March 5, 2004

50 Parents and Children Accept Christ at WCG Initao OBS

About 30 parents and 20 children accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior during an outreach program conducted by the WCG Initao OBS area last February 15, 2004 at the residence of Mr. & Ms. Roldan and Venie Tacbobo. Venie, who is  a municipal social worker, has been faithfully doing children's ministry for several years now. The Tacbobos invited the parents, mostly Catholics, during the program to witness the presentations of their children. Then this writer presented the gospel by using the John 3:16 illustration. After receiving positive feedback from the audience an altar call was made and all of them came forward to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Please help us pray for our leaders in this area that we may be able to sustain the work that God has started here. --Jerome Manriquez, Pastoral Team Chairman for WCG Cagayan de Oro City

One-day Seminar on Wholistic Ministry in Cabanatuan City

Cabanatuan City -- A one-day equipping and consultation seminar on Biblical Wholism and Transformation was held in Cabanatuan City last February 28 where Dr. Rey Taniajura was the principal speaker. Prior to Dr. Taniajura’s message, Bishop Dan Balais of Intercessors Philippines spoke on Prophetic Intercession and Revival. Some 120 pastors and Christian leaders of different evangelical churches in Cabanatuan City and Nueva Ecija province attended the meeting. Five WCG Cabanatuan City pastoral team members also participated.

Dr. Taniajura introduced the concepts and principles of wholistic ministry using Darrow Miller’s video presentation on the “Kingdom of God”. The greater part of the seminar was an interactive discussion with the participants on how wholistic ministry can be applied in the context of the local church and community ministries. The seminar created an interest, particularly from the chairman of the city's pastoral fellowship, to hold a Vision Conference sometime later where the bulk of the Samaritan Strategy materials can be introduced and discussed. Dr. Marita Viloria, executive director of Kalinga Ministry, and her associate Edith Capule, organized the consultation meeting in partnership with the pastoral fellowship of Cabanatuan City.

In a related development, Bishop Efraim Tendero, national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) invited Dr. Rey Taniajura to sit as a corporate member of the Philippine Relief and Development Services, Inc. (PHILRADS). Philrads is the relief and development arm of PCEC whose mandate is to help the poor and the needy in Christ’s name.

PHIAA Davao City Chapter Conducts Leadership Seminar

The Davao City Chapter of the Philippine Haggai Institute Alumni Association (PHIAA), conducted an Area Weekend Seminar (AWS) in Davao City last March 1-3, 2004. Mr. Jun Moncal, a leader from the WCG Davao City was among the 32 participants from the city's various denominations who attended and graduated from the 3-day seminar on leadership with an emphasis on evangelism. "Wow! Haggai Institute has strengthened even more my desire to evangelize!" he commented. 

Haggai Institute's international faculty member and national coordinator for seminars, Norma Gaston and her husband, Pastor Ed Gaston, graced the occasion and supervised the whole seminar. Pastor Bert Diao, currently president of PHIAA's Davao chapter led in organizing the successful activity. Area Superintendent Len Joson, currently vice president of PHIAA's Davao chapter, gave the first lecture on the Biblical Mandate for Evangelism.   

A third Area Weekend Seminar in Davao City is scheduled this June 17-19, 2004. WCG Mindanao pastors and leaders are highly encouraged to attend.

PTC Radio Program Reaches Wider Sector of Society

"A trainee in my office -- who is a regular attendee of our worship services -- informed me that some drivers of public utilities jeepneys are tuning in to our radio broadcasts every Saturday. As you know, her family owns a store in the vicinity of the  parking area, and according to her, we have regular listeners in their area! I was wondering about it considering that our Plain Truth Commentary is in English, but she explained that these listeners were formerly overseas foreign workers (OFWs) like seamen and the like. What a joy, that through His grace, our radio program captivates listeners from that sector of our society!" --Fe Martinez, Kalibo, Aklan

Update from WCG Davao City

For this past month, we had a brief acquaintance with the family of the late George Porter who died in a local hospital here due to kidney failure complications. He was an independent missionary but due to lack of support (they are from Luzon) and having no relatives in Davao, he was only given a pauper’s burial. The WCG Davao congregation assisted the bereaved family in the burial arrangements and some expenses. I also officiated in the funeral services last February 29. 

We also continued our pastoral visits and visit to a member who was hospitalized. --Pastor Oscar Baslao, Pastoral team chairman for WCG Davao City, Digos City & Tagum City  

Tarlac City Church Celebrates 22nd Anniversary

The WCG Tarlac City Church celebrated its 22nd church anniversary celebration with 37 in attendance last March 29, 2004. The WCG Dagupan City music ministry did a very well and the support of the WCG Cabanatuan City brethren was very encouraging. Everyone benefited from the joyous occasion. The Lord's presence was clearly evident. We also had candle ceremony to signify our desire to be on fire for the Lord. Everyone also enjoyed the prepared lunch. --Pastor Mike Datu, Elder in WCG Tarlac City

SEP Pili 2004

A trip to beautiful Mayon volcano. Boating. Learning to catch a fish. Crossing a hanging bridge. These are just four of the many wonderful adventures awaiting campers to the SEP 2004 in Pili, Camarines Sur from April 17 to 24. The campsite is at Ecovillage, a place where nature is at its best. SEP-Pili promises to be an exciting time for summer education and spiritual enhancement. It is a great time to enjoy Christ, with new friends and old buddies. For registration and inquiries, contact the Camp Director Dr. Jose Manzano (email jvmanzano2003@yahoo.com or cp 09172050018), Roy Valenzuela (roy083071@yahoo.com or cp 09272463942) or Arlan Aquino (arlan_aquino@ph.wcg.org).

SEP Visayas 2004

The Summer Educational Program (SEP) for the Visayas region will be in Cebu City back again this year. Please check their website for more details. Click me. 

SEP Mindanao 2004

The Emeralda CIC Resort is the new SEP youth summer camp site for Mindanao this year. The beautiful beach resort with fine facilities is located in Pagahan, Initao, Misamis Oriental, between the Cagayan de Oro City - Iligan City Corridor, one of the country's economic zones. The tourist destination is ideal for scuba diving and has caves and rock formations along its shores. 

Interested parents, brethren and friends are welcome to join and see the camp provided they take care of their own food and lodging needs. The beach resort management allows the setting up of tents within their grounds for a minimal fee. Dormitories and cottages will be reserved for the campers and staff. A camper application form is now available for download at the WCG Mindanao website. 

This Week's Comments from our Readers

"I was warmed to hear the churches back home 'on fire'. It really gave me strength and encouragement. Your regular update is like a heart pumping blood that circulates to all parts of the body. Thank you very much. --From a Filipino WCG missionary in the 10/40 window.

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)