Today is the second day of the Pastors and Workers conference at Iloilo Baptist Church. Our group arrived at the church around 9:45am. The men went to the auditorium to hear Pastor Eric Capaci preach. He preached from the Book of Acts on the subject of encouragement. If anyone knows anything about being an encouragement, it would be Bro. Capaci. He always has an encouraging word for everyone.

While the men were hearing preaching, the ladies in our group were invited to do a children’s program for the children that were in the conference. The ladies did a wonderful job telling Bible stories and teaching the children new songs.

After the morning service of the conference, we were dismissed to go to lunch. Although there were many American fast food choices at the SM Mall, our group went to Mang Inasal, a local favorite here in Iloilo. Here our group helped themselves to generous servings of barbecued chicken on a stick and rice wrapped in banana leaves. With all the good food available and as many times as we eat, we may not be recognizable once we get back to the States.

From lunch, we went back to the hotel to freshen up for our trip to the leper hospital. What we saw was heartbreaking. Many of the patients there have limbs removed and are in various stages of suffering. One of the pastoral staff members of Iloilo Bible Church conducts Bible studies in this hospital every week. For almost 20 years, IBC has been giving the Gospel to these men and ladies. As a result of their ministry, many have come to know Jesus as their Savior. At one time the Catholic church ran this hospital and whenever they found out that a patient was attending the services of Iloilo Baptist Church, they would deny them food. Since then, the government has taken control of the hospital and the director of the hospital, Dr. De Guzman, is a member of Iloilo Baptist Church.

Even though these patients have been cured of leprosy, they are considered an invalid and are required to remain in the care of the hospital until they die. We were allowed to pass out candy, sing songs and even present the Gospel to these patients. Praise the LORD, seven patients got saved when we were there. We could only go in the rooms where the patients were under treatment. We did not go to the rooms where new patients were admitted for safety reasons.

From the leper hospital, we went back to the hotel to get ready for the evening service. The auditorium was packed again for this last service of the Pastors and Workers Conference. The orchestra once again greeted the crowd with heavenly selections before the service started. Bro. Rick Martin recognized Pastor Clay Reed and Pastor Jack Trieber for their contribution to the church-planting efforts here in the Philippines. Both Bro. Reed of Global Church Planters and North Valley Baptist Church have been instrumental in starting hundreds of churches here in the Philippines. Bro. Eric Capaci was also honored with an All My Heart award for giving his all for the service of Christ.

Pastor Capaci preached from the Book of Acts about not being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Many came forward at the invitation to make decisions for Christ. After the service the Martin’s hosted us for some light refreshments at their home then we headed back to the hotel to get ready for tomorrow’s activities. Lord willing, we will be visiting several churches that North Valley Baptist supports tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you for tuning in. Have a great day!

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