Update from WCG Philippines

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

August 4, 2006

Missions Exposure Trip: Mike Morrison, US Brethren with ND Guzon Visit Bicol Region

Legaspi City -- Dr. Rey Taniajura and wife, June together with the Legaspi Church leaders welcomed the U.S. team on a missions exposure trip, composed of 8 youths accompanied by Dr. Mike Morrison and wife, Janet who arrived in Legaspi last July 28. The teens were: Ben, Carmel and Abel Dizon, Steven and Melinda Morrison, Anthony Walton, Holly Coleman and Vee Chan. They belong to the New Life in Christ, a WCG local church in Pasadena, California pastored by Pastor Bermie Dizon. Together with the group was a 6-man staff from the National Office headed by National Director Eugene Guzon.

There was a combined worship service the following day hosted by New Life in Jesus Fellowship (WCG Legaspi Church) where more than 140 brethren from several Bicol churches listened to Dr. Morrison’s message. Testimonies were also shared by Hilda Babol and Reuel Pamor who just arrived from a short term missions trip in Thailand, after which ND Eugene Guzon prayed over them and for Thailand followed by a prayer for India and over Pastor Dave Oloya by Dr. Morrison. Ptr. Oloya, senior pastor of Legaspi Church, went on a five-month short term mission to India. On the same occasion, Mr. Domingo Trilles was also ordained to the office of a deacon. 

The San Pablo youth band headed by Ptr. Claro Ting arrived as well and joined the Legaspi Church youth band and the American teens in a Praise Jam before the worship service. The American teens also performed a pantomime depicting what Jesus had accomplished on the cross. In the evening a youth fellowship was held at Viento de Mar Resort, Bacacay, Albay.

On July 30, more than 400 very receptive students came to the Evangelistic Concert that was held at Bicol University Tabaco Campus where the three youth bands performed, and several youth, including two American teens gave testimonies. Dr. Mike Morrison and Dr. Rey Taniajura centered their message on Jesus as they discuss moral transformation, leadership and relationship. Dr. Mike and the American teens answered questions asked by some students. Bibles and evangelistic tracks were distributed to each attendee. Almost all of the students stood up when San Pablo Sr. Pastor Claro Ting led them to a prayer.

The students who attended the Evangelistic Campaign were college freshmen taking up NSTP (National Service Training Program) a 3-unit subject required in college. When asked by NSTP Coordinator Dino Brizuela if they want to have activities such as what they just had, the students excitedly shouted their assent. Mr. Brizuela, who gave the opening and closing remarks, was all praises to the Church. 

Monday, July 31, with the storm signal already lifted the previous day, the American team, accompanied by the staff from Regional Office, Drs. Joe & Gie Manzano and Myrla Dawal decided to push through plan to visit Aroroy, Masbate (around 6 hrs of combination of lands and sea travel).  In Aroroy, the group was treated for a lunch by a friend of Dr. Joe Manzano who is a pastor of a local fellowship in the town before they proceeded to Balawing, a barrio in Aroroy where we have a local congregation (Christ’s Fishers of Men Fellowship).

Our brethren in Balawing gathered for an evening devotional service after the team led by Mrs. Janet Morrison ministered to the children, sharing Jesus through balloons. Gift packs were also distributed.  Sharing continued as children, teens and adults were grouped together.  “I was able to share the gospel to 5 teens,” Abel, one of the American teens excitedly reported when they came back to Legaspi.

The following day, the team helped in and almost finished cementing the floor of the church building in Balawing.  Later in the evening, another worship service was attended by around 110 adults and children.

The group traveled back to Legaspi, August 2, had a quick visit at Cagsawa Ruins National Park for a view of Mayon Volcano and proceeded to Sta. Teresita where WCG has an indigenous church composed of native aetas. The US team again shared Jesus to the children through balloons and stories, distributed candies while ND Eugene Guzon talked with the adults and prayed over them. Senior pastor Melchor Babol, PT members Hilda Babol and Caring Gonzales were there to welcome and assist the group.  They also received boxes of gift packs to be distributed to our brethren in the area.

The Bicol side of the U.S. team’s Missions Exposure Trip ends in Daet, Camarines Norte where they spent their night at Madison Resort before going back to Metro Manila, August 3 to continue on with the second half of their trip.   God truly had extended His hand of blessing and intervention to make these activities successful – His people benefiting and His glory magnified! --Myrla Dawal

Update from WCG Ipil: 5th Batch of Out-of-School Youths Graduate in Basic Computer Skills

There were 56 individuals who graduated during our recent training on basic computer skills for out-of-school youths. We were able to share the gospel to them for the 10 meetings we had. Some of them are now undergoing CCL (Caring Cicle Lessons), 10 Bible Study Guides provided by PSALM Ministry.

Also, God has blessed us with an encoding center. This is now the meeting place for our CCL meetings. We also sell Bibles, gift items and other Christian materials.

We also plan to make this place as an Upper Room Living Prayer Center. There is a mezzanine in this place and we call it the upper room. We are now soliciting support from other Christian groups to join our Living Prayer Group. Please continue to pray for this Ministry. We plan to start the 6th Batch by August 19, 2006. --Geoffrey S. Balatero, Assistant Pastor, Barandilla Community Fellowship (WCG Ipil)

Comments from our Readers/Websurfers

"Thanks for the info bout your organization. May our gracious Lord supply you bountifully w/ all His riches." --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 in  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)