CEBU

CHRISTIAN

Publication of the Cebu Christian Mission, P. O. Box 41, Cebu City, Philippines
Missionaries: Ray and Imogene Carlson, Betty Yarbrough, Elston and Mary Knight

TTie Cebu Christian Mission, Box 41, Cebu City, Philippines

FEBRUARY

1954

>Vi^.

-I

>

ABOVE: Ray and Imogene Carlson who came to the Philip

pines in 1941. Mr. Carlson teaches Historical Geography,
Acts, and Homiletics in the Seminary. Mrs. Carlson is in

structor of Organ, Church Music, and BibleBook by Book.

RIGHT ABOVE: Elston and Mary BCni^t, who are fast be

coming acquainted with Filipino ways andproblems. Brother

Knigjit teaches Petrine Epistles and ministers to the English
congregation onPelaezStreet. RIGHT: Betty Yarbrough, who

wl

leads in children's work and teaches Greek, Life of Christ,

and Child Evangelism inthe Seminary. BELOW: Mrs. Sophie

Carlson, the mother of Brother Ray.

>?

EMERGENCY!

PLEASE NOTEl Doctor's report that Bro

ther Ray's mother is in serious condition

following an operation for cancer. Ray
plans to leave the family andtravel alone
for a short visit this April. I challenge

all our brethren to rally now and air-mail

money direct to Brother Carlson fortravel.

Elston E. Knig^it

FORWARDING AGENTS

FOR THE CARLSONS: Mrs. Raymond Jackson, Latonia Christian Church, Box 7,
Latonia Station, Covington, Kentucky

FOR THE KNIGHTS: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Tolliver, Box 925, Los Gatos, California

FOR MISS YARBROUGH: Mrs. J. L. Bartley, 708 Woodland Ave., S. E., Atlanta,, Georgia

CEBU CHRISTIAN

Through 1Q53 W
JANUARY

FEBRUARY

A scene during the convention of churches

Work continues to progress in the Cebu

of Christ in the Southern Philippines held

Provincial Jail where Brother IgnatioTag-

in Cebu City.

alog regularly holds services.

MARCH

APRTT.

m
t w

Miss Cresencia Labrado, 1953 Graduate

of CebuBible Seminary, and faithful work

er for "several years.

"

MAY

A close view of the united choir of the

Cebu churches at the Easter sunrise ser
vice at the Plaza Osmena.

JUNE

Evangelistic meeting held inBacolod City.

Brother Win Parreno (Center, standing) is

More evangelistic meetiiigs held on the

minister of the congregation.

brethren of the Guiljungan church.

Island of Negros. Here are some of the

CEBU CHRISTIAN

rBtiStES

'

A revival was held during this month at

Seminary classes began a new year in

July. The second floor of this building is
rented for classrooms and Boy's Dorm.

the Matires church. Here are some of the

brethren in front of the church building.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Some of the brethren from Numancla, Sur-

Brother Villagracia baptized three at Ca-

iagao, with Brother Villagracia. Minister

motes Island this month. Brother Domin-

Juan Consigna (Right rear) has led work.

ico Tan (in sportshirt) leads this work,

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

y-'

Brother Jose Villagracia, Seminary tea

cher and evangelist, with Brother Carlson
made an evangelistic trip to Leyte.

Brother Carlson baptizing in the SugarHacienda near Bacolod, where a meeting

was held in December.

CEBU CHRISTIAN

Roger only imcertainl

Mary and Imogene

Christmas day

Nancy and a friendl

Just a note to let you know that progress is being made on the new Seminary building. The well has
been completed, and work will soon be started on the foundation of the main building. Funds are still
needed to complete this project. You can help to make the dream come true of adequate permanent
buildings for Cebu Bible Seminary.
o

0 o

Financial reports will be mailed out to contributors by individual missionaries. If you desire to have
copies of these reports, write to the address of the workers on the field: Box 41, Cebu City, P. I.

CEBU

ifBWSLETTEB

Bay and Iniogene Carlson, PO Bpx 41, Cel)tt City, F X

Fomardli^ Beoretary: Mrs, Raymond Jackson,

7i Xatonia Station, Coviiiigton

01, X954

i iC^ JLT.

Last FHjda^ vdien I embarked for

trip to Isyte, I vas hoping that

Every step in the rainy hills

I Yiould not have to hike there aS X

meant a half-step badcuard. Brothers/D^ohan

were waiting for me at

Sugod with hot (^ocolate and codcies^ Then there

no buses for Bivisoriai

brethren were waiting, so thei^ -was'^othlng to do

The

begin hiking 7 kilometers with

duffle bag over cqt shoulder*

At the house of Bro Bafsel Xai; Lstida, two h

yed friends were waiting, but

heard a zmor >hat 3ny dilp had damaged her

many had left before X.came viien.

engine* They had set up banibooj

and had me speak to l^em in the

les in the

evenix^*

v>

Bro Boldian's schedule

Axxother 7 kilometer trip! Here

slon in that place# Eleven were
baptised until he saw how many
to do what he has learned to be

ing to Baogo which X had before visited,

rjLojiitnessed the first Qiristian InaierMfdo lieutenant was going to be

id toe our
le idioXe

.led*

SifeM 1

_ f* ,^he

May the lord give him courage

United Evai^elical Qiuroh,

^cv-had not yislted his flodc for toorliea^, wa

wondered how he felt as he

saw some of his flode baptized*

Sunday afternoon I went bad^^i

sti^ped in a little barrio alon^ the

.prdt^ously come up and

Ijof i^ther l^rio lleu-

at

tenant* He was quite urgent in his InHtatjon sor-Bro*

you pass us many times but you di^ ne

r^pcui^cu '^'%b6e|E|^ed the ii>^

t jj^li|^ng,4>he oi$ man Mxa-

are of no value?** Such an app^^^co*^

vitation and had the pleasure

a very attent

self* He oecuj^s the pXaeoi^f the chief in s

his 90;
90 years has be^ s
'ft

morexif thisHb]

Rafael we 1

Back at the house

^ying: **We'have secui

LC, bhen

ing for the truth

an Agiipaya||4^op
gii]
the Uhited Bvax^goHcaly^

pino C..t:iclic

After that^ he staye^^fo:

having over 600 hectare oH.abac

making Manila rope, you remem

5ed i;,

^ 'iras^oncV
has open^ hisjheax^to thb
utcd to
is ready t^

the early pafe\;^he cer^

give a portion of his land to the chiarch and i

j
/
j

tJlB'Sevontl

Fhillpplj^jSe^tabulary during the Aherioan oecupat

tury* IMroceived his odueAtlqn under the ^^panish*
truth a^has been as generous as he has always been
"t-

and

as

ten

Oay-Adventist flgioup^^e has been a widower for

of conslderaldle
Abaca is usM

most of

to the elders*

eepxng, but tho^was

X can*t say very imich for his bachelor eoddLng

no d enying the welcome and Christian spirit

Bro* DuXohan is active beyond his str

Teodolo Labastida, he has converted an agros
is aaccmpanying Bro* Bulohan on his trips*

i a tihkor,watch-re]

and exponent of the \ford*

Sevenbh-Dai^Adventis;

He is now lob

his confidence that the doctrine of the New

Seventh

unreached* In Bro.
odplo
ventist* Bro*

Testament Ctmrdkcan con>

jeweler.
Lnd

u, in
ETo*

Bulohan has been almost self-siqmdHs^ from the beginning*

went xi
community
where he was virtually unknown 2nd''t4diout any money, and those
tne truth
and X can be
took him in az4 gave him f9od and shelter* He says: "Give me one
cGopletely IndependcH^q^^h^l&sslon* ** We appreciate such a

thairac

Le3rte,

id which

sees the conversion of the vdiole

the vision

le island of

_ toy ^ toogene ftiplson, PO Bcac U,

Ctty. H
i
ForwirdlJtg Swmtaiyt
ifrs. Rajmond Jaokson, ?0 ^ 7, jEat^nS^UM,
Coninetdn,

>'

March 11,^^
setmASi mnxmrn

bccstva^ion ""on the roundation of the

Seminary buUding was begun yesterday.

. 18 Betty Jarhrou^, of Atlanta,

Of the four ground-<*floor rocaas, we hi "'

begun construction on but one. \Iq beJ^ve

a good helper. Ho.^

^^^fflculty is that she is not
outside of Georgia. The bre

weH

ttiat <3od will, provide "Uie fiieans as war are thren l^re have underwritten her per
ready to use His he3p

sonal ^port, but she is also in need

of
worldigg funds for her special mission
DQMiTORIBS
projects^ch
as girls' dormitory and Va
Before the next s^iool year^ wd must cation iMio Schools.
Put a cowIq of
build two dwelling houses of las^vi ma
in an envelope for her,
terials for student housing. 5SeVo\dll will
huh?
*
coat $500 each. 'Jliey will have
rooms
yi'
and be made of wood frame, uith yoof of
grass-shingles. lou can help in fee.
coconut bai^s we have been
of
for so Icmg are at last
PRSSIDENT CLEttELAUn
1
Hiss 7arbrcu|^ has seme
the Carlsons. They will be

... ^ during the suorner. 12th

IfoUiar
thirdto v^sit'sfr
cltads^
dormitoiy style; is a lot cheaper, a< t

cqueat*

life have found them

have engaged sudj passage, there willn

childran's

SMC to nine men in a cabin. I don'tr'^ii^

it will be bad.

;racia reports
'^bd and
ntne[ssion as a

3URia.iO

This Weekend 1 have arrange^wto visi^

the work of firothor Juan ConslgM^ijifc? evi
dently ihirfcs I wiU be thorofa^ro than
until Monday, because he has atangod an
entire week of activities,
bo sorry
to disappoint him. Bro. 4d)dndeWor was
there for a visit a few ydaite ago.
CERTIgTCATES
/
CarlsoiyWilJ^ward twelve cer
tificates of KlQBteptfiy Piano adiievement

at her reci^ o^Oiursday, March 25th.

studen^,jQl. receive their two-year
Twining Cortiflcatos on
tho 2h ^Ifarch. tfe hav. requssted fro.
y.o. Gpiina of Manila to ecme down and

biu.ng us a message at the Gccmiencemont

Program.

lBad6

resi^k^f effo^tvs in

in

tho ^rho^,JM^53^aJ

'Z

gre^tions have holpc

satisfied with these .

tiitoo to

^fany

DiSAPParHE^in//./

''

'

which
con-

not

it

cothe

of

Bacolod^t^-jfiisayingftteit
iilthdrawing Ms opuW
the \C^

QizistianTMlarsion, We^evertknW^^they

were a part of the Mi

to him that
tion of

iS an erg;
jharjes wid

to ^OyST'jc^. Scmetime ago Parr^o'

fel^^ip wit^^ and evidently eaq^c^

MARAMARf

Briber Juan Maramara, our preaching

elder of the Garreta Church, is in a sadly
dropsical situation. One leg is draining
^nstantly, and medical treatment so far
has been insufficient. He needs help^...Jigir

we were in Jno

po^^on to
lais zeal is unque^
t^hed, but sectaj^an traditionj is

for^^ to ovorc<&e. He is A-^ligeA

and-sacrificial vs|rker. La& ycfcr^jsie

put over ^,000 o^^lus own ei^ni^Sf as

Sc^er^ con-

present obUgaticns prohibit theOass^tt>- a printer into the ihsck.

for** aooitional responsihilitiq^ ftay

jl) .y d

gregatims were planted;

still re-

S^^s himself as BL^op ovbr them. Pray

with us for him.

sauiddinqd 'hionq^o
If xoa

NOISSm NVIISIHHD 0930

A. Ray Carlsons^ Elston Knights^ and Betty Yarbrough

WE BELIEVE that the quickestway

to bring Christ to the Philippines

is by training Filipino preachers,
This is the primary objective of Cebu
Bible Seminary.

>1

At the end of the last school year

March 28th, we decided to cancel the

lease on the building which wehadrented for the classes of Cebu Bible Seminary, and push to completion the

construction of the first unit of our new

building.

Our burden for this program is a

building in which to house the classes

This is the need we began telling
for the new school year which begins about over a year ago, and $3,000 has
in the Philippines July 15th.
been sent for the Building Fund. Of this

perty for the campus of this new school KEEP REGULAR SUPPORT COMINGI
building. This valuable property repre
Please remember that this i s a
sents part of their savings while they
special appeal for a special purpose,
were held in prison by the Japanese dur
and missionaries cannot afford to go
ing World War II.
behind, while this special need is being
PAY-AS-YOU-GO OR MORTGAGE?
It takes considerable faith to build

met, so let all contributions to this ur

gent need, be over and above the sum

that has already been pledged or direct

whether on the pay-as-you-go plan, or ed to the needs of the missionaries and

on the mortgage plan. We have enough their work. Everything sent with en
confidence in our brethren, and in our closed envelope will be used for this
God, to launch this building program on special need, exclusively.
the pay-as-you-go basis. We CAN have
this debt-free unitif all who receive
Time is Short; Opportunity is GreatI
this letter will sacrifice at least five

dollars or more and send it in by air

Time is precious and we often won

mail immediately. Some who cannot der how long weTl have this present
give at all, but who will pray, may be opportunitywhen we consider the world
covered by those who are able to do situation and present clouds in the

substantially more than that. But in any Orient over the Indo-^ China was situation.
event, we are praying and trusting that Let us redeem the time and not be
our worthy students will have shelter sleeping these days of opportunity. Our
from typhoon rains and strong winds investments in God's business are ne
during this winter season.
ver in vain.

INVEST

IN

TOMORROW - HELP

The

Missionaries
in the

Southern

Philippines

Ray &Imogene Carlson Betty Yarbrough Mary & Elston Knight

Teddy, Larry, Robin
Nancy, Roger, Ellery

CEBU CHRISTIAN MISSION

BOX 41

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES

BUILD A BIBLE COLLEGE IN CEBU

i^S6T 'TT-8 IPdV

tBJUSpTOOO SOjSsJvJ
qomqo iiBSunfnno oiJiBg

vi

cj 7-,

aB pxaq
' _

V'

saNiddniHd NaaHJLfios
9ip tn

iSIHHD dO SaHDaOHD
aqi JO

NOIXNHANOD
jBrnray puooas

Bringing the Gospel of Christ to CehUf The Philippines

It can be finished and used this
amount $2,300 has been paid out for
developments to date. Approximately school yearif all who recei\e this no
$4,500 is needed to complete the first tice will enclose a generous kve offer

unit, shown under construction on the

cover of this folder. The building pic

ing in the self-addressed, airnail en

velope enclosed for this purpoie. We

tured is all we have to assemble in for

have dedicated our lives to binging

school this year. Roof will be finished

Christ to these people; we neecyour

personal and generous help.

with funds on hand. No funds are avail

able to finish cement floors, walls,

windows, plumbing necessities and

bare furnishings.

Brother and Sister Carlson gavt^^

large portion of their own personal prv.

OEG13 1954
/

September 30, 1954

Dear Friends in Christ:

It is with the deepest regret th-t we are now finding it necessary to resign from
the Cebu Christian I'jission in the Philippines. After much heart-searching prayer
and exhaustive consideration of the many consequential possibilities and their re
lation to the carrying out of the will of the Lord in the southern Philippines we
have come to this decision. We do so for personal and private reasons entirely un
related to any missionaries on or off the field.
Ve have only the mcst cordial
feelings and sincere thanks toward them and the Filipino Christians, The woiic of

Betty Yarbrough and Slston and Mary iuiight has been faithful, sacrificial and entirely cooperative and constructive in every Christen aspect.
_
We ^re convinced that Filipino leadership will continue, the .vork of the church.
We look v;ith the utmost confidence to leaders like Jcse Villagracia, Crescencia
Labfado, Gregorio Hoble, Florist:! Millendez, and Macario Otadoy. These brethren
have proven themselves capable of consecrated, imaginative and faithful over
sight of the church and brave, sacrificial and continual Christian.evangelism.
We wish to express our thanks to the hundreds of churches and devoted servants of
the Lord whose prayers and gifts- have made it possible for this wori: to be initated and sustained. Deserving special mention in this matter is the Latonia Chris

tian Church of Covington, Kentucky and the First Christian Church of Inglewood,
California.

If the brethren desire to continue to use us for this purpose, we will always be
happy to represent the Cebu work and forward any gifts dedicated to Cebu Bible

Seminary or the work of evangelism in the southern Philippines,

Cur address is

3422 W. Monroe, Chicago 24, Illinois.

Sincerely j'-ours in Christ,

Signed:
Carlson

Imorene Carlson

October 11^ 1954

Dear Christian brethren:

The announcement which we have just received from Brother and Sister Carlson concer
ning their decision to resign from the work in the southern Philippines came as a
shock. V/e have had precious fellowship with the Carlsons in Cebu, and because of
their years of experience and closeness to the people, their absence is keenly felt,
v^e sincerely regret that circumstances have brought about this decision, for we feel
that their labor here has been most valuable, and that there is mvch yet that can be
done by people of their talent and consecration.

Because of our close relationship with the .Carlson family in this work we feel it
necessary, after lengthy discussion of the situation on the field, to make the follow
ing suggestion: That Bro. Carlson be enabled to return to Cebu for a season three
to six months so that th can oversee the details of adjustment. Although we are
willing to do idiat we can to take care of these details, we sincerely feel that our
full sdhedule, as well as our lack of understanding of the background of the work and
the language, n^e it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for us to do this.

Ko doubt Bro. Carlson "feels this responsibility, and it is our guess that he .feels,
as we do, that all he can do from there would be inadequate if not unsatisfactoy .

Therefore we appeal to the churches in the States to mice it possible for him to re
turn to Cehu for a time.

We would like to- suggest that the necessary expenses for an Qnepgency round-trip for
Bro-. Carlson, and for the care of his fandly during his absence from them, be. sup)-

piied immediately so that hd can come hete and effect an orderly withdrawal from the
work.

We feel that for the continuity and perpetuity, of the work, only Bro. Carlson

can take care of the arrangements for leaving the work in Filipino hands.

A heavy investment has been made by the brethren in America toward the building of

the Cebu Bible Seminary. Lack of funds has prevented the conpletion of this project,
but we feel that it is imperative that the building be finished before the school is

turned over to the Filipino brethren for their oversight, lest the unfinished buil
ding be naide a point of mockery by enemies of the Gospel,

sflfe feel that we have a

right to expect the Filipinos to maintain the building, but we cannot expect than to
complete the work-on the building under-existing economic circumstances.

The nature of the association of the missionaries here in Cebu has been such that,
though we have all codperated in the teaching program at the Seminary, our various
activities have led us into labors for the Master vrtiich have not necessarily been

connected.

There is no shortage of'work here, and we feel that our work in the dis

tribution of printed material, the radio program, the children's classes, and the evangelism with the portable chapel should be continued, even if the work that Bro.
Carlson has been handling should be turned over to Filipino laborers. As long as we

are here on the field, we wiH be glad to assist the Filipino workers in any way

possible should they seek our help or advice. However, we agree with Bro. Cg^rlson
that the Filipino leaders can continue the work that has already been firmly estab
lished.

It seems to us that Bro. Carlson's return to Cebu is wise, in view of the proportions
of investment made and work accomplished, ie would like very much to hear from you
immediately concerning your reactions to this suggestion, for your reactions id.ll be
bear heavily upon our immediate plans for the future.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Signed:

Elston E. Knight
Mary G. Knight
Betty Yarbrough

(Qie policy of the CeTjU Ciiristian Mission fCCM)

1.

iUhe COM is not a church, it does not function as a ciiui'ch, and does not
have any authority over any churchi. .

2.
3.

5Che Filipino chui'ches are not pait of tlie OCU

'Jlhe purpose of the CCli is to help in planting churches, evangeliisation,
and in Christian education.

4.

5.

Hie Filipino diui ches are expected to tahe an increasingly large share in
the planting of churches, evangelization, and in Christian education.

2he ecu is not a penaanent institution-

3ie Filipino churches should pre

pare themselves for the time in tho near -future v/hen no more aid \7ill to

had from the CCLI.

6.

American Christians will not give unlimited help.

(Che Filipino chui'clies musr suppeit and rdioose their o\/n leaders.

7. ' !Dhe CCM v/ill pay no pastors of chuiches.

8.

The CCH v/ill build no chui'ch buildings.

9.

Every Filipino Christian is tr. regard himself as a missionary and act as

a missionary of the Gtospel. Filipinos must cease to regard themselves as
mission fields.

10. (Che Filipino chui-ch must either train her ov/n leaders or else support
financially Cebu Bible Seminai^y.
11. (Che Filipino churches must plan and prepare to do their o'.m benevolent
v/oric.

12. (Che CCM looks v/ith disfavor n the use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco.

13. Hhe CCH desires to discourage dancing, all forms of gambling, the reading
of illicit literature and the v/itnessing of imacral movies.

14. (Che COM desires the Filipino churches tc exercise themselves to avoid,
sectarianism of every sort.

15. (Big CCM dosiroD to encoui'agu lellovthip betv/eeh alI faithlU1 congr^gations
and Christians.

16. iChe CCli is not a court to settle inter-church disputes.

17. Financial help by the Mission to any Filipino v/orker should be supplemented
by the Filipino Gliristians. If a v/orker caiuiot secure the financial help
of his fellow-Christi:jis, the COM will regard this as a sign of tho in
efficiency of tho 'Worker.

18. (Che Mission v/ill not attempt to gain favor or pcwer ./ith money, v/e believe
that money unwisely given corrupts rather than aids; it produces dependency
instead of independency; it limits future progress instead of aiding it.
(Che apostle Paul went everywhere preaching the ^crd. He built no church buil
dings, paid no preadiers, brought nc financial gifts. Kather, he received "aid
from the churches he established so that he could go elsewhere preaching the
\?ord.

Signed:

Ray & Imogsne Carlson, Elston & iiary Knight, & Betty Yarbiou^

CEBUANO NEWSLETTER

CEBU CHRISTIAN MISSION, BOX 41, CEBU CITY, FHJLPPINRS

Missionaries: Betty Yarbrough, Elston and Mary Knight

CARLSONS

THE KNIGHTS

With the deepest regret, Ray and Imogene

Carlson have decided to resign at once from the
Cebu Christian Mission as active missionaries be

cause of personal and private reasons. During their

ministry they have witnessed the baptism of at least
3,000 persons and the initiation of at least 15 chur
ches and preaching points. This has been done with
the aid of Filipino leaders.

tinue to progress with the aid of such brethren as

Jose Villagricia, Crescencia Labrado, Gregorio
Florista Millendez,

sect led by Felix Manalo. Sectarianism was never

so active in the Philippines as it is now. Before the

The Carlsons believe that the work will con

Roble,

Elston and Mary Knight continue to make val

uable contributions in many ways. The Christian
Information Center which they are sponsoring is fur
nishing leaders with the regular Bible school lessons
in Visayan and distributing tracts and leaflets as
they have the means. A recent, helpful paper dealt
with Arianism in the Hiilippines asitis foundinthe
war, the Carlsons and one Presbyterian familywere
the only missionaries in Cebu. Now there are ten
families other than our own workers.

and Macarlo Otadoy.

Brother Knight continues every Sunday to have

The decision to leave the Philippine field in

his "Christian's Hour" over the local radio station

favor of evangelism in the city of Chicago was made

with the most cordial feelings toward all our mis
sionaries and native workers. The Carlsons wish to

express their thanks to all churches and faithful

Christians who have shared in making their work
possible.
SEMINARY STUDENTS

DYRC at 7:45 a. m.
PARRENO IN BACQLOD

Brother Win Parreno, though not a part of our

mission, is doing a commendable work for New Tes
tament Christianity in and around the capitol of the
province of Negros Occidental. He reports 24 bap

tisms since our Negros Convention in May of which

number nine came from Barrio Bacoyon near the

The registrar of Cebu Bible Seminary has lis

ted the following fulltime students for the 19541955 school period: Gerardo Aleman, Rudy Bemabe,
Arcadio Solidum Jr., Pedro Panoy, Eugenia Bacaltos, Lolita Tabujara, Rebecca Labrado, Filipinas
Rentua, Patria Hoyohoy, Ester Claridad, Dulce

Victorias Sugar Central. Two new barrio preaching

points were established at Bonago and Sibucaw,
eight miles from Bacolod. HelpingBrother and Sister

Quinitio.

All this is being done at Brother Parreno's ex

pense (he is a printer). The mission has been able
only to "amen" his work.

ANTICIPATED VISIT

Understandably, Betty Yarbrough is much ex

cited over her mother's promise to visit her in Cebu
over the Christmas holidays. Mrs. Yarbrough will
fly from Atlanta leaving December 10th.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The Seminary girls with Crescencia Labrado

and Victoriana Palicte are helping Sister Betty in
several out-of-door teaching projects. They work
regularly in the city at Urgello Private Road, the
abandoned R. R. Station and at Ihawan in addition

to their regular church work on Sunday.

Hie Seminary boys are preaching at the new
churches and accompany Brother Knight in his trips
with the trailer chapel going from village to village.

Parreno are Brother Delphin, Brother Mutin, Pastor

Diamante, Brother Figoroa, Epifonio Bolero (a ne

phew), BrotherSubang, andBrotherOsiasGum^ong.

CARRETA

Adele Maramara writes of eight baptisms here

since last report. Carreta and all die Cebu churches
stood fast when a false brother tried to turn them in

to the bondage of the "non-instrumentalists."

FORWARDING AGENTS

Ray Carlson, 3422 W. Monroe, Chicago 24,

Illinois will continue to act as a forwarding agent for
the native workers in Cebu Christian Mission in be
half of those who care to so use him. A new church

is being planned by him, to be located at theendof

the Milwaukee Avenue l^way in Logan Square of
Chicago. Brother Carlson grew up in Chicago and is
concerned about this vast, unevangelized sector of
his home town.

DEC 22 1954

POTLl
VOL. 2

NOVEMBER, 1954

About The Carlsons

Seminary News

In the last "Spotlight" we told you

1 he second seme.ster of our school year

of the Carl.sons' decision to take a year's

began on November 8th, with an increase

leave of absence from the work in Cebu.

in enrollment, and with seveial changes

Wo have all
been missing them very
much and have been longing for their
return.
Just a few weeks ago we re

in the set-U]) of the Seminary. Brother

Knight will not be teaching actual classes
in the school any longer, but will devote
his time to the correspondence courses.
Many have enrolled in the.se classes, and
we feel that this effort will be most help
ful in training those who are otherwise
vmable to study in a Bible training school.
In Brother Knight's place we have
gained two part time teachers. Eugenia
Baealto.s, a third year student, will teach

ceived a great jolt when we learned from

them that they are now finding it nec

essary to resign from the work entirely.
Brother and Sister Carlson have given
almost 15 years of their lives in the
spread of the Word here, and they have
a very dear place in the hearts of the

Filipinos.
During the .short time that
wp have been privileged
to work with
them, we have been blessed by their fel
lowship in laboring for the Lord.

Though

we are greatly saddened by

their resignation, we know that the Lord

will mightily u.se them there in the States
as they continue their faithful witness
for Him.
Bro. Carlson writes tliat at
present he is working on plans to start

a church in the Logan Square district

of Chicago. They will also visit conven

tions and other gatherings as they have

opportunity and speak in behalf of the
Cobn work.

\Vv are praying that another couple

liny

be enabled to come in their place,

"^he harve.st still is plenteous!

the class in

ment."
a.s she

"Church of the New Testa

She will also fill in other classes
is needed. Mely
Capacillo will

teach the evangelistic singing class and

will help with the school choi-us. She will
also give piano lessons.
We are thank

ful that these two consecrated young wo

men have agreed to help in the program
of the Seminaiy.
Another change has been in the
schedule

of

the

classes.

Miss

time

Labrado

was formerly teaching her subjects in the

evening, but by adding an extra period
every morning we
have been able
squeeze in all
the classes v.ttfoTe noon.

Classes now begVn at: 1 A.M., \eav\ng tbe

ivee iov evaugeWstk Toeetlngs.

SPOTLIGHT ON CEBU

SPECIAL

Marian Congress

A few days ago we had the privilege

"The greatest religious event of

the
century" is the heading of a signboard
which has been posted in the heart of
Cebu City announcing the Marian Con
gress which is to be held by the Roman
Catholics fronr November 23rd to 27th.
Elaborate

decorations

are

of meeting

Mrs. Elizabeth Scott,

who

was on her way to Formosa to visit her

(laughter.

Mrs. Scott is a member of

the Central Christian Church in Central

J'oint. Oregon, and is a friend of the

Knights.

being placed

It

was

joy

to meet one

who has had a great interest in our work.

During the Christmas holidays, the
Lord willing, we will have another very
special guestmy Mother. She expects

all along the main street in preparation

for the parades and ceremonies which
will take place honoring Mary, the mothei- of .Jesus. Large urch.s spanning the
streeLs beai' such phrases as these: "Hail
Mary. Full of Crace" "Pray to Mary for
Peace," and "Through Mary to God."

to arrive in Cebu on December 14th, and

will remain until after the first of the

new year.

She will be here in time to

witness the Seminary Christmas activi

ties and will also have the opportunity
to visit the churches throughout the is
land while classes are (ut for the holi

How our hearts ache when we see the

mother of Jesus being given more honor

than the Son of God himself;

VISITORS

And how

we long to see these people come to the

days. Her visit will be an inspiration to

all of us, and will also enable her to get

realization that "there is one God. and

one mediator between God and man. the
man Christ Jesus."

a first

hand view of our

Dcccvihi'V (ipiii'iidchvH, icc noti'

'iriil (ibniit thv atinosphrrc.

efforts here.

utmnycty <lif-

At tmes. our small barrio

sri'ms full of actiritu at vight. However, now that thr

(laifs arc ijrowiug shorter and nightfall r.onus earlier,
we seme a more peaceful feeling.

The bright moon

nhinhig throngh the coconut frees gazes down on

thr sleep!) roniiiiunitg of nipu huts cuddled close
ly toyethcr. Often in the cool of the evening.
I gaze out from our up.Htuirs porch to the
liomes of the neighbors, hatcly I note that
star-shaped lanterns are beginning
to
appear
In the various windows. In
erery Filipino home, regardless of
how fine or how simple, there is
-

sure

to be a Christmas star at

this time of year, )r])resenli>ig

the star which led the wise

XZJT"
-

-nien to the Christ child.

_

To yon, our friends ac-

cross the sea-, we send

sincere good wishes for peace and

^'

joy at Christ-

''>>

yeaT.

November. 1954

Page a

^hthima5 SJn 'Ths )^kllippineS

"Maayong PasUo" is the way we say
"Merry

Christmas"

in

Cebu.

Moi-e

often, however, as Christmas draws near,

the greeting of friends who meet on th;>
street is "Pinaskohan,"
"Christmas gift."

which means

^
Cqiristma.s
gifts.
We are not surprised
1to .see the postman, the paper carrier,
ithe man who reads our light meter, or
i
anyone
else who does u.s some service,
(come to the house to ask for his "Pinas
1kohan."
We liavc learned by this time
Ito always be pi-epared with small gifts
for these

CUSTOMS

Snow, which you folks usually asso

ciate with Christma.s, is unknown hero,
and in fact the December days are some
times .just as warm
as those in midfluly.
Though "Santa Claus" is known
by name
to the Filipinos, he is
not
a prominent part of the Christmas cele
bration here.
The children do not hang

callers,

as

well

as

for

the

neighborhood children who are alway.s

arouml the house, peeking at the "Ame
ricana."
Usually we make up bags of
candy and fruit with Scrijiture portions
or

tracts

enclosed

fur those who

come.

DECORATIONS

The decoi'ati(ns of the

Filipino homes

up stockings on Chri.stmas eve expecting

;are not so elaborate as those in America,

Santa to fill them with goodies duidng th:*

but
are beautiful in their significance.
:
Often in one corner of the room there
is a "bolon" or manger scene, with dolls

night.

Many other

things which

are

often associated with Christmas in Ame

rica are not found here, but the Filipinos

have their own interesting cu.stoms.

dressed as the characters in the

One of the outstanding events is the

"Media noehe" or midnight feast, which is
held on Christmas Eve. Roasted pig and

Sometimes banana palms are brought

into the houses, with bunches of bananas
which are due
to be ripe exactly on
Christmas day. If callers come, they are
given fruit right from the tree, leady to

varieties of rice cakes are the favorite ho

liday foods and are served in abundance

at these gatherings. After the feast
the people go to
church
for
ser
vices.

For about a month before Christmas,

and continuing until February, the chililron (and often grown-ups too) go from
house to house singing the native Christ
mas carols.
At the end of their serlc.s

of songs, tiiey call out to the people in

the house "Maayong Pasko" and request

a treat of either
or money.

>"-c thought of as

eat.

The most common of the decorations

is the Christmas lantern. In addition to

the star-sha])od ones which are found in

every home, there are also those shapcil
like houses, airplanes, boats, shells, and
various animals.

Though

few

trees grow

they are difficult to obtain, so the Fili

pinos make their own Christmas trees.

es with green crepe paper. They hang^

of candy
Americans, , pieces
being veiy ncA, as decorations

e ofUm visited by {o\k

evergreen

in the mountainous regions of the island,

They take an ordinary tree and str'.p

off the leaves and then wrap the branch

GIFTS

During Vho

Chri.st

mas story.

nsk ioYL"

on the limbs

come.

V\-

SPOTLIGHT ON CEBU
Page 4

Rtd
Red MM
utter Days
uaj Oa Our Calendar

AUPhilippines
SMHTSNovember lrt >s

oember

:rib:nTn:r?be"::rr:n"

Idents and

quizzes, and a ^ ^

""i"raeTa 'rru
people
,his dap. and therefo.. -7 ^^ir dep'Zo

, .ug Seminary, that the souls of t

were ^^^turday. The brethren from go into "'" ^ placed on the tombparticular Satuxa y

. , oViance to

loved ones. Food is p

see

the present school have something to ea w

L near-by ehnrehes h^
pushed thus far m

atones, supposedly so that the souls rv.ll

year.

, the

will not

activity on that day, ai

leave their homes except to g

Xovetnber srd^Vistt to ai

cemetery.

, a. nv we

ATvisited
On the evening ofmonthly
All Saintsmissionary
Dy
Several of the students and I
the Cebu Provincial Jail
p,.yer meeting at the home ot Brother
in the baptismal service of 10 of the pr ^
soners.

Arcadio Soiidum.

first year s*'"'"*

Z Tien
legularly holding
a
there on Sundays an
..lyiieee of
few weeks ago he had the piiv g
baptiting bis first conveite

How we rejoice to see

to the Lord and know sinri

though they are still physica y e

^,a,ta,

Nancy and I were singing and

playing the piano.

tied when one of
under the window
belligerent tone;

We were quite starthe neighbors passed

and said in a rather
"Why are .vou sing-

Don't you know that this is the

of the deadr'
'

another indication of the

ignorance and superstition that abounds

bars.

jp this land, and another challenge to

November 2liih^Thavksgxving

proclaim the
Christ.

light of the

Gospel of

ioirin'-rZ'rervicrand'a ^ FitiailCial RepOtl

m" Tulw auTaTTt trtamfng' From August 1to October ;U. 1954
Bece^iibev 19thChristmas Program

Rggeipte

i ^^^ ^367.40

This year the Seminarians will pre-

396.47

sent a Christmas cantata, under the direction of Brother Villagracia. We pray E p

that it will be a real testimony -to this
sxt^^.

349.10
$ 47.31

community.

A* 4tt

Qit^t