Joyful Gospel Partnership In The Philippines
An update from Dave York, Senior Pastor of Covenant Life Fellowship in Roseburg, Oregon, USA, and Emerging Nations Representative to the Philippines…
From October 10 to 21, my wife, Jill, and I were privileged to visit our beloved brothers and sisters in the Philippines. Our trip was to conduct two leadership summits with leaders within Sovereign Grace and those interested in Sovereign Grace. We also wanted to encourage our friends in the gospel’s work.
We started our time in Cebu City, Philippines, at His Dwelling Christian Church (HDCC), pastored by Nilo Ebo and Ian Naman. On Saturday, October 12, they hosted a Leadership Summit for 120 people entitled “The Beauty of Gospel Partnership”. I preached on Gospel partnership extra-locally, locally, and in marriage. The attendees leaned in as God’s word was declared and asked some remarkably challenging questions. I thank God that Nilo was my faithful and hilarious interpreter. I often had no idea what he was saying, but the entire congregation was laughing, so it must have been good. Or he was making fun of the Americans who didn’t speak Cebuano.
On Sunday, we enjoyed celebrating the Risen Christ with HDCC. After church, we enjoyed a great potluck and a Ministry Leader meeting. The people at HDCC were such a joy to serve. Like all Filipinos, they are joyful, but our dear brothers and sisters love Jesus and want to serve Him in their nation.
On Monday, we had the joy of hanging out with some of the younger SGC pastors and wives in Negros and Cebu (Gilbert Tolentino, Ian and Robe Naman, and Saitam and Jorgie Matias). We enjoyed a great view, food, and even better fellowship. These dear friends asked deep questions and long to serve Jesus faithfully.
On Wednesday, we left Cebu to go to Manila to meet Jeffrey and Jeannie Jo. Jeff is genuinely “my brother from another mother,” as he and I were born on the same day and year (I look younger).
We had the privilege of spending extra time with Jeff, Jeannie, Francis, and Tina Mariano in Tagaytay. One highlight was having lunch with the Volcano Taal, spewing smoke in the background.
On Saturday, we had a similar Leadership Summit on the same topics as Cebu, but this time, it was only for Sovereign Grace Churches. Seeing dear brothers like Caloy San Jose (pastor of Jesus the River of Life Church), Jom Aquino (pastor of Cross of Christ Salvation Gospel Ministries in Dasmarinas), and Eman and Apple Iluzada was a great joy. These friends in Manila are growing gospel-centered churches and represent Jesus all over their area. Their churches are growing and multiplying.
We topped off ministry week at Cross of Christ Salvation Gospel Ministries in Kawit, where Jeffrey Jo pastors. You don’t need to worry about decibel meters when you worship there. The level of joyful worship was incredible. It was a joy to share God’s word with them and see how receptive and eager they were to apply what they heard. By God’s grace, Jeff has built a wonderful church in Kawit.
As we move into 2025 with SGC Philippines, our goals are simple. Seven brothers are working through the ordination materials with hopes of doing their oral exams. Lord willing, we will begin work earnestly on a Book of Church Order for SGC Philippines, hoping to have it ratified in 2026. All the while, the Lord is growing His church, and the gospel is at work. What a joy to be a part of God’s work in the Philippines.
