Update from WCG Philippines
A weekly e-mail newsletter from the Worldwide Church of God - Philippines
March 3, 2007
ISIM/Marriage Seminar in Central &
Cebu
The weekend activities began on Friday evening with Ptr. George Escara relaying the WCG’s thrust & direction including this year’s theme: Fan The Flame. Nothing was more inspiring than to hear what God has done in the local churches as each pastor report highlights of accomplishments and sharing of their on-going ministries. Personal and church concerns were lifted up through small group prayers that followed.
On the 2nd day, February 24, the topic on “God’s Way of Handling Money” was facilitated by Ptr. George and thoroughly discussed in the small groups. Sessions were: Stewardship involves our Whole Life, God’s Responsibilities and Ours, Seeking Financial Counsel, Right Spending, Getting out of Debt, Giving and Saving, Honesty in Financial Dealings, Training Children on Financial Matters.
Sunday, February 25 was a rare treat for the married couples – “I Still Do” seminar was facilitated by the Family Life Ministries, a Campus Crusade for Christ Ministry. The pool of speakers were Ptr. Terry B. Rivera III, Ptr. & Mrs. Johnny Dalisay & Lowell M. Tallo. A total of 27 couples and 10 individuals attended the seminar. Three (3) non-Church member couples who were invited commented that it was a different experience but very beneficial. Some of the men confessed that they have a lot of catching up to do with regards to their dealings with their wives. For others, it was a long overdue reminder of their vows. To a few, it was an affirmation that they are in the right direction in their marriage relationship. The various group and couple activities were added avenues of learning and discoveries. The seminar was capped with the verbal affirmation and signing of the marriage covenant by each couple which was sealed with a kiss.
Many have expressed that such seminars should also be done in all fellowships and in the communities to strengthen marriages as God meant it to be. –Malou Boone
First Mindanao Pastors Meeting for Year 2007 Held
Mr. Walton Brown, a long-time member and deacon of Glendora Church, USA updates the Mindanao leaders about his local church. |
The first pastoral meeting for this year for all our WCG pastors and leaders in Mindanao was held last February 24 in Cagayan de Oro City. Some 30 pastors and leaders attended. All of the senior pastors were asked to give an update on each of their local church and Outreach Bible Study (OBS). Everyone reported on their "triumphs and trials" as a local church or OBS. Some local churches are facing difficult challenges while some are doing well. Prayers were brought to the Lord after hearing all the reports.
Among others, some of the interesting highlights of the reports given were:
Pastor Jerome Manriquez, Asst. Area Supt. for Mindanao discusses plans for SEP Mindanao 2007. |
1) Zamboanga City Church -- from its small beginnings in 1997, the Little Friends Learning Center which is a pre-school project of our Zamboanga City Church, now has 44 pupils. There used to be just a handful. This project is funded with the help of IRIS Ministries, a group of WCG brethren in Florida, USA. This pre-school is located in Labuan where we have a thriving OBS. This pre-school has made an impact in the community it is serving.
2) Cagayan de Oro City Church -- A vibrant youth Bible study group is now meeting regularly with about 30 in attendance in Cugman, within the city of Cagayan de Oro. The Cugman OBS (this is different from the youth BS) which started about a year ago, now has 21 baptized members with 28 average attendance. This may become another local church within the city in a few years. The Lapasan OBS, also within the city, was started recently with about 15 in attendance. The main church meets in Carmen with 64 baptized members and with a regular attendance of 50. They all meet for worship services separately.
3) Jasaan Church -- Senior Pastor Percy Macabasa excitedly reported that the Jasaan Church, formerly an OBS of the Cagayan de Oro Church, is steadily increasing in baptized members. They now have 32 baptized members with a regular attendance of 42. Aside from the Camiguin Island OBS and Bugo OBS, they now have also started the Villanueva OBS and Salay OBS.
4) The 4-month missions training conducted by the Asian Center for Missions (ACM) in our Maramag Church hall is about to be completed. This training was conducted with the help of Pastor Joel Alisbo, our Mindanao Missions Coordinator and with the help of our Maramag Church providing the venue and other support services. Some 17 of these missionary students are WCG members. This may make an impact in our missionary efforts in the future.
After the reports, Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson discussed various spiritual and administrative matters like FCL training, EE evangelism training, the theme for this year and other concerns.
In the afternoon, Dr. Catalino "Boy" Garcia (left photo), senior pastor for Davao City Church gave a lecture on "Guideposts to Local Church Administration." He gave several reminders on leadership. Dr. Garcia is also the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao (Region 11) and has a PhD. in Developmental Administration.
The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) was also thoroughly discussed with Pastor Jeng Manriquez, the SEP Camp Director, facilitating in the discussion. The teamwork, cooperation and financial sacrifice of each and every local church to make the Mindanao SEP a success each year was noted by the Area Superintendent as being very inspiring and very encouraging.
An unexpected highlight of the meeting was the presence of Mr. Walton Brown (right photo) with his wife Didith of Butuan City. Mr. Brown is a long-time member and deacon of our Glendora, California congregation. Since the opportunity presented itself, he was also requested to give a "report" about his local church which he gladly did. It gave us some idea on what and how our brethren in his area are doing. Our WCG world headquarters has now moved from Pasadena to Glendora, California.
It was a successful first gathering of leaders in Mindanao for this year.
SEP Mindanao 2007 at Midway Beach Resort
Underground caves exit out to sea at the natural forest reservation of the Initao National Park, near the SEP camp site. A good place and time for youth reflection to connect with the Lord amidst His creation during Holy Week. |
This year's youth summer camp in Mindanao will be held at the Midway Beach Resort in Initao, Misamis Oriental from April 5 to 9, 2007. The camp dates are on "Holy Week" so there should be no problem with taking time off from work or school. Tuition fee is Php1,200 per camper. For more details, please contact the camp director, Pastor Jerome Manriquez at 0910-477-3510 or at jvmanriquez@philcom.ph. Apply now by downloading an application form at this link. Be there and join the fun!
Davao P & W Team Attends Praise & Worship Seminar
DAVAO CITY -- The WCG-Davao City Praise & Worship Team, together with three of the youths from WCG-Tagum, with Pastor Oscar and Aida Baslao, attended the Restore! Praise and Worship Seminar last February 22, 2007 at the Christ Fellowship Church, conducted by Pastor Dave Magalong Jr.
The said seminar was all about praise and worship leading, and how important our personal relationship with the Lord is when we are a part of the Praise and Worship Team.
Bob Fitts, the composer and singer of "Blessed be the Lord God Almighty", added more lectures later in the evening. The overall number of participants was approximately 800 people, coming from the different Christian denominations in Davao. --Kai Baslao
Four Baptisms at SFCLU Church
San Fernando City, La Union.-- Early in the morning of Saturday, March 24, 2007, another baptism was conducted in the Bible Study area of Central West, Bauang, La Union.
Leonora Canada and Rachel May Cocjin were baptized by Ptr. Danny Funesto and assisted by Bro. Lorenzo Bacani together with Racquel Funesto and Vda. Benita Arnobit. The Arnobit family is the host whenever Bible Study is being conducted in Central West.
The following day, Leonardo Villarama and Romana Millano were baptized by Ptr. Jerry Ortiguero at Rosario, La Union. To date the San Fernando City La Union Church (SFCLU) has 46 in its roll of members. The WCG-SFCLU Church meets regularly at Beehive Learning Center in the heart of this bustling city of San Fernando. Praise God for the calling of yet other souls in His body, the Church. All honor and glory is to God, for indeed He made the church grow! --Ptr. Danny Funesto, Senior Pastor
FCL-1 held in Tabaco City; More Baptisms in Mariroc Outreach
A Foundation for Christian Leadership (FCL) conference 1 was held in Tabaco City on February 15 to 18. The conference was hosted by the Potter’s Hand Christian Fellowship, a newly declared WCG local church in the city, under its senior pastor Dr. Jose Manzano. Some 17 pastoral team leaders and interns representing five different local churches in Bicol attended the sessions that were facilitated by Dr. Rey Taniajura, area superintendent for Southern Luzon.
After the sessions, on Sunday February 19, some of the participants attended the worship service in a neighboring missions outreach in barangay Mariroc where seven new members were baptized. The oldest to be baptized was a 75 year old grandmother. The missions outreach was started in December 2006 after a relief operation was conducted for the area by the WCG leadership due to typhoon Reming. The relief operation was followed up by a medical mission in January 2007. A total of 27 baptisms have already resulted from these activities. The mission outreach is coordinated by Dr. and Mrs. Jose Manzano.
Naga City Church Leadership Hosts a Vision-Casting Seminar
The Naga City church pastoral team headed by senior pastor Reuel Pamor hosted a vision-casting seminar last February 19. Seminar facilitator, Dr. Rey Taniajura, led the participants into the dynamics of crafting a vision for the local church. The five pastoral team members who attended the seminar, other than the senior pastor, were Virgilio Repaso, Domingo Trilles, Ireneo Tapan, and Abelardo Balisnomo. Senior pastors from three other local churches in Bicol attended as guest participants. They are Melchor Babol, senior pastor of Iriga City church, Rolando Alivio, senior pastor of the Fishers of Men Fellowship in Aroroy, Masbate and Jose Manzano, senior pastor of the Potter’s Hand Christian Fellowship in Tabaco City.
SEP in Lemery, Batangas All Set for May 13-20
The campsite has been set. The dates are already marked. What are you waiting for? Get an application form through your local pastor/youth leaders and apply for the Summer Enrichment Program in Lemery, Batangas and plan for an awesome camp experience with old and new friends.
Set in an idyllic and reflective atmosphere in Lemery - get to know God, yourself and friends in a setting that fosters deep relationship with Christ. Learn new sports and develop new skills in dance, badminton, volleyball, basketball and other fun activities scheduled for the dorms. Share something about yourself with your dormmates while witnessing the sunset.
Mark the dates: May 13 - 20, 2007. If you are interested in securing a bus seat (P300 -2way) for a chartered JAM transit (leaving WCG office May 13, 10 AM - please contact Aron Tolentino 09162108909.
More application forms will be available during the Clayground Monthly Youth Service 2PM, Feb25 WCG office. Staff screening and training details will be announced soon. Summer Enrichment Program 2007 - be there when it happens! --Rex Dela Pena
2007 National Women’s Convention
We are pleased to announce that we will hold our National Women's Convention on May 2-5, 2007 at the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) located just outside Baguio City. The campus is situated high on the Cordillera mountain range offering scenic beauty. Flowers and lush foliage abound, making the APTS campus well known for its botanical beauty. You may check out their website: www.apts.edu.
Our convention theme will be, "Woman on a Mission". We are blessed that this year, our speakers are women whose examples and wisdom have inspired us in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) over the years. They are: Mrs. Tammy Tkach, wife of Pastor General Joseph Tkach, and editor of Connections, a journal for pastors' wives and families of the WCG. Mrs. Sheila Graham, a coordinator of Women's Ministry Support for the WCG, and Mrs. Daphne Sidney, who serves with her husband Bill in the Eagleby, South Brisbane Church. All 3 women are gifted writers and seasoned speakers.
Convention fee is P2,000.00 for 3 nights (dorm) accommodation, meals and convention materials. First meal will be dinner on May 2 (Wednesday). Last meal will be breakfast on May 5 (Saturday).
Because of limited dorm-type housing facility, we will be able to accommodate only the first 180 registered participants on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please contact Lulu Guzon at lulu_guzon@yahoo.com or Baby Natividad at the church office, baby_natividad@ph.wcg.org Tel. No. 426-2294. --Lulu Guzon
World Missions Congress 2007 in Tagaytay
Join the World Missions Congress 2007 in Tagaytay on March 15 - 17. Know the Missions Perspectives, Peoples and Possibilities as we move together to reach the nations! We are inviting all pastoral and ministry leaders to attend and be part of the Congress. All Condensed World Missions Course graduates are encouraged to fan the flame of missions in their hearts. The Congress is also open to anyone interested in getting to know more about Missions.
A discounted fee of P800 for the 1st 200 participants is available. Sign up now through your local church pastor or through Baby Natividad - WCG office 4262294 / 09204606963. The Congress will begin at 7:30PM on March 15 (Christian Development Center). Congress ends on March 17, 3PM. On-site registration will begin at 3PM. Speakers include our Missions Superintendent Randal Dick, Bob Lopez, Bishop Tendero, Robert Clark and other missionaries.
Come be part of the World Missions Congress! --Rex Dela Pena
For comments, suggestions, to submit and share an article, to subscribe or unsubscribe, write to Len.Joson@wcg.org. These updates can also be accessed and viewed at www.wcg.org/ph. WCG - Philippines: National Office Address: #60 Matahimik St., Teachers Village, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines. Telephone No. (632) 426-22-94. When sending articles, please send preferably in text format only and photos as attached files in jpg format.
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)
