Restoration does not happen in isolation. At Haggai International, the Haggai Leader Experience (HLE) equips individuals to demonstrate and present the Gospel back home and spark a ripple effect in their community. One preacher, named Oso, witnessed this power of multiplication firsthand. What began as personal growth through the HLE has grown into equipping others to preach and lead, igniting restoration across churches and communities in Southeast Asia.

Originally from the Philippines, Haggai Leader Oso now serves in other areas of Asia as the preacher of International Baptist Church Filipino-Hong Kong. His routine includes preaching on weekends at his church, while engaging in street evangelism on weekdays, often using music to communicate the Gospel. After attending the HLE, Oso had a revelation, “I must seize every opportunity to evangelize, disciple, and train others for the Gospel,” he said. While reflecting on one special moment during the event, Oso added, “It was there that I renewed my commitment to the Lord to become more faithful in the work that the Lord has entrusted to me, and God has been granting that prayer of mine since then.”

Working in a foreign land has not been without challenges. Even in places where Christianity is legal, believers often face hardship and opposition. Language and cultural barriers create further obstacles. Yet, Oso has found ways to make the Gospel known and minister to both Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the local community.

One of the ministries closest to Oso’s heart is an Airport Ministry that he is a part of. Before the pandemic, his church greeted new OFWs arriving in Southeast Asia. The ministry provided legal information, refreshments, and the hope of the Gospel. Out of many encounters, one story stands out. Oso met with a new arrival who soon called him and asked to be taken to church. She later declared her hope in Christ amid a worship service. When she returned to the Philippines during the pandemic, she began a Bible study in her home and eventually led her family to Christ. Today, her family continues to serve faithfully. For Oso, this story exemplifies how a single encounter can trigger a chain of transformation that spans countries and generations.

Beyond airport ministry, Oso also invests in equipping OFWs through development programs. In January 2023, his church hosted a three-day event focused on evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual maturity. The purpose was twofold: to strengthen members in their current ministry and to prepare them for future service when they return home to the Philippines. Through this work, many OFWs are now equipped to start Bible study groups in their communities, extending the love of Jesus beyond Oso’s immediate circle of influence.

Equipping pastors has also become a significant part of Oso’s ministry. In February 2023, he and a partner conducted a Pastor’s Upgrading Seminar for 80 pastors in Negros Occidental, Philippines. The event provided fresh tools and encouragement to leaders whose ministries had suffered during the pandemic. Oso now hopes to continue this seminar annually to keep pastors equipped and encouraged in their work.

In addition to these structured programs, Oso continues to reach students, the elderly, and communities through street evangelism and campus ministry. Using music as a bridge across cultural and linguistic barriers, these efforts have exposed thousands to the Gospel.

Oso’s story reminds us that God’s vision is nothing less than bringing his restoration to all things. What began with one leader’s “yes” to the Haggai Leader Experience continues to ripple outward. At Haggai International, we believe this is how the Gospel moves: one life renewed, multiplied into many, until God’s love impacts every corner of creation.

Written by Zoë Webb