Update from WCG Philippines

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

March 31, 2006

Five Baptisms at San Fernando City, La Union Church

San Fernando City, La Union -- The angels rejoiced as baptisms were done last March 29, 2006 at the Botanical Garden City of the North, San Fernando City, La Union. The five who were baptized belong to the Banks, Poro, San Fernando City, La Union Outlying Bible Study (OBS) namely: Saturnino D. Paguipag, Rey Constantino C. Nuval, Jason Jose C. Nuval, Dylan O. Romerona and Roger L. Onia. The baptisms were conducted by Pastor Danny Funesto assisted by Deaconess Josie Farol.

The local church here has been conducting two Bible Studies: one in Central West, Bauang (every Saturday) and another at San Fernando City (every Wednesday). Daily Vacation Bible Study (DVBS) is being planned in Poro and in other places as a way to fulfill the Church’s mission of “Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” It was a joyous occasion to see some of our young people here accepting Christ as their Savior and Lord. --Pastor Danny Funesto

Gospel Reaches Another High School in Baguio City

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – March 24 was a tiring but joyful day for the Baguio-La Trinidad brethren as they ministered the gospel to students of Baguio City National High School, the largest high school in the city. The theme for the event was “Experiencing Jesus at the Crossroads.”  The school is located at a crossroad that leads one (coming from Marcos Highway) to either Harrison Road, Session Road or Camp John Hay.

In the morning, third year students were assembled at the school’s old gym. The worship team, headed by Pastor Adel Areola, led the crowd in singing. Dr. Emma Donaal, principal, thanked the church, mentioning that the school aims to develop both the heart and mind of young people. 

Brethren, young and old, then presented a skit entitled “The Garcia Story,” engaging the imagination of many students. Pastor Vir Yap then delivered the gospel message, exhorting the students to respond to God’s love in Christ.

In the afternoon, church members talked to students and presented the gospel to many different classrooms. Helping us were Dr. Nap Meimban and Dra. Precy Agsalud of Urdaneta church and Danny Funesto of San Fernando City church. Many classes, the Hydrogen section in particular, appreciated the discussions. One class even played their own versions of the Garcia Story.

Meanwhile, back at the gym, the gospel was again sung and presented, this time to mostly second-year students.

The Baguio-Trinidad brethren wish to thank all who supported the event. Dr. John Tinoyan’s role and influence in the Baguio community helped open the door for the church to minister to the school. We hope to continue to minister the gospel message of hope and love to all who need it. --Pastor Arlan Aquino            

Pastoral Team Training Launched in Metro Manila

The Pastoral Team Training Modules were successfully launched in Metro Manila last March 18th at the National Office. The whole-day event was attended by 107 pastoral team members from the whole Metro Manila ISIM area covering 22 churches from Sta Rosa (south) to Olongapo (North).

The modules covered were:  Servant Leadership, Denominational Structure and National Leadership, Local Church Leadership and an overview of the Financial Structure and Processes. Dr. Rey Taniajura facilitated the lectures for all modules except the Financial Structure which was handled by Aileen Orogo. National Director Eugene Guzon was also present to answer some of the questions on finances and pastoral team structure fielded by the participants.

The next step for the Pastoral Teams would be to study the different handouts given and discuss in their local church the requirements needed in setting up their Financial Team. The succeeding training modules will be scheduled in a retreat-style after the summer months to accommodate our youth camp schedules. --Rex Dela Pena

Triple Blessings for the Cebu City WCG Church

The Cebu City Church conducted its 5th Condensed World Mission Course (CWMC) for the Cebu City WCG membership. Twelve people, mostly youths enrolled in the course. The course was conducted by Dr. Rey Taniajura, CWMC Course Director, assisted by James Boone, Rey Busalla, and Ranulfo Suan. It was held at the Cebu City Church Hall from March 22- 24 and 26.

On March 25, the Cebu pastoral team members together with Area Superintendent George Escara and his wife Pamela attended the whole day Orientation for the pastoral team seminar facilitated by Dr. Rey Taniajura. The day long session lasted well into the night.

The seminar was interspersed with a visit to Brgy. Mactan in Lapulapu City where Assistant Area Superintendent Jessup Bahinting and his Korean Christian friends conducted a “goodwill” work of distributing foods and other necessities to the poor. The visit ended with a prayer of blessing for Pastor Jessup’s Korean friends and business partner Charlie.

The following day, March 26, Sunday, the Cebu City Church celebrated its 34th founding anniversary. Pastor George Escara gave the main message. He spoke about God’s grace and he led the congregation in giving thanks to God for the pastors of the church throughout the years. Dr. Rey Taniajura gave the communion service message that followed focusing on the central role of Jesus in the attainment of the abundant life sought by every human being.

Afterwards, more than 150 people partook of the sumptuous lunch prepared by the members. The celebration continued in the afternoon with rousing worship and praise singing followed by the honoring of the 5 pioneer members namely: Patrocinio Matas, Ismarlo de la Torre, Flaviano Calope, Frederico Alazas, and Margie Bahinting. Reminiscing about the past through “antique” pictures shown through a video cam followed.  It was followed by games and the eating of the cake and ice cream.

How good it is to thank the Lord who gave us three blessings within 5 days! And a lot of reasons to laugh and celebrate! --Ranulfo Suan

SEP Luzon on May 7-14

38 more days to go and it is SEP time in Mariveles, Bataan!  The applications forms are slowly trickling in!  Send your application forms now with your picture and your P500 pre-registration fee to the National Office through your local church pastors!

The theme for the SEP in Bataan is "I Can Shine In Jesus!" - and we expect campers from all over Luzon to participate from May 7 - 14.  We have 2 confirmed staff applicants from overseas who will join us and share their expertise in our camp.

Plan now for basketball, volleyball, swimming, Christian Living classes, dorm sharing, intense praise and worship, one-on-one counseling, dance classes, cheerdance and other exciting activities.  --Rex Dela Pena

SEP Visayas on April 8-16

I have attached a Camper and Staff Application forms for anyone who is interested. If you wish to apply just fill out the forms and email to me or give it to your area pastors.

Our SEP '06 for the Visayas will be on Apr 8 to 16 at Opada's Resort, La Libertad, Neg. Or. That's about 10 min from Guihulngan which has a port for ferry boats from Cebu. It's about 3 to 4 hrs from Bacolod City, 1hr 15min from San Carlos City and about 3 hrs from Dumaguete. We will send updates with what things to bring and other stuff soon...Thanks. Take care all and God bless! --Kuya Terrence

SEP Mindanao on April 19-23

For this year's SEP Mindanao 2006, the venue will be at FTC, Luan-luan Spring, Quezon, Bukidnon. Please send all camper application forms to me no later than April 3. Only the first 100 campers will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Only those accepted will be allowed to join the camp. A camper application form can be downloaded on this site. All those interested to join the staff may do so by informing me. Tuition fee is Php1,000.00. Our camp director for this year is Pastor Joel Alisbo. This will be another exciting youth summer camp!

DVBS Teachers Training in Davao City

Davao City -- Six ladies of the Davao City Church namely: Radi Evangelista, Aida Baslao, Belen Cawad, Veejay Joson, Sharon Macatiog and Cheche Garcia attended the Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) Teachers Training held at the Victory Christian Fellowship worship hall last March 25 where about 500 people coming from various local churches and denominations attended. It is hoped that through this evangelistic method, children and their parents will be reached with the gospel. The ladies have begun to get the local church's children's ministry re-organized as of this writing.

Joshua Generation Conference

All youths and youth leaders in Mindanao are invited to attend this JoshGen Conference to be held at the Cagayan de Oro worship hall on April 8-9 beginning at 8:00 a.m. to be conducted by our youth pastor, Rex de la Pena. Registration fee is Php500 per person. For more details, contact Pastor Jeng Manriquez at 0910-477-3510. 

This Week's Comments from our Readers/Websurfers

 

"Hi, it good to receive updates on the goings on in the church. I can still remember that my interest to journalism was first developed in the SEP. I think the last time I attended was in 1990 in Baguio" --Name Withheld

 

"yup, am planning to attend church services. thanks for the invitation." --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)