Sunday in the Philippines

Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah 

that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah 

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 

The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. 

God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him! 

 A blessing we hear every Sunday. I can't help but reflect on it today being separated from family who are on the other side of the world. Today too we received this blessing from a God who is able to do all things. A God who is here caring for us but also caring for our families back home. A God whose saving power is at work among all nations, including the Philippines

Today had the privilege of worshipping with our brothers and sisters here in the Philippines. In the morning we worshipped with the Balulang Christian Alliance Fellowship. Pastored by Jeff P. Uriarte. Dr. Bredenhof delivered the message using the text of 2 Kings 6: 8-23.

In the afternoon we worshipped with the Kagay-an Reformed Church, pastored by Glimar B. Melo. Again Dr. Bredenhof delivered the message, a lesson from Lord's Day 4. Pastor Melo served as the translator.

The liturgy is quite Reformed, much like we would have back home. There are some differences, scripture is read aloud by all. The catechism is read  by all. Having  everyone read is useful in reinforcing their learning of scripture and the catechism.  They sing from the Geneva Psalter, something that is new to them, something they do quite well. It was beautiful to hear them praising God and ministering to each other in song. 

We need to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters of these churches. They are small and things are not easy for them. The world around them is not an easy place but we trust that our mighty God will preserve the church here against the fury of the world they face. May God continue to remember them with favour.