Church of Our King’s tenth year anniversary was made even more special with a highlight visit from one of the leaders from the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Dr. Doug Beacham, executive director of World Missions Ministries, the worldwide ministry arm of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, stayed in Cebu City for four days and used it to meet and get more acquainted with the leaders, staff, elders and the rest of the congregation of Church of Our King.
Invitation
Dr. Beacham’s visit was made possible through an encounter with him by Pastor Tom Carter, Pastor Sam Legaspi and Pastor Jerome Lirazan during a Philippine Pentecostal Holiness Church pastors meeting last December 2007 in Baguio City.
“We wanted him to visit Cebu so we invited him,” Pastor Tom Carter said of the meeting. “He accepted and said it would be in June. We then decided to have our anniversary celebration at that time.”
Main Agenda
Pastor Tom Carter’s purpose for inviting Dr. Beacham was for him to see firsthand how the International Pentecostal Holiness Church is affecting the Philippines. Heading a church plant that’s one of the few churches planted in the southern part of the Philippines, Pastor Tom Carter felt lead to bring Church of Our King closer to its roots and heritage by extending an invitation.
His career as a golf pro helped in making the visit a reality.
“When we met he was interested in my career in golf, and due to his love of the game he wanted to play with me if possible,” Pastor Tom Carter recalled. “We wanted to make his visit to the Philippines one of rest and business. Golf brought this together for us.”
Impact
The four-day visit was seen as a fruitful one by Pastor Tom Carter. An awareness of Church of Our King’s connection with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church was made possible as the majority of the congregation was able to meet with him and hear him preach during the church’s anniversary celebration.
“Due to the fact that the last two pastors are not IPHC (International Pentecostal Holiness Church) ordained we had drifted away from our base and lost our spiritual covering and heritage,” Pastor Tom said. “I believe his visit will be instrumental in me returning to the mission field, long term.”
Dr. Beacham, in a separate interview, described his trip to Cebu as one of his highlights of the year. He also added that the wonderful people of Church of Our King, the outstanding leadership and the precious presence of the Holy Spirit are something that he will always remember.
“I look forward to returning in the future,” he said. “Please know that I am praying for the church and am confident that the Holy Spirit will help everyone in this transition.”
RCV
