40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—Eugene Guzon (center), newly named national director of the WCG in the Philippines, cuts a cake May 12 in Quezon City while Pastor General Joseph Tkach (left) and Bill Sidney look on. [Photos by Edgar Tabudlong]
Pastor General
visits Philippines
QUEZON CITY, Philippines—Pastor General Joseph Tkach visited the Philippines May 8 to 12 to participate in the 40th anniversary celebration of the WCG in the Philippines.
Northern Luzon
Dr. Tkach spoke to about 500 members in Cadumanian, Rosario, La Union, May 8. They came from all over northern Luzon—from the Laoag City, San Fernando City, Pangasinan and Baguio City churches. Also, members were present from our newly planted churches and outreach Bible study areas in Agoo, PongPong, Sto. Tomas, San Roque and from Cadumanian, the host church.
Dr. Tkach in his sermon presented the different Christian views on hell. His message was simultaneously translated by one of our servant leaders into the Iluko dialect, the major dialect in northern Luzon.
After the service, our women servant leaders served lunch for the members. Alfredo Cacanando, the presiding officer of the All for Christ Ministry, who actively supports our evangelistic and outreach activities in the province of La Union, provided lunch.—Jerry Ortiguero, area coordinator for northern Luzon.
Visayas
On May 10, Dr. Tkach was in Cebu City to meet with the pastors and leaders of Visayas and Mindanao. The next morning, he spoke to 400 Visayas and Mindanao members during a worship service. A variety show took place in the afternoon.
Before the worship service, a graduation ceremony was conducted for the graduates of the Condensed World Mission Course (CWMC) in Visayas and Mindanao. Fifty-eight participants completed the course, which was simultaneously conducted in Cebu City and Davao City. To their delight, the graduates in Cebu received their certificates from Dr. Tkach.
Metro Manila
In Manila, Dr. Tkach spoke to 1,070 members from northern, southern and central Luzon and Metro Manila who gathered at the UP Film Center, May 12. During the service, the pastor general appointed Eugene Guzon as the national director for the WCG in the Philippines (see box page 5).
A snack was served after the worship service while each congregation put its exhibits on display. Afterward, some members performed songs, dances and poems in a variety show. During the show, 13 elders were given plaques of appreciation for their 20 years of service in the WCG.
A plaque was also given to the Ortiguero family for their contribution to the founding of the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines. A plaque was also given to Dr. Tkach in appreciation of his presence and support for the 40th anniversary celebration of the WCG in the Philippines.
40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—Eugene
Guzon (center), newly named national director of the WCG in the Philippines, cuts a cake
May 12 in Quezon City while Pastor General Joseph Tkach (left) and Bill Sidney look on. [Photos by Edgar Tabudlong]
BULACAN CHILDREN—Bulacan children perform an energetic
dance number in Quezon City, May 12, during Pastor General
Joseph Tkach’s visit to the Philippines.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002