In January, 2009, Elders Gus Harter and Darrel Chambers and their Wives, Sisters Betty Jo Harter and Donna Chambers traveled to the Philippines.

This was Elder Darrel Chambers’ 3rd trip and Sister Donna Chambers’ first. The ministers spent the first week in Manila and Ilo Ilo laboring with Ministers and churches, while their wives spent this time in Davao City, Mindanao visiting and working with the Children of Beauty for Ashes. The Sisters only stayed one week and the Elders stayed almost two. The second half of the ministers trip was spent in Davao City, Mindanao.

Following are some selected excerpts from several brief journals of this trip as written by Elder Darrel Chambers:

First, I want to thank all who kept us in your prayers during this trip. We stayed on the go almost non-stop the entire trip. This trip was unique in that our wives accompanied Elder Gus Harter and me. Our wives stayed in Davao City and ministered to the children of Beauty for Ashes (or were ministered to by the children of Beauty for Ashes – a mutual ministry occurred). The children of Beauty for Ashes were as precious as ever. We were glad to see them happy, healthy and well adjusted to life even without the Harter’s presence. They were so glad to see Sister Betty Jo and Brother Gus and took every opportunity to be by their side. It was amazing to see their labor and discipline. They dutifully performed chores all over the farm and preparing meals, etc. I never even noticed the workers giving a word of instruction or correction. It was obvious they were well trained and seemed to perform their work with joy and devotion. They were engaged in singing and devotion from the word of God each evening before bedtime. The boys and girls have separate living quarters and also conducted their devotions separately. The Harters were obviously pleased and relieved to see the children doing so well and being so well adjusted. I believe Sister Harter was resigned to return home with a peaceful feeling that her “children” were well cared for and prospering in life.

Another unique feature of this trip was that instead of traveling extensively among the various churches in the Philippines, we traveled to 3 central locations and had the ministers and some church members travel to visit us. The exception to this was that we did travel around the Metro-Manila area and visit various churches in that area. We limited our travels due to concerns over safety of travel in some of the remote regions. However, the ministers seemed to enjoy their trips to visit with us and other ministers. I missed traveling to the remote areas and seeing more of the members and their living conditions, but recognize this was a necessity for safety. Although I have faith in God’s protection and provision, I also recognize the need to be wise regarding safety. I suspect that being reckless and careless would be equivalent to tempting God. When Satan tempted Jesus to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple so that he would demonstrate being the Son of God by having angels bear Him up, Jesus replied, “It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord Thy God.” In other words, Jesus would not knowingly put Himself in harms way just to prove God’s protection over Him. Neither should we.

I greatly enjoyed the fellowship with our brethren, but more importantly I enjoyed seeing these brethren fellowshipping and encouraging one another. Many of these brethren are located in remote areas and have little opportunity for regular fellowship and meeting together. We wanted to encourage such fellowship and visitation among the Filipinos. The Filipino ministers preached most of the sermons with Gus and I having a more limited part than on previous trips. Still we preached every day and sometimes multiple times daily. We are hoping these men will develop a more independent reliance on American brethren and rely on God and their brethren closer to home for encouragement, reinforcement, correction, instruction, etc.

We spent the majority of the first half of our trip in Manila, which is very dirty and polluted. I would wipe my arms or face with a handkerchief and it would have what appeared to be black soot all over it. Even the inside of my nostrils would turn a Q-tip black. But, the Metro-Manila area of the Philippines is one of the most exciting areas we visited. There are churches in various quadrants of this huge city of over 13 Million people. They are evangelizing others in this area and 6 preachers were ordained on this trip some of which were baptized 1-2 years ago. These men came from different backgrounds and we had two days with them with the ordination on the afternoon of the second day (Saturday). We had thorough conversations and scriptural examinations of these men. They are extremely well studied and some are brilliant. The ordination was perhaps the longest and definitely the hardest I’ve participated in here or in the states (for the candidate examination portion). Some of their questions were very difficult; but, I am happy to say, these men answered all questions extremely well. Their own Filipino brethren asked the toughest questions. They asked them not only to explain their beliefs on all major points of doctrine and practice, but to also explain some of the toughest scriptures in the New Testament. Their answers would perhaps rival the answers of some of our most able and seasoned preachers in the states.

One of the most exciting accounts we were informed of was the news of more outreaches, outside interests, church growth and evangelistic efforts among some of these brethren. One minister in particular (I hate to single him out by name for fear of stirring jealousy) had been instrumental in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth and for helping establish new churches and outreaches in the Manila area. We asked this dear brother to share with us and the other ministers what he did. Basically, he befriended people, attempted to meet their needs, and patiently over time presented small amounts of truths and scriptural principles. He was never pushy to those who objected and waited for them to respond before dropping the next golden nugget of truth. He is also diligent to constantly be visiting, encouraging and sharing more of God’s precious truths. This labor takes devotion of time and effort that was very evident. This brother was extremely esteemed as one who has brought so many to the knowledge of the truth and been willing to share precious truths to God’s hungering children. I hope I can be a student of his example and be more willing and zealous to share these precious truths with others outside our local assembly in America.

All of the services were extremely well attended and the people were excited and still freshly in love with the doctrines of Grace. We met one day with ministers from Bacolod (Negros Island), Guimaras Island and IloIlo and learned they are doing quite well. Elder Harter had been concerned because he was hearing little from that area and had not recently visited them. There were several ministers of other denominations in attendance and some seemed very eager to learn more about the doctrines of Grace and had lots of questions. Before the meeting was over, they at least understood the doctrines of Grace, temporal salvation, and how consistent these doctrines are with the totality of scripture and logical thinking (they seemed excited). We are hopeful some will fully embrace these doctrines. I baptized a preacher in this area that had converted to these doctrines and desired to be a Primitive Baptist. He is already building a new building on a main road out in the countryside community in which he lives. He has several converts that are helping and planning to constitute a church some day at a later time. While in this area, I was blessed to spend time with my old friend Nolli Hechanova from Bacolod, and he looked very well. He has many hardships (even more than many Filipinos) but is full of faith and zeal.

On this particular night in Ilo Ilo, we met at a YMCA building where a group regularly meets for worship services. Elder Efran Delmo meets with this group and hopes to one day constitute a church here. On this evening the rented room was almost full and the meeting was attended by several PB ministers, several ministers of other denominations who are inquiring about the doctrines of grace, Elder Delmo’s 21 year old daughter, and 3 of her friends of other denominations.

After 2-3 songs (very beautiful singing) we preached over the noise of a street festival (they were celebrating the Chinese New Year) and then the wailing of Muslims in prayer. Both Elder Harter and I spoke on the basic doctrines of grace followed by a methodical presentation of the doctrines of grace and the phases of salvation contained in the handout that Elder Harter routinely uses both in the states and abroad. This was followed by a very good question and answer session in which we answered many good and typical questions. The local PB ministers provided many comments and answers and did an excellent job of defending the faith and distinguishing between eternal and temporal salvation. We also distinguished the purpose of the gospel from the work of the Holy Spirit. The answers all seemed to be well received.

At this point it is probably good to note that the work in the Philippines is not one of attempting to steal other congregations or sheep from other congregations. The reality though is that as men have shared their newly learned doctrines with their friends and family, they have successfully taught many that previously believed other doctrines the truth. Several ministers have been successful at teaching their former congregations and converting them all. Others have left everything, including congregations and family, to follow the truth. Men come to the PB church of their own free will after they have learned the truths we hold dear. Yet, even with this conversion of Christians to a new and more accurate doctrine, the Filipinos are also zealously teaching those in their communities who had not previously been associated with any other Christian religion. But, for many who were very active in another denomination, their friends and family are also members of their former denomination and are interested in learning about the new doctrines their brother has found and why he left his former group to join with those folks called Primitive Baptists. They are afforded a wonderful opportunity to share their new beliefs and seem to be successful in instructing and converting others.

I wanted to share an example of some of the hardships and sad news that often accompanies the ministers in the PI so that you would have a flavor of what some are going through. I will share some of the experiences and expressions of Bro. Roseller “Rolly” Nemeno who lives and serves churches and outreaches near Molave. Eld. Nemeno is a man I have met on both trips before. He is himself unhealthy and has an ongoing problem that requires medication. He is not financially able to pay the ~$80/mo for the medicine he needs. Yet he doesn’t complain. I would guess Bro. Rolly to weigh less than 100#. Bro. Rolly has been a faithful servant for several years and is a good preacher. He is very soft spoken, but when I heard him preach in his native language of Cebuano on my last trip, the congregation was very responsive to his message.

Bro. Rolly has a wonderful family and his son Marjone is very talented with singing and leading singing. His wife is a very supportive preachers wife and a loving mother. Sadly, they lost one of their 5 sons to a swimming accident last year. David (Dave) had gone with his friends to swim in the ocean and drowned while doing so. Eld Nemeno said he rejoices in the knowledge that his son is still alive in the paradise of heaven, though they grieve over the loss of him here. He said, “God is still in control, Peace be still.”

Bro. Rolly showed me a photo album containing several pictures of churches, baptisms, our visit last year, etc. One of the pictures showed Eld. Shannon Whipp with Romeo Canama and his wife. This past November 8, Romeo was murdered by his own brother over a land dispute.

Bro. Rolly showed me a picture of himself baptizing a young teenager. This young man was later murdered during a random attack by the MILF (Moro International Liberation Front), a terrorist organization of rebels that is prominent in Mindanao. The attack occurred in Lanao del Norte in 2008 and several were killed. Bro. Rolly said he had to travel through several kilometers of MILF infested area to walk to some of the churches and outreaches he serves. He asks for our prayers for his safety as he ministers to God’s children in these remote areas.

He also showed me a picture of him baptizing several rebel returnees who repented and joined the church. One of them was murdered in Oct. 08, also by his brother over a land dispute. Apparently when these people leave and return from being a rebel, there may be some disputes about family restoration of property rights.

During one of our meetings with the ministers from Mindanao, Elder Rolly Nemeno spoke on Glory through Suffering. Elder Nemeno shared many of his feelings and experiences of the past year due to the loss of so many beloved brethren and his own son. Some of the scriptures he used were 1Cor 10:31, Tit 2:13, Rom 8:25. I noted the following statement during his discourse, “Do not look to America; but, look to God.” Elder Nemeno had never preached in English before and was very conscientious regarding the language barrier. However, he preached well and his message was well received.

Since my last trip, Bro. Rolly has left his secular job as an electronics technician after over 20 years service. He said he wanted to devote more time to the ministry as his job was hindering him from conducting several bible studies in outlying areas during the week. He is faithful that God will provide. He has researched the growing of bonsai and has begun to raise and manage the bonsai plants behind the church building as a source of income for his family.

I asked Bro. Rolly what were his greatest needs besides monthly medications. He said that a good quality mountain bike would help him to climb the very rocky mountain roads he travels through the MILF areas to serve churches. He said a good quality bike costs a little over 5,000 pesos (apx. $100 – $150). Funds were provided for the purchase of a mountain bike before we left the Philippines.

The most touching thing about my conversation with Bro. Rolly was his relating to me about his prayers for us. He named me about 1 dozen U.S. preachers that he said he prayed for by name every day and he rattled off the names by memory (including mine). These were men that had visited him or helped him in some way in the past. He said he could never help us financially, so he helped us with spiritual blessings by praying for us daily. I was so touched and appreciative of his prayers on my behalf.

The hardships that Elder Rolly Nemeno experiences are fairly common for the Filipinos. Though some hardships are different at different locations, I believe it is fair to say, the Filipino’s in general have many more hardships than the average American Primitive Baptist. I don’t say this to criticize us or to glorify them. I want to encourage God’s children everywhere to remain faithful and trust in God in the face of hardships and trials. It is encouraging for me to witness joy among brethren who are persecuted and are suffering for the cause of Christ. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be a single witness among a great cloud of their witnesses to their faith. I am also glad to have witnessed and experienced the faithfulness of God to keep His promises. Although my mind has acknowledged this truth about God for years, there is something about experiences make these truths more real and personal.

Even in the face of these hardships we heard many encouraging and uplifting messages. For instance, Elder Constacio Tejada spoke on “Gods care in times of crisis” using Phil 4:19-20 as his text. He also spoke of the experiences of the Children of Israel. He described the book of Numbers as a book of murmuring and a book of wandering. He made the following general observations about the first 4 books of the bible: In Genesis, man is ruined. In Exodus, man is redeemed, In Leviticus, man is worshiping. In Numbers, man is serving a Living God. He related that this sequence is the same for man today. Serving is an evidence, not a cause of redemption. He spoke of the Children of Israel’s wandering experience when they had no blade of grass, no drop of water, no visible means of support, no road for direction; but, God provided everything they needed for 40 years. Oh! How God provides for His people in times of crisis. He said that sometimes in our lives there is no visible means of support, but God. Then he related how, last August, he had no rice, no pesos, etc. He said that God’s reasoning in times of crisis was for man to learn that we must trust in Him and not in man. He said that just like the Children of Israel murmured, I murmur many times. But Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Living Water.

Elder Harter and I attempted to encourage our Filipino Brethren to work together to resolve issues and to use Matthew 18 and Gal 6 as a pattern for laboring together and resolving differences. We also encouraged them not to divide into clichés over minor or non-essential differences. We were thankful to see them receptive to these instructions and to see many brethren “hardshelling” (ministers setting together and discussing scriptures) and enjoying fellowship like I have witnessed all my life among Old Baptists in the USA. It is so important to recognize the need for fellowship and brotherly admonition by God’s people in all parts of the world.

We were also successful in encouraging the candidates for baptism to allow their pastors to baptize on this trip. I only baptized one person, but more than ten were baptized during our trip. Several others were awaiting baptism by their pastors. I don’t remember Elder Harter baptizing any. I was careful to point out that I would not refuse to baptize, but that I thought it was much more appropriate for the pastors to baptize their own members. We also encouraged most of the participation in the ordinations be performed by the home ministers. I was reminded of 2 Cor 1:24, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” If we attempt to exercise dominion over them, we shall all fail miserably. Verse 21 also states, “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.” These brethren will stand by God’s grace and their faith in Him and His word. He is the one that has established and anointed them. To God be the glory! I count it a privilege to have witnessed God’s work and to have been blessed to have a small portion of service to the One who has blessed me so greatly.

Elder Gus Harter seemed as strong as ever although he celebrated his 70th Birthday during this trip. I did notice that he doesn’t climb into Jeepney’s as limberly as he once did. His preaching and teaching during the entire trip were excellent and extremely well received by our Filipino Brethren.

I will close this account by saying again, that I was very encouraged by the soundness of these brethren and their zeal to labor diligently in the Kingdom of God to the glory of God. Overall, these brethren are still basking in their first love for the Lord and their newfound understanding of the glorious doctrines of grace. It is refreshing and exciting to see their zeal and to become more zealous as a result. My prayer to God is that they will continue to be blessed both Spiritually and naturally. I am deeply saddened by the persecution of these people by the Muslims and other militant groups. It is disturbing to see the living conditions of some, especially in and around the city of Manila. People live on the streets and many have very little opportunity to make a decent living. Even with the hardships we are facing in America due to economic problems, we are still much more blessed than most Filipinos. May we remember to be less complaining and more thankful to God; for we truly are blessed. I encourage everyone to keep these precious brethren in your prayers and to help them in any other way you can.

Blessings,

Darrel Chambers

It is with joyous reflection that I pen down some accounts of my recent trip to the Philippines. On this trip, I was accompanied by Elder Shannon Whipp, pastor of Radnor Primitive Baptist Church near Nashville, TN. Elder Whipp proved to be a faithful and enjoyable traveling companion and I will cherish the memory of our time together. This, my second trip in 2007, was truly a greater blessing for me than I had imagined beforehand. Though the Filipino’s speak of the blessing we are to them, I have found that they are the greater blessing to me. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for His gracious providential care and bountiful blessings towards one so unworthy as I am to be so highly blessed with the great privileges this trip afforded. There were many new and different experiences, but also some familiar ones that I rejoiced to experience once again.
The schedule for this trip was fast and full. Except for one day, there was little time for rest, study, journaling, or any other leisurely activities. Yet, there was much fellowship, conversation, worship, instruction, preaching, teaching, and adventure. Adventure is a word that doesn’t seem to fit the previous list of descriptive activities, but one that I did experience. Who could argue that the lives of many men of God, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures, were not lives of great adventure? For this brief period of my life, every day for 2 weeks was filled with activities that I would describe as godly adventures. There were times that I could relate to an Indiana Jones movie, except the treasure I sought were the rich experiences in the labors of my Master. The timely rewards of our Savior are much more precious than the golden jewels buried in any of the Pharaohs’ ancient tombs.

After arriving in the Philippines and getting a good night’s sleep, the activities began with an exciting meeting with several men who had been meeting with some of the local Philippine Primitive Baptist ministers. They had been studying the doctrines of grace, as embraced by the Primitive Baptists, and were interested in learning more about our beliefs, church practices, and discipline. It was refreshing to see the reflections of joy in the faces of these men as we presented New Testament doctrines and practices, and then answered their questions. Many of our answers were initially skeptically received until further biblical proofs and explanations were provided. It was equally exciting to hear some of the local Filipino ministers answer questions and raise questions that they were raising just to make some important points they wanted these inquirers to hear. In particular, I was impressed with their articulate distinctions between some men’s ideas of gospel regeneration and the immediate Holy Spirit regeneration taught in the scriptures and believed by the Primitive Baptists. I was amazed at our Filipino brethren’s adamant stand that anyone who taught the experience of the Philippian jailer as described in Acts Ch. 16 as a method to obtain eternal salvation was considered by them to be an heretic. Though I totally agreed with their assessment, the fact they felt this was important to bring out in this meeting with these inquirers was very impressive to me. It seems that several of them had come out of a Reformed Calvinistic religion or some Arminian religion and had heard this lesson misapplied to the point of disgust. I appreciated their bold stance and clear teachings to these inquiring potential converts. I was also impressed when there was no hesitation or wavering by Elder Harter to address their questions regarding the need for baptism before there could be any recognition of these men as Primitive Baptists. This would be followed by a period of preaching and then re-ordination before they would be recognized as gospel ministers with the rites to exercise the ordinances of the church. Before the meeting was over, some of these men were already recognizing their need to be baptized and expressing a desire to unite with us. It was very encouraging to see the excitement on the faces of these inquirers as they heard about our strict church discipline and to hear them express disdain for the false teaching of “easy believism” – the teaching that we can easily believe for salvation and then be content to continue in sin that grace may abound.
This meeting was quickly followed by several worship services, 20 baptisms, 2 ordinations of ministers, and 2 church constitutions. We met with several fellowships and outreaches that were not yet constituted, some of which did not yet have a public building for worship other than a home. We met in the homes of those interested in our doctrines, those suffering hardships, those who were faithful members, those who are faithful servants or ministers, and even in the home of a business owner who has a heart to help spread the gospel and aid churches of a variety of denominations. This all occurred in the space of about 3-4 days with barely time to catch our breaths between activities. On some days, the travel and activities took the better part of 18-20 hours. We traveled to several remote areas, wondered across beautiful tropical islands, drove through a maze of muddy paths through hundreds of acres of sugar cane fields and witnessed a joyous people who are rich in the Lord’s blessings despite their often plight of great poverty of earthly goods. We saw old church buildings, primitive church buildings, new bamboo buildings, buildings under construction, nice facilities, new concrete buildings, and buildings that were the handiwork of several American preachers and deacons. I was especially touched as we met in a building that was constructed with the aid of several American brethren I love and respect, including the late Elder James Pruitt. We often sat on primitive split log seats, bamboo seats, plastic seats, and preached in a variety of environments. We saw the fruit of the love offerings of many faithful American members and most especially through it all, we saw the manifold blessings of God. One common denominator in all the church meetings was that there were a large percentage of children in every congregation, and the services were filled with zeal and joy – especially the song services. This time of year was the rainy season in the Philippines, and it rained every day or night (at least a little) that we were there. Many of the church services were held during the middle of the workweek and often during the middle of the day. Several members were unable to attend as a result. However, the weather was often the biggest factor in the absence of some members. Sometimes members were unable to cross the swollen rivers to make it to the meetinghouses. Others were hesitant to tread through the mud and downpours to walk the several miles they normally walked to church services. Some of the mountain roads were washed out or had mudslides and were impassible by car. One minister rode a motorcycle for 7 hours to attend a meeting with us. He didn’t have the money to pay for his gas, but was glad to make the trip when we sent word via a text message that we would pay for his gas. The pastors always seemed apologetic regarding the numbers attending the services, although most were well attended, especially for the time of day and week that many occurred, and considering the weather conditions. I often wondered why so many Filipino’s thought it necessary to have a PA system in the small buildings they often meet in. These PA systems are usually nothing more than an inexpensive Karaoke machine. But, now I know how hard it is to preach over the deafening sound of a monsoon on a tin roof and recognize the necessity. I also recognize the very noisy environment around many of the churches that have to be overcome by the preacher’s voice. Many of the churches located in crowded towns have to compete with the constant sound of car horns, blasting radios, etc. I was especially touched by the sincerity of the young members who were baptized during this trip. We carefully instructed and questioned the candidates prior to baptizing them. They all appeared younger than they actually were. Some, in their mid 20’s appeared to us to be young teenagers. It was moving to baptize the wife of a pastor we were about to ordain. She had previously been satisfied with the baptism in her former religion; but had recently become convinced to be baptized again. She could now serve as a member of the church that her husband was about to be ordained to pastor, and he seemed very happy that she was submitting to baptism. This same man was one I had witnessed being baptized in January. He had served as a Charismatic minister prior to converting to the Primitive Baptists. The pastor closed the baptismal service with prayer, standing with both hands lifted upwards toward heaven as he praised and thanked God. Later, they both seemed very happy during the ordination service as they sat together during the charge with big smiles on their faces. Most of the baptisms occurred in rented swimming pools, but one baptismal service was held in a river. I performed this service and was surprised at how swift and rough the water was. It was during this service that I had water splash into my mouth during the baptism of one sister. While baptizing another, my foot slipped and I thought we were about to be swept downstream. I was glad to regain my footing after taking a couple of steps. Later, I was surprised at how calm the water looked in the photographs in comparison to how it looked in reality. I was glad that we suffered no ill effects from the swift and rocky stream; however, I did suffer the consequences of that mouthful of dirty water and had some stomach problems for much of the trip. I was also not as careful and ate more of the food that was not prepackaged or well cooked. I enjoyed eating the food, but not the results. Since January, when we visited the city of Bacolod on the Island of Negros, Elder Nolli Hechanova and the congregation there had purchased a lot containing a rough building. From that they had built a beautiful church building. The church, Gleam of Hope Primitive Baptist, had not only been upgraded from a crude building already on the lot, but freshly painted, a new tin roof installed (to replace the original leaky palm thatch roof), and a Comfort Room (CR) added. (In America, we call a CR a restroom). Elder Hechanova lived in an adjacent building that had open lattice walls, a dirt floor, and a bamboo bed (no mattress). All the children slept in one room and Elder and Sister Hechanova slept on the bamboo bed in the living room. The only other room in the small house was a kitchen. Elder Hechanova is a very humble man that is sincerely dedicated to serving our Lord. I grew to love this servant of God on my first trip. During both trips, he served as our chauffeur and guide while we were on Negros Island. Elder Hechanova gave up much when he grew to know and love the doctrines of Grace. He left a church with approximately 300 members, a good salary, a ceiled and air-conditioned house, a car, and his children’s enrollment in a private school to become a Primitive Baptist. He did this to joyously preach the truth he now understands and to serve the Lord by pastoring His children. The Hechanova’s struggle to not complain, especially when the floods from the monsoons run into their home and muddy the dirt floor. He says he constantly reminds his wife and children that their small sacrifices are worth the joy of being blessed to know, understand, and teach the truth. After all, God sacrificed His only begotten Son for them and has providentially cared for them in so many ways, how could they complain? His wife has been healed twice from cancer and he has learned to trust in the Lord’s providence and to pray often. Since returning from this trip, I was saddened to receive a call from Elder Hechanova saying that he and his wife had been involved in an accident and his wife was in much pain in the hospital and had already undergone surgery for a broken collarbone. Recent letters have indicated that Sister Hechanova is recovering and feeling much better. The expense from this accident seems insurmountable to him at this time. I not only pray for the Lord’s blessing but know of more than one donor that has helped the Hechanova’s with a portion of the needed funds to help them through this trying time. I do hope Elder Hechanova’s wife will have a full and speedy recovery and that God will touch the hearts of others to help them through this trying time. During the service at Gleam of Hope PBC, the rain poured and the noise on the tin roof sounded like we were standing beside a speeding freight train. However, the congregation was very attentive and responsive. I was more overcome with emotion during this service than any other. I was filled with joy over the providence of God, the fruit of Elder Nolli’s labors, the good and efficient use of the funds that had been donated by American donors, and the zeal of this congregation. I believe this congregation will continue to grow and prosper under the guidance of this humble man of God. This church is located in a very poor squatter’s area of Bacolod. Though the members are mostly poor in worldly goods, they are richly blessed with joy and love. While in Negros we visited several outreaches and churches in remote areas of sugar cane plantations. On one occasion, while returning home from night services, the wheel of the van slid into a 4 foot deep trench that had been apparently dug by a backhoe. The walls of this trench were straight down and grown up with tall grass so that it was not even apparent from driving down the road that there was a ditch there. These trenches were common around the sugarcane fields. They are used to drain the water in rainy seasons and irrigate the fields in dry seasons. When the wheel went into the ditch, the van almost rolled over and remained at a steep angle with the bottom of the van resting on the road. This made it very difficult to get out. In fact, Elder Harter had difficulty getting out and a zealous Filipino, in an effort to help him lift his foot, wrenched his knee and Elder Harter suffered with a limp and pain the rest of the time we were there. About fifteen of us tried pushing and pulling the van, and even with the assistance of a jeepney attached by a cable, we were not able to pull the van from the ditch. While we were stranded there and wondering how or if we would get the van out, one of the young sisters (about 13 or 14 yrs. old) from the church we had just visited began singing songs of praise. She had a beautiful voice and I was amazed at how calming the singing was. The whole mood of the situation changed and I was reminded of how Paul and Silas had sung songs of praise after being beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. Finally we started all lifting the van and moving it over 1-2 inches at a time until we were able to get the wheel out of the ditch enough to pull it out with the other vehicle. While we were in Mindanao, Elder Harter had to fly to Manila to take care of business at the American Embassy to be able to bring his children back to the US. He arranged for Elder Whipp and I to be escorted by Elders Constacio Tojada and Manolo Dalman during his absence. Both of these faithful servants have been preaching for the Primitive Baptists for several years and are still contending for the faith. They have both traveled to the United States and preached among our people here. They sacrificed several days of their time to travel with us. Elder Dalman also provided the use of his car as we traveled several hundred kilometers across some rough and dangerous parts of Mindanao. I grew to know and love these dear brethren more on this trip and will cherish many of the memories of this time with them. I will especially cherish the memory of the one service in which we were blessed to hear several Filipino ministers preach, including our two companions. While traveling through Mindanao in Elder Dalman’s car, we actually broke a main accessory belt while ascending a mountain road in a Muslim controlled section. We spent several hours on the side of this mountain with a very scenic view of the countryside below. It took a couple of hours for Elder Tejada to ride a rented motorcycle back to a neighboring town to get a part and return. Then, we discovered the new belt was too small and he had to make the trip again. Overall we were stranded for about 6 hours in the humid sweltering heat. Some of the local church members drove to where we were stranded and picked up Elder Whipp, who went ahead to the destination and preached and met with some of the members while we took care of the car. We were able to make the evening service that night though. It was while stranded here and waiting for parts that I was able to meet some of the local children that attended a 1 room school across the road from where we were stranded. They were playing basketball on a small court with a broken goal. I played with them awhile and then while we were resting under the overhang of the school building during an afternoon shower, Elder Dalman informed me we were in a Muslim controlled area. He also told me that he and Elder Tejada had inquired when we first broke down and determined we were safe. But, being in a Muslim area, I took the opportunity to speak to the children about Jonah being swallowed by a whale. I then related this to the 3 days and nights that Jesus body lay in the tomb and how he died to pay for our sins and then rose from the grave. They had never heard of Jonah and most had never heard of Jesus. It is unclear how much they understood of my accounts of Jesus and Jonah. But I was glad to make use of this time by sharing a little bit of information about my Savior and His great sacrifice for His people. I was greatly blessed again to visit with the Harters and their precious adopted children and to spend time in their home. It was amazing to see the difference in the physical condition of Sister Betty Jo Harter since January. God has indeed miraculously blessed her with a great recovery of her ability to walk. Although she still has much pain at times, she is at least mobile and very active. I am sure that she must feel that the progress has been slow in coming, but I marvel at how well she appears to be. The Harter children seemed to really fall in love with Elder Shannon Whipp as did the children in most places we visited. He not only has a wonderful gift to preach, but was also blessed to communicate and relate to the younger folks in many of the congregations. Somewhere along the way, Elder Whipp picked up the nickname of “Goliath” because of his stature. However, Elder Harter’s secretary, Rey jokingly commented, “I thought Goliath had muscles?” On our last evening in the Harter’s home, the younger children decorated “Goliath” with their blankets, crawled all over him, gave him a new hairdo as he made funny faces, and the children giggled a lot. The scene was so funny, that I could barely stop laughing long enough to take a few pictures. This was a fun and relaxing break from the very serious labor we were conducting during the rest of the trip. We visited Providence Primitive Baptist Church and spoke on Sunday Morning and Night. I spoke to Providence Church on Sunday Night about the scriptural examples of having multiple elders serve them. They will be served by 3 capable pastors once Elder Harter leaves. I admonished them from the scriptures and used many personal experiences that I have had while serving as a pastor of a church with two other pastors. (Elder Gene Thomas and Elder Leon Etheredge) I was also blessed to spend time with the 3 pastors and answer questions regarding my experiences and several biblical principles that I feel are very applicable to their situation. We also visited Beauty for Ashes and witnessed the progress of the newly completed facilities. It was a joy once again to see the children of Beauty for Ashes and to hear them sing songs of praise to God. They had prepared banners and personalized pictures and letters they had colored for me and Elder Whipp. Their new facilities are great, and the children are surrounded by a caring and capable staff. We were pleased to tour the facilities and to see the excellent provisions that have been built with donations from so many caring people. The farming operation had expanded since the January visit. It is very productive, and has the prospects of providing most of their food as well as extra cash crops to keep the workers employed so that Beauty for Ashes may be somewhat financially self-sustaining. On the return leg of our trip we traveled back to Luzon and preached in the Manila area. There, we had a meeting with over 100 ministers of mostly Charismatic backgrounds. This is a multi-denominational group of ministers that meets monthly, and we had been granted the opportunity to speak at one of their monthly meetings. We presented the doctrines of grace and gave out many books (mostly books authored by Elder Michael Gowens) and some of the standard TULIP flyers that Elder Harter has distributed here and in the US for many years. We met for several hours and the doctrines appeared to be well received by many. After about two hours of preaching on the phases of Salvation by Elder Harter, each of us made a presentation of one of the doctrines of grace. We were each allowed to choose the topic we would present. I chose to speak on the Preservation of the Saints and enjoyed discussing this doctrine with those who, as a group, often do not believe that our salvation is eternally sure. It is a great blessing and assurance to know that our salvation is just as sure as our Savior and rests on His finished work and strength to maintain the everlasting covenant with His Father. This was a very exciting meeting for all of us and the local Primitive Baptist Ministers in the Manila area who also attended. Two of the Filipino ministers presented two of the discourses. We heard many say, “Amen” on several occasions. At the conclusion of the presentation though, as expected, we did receive some rebuttals and questions regarding the points we taught. One member of this group, who is a Reformed Calvinist, was very excited to have these doctrines presented, although he disagreed with a couple of our teachings (as we did with his). I think Elder Harter gave out about 150 copies of the various books and pamphlets he brought and seemed very excited about the prospects from this meeting. We concluded the session with a short question and answer session followed by photographs with the group. Overall, this was a very blessed trip. The time was filled with joyous services and instructions in the word of God. Many new friendships were developed and familiar friends were met again. More time was spent in the remote areas where we met with local congregations and actually saw the living conditions and beautiful landscapes of the countryside. Though many Filipinos are poor in this world’s goods, I have found them to be rich in the Spiritual blessings of God. In comparison, I fear many of our American brethren are growing colder to their Spiritual needs and neglecting the blessed service of God while growing richer in worldly goods. The concept of giving to those in need is a scriptural one and there are many blessings to be experienced when we are obedient to this command. Many have been blessed to participate in this service and the recipients have been blessed by your gifts. Yet the ones I fear that are in the greatest need are those in America who are rich in this worlds goods and poor in Spiritual things. It is easy to see one’s natural poverty, but Satan attempts to deceive us into believing we have no spiritual needs. Oftentimes, I find myself in the condition of a Laodicean – God forgive and God help!

By traveling to the Philippines, I have once again been given a great gift that I hope will be used of God to overcome some of my Spiritual poverty. Let us remember that God has a poor and afflicted people all over this world. Many of His children in the Philippines are a meek and loving people who are thankful to be associated with the Primitive Baptists. Let us be equally thankful to be associated with such loving, devoted, and faithful brethren as these precious Children of God are. Let us remember to reach out to those around us and let our lights shine to the glory of God. Let us also remember to encourage, help and support those of like precious faith wherever they are in this world. It is easy to find fault and criticize others and become like the Pharisees. But, I’d rather have the fellowship that Christ showed the sinners, than the rebuke He gave the Pharisees. I will cherish my precious memories among God’s children and my brethren in Christ, both here and abroad.

Eld. Gene Thomas and I arrived at the Huntsville International Airport about 8:00 PM last night after an eleven-day trip to the Philippine Islands. We visited several churches and had services 2-3 times a day. We had about as perfect flights and travel conditions coming home as you could ever expect although our trip over was riddled with problems and we arrived a day late. We had a wonderful trip and I really fell in love with our Filipino brethren and sisters. I know some on this forum might be opposed to the labors in the Philippines; however, after being there and seeing the faith and faithfulness of these poor and afflicted, it makes me ashamed of ever questioning anything about them. I have greater respect and admiration for those who sacrificed so much to help these people in the first place.

During the night last night, Sister Harter was scheduled to have major back surgery in which they were to insert Titanium rods through her spine to keep it aligned. They were all concerned about this serious surgery that has significant risks and potentially terrible side effects. She has been bed-ridden for almost a year and cannot walk. She is praying that she will one day recover to the point that she may resume her work of rescuing starving and dying children. I spoke with Eld. Harter this afternoon and she made it through surgery and the doctors accomplished the tasks as planned. It will be several weeks before they know for sure how successful it was.

I was amazed at the children in the Harter’s home and the way they flock to Sister Harter’s bed. She teaches them and interacts with them from the bedroom. I was also amazed at the progress of the children that doctors said would not likely live, or if they did, would never walk or do other things. Many are recovered to an almost normal state, far beyond the doctors’ predictions. I have never been in a more God honoring, Christian home than this one.

We were blessed to meet with over 100 Filipino Preachers and many of their wives. Almost all of these brethren came from being pastors in other religions and are so excited to now preach the doctrines of grace. Many came from a Reformed Theology background and are especially good at distinguishing the differences in the doctrines PBs teach and the Reformed Theology. For the most part, they are well educated, well studied, and theologically sound. They are full of zeal to serve the Lord and many gave up good salaries and living conditions to become PBs. They certainly did not become PBs for the money. Now many are living in poverty at a level that is unimaginable in the states. They ask for a few things like bibles and songbooks, which are precious to them. Some need medical attention and can’t afford it. Others are struggling just to eat or to pay a menial sum for a place to rent. The places they rent are often made from a few bamboo poles; and woven palm leaves for the roof and sometimes the walls. Others are made from scraps of materials like old torn tarps, rusty sheet metal, etc. They say their sacrifices are well worth the benefit of being able to know and preach the doctrines of grace. They say they are trusting in the faithful providence of God to see them through. Not all the ministers are this poor; but by American standards, they would all probably be very poor. The children were very impressive. One man said his children were so excited to have a bible to read that they stayed up at night reading it instead of sleeping. The congregations are full of young people who are excited about the services and their visiting ministers.

I did write a journal and hope to get it typed into a format that I can share in the future.

Eld. Thomas held up very well during the trip. Neither of us had any significant side effects or sickness from the trip. It was very educational and a great experience to travel back in time. That is what our trip to some parts of the Philippines seemed like. Most all of our food was prepared on an open fire or over coals (especially in the remote areas). I especially like their fruit, but got a little tired of rice. Although they eat rice 3 times a day, they seem to think they haven’t eaten a meal if they don’t have any. They seem to never tire of it. The Jack Fruit and Mangos are wonderful.

Best of all were the wonderful worship services and their angelic singing. God is certainly blessing a poor and afflicted people in the Philippines. They are a people that I am humbled and glad to call my brethren and sisters. We can and should learn a lot from them.

Brethren:

In response to a comment about misconceptions about the Philippine ministers and their coming to the PB for monetary benefits, I wrote the following response on another forum. I wanted to share this with you good brethren as well.

It is easy to see how misconception could be concluded from the plight of many of these ministers. So many have given up so much to become PBs because they were former pastors of denominational churches who supported them. There were quite a few ministers who were still considering joining the PBs and are not sure how they will survive once they give up the churches they now serve in some denomination. Some are laboring with churches they now serve to try to convert as many as possible and baptize a whole congregation like many of the other brethren have done in the Philippines. Others, like the brother that was baptized while we were there, get so convicted, they no longer wait and join with faith that God will provide some means some way. Once they join and lose all their support from denominational organizations, they immediately find themselves in poverty among millions of Filipinos who are unemployed and struggling just to find daily provisions to live. The people they serve, if they even have a congregation, are usually in need, and many of these ministers take what donations are given in the church services and give to the local needy in their communities instead of taking any for their own provision. Again, these brethren are faced with situations that require an exercise of faith that is greater than any I have ever witnessed in America. When I examine myself and my own selfish existence, it makes me quite ashamed that I haven’t helped them more, that I haven’t sacrificed more to devote my full service to the Lord’s work and to serving His people, that I have so much while lusting for more, etc. They are hungry for PB literature, books, etc. I am ashamed that I have so many books and old copies of periodicals that have been unread, but that I have selfishly stacked away in boxes or shelves instead of distributing to those hungry to read the thoughts and comments of brethren of like precious faith. I have to ask myself, if I did faithfully devote the entirety of my life to serving God and His people, (we often say we do, but even a distant view of my activities reveals otherwise) would I not look to precious rich brethren and just inform them of my plight and ask God to touch their hearts to be merciful to my family for some help? Often these brethren or their wives would just let a need be known, asking for nothing, but just proclaim that they were praying to God that he would some how remember them with providential care. Then they would proclaim, with such a positive and faithful statement, that they were fully trusting in a faithful God to provide their needs. If He did not see fit to answer their prayers they would proclaim their trust in His grace to sustain them through their trials. Very few actually asked for anything, and when they did, it was usually for their flocks, spouses, children, or someone else in need instead of themselves.

We visited in one home of a pastor who had left a supporting denomination with a large congregation to serve a few poor, but spiritually rich, PBs. They had rented a soft house (made from temporary materials that did not last very long) that had common walls with other families. The house was about 10 feet wide and probably no more than 15-20 feet deep. There was a porch that served as a storefront with shelves. I noticed nothing was on the shelves and asked what they sold. I was planning to buy some of their products. He said his wife baked cakes, bread, etc. when she could and sold to the people who lived around them (when they had materials to make these items from). After some prodding, he said they didn’t have enough money to pay the rent, much less buy the raw materials (flour and sugar, etc.) to bake any products to sell at this time. Their daughter had a birthday on the previous day, so I gave her a small amount of pesos for a gift. Then Eld. Harter and I shared some more so they could buy the supplies to bake the goods to try to sell some things just to survive. (It sometimes takes a little money to make any money) They were very appreciative, but seemed embarrassed that we had pulled the information out of them and certainly did not seem to be begging for anything. They are very industrious and creative to find ways to try to support themselves while serving God. One of the ways many Filipinos survive is to buy goods like cooking oil, vinegar, etc. in bulk (like one bottle). Then they pour the contents into small portions in clear plastic bags that looked like about 1-2 tablespoon sized portions. They sell these to people at a slightly marked up price, who cannot afford a whole bottle. They also sell fruit, rice, hand made crafts, etc. It is the same principle Wal Mart and other retail stores use to buy in bulk and sell in smaller quantities at a profit. Many homes double as store fronts for these types of products. Street vendors dangerously walk between the terrible traffic peddling items to sell. Eld. Harter said he appreciated the fact these street vendors were laboring in a very hot and dangerous environment just to squeeze out enough profit to feed a starving family.

Eld. Harter feels a heavy burden to try to wisely distribute funds that Americans send him through “White Unto Harvest”. He says he is called to preach, not be a CEO. This is a job he does not want. He is also bringing up 23 children in his home, taking care of a sick wife, and faithfully preaching and serving a growing church, overseeing the construction of a new church building and other facilities, etc. He is doing more work than any man I know. It is easy to sit back and criticize others, but I want to commend him for faithfully trying to equitably distribute and use the funds in a needful way. Primarily he is supporting the purchase of bibles, songbooks, church property and buildings, inexpensive plastic chairs (for pews), etc. He once attempted to support struggling pastors who converted to PB doctrine and were destitute. However, he has changed this practice, stating that there was no biblical precedence and he also experienced practical problems and limitations. The biblical principle is for the congregations to support the pastors as well As they can and the minister labor to provide the remainder. Despite all his criticisms from those who haven’t bothered to find out first hand, Eld. Harter has sacrificed a lot himself, and is trying his best to faithfully help these churches using the monies that are donated for that purpose. He has some strict guidelines to try to equitably and biblically distribute to the best of his ability. This man is constantly busy, receiving calls at all times of the day and night. He is doing the work of several men and I had to be reminded that he is also not healthy. You certainly could not tell that by
trying to follow in his steps for a few days for he is doing the work of a 20 year old athletic genius. I advised him to consider the advice Jethro gave to Moses. He agreed 100% and stated he was looking for men of the character, qualifications, and willingness (He called them Kingdom Men) to help.

Another thing I noticed that brought me shame, was that the Filipino ministers often held some American preachers in high regard and even quoted them. They had been able to read some of their writings in periodicals they sometimes receive and share among themselves. These same American preachers they admire are sometimes the very ones who are critical of the Philippine work. This broke my heart. If only more of our ministers really knew the overwhelming work and situations in the Philippines, instead of the few isolated cases of problems that they have dealt with, I know these admired brethren would be much less critical of their needy brethren in the Philippines and the few American preachers who have sacrificed so much to try to help establish these Children of God as sound and faithful Primitive Baptists. These newly converted preachers and congregations have never conducted a PB communion service with feetwashing until they have one. They have never conducted a PB baptism, or a PB ordination service, or conducted a PB conference meeting. One man cannot oversee 100s of congregations spread over hundreds of miles of remote islands to teach them all the practical lessons they need. The growth of the PBs in the Philippines is currently slowing a bit from the previously explosive rate, but is still significant. One of the purposes of the preachers meeting was to guide and instruct these men in practical areas, to encourage them, to foster communications and fellowship and fellowship meetings between those more closely located, etc. They are already well grounded in the truth, but they are constantly bringing other inquiring preachers to these meetings, so another purpose is to share the doctrines of grace with the newcomers and inquirers as well. The preachers meetings were certainly not a seminary or used to teach these men to preach. These men were brilliant in doctrinal theology and I was embarrassed to try to teach them anything. I could learn a lot from them.

May God grant us the wisdom, patience, charity, and willingness to help our faithful brethren instead of standing back and doing nothing but Pharisaically criticizing them. I am just presenting two extreme responses that we have a choice in making. Moses presented both the good and the evil paths to the children of Israel in his day. Will we choose the good or the evil path in our day?

Blessings,

Darrel Chambers

We believe in one true and living God and that there is a trinity of persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and yet there are not three Gods but one only.

We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.

We believe in the fall of Adam and that by his transgression all his posterity fell and were made sinners, and in the corruption of human nature, and the impotency of man to recover himself by his own free will or ability.

We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God only by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them, and that good works are the fruits of faith and follow after justification, and are evidences of our gracious state.

We believe that the saints shall be preserved in grace and not one of them shall finally be lost.

We believe that there will be a resurrection of the dead and a general or universal judgment and that the happiness of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal.

We believe that the visible church is a congregation of faithful persons who have given themselves up to the Lord and one another, having agreed to keep up a godly discipline according to the rules of the gospel.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the great head of the Church and that the government thereof is with the body.

We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are gospel ordinances and are to be continued until His second coming, and that true believers are the only fit subjects of baptism and that dipping is the only gospel mode, and that the example of washing the saint’s feet should be observed in the church.

We believe that none but regularly baptized members have a right to commune at the Lord’s Table.

We believe the Lord’s Day ought to be observed and set apart for the worship of God, and no work or worldly business ought to be done or transacted thereon, works of necessity only excepted.

First, the basic meaning of the term gospel is good news, or glad tidings. If this definition can be understood and the actual meaning of the word gospel can be recognized and accepted, a good understanding of the teaching of Primitive Baptists might be recognized and appreciated.

In order for there to be any “good news” or “glad tidings” there must be some events to have taken place. The gospel must be based on some actual facts that have taken place. The gospel of salvation is the “good news” of salvation. The “good news” declares the wonderful success of the workings of the Triune God in achieving the actual factual salvation of the family of God.

There is much comfort to a child of God when he can believe the gospel (“good news”). However, the fact of salvation accomplished by the sovereign workings of God is a fact whether the report of it is ever made, or not. The preaching of the gospel (the announcing of the “good news” ) does not add anything to the actual work of salvation. The failure of the gospel (good news) to reach the elect does not negate the actual work of salvation.

The fact of salvation must be accomplished in order for there to be any “good news” to announce. Thus the purpose of the gospel is for information and knowledge concerning the facts of the actions of the Trinity.

The gospel has no power to transport the family of God from earth to heaven. The gospel was not designed for that purpose; the gospel was designed to give the information of who and what will provide that transportation from earth to heaven. The transportation will take place even for the members of the family of God who do not have the understanding of how it will take place. The design of the gospel is to provide information fhat will be helpful in giving understanding to a child of God while he lives here in the world. The simple point of the gospel is to remove ignorance and to impart knowledge and understanding.

The gospel makes a revelation of the righteousness of God as stated in Romans 1:17, and the gospel brings to light the life and immortality that a child of God must already possess before it is possible for that life and immortality to be shown. Therefore the gospel does not produce the life and immortality; it only reveals what is already there. (II Timothy 2:10)

When a person can understand the truth of the gospel he will experience a great timely deliverance. He will no longer ignorantly labor to establish his own righteousness as demonstated by Romans 10:1-4. He will recognize that his righteousness is actually in Christ and believing this will “save” him from the error of thinking that he must establish his own righteousnes. The gospel is the power to save from ignorance while one is still living in the “here and now”.

When one can understand the purpose of the gospel, he will see the actual importance of it. It is designed for the comfort and instruction of the family of God while they live in this world. The overwhelming majority of the family of God are in ignorance. The power of the gospel is to tell the children of God the truth and to deliver them from ignorance. The minister of the true gospel has a great task of letting the children of God know the “good news” of the accomplishments of Christ and to open their understanding to the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. The work of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit is not dependent upon the proclamation of the gospel, but the knowledge and understanding of the children of God is increased by their appreciation of the truths of the gospel.

Wherever there is ignorance and lack of understanding of the “good news”, there is a field of labor for the gospel minister. His message of truth will not take anybody to heaven, but the message will tell of the One who will provide the transportation based upon the work of the Triune God. There is plenty of work to be done because there is much ignorance in all areas of this world, even in the supposed “Christian” countries.

In conclusion, please notice the work of the Triune God beautifully described in these words of scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:14 “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”

Another beautiful expression is found in this scripture:

Job 23:13 “But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.”

These are “gospel” words that bring “good news” and “glad tidings” to the family of God who need to know that the “warfare” has been accomplished.

Just read Isaiah 40 from beginning to end and relish the “good news” that brings comfort to those who are victorious through the grace of God. What a “power” to blast ignorance is found in the explosive dynamite of the gospel of Christ when delivered by a minister who has been called of God and sent to deliver it!!!

SINNERS BY REPRESENTATION

(Romans 3:12 and 5:12; Genesis 5:3)

SINNERS BY NATURE

Conception – Psalms 51:5

In the Womb – Psalms 51:5

At Birth – Psalms 58:3

Youth – Genesis 8:21

Adult – Romans 7:14

SINNERS BY PRACTICE

All Mankind

Romans 3:23

1 John 1:10

All Faculties of Man

Heart – Jeremiah 17:9

Mind – Romans 8:6-8

Thoughts – Genesis 6:5

Life – Ephesians 2:1

Man at Best – Psalms 39:5

CONCLUSION

Man cannot Hear… not will not hear – John 8:47

Man cannot Understand… not will not understand – 1 Corinthians 2:14

Man cannot Believe… not will not believe – John 10:26
UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION – is the choosing of individuals to eternal life based entirely on God’s sovereign choice and not influenced by any works, good or bad, on man’s part.  (Romans 9:11)

DIFFERENT TERMS

Election – Romans 9:11

Chosen – Ephesians 1:4

Draw – John 6:44

Called – 2 Timothy 1:9

Predestinated – Romans 8:29

Church – Ephesians 5:25

ELECTION IS UNCONDITIONAL

Total Depravity – Romans 3:10-12

Before Creation – Ephesians 1:4

Romans 9:11-17 and 11:5-6

ELECTION DOES NOT HARM THOSE LEFT

Romans 5:12

Total Depravity

ELECTION IN CHRIST

(Ephesians 1:4-5)

THE ELECT ARE A VAST MULTITUDE

(Hebrews 11:12; Genesis 15:5; Revelation 5:9 and 7:9)

EVIDENCE OF ELECTION

(1 Thessalonians 1:4; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:3-11)
LIMITED ATONEMENT (PARTICULAR REDEMPTION) – Christ died only for the elect and by His death redeemed all for whom He died.  (Matthew 1:21)

THE PURPOSE OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST

(John 6:38-40; Isaiah 53:4-10; Matthew 1:21; John 17:2, 9; Hebrews 12:2;

1 Peter 3:18)

WHAT THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCOMPLISHED

(1 Peter 2:24; John 10:11, 28; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 10:14; Romans 5:8-9;

Hebrews 2:9-12; Romans 8:33-34)

HOW CHRIST ACCOMPLISHED REDEMPTION

Substitution

(Isaiah 53:4-10; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21)

Satisfaction

(Romans 3:24-25; Hebrews 9:26)
IRRESISTABLE GRACE (EFFECTUAL CALLING) – is the calling whereby God brings the elect into a vital relationship with Himself by the quickening of the Holy Spirit.  (1 Corinthians 1:23-24; John 6:37, 44; 1 Peter 5:10; Ephesians 1:19-20; 2:1, 5; and 4:16; 1 Peter 3:18)

THE CALL IS OF GOD

The Father

(John 6:44; Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ephesians 2:10)

The Son

(John 5:25 and 11:43)

The Spirit

(John 3:8 and 6:63)

THE OBJECTS OF HIS CALL

The Called Elect

(Romans 8:28, 30)

Evidence of Call

Sense of Sin – Matthew 5:4

Hunger and Thirst – Matthew 5:6

Believer – John 5:24; 1 John 5:1

Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23

PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS – All the elect of God shall be kept by God and shall be eternally saved; however, they may walk in darkness and disobedience, losing the joy of their salvation in their timely existence. (John 10:27-29; Psalms 51:12)

CERTAINTY OF PRESERVATION BY THE COVENANT AND DECREES OF GOD

(Romans 8:28-30; Isaiah 46:9-11; Jeremiah 32:40; John 6:37)

certainty of preservation by the promise of god

(Psalms 94:14; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 1:6)

Elder Darrel Chambers

Elder Chambers was born April 21, 1961, to Hulen and Jean Chambers in Marshall County, Alabama.  He was the first of three sons born in this family.   Darrel  joined  Pilgrim’s  Rest  Church  at  Rainsville, Alabama  at  the  age  of  nine,  being  baptized  by  his  uncle, Elder Guy Hunt.  He since has been a member of Pine Level Church  at  Atmore,  Alabama,  Flint  River  Church  at Huntsville,  Alabama  and  Union  Church  at  Woodville, Alabama.    His  membership  is  presently  at  Union  Church where he was ordained and serves as one of the pastors.

Darrel was ordained as a deacon at Flint River Church in 1982 at age 21 and performed those duties until he was ordained  to  the ministry  in April of 1996.   From age five, he has shown great interest and concern in spiritual matters and to the church and it’s function.

He  is married  to  the  former Donna  J. Kennamer and  they have  two daughters, Laura age 15 and Jessica age 13 and one son, Benjamin age 8.  All are members of Union Church.

Elder Leon Etheredge

Elder J. Leon Etheredge was born November 16, 1931 at Ozark, Dale County, Alabama the fourth of five children born to Elder S. W. Etheredge and Lena Hester. Elder  Leon  was  raised  in  a  God  fearing,  devout  Primitive  Baptist  home.  After graduating  from high school, and spending  four years  in  the US Air Force he used the GI bill and earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in December 1957.

While in college he married Betty Jo Spurlock of Ozark, Alabama. His wife had a  small  son  from  a  previous marriage  and  there were  three  children  born  to  this union. His experience of being called out of nature’s darkness into God’s marvelous light happened the first Sunday in December 1963. His loving companion had taken the  three  boys  and  gone  to  the  Missionary  Baptist  Church  of  her  membership, leaving him at home with their daughter. While languishing in bed that Sunday morning, a very strong urge moved him to search for a church he had seen which had indications of being a Primitive Baptist Church.

At a nearby home he  learned  that  the church was of  the Primitive Baptist  faith and  that  there would be  services second Sunday night at 6:30. They went home and when his wife returned,  their daughter ran  to her and said “Mama, Daddy has  found  a  church.” He  shared his  experience with his wife  and  she  agreed  to  go with him  the next Sunday night.

He  said  that was  longest week  he  ever  spent. The  time  finally  came  to  go  to  church. He  and  his  family  arrived shortly after 6:00 PM and those who came were friendly and warmly welcomed them.

He  and his wife were baptized  into  the  fellowship  of Bethel Church by Elder  S.W. Etheredge  in April  of  1964, among a flood of tears. Elder Leon says  that  if he was ever called to preach  the Gospel of the Son of God,  it was  the same day he had the urge to go look for the church building described earlier.

At  the  request of Elder Gene Thomas, Elder Leon made his  first  effort  to  speak  in  the name of God  at Bethel Church in June 1965, and was ordained to the full work of the Gospel Ministry in June of 1966. He was soon called to serve  three Primitive Baptist Churches of  the Mud Creek Association. A  few  years  later, he was  called  as one of  the pastors of another church  in the Mud Creek Association. Since that time, he has continuously served as pastor of four churches in the area. As of February 2000, he serves Hurricane Church of the Flint River Association and Bethel, Union and Bethlehem Churches in the Mud Creek Association.

Elder Gene Thomas

I was born on  January 3, 1929,  in Scottsboro, Alabama. My parents were Joe and Minnie Thomas.

On  the  4th weekend  in  September 1940,  the  Mud  Creek Association  convened with Union Church. On Friday  I was  in  a  quiet, meditative  mood.  That afternoon  my  mother decided  that  we  would go  home  with  Brother and  Sister  Jim Wilborn. Some others went on to Brother Wilborn’s  by  car,  but mother  and  I  and  a  few  others  rode  in Brother Wilborn’s wagon. As we bounced along, tears were formed in my eyes as I became resolved  to offer myself  for membership  in  the church the  following  day. My mother  discerned  that  something  was  bothering me.  She  finally  asked  if  it  was  about  the  church.  I  nodded  in  the affirmative. Not knowing what to say, she could only pat my shoulder.

After  the preaching services on Saturday morning an opportunity  to unite with the church was given. The services were held in a grove of trees and  a  stand  had  been  erected  for  the ministers. As  the  invitation  song began, I walked forward to the stand. I was only eleven years of age and very small for my age. The stand was  too high for me  to climb  into and Elder H. P. Houk, the Moderator, did not notice my coming and standing at  the  edge  of  the  stand.  I  then  reached  up  and  caught  the  cuff  of  his pants and began  jerking  it  to gain his attention. He  looked down, picked me  up,  and  put me  in  the  stand.  Six  others,  including my  older  sister Kathryn, also came forward. My sister and I were baptized by Elder H. P. Copeland.

My first effort in a public way took place on the 3rd Sunday in June of 1948 at Bethlehem Church near Limrock, Alabama. The deacons of my home church approached me on the churchyard a few minutes before the time  of  the  preaching  service.  Brother W. H.  Butler  spoke  to me  and asked if I would take part in the services that day. Feeling that it would be right to be obedient to the desires of my brethren, I replied that I would do  so. When  the  time  came, dear old Elder  J. W. Page  led me  into  the pulpit. I opened the Bible to Ezekiel 16:1-6 and read those verses. I spoke for about  ten minutes on  the subject of original sin and depravity. Amid tears, I  took my seat with a mixed sense of relief and a realization  that a heavy weight of  responsibility was being  assumed. From  this  time  forth there has been no place to turn back. In November  of  1948 Union  Church, while  in  regular  conference, expressed  their  desire  that  I  should  be  set  apart  as  a  gospel  minister. According  to  the  arrangements,  we  met  at  Union  Church,  Woodville, Alabama,  in  the Mud Creek Association, on Sunday morning, December 5, 1948, at ten o’clock, for that purpose. The presbytery was composed of the  following:  Elders  H.  P.  Houk,  John  Page,  H.  P.  Copeland,  K W. Yeager, Henry Autry, B. A. Stephens, M. M. Morton, and sixteen deacons. Elder Houk was  chosen  as moderator  and Brother W. M. Butler,  clerk. The Moderator  appointed Elder Yeager  to  offer  prayer, Elder Autry  to question the candidate; and Elder H. P. Copeland to deliver the charge. I  have  served  as  a  pastor  of Union Church  continuously  from my ordination to the present (February 1998). Through the years I have been called at various other churches as pastor or to fill regular appointments. Among these are Bethel, Mud Creek, Pilgrim’s Rest, Bethlehem, Sweeten’s Cove,  Hurricane,  New  Home,  Mount  Pisgah  and  Macedonia.  At  the present time I am serving Union Church and Macedonia Church.

In  conclusion,  it  has  been  my  sincere  desire  to  uphold  sound, scriptural  principles  of  doctrine  as  well  as  clean,  godly  principles  of practices  in all our churches. I believe  in facing  the problems of our day with  the  answers  as provided  in  the Bible.  It  is my humble desire  to be numbered  among  those who  “earnestly contend  for  the  faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”