The Church Fellowship

CC Masantol meets in a two story cinderblock building. The group fellowships are held downstairs. The building is narrow with neighbors close on either side. Windows line the sides of the narrow fellowship hall. One can readily hear neighbors talking or playing music CD’s. For most services we set up about thirty small plastic white chairs. When I say small, keep in mind these are probably made with the smaller frame Filipino in mind. Recalling that I am a large man, you won’t be surprised to know I have already collapsed one of these chairs. CCM does not currently have a worship leader. Worship music is played loudly on a boom-box. Further volume is gained through a mike pic up and an stand alone amplifier. As people worship their voices are quite soft alongside the amplified music.
The up-stairs serves as a residence and rooms for visiting missionaries. That’s where I stay. For now it’s home. In the rear of the down-stairs there is a kitchen where food for gatherings can be prepared. Although the kitchen has a microwave, it does not have an oven. Even though there are gas burners outside, there are not any stovetop burners for cooking in the kitchen. Praise God we do have running water. The refig is a mini. It is probably about ½ the width and 2/3 the height of an American refrigerator. I guess we just eat more in the USA. The table for four, in the middle makes a nice place for fellowship and prayer.
Fellowship is good, wherever the body of Jesus is meeting around the world. Masantol is no exception. Friday is youth night. The Filipino teens love to worship, singing typical western contemporary worship in English. After singing they circle up for a Bible study. Every couple of weeks we have a game night.
Pray for more people. Particularly it would be good to pray for husbands. Many woman come on a regular basis without their husbands attending. Pray that these men will be reached for Jesus. Fathers coming to Jesus would have a great impact on their families. Occassionally one woman, named Babe brings her husband. His name is Roger. We are praying for the kidney stones he has to go away.
Young people from six to teenagers make up the bulk of the people God is bringing to CC Masantol. This will have a lasting impact as they grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus. These youth will grow up to be leaders of the future church.