Update from WCG Philippines

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

April 7, 2006

Infanta Youth Summer Camp 2006 Concludes with 50 Baptisms

This was the first-ever youth camp retreat in Infanta, Quezon facing the Pacific Ocean. The venue was the Sta. Monica Beach Resort, where the new believers in Barangay Boboin submitted to the first mass-baptism in that area sometime in October 2005. It was joyfully participated in by 88 people composed of 45 students and 12 teachers from Infanta Nat'l High School, 12 volunteer staff from the Boboin Brethren, 5 Boboin Barangay council members, 6 non-WCG Christian praise and worship team and an 8-member WCG organizing team.

The whole event could be described from the beginning to end in one word. It was simply "wonderful." The youth summer camp was characterized completely by a peaceful atmosphere coupled with inner joy and feeling of gratitude to the Most High for what had been learned from the two-day retreat, evangelism and the subsequent bonding that was so free-flowingly without inhibitions.

The students and the teachers were all praising the whole proceedings; saying Pastor Rex de la Pena had certainly and effectively delivered his lecture on "The Effective Way of Deciding for a Career." The Clayground team composed of Aron, Alex, and Andy provided the lively praise songs, meaningful games and encouraging bond-producing methods of person to person interactions. Edgar and I videotaped and photographed the wonderful moments to document the whole event.

The two-day affair was obviously directed by the Power above. Together with Pastor Rex's lecture, the down-to-earth evangelism exposition on "knowing Jesus Christ" concluded in the baptism of 40 students, 2 teachers, and 8 Boboin new believers, If we may be allowed to mention, this Infanta Youth Camp was a brainchild of the National Director passed on to the WCG outreach team in Infanta headed by pastor Arjie Cruz and wife Mrs. Juliet Cruz. --Orly Osillos and Ed Tabudlong, National Office

Five Baptisms at San Francisco, Ubay OBS

April 1st was a memorable occasion for 5 people regularly attending the San Francisco, Ubay OBS when they were baptized in the cool waters of Tunggo Mountain Spring Resort in nearby Alicia town by Pastor Romy Pusta, assisted by Ms. Virgie Galope, Pastoral Team member of the Tagbilaran Church and coordinator of the Ubay OBS. Those baptized were Rita Cabiladas, Shella Doydora, Carlito Felisilda, Nesfor Olano and Romeo Olano. It should be noted that they were the 2nd batch of baptisms since this OBS opened over 3 years ago. The first batch of 3, namely Dyna Felisilda, Conchita Olano and Grizilda Doydora were baptized November 12, last year. More people are contemplating baptism. In fact, some youths are planning to get baptized at SEP. Please pray with us for more laborers for the harvest so that we can take care of the flock God has entrusted to us. --Pastor Romy Pusta

Update from WCG Palawan, 1 Baptism

Forty nine students from Palawan State University graduated from the Caring Circle Lessons conducted by the Philippine Students Alliance Lay Movement (PSALM) last March 18, 2006. The graduation was held at the City Alliance Church in Puerto Princesa City and was attended by our Pastor Solomon Rosario who is also a member of the board of directors for PSALM as well as four of our youth leaders involved in the Campus Ministry of PSALM namely Chariss Faith Abapo, Jocelyn Camo, Girlie Garga and Glenda Garga.

The ministry of PSALM in PSU is involved in sharing the gospel using the Four Spiritual Laws (4SL) module and following it up with basic discipleship using the Caring Circle Lessons. The Campus Ministry of PSALM involves youth leaders from WCG - Touch of Grace Christian Fellowship, Christian Community Fellowship and City Alliance Church.

Also last March 18, 2006 at 6:00 a.m. the baptism of Jocelyn Camo was officiated by Ptr. Mon at the BM Beach also in Puerto Princesa City. --Rachel de la Cruz

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 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. Tuition fee is Php1,000.00. Our camp director for this year is Pastor Joel Alisbo. This will be another exciting youth summer camp!

Marinelle Saynes, New ATS Graduate

Marinelle D. Saynes, pastoral team member of the Forestry Church and secretary of the Manila Church, graduated with Graduate Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS) on March 31, 2006, held at Every Nation Leadership Institute (formerly VLI), Fort Bonifacio, Makati City. Marinelle is the wife of Pastor Roman Saynes who is also a theology graduate in the same seminary. Congratulations!

Former Philipine Regional Director Dies

Arthur W. Docken, regional director of the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines in 1965 through 1970, died peacefully at 11:10am March 29, in the Dockens' home in Missouri, U.S.A. He was 81. Mr. Docken had undergone a triple bypass in mid-December last year and his health had continually failed. He is survived by his wife Marie, their daughters Abby, Judith, Laila (Betsy) and Carrie and son William and their families.

Mr. Docken's remains lie in state at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri. Burial is scheduled on Monday, April 10, at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri." --Pastor Pete Melendez

This Week's Comments from our Readers/Websurfers

 

"Thanks for the emails and the updates and also for the prayers. I hope you and the family are also well." --From WCG Philippines missionary 

 

"I just want you to know that I truly appreciate the updates you send regularly. They are a great source of inspiration for me and I am sure fellow Filipinos worldwide. The fact is, I really look forward to receiving them! Though I may be an ocean away, yet the updates keep what the Lord Jesus is doing in the Philippines always fresh in my heart. It helps me pray better for the Philippines. Keep them coming!" --From USA

 

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)