Carey Outreach Ministries | The William Carey School of Theology

E-News on Philippines December 2006

About sixty men and three women gathered in Iloilo City for the first week of this October's modular course at William Carey School of Theology in the Philippines. Jonathan Bayes from Yorkshire, United Kingdom, was completing the Systematic Theology course. The main doctrines covered this year in Part III were the Church and Eschatology. Students came from quite a number of the Philippine islands, including Panay, Guimaras, Negros, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, Luzon, and Mindanao.

Much discussion was provoked by the topics being considered. The quality and thoughtfulness of the questions and comments was most encouraging. Probably the majority of the students came from a Dispensationalist background. To be introduced to the various options within a Reformed eschatology (historic premillennialism, amilllennialism, and postmillennialism) was a challenge, and a one-week course is just a stepping stone on the way to a richer Biblical understanding. We pray that they will be able to think the issues through and reach their own conclusions as they continue to study God's Word.

During the study of the doctrine of the Church the issue of Biblically regulated worship seemed to stimulate the most interest. We pray that the worship life of the Philippine churches will be enhanced as a result of the theological study. ~Jonathan Bayes

In October 2006 I had the privilege of going to the Philippines for the second time to teach at the William Carey School of Theology. My topic this year was Early Church History and approximately 65 students were in attendance. The students were attentive during class and very appreciative for the opportunity to learn. I am deeply impressed with the quality of men God has led to study at the School and the sacrifices they make to be there. Many of these men would not have the opportunity to study to Scriptures formally if WCST was not operating. Others have been to Bible School, but want to deepen there understanding of the Word of God.

Most of these men are already Pastors and many of them are church planters, some of whom are already planting a second church or talking about a third. The amazing thing about these church plants is that they represent some of the first Reformed Baptist Churches in the Philippines. Since William Carey School of Theology was established there have been several men who, through its ministry, have come to an understanding of the doctrines of Grace and are now planting dozens of churches in various parts of the Philippines that are distinctly Reformed and proclaim these glorious truths.

I visited one church in a mountain village where the Pastor (a student of Carey) has been asked by the public school to teach the children the Bible for three hours every Friday afternoon. Every child in his village is being taught the doctrines of grace and is being confronted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. One can only wonder how God will use that village for the advancement of His kingdom in the future.

I came to realize how important the Bible School is to these Pastors when I preached at a church one evening. I walked up to the pulpit and noticed a chalk board leaning up against the wall to my left. I looked at the board and was delightfully surprised to see an outline of my entire first lecture on church history. The Pastor had begun teaching Early Church History to his congregation the first Sunday after the course was complete. I realized that these men take what they learn and apply it immediately to their ministries. I was humbled and my heart was filled with joy as I realized that God was using me to bless these men, and through them, their churches.

My own church's missions program has also been transformed through my direct involvement with Carey Outreach Ministries. The church is excited about supporting indigenous Pastors and building churches in the Philippines. Although we are a small congregation the people continue to give generously to the work of the Lord. I praise God for Carey Outreach Ministries and am grateful that He led me to serve with this missions organization. To God be the glory! ~Perry Edwards

This is a picture of Risen Lord Baptist Church. This church building was erected earlier this year. The Pastor of the church is called Randy Barselona.

This is a picture of a jungle church. They have chosen a new location for a building, but are waiting for the funds to begin construction. Again, 4-5 thousand Canadian will build a solid cement structure for the people to meet in. The pastor of this church could also use $100 a month support.

This is a picture of the Pastor of the jungle church.

Testimonies

"How has William Carey School of theology influenced your life?"

Jobert O.Dela Pena - It has sharpened my theology and made me humble before my Creator. My salvation is all of grace and my growth is of grace as well. We are commanded to grow, but it is still of God. We cannot brag. To God be the glory! It reminds me that I participate in the work of God as a servant.

Pastor Raynaldo Romero - The School is a great blessing because of the truths I learn. It gives me encouragement and challenges me to go on in the ministry.

Bernardo Cagasan - English Prof. at "Central Philippine University." It is my opportunity to serve God personally as a teacher and it encourages me to serve more often. My desire is to teach overseas so that I can raise money to support the students at the School. I am also growing doctrinally and want to share these truths with other people.

John - It is a great privilege and opportunity to learn so much about Reformed Theology. The teaching challenges me to go on for the sake of Christ.

Gary Bellano - It gives me more knowledge and helps make me more effective in my preaching and teaching. It also gives me encouragement and helps the members of my Church as I preach the truths I learn to them. Our church regularly prays for Carey.

Antonio Gentozala - The School has enlightened me and enabled me to study to be refreshed. As an older Pastor my schedule does not allow me to go back to school so this kind of modular course is good fro me. I was discovering the doctrines of Grace but did not know how to apply them. The school confirmed my discoveries and helped me to apply the doctrines in my life and ministry.