Update from WCG Philippines

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

February 25, 2006

First Men's Conference Unites Brethren in Prayer

Some 235 men (and one lady) from all over the country attended the first men's conference held at the Christian Development Center (CDC) in Tagaytay last February 16-18. Among the guest speakers were Pastor General Joseph Tkach, Mission Developer Bill Sidney and Bishop Ephraim Tendero, the national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC). The other speakers were Dr. Rey Taniajura, Pastor Gil Llaneza and Area Supt. Rex de la Pena who also led the communion service. At the end of the conference, National Director Eugene Guzon led everyone in the ceremony of commitment to be a man of prayer. Commitment was made to pray regularly as a way of life. 

The whole activity was truly inspiring and re-invigorating and from what can be observed, this conference will surely make an impact in the local churches in the coming days ahead as our local churches become even more and more focused on the importance of prayer. This activity is in line with the National Director's thrust to follow the National Board's policy that "vibrant, effective corporate prayer is valued as part of congregational life."

The 3-day conference also became an opportunity to renew acquaintances among friends and brethren from all over the country and to get to know the Pastor General better very closely. Everyone appreciated Mr. Tkach's presence. Along with the ND Eugene Guzon and MD Bill Sidney, the National Board members also had a chance to have dinner with Mr. Tkach twice allowing him to get to know the Board members even more.

Note: I will post more pictures in our website once I get the chance to work on it so everyone can see, copy or download it.

This Friday afternoon, ND Eugene Guzon will hopefully be here in Davao City to meet our leaders in this area. We will then proceed on a 3-hour trip to Maramag to meet our Bukidnon brethren tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon after the morning's worship service here in Davao City. I expect around 200 of our brethren will attend in Maramag. After that, we will hopefully be in Cagayan de Oro on Sunday after another 3-hour drive to meet our brethren in northern Mindanao. Please remember us in your prayers (2 Thessalonians 3:1) as we go driving all over Mindanao. --Len Joson

Five Ordained as Elders During Metro Manila Combined Service

Some 1,177 brethren from all over Metro Manila and from those who attended the Men's Conference gathered for worship service last Sunday, February 19 on the occasion of the Pastor General's visit to the Philippines. Just before Mr. Tkach delivered his message to the brethren, five men we ordained as elders namely: National Board Members Carlos Pizarro and Ezra Raduban, Pastor Ting Bejo, Pastor Dick Rosario and Pastor Arji Cruz who has planted 10 churches already. Plaques of appreciation were also given to several pastors for their 20 years (or more) length of service to the church. The worship service ended with several song and dance numbers from various local churches and group of teachers from Infanta, Quezon where we extended help for calamity victims recently. --Len Joson

Comments from our Readers/Subscribers

"Thank you for the regular updates. It helps me to keep in touch with on going activities with the church back home. We are family in the church and I consider Sacramento my home now but I really got started in WCG at the Quezon City church. The gratitude for mentorship of Messrs. Guzon, Raduban and Mr. Teng plus the guidance of the members at Quezon City church will forever stay with me." --Name Withheld

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.  WCG - Philippines: National Office Address: #60 Matahimik St., Teachers Village, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines. Telephone No. (632) 426-22-94.  

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)