The WCG combined Metro Manila churches, together with the Rotary Club of Quezon City and the Rotaract Club of Centennial, Quezon City, produced a free drama presentation entitled "My Lord and My God" last April 11, 2004. It was held at the AFP Theater in Quezon City, Philippines. While the current blockbuster movie focused on the brutal suffering and death of Jesus, this drama highlighted the events around his resurrection and the eventual transformation of his disciples. The performers were mainly WCG young people and their peers from the Rotaract and Interact Club of Quezon City. The vocalists and the choir were WCG members from the Manila Church and the Manila South Church. This drama was a part of our continuing commitment to provide creative, relevant and inspiring worship experiences for the brethren and the community. Thus, the whole program included a gospel message and rousing worship music. 

ND Eugene Guzon, executive producer of the event, said before the audience that this is not simply about skill or talent, but a labor of love, and a fitting tribute to the Savior and his victory over the grave. The event drew about 1240 people, half of whom were members from Metro Manila and adjacent provinces. The rest were students, teachers, relatives and friends of members. The theater was full beyond seating capacity.

The closing comments were given by honored guest, Rotary International District 3780 Governor Roberto Viray. He commended the performers, the message and the worship team for an excellent program. He also affirmed his commitment to work in synergy with partner organizations like WCG to promote service, and goodwill to the community.

19 Baptisms at SEP Mindanao 2004

As of April 16, Friday, 19 campers attending the Summer Educational Program (SEP) in Mindanao have committed their lives over to the Lord by being baptized last April 14, 15 & 16. Of the 68 youth campers attending this year, 41 (or about two-thirds) are attending SEP for the first time. 

The youth summer camp began last Sunday evening, April 11 after the Resurrection Sunday worship celebration held in the afternoon. Some 233 brethren from the northern Mindanao local churches along with the SEP campers and staff gathered at the camp site during this occasion to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. 

Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson gave the message centered on the significance of the day, Christ's death, burial and especially regarding the resurrection -- how it should impact our lives at the present time and how it gives us hope for the future. It was the first time for most of the brethren in this area to celebrate this occasion.

The youth summer camp will end this Sunday noontime, April 18. We thank the Lord for a great harvest of souls in the Visayas SEP camp last week and in the Mindanao SEP camp this week. Please continue to pray for all the camp sites. SEP Bicol has begun April 15 and will end on April 24. SEP Baguio will be on May 7 to 16.

ND Guzon Visits SEP Mindanao 2004, Commissions New Leaders

National Director Eugene Guzon, visited the Summer Educational Program (SEP) in Mindanao on the second and third day (April 13-14) of the youth camp being held at the Emeralda Beach Resort in Pagahan, Initao, Misamis Oriental. He met and talked with the pastors and SEP counselors and urged them to make youth ministry a continuing commitment all throughout the year not only during SEP. 

With the recommendation of Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson, the National Director also commissioned the following during a simple ceremony held at the camp site last April 14, 2004: Ptr. Jerome Manriquez as Assistant Area Superintendent for Mindanao, Levy Ladao as Youth Ministry Coordinator for Mindanao, and Jene Ann Almera as Assistant Youth Ministry Coordinator for Mindanao.

Aside from visiting the SEP camp site, ND Guzon was also able to visit some of our brethren in Iligan City last April 13. It was his first time to visit the industrial city of Iligan in Lanao del Norte. 

Wholistic Ministry Seminar Conducted for ISOT Students 

On April 6 and 7, Dr. Rey Taniajura was invited by the International School of Theology (ISOT-Asia) faculty, Dr. Frank Pardue to conduct a two-day seminar on wholistic ministry. The topics for the seminar were based on the Samaritan Strategy materials of the Food for the Hungry International (FHI)  and the Harvest Foundation based in Arizona, U.S.A. Eight students participated in the seminar which included three from India, four from Nepal and one from Thailand. One of the participants from Nepal is a pre-medical student of St. Louis University in Baguio City. The seminar was held at the Conservative Baptist mission house in Commonwealth, Quezon City.

The Update from WCG Philippines is an official e-mail weekly newsletter with a purpose to encourage, build up and edify the membership of the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines and everyone else who is interested through the sharing of news and updates from the local churches. The brethren are encouraged to submit a short article if their local church has some news or update worth sharing to everyone. Become part of this information ministry, send in your news and updates, encourage the brethren and edify the church. To send articles and photos,  to subscribe or unsubscribe, write to Len.Joson@wcg.org. Our weekly e-mail updates can also be accessed and viewed at our WCG Mindanao website at http://www.wcgmindanao.org.

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)