UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

National Director Gives "State of the Church Address"

Some 750 brethren coming from various local congregations of Metro Manila and nearby provinces gathered for the annual "State of the Church Address" given by the National Director Eugene Guzon last January 19 at the Amoranto Theater in Quezon City.

In his message, ND Eugene reported to the brethren various opportunities, challenges and accomplishments during the past year 2007. He also gave the brethren this year's theme which is: "Building on our Strong Foundation: Go 4 8!" He then expounded that our foundation is Jesus Christ. From this foundation, ND Eugene explained the four (4) Ends which are to be our focus for the next 2 or 3 years. These four Ends are to be achieved by means of eight (strategies) which he also outlined to all the brethren.

These are the 4 Ends: 1) Communities benefit from strengthened relationships in the local church. 2) Churches are cared for by trained and committed leaders. 3) Members are grounded in God's Word. 4) Missions is a high priority.

These are the 8 Strategies: 1) Strengthen families -- develop families that are Christ-centered. 2) Establish small groups. 3) Disciple believers and nurture all. 4) Equip present and emerging leaders. 5) Plant churches locally and overseas. 6) Mobilize churches for community outreach. 7) Promote bonding events and celebrations. 8) Develop growing and sustainable churches -- viable, able to live.

This will be the focus of the WCG Philippines for this year and and in the coming 2 or 3 years. Local church pastors and their local congregations are encouraged to focus on this year's theme as outlined by the national director.

Manpower Realignment at National Office

In line with the realignment of manpower resources to better address the specific needs of the denomination, several people have assumed different positions for the denomination:

Aileen Orogo - will now focus her efforts in Resource Development. She will still be monitoring the financial reports of the whole denomination and will be working closely with Debbie Orogo in this regard.

Debbie Orogo - will now handle the day- to day monitoring, accounting and will be in charge of the Financial Services in the same capacity that Aileen Orogo had done for several years.

Dr. Rey Taniajura - in addition to being the Area Superintendent for Southern Luzon will have a more focused involvement in the Missions as head of the Missions Coordinating Team. He will still facilitate for the denomination the Graduate Level training for pastoral team and leaders specifically our arrangement with ASDECS ( Asian Center for Development and Cross Cultural Studies).

Rex Dela Pena - will begin transitioning from the position of Executive Assistant to being the main coordinator for the Leadership Development and training for all pastoral team members. Part of the responsibility is to assess the training needs of the pastoral teams and coordinate how such training, materials and other resources be shared with our PTs across the country. --Announcement from Rex Dela Pena

Comments from Our Readers and Web Surfers

"Good day! I wonder if you will have SEP camp this year. Please tell me about its details and how much would I prepare if I will join. Thank you very much! God Bless!" --From the Philippines

"My name is Pastor.. I am a youth pastor with a satelite church of... in Pasay. I have an interest in taking my youth to a youth camp sometime in the later part of May. I saw your website, and I was curious if you had more information, particularly if you had any availible camps near Metro Manila, and what would be required of me to be able to avail of it. You can contact me here, or text me at... Thank you for taking time to read this and God bless." --From a pastor in Metro Manila

"We are so happy to be on the mailing list and be able to keep up with what God is doing in the Philippines. May he continually bless all of you as you work together to bring more and more people to know about our adopted lives in Jesus and how important he is to everyone. With admiration, love and respect for all of you." --From USA

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)