February 20, 2004

57 New Believers Accept Jesus Christ

57 new believers accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord during the months of January and February. Ten in Norton St., New Kalalake, Olongapo City accepted the Lord Jesus on January 31, 2004. Seventeen in NIA Road, Brgy. Pinyahan, QC gladly accepted Christ on Feb. 14 and 39 new believers in two remote mountain sitios in Brgy. Paradise 3, San Jose Del Monte City proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ on Feb. 15. WCG Outreach and All for Christ Ministry (ACM) workers moved the occasion to next month for the new believers in Block 121, Mother Ignacia St., Bgy. South Triangle, QC due to the unexpected Carmelite activities in the area on Feb. 14. --Remegio G. Cruz

46 Students Graduate from Free Basic Computer Training Course

San Fernando, Pampanga - 46 students, 22 males and 24 females, from the second batch of the Basic Computer Training Course (Windows, Microsoft Office and Hardware) graduated last December 15, 2003. This project of the Pampanga church is being done in cooperation with the Pampanga Computer Learning Center (PCLC) under the supervision of the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA).

The graduation ceremony was held at the WCG Pampanga Church Service Hall at the GAMP Building, MacArthur Highway, Sindalan, San Fernando, Pampanga. Pastor Pio Umlas gave the opening remarks, Pastor Audie Santibañez gave an inspirational talk, while pastoral team member Anacleto Flores, Jr. gave the opening and closing prayers. The guest speaker was the San Fernando City councilor, the Hon. Noel Tulabut. Bro. Rhomie V. Fernandez, the instructor and overall supervisor of the training program course, served as the masters of ceremonies.

It was considered a very enjoyable occasion as the parents and relatives of the graduates were present. It was also an opportunity for the church to proclaim the gospel of the love of God to all those who attended. The students openly expressed their gratitude to the members of WCG Pampanga for their love and support. --Carlos M. Castro

44 Completed the "Leading Non-Believers to Jesus Christ - A Small Group Study Series"

San Fernando, Pampanga - 44 believers and non-believers completed the "Leading Non-Believers to Jesus Christ Study Series" last February 1 at the WCG Pampanga Church Service Hall.

The study series was taken for seven consecutive Sundays after the worship services. Pastoral team members, Carlos Castro - in-charge of Discipleship Ministry, Reynaldo Calma, and Anacleto Flores, Jr. served as facilitators.

This study series is a part of the National Discipleship Program given to seekers. However, even those who had been attending the church took it and found it very helpful and enlightening to them. They were very thankful that they joined the group. This study series is now currently being used for the prisoners at the Pampanga Provincial Jail and Angeles City District Jail as part of the Prison Ministry of the WCG Pampanga Church. --Carlos M. Castro

Sta. Rosa Church's Youth Ministry Takes Shape

Eighteen (18) youths ages 10 to 19 gathered after worship services at the Santillans’ Farm last February 15, 2004 to mark the beginning of the Santa Rosa Church’s Youth Ministry.

The activity was initiated and hosted by Marites Santillan after having come from the Youth Ministry Training givne by Pastor Rex Dela Peña held at Dumaguete City earlier in February. Being a mother of fast-growing young teenagers herself, she saw the need to start gathering the youths of the congregation on a regular basis in order to provide them with Christian nurture and guidance through fun-filled activities and fellowship with their peers.

Along with youth workers Gully and Rachel Santos and Grace Babol, the youth gathering was highlighted by getting to know more of each other, sharing lunch together, appointment of youth leaders and brainstorming for future activities.

Activities such as once a month worship leading and serving in church, having retreats and community outreaches, and camping or ice-skating are just a few of the activities the Santa Rosa youths and youth workers are looking forward to. --Rachel Santos

BCF Hosts "True Love Waits" Seminar

The Barandilla Community Fellowship (WCG Ipil) hosted the True Love Waits (TLW) seminar last February 7,2004. It was a one day seminar conducted by PSALM (Philippine Student Alliance Lay Movement). The three-Lesson True love Waits course explains how young people can have the true love of their lives and experience fulfillment while waiting for the proper time. The President of PSALM with her 3 staff members conducted the seminar.There were 24 who attended coming from different denominations. Snacks and meals were served by WCG ladies. --Jocelyn C. Serbol

This Week's Comments from our Readers

"This is another very encouraging report of what God is doing among our brethren in the Philippines. It is very encouraging to read. Keep up the good work. Good job, mate." --From Australia

"Just want to thank you for keeping us updated with what the Lord is doing in the Philippines. Many of us may have left the Philippines but the work of God in the Philippines inspires us all the time. It is also great to see details of what is happening in the different churches; church plants, marriages, training, outreaches, conversions, etc.. We praise God for you all over there. The Filipino population here in the USA is growing. God willing, we hope that our Filipino members here will be used by God to reach many for Christ. God's work in the Philippines is a powerful testimony. It serves as a motivation for us all. Thanks for staying faithful." --From California, USA

The Update from WCG Philippines is an official e-mail weekly newsletter with a purpose to encourage, build up and edify the membership of the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines and everyone else who is interested through the sharing of news and updates from the local churches. The brethren are encouraged to submit a short article if their local church has some news or update worth sharing to everyone. Become part of this information ministry, send in your news and updates, encourage the brethren and edify the church. To send articles and photos,  to subscribe or unsubscribe, write to Len.Joson@wcg.org. Our weekly e-mail updates can also be accessed and viewed at our WCG Mindanao website at http://www.wcgmindanao.org.

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)