Monday, January 29, 2024

Sent to The Philippines...February 2024

This will be the second visit to the Philippines to meet with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines (L.A.MP.) After extensive correspondence that was first initiated by Pastor Palangyos after he had found the Facebook page of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (CLC), Pastor Rob Sauers (representing the CLC Board of Missions) and I made an initial visit in April. The first two years of correspondence were focused on reviewing and explaining the doctrinal positions of the CLC using select Online Theological Studies courses via email.

As reported in a Lutheran Spokesman article by Pastor Sauers, a recommendation to begin the official colloquy process was approved by the CLC President. Pastor Andrew Schaller (CLC Bd of Doctrine) was appointed to conduct the colloquy via email correspondence. That process has now been completed. Pastor Schaller and I are now traveling to the Philippines to conduct the in-person review of the colloquy materials that Pastor Palangyos and Pastor Schaller have completed. If all goes well, and as a result, we find ourselves in doctrinal agreement with the L.A.M.P., a recommendation for fellowship will be made to President Wilke upon our return. 

We fly out later today (1/29). Our itinerary takes us from St. Louis to Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Manila. We will arrive in Manila mid-morning on Wednesday after nearly 28 hours of travel. From there, we will board a bus in Manila and travel about six hours to the north, where we will meet Pastor Palangyos in Baguio City on Wednesday evening. Thursday and Friday will be spent in doctrinal discussions. Saturday and Sunday will take us into the mountainous Cordillera District to visit the two L.A.M.P. congregations and preaching stations. 

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels, productive and God-pleasing doctrinal discussions, the Lord's blessings on the preaching and teaching of His saving Word, and His love and protection for our families are requested and much appreciated...confident that the God of our Salvation will hear and answer our prayers!


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