Sunday, June 25, 2006

Cubao Church of Christ Update:

The brethren helped out each other in campaigning for the name of Christ and preaching His words. Last May 6, they went house to house campaigns for Vacation Bible School inviting the parents to send their kids for one week free Bible class.
The brethren continued to work hard inviting people to study the Bible. They went out again after worshipping the Lord proclaiming the Lord's church in Palosapis Street. They are praying that God will bring much fruit to their works.

Another monthly campaign for Christ was held in Tondo, Manila last May 13. The workers of participated in this work to help the brethren in Tondo, Manila to preach the kingdom of God. As the rain pours heavily on that day, some brethren went to market and some distributed tracts on the mall and interviewed people along the way. It was so nice that family of God works together for the furtherance of His kingdom.


Metro wide preachers meeting…

Preachers around Metro Manila held their monthly meeting last May 13 at Tondo Church of Christ chapel in Manila. They are all in one accord as they discussed on how to help one another in the growth of every congregation in the cities. It was agreed again to encourage all the preachers and leaders of the congregation to attend the monthly meetings. At the meeting, brother Danni announced the congregation in Cubao about their intention to have evangelism workshop on July 22. The leaders found that monthly workshop was good to every congregation in the cities to bring the members in unity when it comes preaching Gods word. The leaders also discussed about the NBP ministry and Radio ministry. The leaders also encourage brother Danni to continue working on his project about the CD Bible lesson in tagalog.


Vacation Bible School…

A one week Vacation Bible Study was held in Cubao chapel at Palosapis St. Twelve kids in the neighborhood attended the two hours study with singing lessons. Brother Joel, Sister Nancy and Brother Danni de Vera are the class teachers. The kids learned more about Bible characters, Good attitude and Christian songs. Through this vacation Bible school we come to know the parents and be friend the parents of the kids.
After six days of classes, last May 21, the kids receive their gifts and certificate of completion. They also rendered the songs they have learned in their week school days. The brethren offered the kids with cakes and juices after their performance.




"I-Text mo…tanggap mo"…

Another work of the brethren is "I-Text mo…Tanggap mo.." (Text it and you will receive it) was held last May 27. They went to busy streets of Cubao shopping center. They distributed thousands of "I-text" flyers to all passerbys. There are new souls who send SMS and gave their names and addresses after the distributions. The brethren are thankful to God for giving them other new students.


Muntinlupa Church of Christ Update:

Here's a letter from Greg Gallardo during his trip to Singapore:

I would like to share with you some highlights of my experiences in Singapore:

Memorable Church’s Camp

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to his purpose” Rom 8:28. Truly God blesses His children in various ways as the Lord sees fit for each one of us.

I came to know Pasir Panjang through Deacon Winston Chong who was the key note speaker in Philippine Mission Forum in Bohol, Philippines last October 2005. He inspired the Filipino preachers who attended the forum by his historical description of how Pasir Panjang has grown in number and spiritually (500 in 40 yrs).

Six Filipino Preachers including me (Greg) were invited to attend the PP’s Church Camp this year 2006 which was held in Seremban, Malaysia (Greg, Danny, Raj, Aldous, Elmer, David). The sound of the Singapore’s Church Camp was so exciting, especially that it will be my first time to go to Singapore and Malaysia. Having a break after long work sounds great and enticing so I decided to go to Singapore a week ahead of the camp’s schedule so I could meet more Singaporean Christians, get acquainted with the church’s leaders and observe how they do things that make them click.

I was housed at Deacon Winston’s residence, there I felt that I really belong to their family as a brother in Christ. I felt the warm fellowship and the genuine concern from a brother in Christ. Sister Hong Ngee patiently giving me instruction how to move in the city where I am a total stranger, and I like her soya milk and barley drinks in the morning. Alistair, assisting me in my train and bus ride taking their time to orient me, Basil and Gelyn would give me a nice conversation so that my ears would be tuned in as I speak to Singaporeans. Their hospitality was really commendable. It was so inspiring that I believe I get to see most of the city’s places and enjoy most of the rides, and I was surprised to learn before I left Singapore that I know more how to ride the bus and the trains than some of the Singaporean Christians who owns car and are not use to ride public transportation. What a blessing from the Lord to enjoy such.

I have the opportunity to be the first Filipino preacher to experienced being involved in their Care Team. The “Care Team” is undoubtedly an excellent tool in strengthening the bond towards each other and with their creator. The first group that I joined was Eileen’s care team where I met Keng Geok the mountain climber, Hwee Yee, Judy Ong and Li Mai. We visited sis Poly Lee, who was a pioneering Christian of PP and Bro. Charles Chan whose mother in law was baptized at age 90, amazing things that rarely happen. This was followed by Foon Yoong’s care team, where I met Soo lang, Christina Sim, Siew Gek (Pearlin) the girl with a unique laughter like Caroline Ang. I also came to know Uncle Pang who like to go fishing. Then Winston’s Care Team where I met Gerald Goh, Elder Beng Chuan and Peter Soh, we had a visitor then who raises a question on how Christian should react with unbelieving employer. The discussion was very enlightening and very casual with the conclusion that Biblical principle should be held high above opinions of men. Then I also attended Edward Lee’s care Team which was held at Elder Adrian Teo’s residence, there I first met Deacon Paul Lim, Elder Eric Tan, Deacon Swee Aun Lim, Ee Kai Ng. The warm fellowship in these care teams that I have experienced was very encouraging, finding solution to a situation in a very friendly manner while bonding each other and developing stronger faith to the Lord was excellent.

One Wednesday After Elder Eric Tan discuss “Serving with your whole heart” in SPC we had a small group discussion and I was requested by Elder William Wong to give a brief summary of our group’s discussion, I was a little bit nervous because some of the Elders and Deacons and Ministers of PP was present, realizing fact that what I was about to say were practical lessons from the group that might be of help to others raises my adrenalin and gives me the courage to do it for the Lord. I was glad I did it, because some of the Christians approached me after the service and thank me for those practical reminders, and I was glad to be of service for the Lord.

I really appreciate Deacon Terry Wan taking us to a City tour, Elder Eric Tan taking us to dinner, the dinner with the Deacons, the teasing, the laughter, the brotherly talks, sharing experiences and plans for the church, the joy of being a Christian is warmly felt filling the vacuum created by some disappointing circumstances while working in the vineyard of the Lord, like a battery being recharge after being drained of long use.

My first fellowship with the Filipino brethren in PP was in Sentosa, where Bro. Edward Lee, Kien Hwee and Yiu Huat Tan drive us there, however it was raining hard that we went to Labrador park and share God’s word and our experiences in life. It was beneficial for the Filipino, Indonesian and Malaysian ladies present, giving them hope to serve the Lord in spite of the difficulties in life, because christian’s real hope is being in heaven with the father. Sis Dorothy and Dr. Linda had also inspired these ladies by being considerate to each one of them. The ministers Bro. Henry Kong and Patrick Ong Oriented us about PP’s historical growth, and I like watching the pictures of these adult leaders when they were very young because they were more good looking today than when they were younger, their zeal and enthusiasm in serving the Lord never grow old but gets younger as years goes by. The song leading of KC Cheang and Kelvin Koo was commendable, and the youth is so energetic like a giant star giving joy and laughter and good memories for everyone to behold giving glory to our creator.

PP’s three days camp in Seremban was remarkable. The planning was well prepared, the lessons were soul searching, the speakers were all confidently delivering God’s word effectively with every illustrations appropriately illuminating the lessons. The group discussion would oftentimes go overtime , our group leader Deacon Paul Lim was very entertaining and an excellent conversationalist, the food was in abundance and the accommodation was excellent. We count it a blessing from God, rejuvenating our souls to be more zealous in the vineyard of the Lord. Some things that I have observed that PP practices which will be of help in our congregation: 1) Planning each activity ahead of time and in details. 2) Care Teams 3)Christ centered activities 4)Committing everything to God in prayer 5)Continuously striving to live a Christian way of life.

As I speak to the elders, Deacons and Ministers, I can easily tell their commitment to the work of the Lord which is displayed by their consistent persuasive actions to the brotherhood to spread the good news and showing Christianity by example.

I still have not sort out the pictures from Singapore, in fact Danny still has my CD of pictures given by Bro. Terry who is the official photographer of the camp. I will send you the pictures later. Thanks.


In Christian Love,
Gregorio Q. Gallardo, Jr.


More Events in Wichita, Kansas:

As of now, we are working at Maude Carpenter's Children Home for the upcoming garage sale in September for the Metro Manila Missions. Our family and few volunteers are busy sorting out items that were donated. We are still in the process of accepting more donations for the sale. Our goal is to provide funding for the workers' salaries and some going to the upcoming short term mission trip next year. If you can help in donating some of your unwanted items and/or help us with your helping hands, please let us know. Please pray for the success of this effort.