I've just returned from my fifth trip to the Philippines. One of the reasons I've continued to go there, and hope to go again in the future, is the opportunities it affords to teach the gospel to people who are earnestly seeking for the truth. During this recent trip, I was blessed to be able to speak in FOUR denominational buildings! One of these meetings resulted in the merging of a Christian church with a faithful group of brethren after the people accepted the decision to abandon the use of mechanical musical instruments in the worship service. These people need more teaching, but it is evident that they want to follow only the truth.

One of our more unique opportunities was a three-hour study with a Hindu-Methodist preacher. We rented a room in a local hotel in Manila and opened the Bible to discuss some of our differences. This preacher told us that he did not believe the Methodist doctrine. He carries the Methodist label because the Methodist church ordained him to preach. Although he told us he does not believe in titles, his personal business card contains the title, "Reverend."

During our discussion, he said he knew the Roman Catholic Church was not the true church and that denominations were also wrong. Fervently and with much passion, he told us the only way men can be saved through Christ is by having a personal relationship with Him. What does that mean to him? By trusting Jesus and accepting Him as his Savior, one can be saved. However, during our discussion, he tried to convince us that God's love is sufficient to save any who are willing to look to Jesus, regardless of the religious group with which they are affiliated.

There was one thing he would not say-that a person could be wrong. He tried to bolster his position with history and theology learned during his years of study. He was intent on using the phrase, "It's all in the Bible." True, but we have to reconcile our conclusions with the Scriptures. Sadly, he was unable to see the inconsistency of the things he was affirming.

"Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." {2 Timothy 3:7} As we studied, this passage kept running through my mind. Although endeavoring to reach people of all faiths-Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic, and denominational-he failed to grasp the importance of following all the truth, not just the parts concerning Jesus Christ. He asked about our history, and of course he brought up Alexander Campbell. Even in the Philippines, they know him! We tried to explain that what we believe came from God's word-not Alexander Campbell. We hope to continue these studies via e-mail. Honest hearts can be lifted out of error, if they are willing to admit wrong. Time will tell with our new friend.