Metro Manila Local Churches Conduct DVBS

Some local churches in Metro Manila are conducting Daily Vacation Bible Schools (DVBS) in various areas in Metro Manila namely: Lawang Pare, Forestry, Payatas, Old Capitol Site and NHV (which already completed their DVBS last April 30 with 90 children graduates).

To date, most of the DVBS classes are in full swing with each class averaging from 50 to 60 children as beneficiaries of the feeding and free bible classes program. It will be competed in about a week.

These DVBS classes are a result of a DVBS seminar conducted at the national office last April 19 by Mrs. Glenda Galo of the Antipolo Christian Fellowship, WCG. Pastor Mervin Walton of the New Life Fellowship in Pasadena was able to visit one the DVBS classes. --Edrei Fajardo

SEP Bacolod 2008 – Founded on Freedom

With the many obstacles like the lack of resources and manpower, and almost lack of’ campers, SEP 2008 in Negros Occidental almost seemed like a plan that can never be put into action. But with the grace and blessings of our mighty Lord, the camp went on with little trouble. 34 youths had food, fun, friends and blessings in the 4-day camp at CICM, Miranda Subdivision in Talisay City. Eight full-time and nine part-time staff volunteered and shared their knowledge and experience with these youths whose ages ranged from 12 to 20 years old. The campers practiced and exercised their skills in sports like basketball, volleyball, table tennis and badminton, and in physical activities like dancing and treasure hunting.

They also enriched their hearts, minds and souls in Christian Living classes, daily worship services and a movie night featuring the movie ‘Facing the Giants.’ Clubs like photography, first aid, cooking and music were also available to the campers who wished to learn about them. The camp theme was ‘Founded on Freedom’ which exemplifies true freedom which is in Christ. At the end of the camp the campers learned how to enjoy this freedom and ‘face their giants’ with Christ. 11 campers gave their lives to Christ and were baptized. We praise God for His grace and goodness and thank those who gave of their time, effort and resources for making this camp a wonderful life-changing experience. --Terlene P. Santibañez

Christ the Rock Fellowship: Church Summer Outing and Baptism

The Christ The Rock Fellowship, Sta. Lucia (Nagcarlan, Laguna) congregation held it's first summer outing on Sunday April 20, 2008 at Batis ng Sinipian located at the foot of Mount Banahaw which has many natural rivers of cool, running water. It rained that morning that seemed to spoil the outing but the prayers of many members for God's intervention brought the sunshine in. We reserved the pavilion and started the activities with praise and worship. But again it rained all the more and we just continued the worship service and by the time of the closing songs the sun was already smiling.

A total of 42 attendees gathered during the occasion half of which were children. Six souls were baptized in the river composed of a couple, a teenager and three children. The baptism was officiated by Pastor Claro and assisted by Bro. Edwin and Bro. Danny. Everybody enjoyed the spiritual and physical activities, abundant food and fellowship. Overall, because of God's provision, it was fun and successful.

CRF-SL has 40 official members as of this writing. To God be the glory!

Financial Administration Training Held in Mindanao

A two-day hands-on financial administration training was organized and hosted by Ptr. Rollen Olango and the Cagayan De Oro church last April 26-27. Aileen and Debbie Orogo of Financial Services conducted the training. It was specifically for the financial stewardship committee members of the local churches, to prepare and equip them for the ministry of handling local church finances. This is part of the initiative of the national office to decentralize financial administration to the local churches. There were more than 20 in attendance coming from the local churches of Cagayan de Oro, Maramag, Quezon, Kiara, Lanipao, Iligan, Initao, Jasaan.

Prayer Request for Henson Fen Santos and Reuel Avila

The family requests the prayers of everyone for Henson Fen Santos (77 years old), an elder residing in Sta. Rosa, Laguna whose left kidney has been damaged and whose bladder has been found to have a large mass inside. He has also been experiencing much pain from time to time. A biopsy is to be done by the doctor this Friday afternoon for further tests. He is now confined at the Southern Luzon Hospital and Medical Center, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Prayers and help is also requested for Reuel Avila who "suffered a stroke which seemed to have progressed to a nervous breakdown." His wife is requesting for single males to assist. He is now confined at the San Juan de Dios Hospital. Reuel is a pastoral team member of the Sta. Rosa Church (Laguna).