Update from WCG Philippines

A weekly e-mail newsletter from the Worldwide Church of God - Philippines

January 20, 2006

First Men's Conference: "Men United in Prayer"

I am excited about what is in store for us this coming year. One of these milestones is the Men's Conference scheduled on February 16-18, 2006. You may have heard about it in our previous updates but I am taking this opportunity to invite you to this event. This is going to be the first-ever men's conference organized by our fellowship. It will be held at the Christian Development Center in Tagaytay City. The cost of the registration, to include meals, accommodation and materials is P1,300.00 per person.

The theme for this conference is "Men United in Prayer." Dr. Joseph Tkach, Mr. Bill Sidney and Bishop Ephraim Tendero, national director of PCEC, are among the speakers for this event. There will also be a chance for small group sharing, discussions and times of personal reflection. This is going to be a refreshing event for deepening our relationship with God and bonding with our fellow brothers in the faith. A combined service in Metro Manila is also being planned on February 19, 2006 with Dr. Tkach as speaker. --Eugene Guzon, National Director

WCG Conducts Another Relief Distribution in Mindoro

Calapan City, January 05, 2006 -- Once again, the Worldwide Church of God brethren in Calapan distributed rice, groceries and used clothing to the flood victims in Oriental Mindoro particularly for the brethren and the flood victims in Barangay Pinagsabangan 1 and San Carlos, in Naujan.

Through the effort of Southern Luzon Area Superintendent Dr. Rey Taniajura, relief goods and cash donations were gathered to make this humanitarian effort possible. The Batangas brethren provided rice and groceries. 

During the distribution, another flood occurred in Barangay San Carlos that submerged some rice fields already planted with palay. The river continues to overflow whenever it rains since the dike remains damaged waiting for repairs this summer. Some farmers in the area have planted twice already. The government on the other hand is helping with some palay seeds, but still the residents are disturbed and unable to work regularly because of impending flood every time there is heavy rain.

Before the distribution, I delivered a short message regarding the love of God through his children in the Worldwide Church of God. The people were very thankful for the goods they received. --Ptr. Manny and Ruth Ornejas

WCG Forestry Conducts Medical/Dental Mission

WCG-Forestry, in cooperation with A-Cross Foundation and Forestry Neighborhood Association, conducted Medical-Dental-Optical Mission on January 15, 2006, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Forestry Barangay Hall. More than 800 residents of Forestry and nearby barangays trooped to the site where they received prayer, counseling, medical and optical consultations, dental extraction, reading glasses, vitamins and medicines. All these for free. One resident commented, “We have had medical missions here in the past, but this is the only one which gave out vitamins and had so much medicines. It looks like a real pharmacy out there!” Some patients who were initially reluctant to have their teeth extracted finally decided to go on with it after hearing fellow patients said it was not painful at all. (This was probably because dentists had more than enough supply of anesthesia, according to the patients.)

WCG-Forestry pastors, led by Ptr. Roman Saynes, organized the event and provided prayer and counseling. 13 members from WCG-Forestry helped out in the registration and crowd control. A-Cross Foundation supplied 7 medical doctors, 5 dentists, 1 optometrist, 1 pharmacist, 7 nurses, 1 physical therapist, 9 volunteers, and all the necessary medicines and medical equipments. Forestry Neighborhood Association facilitated use of the venue and distributed some refreshments.

The medical mission ended much earlier than expected since no more people were coming in. One volunteer remarked, “At least we didn’t run out of doctors and medicines. But they run out of patients!”

After the event, Ptr. Roman thanked the doctors and volunteers from A-Cross Foundation and then prayed for them during a brief get-together meeting at the Day Care Center, where Forestry Church holds its weekly worship services.

Thank you all for your prayers. We had a good weather, we had so many doctors, workers and medicines, and most importantly, we had the chance to meet and pray for Forestry residents. Glory be to God in the highest! --Roman and Jing Saynes

Seven Lanipao Church Youths Baptized

Ptr. Augusto Cernol and Ptr. Isreal Estrera baptized 7 church youths at Aloha Beach Resort, Tubod, Lanao del Norte last January 7, 2006. Those baptized were: Maria Escorial, Maricel Escorial, Madelyn Allanic, Jonariza Allanic, Orlanes Allanic and Ronald Montebon. The joyous event was witnessed by the brethren who gladly welcomed and embraced the new converts into the family of God. --Celeste Lim Estrera

WCG Lanipao Launches Children's Ministry with a Bang

December 25, 2005 -- The scheduled Bible Study for children living within the vicinity of the Lanipao Church venue was 2:00 p.m. and the preparations were made for only a maximum of 50 children but Mrs. Joy Estrera, wife of Asst. Pastor Rally Estrera, excitedly called me up at 12:45 p.m. requesting for my immediate presence because the meeting hall was already filled to capacity and the children were still coming.

This event was hatched during the Last Advent worship service as an outreach program for poor children and to launch a children's ministry. Together with our church youths, my wife and I proceeded to the church venue. What we saw upon arrival was almost beyond belief. Children of all ages,1 year old to 16 years old, some with their parents, filled up all available space in the meeting hall. There were more than 100 of them, all in festive mood.

Surely God is directing His people to "Let the Children come unto me." An interactive BIble Study ensued with the children enthusiastically answering questions and very receptive to God's words. After which, an invitation was made for them to attend future Bible Studies every Church meeting.

Ian Estrera, eldest son of Ptr. Israel and Joy Estrera capped the event with rousing and uproarious parlor games. Sumptuous snacks were served to all and gifts were given much to the delight of the children.

The success of the affair was so inspiring that seven of our church youths were baptized last January 7, 2006. --Augusto Cernol, Senior Pastor for Lanipao Church

Mobile Missions Training in Bukidnon Soon

Twelve WCG members in Bukidnon passed the interviews and were accepted as students of the upcoming Mobile Missions Training to be conducted by the Asian Center for Missions soon. The interviews were done at the WCG Maramag Church worship hall last January 14, 2006. The new batch of 25 students are skilled workers and professionals like elementary and high school teachers who are willing to work in Asian countries in order to share the gospel in the workplace. Some of the successful candidates come from other evangelical churches. --Joel Alisbo, Pastor, WCG Kiara Church

Quezon, Bukidnon Church Celebrates First Anniversary

Some 136 brethren of our Quezon, Bukidnon Church gathered for their first anniversary this January 14, 2006. This newly-established church now has an average of 50 in regular attendance and meets for worship service every week. A Bible Study is also held every Thursday night. The local brethren led by their pastor and newly-ordained elder, Teofilo Gulfan has been quite active in reaching out to their friends and relatives in the community. The increase in regular attendance during their first year as a local church has greatly encouraged everyone. Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson and wife Jojie, graced the occasion during this celebration.

Comments from Our Readers/Websurfers

"I am wondering why is it that the list of updates is not yet updated. I hope the webmaster does not get tired of doing. I enjoy getting news from that portion. January is almost over now. Thank you and more power and God's blessings to you. USA reader..........."

Comment: Ooops! Sorry about that. I'm now back in action. You can also receive these weekly updates through e-mail if you want to. Just send me your e-mail address. Thanks for your encouragement. --Len Joson

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)