UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

Fifty three enthusiastic youths from Cebu (36 delegates), Negros Oriental (15 delegates) and Bohol (2 delegates), gathered and lived as a community for five days and five nights (May 24 to 29, 2007) at the beautiful La Playa Beach Resort, in the serene town of Badian, Cebu. They converged for the world famous (at least for WCG members) Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). This program has been going on in the WCG, USA for more than 40 years and in our country for more than 30 years.

The twenty plus camp facilitators included young and upcoming youth leaders from the Visayas & Mindanao and the veterans including several Central Visayas pastors and a special guest, Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson who visited a Visayas camp for the first time. They all served the campers for the duration of the camp.

They were even more excited than the campers since it was the first time that the glory of God was pursued as the main objective more than anything else. The slogan or theme of the camp was, “Ablaze for Jesus! All for God’s Glory!” This was based on 1 Corinthians 10:31, and a beautiful backdrop based on Daniel 3 was designed by Madel Boone which served as a daily reminder. From the first day to the fifth day, the campers were led to come to know God better and give Him glory. They were led to Him in the dorm daily devotionals, dorm prayers, the friendly talks and counseling, the camp clean-up, the swimming by the sea, the Christian living classes that focused on the nature of Jesus. They were led to the Lord of glory in the eating and drinking, in the playing of the uproariously funny palaro ng lahi. And also in the resting and communing with God through the beauty of creation. They were led to him through the enthusiastic daily worship service with high energy songs of praise led by a fantastic live band composed of SEP staff. One of the band leaders even composed the theme song of the camp entitled “Glory.”

Sunday, May 27 was a special day in that the day of Pentecost the founding of the New Testament Church was celebrated. Pastor Len Joson gave the message and several brethren visited and joined the worship.

In the afternoon a series of games called Palaro ng Lahi was played to the great delight of both the campers and staff. Everyone became dirty and had to take a swim by the sea and later on washed in the bathrooms.

During the swimming, Madel, daughter of Camp Director James Boone was bitten by a supposedly deadly sea snake. She was taken by ambulance to Cebu City more than a hundred kilometers away.

The mood changed from one of the great to one of the sobriety. There was campwide prayer during the night for Madel’s deliverance, and she would return to the camp the following morning! Glory to God!

The disturbance caused by the snake bite and one other disturbance that night did not prevent the evangelistic night on the “hour of decision” from pushing through. The campers and staff worshipped in songs and heard evangelistic message given by SEP counselor Jinggoy Ouano on the life of Bartemeus whom Jesus healed.

After the message all the campers were made to experience “blindness” through blindfolds. The 30 unbaptized campers were led around the camp and prayed over silently by baptized campers and staff. Then they were returned to the worship hall to make their own individual decisions. Twenty four out of the 30 unbaptized campers made the decision to stand up for Jesus and be baptized the following day! Praise the Lord!

The following day, May 28 was baptism time at the beautiful Kawasan Falls, almost two hours away by walking through rocky and ascending terrain. Along the way “stations” were set up representing the processes that would help Christian spiritual “soldiers” develop “esprit de corps”. These processes were surrender, spiritual warfare, suffering, peace and joy. Fullness of joy was the last station after which everyone would plunge into the cool waters and eat lunch! The twenty-four young campers who committed to becoming baptized and blazing followers of Jesus made the day even more joyful!

The campers and staff descended to partake of their last camp dinner together and the night’s “Talk Show”. Many did not sleep until 2:00 to 3:00 A.M. the following day.

During the last day, awards and certificates were given. The day was graced with the visit of National Board Member Jessup Bahinting and his wife Margie whose support as they were inspired and enabled by God made the camp possible. The camp then officially ended with the prayer of Area Supt. Len Joson for the campers and staff,

The camp did end that day. But it was a new beginning, a kind of new series for the 24 young campers who got baptized. And also for the rest, even for the “veterans”. For as the last verse of Romans 11 in The Message version says, concerning Jesus, “Everything comes from Him; Everything happens through Him; Everything ends up in Him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.” Ablaze for Jesus! All for the glory of God! 1 Corinthians 10:31 --Ranulfo L. Suan

Daet, Camarines Norte. Thirty five new members were baptized in a youth retreat in Balatan, Camarines Sur held on May 18 to 20. The youth retreat was initiated by Ms. Hilda Babol, a pastoral team member of the Iriga City church and principal of the school where most of the retreat participants came from. Retreat facilitators were Drs. Joe and Gie Manzano. They were assisted by a team of youth facilitators from neighboring WCG churches in Albay and Camarines Sur.

The following week-end of May 27 another 19 new members mostly youths were baptized in a beach resort in Bacacay, Albay. The newly baptized came from the Mountain of the Lord’s House church (WCG Cotmon) whose senior pastor is Lando Buagnin. Drs. Joe Manzano and Rey Taniajura assisted pastor Lando in the baptism ceremony. --Dr. Rey Taniajura

Daet, Camarines Norte. On May 22 the Masters in Intercultural Studies and Ministry (MISM) program was introduced and offered for the first time in Bicol when twelve students enrolled and attended their first day of classes in Advance Leadership Studies. The five-day modular course was held at the church house of the Food for the Soul Fellowship (WCG Daet, Camarines Norte). Facilitator for the class was Dr. Rey Taniajura who is also a faculty member of the Asian School for Development and Cross Cultural Studies (ASDECS), the partner institution of the WCG Philippines that is administering the seminary-level master’s degree program. The first batch of enrollees in the program hopes to take three other modular courses during the year.

"Para sa Diyos" was the theme of Forestry Church’s annual discipleship retreat held on May 26-27, 2007 at the Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain, Antipolo City, attended by 29 participants. The retreat’s sub-theme, ‘Pag-ibig na Buong Puso, Buong Kaluluwa, Buong Pag-iisip at Buong Lakas’ (with key verses Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27) was discussed by Jing Saynes (Introduction to Passionate Spirituality), Mrs. Luz Pangilinan (‘Buong Puso’), Ptr. Romy Velasco (‘Buong Pag-iisip’), Ptr. Nic Santiago (‘Buong Lakas’) and Ptr. Roman Saynes (‘Buong Kaluluwa’). Other leaders and members of Forestry Church were assigned the icebreakers, worship leading and small group facilitators. These activities, together with prayer and meditation time in the prayer rooms, were done in each session. The retreat ended with group presentation and Communion Service. One of the most exciting part of it was when each participant made his/her personal resolve, saying "Ito ang pipilitin kong gawin - PARA SA DIYOS!" --Jing Saynes

Bayawan, Negros Oriental -- Seventy two children aging 4-14 years old joined our Daily Vacation Bible School held at the WCG Malabugas Chapel last April 16-20, 2007 with the Theme: "God loves me". Two volunteer teachers were assigned to each level (Primary, Junior, Senior), they taught the children the word of God, they also taught them songs. Snacks were provided after their classes, those kids who were dirty were cleaned and were given used clothing that the brethren gave.

The children were very excited as the Graduation day was approaching. Their parents were invited to join the event, so they can pin the ribbons to their children. The children presented songs that they have learned during the 5-day sessions,they also recited Bible verses during the program. Ptr Boy Ouano gave the challenge to everyone present that they too may come to appreciate the love of God. Certificates were given in appreciation to those who have given off their best to make the DVBS a success. Snacks were then served to the children and their parents, everybody had a wonderful time fellowshipping. Thanks be to Him! Glory to God! --Debbie Ouano

The Philippine Missions Mobilization Movement (PM3), where the WCG Cebu fellowship is a member of, facilitated a two-day training dubbed as GOD’s GLOBAL GLORY (G3) hosted by the Church of Our King fellowship on April 20-21, 2007.

The seminar was actually a tandem discussion on the “CAT N DOG” Theology book authored by Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison and “Worker 2 Witness Seminar”. Jim Thurber, the speaker on the Cat & Dog Theology gave a very clear and an eye-opening discussion of God’s concern – His Glory.

The “Worker in the Workplace” a tentmaking subject was discussed by Dr. Jonathan Lewis, author and editor of the Condensed World Mission Course (CWMC). He explained the details of what a tentmaker and its nitty-gritty.

The seminar aimed to promote Christians to be concern of God’s purpose for creation – that is giving him the greatest glory or making his reputation famous globally. A total of 19 WCG members were among the 99 attendees. --Malou Boone

Out of the eight (6) participants, two (2) members of the WCG Cebu Pastoral team (Jimmy Boone & Rany Suan) were privileged to attend the limited 3-day Trainor’s Training of the Cat N Dog Theology (G3) conducted by Jim Thurber, the Intl. Director of UnveilinGlory on April 23 -25, 2007 at the Word of Life Fellowship in Lahug, Cebu City.

Participants were all provided with resource materials (in CDs) for them to be able to conduct the seminar in the church. Successful trainors will be accredited by Unveilin Glory Ministry after they had complied with the requirements. They will then be considered faculty member of that worldwide ministry. --Malou Boone

The Develop Asia Foundation, conducted a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) class at the Worldwide Church of God building in Maramag, Bukidnon last April 23- May 17, 2007 with the aim of equipping teachers, missionaries, and individuals who have the passion to become facilitators of the English language and share God’s love.

Ms. Hilda B. Babol, a DepEd (Dept. of Education) secondary school principal and a college instructor from Bicol served as the facilitator of the training. This was her Fourth Batch. It was participated in by 18 students from different denominations.

The TESOL class was made possible with the help of our Mindanao missions coordinator Pastor Joel Alisbo, his wife Beth and Marlon Butalmo. The participants returned to their respective denominations with a heart for missions. To God be the Glory! --Sarah Kay B. Arcojada

WCG-Baguio Joins Medical Mission

Baguio City – Members of the WCG here participated in the conduct of a medical mission in Irisan barangay, this city, last May 25, 2007. One of the larger barangays in Baguio City, Irisan is also home to many of the city’s indigent residents. The medical mission was jointly undertaken by the WCG, Rotary Club of Metro Baguio and the Baguio City Emergency Medical Services (BCEMS) team headed by Dr. John Tinoyan. The medical mission provided minor surgery to 20 male patients ages 7-14 years old, spiritual counseling to to the patients and their guardians and/or parents, and medicines to indigent resident courtesy of the Rotary Club of Metro Baguio. –Amadeus Faminialagao.

DVBS in Tarlac

The Tarlac Church of the WCG recently conducted a Daily Vacation Bible Study (DVBS) Program with the theme “Asian Adventure” last April 16 to 21, 2007 held at the residence of church member Mrs. Charito Melecio in Moncada, Tarlac. The participants – composed of 26 children – came to know and belong to Jesus so they could be effective witnesses for Him in the future. The seventh of series since 2000, the program held its graduation last April 16, 2007, with some parents attending. The picture shows the happy participants, together with their mentors Mrs. Charito Melecio and Mrs. Anita Cabuling. The closing program had Mr. Ed Cabuling giving the welcome address and testimony, and Mr. Alfonso K. Milla giving the devotional talk on mission and closing prayer. After this a sumptuous snacks was provided after the closing program. --Alfonso K. Milla

"Greetings! My name is (name withheld). I am from Valenzuela City.I would like to inquire about the youth camp for this year. My friend and I have been searching and wishes to join.I hope you could help us bcome closer to God. Thank you so much and more Power!!!! God Bless!!" --Name Withheld

"Im (name withheld) from Sri Lanka, 20 years old. I like to be involved in your youth ministry coz i found it really interesting n spiritual. Pls. reply me. Hope to Hear from u soon Tc GBU" --Name Withheld

"For some reason I haven't received any of the regular weekly updates you send every Friday. Have you stopped sending it? Anyway, just wondering."

Comment: Sorry, I had not been sending Weekly Updates regularly these past few weeks. I was quite busy traveling and at times there was no internet access in some places where I was. There were also some technical problems that I encountered. Hope I could do better and become more regular this time. --Len Joson

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)