Our Family Camp for this year is entitled SPREAD THE WORD and it will on September 3-6 (Labour Day Weekend).The objective is to equip us in sharing the good news to our families and friends. To be held at the Riverview Retreat and Conference centre, the place is ideal not only for a spiritual retreat but also for family fun. It has basketball and volleyball courts, a kids’ playground, wall climbing, canoeing and mini golf. So Spread the Word, register now for our Family Camp! Camp fee is 100$ for adults, and 50$ for Children. Infants are free.

I have felt that a visit from the International Office to the provinces was needed to be done this year of 2010. I have not visited several of our pastors and workers in the provinces, and have been confined to Metro Manila during my recent visits.  To achieve a balanced understanding of our organization, a first hand visit is always needed, to feel and know the situation of our churches and their pastors.  From direct observations and from information from our local leaders then plans can easily be made to meet the needs of our people.  Visits like these, do not only  make us understand our people and their leaders and their places but they renew bonds that were established long ago.  The sight of our people and the fellowship among our leaders serve to be a blessing as they encourage us through their hard work, dedication and faithfulness.  Many of them did their work for years even when there were no visits and words to encourage them.  Their dedication serve to strengthen us as an organization and we thank God for his life in us and we thank God for these dedicated workers.

I have also witnessed several young people rising to leadership and responsible membership, those who have come from the children’s churches. They are also a source of encouragement.  The seasons of time and the movement of one generation to responsible service and worship of God serve to inspire us evermore.  We can exist for a long time if we keep this up and do not neglect the discipleship of the young.

My first stop was in Bacolod(March 12-14)) to meet with our pastors and leaders from Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.  Pastors and workers from Dumaguete, Cadiz, Talisay, Silay,La Carlota, Bacolod, San Carlos and others came for a whole day leadership conference. I received fresh reports from Dumaguete concerning their outreaches to the villages located in the mountains. The weekend trip was concluded by a 23rd Anniversary of Bacolod Main Church.

The second stop was Bicol(March 26-29).  Pastors and leaders from Guinubatan, Naga, San Jose, Legazpi, Irosin and Masbate and others came Friday for a whole day of leadership conference in Legazpi.  This was concluded by a Bicol Convergence in Naga, which was attended by churches from all over Bicol.  They came by buses, jeepneys and some were riding on the roof of the jeepneys.  They came by motorcycles and private vehicles from all over Bicol, just to be together.  The service was concluded by an altar call that saw several people receiving Jesus as their savior and Lord.  This Sunday was also the introduction of the new leaders of Bicol.  Bro Rafael Calpe as Deputy National Overseer(who will oversee Bicol), Rev. Allan Francia (who will be the district overseer Northern Bicol) and Rev. Mata(who will be the district overseer of Northern Bicol).

The third stop was Cagayan De Oro(April 9-11) and pastors and workers from Iligan, Bukidnon (Kitaotao,Valencia, Malaybalay, Dagat-ki-dabaw)),Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Del Norte), San Fernando, Cagayan De Oro and Davao(Maramag and Toril) came numbering around 80.  The church in CDO continue to to thrive with several of its workers desiring to be trained as pastors and some have taken the initiative in educating themselves through online bible schools.  Bukidnon has reported church planting activities in NPA controlled areas and proper clothing is an issue while serving in these areas as any semblance of military clothing can mean harm to the church planters.  Davao has reported the establishment of a school for the poor.

The fourth stop was Cebu(April 16-18) where we ministered to the pastors and workers coming from Leyte and Cebu province.  There were 40 workers that attended Friday and Saturday was spent visiting our coastal churches(Naga, Barili and Dumanjug) in the Cebu province. These coastal churches are showing a growth and initiative from their members.  Our members from Barili brought down wood from the mountains to build their sanctuary and we responded by funding their roofing materials.

The picture of our organization all over the world is indeed very colorful.  Our churches are in the major urban centers of the world.  We are able to reach these churches by plane, by train and by car.  But there are churches that we have that are in rural, coastal and mountain areas.  We reach these other churches by motorcycles, horses and by walking for hours because sometimes there are no roads.  There are churches planted for farmers and their only mode of giving tithes is the giving of their produce, vegetables and fruits.  Inspite of these conditions, we have dedicated workers who faithfully serve in these areas for the love of God and for the love of the people in these hard-to-reach places.  All of us who live in comfort must not forget our responsibility to continue to support the people who serve in these difficult areas and to continue to support the spreading of the gospel in these difficult areas.  May the Lord give us the provisions to sweep these areas with his message of hope and salvation.

Word International Ministries Ontario marked it’s tenth anniversary with a celebration of God’s faithfulness. As people entered the assembly hall , they were greeted with pictures from various activities of the church for the past ten years.

Guest speaker Rev. Emerito Paulate, WIN International Director,  exhorted the members to look back at it’s beginnings,  from the coming of the first families to the strengthening of the ministries  as evidence  the goodness and faithfulness of God and to let this be an encouragement to fulfill God’s purpose in the future. The Children, Youth and Music Ministries, all vital ministries of WIN for the past ten years presented special numbers.

The celebration culminated with a video presentation outlining the church’s past, defining it’s present priorities and its future direction. Pastor Jong recognized all the ministry heads and life groups leaders for their dedication and sacrifices in nurturing the church.

In the end the Life Group leaders came out with ten cakes  as everyone celebrated God’s faithfulness.

As we celebrate our ten years, I once again have that mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety. Excited simply because we are entering a new phase of adventure with God. Indeed, I believe with all my heart that God has great things in store for us. Anxious because greater accomplishments mean greater responsibilities and greater responsibilities mean greater sacrifices and commitment. I survey our ministry and this anxiety is quickly replaced with confidence. Each and every week I see the sacrifice of our leaders and workers as they fulfill their ministry. I am witness to the great lengths our members will go for the cause of the Gospel. I am so blessed to be the pastor of such gifted and committed members. But ultimately God will accomplish His purpose for us because this is His church! It stands upon a foundation that cannot be shaken or moved.

I pray that this day will be a day of celebrating of God’s faithfulness and believing together that God will fulfill His purpose for us.

From our family to the WIN Ontario Family, Happy Anniversary!

Pastor Jong, Sister Nikki, Miguel and Gabby