From Philippians to the Philippines— Part One

Last updated on: March 6, 2020 at 1:26 am by Ben Witherington

For some long time now, the A.G. Seminary in Baguio in the mountains of the Philippines has been asking me to come and give lectures there.

[Note some images are large and must be clicked on to see them properly vertical]

We had finally worked things out, or so we thought and then the Taal volcano erupted big time, and it’s located only 37 miles south of Manila where the international airport is. Still, I had agreed to go, and a promise is a promise, so I went while they were praying away another eruption. When I landed in late January, another issue arose— the corona virus broke out in near by China, and it was no small matter, and still isn’t. Over 2.000 people have died as I write this, and more are coming. Still, I prayed and went, holding my breath. The airport in Tokyo which I had to fly through was full of people wearing masks, but they weren’t handing any out. I got to Manila and it was 90F and 90% humidity. Fortunately, I was whisked away the next morning to the lovely mountains in the north of the main island, mountains very similar in shape, size, and greenery to the one’s I love in N.C. We took the main south to north toll road which had interesting signs like…. I wonder how much etc. is worth??