UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

WCG Camarines Sur Conducts Youth Camp

In pursuit of our desire to reach out and proclaim the good news of God's love, the CSSAC Youth Camp was successfully conducted here in Bicol at the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College(CSSAC) in Pili, Camarines Sur.

The camp, a scaled-down version of SEP, with the theme: "Experiencing Fellowship with Your One True Friend", was held September 5 to 7, 2008. Activities included archery, Shiatsu Massage, group dynamics and Christian living classes. As a whole, all activities centered on evangelization since the campers who were invited were unbelievers. All activities were conducted inside the campus. There were a total of 33 campers in all, mostly students of the state college.

Initially, the conduct of the camp was in partnership with the local chapter of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), a recognized student organization of the college, hence, the school facilities needed for the camp were allowed to be used at no cost.

As the camp ended, 12 campers surrendered their lives and accepted Jesus and were baptized in the Olympic-sized swimming pool of the nearby Dep. Ed's Freedom Sports Complex.

During the closing ceremonies, tears rolled down and feelings of joy run high as the new believers gave moving testimonies of the change that happened within them. One camper said he never had this kind of experience before and was thankful that the Lord has led him to be one of the campers. Now he is a believer. Another camper said he is happy to be in God. Another camper affirmed that she need the Lord into her life and became a convert. The new believers became fully aware of the seed of life in Jesus that has started to sprout in their hearts. Other campers were delighted of their experiences at the camp. They were very thankful that they were invited by their friends to join the camp.

The Spirit of God has moved visibly and mightily during the camp and no doubt, everyone, campers and staff alike, had encountered a moving experience of the fellowship with our One true friend, JESUS.

A heap of thanks for everyone's support and to God be all the glory!! --Reuel Pamor

Small Group Training Held in Panay

In line with the National Director's thrust to organize small groups nationwide, the Lighthouse Ministries (WCG-Iloilo) organized a Leader's Training on Small Groups last August 29-31, 2008. Twenty nine (29) Panay Island church leaders and future leaders from the provinces of Kalibo, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros convened at the Boracay Hall, DepEd Regional Office VI, where they were also housed for 2 days. Pastor George Escara, Area Superintendent of Central and Eastern Visayas conducted the training. He dealt more importantly on the theme "DESTINATION COMMUNITY," Discovering the Essentials of Small Group Life Leaders Training - Level 1. The training was divided into four sessions. Everybody was also given hand outs that they can use as guide when they go back to their respective places and are conducting small group in their own communities. --Nenet Melendres

Beloved...the musicale became Beloved...the miracle

God intervened in many miraculous ways for the success of this gospel presentation in music and dance: 1. The Poster was designed by Edwin Orogo. It was a miracle, so fitting for the show. A million thanks Edwin. 2. The sponsors came pouring down the week after the deadline we set and we're still able to have the souvenir program come on time. A million thanks Amis and Eden Parane. 3. God, thank you for sending Ofel, to give us favor with Amoranto Theater Administrator. 4. On the actual day of showing, Ann Karen Phoebe Teng, was having a bout with stomach discomfort, sleepless night before, and was even so weak during the afternoon service, that when she stands her legs wobbles. But God intervened miraculously that she was able to sing and dance during the show. I believe this is true not only to Phoebe but to all the cast. 2Cor.12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for you...for my strength is made perfect in weakness." and Phil.4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 5. God directed the show and took over from 4:15-6:30pm for the duration of the show. That's the greatest miracle.

Thank you everyone for praying for the success of the Beloved...the true love story of the millennium. --Pastor Andrew Teng

Singles Conference in Cebu this December 26-29

What: Singles' Conference. Theme: Back2Basics. When: December 26-29, 2008. Where: Somewhere in Cebu. Registration Fee: P2,500. Contact Person: Momee Vee at 0906-295-9974 and/or at 0919-625-6438. You may deposit your payments to: Missions Move Inc., BPI #9051-0005-84. --Andy Calope

2008 Festival Sites

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.

Bicol Region - October 24-26 at Viento Del Mar Beach Resort, Sogod, Bacacay, Albay. Contact person: Dr. Jose Manzano at +63918-518-8835.

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.

Davao City - November 1-2. Contact person: Dr. Boy Garcia at +63916-267-3168.

Dr. Joseph Tkach

Speaking of Life 105: Who is the Good Samaritan?

The Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most popular parables. It is Jesus’ response to a teacher of the law who asked him what he had to do to obtain eternal life. We find the story in Luke 10:30-37:

"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

"A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" (Luke 10:30-37 NIV).

Remember that Jesus told this parable in response to the teacher of the law who had asked back in verse 25, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"What is written in the law?“ Jesus responded.

The teacher of the law answered, "’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" (verse 27).

"You have answered correctly," Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live" (verse 28).

"And who is my neighbor?" the man responded. And that is the question that prompted this famous parable.

No one consistently measures up to the Good Samaritan’s high standard of loving our neighbor as ourselves. Even those who fully dedicate themselves to the law, such as the Levite and the priest, fall short.

In the story, the robbers are like sin and the forces of evil, the devil and his dominion. The man who was beaten and robbed is like you and me and all humanity, helpless, hopeless and left to die.

The priest and the Levite represent the ineffectiveness of the best efforts at human behavior.

The healing wine and oil correspond to the shed blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The inn is like the church, where God puts his people to be spiritually nurtured until he returns for them.

And the Good Samaritan is the Son of God, the only one who can truly help.

Jesus used the teacher’s question to show how inadequate for salvation even the best human effort is, and how wonderful and sure is his work of redemption for humanity.

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)