UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

Web site: http://www.wcgmindanao.org        May 24, 2002

Trinity Seminary Professor To Discuss I, II, and III John

QUEZON CITY, Philippines -- Dr. Donald Ackerman of Trinity College is slated to hold a class on the First, Second and Third Letters of the Apostle John at the Regional Office on June 3 and 4. The course is credited by Trinity. Upon completion of the course, the students will have gained a better grasp of the letters of John, helping them to apply John's teachings in their daily life. Students will have also learned what gnosticism is and come to a comprehensive understanding of dealing with cults. The cost for the course is as follows: Associate Level, P375; Bachelor Level, P425; Masteral Level, P525; and MSL, P625. Brethren who wish to attend the class are encouraged to call Tess Asuit and/or Ester Tagarino at the regional office to signify their interest on or before May 28. We need 15 confirmations for the class to push through. --Arlan Aquino, IFLBS Academic Coordinator

Church Leader Attends Ethnic Ministry Training

       After having attended the Condensed World Mission Course (CWMC), many of our church leaders have developed a heart for missions here in Mindanao. A few days after the CWMC, and with the help of funds coming from the Missions Board chair, Dr. Taniajura, one of them attended an Ethnic Ministry Training, conducted by a missionary organization devoted to reaching out the largest unreached people group (UPG) in the Philippines. The 10-day seminar was conducted right in the territory of this UPG. Their mission exposure trip included living for a several days right in the homes and community of this UPG. Please pray for these new developments as we get more and more involved in missions. --Len Joson, Mindanao Area Coordinator

ATS-Bacolod Appoints Dr. Taniajura as Board Member

        The Board of Trustee of ATS-Bacolod has accepted Dr. Reynaldo Taniajura as a Board member for a three-year term starting June, 2002. This is another milestone in the area of networking with the Christian community of which Dr. Taniajura has been and continues to be very active. The working relationship was, in large measure, brought about under the auspices of Mr. Godfrey Serfino, a Master of Biblical Studies graduate of the said seminary, who initiated the arrangement. For its Mission Statement, ATS-Bacolod exists to help train members and leaders of evangelical churches in the Visayas Area. It is also committed to the historical evangelical view of the Bible as the inerrant Word of God and to all classic Biblical doctrines. Mr. Serafin Aguirre, the Chairman of the Board, said that he is thankful to God for using ATS-B to provide graduate level training for God's servants in this region. So far, no less than 44 workers have already finished their master's degree through ATS-B and are now actively serving God in various strategic ministries. --George Escara, Visayas Area Coordinator

Dr. Rey Taniajura Teaches Summer Classes at ATS-Bacolod

       Dr. Taniajura is currently conducting summer classes at ATS-Bacolod on two subjects - World Missions and Urban Anthropology & Missions/Ministry. Classes started May 20-31, and the World Missions class has 25 students, 16 of which are WCG members. In the history of the seminary, this particular class may hold the record of highest number of students so far. The class on Urban Anthropology has 15 students, 2 of which are our church members. In this subject, most of the students are pastors. Dr. Taniajura's teaching stint at the seminary is a back-to-back arrangement where in return of his professorial services, 12 members of our Church taking the above subjects would be given scholarships by ATS-B. The Seminary Board Chairman, Mr. Serafin Aguirre, hoped that Dr. Taniajura's teaching at ATS-B would be the start of a long working relationship. --George Escara, Visayas Area Coordinator

Update from Oriental Mindoro

       By God's grace, our local congregation has now gained more courage to invite people to church services especially the youth. We began inviting those in Pinagsabangan, Naujan where we were able to form a Youth Club. We found out that many were just waiting to be invited to church. We witnessed this for several months as we shared the good news to them through the leadership of my husband. We are happy now because presently we have four areas that we are taking care of: 10 are attending Bible Study in Calapan, 15 to 20 are attending in Naujan, 25 to 30 are attending in in Bansud and about 10 are attending in Villa Cerves. It is our goal that our Youth Club will become the instrument to share the gospel of Jesus in every community here in Mindoro. We have already begun doing this in our locality and through the Youth Club, three youths have already been baptized. This is just the beginning. --Ruth Ornejas

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you." (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

 Len.Joson@wcg.org