October 25, 2025
In October, the Church of Christ Plants ministry, under the direction of Murray Stewart, sent a team of nine teachers to the Philippines to follow up on our thousands of WEI online students in Cebu City. One month before the team was to arrive, we sent over 2,000 invitations to these students. Shortly after sending invitations to our WEI online students, it was apparent that interest in personal studies was unusually low. About two dozen students replied to our invitations, but very few would commit with an RSVP to attend the reception.
Fortunately, we were working with a Church of Christ evangelist and preacher of the Talamban Church of Christ, Jobert Vilanueva. Jobert also directs the Cebu Bible College of Theology and Missions. The 80-member church and college students were encouraged to invite family, friends, and coworkers to come and study the Bible with the Americans. For the opening reception, 42 showed up. On the first day of the teaching, 60 showed up to study. Over 40 students showed up each day for the rest of the week. Consequently, God blessed the effort with 12 baptisms.
The little Talamban Church of Christ and Jobert were ecstatic with God’s increase to their church family. Afterward, Jobert contacted me and said he and the church are eager to partner with WEI by hosting a WEI mission school in 2026.
It’s always a joy, privilege, and honor to partner with the Church of Christ Plants ministry. These Christian brothers and sisters must be among the absolute best and most zealous Great Commission servants in God’s kingdom. All glory to Him.
If you are interested in a short-term mission experience, contact Tom Langley at tom@worldenglishinstitute.org for more information.
