FAIR SUNSHINE

L eaving Pulilan , I rode towards the municipality of Plaridel . The park there was quiet this afternoon, save for a few souls sitting idly to pass the heat of the day. There is a small amphitheater, quite wonderful really, a place appropriately built that would suit the very purpose of proclaiming the Word to a great company; yet today, it stood almost empty and silent. I saw but one quiet person sitting alone in that space—a pleasant young lass who showed me a kindness not always found among strangers. Taking heart, I approached her with a tract and asked the simplest of questions: 'Do you know the Christ?' Her reply was the same as so many others I have met—a name known to the ear, perhaps, but a Savior unknown to the heart. Her name is E***a. She was willing to acknowledge my presence and openly welcomed a conversation. I was mindful to tread softly, for I had no wish to appear intimidating. We sat and talked as two strangers might, merely sharing stories, wi...

L ast Saturday evening, I was in a most excruciating pain, such that by the Lord’s Day, it took much effort merely to stand and take a single step. We chose to remain inside for now, unable to go out to Santa Maria; yet the Lord, in His wisdom, provided a message that was specially suited for the comfort of the saints rather than the public. By Tuesday, though the pain in my right knee remained as a thorn in the flesh, my spirit grew anxious. I have already lost two precious days of labor, and the harvest does not wait for my strength to return. Though I walk with a limp and lesser pain, I thought it well enough to risk the journey to Pulilan , some eighteen kilometers distant.  The weather of late has grown increasingly fierce, and the heat of these days has become almost unbearable. Yet, though the body makes every reason to cease, my mind remains fixed upon the work. I have weighed the trials of the road and found that I would much rather travel under the heat of a blazing sun t...