UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

Christ-centered Visayas-Mindanao Leadership Conference Held

Caribbean Mission Developer Charles Fleming speaks to pastors and leaders during the Visayas-Mindanao Leaders Conference in Cebu City.

A total of 90 participants from the Visayas and Mindanao local congregations converged August 9-11, 2008 at Victo Retreat Haus, Cebu City for “one of the best” Leadership conferences ever held in the area. The conference theme “Christ-Centered Leadership” provided the impetus for the 2-day event which was characterized by profound teaching, vibrant worship, deep sharing and loving fellowship.

Charles Fleming, Mission Developer for the Caribbean region, together with his wife Carmencita, graced the occasion as the overseas guests. Fleming gave presentations on how the Holy Spirit judges the world, where among other points, he stressed that we should focus on Love-Fulfillment rather than on Sin-Avoidance. He also presented a session on Iron Sharpening Iron, as well as facilitating a sharing session where the leaders were asked to share a Bible verse that impacted their lives most.

On the Sunday combined worship service, Fleming delivered the message “Ways in which our Faith can Grow” to 159 brethren at Crown Regency Hotel. He pointed out that Faith is a word that describes a relationship, and that the essence of faith is knowledge of and trust in Jesus. He emphasized that our faith is a faith that God gives to us, and that we are responsible to guard that faith.

Some 90 pastors and leaders meet in Cebu for the Visayas-Mindanao Leaders Conference.

National Director Eugene Guzon, also graced the occasion and gave a presentation on “Shepherding like Christ” based on John 10:11-18. Addressing the assembled church pastors and leaders, he gave the reminder that as leaders, we also need to be shepherded, and that Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. He pointed out that Christ wanted us to appropriate to ourselves first His being a Good Shepherd, so we can have peace as we participate in His ministry. In his presentation he also highlighted comparisons between Jesus being the Good Shepherd in contrast to a hired hand, a cowboy, a sheriff, and a boss.

A video of Dr. Dan Rogers presentation about our perichoretic union with Christ and active participation in His ministry, given at the Men’s Conference at CDC, Tagaytay City last June 19-21, 2008, was also watched by the participants.

For a fitting close to the conference, a communion service was conducted by Ptr. Jessup Bahinting, Senior Pastor of Divine Grace Fellowship (Lapu-Lapu Church, Cebu). In his message, he encouraged everyone to share with others the divine love that God has bestowed upon us.

When asked to describe the personal effect of the conference in one word or a sentence upon the participants, some of the responses were: enlightening, refreshing, liberating, edifying, encouraging, understand deeper meaning of the love of God and who Christ is, experienced Love in the conference, very empowering, truth becoming clearer, reinforced the expression of love, inspired to participate in God’s work.

The lyrics of the last song that was sung, poignantly described the ambience of the conference: “To the ends of the earth you are LORD, From the heavens all glory is Yours, We exalt you Oh Christ, As we carry Your light to the ends of the earth.” --Ptr. George R. Escara

2008 U.S.A. Youth Mission Exposure held at Tabaco City

Dr. & Mrs. Mike Morrison and 12 youths from US visit Bicol region for the second time.

The local churches of the Worldwide Church of God, in Tabaco City hosted a four-day Youth Mission Exposure activities for a team of 12 youths from Pasadena, California last August 7-10. The party was led by Dr. Michael Morrison and his wife Janet. Dr. Morrison is associate pastor of New Life Fellowship, a WCG local congregation in California, USA. Dr. Morrison is also editor of Together: Worldwide Church of God News and managing editor of Christian Odyssey.

The missions team is made up of brothers Abel and David Dizon, Vi Chan, Rodmer Lomboy, Alex Stevens, Steven Di Trapani, Larry O'Bryan, Anthony Walton, Kyle Shallenberger, Deanna O'Bryan, Kassandra Glaros and Melinda Morrison, daughter of Dr. Mike and Janet Morrison. The youths are on vacation from their respective schools and universities but they prefered to spend their time in the Philippines and served the churches.

The mission exposure trip of the team is the second of its kind in the Bicol Region. The first mission exposure trip was held in Aroroy, Masbate in 2006. In making the trip the team aimed to bring the word of God to the remote areas of the Philippines particularly to youths.

Nagsipit Elementary School, a sitio of barangay Mariroc in Tabaco City was the venue of a two-day Vacation Bible classes that were conducted by the team on August 7 and 8. Mrs. Josefa Clarino, head of the elementary school and Sanguniang Barangay Captain Rosie Cleofe welcomed the team on behalf of the school. Ninety-three pupils from grades IV to VI attended the activity. They were divided into four groups and taught lessons about Jesus as our life. The lessons were accompanied by skits, songs and dances to the delight and excitement of the children. The two-day activity ended with the children craving for more because they do not like to let go of their young teachers.

Dr. Mike Morrison tries riding on a carabao.

The Community of Christian Weavers Fellowship of barangay Pinagbobong, Tabaco City also hosted the missions team on August 9. A highlight of the activity of the team in the local church was the dedication of a comfort room and a water pump project that was made possible through the contributions of the churches in the United States that also helped support the trip of the team. Barangay Captain Rolando Buendia and wife Emma assisted in the dedication ceremony. The members of Pinagbobong church provided, as counterpart, labor and other materials to complete the project.

Values Formation classes were also conducted for some 50 members of the church who were mostly youths and children whose ages range between 3 and 16 years old.
On August 10, a question and answer session was conducted by Dr. Morrison for the leaders of the Bicol churches. Southern Luzon area superintendent, Dr. Rey Taniajura, helped facilitate the discussions. Dr.Morrison explained the Trinitarian theology and answered questions arising from the topic.

Additionally, the US team also visited Bulacan to do various outreach activities. They are currently in a Youth Leadership Camp with 69 youths in Silang, Cavite. More news next week.

The four-day activity missions activity culminated in a combined Worship Service of the Bicol congregations. The youths of the New Life in Jesus Fellowship (Bagong Buhay Kay Jesus) of Legaspi City led in the congregational singing. Dr. Mike Morrison gave the main message and Dr. Carlos Pizarro officiated in the communion Service.
A send-off party and program was held for the missions team after the service where the members of some of the Bicol churches provided intermission numbers. --Nor Bongay

Medical Mission - Worship Service In Action

For the first time, Christ The Rock Fellowship of San Pablo City, Sta. Lucia and Rizal hosted a medical mission. This is made possible by the Worldwide Church of God, our denominational church, in partnership with A-CROSS Ministry, a group of Christian doctors, dentists, optometrist, pharmacist and nurses who provided their services, even medicines, eyeglasses and vitamins for free. Medical mission is an effective way of helping the community and a powerful way of sharing the gospel. You meet not only the physical or health needs of the people but more importantly their spiritual needs.

The medical mission was held last August 10, 2008, Sunday at Barangay Sta. Lucia, Nagcarlan, Laguna, where our daughter church Christ The Rock Fellowship is located. Due to expected big turn out of people, we asked the permission of the Barangay Captain to use the covered basketball court. We were informed ahead of time of the materials we need to prepare by Pastor Roman Saynes of WCG and a representative of A-CROSS Ministry. So, we also informed our members in San Pablo City, Sta. Lucia, even in Rizal, Los Banos and Calamba, Laguna. We need many prayer-counselors as there are hundreds of people to share the gospel with. So we requested the members to pray, pray and pray for the success of this event. We even invited other Christian churches to help as prayer-counselors which they accepted.

We cancelled our Worship Service on August 9 (Saturday) in San Pablo City and Aug. 10 in Sta. Lucia for members so that our Worship Service will be in action, to share the gospel and help and assist in the medical mission.

God answered our prayer that day because there was good weather, no rain and no brownout and there was a very good turn out of people. The members give of their time, talent and treasure for the success of the event. In total, there were 930 patients who were served, 110 in dental, 180 in optical and 640 in medical. And 313 people accepted Christ as their Savior because of this medical mission. --Ptr. Claro Ting

Beloved: The Musicale on August 31

Announcing the anniversary concert presentation of the Glory to the Lord Fellowship called "BELOVED The Musicale" at the Amoranto Theater on August 31, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. with the Crossway Ministry Band, OMFJ Band of Manila, Amplifiers Band of Sta. Rosa and the GLF Worship Band PRAISEHIM, featuring the GenMillenium Dance Company. Tickets are available for sale at P100. --Pastor Andrew Teng, Senior Pastor, Glory to the Lord Fellowship

2008 Festival Dates

The festivals are an opportunity for us to gather together as a big group fellowshipping with one another as brethren and worshipping God together as one big family for several days in one place. These are not commanded assemblies but we gather together because we want to. We want to worship God together in one big group and enjoy each other's company as one big family for a few days. This is a time for rejoicing and taking time off from our daily routines and work. Children especially love "vacation time." For this year, let us again plan to be there and join the fun. These are the festival sites so far:

Baguio City - September 24 - 28 at Teachers Camp. Morning worship services are from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Various activities are slated in the afternoon. For housing accommodations, contact Pastor Jerry Ortiguero at +63920-903-8377.

Kiara, Bukidnon - October 23 - 26 at the WCG Kiara Church Building, Kiara, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. Contact person: Ruben Carmelotes at +63921-404-3487.

Motiong, Western Samar - October 23 -26 at Ygrubay Family Compound, Motiong, Western Samar. Contact person: Ptr. Danny de Guia at +63919-539-5397.

Cebu City - October 24-26 at Club Ultima, Jones Avenue, Cebu City. Contact Person: Ptr. James Boone at +63927-433-8491.

Dumaguete City - October 24 -26. Le Toundra Peak, Bacong, Negros Oriental. Contact person: Ptr. Angelo Ouano at +63915-804-4740.

Ipil - October 24 -26 at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Contact person: Ptr. Bert Colona at +63919-209-5540 or (062) 333-2539 (during office hours only).

Tacloban City - October 18-20. Pawing Christian Center, Pawing, Palo, Leyte. Contact person: Ptr. Arturo M. Reyes at (053) 321-2989 or (053) 524-9228.

Tagbilaran City - October 26. FAD Beach Resort, Baclayon, Bohol. Contact person: Ptr. Romy Pusta at +63917-241-3980.

Cagayan de Oro City - October 31 - November 2. Contact person: Ptr. Rollen Olango at +63927-345-5522.

We will post more details and more festival sites as we receive them from the various site coordinators. Let's begin planning and preparing now!

Speaking of Life Videos

Dr. Joseph Tkach

Every week, Dr. Joseph Tkach presents relevant topics affecting life through a 3 or 4 minute video on the internet found in our WCG website. Pastors are highly encouraged to play these videos weekly as part of their local church worship services. A transcript is also available (in text format) for pastors to read during worship services. We have included it here as part of this Weekly Update.

Some local churches have found these videos very uplifting, and has kept them abreast of the current teachings of the WCG. For some, this is also their first time to see and hear Dr. Tkach and this has created a sense of the local church's being connected to the denomination's headquarters.

Below is a transcript of this week's Speaking of Life video:

Speaking of Life 101: Encountering God at Camp

Camps play a vital role in the way the Worldwide Church of God ministers to and through young people. In this special edition of Speaking of Life, we’re on location with our youth camp in Southern California’s San Bernardino mountains.

In the Worldwide Church of God, we’re blessed to have hundreds of adults and older teens who faithfully serve as staff members in our many camps. These camps are devoted to helping children and teens encounter Jesus. This year in the United States, we have 15 camps, and we’re thankful to have many more in other parts of the world.

It’s been said that “WCG” stands not only for “Worldwide Church of God”, but also “We Camp Good.” I thank God for this special gift, because it seems to us that our Heavenly Father takes great joy in using camps to transform the hearts and lives of young people.

In our experience, camps are places where people of all generations – children, teens, adults, and in some cases whole families – share the joy and love of God in Christ.

Our camps are designed to be Christ-centered, cross-generational environments – places of refuge, renewal and mission where participants leave behind everyday distractions and focus on the relationship with God that he has given us in Jesus.

In short, our camps are places to encounter God.

Our camp here in Southern California is called SEP SoCal, which stands for Spiritual Enrichment Program, Southern California. It’s directed by WCG Pastor Mark Stapleton and his wife Anne , who live in San Diego, California.

Mark: Welcome to SEP SoCal. Anne and I are privileged to lead a staff of 80 men and women in serving 188 campers. Our campers vary in age from 8 to 19. Our principal goal here is simple, yet profound. We want everyone here – campers and staffers – to have an encounter with Jesus Christ – and by doing so learn even more deeply that God loves them.

Anne: We’ve learned that this message about God’s love is more “caught” than “taught.” So our goal is that our campers would experience a loving God through a loving staff in an environment that is both safe and fun.

Mark: The fun here comes in many forms – sometimes quite challenging. At SEP SoCal we have archery, riflery, high ropes challenge course, swimming, canoeing, water polo, team building, creative arts, drama, dance class and water slide.

Anne: Even in the fun and activity, our focus is on helping the campers encounter Jesus Christ. We seek to show his love to the campers in tangible ways and we look for “teachable moments” to tell them in words about their Savior and his love for them.

A primary focus of this teaching comes in our chapel services where the awareness of God’s presence is heightened.

Mark: The messages in our chapels and our Christian living classes focus on Jesus Christ’s faithfulness to us as God’s children – a faithfulness that is our source of assurance and our source of motivation to participate with Jesus as he ministers in the world.

We want campers and staffers to leave here with a deeper conviction of God’s total and unconditional love for them, and then knowing that, to have a deeper desire to serve God in our world.

Joseph Tkach: My thanks to Mark and Anne and all the staff who serve our camps around the world. You are all making a lasting difference in many young lives.

If you are a young person interested in coming to camp or an adult who would like to send a child or teen to one of our Worldwide Church of God camps, you can find out more about our camp and event ministries website.

If you would like to sponsor all or a portion of a young person’s camp experience, just call us at 1 800 423-4444 or go to wcg.org/go/camps.

These camps are a wonderful opportunity for our young people to have lots of fun, experience new challenges and make friends – all in a Christian environment.

I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.

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)