DTS, Base, and Church Update

James Ephraim Tabilla
Jan 30
2 min read

Base Update

Construction Labor/Worship

Since November of last year (2024), the base was fully busy in preparing for the January 2025 Discipleship Training School (DTS). We had to finish removing multiple truckloads of soil in order to make a huge space to prepare the area for installment of two prefabricated homes for the much-needed accommodation of students and staffs. After that, we had to do painting, varnishing, and repairs to prepare the classroom for the school.

Base staffs helping in the construction of the parking lot.

Rest Time while Being Sick

I became very sick on Christmas Eve and it went on for 3 weeks. Three trips to the doctor and Three sets of medicines (including two weeks’ worth of antibiotics).

It’s a forced rest from the LORD and a humbling reminder for me to not pride over my own strength and to continue depending on the LORD for strength (in humility). God did faithfully provide for me during this “forced” rest.

Base staffs during the Christmas party (before I got very sick).

Discipleship Training School (DTS) Update

Prep Time

While doing practical work/labor, the DTS staffs are being trained to refresh them on their responsibilities as school staffs. We also had to prepare for the first week of teachings. I’m also assigned (with the help of other staffs) to teach on Inductive Bible Study on the 12th week so I was also (and still is) preparing for that.

During the School

We have 12 lovely students (Family of 3 including 1 kid, 5 single young men, and 5 single ladies). Three of the are from Dagupan; Five are from Mindanao; one is a Filipina who grew up in Germany; Two are from the Cordilleras; and one from Antipolo. Some grew up in churches. Some didn’t. But all came willingly and have this strong desire to Know the LORD. All of them are talented. All of them are very sharp in their thinking. So, as staffs, we all have to work hard in teaching them also.

Church Update

Youth nights during Saturdays have been encouraging. I can see the youths in Pongian being transformed by God’s Truth, His Word (Jesus Christ). During Sundays, I can see radical transformation among the parents too. It’s been encouraging to see the fruits of the team’s labor in God. It clearly was not in vain.