The pandemic situation in the Philippines has undoubtedly taken a toll on the less fortunate citizens. Because of the numerous city restrictions, individuals like drivers, vendors, servers, and others can no longer earn a living as they usually did. Before the pandemic, their wages were barely enough to survive for the day. Now, they must depend on others’ help for basic things like food and daily needs.

Pastor Dave works in the country’s urban area of Quezon City. He admits that his life had no purpose and direction before he came to know Christ. But since putting his faith in the Lord Jesus, he has followed God’s will, including becoming a pastor. As a pastor, he has led more people to trust Christ as Lord and Savior and helped them grow in their faith.

The pandemic situation brings an extra challenge to his ministry and the ministries of other church leaders, leaving them unable to minister to their members face-to-face.

As a result, daily home visitation, Sunday preaching, and other pastoral ministries drastically changed. Pastor Dave’s sincere love for his community leaves him feeling heartbroken as he sees them suffer in the crisis.

Still, the Lord has a plan, and it clearly shows. During the pandemic restrictions, Pastor Dave shifted the focus of his ministry to reach families and took advantage of social media. He encouraged families to have devotions together and attend online worship. Many family members came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Dave did his best to help with the material needs of these families. He and his small team also recorded Bible studies and Sunday worship that people can watch via social media.

Also, Bible League Philippines’ lockdown strategy was beneficial because it used social media and other online platforms to promote and host the ministries. Pastor Dave got involved in the Bible League’s Project Philip Bible study program and Church Planter Training, leading him to plant several churches in different areas. He was later invited to train others going through the Church Planter Training program.

One would think the pandemic situation would hold back God’s ministries, but God turns the tide according to His plan. As a result of the online ministries, Pastor Dave’s church has reached more than they can imagine. According to Pastor Dave, there are some groups of 20 to 40 people who gather around their church’s computer to take part in the training.