Tom Randall wrote home to his supporters about a special young lady that he met that gave everyone a lesson in listening to the Holy Spirit. She had a heart for God and wanted everyone in her town to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Here is what Tom Randall wrote in July 1983.
Tom Randall’s Letter?
Dear Friends,
Because of your faithfulness, you are now supporting more people and more ministries than you originally started with by sending Karen and me to the Philippines. Let me introduce you to your latest ministry.
A young Bible school graduate got the burden four years ago to win the people of Ragay, her hometown, to Christ. Her name is Soledad Cordinete. Soledad started Bible studies, shared the gospel, and despite opposition from established religious groups was able to win some of her people to Christ. But she needed help. So, she came to Manila to find some. The manager of the train station in Ragay is a Christian and allowed Soledad to ride the train for free.
Soledad had no money or influence to bring a basketball team to Ragay
She needed something to make an impact on the people and had heard of our basketball ministry. When I finally met her through another missionary I knew we had to try and help her. She prayed that we would come to Ragay but she had no money to pay us or help us get there. I told her God would answer her prayer and I had Christian friends in the States that would help us get there. She went back, overjoyed to tell the people we were going to come to Ragay. But they did not believe her. Why should they? Soledad had no money or influence to bring a basketball team to Ragay except for the influence of the Holy Spirit which they didn’t realize yet.
I started gathering our local team (another ministry you finance) until there were eight Christian players who could make the trip. There were two pro players, one teacher, one doctor, one linguist, and two Chinese players.
I told the guys it was a good warm-up!
Ragay is a long journey from Manila (Philippines Capital) and it started with a plane ride to Naga City. Then we caught a train in the direction of Ragay. There are no roads to Ragay; only the train goes there. We even rode on the small railroad cars that you lift off the track if the real train comes along. I told the guys it was a good warm-up!
We played two games and the people came all the way down from the mountain areas to watch the games. About 6000 people heard testimonies at halftime and the team spoke with people in the crowd until nearly midnight. Around 800 people asked to become part of the Bible study and are now going through the Gospel of John.
Bambi, a Philippine professional player and my first disciple around four years ago, felt God was calling him to go back to Ragay after our initial trip there. The mayor says we can come anytime because we did not push religion on his people but came at no expense, played, and shared about a loving God and the Bible. Bambi has now made two trips to Ragay to follow up this incredible opportunity to share the true gospel He is even refusing to let me give him expense money saying he wants to help in all ways.
What a combination! Basketball and God!
On Bambi’s next trip he is going to take some basketball films and some other films about God and the Bible to show in the center of town at the people’s request. (What a combination! Basketball and God! My kind of people!)
We went to Ragay because you sent us. Bambi is serving the Lord because you sent him. Soledad has been equipped and encouraged to minister because of your faithfulness. Alex, another pro player, also serves the Lord with Bambi and me because you sent him, too. You have sent ten of us all around the Philippines with our local team to share with thousands about Jesus Christ. What a franchise!
This is my version of a financial report to all of you. You have been faithful and have sent plenty. In trying to be faithful, I have spent plenty! People are not only coming to Christ but are now serving Him through you. Thank you for your support and please pray as your work goes on. We love you!
Because of Christ, Tom Randall and Karen Randall
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