Pentecostal Pioneer

From the Foreword Rose Engcoy's insightful study of the life and ministry of Rodrigo ("Rudy") Esperanza is important for two reasons. The first is that all of us have much to learn from Rev. Esperanza's example. After all, he was one of the pioneers of Pentecostalism in the Philippines. His work as a church planter, pastor, educator, and long-time senior administrator of the Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God (PGCAG) was vitally important to that denomination's early success which has situated it in the front ranks of the community of Spirit-filled believers in his beloved homeland. ...Rev. Esperanza, a veteran ecclesiastical firefighter who doused the flames of many a conflict that threatened to disrupt the PGCAG's unity, not only helped to pilot the United Pentecostal Fellowship but also led his fellow Pentecostals in collaboration with non-Pentecostal evangelicals in a range of evangelistic and ministry activities that went a long way toward allaying suspicions on both sides. Growing churches are always the most vulnerable to conflict and schism, so Christians who long for unity in the body of Christ can learn a lot from Rev. Esperanza. This book will help with that. But Dr. Engcoy's study is important for another reason as well. Today the Christian community is growing rapidly in Asia, especially East Asia, rivaling the explosive growth of the church in Africa. Riding the crest of the wave are Pentecostal denominations like the PGCAG....This study of Rudy Esperanza and the early years of the PGCAG gives us a very good idea of what lies ahead for Philippine Protestantism. I find that enormously encouraging. George W. Harper, Ph.D Asia Graduate School of Theology Quezon City, Philippines