Tuesday October 24, 2017
Camp Bato
Manatad, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines
ccm Cross 0150
4475 cdd Making Ways
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 18 Number 245
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Scripture: Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” NKJV
Hello, my name is Pastor Prisco Allocod, with Camp Bato, (Barto means stone) on the Island of Cebu, Philippines. This is my Cross testimony of how the Lord Jesus Christ picked me for His purposes and made ways were there were no ways for me to accomplish all He desires.
I grew up in the province of Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, in southern Philippines. I was number three of eleven children. Dad and mom had little interest in church. But my grandparents, on my dad’s side, were very interested in Jesus. They made sure we all attended church and were influential in all of us coming to the Lord. Eventually even our parents became Christians too. All because our grandparents did not give up on us.
I became a born again Christian at age 18. It changed my life and I joined the Evangelical Free Church here in Cebu City. Here I met my future wife, Lina. This was a time of growth for me. I had desired to be a scientist, and with excellent grades, doors were opening for me to go to the University. Then we had a Muslim uprising in the southern Philippines. It was 1972. This lead to years of restrictive Martial Law. My hunger for Jesus was growing and with political instability I opted out of the University and decided to follow Jesus.
I desired to enter Bible school, but I had no money and no way to pay for it. I prayed, “Lord, if it is your will that I go to Bible school I ask that you provide the funds necessary.” The Lord led me to a Bible school in Cebu for one year; and then to Manila for four years where I finished a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology. Such studies were under academic and work scholarships. After my studies in Manila, I came back to Cebu City for a pastoral ministry where I married Lina at the church where I served.
After years of pastoral ministry in Cebu City, the Lord led me again to graduate studies in London, United Kingdom. I spoke to a friend who referred me to a seminary in London. I mailed my application and to my surprise received a full scholarship including free room and board and tuition. I only had to take care of the air fare and miscellaneous needs. That was confirmation enough for me, Jesus had answered, and I was off to England.
Lina joined me in England as the Lord met all our needs for studies, travel, board and room. This type of miracle provision happened again and again in my education as I earned my Masters degrees. When funds were needed Jesus met the amount in creative and inspiring ways.
Through the years I have Pastored several congregations in Cebu City and Manila. The Lord always showed up when we had needs. As we worked for Him, He worked for us.
In my latter years, I became President of the Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines. For many years our more than 50-year-old Camp facility was in need of serious renovation. When we chose to work on this project the doors began to open for support. Today we have re-built six cabins that hold 16 people each. We have 2 more scheduled to be re-built in the next few months and the final four are scheduled soon after. That will be a total of 12 cabins that hold 192 people for conferences and ministry. We have also just broken ground on the replacement for the activity center. This will house the chapel, dining and kitchen areas. Most of the funds have been pledged. The Lord continues to supply in miraculous ways.
Not only all that, but now we have a beautiful large Cross overlooking the entire Camp Bato, “Declaring the Glory of God!” Thank you, Pastor Bill, and your readers, for such a gift. Just as the Lord has supplied all my life, now He provides this Cross that will stand for generations to come. What a Great God we serve.
The Cross reminds me of the greatest transaction to ever take place on earth. God became man in the person of Christ and suffered for us and died for our sins. He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and He is coming again. The love of God is so great for us that Jesus took on our punishment for all who believe.
This Cross planted identifies us as Christians that we live what we preach. Praise God and Glory be to His Name!
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 2:13 “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” NKJV
What I like best about being a pastor is the opportunity it affords me to care for, and shepherd, the people of God; and to preach God’s Word regularly and intentionally.
Prayer: Father thank you for making ways where the world says there are no ways to build your Kingdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!