The new GX Program Director is Bro. Ed Tolosa. He took over for Bro. Chito Tolosa, who passed away last year. A new team has been trained by Ed for door-to-door evangelism.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He came “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God” (Mark 1 :14), calling the people to repent for “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17b). This was an announcement of an wonderful new state of affairs; God was at work in time and space to bring about the government of the promised Messiah.

As Jesus’ apostles took the Gospel into all the world, however, their preaching and writing referred more to “the gospel of Christ”(Romans 15:29). The church was proclaiming the Good News of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. This was the same message; the focus had merely shifted from the kingdom to the King. And above all, it was “the gospel of God”(Rom.1:1), the Good News to man from God, who declared Jesus to be the Messiah, most powerfully by raising Him from the dead. So the Gospel is God’s message about Christ, and when we communicate the Gospel, we are, in a real sense merely repeating to the world what God has said.

Jesus employed a very significant word for this task in Acts 1:8, saying His disciples would be His “witnesses.” In the New Testament, to bear witness to something is to call attention to it. When “witness” is applied to the work of the church, we see that our task is to call attention to the King and His kingdom; we are to make visible what is invisible to a lost and dying world. Christians do this in a host of ways: by loving one another, by keeping the Lord’s Supper, by feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, and even by dying for the faith. Any activity that calls attention to Christ falls under the heading of “witness,” evangelism and missions included.

MEDITATE…

It is ironic that “to witness” has to do with calling attention to Christ-we’re often reluctant to witness because we fear calling attention to ourselves. Somehow we must overcome this hesitation. Examine your heart: What do you fear? Ridicule? Loss of social status? The mockery of worldly friends? Seek to please Christ, not men.

Cavite: 2009 Mission Field

Cavite has a total population of 2,856,765 based on the year 2007 census. The main languages spoken are Tagalog, Chabacano and English. However, a large number of immigrants from farther provinces also speak Bicolano, Cebuano, and Ilocano. In line with national statistics, the majority (90%) of the population are Roman Catholic while adherents of Iglesia ni Cristo account for 4% of the population. Other Christian sects and Muslims comprise the remainder.

Cavite is one of the fastest growing provinces in the country due to its close proximity to Metro Manila. Many companies have established manufacturing plants in numerous industrial parks.

Cavite is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 3 cities: Cavite City, Tagaytay City, Trece Martires City.

GX door to door evangelism campaign in the year 2000 started at Trece Martires City. The pure message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was brought to the residents in different subdivisions and barangays. As a result bible studies and cell groups were established. Our workers may have covered almost all of the major subdivisions and barangays of this city through the years but saturation work still needs to be done.

Door to door evangelism, the heralding of good news, is not easy, for in evangelism, we attack the strongholds of Satan. True evangelism often results in Christians being mocked and mistreated.

God honors true evangelism and is often pleased to make the seed grow and bear fruit. The Father is the Lord of the harvest, He grants or withholds success. Christ is the builder of His church, the Holy Spirit is the divine Energizer and Commissioner. Where God is honored and His doctrine is maintained, we can be sure that our labor will not be in vain.

I would like to commend our ex-GX workers for their good stewardship in fulfilling the Great Commission of preaching the gospel. They have been faithful servants who selflessly served the Lord, never thinking of financial gain. They have become models of the gospel. The gospel has changed them. Their examples speak, perhaps more than their words.

This year 2009, we have a new team who will go door to door in General Trias to continue to wear out more shoes for the gospel.

GX would like to specially thank our former workers for their faithfulness. We thank the Lord for our friends for your prayers and faithful support. May our good Lord bless us as we move on to tomorrow.

Our door to door evangelism started last January in Navy Base, Baguio City with the help of our volunteers and co- workers in all our projects. Navy Base Christian Fellowship is surrounded by almost 200 houses and all of them received GXcomics and welcomed the good news we shared. We extended invitations for them to join our Sunday Services. We thank the young people, ladies and Pastor Winnie for their help in making this ministry possible. We are looking forward to ministering to more homes in adjacent areas. It is our prayer that this activity will be carried out all year round to places where our brothers and sisters in Navy Base have already established contacts and to places where we will build new ties. I am very confident that this will be possible because our volunteers are very enthusiastic and dedicated.

We had a series of lessons on door to door evangelism with the young people and ladies of Navy Base Christian Fellowship.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest”? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” John 4:34-35

Reed Basket

The weather in Baguio is a lot cooler than the rest of the Philippines but that did not prevent the kids of Reed Basket from enjoying a cup of delicious ice cream after school. It was some sort of a reward for being fast learners. The older group can now read sentences fast and easy! School’s off this coming week to give way to Daily Vacation Bible School. Our students are required to attend. School year 2007-2008 ends on May 17.

If you think Teacher Joey Tolosa is confined inside the small day care room then think again! Just recently she was special guest speaker of the ladies’ group. She talked about Ana and Priscilla being worthy of emulation. The message was interrelated with the games (mind games) which Joey also prepared. At the end of her message she read a very encouraging poem dedicated to a sister, a daughter, a mother, a wife, an aunt, a grandmother or whatever the present role in life the attendee is in. ”In God’s eyes we are more than what we perceive ourselves to be!”

SOP Daycare, Cavite

Another school year had ended and truly God is so Good!

The graduation of the children was held at the SOP Church building on 14 March at 9am to 11am.

There were 7 kids who successfully completed the daycare program curriculum. They were given a certificate of completion and are now qualified to enter Grade I. Likewise, 11 kids who completed the Kinder-1 curriculum and were promoted to Kinder-2 this coming school year (2008-2009). Not to forget the 2 nursery kids who were promoted to K-1.

The program was opened with an invocation prayer by Rev. de Fiesta. Inspiring messages were also given by Rev. Conrad Tolosa and Hon. Councilor Remegio Dilag.

A thanksgiving message was given by Teacher Maria Cartagena and to close this happy event for the kids a snack was provided by our benefactors and parents of the kids. Though the daycare program has come to an end and will no longer be available this coming school year, we know in our hearts that the Lord Jesus will still continue to lead these kids to another school were they will know more about the life of our Lord Jesus and His free gift of salvation.

Home for Abused Girls

Last January 4, 2008, GX workers headed by Bro. Tony Tolosa, visited the Bethany Home for abused girls. The home is operated by the Salvation Army and is in it’s 7th year. The GX and SA workers treated the girls to a wonderful party. There was singing, dancing and a lot of good food. Bro. Tony brought with him gifts courtesy of the SA World Service Office. The girls were waiting for him to return and visit them, as he had promised on his July 2007 visit. A message of faith, hope and love was given by Sis. Maria Cartagena to the encouragement of the girls. Pray that this ministry will continue.

Thank you for all your support and prayers. To God be the glory!

Christians of all generations practice evangelism, rather than merely talk about it. They draw their spiritual life from the Word and for this reason evangelism is a way of life rather than a technique to be learned. They witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and teach His salvation to others.

The roots of evangelism are embedded in the local church which derives its life from Christ. Christians who abide in Christ by abiding in a true local church will evangelize spontaneously. We should devote our time and energy to evangelism, evangelism that springs up all year round.

Evangelism is not a special crusade or campaign. Evangelism is the preaching of the Gospel to every person old or young, male or female, rich or poor, weak or strong. The Gospel must be preached and applied to our own family first before we go into all the world.

Evangelism, in which teaching and doctrine are minimized by man-centered religion with emphasis on entertainment, is weak and disappointing because those who profess to have made decisions for Christ soon fall away. It is not by the wisdom of men that souls are saved, but by the foolishness of preaching (1 Cor. 1:21).

Door to door evangelism, if thoughtfully conducted, is found to be the best means of evangelism. To evangelize is to teach and instruct every person about the Gospel (Matt. 28: 19). Door to door evangelism can be done two by two. It is not suitable for men to visit women on their own. One purpose of visiting is to make contact with the people and to inform them of the work of the church in their area. While people are invited to come, it is to be realized that it is exceedingly doubtful that they will respond to such an invitation and therefore, the main objective must be to share the primary issues of the Gospel. We must not wait for them to come to us for we will wait in vain; Rather, we must be the ones to walk the distance. Records should be kept. Careful follow-up work is also very important. Proper timing for visitations need to be observed.

Starting door to door evangelism is difficult to do, follow-ups can be even more painstaking. Our Lord commanded us to teach all nations and assured us that He is with us even to the end of time. If He has commanded evangelism and promised to be with us, then that should be enough to encourage us on. We should persuade one another in this urgent and important mission.

A total of 568 Houses visited, 769 Individuals Witnessed to, 56 Converts, 52 Houses Open for Bible Studies, 216 Houses Open for Follow-up in the areas of Villaros, Baretbet, Villa Coloma Bagabag, Diffon Quirino, and San Pedro Bagabag was reached by Gospel Xpress.

Because of the Lord’s faithfulness to His children, Gospel Xpress Door to Door Evangelism is very successful in Nueva Viscaya. Aside from his work with GX, Ed Gonzay keeps himself busy by helping and being involved with other Christian Organizations as well. He was invited as guest speaker for a High School program and for several Christian churches. In March 2007, the temporary extension church at his residence was already finished and he now regularly holds Sunday School for children and adults, preaching service, extension program for Sunday School in the afternoon, Youth Discipleship and One-on-One Evangelism.

To God be the glory!

Cavite

Our Cavite Team composed of Lissa Destura and John Paul de la Cruz in one area and father and son tandem of Lorie and Francis de Sena in another area continue to be zealous in spreading the Gospel through GX and other very helpful and practical ways.

For this year Lissa and John Paul were given the opportunity to share the good news to the residents of more than 360 houses. While they practiced door to door evangelism they were also able to witness to people they met at work and people they met every day on the streets and other places.

Lorie and Francis de Sena had a full schedule during the months of August-September. Their main task was to teach the parents (mothers) of SOP (Sanctuary of Praise) Day Care students and the SOP Congregation. Topics they touched include 1.Forgiveness- 1John 1:9 2. God Disciplines His Sons- Hebrews 12:5-11 3. Fake Gods-Deut. 4:39 4. Bible- Job 23:12 5.Prayer-John 16:24 and Hebrews 12:5-11 and 6. Faith- 1John 5:3-5. They also spent a day of praising and praying with the SOP Day Care mothers.

Praise the Lord for giving the opportunity to reach more souls through the work He assigned to each of us. He gives and He equips. “For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work: I will triumph in the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4.

SOP Daycare

SOP Church inaugurated the pre-school class of the Kids Center last 4 June 2007, offering free day care service for children ages 4-5 years old. With the kind heart of Ms. Shirley Tolosa, the center is able to teach Christian Values, English, Pilipino, Math and Science to 24 children. School supplies, other materials, and snacks are given free to these children.

Through this we were able to reach out to the parents of these children so that souls could be won for our Lord Jesus.

Mama Bay Cartagena teaches the kids with Ms. KC De Sena being the assistant teacher.

Parents, likewise, participate in the preparation of the snacks for the kids and the cleaning of the center after the class.

GX Sponsored Seminar

“How to share the Gospel to your kids” was the theme of this seminar. Participants were parents from the SOP daycare and nearby churches.

Lambat Ministries conducted the seminar under the leadership of Conrad Tolosa and Sis. Gin Tolosa. The lessons and workshops were very enlightening for most parents.

Baguio City

Sixteen participants with mixed age groups attended our seminar on evangelism. Bro. Chito started out with praise and worship before proceeding to the main part of the program. They enjoyed the lecture just as much as they enjoyed the singing. Afterwards those who prepared shared their short testimonies and gamely tried out their newly acquired strategy on soul winning on each other. The seminar ended with snacks provided by Bro. Chito and Sis. Irene.

The Reed Basket Child Care Center

Teacher Joey presented the first batch of students on their recognition day last April, 2007 where citations and special awards were handed out. Little Angel Mendita told the audience she would like to be a doctor when she grows up.

Our young students showed off their certificates of completion. Ms. Brenda Bayhon, Reed Basket president, shook the hand of Noralyn who received the Christian Character Award while program host Janis Tolosa and Pastor Winie Mata looked on.

This school year, Reed Basket Child Care Center has doubled the number of enrollees. We now have the “ready to read” group, which consists of the older students, and the beginners. Teacher Joey Tolosa is being assisted by two volunteers from Navy Base Christian fellowship, Chat Guisoben and Malu Mendita. A lot more educational activities are lined up for this year to help the children be better sons and daughters to their parents, better citizens of the community, and the best Leaders of tomorrow.

Teacher Joey’s assistants, Chat Guisoben and Malu Mendita are now enrolled in Kalos M.A. College taking up elementary education. Ronald Palacio, another active church member, is also enrolled in the same college taking up Information Technology. We are currently shouldering their studies thru the generosity of Sis. Brenda Bayhon.

Another Year Gone By

We praise and thank our Lord God for making our lives exciting. We thank Him for continually giving us the opportunity to work in His vineyard. We thank you our sisters, brothers, relatives, friends and church mates for your love gifts and prayers.

Soli Deo Gloria!

“The harvest is plenty-ful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38).

Prayer is important in a Christian’s life. Without it, our witness will be far less effective and we will be susceptible to the enemy. When we witness, we need the blessing and support of the Lord. Prayer makes all these possible.

We plant the seeds of the Gospel but it is God who gives the growth (1 Cor. 3:6-7). In prayer, we ask God to give that growth. In prayer, we ask God to convict the unrepentant of their sin and see their need for salvation.

Jesus prayed often; so should we. The reason is that we battle not against flesh and blood but against powers and the spiritual forces of darkness. That is where the real battle is. We need prayer because sharing the Gospel is certainly a spiritual battle.

Prayer is a privilege. Without it we will be unwise workers in the fields of the dead. Let us pray and ask the Lord of the harvest to raise the dead to life as we witness.

Sis. Lissa, Bros. Gary and John Paul continue to coordinate with different churches for door to door evangelism in different areas of this city.

In Golden City, Paliparan, together with some members of Jesus Loves You Church, met sisters Honey Serato and Ella Serato and their friend Rizzalyn Basol. After hearing the gospel, the three young ladies opened up their hearts to the group and told them about their job, which was illegal and not pleasing to the Lord. They realized they had to give up this job and look for a decent one if they wanted to grow in the spirit. Last Mar. 20, our team conducted a bible study at their home. Today the rest of their household attends the study. Let us pray for them.

In Brgy. Biglang Sibol with Word for Christ Ministry under Ptr. Diony Sefuentes, most of the people they witnessed to were willing to attend bible studies and were willing to be visited in their homes. We encountered no rejection in this area; they were receptive to God’s word.

Bagong Bayan- the coordinating church is World for Christ Ministries. There was a woman there who was so accommodating to have a bible study in her home. She’s been living here for a year now and was so happy to meet our team, for she is a Christian too. They were able to witness to mostly young people. Follow-up work is being conducted by John Paul.

In other areas, they conducted follow-up programs, held group bible studies, and visitations. Some groups were so accommodating, they were willing to share their personal experiences and were so open and friendly, while in other areas our team had to be very careful because Muslims dominate the area.

This quarter a total of 315 houses were visited.

Trece Martirez, Cavite

Brother Lorie and Sister Tess continue to hold group bible studies, particularly in Baranggay Luciano, Tradition Homes, and Sampaguita Village. Let’s continue to pray that they will be able to reach more areas.

Nueva Vizcaya

Pastor Gonsay with his children and Bro. Chito

Baguio City

Bro. Chito was guest speaker for Married Couples Fellowship in Navy Base Christian Fellowship, our partner church in this place. He challenged the husbands and the wives to be more vigilant in guarding the education of their children. He also shared with them our work in Gospel Xpress. He scheduled a seminar on door to door evangelism first week of May.

The Reed Basket Child Care Center

is scheduled to have its very first graduation ceremony on April 29, 2007. Teacher Joey is very excited to announce that after eight months the older kids have learned how to read and write which makes them ready for the first grade in any school of their choice. The younger ones learned their ABC’s, how to count from 1-20, and recognize shapes & colors. More importantly, they learned the importance of Jesus Christ in their young lives.

Bro. Tony (far right) with some of our GX workers met with other pastors and ministries during one of his visits last year.

We, as Christians are sent into the world as God’s messengers and Christ’s ambassadors, to broadcast this message as broadly as we can. This is our duty because God commands it, and also a privilege because it is a great thing to speak for God. Our job, then, is to go to our fellowmen and inform them of the gospel of Christ and try to make it plain to them; to remove, as best we can, any difficulties that they may find in it, to impress them with its importance, and to urge them to respond to it. This is our enduring responsibility; it is a basic part of our Christian calling.

Evangelism is necessary, because no man can be saved without the gospel. ‘There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek,’ proclaims Paul; ‘for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved.’ Yes, but nobody will be saved who does not call upon the name of the Lord, and certain things must happen before any man can do this. So Paul continues, ‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?’[Romans 10:12.] They must be told of Christ before they can trust Him, and they must trust Him before they can be saved by Him. Salvation depends on faith, and faith on knowing the gospel. God’s way of saving sinners is to bring them to faith by bringing them into contact with the gospel. Evangelism is a necessity if anyone is to be saved at all.

Men without Christ are lost. ‘Except ye repent,’ said our Lord to the crowd, ‘ye shall all perish.’[Luke 13:3] And we who are Christ’s are sent to tell them of the only one who can save them from perishing. This makes evangelism a matter of urgency for us. The world is full of people who are unaware that they stand under the wrath of God. It is a matter of urgency that we should go to them, and try to arouse them, and show them the means of escape.

2007 Philippine Mission Field

Cavite has a total population of 2,063,161 based on the year 2000 census. The main languages spoken are Tagalog, Chabacano and English. However, due to a large number of immigrants from farther provinces due to Cavite’s proximity to Manila, a number of people also speak Bikolano, Cebuano, and Ilokano. In line with national statistics, the majority (87%) of the population are Roman Catholic while adherents of Iglesia ni Cristo account for 4% of the population. Other Christian sects and Muslims comprise the remainder.

Cavite is one of the fastest growing provinces in the country due to its close proximity to Metro Manila. Many companies have established manufacturing plants in numerous industrial parks.

Cavite

Trece Martires was where we all started our GX door to door evangelism campaign in the year 2000. Slowly, but consistently, our GX workers moved from house to house through different subdivisions and baranggays. Thousands of residents were able to hear the pure message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have established bible studies and cell groups. Today we have covered almost all of the major subdivisions and baranggays of this city. We were able to reach parts of the municipalities of Indang, Amadeo, Silang, Gen. Trias, Dasmarinas, Gen. Mariano Alverez, Kawit and the city of Tagaytay. Since then we were able also to train workers from different Christian denominations who, in turn, brought the gospel to other parts of the country.

Door to door evangelism, the heralding of good news, is not easy, for in evangelism, we attack the strongholds of Satan. True evangelism often results in Christians being mocked and mistreated.

Nueva Vizcaya

I would like to commend our GX workers for they preach the gospel not for their fame, their advancement on the ecclesiological ladder, nor for their financial gain. They consider themselves as servants, or rather, as stewards entrusted with a commission. They know whom they should please. They look to God primarily. It is for His Name’s sake that they go out. They have become models of the gospel. The gospel has changed them. Their examples speak, perhaps more than their words.

This year 2007 we will continue to wear out more shoes for the gospel. We will continue to concentrate our efforts in Cavite, Metro Manila, Baguio and Nueva Vizcaya.

GX would like to specially thank our 2006 workers for their faithfulness. Many of them will not be working with us this year and we will miss them. We would like also to thank and acknowledge the Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO), our Presbyterian brothers, our Christian brethren, and friends for their support and participation. May our good Lord bless us as we move on to tomorrow.

Ladies L to R: Connie de Luna, Eden Jacalne, Adela Cabulong, Nora Ybanez, Lissa Destura, Edith Ramosa, Estrella Gonsay, Malou Tayoni, Tess Obo. Men L to R: Eduardo Gonsay, Romy Olaes, Nestor Cartagena, Gary Sylva, John Paul de la Cruz, Cesar Tayoni, Boy Obo, Lory de Sena

We would like to share with you this report submitted by Mr. Lorie De Sena who is presently an elder of Sanctuary of Praise Fellowship. His heart ailment forced him to retire early from his office job, however, his condition does not stop him from doing house to house evangelism with Gospel Xpress. Lorie’s report, translated into English, is about his experience in one of his evangelistic journeys –

Praise be to the Lord! We at Sanctuary of Praise would like to share with you God’s goodness. We would like to thank you also for all the help you have extended to our team as we spread God’s good news.

I had doubts before regarding my mission work with Gospel Xpress. I was in a hurry to be able to convince somebody to attend our church and over eager to see the fruits of my labor. But somehow nothing much has happened. This discouraged me. I asked the Lord to help me persevere and was reminded of His promise to be with me as I walk the streets of Cavite looking for homes that will open their doors for the gospel and possible disciples.

Finally, I met a couple who were searching for the truth. Using GX Comics, I shared with them God’s gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ. They came to realize they are loved in spite of their sins. Aris and Rose have found just what they were looking for.

It was Rose, the wife, who let me in their humble home. There I met her husband Aris who looked very sick, pale and thin. I learned he has lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes in the throat, and he had very high level of blood sugar which he said caused his heart to beat double time. He appeared to be gasping for breath all the time, even if he was just sitting or lying down. Their two sons were also very sick that time. I asked them if they would allow me to pray for their family and they agreed.

Aris and Rose became more friendly and warm after that. They opened their home for regular bible study. After a few meetings, they were now ready to tell us about themselves.

According to Aris, he was not the ordinary neighborhood toughie. He was moneyed, armed and dangerous. He was feared by his neighbors because he spared no one. He had a well-built body. He was proud and powerful. He used to work as body guard for a popular politician. He was also an undercover agent in a well- known law enforcement agency. He underwent lots of rigid training. In one of those trainings, he was brainwashed to have no mercy because pity had no place in their work. He was taught not to trust anyone. He had to be alert and on his toes all the time. Their agency had their own set of laws and justice which only insiders like him knew about. At that time, he thought his agency helped him a lot because he always got what he wanted. He didn’t realize he was already abusing power and going way beyond his duties.

“Eraser” was how his co-agents called him. Obviously, he was his boss’ hitman. He did the dirty job.

Year 2001 was a turning point in his career. A supposed legitimate drug busting operation went sour when he shot two suspected drug pushers in front of their relatives. The relatives cried, “foul!” and sued him for human rights violation and murder. He was left by his agency to defend himself and was kicked out of his job. In order to support his family, he offered his services as a gun-for-hire and body guard. Through all this, Rose kept her mouth shut.

It’s hard to believe these things happen in real life. It’s like an adventure or espionage movie.

But God works in mysterious ways! One day, Aris suddenly fell sick. He felt weak and dying. His body deteriorated fast and it became difficult for him to perform well in his job. As a result, no one wanted to hire him. Rose sold their possessions one by one so that they would have money for food and medicine. They cursed God and blamed Him for their miserable life. They swore they would die believing He does not exist.

But truly, God is in control. He is all powerful! He touched the hearts of Aris and Rose.

I was overjoyed when the couple agreed to attend church when I invited them. Finally, my effort paid off. That Sunday, we had a guest evangelist from Australia. He conducted a special healing and prayer service. Aris and Rose were moved.

God took away Aris’ illness and made him well the moment the couple humbled themselves before God’s presence. Their transformation was slow but sure. The proud and fearless man is now peace-loving and forgiving.

They were teary-eyed while they were sharing their story with me. They admitted they have done so much damage to many lives and emotions. They are now faced with the responsibility of rebuilding their life and their relationship with those around them. It would be hard for them to make peace with the people they have hurt but they stand on the promise that God will help them all the way.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope the story of Aris and Rose will serve as an inspiration to all of us in whatever trial or triumph we may be experiencing in our lives. Let us continue to pray for them as they travel the road to “recovery”. Likewise, please pray for workers like me not to grow weary as I continue to search for the lost. Praise be to God!

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

John 5:24-29