AFTER the division council in Davao City, I decided to conduct an evangelistic effort in response to the challenge given by Robert H. Pierson, president of the General Conference.
A few months before the start of the series, I was quite fearful at the prospect of mounting an offensive after several years in another aspect of the Lord's work. After many nights of fervent prayer, I was given the courage to work on the challenge I had accepted.
Meetings in Digos
Digos, a progressive town and the probable capital city of the province of Davao del Sur, was approved by the mission committee as the place where I should conduct my effort. One month was spent for ground preparation and careful planning before the start of the meetings. The opening night was graced by the presence of the governor of the province, Ramon delos Cientos. His inspiring opening re marks prepared the minds of the audience for the message of hope that evening.
Graduates of the pilot school that was conducted one week before the effort contributed to a large degree to the success of the meetings. I was greatly impressed with the excellent spirit and willingness of our laymen in the Digos church and their eagerness to assume responsibility. Every leader assigned to do his job carried out his assignment efficiently. Our talented, dedicated, young men and women in the church gladly gave their help, time, and money during the meetings.
Seventy-three Baptized
One hundred interested persons took the Bible-marking class. It was the best Bible-marking class I have ever had in my ministry, because almost all religious sects in Digos were represented. At the close of the effort sixty persons decided for baptism. Last June 29, in the afternoon, at Dawis, Digos, Davao del Sur, these precious souls were buried in the watery grave. Not long after this two more baptisms were held. Eight persons were baptized during the second baptism and five at the third, making a total of seventy-three.
As I came to the close of the meetings I felt that someone should stay on and continue in follow-up work. Some good interests were developing after the nightly meetings. So an intern worker is at present following up the interest and another baptism is expected in the near future.
Surely there is joy that can satisfy the Lord's servant if he accepts the challenge to "preach the word." The Lord will surely give us the reward of our labors if we work with Him in faith and humility. It is a very solemn experience to see hundreds of people attending night after night and realize that the Lord is interested in the salvation of each one of them. To visit in the homes of the interested ones and see them casting their lot with God's people is to me a romance of the ministry. There is no more thrilling experience than to see men and women with joy accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour through baptism and unite with those who are getting ready for His glorious second coming.
