Update from WCG Philippines

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

February 1, 2008

Infanta Brethren and High School Students Welcome ND, and guests

About 60 brethren from Infanta Church did not mind the rain and mud in order to gather and enthusiastically worship God with ND Eugene and guests from the National Office and overseas last Sunday, Jan. 24, 2008. They were welcomed by WCG Church planter, Remigio Cruz and wife Juliet, Pastor Dionisio Susa, Asst. Pastor Nick Alliones and members of the pastoral team. ND Eugene relayed the theme for the next three years- "Building On Our Strong Foundation, Go 4 8!, " and he spent some time for fellowship and dialogue with the brethren. 

 Among the guests were Katherine Pascual from the Brisbane East Church in Australia. She is on a short visit to the Philippines and had the chance to experience some of the activities of the church in the Luzon area. Infanta church was a beneficiary of some financial support from the Brisbane East Church in the past. She communicated the love of the Australian brethren. She also shared the short encouraging message from her pastor  Bob Regazzoli. After the service, the brethren shared some  potluck native snacks. The guests also included Ms. Allen Cruz, one of the team leaders in Dubai Church, who is in Manila for a short visit, is also one of the sponsors of the Infanta outreach. Other members of the party were office staff Orlando Osillos, Caiza Abesamis and Angie Bato.

After the service, ND Eugene and the guests went to the Infanta Nationa High School to meet about 50 students and half a dozen teachers. These students are part of about 150 students who meet on Wednesdays for bible studies with the teachers. About a dozen of these students attended SEP last year and are now core group leaders of their weekly small group devotions. ND Eugene and Katherine Pascual, Pastor RG Cruz, and Miss Allen Cruz took turns to encourage the brethren and commend the faithfuless of these young people. They were also asked to pray that God will provided the means for some of them to attend SEP this year.

In the afternoon the weather cleared up. The rolling hills and mountains along the winding roads provided a refreshing view of nature on their way home. Hardly could one see the traces of the landslides, fallen trees, broken bridges, flash floods and washed out homes that characterized this place about 3 years ago. It was about that time when WCG brethren responded with care and shared the love of God.

Laoag City Church Conducts Medical Mission in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

The Laoag City Church conducted its first medical mission in San Pedro, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte last January 26, 2008. A total of more than 80 individuals and around 30 families were given free medical consultation by the medical team headed by Dr. Maricris Tinoyan. The patients were prayed over by church members from Laoag City and Sarrat BS.  Some medicines used were donated by the office of the Ilocos Norte Congressman Ablan and Giant Size Pharma but majority of the medicines were purposely purchased by the Laoag brethren for regular missions use. The medical mission was concluded with a thanksgiving service. Sarrat is one of the outreach areas of Laoag City Church which it continues to support, through monthly bible study and worship services. This medical outreach is one approach in fulfilling the “four ends and eight strategies” set by the national director. –Angel Padron and Mario Tayamen

SEP Camp Sites

Inquiries are beginning to be received regarding the dates and venues of our Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). To date, here are the youth summer camp sites:

SEP Staff Training in Cagayan de Oro

To all who would like to volunteer as staff for SEP in Mindanao, please inform Pastor Rex Dela Pena of your interest. The 4-day SEP staff training will be conducted by Pastor Rex from February 7 to 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Catbalogan Church Celebrates 24th Anniversary, Pastoral Team Recommissioned

January 12, the Area Superintendent conducted a seminar on the Condensed Pastoral Team and Leaders Orientation Course, and this was done in Motiong, Samar. The following day worship services was held celebrating the 24th church anniversary of WCG Catbalogan. During the worship service, the pastoral team members were re-commissioned by the Area Superintendent Ptr. George Escara. The pastoral team composed of Ptr. Dan de Guia as chairman. The members are: Mr. Antonio M. Ygrubay, Mrs. Adela D. Ygrubay, Mrs. Marina Muriel Y. Labid, Mrs. Flocerfida S. de Guia, and Mrs. Josephine B. de Guia. During this occasion, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James S. de Guia, named Maria L J was dedicated to the Lord in a ceremony performed by the Area Superintendent and Ptr. Dan de Guia.

Comments from Our Readers and Web Surfers

"Thank you for your constant WCG Weekly Updates. I hope you can visit our church at least even once so I can introduce you to our pastor (name withheld), who is a Cebuano. He and I are in the church every Friday... Our church (church name withheld)... is located at... in San Juan, Metro Manila. Thank you very much and God bless! P. S. Please pray for the healing of my liver (fatty liver) and my entire body. Thanks again." --From a subscriber through the internet 

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)