Project HOPE 2

The year 1998 represents significant celebrations in the Philippine Islands. That year marks the 100th anniversary of deliverance from Spanish colonial rule; the 70th anniversary of ABWE's work in the islands, and the 50th anniversary of the national Association of Fundamental Baptist Churches. To celebrate these milestones, ABWE invites pastors to join in Project Hope 2

Helping Open People's Eyes in the Philippines from January 27 - February 10, 1998.

During these two weeks, you will partner in a concerted outreach with Filipino pastors and evangelists in targeted locations throughout the islands. Because English is the national language and is so widely spoken in the country, you will be able to preach directly to the people without needing an interpreter.

Project HOPE's thrust is three fold:

open the eyes of unbelieving Filipinos to salvation
open the eyes of Filipino believers to the potential for outreach in their own communities
open the eyes of North American pastors to cross-cultural missionary service.
Dan Cecil, former ABWE missionary who developed the program says, "Project HOPE is an affordable means of gaining Third World missions experience through actual, personal ministry, not just observation." Established churches in the Philippines maintain the contacts made during these weeks, and follow up on the college students, businessmen and other individuals who trust Christ, incorporating them into church life for spiritual nurturing.

The $3,000 cost per participant includes expenses for travel and accommodations, as well as a sum to be given for the national Baptist church planting program in the Philippines.

In 1990 a group of 50 pastors from Canada and the United States participated in the first Project HOPE. As a direct result of the evangelistic blitz 2,000 individuals trusted Christ as Savior, and $40,000 was given for church planting. That money helped build churches that are today winning souls for eternity.

Daniel Gelatt Sr., an ABWE Board member for 20 years and an experienced pastor, is helping missionary Kent Craig coordinate Project HOPE.

If you are interested in Helping Open People's Eyes, send your $100 deposit to Project HOPE in care of Rev. Daniel Gelatt, ABWE, PO. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585. For more information, you may contact Rev. Gelatt by telephone at (219) 875-7304. Or e-mail to the following address: 76563.3621@compuserve.com

The Lighter Side

In 1990, Jim West joined 55 pastors from North America to take part in Project HOPE. On arrival he was assigned to work with eight Filipino pastors in the province of Batangas, about 100 miles from Manila. They preached in the open air, in churches, in schools, and public halls, and saw the Lord save many people. To show appreciation for his ministry, the Filipino pastors decided to surprise him with a barong, the traditional shirt worn by men in their country. Jim told them how he had tried to buy one in Manila, but couldn't find one to fit his 6'-4" frame. Not to worry! Without knowing where he was going or why, Jim and the pastors jumped into a local taxi and struck out through the countryside, winding along sandy roads and dodging palm trees. After an hour of bumps and bruises, they arrived in front of a grass hut built on stilts. A barefooted man, dressed in a pair of skimpy cut-offs with a tape measure draped around his neck, took Jim's measurements under the trees. Two days later, when Jim was leaving Batangas to return to Manila, Pastor Willy presented him with a beautifully tailored barong, truly a "palm beach model."

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