June 2,  2005

43 Singles Attend Visayas-Mindanao Singles Summer Camp

With the theme, "Hearts on Fire," 43 singles from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao attended the first Visayas-Mindanao Single Summer Camp held for the first time in Davao City last May 26-29. On the first day at the Malagos Garden Resort, the group listened to the first Christian Living Class based on the issues discussed in the book, "Disappointment with God" by Philip Yancey.

After the class, the group proceeded to the Philippine Eagle Conservation Foundation to learn about various birds especially the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, a huge predatory bird with a 2-meter wing span endemic to the Philippines.

The following day, the group enjoyed many challenging team-building activities like the 30 feet high catwalk, jumping from a 50 feet high pole, climbing up and down the hill, climbing up the wall, the trust fall, and other activities at the Outland Adventure. A lot of the singles who are SEP counselors, staff and former SEP campers enjoyed and was thrilled with the adventure. Many of them would like to come back the next time. After the whole day activity, the group proceeded to Talikud Island (part of Samal Island) where they had a bonfire chat and games along the beach after dinner.

On the third day of camp, two Christian Living Classes were simultaneously conducted regarding Singleness and Repentance. Some singles commented that it was their first time to really understand what repentance is all about based on Mike Feazell's "Getting a Grip on Repentance." A couple of  singles also asked questions regarding baptism. A lady guest speaker from the Campus Crusade for Christ was invited to discuss singleness.

On the last day of the camp, time was spent on games at the beach and on sight-seeing aboard four pump boats to see the caves at the other side of Talikud Island. After the camp, several singles stayed one more day to go around and see the city. All the singles were definitely thrilled with their experience in Davao City. Lots of pictures can be viewed by clicking here.

Thanks to Pastor Oscar Baslao and the whole Davao City Church for successfully hosting and organizing this activity. Special thanks to Ann Laureano and her team for a job well done. God is surely pleased.

Baptisms in Bohol

Saturday, May 21, 2005 was a joyous day to Bohol brethren most specially to Mrs. Domiciana “Canel” Badilla, a long-time member in Jagna, Bohol, when another 3 of her children got baptized in the cool waters of Jagna Bay. The three, namely, Alexa Nell Badilla Regis, Anabel Mae Badilla and Aillene Badilla are elder sisters of Asher Badilla, who was baptized at SEP-Cebu last April. 

Their baptism brought the number of resident members in Jagna to a total of 7, all belonging to the family of Juanita Cuarteros, a pioneer member in that town. In a related development, another 3 persons were also baptized in Buenavista, Bohol, last April 10, namely, spouses Celso and Antonina Decosto and son, Angelito. A younger son, Rhamsel, was also baptized at SEP-Cebu.

To-date, there are already 10 baptized members in Buenavista, under the care of OBS Leader, Erwin Torregosa and wife Elenita. --Romy Pusta

Forestry Church: Mid-Year Discipleship Retreat

10 church members from Forestry, 5 from Manila and 1 from Quezon City attended a Mid-Year Discipleship Retreat at Touch of Grace Prayer Mountain in Antipolo City on May 28-29, 2005, with the theme: "Ugnayang Ebanghelismo" (Relational Evangelism). Pastor Roman Saynes was main speaker during the 4 sessions: ‘Para sa Kapuso (Asawa)’, ‘Para sa Kapamilya’, ‘Para sa Kamag-anak’, and ‘Para sa Kapwa-Tao’. Asst. Pastors Romy Velasco, Nic Santiago and Luz Pangilinan as well as Jing Saynes gave the devotional in each of the 4 sessions. It was emphasized during the retreat that love should be our only motivation for evangelism, and that, as Christians, our lives should reflect the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. Other activities include icebreakers, praise and worship, individual prayer cell time, small group sharing, and joint group fellowshipping. After the 4 sessions, each of the 3 groups performed a drama presentation of how to properly share Christ to family members and other people that we relate to every day. --Jing Saynes

BCF Celebrates 8th Church Anniversary

Last May 26-29, 2005, the Barandilla Community Fellowship (WCG-Ipil) celebrated its 8th year anniversary as a local church. Our theme for this year is "Faithfully Walking with Christ". We prepared and conducted different outreach activities. Such as: a). Vacation Bible School - May 26-28, 2005. About 72 children of different ages from this area participated. Our teachers were Margie Bael, Erlinda Garcia & Alma Vigilia. Assistant Teachers were Hannah Bael & Tehane Colona. 

In Charge of the Snacks Preparation were Gloria Serbol and other youths. b). Free Dental Service Outreach (May 28) - 20 people were able to avail of this activity. It was made possible through the voluntary service of Dr. Mayfer Ruiz- an alliance church member and Dr. Jennifer Eguia - a Baptist Church member. Medicines were provided by the local church. c). Love Touch Healing Ministry- 22 persons were treated through the Love Touch. Our member-Pompey Eguia was assisted by other Christian brothers & sisters of other congregations and members of the Ipil United Christian Fellowship. They were Ptr. Eddie Lahoylahoy- Pentecostal Church of God, Ptr. & Ptra. Rolando Figueroa- Sea Gentiles for Christ, Ptra. Encarnacion Evangelista- Full Gospel Church, and Ptra. Josie Cruz- J-Jireh Christian Fellowship.

Last Sunday, May 29, 2005, we had our worship service. Our speaker was Ptr. Reynaldo Requiez of Bethel Assembly of God. We invited the parents of the VBS students for them to witness also the presentations of their children. It was really a happy and enjoyable celebration. A sumptuous meal followed after the worship service. --Geoffrey Balatero

The Update from WCG Philippines is an official weekly e-mail newsletter from the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines. For comments, suggestions, to submit and share an article,  to subscribe or unsubscribe, write to Len.Joson@wcg.org. These updates can also be accessed and viewed at www.wcg.org/ph. 

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)