The Murray Family
Serving in the Philippines
P.O. Box 182, Bacolod City, Philippines
Email: cmurray@mozcom.com      Website: www.makingadifference.com.ph
Sending Church: Gantt Street Baptist Church, 2121 Gantt Street, Cayce, SC 29033
Serving With: International Baptist Outreach Missions, POB 16576, Asheville, NC 28816

FAMILY NEWS

I am glad to report that all the family is well. Amy is coming along just fine during her pregnancy. Upon her last examination the doctor said everything is looking good and normal. We look forward to having this baby in the Philippines. Please continue to pray as she progresses toward the due date and that all goes well.

Andrew is doing well. He is growing and getting excited about having a baby playmate. He is currently being home-schooled by Mrs. Amy and another young lady in the church. He is learning sign language and the Ilonggo language as well. It is so exciting watching him grow in these areas knowing that one day he can use these abilities to serve the Lord. Please pray for him as he constantly has problems with his allergies which cause many other irritations and infections too.

I am doing fine. The work keeps me busy, in the Book and on bended knee. How could I ever thank God enough for His blessings on me. The church, college and family are all enjoying the blessings of God. However, the best is yet to come!

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Without Christ working in you and through you on our behalf, this work could not be done. We give Him the glory for you all.

Love & prayers,
Bro. Chris, Amy & Andrew Murray
.

New Beginnings Baptist Church

Friendship Sunday!
With Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Armie Gesalva

On July 25th, NBBC had the tremendous honor of having Dr. Armie Jesalva as our special guest preacher for our Friendship Sunday Services. Dr. Jesalva, at 72 years of age pastors the Bible Baptist Church of Cebu City. BBC Cebu City was originally started by American Missionary Bob Hughes and under the leadership of Dr. Jesalva has grown to become the largest Baptist church in all the Philippines. We praise the Lord for allowing us to have him with us on this wonderful day. The Lord blessed our church with a record breaking attendance of 247 people in the morning service and 139 in the evening service with 15 souls saved by the grace of God!

First Korean Convert Receives BEAMS Bible & FTL Gospel Tracts

The Lord has blessed the New Beginnings Baptist Church with a Korean Outreach Ministry by bringing the Koreans to the Philippines. Pictured with me is Bill Lee. He was a student at the OK English Academy located beside our church. He along with about forty others are in the Philippines studying to improve their knowledge of the English language. However, Bill received more than English knowledge! The Lord gave me the privilege of leading Bill to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Lord and Savior.

The following day Bill returned to Korea, not only with Jesus in his heart but FTL Gospel tracts in his hand and a BEAMS King James Bible in order to be a witness to his family and friends. When I finished leading him to Christ and giving him John 5:24 as an assurance verse he shouted “Oh what a gift”.

Please pray about the ongoing Korean Outreach Ministry of NBBC. The OK English Academy has nearly 100 students enrolled and preparing to come to the Philippines within the next six months. A Korean/English Bible Study is being prepared. We desperately would like to “redeem the time” and take advantage of this “effectual door” that God has opened for us. They may come to the Philippines as students but prayerfully return to Korea as witnesses!
.

New Life and New Beginnings!

July 17, 2004 brought one of the most interesting and thrilling soul-winning experiences I have ever encountered. My soul-winning partner, John Reve Gamboa and I decided to go in a certain way and as we started, a lone trisikad driver came up. As I saw him approaching I tried to pump my partner that this guy was alone and no one else cared about him - let's get him! I stopped him and started the conversation and then turned him over to my partner to speak in the native Ilonggo language. He led the man to Christ whose name was John Magbanua.

A few hours later as we continued, we stopped at this house and as usual I started the conversation. Upon introducing ourselves the man we were speaking to identified himself as Jeffrey Magbanua. I said "Hey, earlier this morning we met and led another man to Christ whose name was John Magbanua" The man replied "really? That is my brother!" I just about had a spell right there. So I got the door opened and then turned him over to my Ilonggo partner and he led him to Christ.

I left out and started down the road passing out tracts and didn't really feel led to confront anyone for awhile (even though over a hundred passed by) until a young boy, age 17 came up the street alone. I stopped him and began talking to him. I introduced myself to him and he did the same. His name was Jaypee MAGBANUA. I said "Now wait a minute. What did you say?" He repeated the same - Jaypee Magbanua. I said the strangest thing has happened today. I told him about John and Jeffrey. As I did a big smile came on his face and as I finished he informed me that he was there brother also. I led him to Christ. We had the privilege of leading these three brothers to Christ in a single day. I would say, that family had a good day and so did we.

Psalm 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

God is still making a difference in the Philppines!
.