PHILIPPINES JOURNEY

On Monday, March 24, Ron & Christi Bishop, Jack Adams, and I departed for the Philippines from San Francisco.  The large jet took off on time for the 15-hour non-stop flight to Manila.  Unfortunately, after about 30 minutes into our flight, the head pilot announced that there was a problem with the pressurization and de-icing system on the airplane, and we needed to head back to San Francisco and change airplanes.  This brought about an 18-hour delay in our arrival in Manila.   Fortunately, we had scheduled our travels in such a way that we were still able to begin the leadership conference in Albay on time, just with a little less sleep. 

There were over 100 pastors and Christian leaders who attended the conference, and the theme was “Elevation:  Going to the Next Level”.  Ron Bishop has ministered in 85 nations and his currently the founder and president of “Shepherd Shapers International Ministry” based in Sarasota, Florida.  Cheryl and I lived near the Bishops in the 1980s as we served as missionaries to the Zulu people.  It has been a joy and blessing to have them as friends up to this day.  We have many fond memories together due to ministry events and social gatherings.  Ron has written several books, most of them dealing with Old Testament characters.  His messages for the leaders and during the evening crusades and church services were timely and well received.  Jack is an elder at our church in Pflugerville.  He is gifted in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, and prophetic ministry.   The people enjoyed his encouraging messages and several experienced healing in their bodies and even demonic deliverance at the meetings he served in. 

Each day was filled with ministry as we held leadership meetings in the daytime and then served in evangelistic crusades at night.   We spoke and prayed for hundreds of adults and children and saw many of them healed, saved, delivered, and filled with the Holy Spirit.  We attended an effective leader’s banquet on the last evening in Albay and were able to break up into several small groups and minister to the leaders one-on-one.   On two occasions, we were invited to be interviewed on a new Christian radio station in Albay that is broadcasting across the Philippines and worldwide on Facebook. 

I want to personally thank those who prayed or financially supported us for this fruitful time of overseas ministry.  The Filipinos are a warm and friendly people who are a delight to be with.  Though I have been in the Philippines several times before, this is my first time in Albay.  We were at the foot of a semi-active volcano and were near the ocean.   We have been invited back by the pastors and believers we ministered to and hope to do so in 2026.  We are beginning to see potential doors open to orphanage, children’s, and youth ministry as well, and are looking at an outreach for this age group in 2026 in this nation.  Please continue to pray for the Philippine believers.   Many believers in this diverse nation need discipleship, encouragement, and direction.  We look forward to returning for more endeavors.