THEY DO IT ALL, TO REACH THEM ALL

Soul winning… this is what I want to tackle in this short article. What I want to share is about what I have seen, experienced and the reports I read from the CCMP recipients last summer 2007 here in the Philippines until today.

I praise God personally for the people I know who are very faithful in sharing the Word of God, in season or out of season. Individuals or church planting teams who were doing all things just to reach the lost…

Here’s what I have seen they were doing… for they will do it all to reach them all.

ONE ON ONE AND DOOR KNOCKING

This style of soul winning is maybe “old” enough. But we cannot hide the fact, that in some areas, especially in the provinces here in the Philippines, door knocking is still effective. There were experiences shared to us about door knocking such as… there were people who will close their doors as they see the minister or the church workers approach in their house which only means they don’t want to talk with you, especially when they see you carrying a Bible. So, the next time our brethren go house to house, they have just brought pocket Bibles so that the people whom they will approach will not think that they will be offered a Bible study. But again, others also said, “Carrying pocket Bibles is not that effective also, because the people know us, that we are Christians and our belief is different from them, so they will actually leave or evade from talking with us. So we thought of another strategy, we invited some workers from other places because the people in our place do not know them, therefore they will not suspect that we are going to offer them a Bible study.” “That was clever,” I said. “But how about if these people know our styles and strategies? How about if in spite of bringing pocket Bibles, and inviting workers from other church they will still refuse from talking with you… what can you say about this?”, I continued. “At least, we have done our part. After all, they are not the only people in our place. There are also people who were ready to welcome us, and not only us, but the Word of God especially. When we found people like these, we praise God the more. If ever we were not able to win souls in spite of house to house and door knocking style of evangelism, we still praise God because at least we were able to do what Jesus told us to do, to go and preach the Word of God. Workers are just so affected and discouraged when they were not able to win souls because they thought that for them, it is only in winning souls they are successful. It is only by the time they see people coming to Christ and baptized that they will consider themselves successful. So, even if they were able to share the Word of God to the people, if those people did not accept Jesus, they thought that they were failure. We believe that we were not told by Jesus to win souls, only to bring the Good News to them. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the sinner and it is the Holy Spirit who shall win them. We are only called to be faithful in what ever task we are asked to do … we reach people, the Lord will win them according to His will…”

FAMILY EVANGELISM APPROACH

This style of evangelism will always be good to be used in any place in the Philippines. We know how close we are as families. We give importance into it. We can see that in some houses, there are more than 10 people who live there. One reason maybe is that, because the parents have 8 or more children. That’s why we see more than 10 people living in a house. But we also know that other houses have 10 or more people because we care so much of our family. Sometimes, very typical Filipino parents hate to see their children leave their home even though they are already married and have their own family. Sometimes also it’s the children who do no want to leave their parents… or they are comfortable being with them for ever in their lives. Parents also sometimes, would rather ask their children to stay in their home even though they will be living there like a “sardine”. Anyway, their reason will be, “Mas masaya pag marami… Kahit naghihirap basta’t sama-sama okey na yun!” Sounds familiar, “Di ba?” In these kind of family the “family evangelism approach” is very useful.

You know what? We have preachers here, especially CCMP recipients who are very successful in reaching family by family for Christ. Bro. Bartolome Bernardo, Dante Lumbao and Glen Pintuan are examples of those ministers whom I believe do this style of evangelism. I remember Bro. Glen sharing to us that he even goes and visits each family every morning to teach them to have their own family morning or night devotions. Well, I hope that each minister would be able to do that. I hope too that Bro. Glen continues to do that… I also consider Bro. Bartolome as one of the most industrious minister of the Lord. I remember him sharing with his co-recipients how thankful he is that he is now a recipient of CCMP. Although he did not go to seminary, he is very determined to learn more about the Word of God through seminars he attended and constant reading of the Word of God, Christian reading articles and books and prayers. I can see from Bro. Bartolome’s reports that the names of the people baptized have the same last or surname but with different first names. This tells me that “they are family”. If only every member would think and do this style of evangelism. At least, they can help their minister to find a prospect. At least, they will not say that their minister is doing nothing in the church. If only they will reach their immediate family, then, there will be lesser problem in reaching people for the Lord.

If there is one member in a family of 10 becomes a Christian, then it is very clear that every minister’s task is to reach the 9 souls remaining in that family. Let’s do it… Let us take advantage in this!

CRUSADES

They say that crusade is out of style now. Who said? Again, I can say, that things we do in our place may not be suitable in other place. Crusades may not be suitable in the cities, but in the provinces and in the towns, this still works. The proof of this is what Bro. Brigido Geronaga and the Mindoro Evangelistic Team are doing in Mindoro. Just last summer, they had a crusade again and there were souls who accepted the Lord as Bro. Abelardo De Guzman reported. In Pangasinan and Tarlac, Bros. Nestor Toledo and Iking Narag joined effort to conduct a crusade in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. The result…? There were more than 20 souls who accepted the Lord in water baptism…

SPORTS FESTS

Bros. Glen Pintuan and Enrico Puno as sports minded men also tried the sports fests strategy for evangelism. How did they do this? They formed a basketball and baseball team in their respective churches and invited the youths in the barrios to compete with their team… the result? They lost the game but they won the friendship of the neighbors and said this was the start of their constant communication to some youths and were now able to share the Gospel to them. Bro. Enrico said, “I personally told the boys, through our youth minister that winning the game is not our ultimate purpose, but it’s winning their friendship and hopefully and eventually winning their souls.”

Crusades and sports fests … these are also strategies in reaching people for the Lord.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Last April 16, 2007, I was able to join and witness the medical and dental mission done by the Cruzada team in partnership with the “Bring the Good News ministry” (through Bro. Gil Lozada) in Legaspi City, province of Albay. (While the medical teams were busy meeting the physical needs of the people, I, Bro. Mel Maldupana and Bro. Ard Cervantes also went together in a supermarket and bought groceries to be given away in the typhoon Reming victims). There were at least more than 200 patients who benefited in that free medical and dental mission where I believe, Bro. Ding Marco got additional prospects for Christ in that activity. The medical and dental mission was held near the chapel building of Legaspi City Church. After the medical and dental mission in Legaspi, the team also went to coastal area of Albay in Piodoran and Oas, Albay. There, they also have served more than 200 patients and have given groceries to the people.

One of the best ways to easily reach people and share to them the Word of God is through Medical and Dental Mission. There are many people in remote areas which can not avail to go to the doctors for check – ups. Bro. Mel Maldupana said, “It was humbling enough that we have reached these people. Actually, we met people who said it was their first time to meet a doctor, especially the dentists.”

The EARM team had also done a free medical and dental mission last May 9, 2007 in a remote area of Calabanga, Camarines Sur. They had to take a motor boat to reach the place. In their report, they had 122 recipients served. In May 11, 2007, they went to Turbura, Ligao City in Albay province. In this area, they had at least 173 recipients served. The EARM team’s Medical and Dental Mission were made possible through the help of Drs. Titus Bantiles and Verna Lusoc Uy. By the way, most of the ministers (if not all) in Bicol, especially members of the EARM team have undergone trainings in Physical Therapy and Reflexology. This physical therapy ministry was instrumental for them why they were able to reach the people in Brgy. Sugsugin in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur and that now, there’s a Church of Christ there, planted by the EARM team way back 2002. “We still do it. Sometimes, people will only listen to you when you are able to give them something or to give a service to them. Well, physical therapy helps us in this way,” says an EARM member.

Bro. Glen Pintuan is actually now considered a “doctor” in physical therapy. He took a seminar and an exam last June 2007 and blissfully passed the exam. Bro. Glen shares, “I pursued this one because this also helps me somehow in financial aspects. But this does not mean that I do not do anymore my tasks as a minister. I still do it. Actually I am even busier today because we have a feeding ministry. Everyday, we have at least 30 contact persons for feeding ministry. In this way, we do not only feed them physically but also spiritually. Thru my knowledge now in physical therapy, I can also reach more people for the Lord. It is always my interest that the person whom I am “massaging” will not only be healed physically but also spiritually. I always make it a point that I share to them God’s Words. This also becomes my ministry to the members. As of these days, we have many “quack doctors” in the neighborhood. People tend to trust them because they believe that they have healed them. But now, once they go to me, I always tell them that it’s not me or the “quack doctors” who can make them well, but it’s the Lord! Sometimes, I also explain to them the reason why people are sick and why do we have to die. At this point, they will start to listen to me and that’s where I will start sharing to them the Love of God. I do not actually ask any amount because it’s usually the poor I meet. But whenever I have patients who can afford, if they will give me any amount I am thankful for it, because first, I am able to minister to them and they also have ministered to me.”

Just a thought again… the recipients, especially the church planters are very busy during summer time here in the Philippines. They will try to do anything they can just to reach people and win them for the Lord. Somehow, their only problem is “money”, to be able to reach more people for the Lord. If only there are people who can promise to provide them additional operational expenses during summer, so that they can do more things and reach more people for the Lord…

RADIO MINISTRY

The Samar Christian Mission through the leadership of Bro. Margarito Gerez has this ministry for a long time. As he shared it to the mission administrator, they have now two local radio stations being used to share the Gospel of the Lord through radio. They have one in DYSM 972 KHz- Cawayan, Catarman Northern Samar (Friday 11:30 - 12:00 AM) and also in RADIO NATIN 105.7 FM - Allen N. Samar (Saturday 11:30 - 12:00 AM). Bro. Gerez said, through this program, there are people too who were able to hear the Gospel and some of them have responded to God’s call to salvation.

Others may say that Radio ministry is not advisable now. Again, I will say, “To some areas, Radio ministry is not advisable maybe, but we cannot hide the fact that this is also accepted in other areas. So, still, this is another way to reach people for the Lord.

VBS and SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN and YOUTH

Every summer vacation many churches in the Philippines provide activities for the children. Some of them are sports clinic, camps and vacation Bible school. In camps, some of the attendees are youths from different churches and other youths also which were invited as prospects. Mostly, those visitors invited to attend camps decide to accept Jesus in their lives. Camp directors encourage the youths in the churches to attend camps because they believe that camps give them the opportunity to meet other Christian youths, but most especially, to meet Jesus as their personal Savior.

Sunday school teachers believe that, when you able to reach the child, you will have the opportunity to reach their parents. That’s why Vacation Bible Schools here are done in most churches. They say, “Through Vacation Bible School we reach more children and their parents for the Lord and we also even learn to know who are gifted in reaching children and who can be used in this ministry?

CELL GROUPING AND DISCIPLESHIP

VCM and SLIM team are doing this style of evangelism. They say that in every cell group, they always make it sure that there is a prospect there. In the cells, they not only meet together to win souls, but they make it sure that everyone’s need is catered in the group. Through the cell groups, everyone learns to accept each other’s strength and weakness/es. That’s why when a prospect in that cell group accepts the Lord, he is almost sure of his decision and he is very determined in living a Christian life. Bro. Bong once said, “Soul winning in the cell groups may really take time because we do not immediately or forcefully ask the prospect to accept Jesus. What we want for them is to know Jesus first, His Words and His people. We set a date of challenging the prospects to accept Jesus. If we have for example 10 cell groups, all of that cell groups will meet one day and worship, fellowship along with the invitation will be done. Soul winning in the cell groups takes time, but those who decide to accept Jesus in those cell groups will stay in Jesus for a long time or all of the time.”

FEEDING MINISTRY

Last August 3 -5, 2007, I went to Lucena City Church of Christ as they invited me to witness their activities being done there. Thanks for the permission granted to me by the Advisory Committee and Bro. Rhodore Geronaga. Here’s my report on what they are doing there. They have there a very interesting and successful ministry to be able to reach more people for the Lord. They call this “milk or food supplement feeding ministry”.

Why milk/food supplement feeding ministry? The SLIM TEAM was able to meet someone in the person of Pastor George Padilla of Mt. Zion Ministry (Church of the Firstborn). The Church of the Firstborn had a ministry which is the milk/food supplement feeding ministry. Their ministry aims to reach people for the Lord through milk feeding. Bro. William once shared this ministry with the recipients, where some of them availed. Some did not want to avail it thinking that this is from another faith. It was only by that time in Lucena City I understood that this ministry only requires reporting of the development of the feeding. Bro. William said, “There’s no string attached here. They will not ask your doctrine, or they will not insist theirs. Their only aim is to distribute the milk or the food supplement to all pastors who want to avail. Actually, they will help you reach more people for the Lord. They can give you as much as you request provided that the milk will be used and distributed properly. If we are to buy the milk, this costs almost P 2, 850.00 per 400 grams. The milk is not actually regular milk we know and we buy in the markets. They call this “food supplement”, that’s why this not only gives the person nourishment but also becomes somehow a vitamin which our body needs. We were thankful in this ministry because in the past, we can say that Lucena City is a very hard place to plant the Word of God. People here will not listen to you or will not give you opportunity to tell them of God’s Love. They are very fanatic in Catholicism. Even the INC (Manalo) found it hard to reach them. We have tried many approaches to reach them but we received very small responses. We tried house to house – but they closed their doors. We tried one on one yet it did not succeed. We offered sports fests to reach the youths but we can still say, “We failed”. But we did not stop praying and looking for ways to reach them until we found this milk feeding ministry. At this time, we can say that it’s the people now who are coming to us, first to avail the milk, but then they have the opportunity to hear God’s Words. They did not only hear God’s Word, but others even responded to God’s call. Nine of them received Jesus as their personally Savior and were baptized last July.”

In the afternoon of August 3, Bro. William brought me to the feeding centers. He has a motor cycle which he said he is still paying it. We visited 5 feeding centers in Lucena City (actually there were six feeding centers but we were not able to meet the last one). In every center or cell group, I was given at least 10 to 12 minutes to share to them the Word of God. According to Bro. William, the good side of that feeding ministry is that they are able to meet at least 60 people everyday and being shared of the goodness of God. In every feeding center, there are at least 10 (the most is 17) persons who meet together everyday. I was able to talk with some of them and they said that they were very thankful of that ministry. I met a mother whom the group said was paralyzed in the past two months because of heart attack, but now, she’s doing well. There was also an old man who approached me and said, he is very thankful to the Lord first and then to the milk they were drinking because before he was so weak and can not even walk or stand for a long time because of his sickness, but now, he is feeling well and getting better. Another lady told me that before, her bones in the hands really hurt (because of bone cancer) and she found it hard to open and stretch her fingers, but now she can “close-open” it. These are only some of the good reports I received from them.

Bro. William had also given a commitment card to them. That commitment card requires all of them to attend the “drinking session” everyday. They have a leader in their group who checks the attendance. They created a saying, “To be absent is a mortal sin”. This somehow challenges and encourages the people to attend everyday the “drinking session” and have the opportunity to hear the Word of God. No wonder, in the afternoon of Saturday, August 4, 2007, during the anniversary celebration of Lucena church, there were at least 15 souls who responded to God’s call when Bro. Mel Maldupana invited them to come and receive Christ after his message (Bro. Mel was the guest speaker in the Anniversary Celebration).

In the morning of August 4, 2007, Bro. William gave me a ride and took me to Sariaya, Quezon, (then left afterwards) where Bro. Jess Tolentino was waiting because he also has two feeding centers in Sariaya. Sariaya church is one of the churches planted by SLIM team. Sariaya church is doing well, except that they still don’t have their own chapel building. As of now they are renting a house which serves as the mission house and the house of worship every Sunday. SLIM is supporting the Sariaya church through the rent of the mission house and part of the minister’s love gift.

“In Sariaya,” Bro. Jess said, “we have won at least 5 souls now for the Lord through this milk feeding ministry. As usual, people here are very hard to be approached when it comes to the Word of God. We are thankful though that we have this milk feeding ministry. At least, most of our contacts here are the parents. We believe that if the parents will accept Jesus as their personal Savior, the children may follow too. So now, we have not less than 10 visitors every Sunday Worship. We hope and pray that all of these people will accept Jesus.” In Sariaya, I also met a mother who has a “goiter”. She said, “Before I met Bro. Jess and availed the milk, my goiter was as big as my neck. But now, since I started taking the “milk – food supplement”, it is slowly going small. Actually, it’s almost half now from its original size last two months.” Bro. Jess said, “We always tell them and let them understand that “IT IS THE LORD WHO HEALS!” which they also accept.” Bro. Jess Tolentino also shared to me that another cell group from Tiaong, Quezon, is ready to start a church. Someone in Tiaong even offers his house to be a mission house. “Lots of works to be done”, said Bro. Jess.

During the anniversary celebration of Lucena City church, I met all the members of the SLIM TEAM. I met Bro. Henry Borja Jr., slim team member who is now taking care of Real church, another church planted also by the SLIM team in Quezon. He said he also availed of the milk feeding ministry. Actually now, he has more than 50 prospects. They will have a closing program in the feeding ministry on August 11, 2007. Bro. Henry said, he is hopeful that the 35 contacts in Infanta, Quezon will accept Jesus during the closing program, and another more than 20 souls from Real also. Bro. Henry is just somehow afraid because if these 35 persons from Infanta will accept Jesus, this means that a church may be started now in Infanta. He is then afraid because this means additional burden for him, aside from Real church. He is only receiving a small amount of love gift from Real Church and so, if Infanta will start now, where is he going to get additional budget to help Infanta, especially now that it is just starting. Bro. William has shared it to me then and that he said, they really have to wait for the right timing because SLIM’S fund is still limited. So, we suggested to Bro. Henry Jr. that we have to learn to wait, but in the meantime, we have to be faithful because God is faithful and He will meet our needs.

Last August 11, 2007, while we were having a prayer meeting in Seminary Hill Church, Bro. Henry called me through a cell phone and said that the closing program of their first batch in milk feeding was done successfully at 2-4 pm on that date. He was very excited although somehow afraid because all of the 35 prospects in Infanta and more than 20 prospects in Real have accepted the Lord! What a great news!

It seems that the most used method in reaching people for the Lord as of these days is through this milk/food supplement feeding program. Several of our recipients have now availed this very unique ministry. Praise the Lord! Let us always pray that more souls will be reached and won for the Glory of God.

The simplest thing I know how to bring more souls to Christ is that, you never stop looking ...

1. Looking for the lost souls. Let us hope and pray that we can feel the hunger and the urgency in sharing the Word of God. I remember someone said, “I always look at the people I meet everyone as prospects for the Lord. Because of this, I say to myself, plenty is the harvest.”

2. Looking for ways to reach them. We have a saying in Filipino, “Kapag gusto may paraan, kapag ayaw maraming dahilan.” “Habang may buhay, may pag-asa.” When we are really determined in winning souls, we will always find ways to reach them. The Good Lord always provides and gives the desire of our hearts. Remember the song, “God Will Make A Way”? If we have run out of ideas in reaching them, let us ask God, he will make a way!

3. Looking up to God to guide you. We sometimes tend to do things on our own. That’s why even in soul winning, we thought it is us who is doing everything. But we know that it’s not true. The Lord is always there to guide us. Everyday in our lives, let it be our prayer, that the Lord will guides us as we share His Words and that He will guide us to the people who are ready to accept His Words.

WELL, THESE ARE ALL OF THE NEWS WE HAVE AS OF NOW. TRULY, WE CAN ALWAYS WIN AND WIN SOULS FOR THE LORD IF ONLY WE WILL NOT STOP LOOKING AND DOING MORE THINGS TO REACH MORE PEOPLE FOR THE LORD. LET’S DO IT ALL, TO REACH THEM ALL!!!

Eastern Samar Churches Report

Here's the up-to-date report in Adobe PDF by Ranie Romero. Click here.

2005 Accomplishments

The following is a letter from Bro. Rasty Sanoy, CCMP mission administrator:

Dear CCMP Recipients,
Here are your accomplishments in the year 2005! We hope that this would encourage and challenge everyone to be more fruitful in the ministry. As your mission administrator, I only based what I wrote here according to the reports you submitted to me from time to time and which I recorded. May I encourage you then to please submit always your reports every time we see each other. Tell your activities, number of persons contacted and number of souls baptized for the month. Thank you and God bless you always as you go and share the Words of God to the lost.

ENRIQUE NARAG - Bro. Narag’s activities for 2005 were evangelism and discipleship. He went with a team of ministers in Pangasinan (together with Bro. Toledo) which conduct house to house evangelisms and crusades. In these evangelisms and crusades, he reports that out of 9 souls won to Christ, 2 of them came from his destino.

NESTOR TOLEDO – Bro. Nestor found his ministry this year a little bit difficult because of a bad situation and testimony of some brethren in his destino. Nevertheless, they conducted VBS this year and brought one soul for Christ. The name of the person he won for Christ is Ernesto Mari, he is the president of the Barangay captains in Camiling. Therefore, he could be a good asset in evangelism.

BERNARAD DAYAG – Bro. Dayag won 7 souls for Christ last May and another 6 souls last August. They also had a couples’ seminar last June 2005 whose speaker/lecturer was Bro. Mel Maldupana.

TEOFILO MIGUEL - He spent his life-ministry this year in reviving the brethren through prayers and discipleship. He is still in the prospecting period (hoping that this year will harvest them for Christ).

BERNARDO BARTOLOME - Bro. Bartolome brought 3 souls for Christ last summer vacation and another 4 souls last June. He is still looking for more prospects.

GLENLIE PINTUAN – Bro. Glen spent most of his time last summer in evangelism anywhere he was invited. In spite of his busyness, he was able to launch a new church in Tenejero, Candaba, Pampanga. The launching was held last September, 2005. He reports that this year, they had at least 25 new baptized believers. The new church has now at least 45 baptized believers.

ROGER PALENTINOS – His destino had some internal problems which gave him difficulties to share the Gospel in the neighborhood. Nevertheless, through patience, discipleship and prayer, he won 1 soul last May, 3 souls in June, 4 last August and 2 last October 2005.

DANTE LUMBAO – Bro. Dante makes it sure that in every anniversary celebration of the church he is serving, there will be souls brought to Christ. So, in his report last July 2005, they had 12 souls won for the Lord. He has been going also to some areas in Rizal where he is invited and conducted house to house evangelism. He and Bro. Roger Palentinos had also (some time) combined their efforts in evangelizing the people around bro. Roger’s destino.

TIRSO LATADE - Bro. Tirso had regular meeting with the policemen and government officials in Liliw, Laguna for the “Moral Recovery Program”. He has been sick and hospitalized twice this year (and until now is taking medicine for his medication), but he brought one soul to the Lord this year.

LEVI AGPANGAN – Bro. Levi tried the cell grouping in his destino. According to him, he also has 3 to 4 groups being visited every Sunday and he found it very tiring. He was advised then to tell those brethren in the group to just combine into one for a lesser expenses but effective ministry. He has 8 souls won to Christ.

SERAFIN TITAN - Bro. Raffy serves in Quezon province. He also worked sometime with the SLIM team. His destino had feeding program. He was slowed in his work because of his UTI, but he still managed to preach on Sundays. He had 3 souls won for Christ from his destino.

SIXTO MUTYA - Bro. Sixto serves in Simlong Church of Christ, in Batangas. He reports of their continuous efforts in sharing the Gospel in Simlong.

ABELARDO DE GUZMAN – He is in Mindoro, doing his ministry to the Lord. He often evaluates the Sunday attendance in the church he is serving. He reports of average attendance in the church which is 80. He continues to share the Gospel with the Mangyans. He reported of 15 souls brought to Christ in January to March of 2005, plus 1 soul last June.

SAMUEL DE GUZMAN – Bro. Sammy is in Mindoro too. He submits reports regularly with the attendance of their Sunday worship services. He had 7 souls won for Christ this year.

BRIGIDO GERONAGA – He is also serving in Mindoro. But he sent reports to the CCMP secretariat from time to time. He is working with fellow ministers in Mindoro which also conduct soul winning and crusades to some target areas. In his report last May, they had 27 baptisms and in June had 23 in the crusades done of their group.

RODRIGO ROS MARCO – Bro. Ding is working in the Bicol area, the Legaspi City Church of Christ. They had to move from their old place because of the rent. They pay 6000 monthly for the place and that they can not afford to. They are as of now patiently using a garage for their worship services. He reports of 8 souls baptized in Jesus’ name this year although not all of them are from Legaspi Church. Some of those new converts also came from their outreach.

DOMINGO BOJOS – Bro. Doming and his destino planned to have outreaches in the year 2005 which they did. He reports of 2 outreaches which they also visit every Sunday and had worship services in the place. According to him, there were at least 10 persons attending the worship services which they hope to increase in 2006 and that most of the attendees who are prospects will now accept Christ. In one of the outreaches, he reports of one soul being added in the church.

ART NECESARIO – His destino had an original target of 15 souls for the year 2005, but they only had 8 souls won for Christ this year. Nevertheless, we praise God for those souls and hope that they will multiply then. They have 2 outreaches in 2005 and hoping that this year, they will conduct their first Sunday service in their outreach. Their church has also a school which attracts more prospects and brings good promotion to the church.

CHURCH PLANTERS’ GROUP

S L I M – This group tops church planting group in the CCMP. In terms of reporting and church planting, they report regularly with pictures and calendars of activities. We hope that other groups will follow their example. The SLIM had a tentative report (as of this moment) of more than 60 souls brought to Christ and had been an instrument in starting a new church in Real, Quezon. Bro. Falla told Bro. Rasty that SLIM had at least 60 souls won for Christ.

EARM - This team on the other hand although have not planted any church this year had started a school which for them could be a great tool in evangelism be it in prospecting and in propagating funds for mission. The school started last June 2005. Having more than 15 members, they report of not less than 300 souls contacted in personal evangelism. Their ministries include jail ministry, feeding ministry, DVBS, school and strengthening the churches they planted before through discipleship and giving seminars to the church officers and leaders. They had more than 30 souls won for Christ this year.

VCM - This is the church planters’ team in Bulacan. According to Bro. Bong Natava, VCM had focused their mission first in developing leaders through cell-grouping. In this cell group, they are not only targeting prospects but future leaders as well as some of the members are encouraged to attend regularly so that after some more meetings they will be leading Bible studies too through cell-group. VCM reports of more than 200 people contacted in evangelism and had at least 15 souls brought to Christ.

SCM – They are ministering in Samar island. Bro. Margarito Gerez Jr. reports of not less that 120 souls contacted in evangelism and 22 souls were added in the church. Bro. Gerez also has a Radio program in Samar.

NOTE: Once again, I wrote this report based on what you have submitted to the secretariat. I challenge you then to give or send your reports monthly for record keeping. Thank you! May God bless us all and may He lead us to the souls we will win for Him for 2006!

Congratulations! Summing up all the souls you brought to Christ, the individuals had more than 150 souls won plus the church planters had more than 120. We also had two churches planted for the year 2005 plus a school and the ministry for the children. To God be the Glory for all the successes!

Merry Christmas from Bro. Rasty Sanoy 12/2005

Merry Christmas Everybody!

From your co-worker in the Lord Jesus Christ, and from the bottom
of my heart, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the gifts you sent to all of us. My
daughter, Sharoz Faye liked so much the coloring books she received. She
likes the sausage too! Thanks once again!

The CCMP Recipients' Christmas fellowship was held last Monday,
December 12, 2005. It was full of fun and excitement. Personally, I was so
blessed seeing the recipients and their respective family together (although
not all of them). During the group dynamics, I roamed around to every group
to see and observe their reactions in what they are doing. The ministers'
group shared together a story about their family and some problems they
meet, then Bro. Mel will give his counsel somehow. The minister's wives ahd
a wonderful time together. I can see some of them with tears in
appreciation of what the Lord has been doing in their family and how
difficult would it really be to be a wife of a minister. Sis. Weng Carpena
said, "I've learnd so much from this fellowship and seminar. I hope this
will be done again." Sis. Bess led the discussion in the women's group.
Bro. Jo Orillaza tried to communicate with the youths. In their group, they
talked about the sentiments of the youths to their fathers as a minister.
Bro. Jo explained about it in the plenary session, you will see it in the
video. Hopefully the video will come to you clear. It is still being
edited. The children, 9 years old below spent their time with sister Fe
Sanoy (my wife) and they made Christmas Cards for their parents. We also
had games. Actually I prepared many games for them, but because we run out
of time, they had only few games. Of course, the most exciting and happiest
moment of the program was when they were receiving their gifts. You will
see again in the video (kung gaano po sila katuwa at nagkakagulo) how happy and excited they were while choosing dresses and shoes. We decided to distribute also the clothes at that time, (kasi po, kawawa naman daw yong iba if sa January pa ipamimigay yon, kasi malayo pa ang panggagalingan nila.) because others who live far may miss it as they could not come back in January.

(Present po ang lahat ng Advisory Committee, although may sakit si
Bro. Ambrose ay sinikap niya pa ring makadalo sa fellowship. Hindi na siya
nakapag opening remarks dahil wala siyang boses noong panahon na iyo.) Every member of the Advisory Committee were present. Although Bro. Ambrose was sick, he made an effort to come to the fellowship. He could not give his opening remarks because he lost his voice.

(May I suggest na kung puwede po, mapaglaanan na rin sana ng
pamasahe ang bawat asawa ng recipient tuwing ganitong gawain upang sila man
ay makasama rin at patuloy rin na tumibay ang pagsasamahan ng CCMP family
dito sa Pilipinas. I saw na yong mga asawa ng mga ministro ay nag bigayan
ng kanikanilang cell numbers para daw may communication sila. Kaya po
naisip ko, dapat, lahat ng mag-asawa ay magkakasama.) May I suggest that if possible, you could set aside some funds for transportation of the recipients’ wives for this occasions so they can come and strenghten the fellowship of the CCMP family here in the Philippines. I saw that the ministers’ wives exchanged cell phone numbers so that they can communicate. So I thought that all of them should all be together.

(Baka next week pa raw po matatapos ang pag-edit ng video, so baka
next week pa rin namin maipadadala sa inyo diyan.) Maybe next week the video editing will be completed, so maybe next week it can be sent to you. On the 19th of December, I will be going to Bicol Leprosarium (para po ihatid doon ang ipinadala nyo sa kanila.) to bring them the package that you sent for them. Please pray for our trip and for a good weather.

(Muli po, maraming salamat sa inyo. Patuloy kong idinadalangin kayo
sa Panginoon, araw-araw. Pagpalain po kayo ng Poong Maykapal. Maligayang
Pasko po muli sa inyo!) Again, thank you very much to all of you. I continue to pray for you everyday. May the Lord bless you. Merry Christmas again.

In His Service,


Bro. Rasty Sanoy
CCMP Mission Administrator

CCMP Secretariat - Newsletter Part II 10/2005

The following is part of the CCMP Newsletter Editorial, dated October 2005, highlighting preacher activities and accomplishments:

WHAT’S UP? (Your Activities and Accomplishments)

PANGASINAN
Bro. Enrique Narag
He and the team held two evangelism and crusades at barangays Casilagan and Bonao, Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Resulted to two prospects in Casilagan now attending church services but no response from Bonao. What’s important is, we have shared the Words of God. The Lord will be the One to cultivate it in their hearts and minds, thru the Holy Spirit.

NUEVA ECIJA
Bro. Bernard Dayag
Six souls accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in baptism. Their names are Victoria Tabio, Jovita Bautista, Rosemarie Ramos, Jessica Ramos, Jellieben Bazay and Jeric Bazay. Praise the Lord for these souls! Brethren in Marcelino decided to unite (in terms of Sunday worship) with the brethren in Bgy. Balbalino. The youths continue their fellowship with each other.

Bro. Teofilo Miguel
Prayer fellowship continues. Invited to speak in a the funerals of two brethren in Christ. The first one is Roger Cabatic. The occasion was used for evangelism purposes as most of those who come to attend the funeral service are not yet in the Lord. The second one is Bro. Benjamin Febrero. Evangelism and prospecting continue in Barangay Ling-lingay. A Bible Quiz is planned to challenge the youths to read their Bibles.

Bartolome Bernardo
Prayer meetings and Bible studies continue in the homes of Bro. August Puyat and Sis. Elizabeth Villareal. The church also printed some tracts for tract-giving for evangelism purposes. There is also a Bible Study being done in the home of Sis. Marilyn Puyat, a prospect. For a joyful and alive praise and worship, the church bought tapes which are used during worship services.

BULACAN
Vision For Christ Ministry
The team is busy in preparing for the coming 2nd Provincial Convention of the Churches of Christ in Bulacan. Bro. Bong is the assigned chairman in the said convention. The theme is “Paglagong Kristiano” which will focus on church growth thru small groups. The group has already 19 small groups which hold Bible studies. Have contacted of not less than 100 persons for the Lord. One of them already accepted Jesus during the 7th Anniversary of the Subic Church in which bro. Rasty Sanoy was the speaker. As the result of Bro. Rasty’s message, the leadership of the Subic church were challenged to have once a month prayer rally in the surroundings of the church. Attendance is increasing. It ranges 80-100 attendees every Sunday.

PAMPANGA
Bro. Glen Pintuan
Bro. Glen’s report is in the headline. He’s doing great for the Lord.

RIZAL
Bro. Dante Lumbao
There are Bible studies now done in every Christian family to challenge them to be involved in evangelism and to be involved in every activity. Prayer meetings also are held every Saturday. Evangelism is still done in the three barangays together with Bro. Roger Palentinos. They go to Halayhayin, Tanay and Lagundi, Morong Rizal. The youths in the Caniogan church will host the youth fellowship of the five churches in Rizal.

Bro. Roger Palentinos
Home Bible Studies result in the acceptanceof four souls and are ready to baptized. There is also a Bible study being done with Bro. Dante Lumbao in Pililla. The name of the prospects are Bro. Ben and Allan, Sisters Ma-an, Letty and May. In Halayhayin, there are also prospects who attendt Bible studies, most of them are youths.

QUEZON
Bro. Raffy Titan
In spite of the crisis, brethren still participate in every church activity. Bible studies are being done and the prospects are: Sisters, Rosemarie Yunting and Annaliza de Jesus and brothers, Bermin Berdia, Manuel Robitania and Romnick de Jesus. With him in the service is Bro. Jules Santiago, also a graduate of Manila Bible Seminary.

BATANGAS
Sixto Mutya Sr.
Focuses in training elders, adults and young people in preaching and sharing the Words of God. With him is his associate pastor and his son, Bro. Sixto Mutya Jr.

MINDORO
Bro. Sammy de Guzman reports that church attendance has decrease due work reasons. Some have to leave the province to look for a job. Bro. Sammy got sick in the last months. But he is okay now. There are still Bible studies done in the neighborhood.

BICOL
The EARM Team - Pastor Anong Resuena continues to minister in Pasacao Church which now has two Sunday worship services to accommodate those who work in the day times. Pastor Ismael Pel is doing great in Libmanan church, extending their ministry up to the town of Cabusao. He is also doing regular training For church workers. Pastor Erwin Curioso continues his ministry in Barcelonita church although he has no extra activities now. Pastors Manny and Nonie are ministering in the very far area of Sugsugin, Del Gallego. This place has lots of NPA’s but thank God, they meet no problem about it. Pastors Dams Boncodin and Ric Cervantes work together in Camalig mission. The school is doing fine today. Hoping that it will be known to more people in the area.

SAMAR
The Samar Christian Mission continues its ministry. Evangelism continues be it in the jeepneys, restaurants, and others. A weekly Bible study was started in Catarman. Also conducted Bible studies with the college students. The Borongan Christian church has 8 baptisms.

CCMP Secretariat - Newsletter 10/2005

The following part of the CCMP Newsletter Editorial, dated October 2005:

The CCMP Liaison Officer

Some of us are surprised maybe of the CCMP’s move to appoint a liaison officer. We may ask then, why a liaison officer? What is he going to do? Is he there for fault finding? Doesn’t the CCMP trust us? It is proper for us then to understand why the CCMP did that.

Having a liaison officer is not to give us additional load of works. We should not take it negatively but rather take it positively because this will bring every recipient some positive things in the ministry. The CCMP liaison is there not just to monitor us and even not for fault finding but to look for ways how can the CCMP help a recipient and the church he serves. The liaison is sent for a more productive service to the Lord and to His church. Please do not misinterpret this thing. Actually, in my own opinion (as CCMP administrator), someone will only not like this idea of a liaison if he’s not really doing the work of God. But if he is faithful in his calling, never will he be afraid of this thing. I believe that the CCMP US did not decide this thing abruptly. I sure hope they have taught about it, studied about it and talked about it. They will not do this thing without proper considerations. Then finally, they implemented it because they know this can/will help everyone.

So, let’s give it a try! My suggestion is that, let’s pray for it. Let’s pray for the liaison officer to be fair and just as he visits your place and reports to the CCMP. Let us also pray for ourselves to have patience, understanding and be always in good term with everyone. Furthermore, let’s always pray for everyone in the CCMP. We know how powerful prayer is, but we know that the One who answers our prayers is the Most Powerful! Glory and Praises be given to Him always.

ANNOUNCEMENT/S

Please be prepared to our forth coming Christmas Party on December. We hope to see every family in that gathering. We will also take that opportunity to pray together give thanks for God’s grace and blessings and for the CCMP supporters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THOSE WHO WILL CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH AND ON NOVEMBER:

Bro. Enrique Narag – October 4
Sis. Edu Conte - October 17
Bro. Rustom Pel - November

PINTUAN LAUNCHES NEW CHURCH PLANTED

Last September 11, 2005 Bro. Glen Pintuan and his companions launched the newly plant church in Tenejero, Candaba, Pampanga. The church launching was held in Saint Joseph School’s gym, owned by a catholic member. It was attended by more than 300 people coming from the surrounding churches of Christ in Pampanga. They are from Manena Church of Christ, Miranda Church of Christ, Subic Church of Christ and the Dalayap Church of Christ which is considered as the mother church of the new Church of Christ in Tenejero. The said event was also attended by some invited people like Ms. Jeannie Hoffman, president of the Manila Bible Seminary and Philippine Mission Church of Christ (PMCC) directress, Maricel de Guzman representing the Sulo ng Kristaino magazine and Cruzada Church of Christ and Manila Bible Seminary Allumni Association (MABISAA), Bro. Rasty Sanoy, representing CCMP and Seminary Hill Church of Christ in Novaliches and also of MABISAA, some MBS students and some invited prospects for Bible studies.

The launching was truly a successful one because according to Bro. Glen and company, they were not expecting the overwhelming attendance and the responses from neighboring barangays. Mr. Cecilio Marcelo, the owner of the said school was so happy that he challenged and encouraged Bro. Glen and company to continue to use the school facilities for religious purposes. He said, “I welcome every Church of Christ activity in this school, be it a large or small gathering free of charge. I am also offering to Pastor Glen Pintuan and his brethren to use our two school rooms for your worship services.” By these words the crowds were very much happy. The school principal, Mr. Batu also encouraged the brethren to continue saturate the place for Christ. “Our school aims not only for academic excellence but also in good moral of the pupils”, said Mr. Batu.

Mr. Alfredo Lahom, the barangay captain of Tenejero also welcomes the group and challenged them to help the barrio in cleaning the people’s hearts and minds by knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Ms. Jeannie Hoffman congratulated also the Tenejero brethren in such a big step for the furtherance of the Gospel. She also expressed her thanksgiving to the owner and principal of the school and challenged Bro. Glen Pintuan and Bro. Sammy Batac to do the work for the Lord no matter what.

Asked about this step of church planting in Tenejero, Bro. Glen shared his idea and experiences. “My mind and my heart are really in evangelism and church planting. Every time I see an opportunity to preach and teach the Word of God, I will do it. And when I see also an opportunity in the members in one place that has no church yet, that it has the capacity to grow a church I will always go on church planting.” Asked about the Dalayap church, “I always make sure that the church I will leave can already stand and I never leave them without a substitute preacher. But in my case, I get Bro. Sammy Batac to be the Pastor in Dalayap while we work together here in Tenejero. I can see how strong the Dalayap church now is. Aside from that I also have trained leaders there who can lead the church even without a preacher. I always make sure of those things. That’s why the Dalayap church understands why I left them and actually I also have their moral support in starting the Tenejero church. After all, I don’t want to leave a church that has unfinished business with me or any bad thoughts/issues about me (and I’m happy that I have none). I can also say that my work here in Tenejero is now on full blast. Imagine the response of the school owner and the barrio captain? We shall take the opportunity of using this school and let’s pray for it. I would like also to appeal to our brethren and those who read this news, help us pray for the salvation of the owner of this school and the principal because we have started Bible Studies in their homes. Actually, we will again have another gathering here. It is a seminar in moral and recovery program offered for the barangay officials and other barangay authorities coming from the surrounding barangays here. We hope too that in this gathering we shall have more prospects in evangelism.

The highlights of the launching were the greetings from the churches with their special number, the message by Bro. Glen Pintuan which resulted to a disabled father accepting Jesus (now he’s not disabled in Jesus’ sight) and the commissioning of the two workers in Tenejero church which was done by Bro. Rasty Sanoy (in place of Bro. Dan Sulit).

THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS!
In our lives as Christians, while we are here in this sinful world, the Lord has not promised us that accepting Him is to be exempted in trials, difficulties and sicknesses. The truth is, we will be more prone to the devil’s scheme because he doesn’t want us to be in God’s side. That’s why the devil will do anything to steal us from the Lord’s hands. He will do anything, even giving us sicknesses to discourage us from trusting Jesus. What he does not know is that, the more we get sick, the closer we go to Jesus and the more we trust the Lord. One good thing is, because when we get sick, we know that when our brethren knew it, they will get down on their knees and pray for us. The more people pray for us the faster we get healed when God wills for us to be healed.

In the past two months, we have again experienced the greatness of God. We have brethren here in the Philippines and abroad who got sick and actually got operated. But the Lord is so good! He healed them and provided what they need. Bro. Bong Natava, Bro. Nards Pel, Sis. Nilda Cruz, Sis. Edu Conte and Bro. Tirso Latade got sick last months of August and September. Thanks to the Lord! They are all in good condition now. Bro. Bong was hospitalized twice on August, Bro. Nards suffered a mild stroke and is now recovering, Sis. Nilda was operated and yet she’s now having a slowly but surely recovery (according to Sis. Dinah Alava). Sis. Edu Conte had an eye operation and Bro. Tirso was hospitalized due to diabetes. The good news is all of them are healed by the Lord.

These people extend their thanksgiving for all the prayers and helps offered to them. This is our hope… and His promise… that in all our sicknesses, the Lord is with us and will never leave us. God is good, all the time.

Report for September, 2005

The following is an email sent from Christopher Natava to Rhodore Geronaga on Oct 10, 2005:

The progress concerning our goal to mobilize all members to the work of the Lord i.e. "making every member a disciple and a disciple maker" has making exciting signs of the growth of His church here in Bulacan. I have 12 people who are members of my core group, and so are Bro. Jerico Buganan, Bro. Raymond Puertollano, Bro. Rolando Santiago, Sis. Mary Ann Santiago, Sis. Carmen Catipon and Bro Crispin Claor. Each of them is targeting twelve members to equip for the works of God. They are also the first six members of my core. The other six are still in the process of equipping. they are Bro. Edward Cao, Bro. Marcelo Roxas, Sis. Lilia Roxas, Sis Susan Perez , Bro Richard Medina and my wife Cynthia. These are the fruits of our labor:

1. Bro Raymond is leading his core of 12 (teenagers) young people. He is equipping them to win souls and lead young people to Christ. Under his leadership Sis. Roxanne Ileto and Sis. Esther Calma are now leading their own cell of young people. Numbers of prospects of young people and also adults are 39. Averie Santiago is leading our praise and worship band. Sis Sugar Bulaon and Robabel Bulaon lead the praise and worship team.

2. Bro. Jerico has his cells at Emil Subd. Subic, and Concepcion Subd. (both in Baliwag) and Maronquillo, San Rafael, Bulacan. Most attending his cells are prospects and not yet baptize but already attending Sunday worship at Subic. though he is targeting twelve persons to become leaders, he has three because most of his members in cell groups are prospects. Prospects: 23.

3. Bro Roland is leading his men cell at Sulivan, Baliwag every Tuesday. he has six attendees and one of them is prospect, bro. Mar Barbado. Throught his leadership Bro. Jesus Bulaon and his family (they are not attending church ofr a long time) are now revive to attend every Sunday. All of these six which include three deacons are target for mobilization. bro Omar bulaon will lead his own cell by October.

4. Sis Mary Ann is also leading her cell at Sulivan every Tuesday. She has on baptism, sis. Lilia Barbado. Actually she has two baptism since she started her cell. Neighborhood women here are attending her cell and some even though not yet baptize are attending Sunday worship. Prospects: 9.

5. Sis. Carmen a retired businesswoman is leading her cell at Aldama St. Baliwag. She has her first fruit, Sis. Margie villanueva whem we baptized last Sept. 25. She also leads the family of Bro Randell Villanueva to attend Sunday worship. He and his wife Sarah are both members of the church but not attending. now their testimony is that they cannot survive without God in their lives. Some prospects are also now attending Sunday worship. Prospects-8.

6. Bro Crispin, one of our elders, is also leading cell here in Aldama and just started a new group at Dona Rosa St. He has four prospects.

7. I have seven cell groups at different place which include Paombong, Bulacan (I have two at Paombong, one is for equipping and the other is for evangelism). I have 84 prospects. You may think I am a desperate man because of big numbers I evangelize. I do this to show example for my mentors: evangelizing as more as possible. I can do them because of God's help and support of church members by using their cars and driving for me to my Bible study. It is also easy because all materials for teaching are available. The other reason why I have 84 prospects: I lead the Bible study at business placess of our brothers and sister. Bro Roland and sis Mary ann have garments business. they have 56 employees. Bro. Edward Cao has 16. The rest of prospects are attendees of cell groups.

Total prospects: 168

CHURCH PLANTED IN 2005At Maronquillo, San rafael, Bulacan where we are planning to start Sunday worship, evangelism is underway.. sis Cora Reyes receives our brothers and sisters who are coming here to help spread the gospel. She prepares lunch and merienda every Sunday for Bro Jerico, bro Raymond, Bro. Marcelo roxas, Sis. lilia roxas, bro Crispin Claor and Bro roland Santiago. The prospects here are included in the prospects of bro Jerico and Raymond.

CHURCH AT PAOMBONG BULACANThis is the only church planted since inception two years ago. it is established August 8, 2004. Forgive me for not including other year when I was with Bro Glen Pintuan and Bro Edward Pagador. that was a close book. I discontinue the work at Pulilan and Bagong Nayon because of things I had already reported to you. The church of Paombong has 20 to 30 range in attendance. In rare occasion we hit 40.

TIMOTHYS
I have already listed my Timothys above. I will be mentoring these twelve for life. These are numbers of timothy names not mention:
1. Raymond has twelve.
2. Jerico has three
3. Bro Roland Santiago has six
4. Sis. Mary Ann has four
5. Sis. Carmen has two
6. I have twelve
Total = 39. Our goal this year is 36. we already surpass the goal.

PROVINCIAL CONVENTION IN BULACAN
The team (VCM) is busy for the promotion and preparation of Bulacan Provincial Convention of churches of Christ. since I am currently the chairman of First Bulacan Churches of Christ Mission, it is my responsibility to make it successful. We will be discussing in this convention the Eight Qualities of Growing Churches base on the survey to 1,000 churches around the world, growing and declining. The book is entitled Natural Church Development by Christian Schwarz. the eight qualities are : 1. Empowering Leadership, 2. Gift-oriented Mininistry, 3. Passionate spirituality, 4. Functional Structures, 5. Inspiring Worship Service, 6. Holistic Small groups, 7. Need-oriented Ministry, 8. Loving relationship.

This convention is the reason why we believe God is enlarging our territory. We will launch in this convention "the Church Growth Movement" here in Bulacan. It is not a one-day activity and then nothing. We have prepared a seven months equipping process to those who will be motivated to be part of this "Movement".

The "process" includes: 1. Win souls - evangelism. 2. Consolidation - Edification; 3. Discipleship - Equipping; 4. Sending - release to ministry. In our discipleship, we teach them about leadership, church vision and mission, and mastering how to lead small groups. Materials for these comes from John Maxwell, Rick Warren, and books about small groups. In sending we mentor them for life. We call it 12OJ (12 OF JESUS).

I have to tell you that I am attending a lot of seminars about evangelism explosion and church growth. Lately my team attended G12 seminars. You may know about it. This method has many detractors from our brotherhood in churches of Christ and some are CCMP advisers. We respect them and it is not our intention to fight them with their views. We don't want to be dishonest by doing this secrectly. I believe we are not doing anything wrong. But we won't fall to either-or trap by accepting Purpose Driven Church and ignoring G12. I think both can help us understand principle that can help our churches to grow.

The whole process I think answer your questions about EVANGELISM, DISCIPLESHIP and EMPOWERMENT. We are already using this to churches of Subic, Baliwag and Paombong. And our team VCM is very excited because churches here in bulacan want also to esposuse our vision.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP
We are intensifying our prayers and make our worship inspiring. All cell groups have components of worship and prayers. We are also doing the Power of three where three members pray for nine prospects simultaneously every day. Leaders of small groups teach their groups the importance of Sunday worship. this may be the reason why some prospects are attending now the every Sunday.

Real Christian Mission 10/2005

The following is part of a newsletter by the Shore Line & Island Mission, Inc. (SLIM), dated September 30, 2005:

REAL CHRISTIAN MISSION (RCM)

The Five Man Team visited Real, Quezon last September 19, 2005. They closed the transaction on RCM’s Mission House. The mission will be launched on October 30, 2005... Before the group left, a night fellow ship was held where everyone praised and exalted God!














OTHER UPDATES

The Four -Man Team visited local churches in Mulanay, Buenavista (Wasay & Hagonghong) and San Narciso last Sept. 7 and 8, 2005… Several roofing materials were donated at the Wasay Church. Bros. William, Jonathan, Justino and Chito attended CCMP’s Seminar on Equipping Leaders last Sept. 5, 2005 at Cruzada CoC…

Gumaca Christian Mission - 10/2005

The following is part of a newsletter by the Shore Line & Island Mission, Inc (SLIM), dated September 30, 2005:

GUMACA CHRISTIAN MISSION (GCM)

It is truly a blessing to Bro. Jonathan Carpena that God gave him a quite simple talent in music. He leads his cell group in singing while playing the guitar.. New songs were taught and learned by the group…

Issues on leadership development, the life of the cell group and on giving were discussed in the mentoring classes of Bros. Andrew Artiaga and Randy Vargas. Plans on the upcoming opening of the Gumaca (Town Proper) Church on January 2006 was also discussed. Four members of the cell committed in financially supporting it through tithing…

Last Sept. 24, 2005, the second Cell Event Celebration (Net Meeting) was held at one of the conference room of Chowking Restaurant Gumaca Branch. An attendance of twenty-one (21) persons was recorded. Bro William Falla gave n inspirational message on “The Missing Christ” while Bro. Ronald Macaraig and Sis. Rowena Carpena led the Praise and Worship… It was indeed a more meaningful night among the cell members where both souls and bodies were satisfied!

Sariaya Church of Christ - 10/2005

The following is part of a newsletter by the Shore Line & Island Mission, Inc. (SLIM), dated September 30, 2005:

SARIAYA CHURCH OF CHRIST

Growth Classes and Prayer Devotions among the potential leaders in the Adults Groups continues on its new schedule every Wednesday at 6:30-8pm, and joined by SLIM’s Five-Man Team (formerly known as Four-Man Team namely Bros. William Falla, Jonathan Carpena, Justino Tolentino & Chito Carpena and now with new member Bro. Ronald Macaraig) …

Seven youths committed for their Equipping Classes every Tuesday night at 7-8:30pm…Bro. Ronald Macaraig assisted in teaching the children who regularly comes to Sariaya Church on weekdays…

Bible Study with the Cantos and Reynoso Families are regularly done… Seven (7) souls, four of whom are adults and the rest youths are candidate for baptism. They are Mercedita Eballe, Gina Gaguis, Ernesto Bonquin Sr., Amelia Bonquin, Lady April Fajarda Rochelle Razon and Jenirose de Chavez.

Lucena City Church of Christ - 10/2005

The following is part of a newsletter by the Shore Line & Island Mission, Inc. (SLIM), dated September 30, 2005:

CHURCH PLANTING PROGRAMS

Cell Group was launched last September 29, 2005 at Jollibee along Quezon Avenue…From then on regular Cell Group’s meeting will be held every Thursday night.. Evangelistic activities continue in Bible Study Centers… Praise Team keeps on training youths from Sariaya Church in leading Praise & Worship …

Lessons in Group Dynamics continue to focus on equipping and edifying each church member. The Core Group’s Discipleship Training continues every Sunday followed by the Leader’s Forum…

Special Sunday was held last Sept. 4, 2005… Ruth Cleto and company (Levy & Merlyn) as well as the youths from our Cotta Community Outreach joined the Praise and Worship followed by a Luncheon Fellowship…Bro. Allan Falla who had a near-death accident made a heart-warming testimony on God’s amazing love!

Shore Line & Island Mission, Inc. - Youth Ministry - 10/2005

The following is part of a newsletter update from the Shore Line & Island Mission, Inc (SLIM) dated Sept. 30, 2005:

Youth Developement Ministry

Sixteen (16) souls were baptized during the recently concluded SLIM’s 3rd Sportsfest held at the Botanical Garden in Lucena City last September 24… Three (3) youths from Candelaria Church accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Seven (7) were from Sariaya Church which include an adult, four (4) from Lucena City Church, two (2) from Villabota Church.

It was a successful event for the youths and for the Lord’s vineyard! Everyone enjoyed Bible Quiz & Drills, Outdoor Ball Games (basketball & volleyball) and Parlor Games (ala Extra Challenge) … Everybody went home with joy in their hearts!