For the Love of Teodolo and Matilde!

Escalante City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, lies north of Dumaguete City and you can get there via the coastal road in about five to six hours. Last June 4-7, 2007, I, together with another pastor had the privilege to conduct a four day seminar/workshop in Christian Marriage and Family Life and Inductive Bible Study Method.

Upon my arrival in the afternoon of June 2 (Saturday), GOD, in His mercies and graces, allowed me together with two brethren to share His Word and minister to a sick woman. Indeed GOD visited her with His spiritual and physical salvation. The New Testament book of James says: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

The highlight of the Christian Marriage and Family Life Seminar is the Renewal of the Wedding Vows between the Husbands and the Wives. One couple that warmed the hearts of the more than sixty brethren who joined the seminar/workshop was Teodolo and Matilde. They had been married for the last fifty-six years and GOD blessed them with long fruitful lives and radiant health and indeed their love and faithfulness toward each other was a great encouragement and inspiration for all of us. The ceremony was complete with the wedding march, bouquet of flowers for the wives/brides, and a special rendition of a wedding song. It was a solemn emotional moment for everyone of us and tears welled in our eyes. Matilde shed tears of joy the most and I recalled her husband Teodolo mentioning that he always made it a point that they eat their meals together. Psalm 128 in the Old Testament says: "Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!"

O most holy GOD hear the cries of my heart for myself, my wife, and children. Forgive us our sins as a family if we have not given you the worship, homage, and adoration that You alone deserve. Allow us to grow in our love for You and in our love toward each other. Heal and restore our family and home o merciful and gracious GOD. Teach us to read and meditate on Your Word daily and to be prayerful at all times. If You tarry o most Holy GOD, please grant us (Muffet and Andrew) together with our children (Magenta, Dan Paul, Joaquin) to be alive, healthy, and strong, and able to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary. Use our marital union and family, our love for You and Your Word, and our love toward each other, bring more souls into Your Kingdom. In Jesus most precious Name I pray. Amen.