The Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Blog

The Month of August for us began in Services in Cagayan de Oro , Mindanao in the Philippines. We were blessed to serve the Lord’s Supper to the flock gathered here in Cagayan de Oro. I taught on the Lord’s Supper out of First Corinthians, chapter 11:17-30. The Lord was very specific through the Apostle Paul, letting the Corinthians understand that they must seek the Lord themselves and examine themselves to know with assurity that they were in the Lord’s Church (discerning His Body) and that they were truly following the Word (the Bread) and made a true covenant with Christ through Baptism in His Church and not the churches of men, with men’s doctrines. We had members of Mr. Fife’s group present and the spirit was strong within the Church. Those present from fife’s group were repentant and later would request baptism and repented of following the things and doctrines of men. We would baptize them later during our stay on Mindanao. It was a blessing to the Church to witness those who had fallen away come back and seek forgiveness and repent of their sins.

Monday, Brother Larry and I reloaded time on our computers so we could have communications with the other nations and America and then in the afternoon we traveled to a sister with terminal stage three cancer. She had no medicine due to financial burdens to ease the pain and suffering. We anointed her and prayed for her and spoke for quite some time concerning salvation and the Word of God and His Love for her. We discussed dying, living, what God teaches each of us concerning salvation, death, and eternal life. We spoke openly concerning her condition and her concerns about her children, her husband and dying itself. She thanked us and smiled and said she was now ready and grateful for our coming and explaining so much to her that she had not understood. We also anointed her husband and prayed for him and their son. It was a very special time in the lord and a time which shall remain in my thoughts and in my prayers for the rest of my life. In the night I met with Tino and his wife and the three of us studied together concerning the love of God and His Mercy and His plan for mankind in these last days.

The third we sent many communications I had written to Africa, India and Germany to help the work in those nations. I also spoke at length with Disciple Aparico concerning problems that existed in the work in the Philippines and advised him on solutions and remedies for problems that had been ongoing for the past eight years. I also purchased a sacrament tray for Colorado and the local in Grand Junction. They have contributed much to the work in Africa, India, and the Philippines, not only in prayer, books, but also in funds and it is a joy to be part of such a fine local. Brother Gary Doudy and Sister Betty and Sister Helen, and Brother Ken, and Sister Arlene, and Sister Doris Doudy have long supported the Work in the overseas; not only on this journey, but for over thirty years of missionary travels by this Apostle. I am honored to be a part of this local and it through their prayers and support, as well as those of others, that I am able to travel and do the work of God. In the night following my studies with Brother and Sister Aparicio; I packed and prepared for our journey to Camiguin Island in the morning.

We arose early morning at four and took a taxi to the bus station to make the trip to Balingoan and the ferry which would carry us across the sea at Ginoog Bay to the Island of Camiguin. We traveled amid a small rain storm and fog, to the island. We arrived around 9:30 in the morning and stopped for a “breakfast of fish and rice” at one of the local eatery on the island. Then we took a three wheeler (a motorcycle with a cart attached to where we would stay on Camiguin Island for the next few days. This was located at San Roque, Mahinog on Camiguin Island. We then waded through the sea in water about knee deep to the homes of some of our members who lived not so far away along the beach. I would teach on the foundation of our Christian faith at their request and what separated us from other churches and groups. I also taught on Salvation and Prayer and those gathered seemed to gain a lot and appreciated our coming. Brother Undoy also joined us there and mentioned he would very much like to meet with us at his place.

The next day we traveled by three wheeler to Uumbing on the island and taught a few members who had gathered to hear the Word. Larry taught this group and the Spirit of the Lord was strong among us. In the afternoon we traveled back across the island to walk up to Undoy’s home and spend time with him at his request. There had been a very large misunderstanding between himself and one of the Disciples and he had left the Church over the matter. We arrived amid a rather stormy sky and a heavy rainfall. Our Brother welcomed us; however you could tell he was somewhat wary of what might be said. I spoke with him at length about the misunderstandings between him and the disciple and also answered several of his questions concerning the doctrine, which in part had caused his difficulty with the Disciple. We communicated for several hours and at the end, our Brother Undoy said he understood and desired to become a member again and to reconsider his own actions. We were grateful for the mercy of God and His Grace.

The following day, we arose early as we always do and Disciple Sonny and Disciple Aparicio went swimming in the sea and Larry and I discussed the work and how best to help the things that had been problems here in the Philippines. Our Brothers and Sisters had done a wonderful job of holding on even under some rather difficult circumstances. The Church had been visited at times by men from America from other groups who truly sought to destroy them. The Lord’s Membership held firm and fast to the Word of the Lord and their Faith in Christ and could not be shaken. My heart and soul shall always be in admiration of these fine brothers and sisters. There have been problems however, which needed help and eight years of absence on our part was not the help they needed.
We traveled back to the port and took the ferry back to the Island of Mindanao in the afternoon and returned to Cagayan de Oro. It was an easy journey and very peaceful. We arrived back in Cagayan de Oro and did laundry and got ready for the remainder of the week.

Saturday the 7th we traveled to Brother Tino’s Brother. We met there with him and a friend and taught them the Gospel and spoke of their illnesses and anointed them and prayed for them and their difficulties. It was a good day in the Lord and the result of our meetings would find Tino’s brother attending Church and coming to all the meetings.
Sunday found us again in Service of the Lord and in His Services in Cagayan de Oro. I taught on Ecclesiastes 12:10-11, the Record of Nephites, and the Word of the Lord. The subject was measuring our words when we are not in church and the importance of living the word and not simply speaking it. In the evening we packed our bags again for a journey this time to Cotabato and meetings with our membership in that part of the island of Mindanao.

We departed Cagayan de Oro at five thirty in the morning for Cotabato on the bus. It is a long and winding road to Cotabato and Disciple Sonny, Disciple Aparacio, Larry and I made the journey. We were greeted there by most of our members there in the south and were blessed to stay at Joseph and Elizabeth Juan’s home. We then traveled to the hospital to administer to a member who had an emergency appendectomy. He had survived the surgery and was doing well. In the evening we held services for about thirty five souls who came to hear the word of God and I taught this night and the Lord blessed us with an abundance of His Spirit and Grace. Our members kept a watchful eye for us, as kidnappings here are frequent and missionaries are a prime target of terrorist here in this part of the island. It was touching to see their concern and their love. Mindanao is divided almost in half from north to south and the southern half of the island is somewhat difficult to labor in due to this problem. Over the past few months and years; many missionaries have been killed and ransomed in this area.

The following day we journeyed to a pool and baptized one of the women who had made a decision at last night’s study and it was joy to witness her conversion and Brother Larry and I confirmed her into the Church. We then traveled to a young woman’s home who had cancer and in its latter stages. We prayed for her and she requested I present the Gospel to her, even though she was in much pain, because she desired to know the truth. I patiently presented the Gospel unto her and also counseled her concerning her own soul and her relationship unto the Lord. She had two little children and a husband and she wept knowing if she was not healed what awaited her family. We spoke at length concerning salvation and the Mercy of the Lord. She thanked me very deeply for taking the time to present the Gospel unto her that she might have a clear understanding of the Word of God, which had become so important unto her under the circumstances in her life. It is a blessing to find a soul who loves God and desires to be complete and whole in their Spirit before the Lord. Although it is not easy to know the person you are speaking with is near death; it is a comfort to be able to share with them the mercy of God and God’s Love for them and God’s Forgiveness in their lives. It comforts their soul so very much and brings forth a peace and understanding within their lives.

The morning of the 11th of August we again boarded the bus for our return journey of many hours back to Cagayan de Oro City and the work in that area before us. We arrived amid a heavy rain storm and after unpacking Larry and I went grocery shopping of our food for the week ahead and then this night we spent in prayer and thanksgiving for all that God had allowed. Some nights sleep comes easier and some nights you simply lay awake and wonder and pray for those whom the Lord has blessed you to meet. This was one of those nights that I did not sleep and prayed all night long and found my pillow rather wet from my emotions and my thoughts for those whom we have administered unto. So often times in the field of the Lord; I have these nights, where I talk to God and seek His Will and His Mercy for those with such great need. Indeed God knows and He is truly merciful and loving to each of us. I thank Him for the opportunity to meet and try to be of comfort to so many with great needs. There are nights that rewind in my mind about Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Germany, India, and the Philippines and the precious souls we have met and spoken unto concerning the Word of God. I pray daily for each of these and also those in America as well. I have photographs of most of these, however in my heart each face and each soul is etched forever in my heart.

The morning of the 12th I arose at five in the morning after another sleepless night of praying and deep concern for the people. I called my wife on skype this morning and shared a bit of what is going on with her. It was good to hear her voice and know she was well and safe. Today we began the pastor’s seminar for the ministry in the Philippines. It is a training seminar and I spent the morning teaching on Unity in the Morning and Doctrine on the second half of the day. Larry and I divided our teaching time on the subjects and those in attendance seemed to really grasp what was being taught. The next day we taught again to the pastors, this time on the subjects of the sacrament, laying on of hands, Baptism, Ordination, and marriage. We also ordained Jerry Jaun to Disciple, Darlino Estrada to Disciple, and Ronald Canillas to Disciple and Armulin Talines to Evangelist. The meetings were Spirit filled and the men in attendance were men of substance and men who truly loved the lord and His Word.

The Next day of the seminar for the pastors we taught on demon possession, casting out of demons, Evangelism, how to conduct the Philippines first general assembly which will be held in 2011. There were many questions and the men who were assembled, once again shared in their joy and their honesty to achieve the work in the Lord’s way and not their own. We also ordained three elders today: Joseph p. Jaun, Arnold Carhajusa, and Jusfer Eulogo. The Philippines is growing in experience and in wisdom. It is a joy to witness the growth in these men and the dedication they all share for the work of the Lord.

Sunday the 15th was a blessed day even though some of the Disciples from the south had returned back to Cotabato; the men who were present for Services preached well and God’s Spirit was in abundance. I spent the afternoon answering questions through email of the ministry in India and Africa. It is very reassuring to find those areas still functioning well and men laboring with the intensity that is required to make the Work flow and grow in those areas. I finally went to bed at one thirty in the morning.

The 16th was spent with Rex Prado and teaching him and helping him with questions and concerns he had about the Church and the Work. Rex is a fine young man, who runs a business and is dedicated to his family and the Lord. His mother, Sister Helen lives in my home state of Colorado and in Grand Junction. She will become an American citizen in September. Rex and his lovely wife Elma fed us dinner and fellowshipped late into the night. Rex has also been helping me with issues on my computer and I do not know what I would do without his expert assistance and advice. In the evening I wrote an article for the Church paper.

The next two days were spent visiting various members and encouraging them in the Work and getting prepared for another journey to the south of Mindanao. We would travel on the 19th to Undos Plridel and the family of Gabrial Demicale. We had departed at five in the morning and traveled until three in the afternoon to get there. Sonny taught an excellent lesson in the afternoon and then in the evening I taught also to about thirty souls. It was well received and those in attendance expressed a gratitude for our being there to teach them and help them understand the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The next day Brother Larry taught an excellent lesson on the foundation to a pastor of an Assembly of God church and a few of his membership and it was also well received. The Lord has planted some good seeds in this area. We returned home this night and got back into Cagayan de Oro at 11:30pm this night.

The 20th we traveled to a friend of Disciple Sonny; a pastor of an Assembly of God Church and there Larry taught on the foundation to the pastor and some of those who were able to gather. Larry taught an excellent lesson and those present found much to consider and ponder and pray over in the days to come. Then we loaded our packs and headed once again for Cagayan de Oro and the general headquarters for the Philippines. We arrived back in town amid a huge rain storm and got to bed about 12:30 pm.

We spent Saturday with laundry and studies and letter writing and then on Sunday the 22nd we were blessed again to be in service with the Cagayan de Oro local Church. The Lord’s Spirit was in abundance as Larry, Sonny, Tino, and I taught and preached for the flock. The flock in Cagayan de Oro have endured much over the years and have stayed firm in the Word and in their Faith. These wonderful souls are a wonderful example of Christians who are devoted and Spirit Filled souls. Each has a strong witness to the power and love of God and it is indeed an honor to labor among such fine Christians. For the next several days we would spend time with each member and answering questions and sharing in the word of God in their homes. We also devoted considerable time with our Brother Rex Prado who is a fine man and an honest man who loves the Lord. He has had the calling of Disciple upon him for some time and on the 26th we ordained him to the responsibility of Disciple in the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message. We also celebrated Loraine Aparacio birthday by holding a bible study on Love which I was privileged to teach and then about eighty souls helped our lovely sister celebrate her birthday. Indeed the Spirit of God was present in much abundance and all could feel the Spirit of God and our lovely sister had a wonderful birthday.
On Sunday Disciple Sonny, Larry, and I traveled to another church and presented the Message to a group with willing ears and hearts. They seemed open to hear and also to receive with their minds and souls. It has opened a door for our brothers to follow up and have an open invitation to come back and preach there again.

On the 30th of August we traveled to Davao on the east side of Mindanao Island and traveled to visit a man who had contacted the Church headquarters via the internet and requested information. I have been communicating with him now for several weeks and he invited us to come to his Church where he is pastoring and present the Message and Church to his congregation and also to some ministers who had come to hear the Word. For the next two days we presented the Word of the Lord to those gathered and who were willing to hear and consider what God is doing in this time and place. We taught for ten hours the first day and answered many questions and then some of the ministers came to the room we were staying in and we studied and spoke late into the night concerning the Message and the Word of God, and all that Christ is doing in this time and space of human history. The following day we continued in the teaching and then around three in the afternoon we returned to our room as those who had come to hear desired to speak with each other and talk over the things they had heard. This night, the pastor: Christopher Longino came requesting to be baptized and become part of the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message. I baptized him this very night and Brother Larry and I ordained him as a Disciple in the Philippines. He is a good young man, with two wonderful children and has been a pastor for nine years. He has a flock of about forty members, which he will baptize and bring into the work and all will become part of the Church in the next few weeks. Christopher is a good man and no stranger to the Gospel and a Spirit filled man with an honest heart. It was a joy to have him come all the way and become part of the Church!

We traveled the twelve hours back to Cagayan de Oro the next day and arrived back on the 2nd of September. Thus did we spend the month of August in the field of the Lord. Your prayers, your support, and your love have made all of this possible. To put into words the things that have transpired over the past month properly would require a book. God has provided miracles of healing, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to convict and convert many, many souls. His Spirit has been in abundance and with Power among us and it is He who has brought forth fruit into His Vineyard. God has been able to heal, to convert, and to bless with understanding and Love and His Grace. During this same time I was blessed to communicate with interested souls also from India and Africa on the internet in the night and even a fine soul from Canada, who is seeking with his heart to walk closer to God. It has left little time for sleep, and there have been nights that were very short. Throughout the journey in the Philippines, Disciple Sonny and Disciple Aparacio have been a true blessing unto us and to the flock of Christ. Our Brothers have labored tirelessly and never with complaint, even though at times their bodies were ill and weary. Never once did they complain and always their smiles and their encouragement was such a blessing to all. Our Sisters have been such a blessing in service unto us. Sister Loraine and Elma have constantly looked to our needs and been a tremendous help to all and especially to us. Sister Estrelia has given so much of her time and her talents to help the ministry and the Church. As with sisters everywhere in all of the countries; it is the women in the Church who make a huge difference and provide such a true blessing unto all in the Church.

Finally, I pray that all who read this report will somehow grasp the awesome power of the Lord God and His Mercy and Grace that He has extended unto each of us who have traveled on this road and this journey. It is Christ who has opened every door and every heart. It is His Holy Spirit which has poured out with convicting and converting power. It is His Grace which has provided protection in areas where it was truly needed. Even as I write these words, I realize they cannot totally convey the wonderful things Christ has done and continues to do among His People. I shall always be humbled by the Power of His Word and His Spirit. I am forever a prisoner of His Love and His Mercy which allows the likes of we to labor and share in His Word to a world which has such great need and in a time that is in His Will and Hour. I thank you for your prayers on our behalf and for the people we carry His Word unto. I thank you for your support, your love, and for your faith. May God Bless each of you as you read these words and may you have a better understanding of all that God is doing and has done on this journey. We shall be returning in mid-September to America God Willing and I shall complete my report unto you at that time. Peace and His Grace be unto you.
Your Brother in Christ,

Apostle Norman D. Lyles

Message 95:6

I will put my Spirit upon him and it shall be upon all those that hear and obey this way. As you swing wide the gate, let my people come. He that is filled of this message and calling, let him thrust in the sickle and reap, saith the Lord.’

Let hear and obey the words of the Lord. Let his spirit come over us and lead the way.  Let us go spreading the word of the Lord. We don’t have to all go preaching and talking to everyone that we meat, we just need to let the love of God shine though us.  If we do this opportunities will arise to allow to talk to people.  There are thousands upon thousands that are looking for God and the salvation that Christ brings. Let’s show them the way.

Mosiah 26:30-32

“Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me. And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he saith that he repenteth, the same hath brought himself under condemnation. Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward.”

It is very reassuring to know that God loves us no matter what. No matter what we do or how many times we do it, if we honestly repent and try to change our ways God will forgive us over and over.  However if we don’t repent honestly we will not be allowed into the Kingdom of God. Part of repentance toward God is to forgive the people in our lives.  This includes the people that we know and the people that we don’t.  We need to forgive everyone in our lives and let God judge their actions.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Let us remember to pray often and to give praises to the Lord