Update from WCG Philippines

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

March 10, 2006

Latest Updates

Greetings! The purpose of this weekly update is to inform and encourage our brethren as well as to reach out to everyone. It is hoped that through this update, we can pray for each other (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Please send us your local church story of an important event if you have one. As can be seen from this week's comments below, this weekly update has been reaching out to so many inside and outside of our denomination.

Last Saturday, March 4, a mass baptism was done with over 40 baptized in Quezon City. On the same day, the national board also held its 14th board meeting at the UP Diliman campus. The two-day meeting ended at about 4:30 p.m., Sunday. The following day, Monday, ND Eugene Guzon had a meeting with all the Area Superintendents.

This Thursday, ND Guzon is in Cebu with national board members, Capt. Jess Bahinting and Dr. Jose Manzano to explore the possibility of creating a livelihood project for the benefit of the calamity victims of the recent flash floods in Southern Leyte. During the recent calamity, Capt. Jess Bahinting helped deliver food items and other goods using his private plane (a project of DOTC/ATO's "Tabang Dayon"). They went to the calamity area itself to give assistance  to victims.

This Friday, ND Guzon will hopefully arrive in Davao City. It was postponed the other week due to a "coup d'etat" in the Metro Manila area. We will hopefully both visit our local churches in Mindanao. Please remember us in your prayers. --Len Joson

Upcoming Events

As a result of our recent Area Superintendents Meeting, please be informed that we now have SEP and Festival dates in various areas around the country. To view the schedule, please visit the link: Coming Events. Local congregations who want their schedule of activities included and posted on the website, just please send me the information. --Len Joson 

5 Baptisms at Forestry Church

Five youths were baptized at WCG-Forestry Day Care Center, Quezon City on March 5, 2006. With a brief but meaningful program, Ptr. Roman Saynes, assisted by Asst. Ptr. Romy Velasco, baptized twin sisters Estelita and Estella Balingit, cousins Divina Terrado and Francisco Terrado and Maria Ana Cristalyn Miranda in the presence of witnesses who were friends and family members of those baptized. Snacks and fellowshipping followed the joyous occasion. --Jing Saynes

Forestry Church Celebrates 4th Year Anniversary 

A total of 98 men, women and children (31 adults, 23 youths and 44 kids) members and guests of WCG-Forestry attended its 4th year anniversary celebration at the Tea House area of Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City on February 25, 2006. The celebration started with a worship service at 10:00 AM, highlighted by an evangelistic message from Ptr. Roman Saynes entitled “Sino AKO Para Sa ‘Yo?”, which is an exposition of Luke 9:18-22. Pastor Roman ended with a prayer of acceptance, commitment and re-dedication, to which a number of those present raised their hands signifying their acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Lunch was served, and then everybody enjoyed the short program and games that followed. There were separate games for kids, youths and adults. Ptr. Nic Santiago, Asst. Pastor who also handles children’s ministry, prepared games for the kids. Ptr. Romy Velasco, likewise an Asst. Pastor and current head of youth ministry, took charge of youth-oriented games. Ate Luz Pangilinan, in charge of small group ministry, led the games for adults, while Jing Saynes prepared prizes for all the games.

The event was also an occasion for youth ministry’s election of officers. Jonah Liao of Manila Church was present to help the youth and she was facilitator in the election. Elected officers were the following: Ana Cristalyn Miranda (Over-all Coordinator), Frank Terrado (Worship), Estellita Balingit (Instruction), JR Miranda (Service), Estella Balingit (Evangelism), and Christine Nicole An (Fellowship). After their exciting election, all youths proceeded to Clayground worship services at the National Office, upon Jonah’s invitation.

The celebration closed at 3:30 PM. About 6 people are scheduled for baptism on March 5, some of which were those who responded during the evangelistic message. All glory belongs to God, Who never ceases to amaze us! --Jing Saynes

Wedding in Tagbilaran

Ruth Galope of Tagbilaran City, daughter of Emerenciana Mendez vda. de Galope, was married to Clint Laurente of Cebu City, son of Angelo and Carmen Laurente, on February 24 at the Metro Centre Hotel in a ceremony conducted by Pastor Romy Pusta. Alixandre Rodriguez was Best man while Amalia Galope, sister of the bride, was Maid of Honor. The couple are members of the Tagbilaran City Church and now resides in Graham Avenue of this city. --Pastor Romy Pusta

Death Announcement

"Kindly announce the death of my father, Julian Concepcion, Sr. who together with my mother were long-time members of the church (since 1970). Tatay (as he was fondly called by friends and brothers in the Davao Church) passed away last February 17, 2006 due to lung cancer. He was 81. His was a very short bout with cancer. He was found out to have it last December and in three (3) months he succumbed to it. Thank you for those who texted, called and consoled us during this difficult time for our family. There were more than 300 brethren and friends who were present during the interment at the Davao Memorial Park. It was like a get together. --Jing Concepcion

This Week's Comments from our Readers/Websurfers

"My name is (name withheld) and i'm from Slovenija – Europe. I'm interesting about Orthodox in Philippines, therefore I decided to write you. I would like to know how many Orthodox churches are in Philippines and which Orthodox churches are; Russian, Serbian, Greek….? Looking forward to your answer."

"we are looking for a home church in pampanga. originally, we are attending chuch services in jolo alliance evangelical church and the parhimpunan almasihin in zamboanga. we would like to attend the easter service in pampanga and would like to know the address and time of the service and if you have an easter sunrise service. my family is coming to visit us. my nephew pastored the parhimpunan church and my sister and brother in law was just ordained as lay missionaries for the tausug by the cagayan de oro evangelical church. thanks and God bless." --Name withheld

"My daughter is turning 11 in August and would really like to join your summer camp. Would you consider letting her? I hope to hear from you soon." 

"Warm 'kumusta' from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada! It is so wonderful to get back and cruise the WCG website again. It keeps us connected to our roots and extended family. You have been in our minds & thoughts lately, especially after the mudslide calamity. We have lots of Pinoy friends here and are quite strong in our various associations.. come and visit us at our website: www.hfcc3.com. Please receive our warmest regards from us." --Name withheld

"hi....gd am im (name withheld).single po ako sa daet bicol pero dito po ako nagun sa taiwan dito me ng wwork factory."

"Hi hello po  im looking of a friend of mine and i see her pictures in your web, her name is (name withheld) in tagbilaran church i dont know how to connect her. Shes a friend of mine here in france, can you pls help me to connect her." --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. When sending articles, please send preferably  text format only and photos as attached files.   

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)