April 23, 2004

22 Baptisms at SEP Bicol 2004

There were 20 who were baptized out of 61 campers plus 2 from the staff for a total of 22 baptisms at the SEP Bicol camp site which began on April 17 and ended on the 22nd. More reports to follow soon. --From a text message report of Dr. Jose Manzano, camp director for SEP Bicol 2004 

17 Baptisms at SEP Visayas 2004

”Greatest SEP ever!” “If only we could have a one month SEP.” These are just a few of the comments of campers who participated in this year’s Visayan wide SEP held at Binghay Marine Park, Balamban, Cebu on April 6 to 13, 2004.

Camp Director James Boone with 55 counselors & staff had the privilege of serving 130 campers. The campers were divided into 10 dorms, had air-conditioned accommodations, and experienced being “Raised in Christ’s Heights”. They had catered meals, lots of fun, friends and most of all brought back with them the love and hope that their heavenly father has for them.

Activities included 6 Christian living classes, swimming, basketball, volleyball, dance, treasure hunt and clubs like bracelet making, cross stitch, first aid, flower arrangement & table skirting, electronics, tambourine and film and movie appreciation.

Nights were filled as well with Novelty Olympics, Maundy Thursday service, film showing of the “Passion of the Christ”, formal dinner, missions’ night, camp dance and talent night.

ND Eugene Guzon was there to open the camp and inspired the campers with his presence during the first three days of camp. AS George Escara led the Sunday Sunrise service where 80% of the campers and staff responded to the call to receive, commit and recommit their lives to Jesus. 17 campers publicly proclaimed Jesus as Lord of their lives & personal savior through water baptism.

Also during the camp, the following were commissioned: Ptr. Jessup Bahinting as Assistant Area Superintendent for Eastern Visayas, James Boone as Youth Ministry Coordinator for Eastern Visayas and Terrence Santibanez as Youth Ministry Coordinator for Western Visayas.

Although parting was tearful, campers were filled with the hope of God’s love and the anticipation of having another camp next year. --Terrence Santibañez

30 Baptisms at SEP Mindanao 2004

The Summer Educational Program or Spiritual Enrichment Program (SEP) in Mindanao held this year (April 11-18, 2004) at the Emeralda CIC Beach Resort in Initao, Misamis Oriental ended successfully with the blessings of the Lord. There was good weather all throughout the duration of the camp despite the threat of a typhoon and there were no accidents. Thanks be to God. Both 69 campers and 46 staff went home jubilant and inspired with all that had happened in the camp. Of the 69 campers, 41 attended for the first time, and 30 were baptized (5 were rebaptisms). This year's theme was: "Youth on Fire!"

Aside from the numerous baptisms, what was interesting during this camp was that several campers asked about and requested for rebaptism without any prompting, hint or suggestion from the counselors and staff. After some explanation and counseling, a total of 5 campers were rebaptized based on their personal initiative, conviction and desire to be baptized again. 

For this year, this camp had additional activities like swimming at the swimming pool, snorkeling at the crystal clear sea waters, and a visit to 5 different caves at a nearby forest of the Initao National Park. For next year, we plan to add other activities like: a visit to Agus 4, where huge turbines generate electricity hundreds of feet underneath a lake of water, a visit to the famous Maria Cristina Falls, and a visit to Tinago Springs. Club activities included sign language, baking, automotive mechanics, computer hardware, photography, flower arranging, drawing & sketching and basics of playing musical instruments like piano, guitar and drums. 

Materials used for Christian Living classes and devotionals came from Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life and from Ted Johnston's Spiritual Enrichment Program: Standard Teaching Curriculum (all about Jesus) downloaded from the WCG website under the youth ministry link.  

We thank the Lord and everyone else who prayed and gave their financial support for the success of this camp. Your continued yearly support is truly much appreciated. Thanks for your help in bringing many of our youths to the Lord. Special thanks to our camp director, Jerome Manriquez and his wife, Gemma and all the counselors and staff for giving of their best to the Master. --Len Joson, Mindanao Area Superintendent 

Update from Legaspi Church Outreach

Last March 28, 2004 thirty two believers attended the Communion service at Cotmon, Polangui, Albay. Seventeen baptized and seven prospective members from Cotmon and Sito Maylangka joined by the Legaspi Church Mission team commemorating the Lord's Supper Service conducted by Bro. Lando Buagnin, leader of the group.

It was a very meaningful and memorable occasion as the participants were enlightened of the significance of the footwashing, and the partaking of the bread and wine. Among those present were the Barangay captain, the chieftain, and one kagawad of the barangay who are now our brethren.

Cotmon, a far flung barangay with Sitio Maylangka situated in the mountainous part of Polangui, Albay is a regular OBS of the Legaspi Church and being visited by the team twice a month. As of now there are 21 baptized members and more prospective ready for baptism. --Lando Buagnin

WCG Zamboanga: Feeding Program with FEBC, More Doors Opened

We had the privilege of joining the FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company) staff in feeding some 70 malnourished children last April 6, 2004, at the FEBC grounds. The FEBC is the station airing our Plain Truth Commentary every Saturday evening. Our media outreach did not only usher in a new outreach program for Zamboanga City Church but also the start of our networking with the greater body of Christ here in this city. That single act must have already impacted the health community here in the city as I was told that one community nurse was already asking me to be part of another feeding program somewhere north of the city. It is heartwarming to note that we are being noticed for the very small contribution we chipped in for this affair. We will have this networking activity with FEBC every 1st Tuesday of the month as we have agreed in principle in our last meeting. 

We couldn't help but groan in pity to see malnourished children taking a mouthful of food while their mothers looked on. The feeding was held April 6, during the observance of the Lenten week. --Nilo Belarmino, Senior Pastor for WCG Zamboanga City

Rex Dela Peña Attends Haggai Institute in Singapore

Rex Dela Pena attended the Haggai Institute (HI) in Singapore February 23 - March 19 and joined the 49,000 HI alumni worldwide. Haggai Institute (Maui and Singapore) is dedicated to training leaders from the 2nd and 3rd world countries in leadership and evangelism.

There were 45 participants coming from 29 countries. Among the 5 Filipino delegates was Supreme Court Justice Reynato Puno. Rex was the group leader for the Asia -Pacific Regional Presentation representing (Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Indonesia) that won the most outstanding group presentation during the Haggai Seminar.

WCG Baguio Leaders Complete Courses

Mr. Danilo Lee, 47, member of the WCG-Baguio Pastoral Team recently graduated from a two-year certificate course with the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (PBTS), Baguio City.  Mr. Lee was among seven (7) who were awarded a Certificate of Theological Studies by the PBTS this year. These 7 graduates joined about 80 bachelors and graduate degree students who marched from the halls of this premier Baptist theological seminary in the country. Mr. Lee is currently involved with the WCG-Evangelism Explosion Ministry and Pines City National High School Evangelism Classes.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adel Areola, another Pastoral Team member here also recently completed an Evangelism Explosion clinic course in Metro Manila while this writer is enrolled in a 14 months discipleship course this school year (2004-2005) with the Living Word Missions, Philippines-Baguio Mighty Valor Training Center. --Robert L. Domoguen

WCG Butuan City Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The local congregation of WCG Butuan City celebrated its 25th Anniversary last April 10, 2004. Morning activities included a worship service and a fellowship lunch. Different presentations and parlor games started at 1:30 o'clock in the afternoon with the special participation of selected 70 children from our 4 children's ministries which rendered their intermission numbers. These children come from the children's ministries of Ochoa, Lumbucan, Cabcabon and Los Angeles. The children were given giveaways. Everybody enjoyed the simple snacks with ice cream. Total attendance during anniversary was 130.

In a related development, this local congregation sent 10 campers to SEP Mindanao 2004 Three of these were youths from the kid's ministry of Mrs. Mabel Buco which has now been turned to youth ministry because of their ages which ranges from 13-15 yrs. old. To our amazement, these three youths were baptized during the SEP camp along with Arthur Castro Jr.

God's hands started working out through the children's ministry in Butuan City. At present, there are already 5 active children's ministries and 2 youth ministries in Butuan city. Praise God! --Ana P. Lasco

WCG Youth Attends National Leadership Training of PSALM

Cyril B. Bael a WCG Ipil youth and member of the praise and worship team graduated from the National Leadership Training of PSALM, a parachurch movement centered more on campus ministries held at the PSALM base Poblacion Talisay Cebu City last April 01-10,2004, with the theme:Leadership Excellence In Disciple Making. 135 participants from the different places in the country took part in the said seminar.  --Tehane Colona

This Week's Comments from our Readers

"I particularly like the look of this week's (April 2, 2004) update. Nice pictures!" --From Metro Manila

"Thanks. Your keeping up and producing the update is a great inspiration." --Text message from the Visayas

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)