to see the event on video. Watch out Barry Bonds, here comes Kalae! Karis Kronicle (2 yrs old) An-An is a Tagakaulo girl that lives with us and spends quite a bit of time watching Karis (or is it Karis watching An-An?) When Karis picks up scissors and An-An tells her to put them down, Karis replies assuredly, "It's okay." But when An-An picks up the scissors Karis takes control, "No An-An. Don't touch. It's DANGEROUS!" Join us as we pray… • For the level 5-2 pastoral training seminar on "Evangelism and Church Planting" scheduled for June 16-18 in Davao. Rev. Bruce Lesemann, our former colleague here who now serves as a missionary in Jamaica, will be co-teaching the seminar with me. • For Kapé, a friend of ours from the mountains who was recently hospitalized with "Major Depression". Kapé witnessed his father kill his mother several years ago. His father has since died and Kapé's two brothers have lost contact with him. He is 18 years old and feels very alone in the world. Pray that Jesus will give him the comfort he needs. • For peace and order in the Tagakaulo mountains. Since the May elections, there has been a rapid rise in crime. A group of bandits has moved into the area and are stealing Carabao and robbing houses. • For Audrie, as we consider putting her in Faith Academy for the next school year. She has always been home schooled and this will be a major adjustment for her. Join us as we give thanks… • For Pastor Joseph Dayaga and Pastor Jimmy Camphogan, who did a great job teaching the seminar on the Prophets May 18-20! I participated as an advisor but felt like I was a student as I learned from these two Spirit filled pastors. • For my informative trip to China and Vietnam in April/May. I learned a lot about what God is doing in those places. It gives us lots to think and pray about as we seek the Lord's will for our next step of service after our work here in the Philippines is done. • For Jesus, who died and rose from the dead so that we can by faith follow in his steps. Jesus Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved!