Northern Luzon Pastors' Conference Held

Pastors and leaders gathered during the Northern Luzon Pastors' Conference in Baguio City. (Click to zoom).

A Pastoral Team Conference for GCI Northern Luzon Pastors and Ministry Leaders was conducted November 12- 17 , 2011 at the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Baguio City.

Immediately after a welcome worship, updates and denominational focus were discussed by Pastor Eugene Guzon , GCI National Director. He also exhorted the pastors about the theology of Abiding and Abounding.

Meanwhile, Pastor Rex Dela Pena explained the Sense of Call into the Ministry as well as Ministry Weariness and Burnout.

On the Second day, the Pastors were lead into an overview of the GCI Church Administration Manual. This was facilitated by Pastor Audie Santibanez. Important provisions of the said manual were highlighted to point out pertinent provisions. Other matters regarding the financial statement of the church was also tackled at this juncture.

During the different sessions, the pastors interacted among each other as the GCI facilitators from the National Office addressed the issues raised.

The Pastors Confab concluded as they joined the Baguio City Church worship service at the Teachers camp. --Ptr. Adonis C. Caguioa

For more photos by Willy Tinoyanon on the Northern Luzon Pastors Conference, please click here.

GCI-IGSL M.A. Program in Full Swing

Consultation with Baguio City church leaders on establishing an MA program in the area. (Click to zoom).

After the signing of the memorandum of agreement with International Graduate School of Leadership (see Connect July 29, 2011), Grace Communion International (GCI) leadership has been able to launch the M.A. program in organizational leadership for three training centers or "hubs". These hubs are located in Cebu City, San Pedro/Sta. Rosa in Laguna and Tabaco City in Bicol. Two other "hubs" are soon to be started in the cities of Baguio and Bacolod in December and January, 2012 respectively. The program serves as GCI's seminary level equipping program for current and emerging leaders, particularly its senior pastors.

In Cebu City more than 20 students are enrolled in the program. They come from the cities of Dumaguete (Negros Oriental), Tagbilaran (Bohol) Tacloban (Leyte), Catbalogan and Borongan (Samar) and Cebu. Already two subjects were completed in the Cebu City and San Pedro/Sta. Rosa hubs, namely, Theology 1: Salvation theology in the context of Trinitarian theology and Theology 2: Theology of the church. Those students who have already taken the Kairos Course (formerly Condensed World Mission Course) qualify to receive another 4 units in Perspectives in World Missions without taking the subject. All they need to do is to take a written exam to receive a grade.

Classes in the Cebu City hub are being held at Christ for All Nations Church in Talisay City, Cebu. Theology 1 subject will be offered in Baguio City on December 17 to 19. The same subject will also be offered in Tabaco City on December 30 and 31. Students who are only auditing subjects will receive a certificate of completion from Grace Communion International while those who are enrolled for credit will be granted a masters degree by the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL).

Kairos 4th Edition Launched in Thailand Conference

Dr. Taniajura with Dr. Don Richardson in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Click to zoom).

The 3rd Kairos International Conference, which focused on introducing the 4th edition of the Kairos Course, was held on October 24 to 27, 2011 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. According to Max Chismon, International Director of Living Springs International, "the new edition …reflects very accurately where missions is today…as we move into the second decade of the 21st century." Around 30% of the Kairos Course had been changed or revised in the 4th edition. The changes require that current head facilitators of Kairos need to be re-trained and familiarized with the new contents of the course.

As new nation's coordinator of the Kairos Course for the Caribbean, Dr. Rey Taniajura attended the conference, as well as the new nations coordinator training held separately, on October 21 and 22. The new nation's coordinator is responsible for developing the Kairos movement in a particular region or country of the world. Dr. Taniajura introduced the Kairos Course in Trinidad-Tobago and Barbados in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Some 225 delegates representing 40 different countries attended the conference. The first international Kairos conference held in Butuan City, Philippines had only 34 delegates who came from 14 countries while the second conference had 143 delegates who represented 25 countries. The Kairos Course is now taught in over 50 countries and translated in more than 22 languages. In 2011 the latest countries that hosted Kairos are Peru, Colombia, Belgium and Greece.

In the Philippines, the 4th edition of Kairos will be introduced early next year, after Living Springs International team has gone around the country re-training current head facilitators of the course. The 4th edition reader is currently being printed in preparation for the introduction of the new Kairos.

Updates from GCI Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte

Brethren in Zamboanga Celebrate the Festival (Click to zoom).

Grace Communion International - Zamboanga Peninsula Celebrated its Festival 2011 in Manil Christian Fellowship, Manil, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte last October 28-30, 2011. The feast was attended by 120 members and visitors who came from GCI Ipil and GCI Manil.

The Opening night of the feast started at 7:30 in the evening with a worship service. Youths from GCI Ipil and Manil prepared an evangelistic skit and hand mime. All of us were blessed by the Word given by our Senior Pastor Eriberto Colona as he spoke about Growing Together in God's Love.

On the second day, Youth from Ipil held an "Esprit de Corps", a team building activity and volleyball game for the youths of Ipil and Manil. We also prepared parlor games for children. We also enjoyed the Venue; The Manil Mainit Hot Spring Resort.

In the evening of October 29, we gathered together for the Commitment night. The worship service started with praise and worship songs and followed by a message about the Assurance of Our Salvation in Christ Jesus given by Ptr. Geoffrey Balatero. After the message, corporate prayers followed led by Reynan Fernando. After the commitment prayer, Bro. Pompey Eguia delivered his message. He spoke about Recommitment. We also heard testimonies of three young people.

October 30, 2011, we gathered once again in Manil Church Worship Hall to attend the celebration for this year's feast. We were blessed by the Word of the Lord delivered by His messenger Ptr. Joven Jaralve as he spoke about the Grace of God. After the worship celebration, we had lunch together. All of us enjoyed the food prepared for us. We've enjoyed a lot. What had happened on October 28-30, 2011 will always be cherished. --Reynan Fernando

Cagayan de Oro Festival 2011: Growing Together in His Love

National Director Eugene Guzon chats with the Cagayan de Oro brethren. (Click to zoom.)

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".

Mr. Naciancino Rico with wife, Alejandra celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary during the Seniors Social. The couple got married on October 28, 1948. They have 9 children and 24 grandchildren. They have been long-time members of the Grace Communion International in Kiara, Bukidnon before transferring to Iligan City. (Click to zoom)

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

Pastor Aron Tolentino with wife, Joyce at a youth gathering (Click to zoom).

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