And so the work continues. Great effort was given in trying to find employment for the brethren. Some were surprised at how the assembly works together and decided to see who we areThey came to the Sunday service to listen. Unfortunately, they brought with them the traditional concept that if they come to religious movements, they will receive help. Basic needs like employment, food subsidy, school supplies for their children and other hand outs. These are not too much actually. Real Christian assemblies would willingly share these things because of their love for the Savior and obedience to Him, but the people receiving the help are not benefitting spiritually. They learn the "spiritual lingo", do the "worship thing" and adopt the "christian lifestyle" just to guaranty food on their table.
We are faced with the problem of accepting the scenario so we can get them to listen to the Word but are faced with the probable result of creating spiritual zombies. It is just a mirage! A holywood stage, grand on the outside but hollow inside. This is definitely not the Lord's intention, but we are just human. We do not have the Lord's keen eye for what is true and what is superficial. How do we go about facing this dilemma?
We have but three responses to this. Obey, obey and after that, obey again! We are tasked to teach and preach. It is His church and it is His job to regenerate. We have no power over the human will. We must not let frustration stop us. God commanded us to give to the poor and so we must continue. Not to bring them out of poverty but to help whenever we are able. And we must teach even if the words fall on deaf ears. The Lord provides rain to both the wheat and the thistles, so must we. All is not in vain. His Word shall not return void.
The only consolation is the fact that there are some exhibiting genuine spiritual growth. The ministry should continue even if there will only be two or three remaining. Today we are rejoicing bceause we have more than a dozen growing in the faith. 12 out of 42 is not bad. And so we encourage ourselves with these words....
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Rikki has recently worked with a local contractor so the brethren can work as construction workers. Its not lucrative but at least the men have some money at the end of the day. This has kept us busy for a few months. This includes some enterprising individuals who attended the services so they can be hired. Please pray for wisdom on the Tienzos' part regarding the spiritual value of continuing in this endeavor.
This also means that there will be less time for home bible studies and training time for Pancho and Teddy (potential leaders of Presentacion). It will help if the Lord will provide a couple more trained teachers and workers to help out with the youth and the women. In the Past, Dinna and Dana were active in taking care of the women and children. Now that they are back in Cavite caring for Dinna's mom and Aunt Gentrudes, the task of taking care of the women and youth are now in Rikki's hands. With the secular work going on, there is a danger of spreading ourselves out too thin and eventually becoming ineffective. It is either the Lord gives us more strength or He provides some help.
Any missionaries interested?
Pancho Permocille, the high school teacher who gave up his job to pursue learning more abut the Lord and His work has decided to attend Emmaus Bible School in Malolos, Bulacan in January.
Please pray that the Lord will bless us as the Lord provides for the Permocille family during the scholl period. Pancho decided to buy and sell copra (Coconut Meat) as a means of livelihood once he is back in Presentacion after school
The Tienzos are confident that the Lord will provide for Dana's college. They are also prepared if the Lord desires that she skips college altogether and just go back to full time missionary work, but as parents, Dinna and Rikki want the best for their only daughter. Currently, Rikki is thinking the local employment he is currently involved with can be the Lord's response to their prayers, but just like any resource, this could be easily surrendered to the Lord. If the Lord feels this must be given up, then so be it. There are a lot of endeavors that needs to be provided with time and effort. All that is needed now is a clear manifestation of the Lord's hand showing us where to go.
We believe in "Tent Making" as a viable and Biblical manner of supporting the Lord's work, nevertheless, working should not hinder spiritual tasks. It is in this mind set that we desire your help in praying to the Lord for guidance.
Dana wants to take up Architecture just like his dad. This will mean, she will be away from Bicol for a minimum of 5 years. She is currently 19 years old. That is too old for a Filipino College Freshman. Rikki finished college when he was 21 years old. This will also mean a lot of "tents to be made." That is not a problem as the Lord's been very gracious to the Tienzos in the past that is won't be too hard to trust Him now.
Dana will start college hopefully in June 2012.
It has been a consensus among the workers and elders of the Cavite Assemblies that there is a need to start a new assembly in nearby Dasmarinas City. The city is located in the middle of Bacoor, GMA and Amadeo where there are already assemblies. Dasmarinas is a large city that is growing tremendously. A home church strategically located in one of its residentail zones will benefit the believers there. Buddy Villanueva, the elder in Amadeo has tirelessly taught men from the company where he is a senor engineer. This has produced a pool of true believers all residing in the Dasmarinas area. In fact, one of the new believers offered a substantial area near his house to be used as a gathering hall.
There are a few men that the Lord may use in this area. Dino Tienzo, one of the elders in Justinville, Ike Villareal also from Justinville, Buddy Villanueva (Amadeo), Sonny Ayala (GMA) or maybe even Rikki Tienzo (Bicol).
We are excited as to how the Lord will work to plant this church.
We are still praying for the Lord's leading regarding the Bible Camp in Bicol. We already have the lot in mind. It is in Barangay Sigamot, in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. It is a property owned by the Ayalas (Rikki's Mom's family). Hopefully, the Lord will enable Rikki to do the needed legwork to have the property transferred in trust to C.M.P.I. so we can start developing it into a place where the Lord can work in the people's hearts just like He did in the churches in Metro Manila.