Update from WCG Philippines

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

June 16, 2006

New Church Building for SF Ubay OBS

San Francisco, Ubay, Bohol – A weekly bible study held at the residence of the Doydora family conducted by Ptr. Romy Pusta and Friday evening prayer meetings led by Ms. Virgie Galope likewise held in a member’s residence here are among the activities presently going on in this area of Bohol.  It was then everybody’s dream of having a certain place where they can meet for worship service and bible study.

On June 10, 2006 , a milestone event happened in this place, as the blessing and inauguration of the newly built church building was graced,  a dream coming true for the SF Ubay Bohol Outreach Bible Study attendees. The special event was attended by the Visayas Area Superintendent Ptr. George Escarra, who then delivered an inspiring message about the greatness of God’s love for us. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held first in the morning, followed by a worship service attended by about 78 people, including brethren from the WCG Tagbilaran City Church led by Ptr. Romy Pusta and his wife. In the afternoon, a lively program was held, wherein everybody enjoyed the singing and dancing rendered by children and adults alike.  Pictorials then followed after the program. --M. Galope

JoshGen 2 Held in Mindanao

Some 38 youths and youth leaders from various parts of Mindanao gathered for the second round of Joshua Generation (JoshGen) Conference, an equipping, training workshop and retreat conducted especially for youth leaders by Pastor Rex Dela Pena last June 10-11 at the PCC Training Center in Musuan, Bukidnon. 

Various topics were discussed on youth concerns like personal formation, counseling, relationships, handling youths as youth leaders, organizing youth events, spirituality, connecting with God and others.

At the end of the two-day retreat/training, all of us prayed over and I had the privilege of commissioning the following: Adelle Rico as the new Youth Coordinator for Mindanao, Glen Belle Baslao as the Youth Coordinator for Davao City Church and Catherine Ann Laureano as the new Music Ministry Coordinator for Mindanao.

May I give my personal thanks to Leby Ladao and Ann Almera for their many years of service as Youth Coordinators for Mindanao. 

May I also give my personal thanks to Pastor Rex Dela Pena for taking the time to equip and inspire our youths in Mindanao. As of this writing, Adelle Rico, our new Mindanao Youth Coordinator,  has already gotten the commitment of Pastor Rex to have JoshGen 3 this November. --Len Joson   

Update from Bulacan: Youth Retreat, VBS

Bulacan Philippines,  2006 –Praise and thanksgiving to our God!  The Malolos and Baliwag congregations conducted a successful youth retreat held at Lagundi, Malolos Bulacan (April 11-12). This activity was opened by Ptr. Emil Cabigao and facilitated by Ptr. Ronald Hernandez. Twenty-six teen-agers attended the retreat.  Some of them are not yet Christians.

By God’s mighty hand, this retreat was indeed a blessing for the participants. They began with praise and worship followed by inspiring messages given by Dr. Antonio del Rosario, where he discussed the Goodness of God and Ptr. Manny Santiago, guest speaker from Light in the House Christian Ministries (LHCM), he discussed the need to read the Bible and the work of God as a light in their lives.

Both pastors caught the heart of participants from the theme “ Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path”.  (Ps 119:105)

Sis. Mariser Malabanan from LHCM also conducted the workshop. She emphasized their gifting form God and encouraged them how to use it in the ministry. The youth were also given free time to enjoy swimming and playing musical instruments. The retreat ended by praying for each participant.

Aside from the Youth retreat, Bulacan conducted Vacation Bible Study for Children. Participants of this VBS are 150 children. By the Grace of God, may all of these children walk with the Word of God throughout their years. --Bulacan Pastoral Team.

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 in jpg format.

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)