New Church Formed in the Philippine Islands by L. V. Finster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 9, 1915

New Church Formed in the Philippine Islands

By L. V. Finster

ABOUT eighteen months ago our canvassers entered the town of Baliwag with our books. After they had finished their delivery, they reported that a large number desired us to hold some meetings in Baliwag, and promised an attendance of one hundred if we would send a worker, but nearly a year passed before we were able to enter the place.

A tent was then erected, with Bibiano Panis in charge, and two Bible workers as assistants. Their attendance was soon four to six hundred every night. At this time Brother Bibiano Panis was ever taken ill with appendicitis, and Brother Emilio Manalaysay was called to carry on the interest. The Lord greatly blessed him in his work; and on our return from Shanghai, we found about fifty keeping the Sabbath. A baptismal class had been held every night for three weeks. Brother Bibiano Panis then united with the tent effort, and a week ago Sabbath we held our baptismal service. Thirty-seven were baptized, and many others will be baptized at a later date. The workers are holding meetings in several of the barrios, and are still having a splendid interest. Our baptism was held at six o'clock on Sabbath morning. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, and a church was organized and officers were elected. It is a marvel to many of the people of Baliwag to see the great changes that have been made in the lives of these people. They have left their tobacco, gambling, and other vices, and are now earnest Bible students. Men may convince their fellow men of the truthfulness of doctrine, but it is the power of the Spirit of God that transforms the lives of men; and the Spirit of God works the same on all hearts. We pray that God's blessing may continue to rest with this new church at Baliwag.

This following Sabbath we baptized thirteen at Norzagaray. The church there now has a membership of sixty-five. It was at this place that about a year ago I baptized a woman one hundred and five years old, and I was glad to see her at this meeting, still faithful and rejoicing in the present truth.

We have just received word from one of our canvassers in Batangas, where our books have been sold in time past, that there are now fifteen keeping the Sabbath, and they are calling for some one to come to help further enlighten them. Our great lack is trained workers to fill the many calls that are opened for work here at the present time.

L. V. FINSTER.