Cagayan de Oro Festival 2011: Growing Together in His Love
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines - Brethren from various GCI local churches in Pagadian, Lanipao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Jasaan, Butuan, Bukidnon, and some from Cebu, Manila and Pampanga attended the annual festival celebration last October 28 - 31, 2011 at the De luxe Hotel and at The Way Resort in Cagayan de Oro City.
The celebration adopted the national theme for this year which is "Growing Together in His Love". Some of the highlights of the 4-day event were the following; worship services, Trinitarian theology forum, variety show, family day, youth, singles, couples & seniors socials.
The speakers during worship services were; Ptr. Eugene Guzon (National Director) who discussed the topic on "Our Foundation is Love", Ptr. Len Joson (Media & Communications) on "The Gospel of Forgiveness", Ptr. Jess Bahinting (Area Superintendent for Visayas) on "Salvation That Leads To Good Works", and Ptr. Jeng Manriquez (Area Superintendent for Mindanao) on "The God Who Loves Sinners".
The Trinitarian Forum was facilitated by Pastor Len Joson with the presence of ND Eugene Guzon who helped in answering some queries. It was well appreciated by the participants. One member commented that her new understanding of the Trinitarian Christ-Centered Theology will surely help her on how to relate with others much better.
The members also enjoyed watching & sharing their God-given talents during the variety show & Family day. Several couples also celebrated their wedding anniversary (month of October) during the Seniors Social. The activities were filled with a fun, friends & food.
Another highlight during the festival was the baptism of seven individuals who committed their lives to Christ.
Simultaneous festival celebrations were also conducted in Bukidnon, Manil (Zambuanga Sibugay), and Davao sites.
Special thanks to all the guests, sponsors, participants and festival organizers headed by the Cagayan de Oro Festival Coordinator, Ptr. Rollen Olango, Sr., for making our Festival celebration a success. --Ptr. Jerome Manriquez
For more photos, click here.
Ptr. Aron Tolentino, Camp Director for SEP Luzon 2012
To help facilitate the preparation for the 2012 Summer Enrichment Program and get the team organized as early as possible, we would like to inform everyone that Ptr. Aron Tolentino will be the Camp Director for our SEP camp in Luzon starting 2012.
Aron has been a camper and has served considerably as a counselor, activity staff and in the last 5 years as the Assistant Camp Director.
We are making this announcement official so that the preparations for the SEP and the corresponding training, venue selection and necessary camp details would be taken care of by Ptr. Aron and the team that will work with him.
Thank you for your diligent support in reaching out to and in discipling our young people in and outside the camp experiences.
Thank you for the support that we can anticipate from all of you as Ptr. Aron (with Joyce) takes the mantle of our camp direction and leadership as an integral part of a wholistic approach to our efforts in discipling our youth. --Ptr. Rex Dela Pena
Baptisms at GCI Manila East Missions
October 15, 2011 -- Pastor Mario Natividad of GCI Manila East Missions (GCI Antipolo Church) baptized four new members of the congregation in the afternoon of October 9, 2011 (Sunday). The event was held at the swimming pool of Bouganville Hotel owned by the Victoria Family in Antipolo City, Rizal Province.
Under a heavy downpour and in the presence of their relatives, friends and some church members, baptized were the following: Ricalyn Paz, Odessa Fajardo, Zephanie Fajardo and Roel Del Rosario. Everyone present was happy for the privilege to witness the first harvest of the Lord's Kingdom for GCI Manila East Missions since it adopted its current name.
The four new members have been regularly attending worship services at GCI MEM and are involved in small prayer groups led by Jessica Baconawa, PJ Perez and spouses Letty and Primo Mamaradlo. We pray that these new brother and sisters will continue to grow in God's grace, knowledge, faith and love of Jesus.
We give God the glory and honor for the harvest of souls. --Jessica Baconawa
| "Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you." (NLT, 2 Thessalonians 3:1) |
