UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

About 150 people attending the local churches of the Worldwide Church of God attended the First Family Celebration hosted by the Potter’s Hand Christian Fellowship, Bankilingan, Tabaco City last October 26-28, 2007.

Brethren from the Potter’s Field Christian Community of Nagsipit, the Outlying Bible Study of Pinagbobong and other local churches of Legazpi City and Albay were present despite the heavy downpour of rain.

With the theme, “You are loved, accepted and included,” the guest speaker, Pastor Max Fabricante, member of the WCG National Board of Directors, emphasized the need not only to study and believe the Word of God in the Bible but to grow spiritually and help draw others into the fold of a true Christian in order to receive the promised reward of God.

The three-day activity included worship with the Children Music Ministry of Bankilingan and the band of Legazpi City providing songs of worship and praises. A display of talent ranging from songs and dances of the youth and children, Bible Quiz and games added color to the celebration.

A breakthrough in the history of local churches in Tabaco City took place on the last day of the activity wherein a family of four simultaneously accepted Jesus in baptism namely: Mr. Rey Camu, Mrs. Tomasa Regonaos-Camu, and their two kids, Rey Louie and Emmanuel Camu. They were also joined by Mr. Rennor Bongat (an OFW) and Mr. Reynold B. Villania ( a peacekeeping officer of Malilipot Albay). All of them are of the Potter’s Hand Christian Fellowship, whose residence is only a stone throw from the church of Bankilingan, Tabaco City. --Mrs. Eleanor O. Bongat

"It is by faith that we can love other people. Faith frees us from the fear of ridicule and rejection. We can love others without worrying about what they will do to us, because we trust in Christ to reward us generously." --Joseph Tkach

Leyte and Samar churches celebrated Festival '07 with much rejoicing and eagerness raising the theme "Declare the Praises of God" (1 Peter 2:9) held at Motiong, Western Samar on October 19 to 22. The four-day celebration was hosted by the Catbalogan Church led by Pastor Danny de Guia with the highest attendance recorded at 70 people. Festival activities included daily devotionals, worship services, and fellowships. Special menu for the youths were the dance clinic, Bible quiz show, and sundown jamming while the children had parlor games and variety show. Women also had their "fun-time" and "sweat-time" with early morning aerobics sessions. On the last day of the celebration, a grand family day was spent at Quinabut-an, a cold spring about 5 kms away from Motiong. The festival has become a great time for friends and families who has long been separated by time and space to be reunited. It was also a wonderful opportunity for building and strengthening friendships that bond the waray-warays together as a race continually declaring the praises of God to the world. --Eunice Balondo

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental - One hundred seven delegates from Dumaguete, Bayawan and San Carlos Churches gathered for a 3-day festival celebration last October 26-28, 2007 at PTA, Junob, Dumaguete City with the theme: "Living & Sharing the Light". The Opening night started with a Worship service, with which Ptr. Angelo Ouano gave the message, followed by a candle lighting ceremony. Ptr George Escara gave the message on the second day and ordained Mrs. Myrna Deposoy and Mrs. Marina Andrade as Church deaconesses. Then the brethren enjoyed swimming and fellowshipping at Forest Camp, a mountain resort in Valencia, Negros Oriental. During the evening, we enjoyed a showcase of talents performed by the brethren. On the last day of the Festival, Ptr laurencio Sabanal of San Carlos gave a message about grace .We ended the Festival by partaking the Lord's Supper which Ptr. Boy Ouano facilitated. --Debbie Ouano

Worldwide Church of God members from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Butuan; Jasaan and Initao in Misamis Oriental; Lanipao, Lanao del Norte and Camiguin wrapped up Festival 2007 at the Seaside Bible Camp in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental on October 28, 2007 with 251 participants.

The three days festival was so full packed with activities and fun. The first two days, October 26 and 27 were held at the De Luxe Hotel in Cogon, a commercial center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Cagayan de Oro Festival Coordinator Rollen Olango welcomed the participants on opening day, morning of Friday, October 26, to the worship service, with Ms. Charisse Abao as worship leader. The tarpaulin backdrop depicting this year’s Festival theme, “Carry the Light” was designed by Kevin R. Mugot. Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson gave the sermon and Jasaan Pastor Percy Macabasa gave the sermonette. In the afternoon, the youth (ages 13 to 17) had fun with their “Amazing Race” activity. The youth were able to develop teamwork by accomplishing their tasks on getting around the city with the most minimal expenses and with shortest time to reach the pit stop. The day ended with the Church’s Couples and Seniors Night having a get- together eat-all-you-can dinner at Consuelo’s Steakhouse. It was a night full of fun and prices, picture taking and ballroom dancing.

On the second day, October 27, Iligan Church Pastor Cristito Rico and CDO Senior Pastor Jerome Manriquez gave the messages. The children (ages 5 to 12) gave a special song presentation “Shine Jesus Shine”. In the afternoon, there was an outreach program and praise-jamming at Cugman Church where many of the youth participated. In the evening, the Church’s Singles held their traditional party at Consuelo’s Steakhouse.

The third and last day was held at the Seaside Bible Camp. Pastors Rollen Olango and Rally Estrera gave a very inspiring split sermon on being the light of world. He reiterated that it is in us to carry the light so that other people will see Jesus Christ. The rest of the day was the most-awaited Family Day. At the beach, Pastors Rollen and Percy had the pleasure and the privilege of baptizing Edison Patilano, who has been attending in Cugman Church for about two years now. --Kevin Mugot, Maridel Mugot

Once a young student asked Karl Barth if he could sum up what was most important about his life's work and theology in just a few words. The question was posed even with gasps from the audience. Barth just thought for a moment and then smiled, "Yes, in the words of a song my mother used to sing me, 'Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.'" --From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Barth

Mergrande Beach Resort, Toril, Davao City -- One hundred eleven brothers and sisters, including children, from the cities of Davao, Digos, Tagum, Kidapawan and Samal attended here the 2007 Festival October 27-28. Dr. Napoleon "Nap" Meimban, senior pastor of the Urdaneta City Church and his wife, Dr. Lelia Meimban, also attended the two-day festival.

The festival started with the registration of the participants in the morning of Oct. 27, Saturday. A worship service was held at 2:00 p.m. with Davao City Church senior pastor Catalino "Boy" Garcia delivering the sermon. Pastor Boy concentrated much of his sermon on the freedom Christians have in Christ Jesus quoting chapters 2 and 3 of Colossians. A variety show was held in the evening participated in by the young and old from the different churches. Used but still usable clothing were displayed in the venue, courtesy of the Davao City church members, which were given to our brothers and sisters in need.

At 5:00 a.m. on the second day, hot coffee, chocolate, bread and peanut butter were offered free by the Digos Church. The worship service started at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Nap delivered the sermon reminding the brethren on the role of Christians as the light of the world. Pastor Nap also commended the youth for being so active in the festivities. Pastor announced the possibilities of a 3-day festival next year and Davao City as an SEP site in the summer. He encouraged the brethren to pray and prepare for these activities. There was eating-together after the service followed by a sport activity at 1:30 p.m. The festivities ended at about 3:00 p.m.

Special offerings were collected on the first and second days of the festivities. --Dr. Catalino Garcia, Senior Pastor for Davao City Church

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) along with the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) are inviting you to attend a training seminar for potential facilitators for POEA's Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) to be held on November 27-28, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Christian Development Center (CDC), Tagaytay City.

Register now! For more details, contact: Abi Natividad or Aileen Orogo. Tel. no. (02) 426-22-92. Note: Click photo at right to copy bigger poster size for church bulletin boards.

"Thank you so much for the updates! It is so nice to be able to know how so many people in that part of the world are getting introduced to and drawn to Christ and his ways. Do keep it up! and let's all continue to strive to live our lives truly as a living sacrifice to his honor and glory." --British Columbia, Canada

To subscribe, unsubscribe or send comments, please write to Len.Joson@wcg.org. This Weekly Update can also be viewed at www.wcg.org/ph/updatelist.htm. The Update from WCG Philippines is an official e-mail weekly update from the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines.

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)