CLEARWATER CHURCH TEAM SEES 697 BAPTIZED IN PHILIPPINES

by Joy Hunter
Blas Dabucol of Clearwater, Fla., Church has long aspired and prayed for the opportunity to again minister to his people in the Philippines. Originally a pastor there 15 years ago, he has kept in touch with his congregants and family.
Dabucol spoke with members of Davao Mission located in Davao City in the province of Mindanao, Philippines, about his burden to conduct an evangelistic effort. He also talked to members of the Clearwater Church he attends and found them open to the idea of raising $23,000 for such a program. Eventually, $25,000 was raised. Two church members, Marva Edwards and Dorothy Ebanks, volunteered to accompany Dabucol and his wife, MaryAnn, to the Philippines.
After getting word that this evangelism venture was going to be realized, even though the entire amount of money had not yet been raised, 40 Philippine laymen proceeded in faith. First, their outreach ministry resulted in 200 baptisms prior to the arrival of the Clearwater team. The people there were very enthusiastic and already had youth and women’s ministry meetings in progress throughout the city and outlying areas.
Dabucol preached 13 sermons in the Bisaya language between July 15-28 in addition to speaking at two different churches on the first Sabbath. Buses were provided to bring people who did not have transportation. The meetings were held in the Rizal Memorial College gym which easily accommodated the daily attendance of more than 2,000 at the nightly meetings.
Jerry Patalinghug, president of Davao Mission, conducted a health seminar every evening, and literature evangelists distributed pamphlets. The attendees were warm, friendly, and eager to learn about God. Mrs. Dabucol greeted the visitors in their native language. Edwards and Ebanks processed nightly registrations and distributed prizes to the winners of Bible quizzes. The attendees were very poor, so the prizes of rice, food, and hygiene products were greatly appreciated.
At the conclusion of the meetings, 697 people were baptized while others are planning for baptism later.