Biao United Methodist Church

Thank you form the Biao Church during Cherry’s May 2013 visit.

Biao Update January 21st., 2012 from Bishop Leo

Today we received correspondence from Bishop Leo Soriano that the turn over ceremony for the new Bishop was held on January 13^th. He will be telling the new Bishop, Ciriaco Franscisco, more details on the Biao church so he understands the history of the mission there. I did send an introductory email to Bishop Franscisco with a link our blog, thought this would help with some background as well.

We look forward to meeting Bishop Franscisco someday in the near future.

Biao Church and Bishop Soriano Update

In December our Missions committee was able to send proceeds from our mission breakfasts to Pastor July. I’m sure this was a blessing to him, I know I was thankful that our efforts went to good use.

I received a note from Bishop Soriano that the Philippine Central Conference has adjourned. With his retirement a new Bishop has been assigned to the Davao Area, which oversees Biao. His name is Bishop Ciriaco Francisco. Bishop Sorinao advised that when they have endorsed supervision he will get back in touch with further details. I wish Bishop Soriano the best with his new chapter in life and greatly appreciate all his help and support with the Biao Church establishment. 

Biao Church Update from Bishop Soriano

On Wednesday, September 19^th I heard from Bishop Soriano. Things are going well in the Philippines but very busy with his retirement nearing. The land for the Biao church is still in process. There are three hearings in court that has to be made before the papers can be processed for perfection. They have been through two of the hearings already so the final process is getting close.

Update from Bishop Soriano

On January 19^th, 2012 I received an email from Bishop Soriano and would like to share a portion of this with you.

Right now we are still busy doing some relief and rehab work for the damage done by typhoon Sendong.  I know that you have heard that a flash flood hit Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City last December 16, where no less than 1,800 individuals drowned and almost a thousand still missing.  Both cities are within my Area of supervision.  No less than 63,000 families were affected and about 500,000 individuals are rendered homeless.  Many of the victims are still in evacuation centers but some have moved to relocation areas.

Pastor July continues to do the mission work in Biao.  He is being supported by a Korean missionary, who provides some monthly support, which we are grateful for. This missionary is also looking for partner church in Korea that would be able to help build a church. Let us continue to pray for that.

Where UMC Biao Currently Hold Services

On the right side of the store owned by Ginalyn is an unfinished building,  which belongs to the Nazarenes. The Nazarene church has run down since their pastor left. The Nazarenes have agreed to allow the UMC to utilize the building for services. Some of the Nazarene members are now attending the UMC Sunday Services. The blue motor cycle is what Pastor July uses in doing his misson work.

Road in front of the UMC Biao lot

Bishop Leo Soriano, Pastor July, Ginalyn, and Mylene pose on the road. The vacant lot on the right side is the lot purchased for the future church site. Immediately across the lot is a  sari-sari store (a small variety store), which is owned by Ginalyn. Ginalyn and Mylene are among those who regularly attend Sunday worship.

UMC site in Biao

District Superintendent Irene, Pastor July, Ginalyn and Mylene pose for a souvenir photo. The vacant lot behind them is the future site of the UMC in Biao.

Future Site of UMC Biao

District Superintendent Irene and Pastor July standing on the future site of the UMC in Biao.

Biao Church Update from Bishop Soriano -Sept 2011

On September 22nd, 2011 I received an update from the Bishop on the Biao Church. He said that he, along with District Superintendent Iren, Pastor July visited Biao and took pictures of the lot that bought for the church site. He is traveling and will send pictures at later date. I will post these when I receive.

The documents for the land is now being processed and in due time they will be able to transfer the title in favor of the United Methodist Church. Pastor July is doing a great work in Biao and the Bishop is please with his achievements. He does not have any sure support but somehow the district has been able to sustain him up to this time. He is being supported with something like 1,000 to 1,500 pesos a month, which is around $35.00 U.S. dollars. This money actually comes from 2 or 3 people who have committed to support the pastor. District Superintendent is one of the supporters and she is working with the Korean Missionaries in hopes to obtain further support. The Bishop said the Korean support are bright and they may even help support building a church.The $250.00 provided by the Methodist Church in Fort Branch was a real blessing. Cherry and Gordon Rogers continues to provide Pastor July with a mode of transportation and housing.

The Methodist Church in Fort Branch helped plant the seed and we are seeing fruits of their efforts. Please continue to lift up the Biao Church in your prayers.

Pastors Salary

On August 9th the First United Methodist Church of Fort Branch did send some money towards Pastor July's Salary. I am very thankful that the Lord has provided! Pastor July lives by faith that is provisions will be provided, something that is difficult for me to comprehend. It does encourage me to see how someone lives day to day on faith. May God Bless him and the Church in Biao.

Church Land and Pastor Support

On the 24^th of July 2011 I received an update on the Biao Church from Bishop Soriano. I had written the Bishop asking for an update on the church. I wanted to ensure that I had a detailed understanding of any issues as well as progress that I can report to our Mission Team. On the good side they have been able to raise the money needed to pay the balance of the lot that was in the process of being bought in Biao. The land did not have a perfect deed of sale; however they are working on getting this corrected.

The immediate need is to secure support for Pastor July’s salary. The Biao church has over 30 people that join their congregation for worship, majority of them being children. Although they are blessed in many ways, the people are economically poor. As the Bishop has indicated, they can hardly raise money for their next meal, much less, the support of their pastor. We have planted a seed and there is growth but we desperately need to find a partner to help support the mission in Biao. I ask for your continued prayers and will provide an update in the near future.

Biao Church Land Purchase

I am pleased to let everyone know that progress is in the works for the Biao Church to purchase land, an initial step in having their own place of worship. Pastor July has identified a piece of property in Biao proper and we have held several discussions about this with Bishop Soriano. The Missions Committee at the Fort Branch United Methodist Church has decided to provide $1000 towards the purchase of property. Please continue to pray that God will provide the remaining funds to complete the land purchase and build a facility for worship. The church in Biao is growing and soles are being saved!!

BIAO Church Children Trip to Bacolod

Cherry arranged for T-Shirts to be made for the Biao Church members and arranged a trip to Bacolod City. This was the first trip outside of the Biao area for most of the children. We would like to share some pictures of the children and pastor July.

 

Biao Church Update Nov 2010

Praise the Lord!!! The Biao Church is growing and now has around 32 members. The majority of those attending are children, the future of the Biao community. God is good. A seed was planted and we now see evidence of growth. Please continue to pray that the membership grows and finances are available to purchase land and build a church. Currently services are being  held in an old Nazarene church.

A Brief History of Philippine Methodism

The Rev. George C. Stull, a member of the Montana Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Chaplain of the First Montana Volunteers of the United States Army, held the first Protestant Service in the Philippines on August 28, 1898, with the American soldiers and some Filipinos in attendance. Chaplain Stul preached on the topic: “The Power of God”. Towards the close of the service, eight Filipinos responded to the altar invitation.

To read the full article see the Philippines Center Conference article.

Biao United Methodist Church

Here are a few pictures taken during chruch services during Cherry's visit in June/July 2010.

Church Service in Biao, Philippines

Here are a few pictures that Cherry took while in the Philippines in June/July 2010. These pictures were taken during Church Services at the Biao  Church.

Pastor July in Biao

 

Here is Pastor July of the new Biao United Methodist Church. Services are held n a small bamboo hut. This small hut is also where the Pastor lives.

Bishop and Biao Pastor

Here is another picture taken during the Bishops visit.