During the same year that ministry began in Japan, Clay and Kim Hulett left for the Philippines, to be joined soon after by Ted and Vivian Ruiz. They quickly learned that life in the Philippines revolves around neighborhoods called “barangays.” The barangay is a municipal unit. The vision of the missionaries was to see a church in each barangay.
After their language studies, the Huletts prayed that the Lord would lead them to the barangay where they should begin their ministry. Knowing no one, Kim simply followed the Lord’s leading and walked into the barangay of Calumpang, where the ministry was started. There Clay soon met Rey Paz. They began studying the Bible together, and Rey became the first Filipino to convert, and the first Grace Brethren pastor.
Rey remains, after all these years, a faithful leader of the churches there. The responsiveness of the Filipinos, coupled with their ability to speak English, has made short-term teams an effective means of reaching the population. The Ruizes targeted the settlements along the famous Sumulong highway, using short-term teams. Soon six groups of believers began meeting in homes. Since then the ministry spread through neighboring communities and far beyond the boundaries of Manila, resulting in multiple churches.
During the years of ministry in the Philippines, much effort has been expended in training leaders, and other effective ministries have branched off. The friendliness of the Filipinos and their openness to the gospel has been a continual encouragement.
After their language studies, the Huletts prayed that the Lord would lead them to the barangay where they should begin their ministry. Knowing no one, Kim simply followed the Lord’s leading and walked into the barangay of Calumpang, where the ministry was started. There Clay soon met Rey Paz. They began studying the Bible together, and Rey became the first Filipino to convert, and the first Grace Brethren pastor.
Rey remains, after all these years, a faithful leader of the churches there. The responsiveness of the Filipinos, coupled with their ability to speak English, has made short-term teams an effective means of reaching the population. The Ruizes targeted the settlements along the famous Sumulong highway, using short-term teams. Soon six groups of believers began meeting in homes. Since then the ministry spread through neighboring communities and far beyond the boundaries of Manila, resulting in multiple churches.
During the years of ministry in the Philippines, much effort has been expended in training leaders, and other effective ministries have branched off. The friendliness of the Filipinos and their openness to the gospel has been a continual encouragement.
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