To: Uncle Jim Mc Donald
Lufkin, Texas

From: Carlos J. Bernasor
Elder /Preacher
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Narra Ave., Poblacion , Tampakan, 9507
South Cotabato, Philippines

Subject: A Preacher that claims two Churches

A PREACHER THAT CLAIMS TWO CHURCHES
by: Carlos J. Bernasor

A brother, Carlito Abella Jr. claimed 2 Churches - Poblacion,Tampakan Church of Christ and Bo.6 Marbel (wear no name). This act was being consented by bro. Jesse Julom a contact person of the Trust fund from foreign aid being in General Santos City, Philippines. The Trust fund was being transmitted to the personal account of bro. Julom in MetroBank (April 1999) and Phillipine National Bank ( July 1999), all in General Santos City, Philippines.

Bro. Jesse Julom requested the names of the Tamapakan Church of Christ members in the month of April and July respectively. Releases of funds was evident thru MetroBank check issued to Bro. Abella Jr. in the month of April, and PNB Check again issued to Bro. Abella Jr. in the month of July 28, 1999.

I had made a follow up on the indorsement as per say by bro.Julom for Tampakan Benevolence, but later on August 2, 1999 told me that the request was disapproved because the area in Tampakan was being registered in the name of Bro. Abella Jr., including the Church in Bo.6 Marbel (wear no name). Bro. Julom told me that he could do nothing about this as the
funds was being decided by 5 persons. Who are this few persons to decide ? I have not seen their faces in Tampakan.

I should say, we must have Bible authority for all that we do (Collosians 3:17) and claiming 2 Churches is no exeption. A Preacher cannot lead a congregation. The Lord's Church is often described in the Bible as "the flock of God" (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5: 1-4). Pastors (sheperds) are the Elders or Overseers of the Church (Acts 20;17,28; Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 1;1; 1 Peter 5:1-4). It is God's pattern for his Church that each congregation will have overseers or shepperds who meet the special qualifications which He he has given in His word (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3: 1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Paul's word to the Church of Christ at Ephesus: "And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelist,and some Pastors, and Teachers"(Ephesians 4:11). Evangelist are Preachers of the word of God. Their job is to "Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Convince,rebuke, exhort,with all long suffering and teaching"(2 Timothy 4:2).

Bro. Carlito Abella Jr. is not among the congregation of Poblacion, Tampakan Church of Christ, why claim the Church? To this date no other Church of Christ established in this place, not one by Bro. Carlito Abella Jr. I flatly say bro. Jesse Julom can attest to this truth. Why release the fund to bro. Abella Jr.? Anomalous conduct, or connivance? It was early Sunday, 4:00 a.m., August 2, 1999 bro. Abella Jr. administered his first baptism to 6 persons in the Palm resort Spring here in Poblacion,
Tampakan.

The Church building in Bo. 6 Marbel was constructed by the funds of fundamental Baptist, I hope that bro. Abella Jr. could wear the name of Christ in this area.

We should overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). I have counted this brethren as friends. Let us stand as a mature Christians. Mature Christians are supposed to "have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:12).

Email: cjbernasor at eudora mail.com

SGD. Carlos J. Bernasor

cc: Wallace H. Little, Cainta, Rizal
Nehemias "gambo" Hayuhay, Cainta, Rizal
JTSmith, Tulsa, Oklahoma
James P. Needham, Orlando Fl.
Balbin Notarte, Davao City, Philippines
Leonardo Maste, Polomolok, Philippines