(well, potentially frequently asked questions)

Why aren't you part of a missionary organization?

I originally came here as a short-term (3 year) missionary through the International Mission Board.  God has called me to return to Manila, but the IMB was unable to give me another term due to strategic reasons.  The IMB has a global vision, and their priority is increasingly moving to other parts of the world. 

There are a few primary reasons that I have chosen not to join another organization:

First, I was concerned about doctrinal conflicts.  I am a Southern Baptist, and did not want to join another denomination's organization.  Please see the Baptist Faith and Message if you want to read about my doctrinal beliefs.

Another important issue was the ministry itself--I did not want to change my ministry or ministry strategy.  Joining another organization would mean radically changing my ministry focus.  God has called me to evangelize and disciple college students--I will have freedom to continue doing this under my current arrangement.

Time was another major factor in my decision.  Most mission agencies have an application process, followed by orientation or training.  Considering that I've already been trained and have experience on the field, this just did not seem to be a good investment of time.  Missing a semester of ministry on campus equals missing numerous opportunities to share the gospel. 

What is your relationship to the International Mission Board and the Southern Baptist Convention?

I partner closely with both IMB missionaries and SBC volunteers here in Manila.   I am a member of an SBC church in the States and in Manila.

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Master of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

What do you spend most of your time doing?

I spend the vast majority of my time doing direct evangelism or discipleship on a college campus. 

I also conduct seminars on campuses (such as True Love Waits), which allows us to make several new evangelistic contacts in a short amount of time.  An American speaker is an attention-getter, so I try to use this to help our ministry.

I spend some of my time on administrative duties.  I am our "public relations" guy who goes in and communicates with campus administrations.  This helps get our summer missionaries into campuses as English teachers.  I am also our webmaster (www.manilastudents.net), or the closest thing we have to one.  I normally spend a few hours a week teaching on a college campus (subjects like English, American Culture, etc).   Finally, I also dedicate one evening a week to teach at a local seminary. 

Why are you in the Philippines?  Isn't it a Christian nation?

The media refers to the Philippines as a Christian nation, but they a referring to the fact that the majority of the population is Catholic.  Our latest research indicates that only about 3% of our target group has a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  I can personally testify that the overwhelming majority of students we encounter are not saved. 

How do you keep accountability in your life and ministry?

I continue to work closely with the Manila Student Ministry team--I see my teammates and our leader on a weekly basis.  This helps keep me focused on my task and accountable in my spiritual life.

I also use covenant eyes for internet accountability.  I would highly recommend this program to anyone who regularly uses the internet.  

First Baptist Pinson handles my ministry fund, which provides financial accountability.

I have also found that being a foreigner ads a great deal of accountability to my life.  People tend to notice everything I do, so I know I'm always being watched. 

What are your financial needs?

 

Living in the Philippines cost me about half of what it would cost to live in the States.  Feel free to email me if you want a more detailed description.  

Are contributions to your ministry tax deductible?

Yes.  When you give to my ministry, you are giving it through my home church.  It is treated the same way as a gift to my church.

What do you do for insurance?

I will have medical and property insurance through Adams and Associates.  This is a great company that specializes in insuring missionaries. 

According to your journal/emails, students receive the Lord on almost a weekly basis.  Are these genuine conversions?

When I talk about someone praying to receive Christ, it means they have heard a clear gospel presentation.  They have also answered "yes" to the following questions:

    1. Do you know that you are a sinner?

    2. Do you understand that Jesus died on the cross for your sins?  Do you understand that it is only because of  Jesus' death and resurrection that you can be saved (not because of good works or religious rituals)?

    3. Do you wish to ask for forgiveness and turn from your sins?

    4. Do you want to invite Jesus into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior?

If someone has answered "yes" to these questions, I believe I have no right to judge their sincerity.  That is up to God.  

We follow up with our students immediately after sharing the gospel.  We try to start Bible study with them within a week of the gospel presentation.

What do you do with students who respond to evangelism?  

We try to follow up with Bible study immediately with those students who respond positively to the gospel.  We do encourage students to participate in coorporate worship, but the reality is that most of our students are not ready to join a "traditional" church setting.  Geography is also an issue, since students live all across the metropolitan Manila area.  In other words, we do our best to disciple them on campus.  This on-campus emphasis is what sets us apart from any other ministry in the Philippines.  

Why is part of your website password protected?

The main reason I have a secure website is to protect the privacy of those we minister to.