Greetings to you all, our faithful supporters. The work in the Philippines progresses well and is most encouraging. Unfortunately, I have had considerable problems in receiving contributions this time. Cell-phone calls, text messages and e-mails have not got through and so there are some from whom I have not heard. So much for modern technology!
BPACCI UPDATE
Mid-year Report from the Bishop
Two Churches recalled and requested to extend the services of their respective pastors this midyear. Pastor Ephraim Ragumlay was reinstalled June 3, 2012 and will serve for another three year term at Lumbia Advent Christian Church, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City. Pastor Eden Pallo of Loay Evangelical Advent Christian Church was also reinstalled July 1, 2012 but this time, he only have committed one year to serve as Senior pastor of the church for some considerations.
We thank God for the faithfulness found in the hearts of these fellows.
Midyear report on baptism has reached 183 individuals. This figure is based on the reports submitted by 11 BPACCI local churches. Some were not able to conduct one but are telling that baptism rites to committed believers will be coming up these following months. Three local churches were not able to send their report yet.
Photo on the right shows Rev. Pablito Molina and the Pastoral Staff of Maranatha Bible Church, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro during their recent baptismal rite held in the vicinity.
The joint Macajalar Bay and Claveria Districts Pastors and Leaders’ Retreat was held successfully on July 12-14, 2012. This was hosted by the Claveria Advent Christian Church, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
The affair was attended by more than 40 participants and was highlighted with the presentation of the newly designed BPACCI Intentional Discipleship (An Intensified Cell Group Strategy). Similar activities are set to be done in some other districts as a manner of empowering every Filipino Advent Christian to take part in realizing BPACCI Vision 20/20.
Pastor Benjie Ragas
sent the following
“This coming Sunday Pastor Melchor Jandayan is our speaker because he told me he never been at the church since the church was started. After that, we will proceed to Bethany beach for a baptism. Thanks for the unfailing support in prayers, because sometimes I was tempted to give up the ministry due to personal reasons. The church was being challenge by the prayers and financial support for the continue’s renovation of our church building since it was not yet constructing.”
He also submitted the following prayer items
- The provision of our church building so that we will continue to construct the rooftop and the floor area especially this is the time of rainy season.
- Pray for the upcoming youth fellowship will be held at Opol, Misamis Oriental.
- Continue to pray for Balingasag ministry.
- Pray for the baptism this coming August 5, 2012.
Pastor Roy Rocha shares;
July 30, 2012
Dear friends,
Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers! Truly, in Him we live and move and have our being! Your prayers and support means a lot to us as we continue to do the work of our Master.
June, we started our Child Care Center. It is a ministry of our church towards reaching the family for Christ. As you know that it started as tutorial only but because the ministry made a positive response in the community so we decided to make it regular for the year. We are using YWAM’s Biblical foundation for pre-school. God allowed me to make contacts from YWAM trained teachers in New Zealand in which they conduct teachers training for us. God is good that His church here is making great impact in the community through the change lives of the kids.
Below are the Level 1 and level 2 students.
July was filled of praises to our God. First, we thank God that our intern, Dennis Alzula is now 100% well and is actively working his internship. He got sick for two weeks. We were worried but thank God He give us peace. Dennis shared his first sermon last Sunday, July 29, 2012.
Secondly, our church celebrated its 2nd anniversary since we started cell groupings. It was a month long celebration that highlighted with “Inter-cell-group Sports-fest”. There were variety of games from the kids, the youth, and the adults. Cheering, Bible quizzes, basketball shootout, volleyball, badminton, and many parlor games made out celebration more exciting. Since we started the cell group, six people are now actively worshiping with us and are ready for baptism while some are active in cell-group meetings. Ptr. Richard Pelin and Dennis Alzula were the game masters. Constant rain did not stop the fun and fellowship!
Now, we are having new Bible Study opened in which Richard and Dennis are handling every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Our prayer points:
- June to October will be tough time for us due to heavy rain and strong typhoon. It’s a month of floods that can cause class suspensions. Our church is located near the river so whenever there is heavy rain, we are immediately affected and some needs to be evacuated.
- It is also season of sickness like cough, fever, but the most feared is the dengue.
- May the lord will continue to spare his people. Your prayers are highly appreciated.
- That our Child Care center will be filled with kids reading materials and equipment.
- Financial provision for me and my wife as we continue our studies in Child Care course.
In Christ,
Roy
{ please note since this was written Roy’s request for prayer after they had been flooded~Tarnya}
Pastor Reniel Comajeg
reports concerning the BPACCI Youth:
“Since I am tasked as the National Youth Coordinator for BPACCI Youth Ministries, I had the privilege of helping the Macajalar Bay District Youth Under Mission (MBD-YUM) officers in doing planning and organizing for its monthly regular fellowship for the year 2012.
Recently, the youth had its fellowship held at Maranatha Bible Church Tagoloan (July 29) in which I had the privileged of sharing God’s Word, challenging the young people to live their lives in step with the Spirit.
The fellowship was participated in by 93 young people and 21 Pastors and church leaders.”
Pastor Jonathan Navacilla
writes
“We thank you for your partnership with us in prayer. We have concluded our Basketball evangelistic league last two weeks ago. We thank the Lord that He provided everything that we need for this league especially in the area of finances. As a result of this evangelistic league, we have 12 baptism commitments from our contacts. Please pray with us for others to commit. We are still continuing our Bible Studies with them, so we ask your prayers for this.
We are intensifying our discipleship program starting this year, not only for new converts but most especially for the members of the church. We are establishing our small groups for the church. By this, we can more connect with each other and members are given opportunities to strengthen and encourage one another in the Lord. Please pray for more leaders to commit and for members to cooperate with this.” Blessed Hope Christian Fellowship” is always grateful to the Lord for your prayers!”
Prayer requests
- Baptismal candidates.
- Discipleship programme.
- Small groups, leaders and members’ commitment to these ministries.
As we continue to support the work in the Philippines we give thanks to Almighty God for His goodness and faithfulness. We give thanks also for those who are involved in the various forms of ministry which are being used to witness to and win others for the Lord. Then, we give thanks for you, who support us in this ministry. May the Lord bless you and continue to use you in His service.
In the Master’s service
Grant Aldridge
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