WCG UAE Celebrates the Lord’s Abundant Blessings

In a time of brewing financial crisis which has affected most people worldwide, it is hard to imagine how people can rejoice and celebrate. The fear of uncertainty can dominate and result into a sense of anxiety and fear. Many would ask “Why O Lord do you stand afar off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” When that happens, peace, joy and gratitude can almost always disappear.Realizing the dangers of these present realities, more than 60 brethren and some guests from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, United States and the Philippines have made their theme: “Life Abundant, Do you want it?” as their banner for this year’s festival celebration last November 28, 2008 in Dubai.

This theme defied the current turmoil, and at the same time offered something for the worried, the desperate, the hurting and the struggling. Dubai became a fitting backdrop to this theme, as it is the largest and most progressive among the 7 emirates in this Gulf region. Dubai is home to about 1.5 million people, 80 percent of whom are guest workers.  It is estimated that there are close to 400,000 Filipinos working in Dubai in the different construction, service, finance  and manufacturing industries.

The theme of the festival was inspired by the words of the Lord in John 10:10. The messages helped the brethren to realize, and accept that a life to the full will not likely be one that is devoid of suffering, but one that could be, despite suffering. A full life is not a perfect life, but a relationship with a perfect God who came, died and rose again to give us the fullness of that life now and for eternity.

In addition to that, another message centered on the life of Job which provided a fitting case that while unpleasant, suffering helps to shape us, to correct us, to direct our lives closer to God. Job’s life became an inspiring case of seeming defeat that is indeed a life that is faithful, abundant and truly blessed.

ND Eugene Guzon, the main speaker pointed out that the Lord Jesus wants to bless us. He also wants to bless us in all areas of life, and in all its seasons. That life is available to all. We can experience it as we allow Him to take over our lives, as we abide in Him regardless of the circumstances and as we attain through His power, our life’s purpose.

The following day, ND Eugene, together with Pastor Cesar Dela Paz visited the brethren in Abu Dhabi, especially those who were not able to make it to the festival. ND Eugene had another chance to meet and fellowship with the leaders in Dubai before returning to the Philippines.

New Bank Account for Donations to WCG Philippines

Aside from our Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) bank accounts, we are pleased to announce that you may now also deposit your donations to our new bank account at Banco De Oro (BDO). The account name is RD-Worldwide Church of God and the account number is 004-698-010-149. --Aileen Orogo, WCG Philippines national office

Divine Grace Fellowship, Talisay Cluster and Cebu Cluster Celebrate 3-day Festival

The festive mood overflowed as the members together with their friends and families gathered for the opening service on the evening of October 24 at Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu City. Pastor Jimmy Boone centered his message on Jesus Christ as the groom and the church as the bride of Christ. The second day was a family day, held at Golden Meadows Club house. 

Pastor George Escara, area superintendent for Central and Eastern Visayas delivered the message during the morning services. After a sumptuous lunch, the rest of the afternoon was spent on various indoor games, swimming, basketball, tennis and videoke singing. A rummage sale was also held on the side to help the singles raise funds for the upcoming conference in December. On the third day of the festival, services were celebrated in the morning at Crown Regency Hotel in Jones Avenue, Cebu City. Pastor Jessup Bahinting delivered the first message; and  Pastor Tiburcio Rota facilitated the communion service that followed. The afternoon of October 26 was designated for the youth and singles' activities. --Vee S. Dequito

Tacloban City Church Celebrates 27th Anniversary

The Worldwide Church of God, Tacloban City local congregation celebrated its 27^th Anniversary last  November 29, 2008. Pastor Arturo M. Reyes gave the main message to 34 persons in attendance which included the Balondo Family from Salcedo, Samar and Bobby Ferrer and wife Judylyn (daughter of Ptr. Reyes) from Manila.  Brethren commented that “as if there were more than 34 people singing”. The anniversary service was held at the COA Training Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte which brought nostalgic memories to the members. A foot washing ceremony and communion highlighted the celebration. Pastor Reyes was honored by the brethren by presenting to him a certificate of appreciation for his unselfish services to the Tacloban Church. The Tacloban Church is the mother church of Catbalogan, Sogod and Borongan churches. --Jun Zeta

Members of the Tacloban City congregation and guests celebrated the church's 27th anniversary last November 29, 2008 at the Commission on Audit compound in Palo, Leyte. Pastor Arturo Reyes gave a sermon on maturity in Christ, recounting the legacy of faithfulness of the members of the congregation as evidenced by the spiritual growth of its adult members and the coming of age of the next generation who were taught by their elders. Minerva Molo served as worship leader. After the service, Mr. Jun Zeta led the congregation in honoring Pastor Arturo Reyes for his 27 years of faithful service to the church. The morning service included a Lord's Supper communion and footwashing ceremony, followed by an afternoon of praise and worship and tesimonials from members. The Tacloban City Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God was founded in November 1981. --Bobby Ferrer

Mactan Cluster Celebrates 3rd Year Anniversary

October 19, 2008. The Mactan, Cebu cluster of Worldwide Church of God now named Divine Grace Fellowship celebrated its third year anniversary at the Golden Meadows Club House. The celebration started with worship services followed by lunch shared with family, friends and guests while viewing a short video highlighting the history of the Mactan cluster. Fabulous giveaways were given to the participants of the parlor games after lunch.  Indoor games, swimming, basketball, tennis, videoke, were also held. --Vee S. Dequito

Wedding Announcement

Mr. & Mrs. Reynaldo Leyva of the Glory to the Lord Fellowship (GLF or Quezon City Church) are pleased to announce that their youngest daughter, Mary Josephine or Jorie to most of her friends, will be joined in marriage to Andy Advincula, nephew of Mrs. Clarita Conanan of the Manila Church on Dec 6, 2008 at the Ponderosa Club in Silang, Cavite.

Everyone is invited... to pray for the success of the wedding ceremony and most especially, of their life together as a couple glorifying the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Our deepest gratitude to all who has helped mentor both Jorie and Andy, all those who have supported them financially, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you all so much! --from The Leyva family (through Edrei Fajardo)

Pampanga Church Update

The Pampanga Church leadership spent the whole day of December 1 in: 1) discussing and studying Trinitarian theology based on Ted Johnston's Trinitarian, Christ-centered Theology paper, 2) reviewing its local church values, mission and vision, 3) reviewing and organizing its small groups, 4) reviewing its Church building project and, 5) scheduling its activities for the year 2009.

The whole morning was spent on discussing and learning about Trinitarian theology. Most of the leaders welcomed and are happy with the "new theology." The attitude of openness and a humble willingness to learn is evident among the leadership despite the fact that some are still seeking for greater understanding -- "faith seeking understanding."

The local church also reviewed its values, mission and vision and committed themselves to continue pursuing the 4-point vision and 8 strategies (Go 4 8!) set forth by the national director. Currently, the local church is active in prison ministry serving three jails every week in this province.

Three small groups have already begun meeting and in a few weeks, five small groups will be meeting regularly. It is hoped that through the small groups, various needs and concerns in the local church will be addressed. Initial feedback showed enthusiasm among the small group members as they reached out to non-attending brethren. It is also hoped that through the small groups, no member in the local church will be left out or neglected. The local church plans to use the small group as one major tool or vehicle to accomplish the 4-point vision and 8 strategies.

The ongoing church building project was also reviewed. It is hoped that by January 2009, the local church can move to its new church-owned building as the funds will allow. Donation from friends are welcome to help fund the project. A building committee was created headed by Ronnie Manlapaz as the project manager to speed up the project. (Photo by Diana Panlaqui)  

Speaking of Life 116: Is Christmas Pagan?

Copyright 2008 Worldwide Church of God

WCG Philippines website: http://philippines.wcg.org.