UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

Baguio Festival ’08: Joyfully Abiding for Fruitfulness

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Brethren from Metro Manila and Northern Luzon, along with others from Southern Tagalog, Japan and Dubai, celebrated this year’s Festival at Teachers Camp, Baguio City on Sept. 24-28. Celebration, activities and messages revolved around the theme, Fruitfully Abiding in Christ.

Worship and messages. The Festival officially opened Wednesday (Sept. 24) night with worship led by Baguio-Trinidad church, prayer and fellowship snacks. Some 200 brethren were exhorted to welcome one another as Christ welcomed us, for the glory of God.

Pastor Richard Rosario and Olongapo church led worship Thursday morning. Pastor Jerry Ortiguero, a father-figure in WCG and a senior minister, gave the message. Expounding John 15:1-11, he stressed the centrality of Christ, the Great I AM, in order that believers remain in Him.

Friday morning, brethren sang praises to God with the help of Manny Tandingan and the San Carlos church worship team. National Director Eugene Guzon explained and applied God’s Word. He called the 600 plus brethren to a deeper life of prayer, underscoring the biblical truth that prayer is the primary way we abide in Christ and remain fruitful in Him.

The worship service on Saturday afternoon was a new Festival experience. The Benitez Hall was packed with brethren and friends alike for the Beloved musicale. Our bands and young people from Metro Manila sang, danced and made music to the Lord, celebrating and narrating the story of His wonderful love. Pastor Rex dela Peña led the people in prayer for renewal and recommitment. Thanks to Pastor Andrew Teng and his team, we were able to have Beloved as part of the Festival celebration.

On the last service of the Festival (Sunday), Pastor Rex dela Peña helped the 800 plus brethren assembled for worship appreciate the Lord’s Supper as the sacrament of unity. Pastor Adel Areola of Baguio City-La Trinidad church guided the worship with the assistance of young singers and musicians.

Events and activities. ND Guzon and Leadership Development coordinator Rex dela Peña met with pastoral team members and leaders Thursday afternoon. They discussed, among other things, the denomination’s intention to prepare and equip emerging young leaders (35 years old and below) and to use small groups to nurture and grow our local churches. Snacks followed.

Friday afternoon, Pastor Nomer Venus and Manila South church prepared a special treat for children. Many parents and their children would remember Benitez Hall a happy place that day. Over at Abada Hall, some 30 single men and ladies enjoyed the fellowship and games prepared for them by the Forestry church of Pastor Roman Saynes. In the evening, brethren saw the mission movie, The Spear.

The youth have their activity Saturday morning. Glory to the Lord Fellowship members handled the event. After the Beloved musicale, the 700 plus brethren lined up for the Festival Cookout – two cows were roasted for everyone and, along with other foods prepared by generous brethren, made the day really a feast. The feast will not be complete without the Dance Night, this year ably organized by Abi Natividad and Crossway. Men and women, young and old, trooped to dance floor in their high school customs.

After the closing Sunday service, the pack up crew and the Benguet brethren enjoyed lunch together, thanks to the generosity of one family that attends our church.

Gratitude and hope. Once again, we thank our Triune God for making the Festival a blessed event for the WCG family. We also thank all the brethren and church leaders for their prayers, financial gifts, sacrificial labor, active participation and joyful presence that made Festival ‘08 a delightful reality. May our Lord gather us again in wonderful unity and Christ-filled celebration next year. Indeed, may He bring us closer to himself that we may bear fruit for His glory and for the healing of the world.(All photos are courtesy of Willy Tinoyan. For more Festival photos, visit http://papaorly.multiply.com/photos/album/45.) --Arlan Aquino, Area Superintendent, Northern Luzon

A Month Long Celebration for Manila Church

Manila Church celebrated its 43rd anniversary for the whole month of September with the theme anchored on “Stewardship”. Among the invited speakers were Ptr. Rex Dela Pena, Ptr. Eugene Guzon and Ptr. Pete Melendez. The first week was celebrated through a sermon delivered by Ptr. Gil Llaneza followed by fellowship over lunch. The second week was also special as four of our brothers were ordained as elders in a ceremony led by Ptr. Rex Dela Pena & Ptr. Eugene Guzon.

The third week celebration was indeed a blessing bursting with activities. The day began with a worship service, followed by a program where the talented children starred in their own interpretation of the song “One Love”. Couples were also engaged as they participated in a game where their listening & communicating skills were put to the test. There were raffle prizes given away to some of our lucky church members. Of course, the audience was not left behind as several games & activities were prepared for them like Bible Trivia, Singing Bee “Christian Songs Exclusive”, and Pass the (affirming) notes.

A very inspiring service was held on the 4th week where members of New Vision joined the worship service with Ptr. Gil delivering the message entitled "The Joy in Finding the Lost Sheep". An awarding ceremony followed as Ptr. Gil presented Spokesman Club certificates to seven members of New Vision and one from Manila Church namely; Vergil J. Bargola, Rodolfo de Villa Sarmiento, Louie D. Paquita, Carmen M. Marbid, Babylyn M. Marbid, Lito B. Castro, Eugene V. Dimaculangan, and Cresencia A. Lindog.

Truly God has been faithful through the 12 years of New Vision and 43 years of Manila Church. Again, thank you for your unwavering support to our mother church. --Jonah Liao

2008 Festival Schedule

These festivals are not commanded assemblies found in Leviticus 23. We are not keeping "old covenant" practices. This is not the Feast of Tabernacles. Rather, these festivals are opportunities for brethren to gather together as one big family, some kind of a big family reunion. This is also an opportunity for brethren to worship God together as a big group, one big family. Thanks be to God we have this freedom to do so. Have a wonderful family reunion with the brethren and with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

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

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.

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - 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.

Motiong, Western Samar - October 30 - November 2 at Ygrubay Family Compound, Motiong, Western Samar. Contact person: Ptr. Danny de Guia at +63919-539-5397.

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

Dumaguete City - October 31 - November 2. Le Toundra Peak, Bacong, Negros Oriental. Contact person: Ptr. Angelo Ouano at +63915-804-4740.

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

Dr. Joseph Tkach

Speaking of Life 109: No Room for Bias

In first-century Judea, Jews and Samaritans simply didn't get along. The trouble went way back some five centuries or so earlier, to the days of the Jewish leader Zerubbabel. The story is recorded in the Old Testament book of Ezra.

Some Samaritans had offered to help the Jews rebuild their temple, and Zerubbabel rebuffed them. The Samaritans responded by complaining to the king of Persia, and the temple work stopped.

Later, when the Jews were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the governor of Samaria threatened to take military action against them.

Eventually, the Samaritans built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim, and in 128 B.C., the Jews destroyed it. Although their religions were both based on the Law of Moses, Jews and Samaritans were bitter enemies.

But Jesus who came to love and save all humanity was not shackled by the bitterness of the past. Although most Jews avoided Samaria, Jesus walked right into it, taking his disciples with him.

Once, while he was traveling in Samaria, he was tired, so he sat down at a well near the city of Sychar, and sent his disciples into town to buy some groceries. Along came a Samaritan woman, and Jesus talked to her.

The woman was surprised that a Jewish man would talk to a Samaritan. And his disciples were surprised that he would talk to a woman.

In this story, recorded in John, chapter 4, Jesus models a simple way of dealing with people who have different religious beliefs, people who are from a different ethnic group, people who are traditional enemies.

Just treat them like normal human beings. Show them dignity and respect. Don't ignore them, don't avoid them, and don't insult them.

Jesus had plenty to say to this woman, and she never would have listened if he'd treated her the customary way Jewish men treated Samaritan women.

Let's read from John 4, beginning in verse 7.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus, of course, had something a lot better than water for her, if she wanted it. In effect, he was saying, "I am willing to shed traditional religious restrictions to ask you for a drink of water -- are you willing to shed traditional religious restrictions to ask me for something that's better?" (verses 7-10).

She was willing, and she got the message. She left her water jar behind and went to tell everyone about Jesus.

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.

They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world" (John 4:39-42).

What a powerful testimony!

Jesus refused to allow his outgoing inclusive love to be bound by cultural, religious or racial biases, and when we allow him to live his life in us, there's no limit to how far the good news of God's gracious love can spread.

I'm Joseph Tkach, speaking of LIFE

Comment from a WCG Philippines Website Surfer

"Greetings in Christ name! I have visited your web and was challenged by your ministry. I just want to inquire on how someone's become a member/church worker/pastor or missionary of your Church? Thanks and God bless your ministry!" --Name Withheld, Zamboanga City

Note: Our WCG Philippines website address has been changed to: http://philippines.wcg.org. --Len Joson

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)