When my brother Mar and I co-founded God Is Our Help Ministries in 2020, our initial calling was to serve those severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and, later, by recurring typhoons in the Philippines. By the Lord’s gracious leading, the ministry is now entering a new season. While we continue to address physical needs, we are increasingly focusing on Christian education, particularly through conferences and the provision of sound theological resources (especially books) for pastors and Christian leaders.

Main Conference: Metro Manila (February 13-14, Friday-Saturday)

On February 13-14, I had the privilege of speaking twice at our second annual Pastors’ Conference, held at The Linden Suites in Pasig, Metro Manila. The conference theme was: “Faithful Ministry: The Minister’s Mission, Message, and Manner of Life.”

The Lord gathered eight speakers for this event: Dr. Adriaan Neele, Rev. Bartel Elshout, Rev. Jephthah Nobel, Rev. Noel Espinosa, Arie DeHaan, Timothy Beeke, Corney Les, and myself.

When registration opened last October, the conference sold out in less than three weeks. This strong response reflected a deep hunger among pastors and Christian workers (many of whom come from non-Reformed backgrounds) to grow in faithful, Christ-centered ministry rooted in Scripture.

This conference also served as a time of rest and refreshment for pastors and their wives. We provided full board and lodging at the hotel, including breakfast, morning and afternoon snacks, lunch, and supper for two days. Since there were no evening sessions, attendees were able to rest and enjoy fellowship. Some used the gym, sauna, and swimming pool; others simply enjoyed unhurried conversation with fellow servants of Christ.

Conference Resources

Each attendee also received six carefully selected books:

1. Church Elders: How to Shepherd God’s People Like Jesus (Jeramie Rinne)

2. The Parables of Our Lord (Henry Vander Kam)

3. Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer (Joel Beeke & Brian Najapfour)

4. How Christ Brings Us to Life: Salvation (Robert Reymond)

5. The Pastoral and Practical Theology of Wilhelmus à Brakel (Bartel Elshout)

6. God’s Kingdom, Covenant Children, and Baptism (Brian Najapfour)

Please pray that the Lord will use these resources for the reformation and strengthening of churches throughout the Philippines.

One encouraging conversation stands out. I met an attendee from a Pentecostal background who expressed his appreciation for the way Reformed preachers carefully handle Scripture and draw deep, Christ-exalting insights from God’s Word. This was a reminder that the Lord is opening doors for biblical, confessional teaching far beyond traditional Reformed circles.

Lord’s Day Ministry (February 15, Sunday)

On Sunday, February 15, I preached twice at God’s Will Baptist Church. This visit was especially meaningful to me, as Pastor Willy Cruz (who has faithfully shepherded this congregation for more than thirty years) was instrumental in my own conversion. This was my home church, and it was a joy to return and reflect on the Lord’s enduring faithfulness across the years.

After the morning service, a young mother approached me and said, “Do you remember me? I was one of your neighbors.” She then shared how she lost her one-and-a-half-year-old child last year. Through that painful trial, the Lord brought her to saving faith. She now faithfully attends God’s Will Baptist Church. Her testimony was a sobering and hope-filled reminder that the Lord often brings life out of deep sorrow.

In the evening, the church hosted a special Valentine’s banquet for married couples (Valentine’s Day being a significant occasion in the Philippines). Pastor Willy asked me to speak on the topic: “How Can a Husband Become a Blessing to His Wife (and Vice Versa)?” The event was well attended.

Conference Echoes: Serving Beyond Metro Manila

In addition to the main conference, we sought to serve pastors outside Metro Manila through what we call “conference echoes.” Recognizing that many pastors cannot afford to travel to Manila, we brought the conference to them.

The speakers were divided into two teams:

1. Bacolod Team: Dr. Adriaan Neele, Rev. Jephthah Nobel, and Corney Les

2. Boracay Team: Rev. Bartel Elshout, Arie DeHaan, Timothy Beeke, and myself

Bacolod Conference Echo (February 16-17, Monday-Tuesday)

From February 16-17, a conference echo was held in Bacolod City, organized by Student Missionary Outreach (SMO). My connection with SMO goes back many years, to the time of the late Pastor Aboy Del Mundo, its former president. In 2009 (now hard to believe seventeen years ago) we co-organized a conference in Bacolod with Dr. Joel Beeke as the main speaker.

It was deeply encouraging to see how the Lord continues to use SMO to strengthen His servants. Around 100 pastors attended this conference, smaller than the Manila gathering, but rich in attentiveness and engagement.

Boracay Conference Echo (February 18, Wednesday)

On February 18, the second team ministered at a conference organized by the Malay Boracay Pastors Group. About 70 pastors attended, many from Baptist and Pentecostal backgrounds.

A highlight of this conference occurred during the Q&A session, where many questions centered on the use of the so-called “sinner’s prayer.” We explained that Scripture does not prescribe a fixed prayer for conversion and cautioned that such practices can unintentionally reduce conversion to a method rather than a Spirit-wrought turning of the heart to Christ. We also warned that reliance on a formula can foster false assurance if people trust the act of praying rather than Christ Himself. The discussion was thoughtful, respectful, and deeply pastoral.

Thanksgiving and Return

We remain grateful for the Lord’s kindness, humbled by the privilege of serving His people, and prayerful that these labors will bear lasting fruit for His glory.

I returned home on Friday evening, February 20, and it was a joy to preach in my home congregation on Sunday morning, and again in the afternoon at Vineland Free Reformed Church.

Thank you for your prayers and support. To God alone be the glory for the great things He has done.