PHILIPPINES TRIP--Mr. Tkach with leaders in the Philippines.
By Arlano Aquino
QUEZON CITY, Philippines--Pastor General Joseph Tkach visited the Philippines March 13 to 17 for the second consecutive year and was the main speaker at the 1999 Worldwide Church of God national leadership conference.
About 400 lay leaders and full-time ministers attended the conference at Baguio City, at 6,000 feet above sea level, known as the summer capital of the country.
Mr. Tkach's main topics were the mission and vision of the church, the annual worship calendar and word-faith teaching. He also clarified certain issues on spiritual warfare, predestination, the leadership role of women and spiritual gifts.
Mr. Tkach arrived in the country Friday night, March 13. The next day, he spoke at a combined worship service in Metro Manila. Eight hundred members listened to his sermon on Testing the Spirits.
Before Mr. Tkach's message, a group from the Metro Manila churches gave a choral rendition of the musical piece, Lord I Lift Your Name on High/All Hail the Power. Mr. Tkach also led in the commissioning of 25 members who finished the Condensed World Mission Course.
Sunday morning, Mr. Tkach flew to Baguio City with Philippine regional director William Sidney and attended a worship service in the afternoon. About 400 brethren from northern Luzon gave him a warm welcome. For many of them, it was their first opportunity to see the pastor general. Mr. Tkach spoke on the paradoxical nature of the triune God.
In the evening, the brethren were treated to a dance number from our Ibaloy brethren. Mr. Sidney and his wife, Daphne, danced with them. The Ibaloys are one of the many ethno-linguistic groups of the northern Philippines.
The 1999 leadership conference formally opened on Monday morning, March 15.
Mr. Tkach discussed word-faith teaching. After lunch he answered questions from the participants. The evening saw the women delegates interact with Mrs. Sidney on women's ministry, while the men listened to Mr. Sidney talk on the state of the church and what plans are for the future.
Tuesday, Mr. Tkach shed further light on our celebration of Christ on certain days.
Tuesday evening, Vic Lim, pastor of the Cavite church, gave a presentation on Chronological Bible Teaching (CBT). CBT is a major component in the missionary effort of New Tribes Mission.
The participants then viewed a documentary produced by New Tribes.
After Mr. Lim's presentation, Mr. Tkach resumed answering questions from the participants.
Wednesday, department supervisors from the regional office gave reports and shared their plans. Gil Llaneza, ministerial services manager, introduced the Becoming a Contagious Christian course.
Eugene Guzon, financial services manager, gave a financial update, and Laila Purcil, church accountant, discussed the church's budget.
Rex dela Peûa, music and youth ministry coordinator, reminded the church to reach out to the youths and challenged the delegates to love them deeper.
Rey Taniajura and his media and editorial services team reported on New Life Asia, The Worldwide News, translation work and on the church's working relationship with the Asian Theological Seminary Lay Institute and the Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ.
Each morning and afternoon session was preceded by praise and worship led by Rex dela Peûa. A band composed of four teens accompanied the singing.
PHILIPPINES TRIP--Mr. Tkach with leaders in the Philippines.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999