Letter To Village Creek church of Christ

Dear Brother Joe Wessell, A Deacon and the Elders Mike Latimer, Terry Melton, Greg Benson, Kurt Benson, Curtis A. Carter and the members at Village Creek Church of Christ, 390 Greene 721 Rd, Paragould, AR 72450

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper

and be in health even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 2)

Grace Mercy and Peace be with you

From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you so much for all the prayers and financial support you have extended to me and dad through the years Elders of Village Creek church of Christ and all the saints there.

I and dad Siamen D. Tumandan have received our financial support 400$ today May 29, 2010 sent by Brother Kevin Gill (thank you so much for his effort), and the reference number was sent by Brother Joe Wessell (thank you so much Brother Joe).

During this Quarantine period, reading books and Bible from those boxes that Brother Ron Halbrook had  sent to me through the years, reading  letters, and articles from time to time help me to overcome distress, fear and anxiety. It is also a great joy and privilege to conduct Live Facebook Preaching and recorded Video Preaching to upload in YouTube to benefit also the brethren in other places.

Starting tomorrow, May 30, 2020 our area will be in Modified General Community Quarantine which means there are a lots of changes. Lockdown every Lord's Day is lifted, clustering and odd-even scheme of vehicles are also lifted.

Still wearing of Facemask is required when going outside of home and physical distancing must be observed.

It is already more than 3 months that I have not able to go to Libas, Kamanga, Maasim to preach every Lord's Day due of the Pandemic Crisis.

I am here in General Santos City thus for me to be there in the area where I and Brother Luciano Sangoan are preaching, there must be Medical Certificate. 

Considering that there are many communion cups from the box that had sent by Brother Ron Halbrook, I am planning to distribute again to the local churches for them to have new ones.

Thank you so much and may God continue to bless you all in Village Creek church of Christ.

In Christian Love,

Men Mark Tumandan

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.comhttp://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers

NEGLECT TO PRAY: FALSE SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT

A prayerful Christian is God's desire; prayer is a privilege of every Christian to communicate to God through Christ. 

Apostle Paul commanded the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing" 1 Thess. 5:17

Yet this great privilege is taken for granted sometimes, having misguided sense of entitlements that God will take care always without asking Him in prayers.

Sense of Entitlements means one believes he deserves certain privileges.

I. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THE CITIZENS

Citizens "I have voted you; you have then the responsibility to provide all my needs." A system of patronage wherein citizens have sense of entitlement, thinking everything should be provided to meet their needs and wants without the sense of responsibility and sense of gratitude.

Citizens must obey the government, be subject to the governing authorities. "Let every soul be subject to governing authorities" Rom. 13:1; Paul also wrote to Timothy to "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

Praying for governing authorities will give one a peace of mind, knowing that God is still in control. 

Even wise man of old had said "Do not curse the king even in your thoughts and the rich in your bedroom.." Ecc. 10:20. 

 

Leader "I am official of the land, I must be respected. I am above the law". A leader who has sense of entitlement, thinking government position as his own property.

Leader must seek the welfare of the people, and has sense of accountability. 

I. HUSBAND AND WIFE

 

HUSBAND to his wife "I marry you, you should be my slave". 

Wife to get husband "You should provide all my needs and wants or else I leave you".

Sense of Entitlements of a husband toward his wife that every thing should be done by his wife because she is his wife. Then a sense of entitlement of wife that every thing should be provided by the husband even to the point of lending more and more money to spend for all the luxuries in life.

HUSBAND and WIFE no longer praying with each other thanking God for after all God will provide always.

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." (Col. 3:18-19)

III. PARENTS AND CHILDREN

PARENTS "We are parents, we have the full authority to do things to our children even not teaching about the Lord"

 

Children "You have the full obligations to us, we don't need to be thankful".

 

Apostle Paul had written to the Ephesians saints about the true conduct of a family that is serving God; children to obey their parents in the Lord and fathers should provoke not their children to wrath. (See EPH. 6:1-4)

IV. CHRISTIANS TOWARD GOD

"God knows my needs, I don't need to pray"

Yes, our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask in prayer, but praying is a manifestation of full trust in Him. Let us not be misguided by sense of entitlement. (Matt. 6:28)

 

Even in applying for jobs, though one is qualified there should be "Application Letter" needed as manifestation of intent. Prayer is manifestation of intent by a Christian to Heavenly Father through Jesus.

V. CHRISTIANS TO EACH OTHER

"Other Christians should help me or else I quit as a Christian"

"I must have more financial support considering of my educational attainment or else I quit as a preacher"

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Gal. 6:10

Not all the times our brethren have the opportunities, not all the times we will be extended of help not because they don't care but they have limited means.

Educational attainment is not the basis for financial support but faithfulness to the revealed word of God. Godliness is not about financial gain but richness in Christ Jesus.

False sense of entitlements that give false expectation when not provided then there is frustration, envy, jealousy and evil inventions of things. (MMT)

(Men Mark A. Tumandan)

 

Worship May 10, 2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3822265417846597&id=100001895301192

Part 2: Trust God Not Man

Trust God

Implementation Phase: Benevolence to Lapu church of Christ

Implementation Phase:

Due of COVID-19 Pandemic, our both national and local government units have enforce measures to prevent, contain and mitigate the impact of the crisis.

Our brethren and sisters in Lapu church of Christ are also suffering due of the crisis. Thus with great thankfulness they express their gratitude for the love of US saints and Brother Ron Halbrook by providing 350 kilos of rice, 5 packs of coffee and half sack of sugar.

Thankful to Sister Mercy Alonzo, an IP Barangay Captain of Barangay Lapu, Polomolok and the Barangay- LGU for their assistance as well.

With deep gratitude I thank the Lgu Gensan for the Travel Pass given to Bro. Coen Manteng, Dad Siamen D. Tumandan and to me, Men Mark Tumandan.

I thank Ate Arjho Carino Turner for the knowledge she imparts for Project Management.

Financial Aid For Brother Coen Manteng

Brother Coen Manteng, preacher of Lapu church of Christ, Polomolok received 2, 000.00 pesos today, April 30, 2020 to augment his family needs due of crisis brought by COVID-19 Pandemic.

The funds is from Brother Ron Halbrook and US saints relayed by Brother Jonathan Carino to Men Mark Tumandan.

Thankful to God for His loving providence to provide for His people. God bless.

Men Mark Tumandan

Implementation Phase: Benevolence Distribution

11:17 AM, April 30, 2020 we are now here back in Balunto, Labangal.  Thanks to God for the safe and successful relief distribution in Lapu church of Christ. Thankful to Brother Ron Halbrook and the US saints for the financial assistance.

Implementation Phase: Lapu church of Christ

7:15 AM, April 30, 2020

Implementation Phase: Right now here in Polomolok, distributing relief goods for the Lapu church of Christ. We have Travel Pass to leave and enter the City of General Santos today, April 30, 2020. Please pray for our safety and success. God bless. (Men Mark Tumandan)

ACT International Consulting, LLC

One of the ACT mentees for project management is Mark Ampan Tumandan. I was able to join him last December 2019 for one community relief project in Maasim on behalf of the Dad Blaan Level Up FB Group. It was also a privilege to meet his family members. Mark is also a Minister.

From Arjho Carino Turner
Project Management Professional

Planning Phase : Benevolence To Lapu Church of Christ

April 27, 2020

Planning Phase of relief goods distribution for a local church of Christ in Polomolok, South Cotabato. 

Men Mark Tumandan, Siamen D. Tumandan and Coen Manteng.

Thanks to God for His providence.

March 31, 2020 $500

Relief Goods From Local Government Unit

May 1, 2020 - By God's loving providence through Local Government Unit of Labangal,  we have again food as mitigation for the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis.

Thank you so much ABC President Lorelei Pacquiao. God bless.

Prayer (Men Mark Tumandan)

I had written this prayer before and now only I found it again. Allow me to share this with you.

Prayer (Men Mark Tumandan)

Oh Jehovah the most Merciful
And provider for our needs,
In Thee there is no hypocrisy,
In Thee there is truth
And Kindness.
When Thou rebuke us it is in accordance to thy righteousness and love.

Guide us when people belittle us
Through malicious words,
Let the gospel of Christ sustain us
When there are insults against us.

Help us to bless those who curse us
May we be light to them that darkened by sin.
Help us to fulfill the command of Jesus Christ
 To do good to all men not just our brethren.

Oh Jehovah forgive us as we have sin against Thee in words and deeds. Protect us in Thy Eternal Love,

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Video

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3801081529964986&id=100001895301192

Contained - Transmitted

Hatred, jealousy and envy must be contained by the gospel of Christ. What should be transmitted are love, kindness, generosity and understanding of each other. Humility is what Christ teaches to us.

Jimuel Behix

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Greetings in Christ!

By God's loving providence Brother Jimuel Palong-palong Behix of Purok 3 Sampaguita Del Monte Buug Zamboanga Sibugay Province received 500 pesos to help him purchase essential items for his family needs.

Funds is from the help of Brother Ron Halbrook and other US saints relayed by Brother Jonathan Carino to Men Mark Tumandan.

Thank you so much and God bless.

Thank you so much for the Cebuana Lhulier for quick and easy money remittance.

In Christian Love,

Men Mark Tumandan

500$ Successfully Distributed

Dear Brother Ron Halbrook, 

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you 
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you so much for your love and the love of the US saints by sending another 500$ for food distribution as we mitigate the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis.

The Lapu church of Christ, Polomolok, South Cotabato has just received 350 kilos of rice, 5 packs of coffee and half sack of rice.

Then Brother Coen Manteng the preacher of the local church received 2, 000.00 pesos cash to augment his family needs. 

Brother Luciano Sangoan and Dad Siamen Tumandan had received financial aid as well.

I will send more updates in regard of this Brother Ron Halbrook.

There are still local churches that keep on crying for help. Brother Jun Nebato from Cagayan De Oro, Brother Jeffrey Ordeniza had contacted me to ask for help.

We are always thankful to the Lord because of your generosity Brother Ron Halbrook.

God bless.

In Christian LOVE,

Mike

thanks to God RE: 500$ Successfully Distributed

Dear brother Mark,

 

Greetings in the holy name of Christ.

I thank God for His mercies poured out by the loving sacrifices of His saints who donated the funds for benevolence.  We thank God for the help of brod Jonathan to relay the funds.  We continue our daily prayers for all of the saints suffering because of the coronavirus regulations.  We pray that all the saints will soon recover from this disaster. 

 

Thank you for distributing funds for benevolence to some brethren who are suffering hunger.  I regret lack of resources to reach all who are suffering.

Let us all remember this work of benevolence is in the hands of God and not me. It is His work, not mine.  He has all power, and I am nothing. 

 

May God bless you, your loved ones, your work in His kingdom, and all the saints there!

 

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

ENVY

ENVY

Intro:
Envy (phthonos) is the “feeling of displeasure produced by the witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others.” “Desire to deprive another of what he has, “jealousy,” desire to have the same or the same sort of thing for itself.” (Vines’, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 204)

I. ENVY HARMS
A. The spread of the gospel – 1 Pet. 2:1; Rom. 13:13
1. Innocent preachers used their precious time to defend from false
accusations of envious preachers.
2. Preachers should “Preach the word..” “while it is day” 2 Tim. 4:2; John 9:4
3. Paul and Barnabas met the envious Jews (Acts 13:43-45)
B. Growth of preachers, Christians, and local church
1. Many preachers try their best, through sleepless nights, to prepare and produce outlines to help other preachers (2 Pet. 3:18)
2. Envious preachers do not want them to use and worse encourage others not to use the outlines
3. They know nothing but proud and envy (1 Tim. 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:1-2)
C. Envy qualifies one for spiritual death
1. Envy is included in the works of the flesh (Rom. 1:29:32)
2. Those who practice are worthy of death.
D. As it hinder one to inherit God’s kingdom
1. Those who practice forfeit to be in the Lord’s kigdom (Gal. 5:19-21)
2. The Scripture does not say that if we commit all these sins but one is enough to be excluded in the kingdom of God.

E. As it is a sign of carnality
1. Envy and strife manifestations of walking as men (1 Cor. 3:3)
2. Envy is earthly not heavenly (James 3:14,15)
3. Envy is death (Rom. 8:6-7)
4.

II. BAITS THE DEVIL USES TO ENCOURAGE ENVY

A. Abilities –
1. Each has the ability to lead singing, write tracts, sermon outlines, edit magazines, translate and/or interpret
2. Paul planted and Apollos watered (1 Cor. 3:6)
3. But God gave the increase
4. A preachers who is envious discourage others to use the sermon outlines translated by the other preachers.
B. Financial Support
1. The fact remains that the Philippine work is rapidly growing because of financial support outside the country, especially the United States, donated to preachers.
2. This is a blessing to the Filipinos.
3. But the Devil, whose work is to hinder the truth, through using envious preachers.
4. Envious preachers usually agree among themselves to fabricate and make false accusations against innocent and faithful preachers.
5. They sometimes succeed because number, but many times they fail.

III. SCRIPTURAL REMEDIES

A. Remember the parable of the talents – (Matt. 25:15)
1. One should thank the Lord for the ability of each one (1 Pet. 4:10)
2. Preachers should do what he can do in the Lord (1 Cor. 12:14-21)
5. Every preacher has the duty and obligation (Eph. 4:15-16)
B. Financial support is a blessing from God.
1. Preachers have the right to be supported (Phil 4:15-18; 2 Cor. 11:8; 1 Cor. 7,9,14; 1 Tim. 5:18)
2. But it should not be the motive for preaching.
3. One should willing to sacrifice (Rom. 14:8)
4. The love of money is root of all evil (I Tim. 6:10)
5. Paul engaged in making tents (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor. 4:12)
6. Paul learned to be content (Phil. 4:11-13)
CONCLUSION
God has given fair warning to all, and preachers should not forget “the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou shall be cut off.” (Romans 11:22) May every preacher learn to love all gospel preachers. “Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

-Men Mark A. Tumandan

[Adapted from, “ENVY,” CIPRIANO CARPENTERO, The Sword and Shield Volume XII Number 1 , Jan-Feb-March 2016]

Excellent article that was written by late Ninong Brother  Cipriano Carpentero Sr.  I developed it into sermon outline. Needed lesson through the years.

Thank You So Much

Dear Brother Joe Wessell, A Deacon and the Elders Mike Latimer, Terry Melton, Greg Benson, Kurt Benson, Curtis A. Carter and the members at Village Creek Church of Christ, 390 Greene 721 Rd, Paragould, AR 72450

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper

and be in health even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 2)

Grace Mercy and Peace be with you

From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you so much for your love always to the Phillipines work in the Lord. I and dad never cease in thanking God because of your precious love to us and even for our fellow preachers.

The updates in regard to the status here is that from Enhanced Community Quarantine, we are now in General Community Quarantine. But there are areas still in ECQ those who are in high risk of COVID-19.

Though Sarangani Province and General Santos City are in GCQ yet local policies are enforced to prohibit mass gathering, church worship and other activities.

By God's loving providence He have provided our needs during this moment of crisis because there is no crisis of love in the hearts of US saints.

We are thankful of the financial support from Village Creek Church of Christ that indeed help us to sustain for our needs, then our local government units also are mitigating the crisis by sending Relief Distribution. How Great Thou Art God for Your Providence.

To be productive during this moment, I have been preaching FB Live, posting Encouragements words to uplift every one then uploading YouTube Preaching.

There are many things we are grateful brethren, crisis will pass but kindness and generosity will always be remembered. And yes, we always remember your love to us by prayers and financial support.

Every dollar from the Village Creek Church of Christ is Lord's money thus, every financial support to me and dad is providence of God.

• 
  

  We love you so much. Right now, I am writing this through phone, I can't access in internet cafe or computer shop. 

  God bless

  In Christian LOVE,

  Mike

  marktumandan@yahoo.com

  marktumandan121992@gmail.com

  dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.comhttp://gospelwork.blogspot.com

  
  

  PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

  
  

  2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

  
  

  "The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers