Replies

I don't know about closeness to Paul, as I don't see myself to have attained that commendation of faithfulness. But we have experienced the reality of our Lord coming along side and keeping His promises to us...as we have enjoyed for many, many years now.

We are still on trial. The Philippines allows complainants to hire private prosecutors, even though the charges read "People of the Philippines vs. [defendants' names]." We are criminally charged. The recommended jail sentence for one count, if found guilty, is 4 years and 6 months! This is for preaching items of doctrine on the street (permitted by authorities) which offended someone who disagreed. That's all! They used an old, obscure law that was a carry-over from the Spanish colonial days; a law originally meant to prevent disruptions of religious processions in the streets (say, by Roman Catholic adherents carrying idols, etc.).

But Catholics did not file complaints. There were no processions or other religious functions in the streets where we were.

The trial is more than two years on-going currently. The prosecution (private!) has brought only one witness, and has not even finished direct examination of this man who could not properly give his own address in court, and could not identify us in open court.

Didn't realize you were STILL on trial! Hopefully it all will settle soon and in your favor. I will definitely be praying with you for that outcome.

As Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men persecute you..."

I'm sure that verse has given you lots of comfort through all of this.