UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

SEP Bohol 2008 -- A Dream Come True

It was a dream we never thought would come true because of numerous obstacles like venue, manpower, finances, etc. But, by God's grace, everything fell into its proper place for us to have a wonderful 3 days of Summer Enrichment Program in Camp Karis, Casate, Ubay, Bohol. 33 youths, half of whom were kids of non-WCG parents, enjoyed pristine environment, healthy food and wholesome activities. The camp which was "discovered" only recently was indeed a blessing not just because of its ideal grounds and facilities, but also because of its affordability and proximity.

Summer Enrichment Program 2008

YOUTH CAMP SITES

Misamis Oriental (SEP Mindanao): May 1-4 at Midway White Beach Resort, Initao. Contact Rollen Olango, rollen_olango@yahoo.com.

Negros Oriental: May 1-5 at PTA, Junob, Km. 5, Dumaguete City. Contact Angelo Ouano, ar_ouano@yahoo.com. Cell # 0915-804-4740.

Cavite (SEP Luzon): May 13-20 at Villa Julia Resort, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang. Contact Rex Dela Pena, rex.delapena@wcg.org.

Join us as we reach out to the Filipino youths! Please pray for and support SEP! For details, click here!

8 regular staff and several other volunteers served the needs of the camp while 3 counselors from Cebu and Dumaguete, namely, RD Macasero, Nina Uymasuy and Debbie Ouano facilitated the activities of 3 Dorms.

Pastors Romy Pusta and Terence Naranjo held "Speaking of Life" Classes (Christian Living) and conducted Personality and Character Development Interactive Forums. Outdoors enthusiast Elgie Bugas shared with campers Basic Mountaineering Skills and related subjects, while Mrs Pelino and Mrs. Pusta demonstrated simple methods of pastry-making for home use and possible livelihood application. Line Dancing Sessions handled by the counselors during breaks were so popular among campers. Ms. Virgie Galope, Asst. Camp Director, vice Ptr. Romy, run most of camp operations, assisted by Uni Pelino, Canel Badilla, Connie Olano and many other dedicated volunteers.

With the theme "Knowing and Following Christ (KFC)," campers were challenged at camp opening what KFC will bring in their lives. Given the clue KFC brings JOLLIBEE, responses at camp closing proved most understood what the theme was all about: Knowing and Following Christ brings Joy and Liberty for Eternity or Joy in the Lives of Believers (JOLLIBEE)!

Respondents won prizes as promised. Bohol SEP culminated with the baptism of camper Jimm Paz, 17.

We wish to thank and acknowledge the support given by AS George Escara, our National Office and specially to our donors who gave sacrificially to make this dream a reality. To God be all honor and glory!

3 Calamba Outreaches Celebrate First Year Anniversary

The three outreaches in Calamba City celebrated one year of working jointly to reach this city last April 13 at Riverview Resort. Outreach workers Pol Makahiya of barangay Makiling, Reuel Avila of Canlubang and Ardel Magararu of Prinza first thought of joining forces early 2007 and held their first combined worship service last April 15, 2007.

The celebration was attended by about 57 members, bible study attendees and guests, including members from the Los Banos outreach. Southern Luzon AS Dr. Rey Taniajura gave the word and dedicated to the Lord a one-year old child from Canlubang. A slideshow of God's work in Calamba was shown, and special numbers from the kids brought more joy to the congregation.

The day was capped by a hearty potluck lunch and swimming at the resort's pool area. The Lord was truly glorified not just in the event, but in past year's work as communities hear and are blessed by the gospel. We'd like to thank all those who participated and contributed food and finances for the the successful holding of this anniversary.

Lighthouse Ministries (WCG-Iloilo) - Sponsored (P.E.S.) Parents Effectiveness Services

In coordination with the strategies in fulfilling the 4 ends of the Worldwide Church of God in the Phiippines. The Lighthouse Ministries (WCG-Iloilo) joined DSWD Jaro District in P.E.S. implementation. Before school year 2007 - 2008 ends the Lighthouse Ministries took charge in giving inspirational talk to some 50 day care parents of Barangay Quintin Salas Jaro, Iloilo City. As president of the parents association of the day care center, Mrs. Lalaine Espinosa one of our pastoral team member coordinated the Parenting Seminar. Mrs. Rosievic Melendres talked about "Training the Little Hearts" as a child rearing topic. Part of her talk was giving parents a time to reflect and evaluate themselves according to how often do they spend quality time and prayers to their children, stress was given on affirming children positively and other value related concepts. Copies of the poem "Children Learn What They Live" by Dorothy Law Nolte, in colored book paper were given to the parents to serve as reminders in dealing with their little ones.
Another part of the workshop was a topic about Basic Nutrition, given by Mrs. Roseni Mortola parents were oriented about the 3 basic food groups Go, Grow and Glow. The pastoral team was also present during the affair. A basket full of parent's prayer request for their children was prayed over by deacon Raul Enerio. After the workshop a representative from DSWD Jaro District gave a certificate of appreciation to the Lighthouse Ministries (WCG-Iloilo) for their whole hearted support to the center's activity. --Elmer Melendres, PT Chairman

Second WCG Men's Conference: You are Invited!

Join the 2nd National Men’s Conference in Tagaytay on June 19 - 21. We are inviting all fathers, all grown up sons, brothers, friends and neighbors. Let us come together and seek what the Lord wants us to do as men, as Christian fathers, Christian sons, Christian brothers, Christian husband…

The Conference will start with a Devotional Service at 7:00PM after dinner on Thursday, June 19 (Christian Development Center). Conference ends on June 21 after lunch. On-site registration will begin at 3PM. Our Guest Speaker is Mr. Dan Rogers – WCG – USA Church Administration.

Registration Fee is P1,200.00. A Pre-registration fee of P500.00 is necessary to help us with the immediate planning and booking of hall and other related expenses. Please submit or deposit your P500- on or before June 1, 2008 (Acct. Name: Worldwide Church of God BPI CA#0361-0011-33) and send a copy of your validated deposit slip along with this application form to the National Office. The balance of P 700.00 needs to be paid upon arrival. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT CASH PAYMENTS at CDC, Tagaytay. TRANSPORTATION: We encourage participants to travel together in groups for their safety. The participants will shoulder travel costs. Please plan to arrive on June 19 (before 3:00 p.m.).

Note to all pastors: Please print the application forms (click this hyperlink) and share this with all your men in the local congregation. --Rex Dela Pena

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)