Lapulapu Church of God
In early May 2007, we started working on two buildings that needed extensive repairs. The property was purchased by Church of God World Missions, but the buildings were our responsibility. Step by step we have been able to repair and renovate the larger building and are also using the smaller building even though it needs extensive repairs. The large parking lot that extends from the street to the larger building was very rough and practically unusable; however, it is now a finished paved lot with a portable basketball court. We are conducting Bible College in the main building and providing housing for our students. At this time we have conducted at least four crusades in the parking area. This is possible day and night because of our lighting.
Several hundred young people have responded to our altar calls and have joined our discipleship programs. This coming May will be our one year anniversary at the new property, and plans are already being made for several more crusades. The Lapulapu Church of God congregation has grown far greater than expected. We are expecting 10 times the growth in all areas within the next year.
Olango Island
We have seen the children’s ministry triple in size, and there is no end in sight. One need was for an extension on the rear of the building. This is now taking place due to an unexpected need for a new roof. A typhoon tore off the rear area of our roof, making it easier to plan an extension for our children’s ministry and housing. We are feeding 10 children and providing them with all of their needs for our Kinder school. The Kinder school is growing, and we now have an extension of it on the main property at Lapulapu Church of God.
Visayan Region
The Visayan Region includes most of the islands and has the most diverse culture and language groups in the Philippines. There are five different language groups with over 100 variations of languages in our region. Our church planters are very well trained and very active in developing new churches. Several regional conferences are conducted annually within the different language groups and on the different islands with great moves of the Holy Spirit.
My primary responsibility has been fundraising up until now. Because of my illness I have not been able to actively participate, but the funds are still coming in steadily. God is taking care of His ministry!
Martin Lee Studdard, Missionary Evangelist, Project Number 0650080