May 7, 2004
NPMP Chair Joins Patrick Chong to Conduct NM Survey of PF Japan
Dr. Rey Taniajura, National Prison Ministries, Philippines (NPMP) board chairman, joined Patrick Chong in Tokyo, Japan last April 21 to 26 to conduct a national ministry survey of Prison Fellowship (PF) Japan. The survey was conducted for re-chartering purposes of the national ministry. The schedule of Mr. Chong and Dr. Taniajura included the following: 1) a visit to Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) and met with its present head, Mr. Rey Leaf;
The team of Mr. Chong and Dr. Taniajura, together with Executive Director Yuji Horikawa also participated in a worship service at the Siloam church which is pastored by PFJ’s chairman, Pastor Hiroyuki Suzuki. Pastor Suzuki, a former member of the “Yakuza” and an ex-prisoner who turned to Christ, founded Mission Barabbas. Mission Barabbas is comprised of former Yakuza members who have been set free by Christ.
In the April-May issue of PFI World (the newsletter of Prison Fellowship International), it mentions that Pastor Suzuki “estimates that about 50% of his congregation are ex-prisoners and former gang members. Recently, the Japan Ministry of Justice authorized Pastor Suzuki as an official prison chaplain, making him the first ex-prisoner to hold such a position in Japan.” --From the newsletter of PFI Philippines, May 2004 issue
PFI Exec. Vice-President Visits Manila
Timothy Khoo, executive vice-president of Prison Fellowship International (PFI) had a short stop-over in Manila, on April 20 and 21, on his way to visit the prison ministry people in Palau. While in Manila, Mr. Khoo had the opportunity to meet with National Prison Ministries, Philippines (NPMP) board chairman Dr. Rey Taniajura, board members Carlos Castro and Rod Cornejo, NPMP executive director Rey Halili and NPMP staff Tess Asuit and Andy Ducay.
At the meeting, Mr. Khoo was introduced to Mr. Rodolfo S. Diamante, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Mr. Diamante who has taken the course on restorative justice at Queen’s University in Toronto, Canada is promoting the concept of restorative justice in the Philippines. He is also with various Asian organizations involved in prisons ministry work.
Preliminary ideas on how NPMP and the Commission on Pastoral Care can mutually promote restorative justice in the Philippines were raised in the meeting. The discussants noted with interest that Dr. Taniajura is also a graduate of the same RJ course in Queen’s University. The possibility of the NPMP and the Commission jointly sponsoring a national prison correctional awareness week in October was also explored at the meeting. --From the newsletter of PFI Philippines, May 2004 issue
Dr. Rey Taniajura, Carlos Castro, Tess Asuit and Andy Ducay are all members of the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines.
"Deep Sea Adventure" in WCG Manila South
Manila South Church conducted its first Vacation Bible School (VBS) last April 26-30, 2004 at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Ding Guerrero, Barangay Langgam, San Pedro, Laguna. The "Deep Sea Adventure" lessons aim to help the students discover the wonders of the sea, to magnify the Creator of all these wonders, and to understand the great value of God's salvation. Some 38 children and young teens attended and were taught to seek and treasure that “most precious pearl" who is Jesus Christ.
The classes were conducted for 2 hours every morning for 5 days. Mary Ann Guerrero taught the age group 3-7 with 13 children. Age group 8-11 was handled by Gemma Venus and had attendance of 15. The young teens (12-15) were taught by Tets Parane and had attendance of 10.
Pastor Andy Ducay spoke with the participants and some parents during the closing ceremony. He invited them to visit our church during services if they are interested to continue learning. Certificates of attendance were given, and also some tokens for those who excel in their activities and those who showed exemplary attitudes. Snacks were served to complete the celebration.
Wedding at WCG Daet
Rey Salayon and Belinda Manjares were married May 1 at the Danawan Pavilion in Vinzons, Camarines Norte. Rey is the chairman of the pastoral team of the Daet congregation of the Worldwide Church of God. He works for the Bank of the Philippine Islands in Daet. Belinda works for a telecommunications company, also in Daet. The wedding was conducted by Dr. Rey Taniajura, area superintendent for Southern Luzon. Bestman for the wedding was Ptr. Edwin Monterde while Ms. Emily Ignacio was the matron of honor.
YOUTHoughts
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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)