November 22, 2002

Dear Pastor and Church Family,

In 1997 I surveyed several cities here on the island of Mindanao as possible places to begin a new work.  At that time I was still missionary pastor of Lapasan Baptist Church in Cagayan De Oro City.  I knew, however, the day would come that I would resign that work, go to a new place and start all over again.

One of the places I surveyed was Dipolog City on the northwest coast of Mindanao, about a six-hour drive from Cagayan De Oro City.  Since I did not have a dependable vehicle at that time I asked Brother Eddie Trimble, a fellow missionary working in a town near us, if he would like to go with me to see Dipolog City and drive his pick-up truck.  Neither of us knew at that time what the Lord would do in our hearts as a result of that trip.

Three years later I resigned Lapasan Baptist Church and one of my associate pastors become senior pastor.  Brother Eddie Trimble also resigned his church and another one of my associate pastors became pastor of the church which he had started.  Then, we both moved our families to Dipolog City in July of last year to start a new work for the Lord.

Last Sunday, November 17, we saw a dream of five and one-half years come into being when the Westside Baptist Church of Dipolog City was organized with 37 Charter Members.  It was a thrilling day.  The main speaker was Pastor Eliezer Sorofgon, a member of our first graduating class of Lapasan Baptist College in 1992.  He now pastors in southern Mindanao.  Also speaking for us was one of our supporting pastors, Brother Bob Monteith, who pastors a church for U.S. military in Misawa, Japan.  Missionary, David Harris from Japan gave a testimony and sang.

We did not invite visitors... but we still had one visitor.  In all, there were 60 adults and youth and 40 children for a total attendance of 100 persons for the morning Organization Service.  Many of them are saved but have not yet made the decision to be baptized.  In the evening service we had a total of 82 persons in attendance.

Please pray for this new work and also for our prospects of buying property.  There is one nice piece of land which we are considering making a bid on very soon.  We need the Lord's guidance and direction at this time.  Thank you for your part in the establishment of the Westside Baptist Church through your prayer and financial support.  May God bless you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bruce A. Rice