The Asian Baptist Clearinghouse (ABC) is experiencing remarkable growth. What began with only two missionaries now serves more than 300 missionary units in 60 countries. The story of that growth is a testimony to God’s blessing, the faithfulness of Filipino churches, and the power of prayer.

On a recent trip to the Philippines, I had the opportunity to visit with BCMN-endorsed missionary Paul Byars. Bro. Byars is both a pastor and the director of the Asian Baptist Clearinghouse.

A Prayer Movement That Changed Everything

Five years ago, Jon Konnerup challenged churches in the Philippines to pray for more missionaries at 9:38 a.m. and 9:38 p.m. — a reminder of Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:38:

“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Churches across the Philippines accepted the challenge, and during the last five years the number of missionaries associated with ABC has doubled.

By the Numbers

Currently, ABC has 321 career missionary units serving in 60 countries, in addition to several short-term and tent-making missionaries. ABC counts married couples as one missionary unit. In 2027, another 25 couples are expected to be approved.

Bro. Byars stated that it typically takes about two years for missionaries to raise their support, which comes primarily from Filipino churches. Missionaries are required either to have a Bible college degree or to have served as a pastor for at least five years.

From Two Missionaries to a Growing Ministry

ABC was founded by missionary Lloyd Baker, and Bro. Byars joined him just a few months after the ministry began. At that time, only two missionaries were using the services of ABC. Bro. Byars became the director in 2005.

ABC’s office is located in a condominium that was purchased in 2010. Seven ladies currently staff the office and process missionary funds. Because of continued growth, another staff member will soon be added.

Bro. Byars spends Tuesdays and Thursdays in the office, where he interviews and trains new missionaries and plans retreats designed to encourage them.

ABC does not charge missionaries any fees for the services it provides. Churches in both the Philippines and the United States financially support the ministry. However, additional support is needed to hire much-needed staff and to remodel the office.

A Church Planted from Tragedy

Bro. Byars also pastors a Bible Baptist Church in Tanza. In 1994, he joined a national pastor in planting that church. The following year, that pastor was killed in an accident, and Bro. Byars became the pastor.

He began with 35 people meeting in a house. As the church grew, the congregation saved money to purchase land, and God opened the door for them to acquire property along a major highway. Over the years, they constructed a four-story building that will seat approximately 1,000 people once a balcony is added.

The Local Church at the Center

Bro. Byars stated that the local church is the primary reason he is a missionary in the Philippines. To date, three churches have been started out of the ministry, and two mission churches are currently in the early stages of development. All are staffed by people who were saved and discipled through his church.

In addition, six missionaries have been sent out from the church to countries including India, Rwanda, Bolivia, and Zimbabwe.

Faithful Service, No Salary

Bro. Byars receives no salary from ABC for the work he does. Like most missionaries, he raises his own support. Although he is blind, he continues to serve faithfully, even though travel can be difficult. Whenever he is in the United States, he would be a tremendous blessing to any church that has the opportunity to host him.

A Testimony to Answered Prayer

The growth of the Asian Baptist Clearinghouse is a testimony to God’s blessing, the vision of Filipino churches, and the dedication of faithful servants like Paul Byars. As more missionaries are approved and sent around the world, the need for prayer and financial support will only increase.

Perhaps the most encouraging lesson is this: five years ago churches committed themselves to obeying Matthew 9:38 and pray for laborers. God has answered those prayers in a remarkable way. May we all continue to pray “the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”