“COVID in the Philippines”
Our Scripture text for memorization today is:
“For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will also be judged by the law.”
Romans 2:11-12
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
If you remember, we started this exercise, fashioned after persecuted Christians in Iran. Christians are still being persecuted all over the world. As the time of Christ’s return gets closer, the persecution is getting worse.
Today I want us to think upon our friends–lost or Christian–in the Philippians. I know first-hand of their medical system, which is none, for the most!
I have asked Sam Martin to write about how COVID-19 has impacted, not only Brother Relova and our five churches there, but the Philippines, in general:
“As you can imagine in a relatively poor 3rd world country it has deviated their economy. The governments response under President Duarte was very harsh and militaristic, just like the war on drugs.
The virus was most widespread in the Metro Manila area – dense population and mass transit.
Initially, the lock down was more like martial law, no one could leave their homes even to purchase food and basic necessities. Local Barangy officials came around delivering basic food staples which included canned goods, rice, and live chickens.
Liza saw a Facebook post that the congregation was praising God as the one man from their congregation that contracted COVID was improving.
Things have been relaxed somewhat but in Metro Manila there has been a spike and as of July 15 the military was going house by house rounding up anyone with symptoms and placing them in forced Quarantine (whatever that entails).
They do not intend to start school till a vaccine is available. There was some misinformation circulating that a Filipino scientist had developed a new drug.
During the lockdown, they held services via Facebook live, which were well received and how they were able to keep in contact. Many members frequently thanked him for the continued encouragement. Only a few had troubles due to poor cell phone signal. The only need he expressed was via Facebook (which seemed intended to the members) was 10k pesos ($204. US ) for the churches internet bill for the entire lockdown.
Please continue to pray for them. We are planning to send an offering in September to Brother Relova. Please give as the Lord provides!
The Good Shepherd Ministries 