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Vol. VI, No. 2 www.ucg.org.ph/una<br />

March/April 2007<br />

Senior Pastor Visits Brethren in Southeast Asia<br />

Recently I had the pleasure <strong>of</strong> visiting<br />

one <strong>of</strong> our Good News subscribers in<br />

Laos, Mr. Ming Oukeobounheuang. I<br />

have been corresponding with Ming since<br />

2004 and this was my first opportunity to<br />

personally visit him. I departed Bangkok<br />

on Monday, March 26, and arrived in the<br />

capital city <strong>of</strong> Laos, Vientiane, at 9:30<br />

a.m. After making contact with Ming,<br />

he came by the hotel and we talked for<br />

some time. After our discussion Ming<br />

took me to his house via motorbike. This<br />

was an interesting experience as I am<br />

about twice the size <strong>of</strong> Ming. Needless<br />

to say I silently uttered a few prayers<br />

as I had visions <strong>of</strong> me spilling onto the<br />

pavement. But thankfully Ming was an<br />

adept cyclist.<br />

After arriving at the house I met<br />

Ming’s wife and another gentleman and<br />

we spent the next three hours discussing<br />

the <strong>Church</strong>. Ming was a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Seventh-Day Adventist church so we<br />

discussed the similarities and differences<br />

between the SDA church and the <strong>United</strong><br />

<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. We also discussed<br />

the beliefs <strong>of</strong> UCG, how we preach<br />

the gospel and our plan for preaching<br />

the gospel in Asia. I learned that most<br />

Christians in Laos only have access to the<br />

Lao translation <strong>of</strong> the New Testament.<br />

After our meeting Ming showed me some<br />

<strong>of</strong> the interesting sites <strong>of</strong> Vientiane. One<br />

In This Issue…<br />

See Asia, page 2<br />

3 Updates From the Visayas<br />

3 Pr<strong>of</strong>ile: The Sabang Congregation<br />

5 Manila’s Special 7th Day <strong>of</strong> UB<br />

5 Manila Launches Women’s Club<br />

6 Manila Holds Outing in Laguna<br />

Above: Members in Singapore; Left: Ming Oukeobounheuang, his wife, and another<br />

gentleman in Vientiane, Laos; Below: G. P. Samuel and B. Yohan in Hyderabad, India<br />

Senior Pastor Visits Members in India<br />

Recently I had the opportunity <strong>of</strong><br />

visiting some <strong>of</strong> our members in India.<br />

I arrived in Hyderabad, India late at<br />

night on March 14. Unfortunately one<br />

<strong>of</strong> my bags was mistakenly picked up<br />

by another passenger at the airport<br />

which caused a<br />

certain level <strong>of</strong><br />

stress as I tried<br />

to track down its<br />

location. Some <strong>of</strong><br />

the stress was due<br />

to the fact that<br />

the bag contained<br />

my Bible, sermon<br />

notes and various<br />

articles <strong>of</strong> literature<br />

for the members in India. (Thankfully I<br />

was able to obtain my bag more than a<br />

week later, the night before I departed<br />

India. A lady took my bag by mistake<br />

but would not return my bag to the<br />

airline until she received her bag!)<br />

Thursday, March 15, I had a<br />

wonderful meeting with Dr. Ali and<br />

her two daughters Arjumand and<br />

Nargis. Dr. Ali has been a member<br />

<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> since 1960. After a<br />

very enjoyable discussion on several<br />

subjects relating to the <strong>Church</strong> and the<br />

Bible, we sang several hymns. Dr. Ali<br />

is able to receive<br />

sermon CDs but<br />

she really misses<br />

the opportunity<br />

to fellowship and<br />

sing hymns with<br />

other members <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>Church</strong>. The<br />

following day I<br />

spent the morning<br />

with G. P. Samuel<br />

and B. Yohan. These men represent<br />

Sabbath-keeping congregations on<br />

the eastern coast <strong>of</strong> Andhra Pradesh.<br />

Since Passover was approaching, we<br />

discussed the observance <strong>of</strong> Passover<br />

and the Days <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread.<br />

It was inspiring to compare our<br />

See India, page 3


2<br />

<strong>United</strong> News Asia<br />

Editorial<br />

by David Baker, Senior Pastor for Asia<br />

Greetings brethren! It was a wonderful joy meeting many<br />

<strong>of</strong> you during my recent visit to Asia. I had the privilege <strong>of</strong><br />

observing the Passover in Kajang, Malaysia, the Night To<br />

Be Much Observed and the First Day <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread<br />

in Singapore and the rest <strong>of</strong> the Feast <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread<br />

in the Philippines. I hope the feast was as inspiring and<br />

memorable to you as it was for me. It is very exciting and<br />

encouraging to see the growth that <strong>God</strong> has blessed us with<br />

during the past year.<br />

Each year as we observe the Passover and Days <strong>of</strong><br />

Unleavened Bread we are reminded <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s mercy and<br />

faithfulness. <strong>God</strong> fulfilled a promise that He made to<br />

Abraham which is recorded in Genesis 15:12-14. <strong>God</strong><br />

delivered Abraham’s descendents from the bondage <strong>of</strong><br />

Egyptian slavery and led them to the land <strong>of</strong> Canaan, the land<br />

<strong>of</strong> promise. The Israelites began their journey with a “high<br />

hand” or boldness. They praised <strong>God</strong> for His greatness and<br />

power. But when they ran into trials and obstacles along the<br />

way, they forgot about <strong>God</strong>’s faithfulness and greatness and<br />

“in their hearts turned back to Egypt” (Acts 7:39). Finally<br />

<strong>God</strong> did not allow the adult generation that left Egypt to enter<br />

into the land <strong>of</strong> promise. He referred to them as despising the<br />

Promised Land (Numbers 14:31).<br />

During the Feast <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread we are reminded<br />

<strong>of</strong> our deliverance from the bondage <strong>of</strong> sin. We also know<br />

that we will face many trials along our spiritual journey to the<br />

kingdom <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> (Acts 14:22). Let’s not become discouraged<br />

as we face our trials and challenges, but rather let’s endeavor<br />

to utilize those trials to grow spiritually, always viewing<br />

<strong>God</strong>’s promised kingdom as that “pearl <strong>of</strong> great price.” As<br />

we approach the Feast <strong>of</strong> Pentecost, the anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />

pouring out His Spirit on the <strong>Church</strong>, let’s reflect the fruit <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>God</strong>’s Spirit in our life.<br />

Please remember to pray for the success <strong>of</strong> the GCE<br />

which will be held May 6-7. This year two elders from the<br />

Philippines, Mr. Rey Evasco and Mr. Norman Julag-ay, will<br />

be attending the General Conference. Also the <strong>United</strong> Youth<br />

Camp will be held once again this year at Eden Nature Park<br />

in Davao City from May 13-20. Please remember to pray for<br />

the success <strong>of</strong> the camp and the protection <strong>of</strong> our staff and<br />

campers. Camp is a wonderful opportunity for many <strong>of</strong> our<br />

young people and I am thankful that we are able to increase<br />

the number <strong>of</strong> campers we can accommodate this year.<br />

Thank you for your faithfulness to <strong>God</strong> and dedication to<br />

His work. I look forward to seeing some <strong>of</strong> you during my<br />

trip in June. •<br />

Asia, continued from page 1<br />

<strong>of</strong> the sites was the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial located<br />

near what was once known as “Six Klicks City,” the former<br />

USAID/CIA compound. After the communist takeover <strong>of</strong> Laos<br />

in 1975, Laos’ revolutionary leader, Kaysone Phomvihane,<br />

resided in the compound until his death in 1992.<br />

The following morning I received an early morning phone<br />

call from Ming stating that he was in the lobby <strong>of</strong> my hotel<br />

and would like to speak with me. After frantically dressing I<br />

met Ming in the lobby and we spent the morning discussing<br />

additional questions regarding the <strong>Church</strong> and the challenges<br />

Christians face in Laos, a predominantly Buddhist country.<br />

Ming is planning to utilize some <strong>of</strong> our literature as he teaches<br />

English to his students.<br />

After leaving Laos I traveled to Kajang, Malaysia to<br />

spend the Sabbath and Passover with some <strong>of</strong> our Malaysian<br />

brethren. Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are pastored<br />

by Jeff Caudle from New Zealand. Since Mr. Caudle would<br />

be in New Zealand for the Spring Holy Days, I volunteered<br />

to visit Malaysia and Singapore. This visit was a wonderful<br />

opportunity to get to know our Malaysian brethren. My first<br />

visit to Malaysia was in 1981 and the changes that have taken<br />

place during those 26 years are astounding. Kajang is a short<br />

drive from Kuala Lumpur, the capital <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, and it is<br />

one <strong>of</strong> the most beautiful capital cities that I have seen in<br />

Asia. The hospitality <strong>of</strong> the brethren was just as beautiful as<br />

the city!<br />

After a memorable Sabbath and Passover with the<br />

Malaysian brethren, I traveled to Singapore for the Night To<br />

Be Much Observed and the First Day <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread.<br />

Singapore is one <strong>of</strong> the nicest Asian cities to visit. It is<br />

beautiful, efficient, clean and safe but the warmth and fellowship<br />

<strong>of</strong> the brethren even exceeds to virtues <strong>of</strong> the city. All the<br />

Singapore brethren were able to gather in a private room at a<br />

Thai restaurant for the Night To Be Much Observed. We were<br />

also joined by Edward Simanjuntak and his family from Batam,<br />

Indonesia. The following day we gathered at the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> Mr.<br />

Samuthiran for a wonderful feast <strong>of</strong> local dishes and the holy<br />

day service. I look forward to the next opportunity to visit our<br />

brethren in this area. Singapore will be a Feast <strong>of</strong> Tabernacles<br />

site once again this year and I would encourage everyone to<br />

take advantage <strong>of</strong> this opportunity to spend the Feast with our<br />

brethren from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. I’m sure it<br />

will be one <strong>of</strong> your most memorable Feasts! —David Baker<br />

Vol. VI, No. 2 March/April 2007<br />

<strong>United</strong> News Asia is published bimonthly by the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA-Pilipinas,<br />

as a means to inform, inspire, and unify the churches <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> in Asia and other brethren<br />

around the world. An electronic version is available for download from the Philippine Web<br />

site at: http://www.ucg.org.ph.<br />

Editors: David Baker, Serizalinio Dizon, Rey Evasco,<br />

Edmond Macaraeg, and Florante Siopan<br />

Managing Editor: Daniel Roy Macaraeg<br />

Layout & Design: Richard John Macaraeg<br />

Please send comments and suggestions to:<br />

UNITED NEWS ASIA<br />

P. O. Box 81840, DCCPO<br />

8000 Davao City, Philippines<br />

E-mail: una@ucg.org.ph<br />

Cell/Text: +63 918-904-4444 · Tel/Fax: +63 (82) 224-4444<br />

© 2007 <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA-Pilipinas<br />

All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission is prohibited.<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas


India, continued from page 1<br />

observance <strong>of</strong> these holy days and discover the similarities<br />

<strong>of</strong> worship. This was my third opportunity to visit with<br />

Mr. Samuel and I hope to visit some <strong>of</strong> the congregations<br />

in his area during a future trip to India. Friday afternoon I<br />

departed Hyderabad for Chennai.<br />

On the Sabbath, March 17, I held a Bible study in my<br />

hotel room. During previous<br />

visits to Chennai some <strong>of</strong> our<br />

Good News subscribers asked<br />

me to conduct a Sabbath<br />

service or Bible study in<br />

southern India. So I was able to<br />

spend the entire afternoon with<br />

Simon Daniel, Darwin Paul,<br />

Vivek Raj and his parents, M.<br />

J. Kolandai Raj and Molly<br />

Philomenh. I conducted a<br />

Bible study entitled, “What is<br />

a True Christian” which was<br />

followed by many questions. It<br />

was a most enjoyable Sabbath<br />

and everyone requested that<br />

we have regular meetings<br />

with the goal <strong>of</strong> having Sabbath services in the future.<br />

The challenge that we face is the manpower and distance<br />

involved. Simon Daniel traveled 450 kilometers to reach<br />

Chennai and the Raj family traveled 165 kilometers.<br />

Early Sunday morning I flew to Cochin to meet with a<br />

prospective member, J. G. Paul. We spent the day discussing<br />

conversion and baptism and challenges he faces with his<br />

job. Often many <strong>of</strong> our prospective members face conflicts<br />

between their jobs and the Sabbath. Many employers do<br />

not grant a leave <strong>of</strong> absence for the Sabbath and our<br />

members’ faith is <strong>of</strong>ten tested in this area. After my visit<br />

Paul informed me that he was <strong>of</strong>fered a job in Djibouti<br />

with the assurance that his leave would be granted for the<br />

Sabbath and he is already working at his new job. Cochin<br />

is a fascinating port city with a long history involving the<br />

spice trade. In fact some <strong>of</strong> the most<br />

delicious food in India can be found<br />

in Cochin. Cochin also contains<br />

the oldest Jewish synagogue in the<br />

Commonwealth <strong>of</strong> Nations built in<br />

1568. A tablet in the outer wall bears<br />

the inscription from a synagogue<br />

built in Cochin in 1344 but the first<br />

recorded synagogue built in Cochin<br />

dates back to the 4th century.<br />

Monday, March 19, I traveled<br />

from Cochin to Pune via Mumbai. I was able to spend<br />

Monday evening and Tuesday with members Prakash and<br />

Sara Mandora. Sara is completing her master’s degree in<br />

education and Prakash is developing a marketing business.<br />

The Mandoras are able to view video sermons for the<br />

Sabbath but would really appreciate regular fellowship<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas<br />

Above: Vivek Raj, Molly Philomenh, M. J. Kolandai Raj, Simon<br />

Daniel, and Darwin Paul during Sabbath services in Chennai;<br />

Below: Sara and Prakash Mandora in Pune, India<br />

See India, page 4<br />

March/April 2007 3<br />

Update From the Visayas<br />

by Florante Siopan, Visayas Area Pastor<br />

Slowly but surely the work <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> in the Visayas,<br />

particularly in Leyte, continues to bear fruit. Maximo<br />

Menil, 56 years old, and his wife Lilia, 58 years old, from<br />

Abuyog town submitted to<br />

and covenanted with <strong>God</strong><br />

to follow His way <strong>of</strong> life<br />

through baptism. The event<br />

took place in the afternoon<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Sabbath, March 24,<br />

2007, in one <strong>of</strong> the nearby<br />

beaches in Tacloban City.<br />

The combined Passover<br />

service for the three<br />

congregations in Leyte was<br />

held in Tubod Isabel, the<br />

evening before April 2 in the<br />

Roman calendar. There were<br />

39 members who partook <strong>of</strong><br />

the ceremony. Brethren who<br />

came for the occasion were<br />

accommodated in the residences <strong>of</strong> members in the area<br />

until the Night To Be Much Observed. The following day,<br />

the 15th day <strong>of</strong> the first month in <strong>God</strong>’s calendar, the First<br />

Day <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread was observed the whole day.<br />

Attendance increased to more than 50. After services,<br />

See Visayas, page 7<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>ile: The Sabang Congregation<br />

by Nenita Merino, Baybay, Leyte Congregation<br />

It was on the 10th day <strong>of</strong> February, the second Sabbath<br />

<strong>of</strong> the month, when Mr. Florante Siopan, pastor in the<br />

Visayas, showed to us the UNA, encouraging us to write<br />

something about the Sabang congregation. Thus, being a<br />

<strong>Church</strong> member I tried to write about it.<br />

The Sabang congregation is situated in<br />

Barangay Sabang, in the town <strong>of</strong> Baybay,<br />

in the province <strong>of</strong> Leyte. We, the <strong>Church</strong><br />

members, are scattered between the two<br />

neighboring towns <strong>of</strong> Baybay and Inopacan.<br />

Some are from Conalum, Inopacan, about 20<br />

kilometers away from the said congregation,<br />

and some from Barangay Baybay, Leyte.<br />

Before the death <strong>of</strong> Mr. Candido Merino,<br />

a local church leader, one Sabbath service<br />

every fourth week <strong>of</strong> the month was held in Conalum,<br />

Inopacan. Beginning August 2005, we all gathered together<br />

on all the Sabbaths <strong>of</strong> the month in Sabang, where the house<br />

<strong>of</strong> prayer is located. The average attendance is 20.<br />

<strong>Church</strong> pastor for the Visayas Florante Siopan made a<br />

schedule with Mr. Raul Villacote, an elder, and two local<br />

See Leyte, page 7


4<br />

<strong>United</strong> News Asia<br />

India, continued from page 3<br />

with other members. The nearest member lives more than<br />

1,200 kilometers from Pune. Thankfully Prakash and Sara<br />

have been able to attend the Feast <strong>of</strong> Tabernacles in the<br />

Philippines and Sri Lanka and have met several members<br />

in the <strong>Church</strong>.<br />

Wednesday, March 21, I traveled to Delhi and arranged<br />

transportation to Agra the following morning. In the<br />

afternoon Delhi and the surrounding area experienced a hail<br />

storm. Thursday morning I departed for Agra at 7:00 a.m.<br />

The drive from Delhi to Agra is five hours so I informed<br />

our member, George Samuel that I would be arriving in<br />

Agra by noon. Three hours into the trip after passing<br />

elephants being ridden by their mahouts, camels pulling<br />

overloaded wagons<br />

<strong>of</strong> grain, cows<br />

chewing their cud<br />

in the middle <strong>of</strong> the<br />

road, dancing bears<br />

and snake charmers<br />

at tool booths, and<br />

tractors traveling the<br />

wrong direction on a<br />

divided highway—<br />

traffic came to a<br />

complete stop. In<br />

fact it was backed<br />

up for more than 20<br />

kilometers! Farmers<br />

blocked the road<br />

demanding that the government provide<br />

assistance for their crops damaged by<br />

the hail. Three hours later the road<br />

was cleared and we were allowed to<br />

pass. I arrived in Agra three hours late<br />

and much to my surprise discovered a<br />

group <strong>of</strong> people waiting for me in the<br />

hotel lobby. Our member had explained<br />

the teachings <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> to them and<br />

they gather each Sabbath as he teaches<br />

them from the articles in The Good<br />

News. They had waited three hours at<br />

the hotel for my arrival! After a brief<br />

discussion we traveled to Mr. Samuel’s home where I<br />

conducted<br />

a Bible<br />

study and<br />

a n s w e r e d<br />

questions.<br />

F r i d a y<br />

m o r n i n g<br />

I left for<br />

Delhi and<br />

thankfully<br />

the road was<br />

not blocked! However the trip was even longer because I<br />

asked my driver to take a detour to Deeg to view the fort<br />

and the Jal<br />

Mahal (water<br />

p a l a c e ) .<br />

Deeg was<br />

the first<br />

capital <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Jat state <strong>of</strong><br />

Bharatpur.<br />

Its fort was<br />

built in<br />

1730. Since<br />

Deeg is <strong>of</strong>f the tourist track, I was able to view the fort<br />

and palace where people were a distinct minority in<br />

comparison to the monkeys and parrots.<br />

Sabbath morning, March<br />

24, I left Delhi at 6:30 a.m. and<br />

traveled to Moradabad. The<br />

scenery was interesting as we<br />

passed through the countryside.<br />

The road as always was one<br />

long obstacle course with<br />

construction, wagons loaded with<br />

farm produce and sugar cane,<br />

cows, bikes and pedestrians. I<br />

arrived in Moradabad at 10:30<br />

a.m. at the home and school <strong>of</strong><br />

Mr. Robinson Yous<strong>of</strong> and family.<br />

The Yous<strong>of</strong><br />

family was<br />

joined by Mr.<br />

Dalchand and<br />

his extended<br />

family. Some<br />

<strong>of</strong> these<br />

individuals<br />

have been<br />

members <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>Church</strong><br />

since the<br />

1980s. After<br />

f e l l o w s h i p<br />

and a<br />

w o n d e r f u l<br />

lunch we held a Sabbath service. During the service I had<br />

the pleasure <strong>of</strong> blessing Rex, the son <strong>of</strong> Eugene Kumar, the<br />

son <strong>of</strong> Mr. Yous<strong>of</strong>. (In the late 1980s Eugene was a camper<br />

at a camp that I helped to conduct in Sri Lanka). After the<br />

service I departed Moradabad for Delhi and arrived at the<br />

international airport at 9:00 p.m. I boarded my flight for<br />

Thailand sometime after midnight and arrived in Bangkok<br />

by 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 25. Although exhausted I<br />

departed India inspired by the people I met and their desire<br />

to live <strong>God</strong>’s way <strong>of</strong> life. —David Baker<br />

Top right: The Jal Mahal (water palace) in Deeg, India; Center<br />

left: George Samuel and group in Agra; Center right: the<br />

group in Moradabad; Bottom left: Fort at Deeg<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas


March/April 2007 5<br />

A Doubly-Special 7th DUB in Manila<br />

by Abraham Lorenzo, Manila Congregation<br />

The Last Day <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread (observed last April<br />

9, 2007) was doubly special for the Manila congregation<br />

because <strong>of</strong> having the “Recognition Day” for the young<br />

people during the morning services and because <strong>of</strong> having<br />

Mr. David Baker,<br />

our Senior Pastor,<br />

as the guest<br />

speaker during the<br />

afternoon services.<br />

M o r n i n g<br />

services started at<br />

10 am with Mr.<br />

Adolfo Remo<br />

giving the <strong>of</strong>fertory<br />

message and with<br />

Miss Gracielle<br />

Joyce Remo (the<br />

daughter <strong>of</strong> Mr.<br />

Remo) giving a<br />

violin solo for the<br />

Above: Mr. Baker poses with Manila<br />

church youths; Right: Audrey<br />

and Gizelle sing special music;<br />

Below: UCG-Manila Women’s<br />

Club members (photos courtesy<br />

<strong>of</strong> Audrey Ruth Angcos)<br />

<strong>of</strong>fertory music;<br />

this is a first for the Manila congregation to have a violin<br />

solo for the <strong>of</strong>fertory music.<br />

During the announcement portion <strong>of</strong> the morning<br />

service, Mr. Rey Evasco, our church pastor in Manila,<br />

recognized 12 young people who either graduated and/or<br />

who received awards in their respective schools. These<br />

young people came from different levels, from pre-school<br />

level to college level. The beaming smiles and gleaming<br />

eyes <strong>of</strong> their ecstatic parents are matched only by the<br />

energetic applause <strong>of</strong> the brethren, as the names and awards<br />

<strong>of</strong> those young people were announced.<br />

This is but one way that these young people in <strong>God</strong>’s<br />

<strong>Church</strong> are letting their lights shine, that others may glorify<br />

<strong>God</strong> for their remarkable academic and extra-curricular<br />

performance in their respective schools [please see the list<br />

on page 6].<br />

The special music for<br />

the morning service was a<br />

vocal duet rendered by Miss<br />

Audrey Ruth Angcos and<br />

Miss Gizelle Ellamil.<br />

Mr. Rey Evasco gave<br />

the morning main message<br />

about the “leaven <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Pharisees” and how the<br />

brethren can avoid such<br />

“leaven” in their lives.<br />

As a tradition in the<br />

Manila congregation—in between the spiritual meals<br />

received during the morning and afternoon services <strong>of</strong> Holy<br />

Days—a potluck lunch was prepared during the Last Day <strong>of</strong><br />

Unleavened Bread. Given the natural passion <strong>of</strong> Filipinos<br />

for food, the potluck lunch seemed more like a banquet fit<br />

for royalty—and adding the lively fellowshipping among<br />

the brethren, the lunch was a feast indeed!<br />

The afternoon service started at 2 p.m. with Mr.<br />

Benedicto Lorenzo giving the sermonette. The special<br />

music was rendered by the UCG-Manila Mini-Rondalla<br />

playing musical pieces specially arranged by Mr. Wilson<br />

Cinco, the conductor <strong>of</strong> the UCG-Manila Mini-Rondalla.<br />

Mr. David Baker gave the afternoon main message<br />

about the journeys <strong>of</strong> Abraham, Lot, and the Israelites as<br />

written in <strong>God</strong>’s Word, and how the brethren can learn<br />

from their journeys as the brethren continue in their<br />

respective journeys after responding to <strong>God</strong>’s calling.<br />

After the services, snacks were served as the brethren<br />

continued to fellowship with one another, exchanging<br />

stories and encouraging one another.<br />

T h e C h u r c h A c t i v i t y<br />

Center–Manila nearly reached its<br />

maximum seating capacity <strong>of</strong> 120,<br />

with an attendance <strong>of</strong> 97 in the<br />

morning and 99 in the afternoon.<br />

As the Spring Festivals<br />

symbolize the early harvest, there<br />

is one “problem” the Manila<br />

congregation would be more<br />

than happy to face. That is, either finding a bigger hall or<br />

having morning and afternoon services each Sabbath just<br />

to accommodate its growing membership—recognizing<br />

fully well that it is <strong>God</strong> who gives the increase! •<br />

UCG-Manila Women’s Club Launched:<br />

The Quest for True Womanhood...<br />

by Audrey Ruth Angcos, Manila Congregation<br />

With the theme “The Quest for True Womanhood,”<br />

UCG-Manila started its very first Women’s Club meeting<br />

last March 4, 2007 where 14 oven-tested women excitedly<br />

baked chapatti, unleavened brownies, and unleavened<br />

muffins in preparation for the upcoming<br />

Days <strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread. The purpose<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Women’s Club is to emphasize the<br />

role <strong>of</strong> women in their families, in the<br />

<strong>Church</strong>, and in the community.<br />

The enthusiastic planning for the<br />

different activities and projects was<br />

spearheaded by the Club Directress, Mrs.<br />

Cynthia Evasco. This was followed by<br />

the appointment <strong>of</strong> the Club Officers.<br />

The newly appointed Women’s<br />

Club Officers and Committee Heads<br />

are Aurora Angcos (President), Rowie<br />

Decena (Vice-President), Audrey Ruth Angcos (Secretary),<br />

Reah Belga (Treasurer), Cecile Cinco (Sgt. at Arms), Nelia<br />

Uy (Committee on Baking), and Elda Ellamil (Committee<br />

on Cooking).<br />

See Womanhood, page 7<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas


6<br />

<strong>United</strong> News Asia<br />

UCG-Manila Summer Outing:<br />

A “Luxury Come True”<br />

by Audrey Ruth Angcos, Manila Congregation<br />

While the 80 percent Catholic population <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Philippines practically stood still from its normal activities<br />

on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, 87 brethren from<br />

the UCG-Manila congregation took the opportunity to<br />

spend time with one another in a church-provided summer<br />

outing venue, the White Paradise Natural Hot Spring in<br />

Laguna, south <strong>of</strong> Manila. White Paradise has become the<br />

<strong>Church</strong> youths during their outing (photos by Aunell Angcos)<br />

familiar outing<br />

venue for the<br />

church that<br />

even parents no<br />

longer worry<br />

guiding their<br />

children to<br />

safely enjoy the<br />

facilities. The<br />

rarely played<br />

games for the<br />

youths—table tennis, billiard, sing-along, videoke and the<br />

warm swimming pool—have always been a “luxury come<br />

true” to all <strong>of</strong> our brethren. Just upon arrival, everyone<br />

seemed to be very busy packing their one-year supply <strong>of</strong><br />

these enjoyment back to Manila. Watching the brethren<br />

enjoy is already an unforgettable treat to all <strong>of</strong> us.<br />

Early the following morning, the children excitedly<br />

rise up to have their free swimming lesson with Mr. Karlo<br />

Santos. The parents who were supposed to assist their little<br />

children ended up also having their special session <strong>of</strong> the<br />

swimming lesson with their instructor until noon!<br />

After a hearty meal, everybody helped one another<br />

clean up the place before leaving that Friday afternoon, all<br />

with their full pack <strong>of</strong> fun. It was evident that the brethren<br />

found the outing very pleasant. We are indeed grateful that<br />

our Almighty <strong>God</strong>, through His <strong>Church</strong> is also preparing<br />

His people in a truly, very enjoyable way! •<br />

Manila <strong>Church</strong> Youths Recognized During “Recognition Day”<br />

Name <strong>of</strong> Youth Name <strong>of</strong> School Level Awards<br />

1. Michelle A. Landas Country Meadow Daycare Center Kinder 1<br />

2. Anna Viktoria Larosa St. Sealtiel Child Care Center Graduate – Preparatory<br />

3. Renae Bianca M. Decena Pasong Buaya Elementary School Grade 2 ü 1 st Honor<br />

ü 3 rd Honor<br />

ü “Batang Masikap” Awardee<br />

ü 4 th Honorable Mention<br />

ü Best in Reading Readiness<br />

ü Best in Recitation<br />

4. Katrina Faye Santos Maria Montessori Foundation Grade 2 ü Bronze Awardee – Kumon Math<br />

5. Ryan Bobz M. Decena Pasong Buaya Elementary School Grade 4 ü 5 th Honor<br />

6. Austin James R. Angcos Cayetano Topacio Elementary School Grade 4 ü 5 th Honor<br />

7. Auborn John R. Angcos Cayetano Topacio Elementary School Graduate – Grade 6 ü Most Polite<br />

8. Emmanuel Larosa Sta. Rosa Elementary School Central 2 Graduate – Grade 6 ü<br />

9. Ross Benedict M. Decena Pasong Buaya Elementary School Graduate – Grade 6<br />

10. Aunell Ross R. Angcos Imus Unida Christian School Third-Year High School<br />

11. Christine Joyce M. Remo Centro Escolar University<br />

12. Gracielle Joyce M. Remo University <strong>of</strong> Sto. Tomas<br />

Graduate – Associate in Pre-<br />

Dentistry<br />

Graduate – Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Arts in<br />

Communication<br />

ü Imus Haligue Jaycee’s Leadership<br />

Award<br />

ü 4 th Honor<br />

ü Most Cooperative Pupil<br />

ü 4 th Place in District Mathrathon<br />

ü 4 th Place in District Science Quiz Bee<br />

ü 1 st Honor<br />

ü Best in Math<br />

ü Best in English<br />

ü Best in Filipino<br />

ü Best in History<br />

ü Best in Technology and Livelihood<br />

Education<br />

ü Champion in Extemporaneous<br />

Speaking Contest<br />

ü #1 Dean’s Lister – School <strong>of</strong> Science<br />

ü<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas


Womanhood, continued from page 5<br />

The Women’s Club launched its first project the<br />

following Sabbath, March 10: “The Sabbath Snacks.” This<br />

program intends to provide free wholesome snacks for<br />

everyone after each Sabbath service to be prepared by no<br />

less than our women in the church. Everybody enjoyed the<br />

wholesome snacks which triggered healthier and uplifting<br />

fellowship after the Sabbath service.<br />

The second project <strong>of</strong> the Women’s Club took place<br />

during the recently concluded church outing [please see<br />

story on the opposite page] where the members <strong>of</strong> the club<br />

prepared and sold delicious halo-halo as a fund-raising<br />

program. After raising an ample amount, the remaining<br />

halo-halo was given for free!<br />

We are very grateful that <strong>God</strong> helped the Women’s Club<br />

to have a successful start! We are all looking forward to<br />

more developments, not just in the club itself, but most<br />

especially in the Women’s Club members as we continue<br />

to embark on our quest for true womanhood. •<br />

Leyte, continued from page 3<br />

church leaders (both now deacons), Mr. Jose Campos<br />

and Mr. Vicente Noriega who are from<br />

the town <strong>of</strong> McArthur and Tacloban City,<br />

respectively. They made a schedule as<br />

to who will come to Sabang to conduct<br />

services on the first, second, third, and<br />

fourth Sabbath <strong>of</strong> the month—to preside,<br />

give messages and Bible studies. Services<br />

start at 9:00 a.m. and Bible studies in the<br />

afternoon. Children, teens, adults, and<br />

seniors enjoy potluck meals during lunch.<br />

Sometimes we have visitors or observers<br />

which add to our numbers.<br />

Challenges Yes, there are. They’re<br />

always found in any group <strong>of</strong> people. Members are far apart.<br />

Some can’t attend regularly due to lack <strong>of</strong> finances. Still<br />

others simply stay at home on the Sabbath (perhaps reading<br />

the Bible) for reasons only <strong>God</strong> knows. With all these,<br />

through prayers and supplication <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong> members, I<br />

still hope for their presence again in the congregation. May<br />

the Lord <strong>God</strong> enlighten their hearts and minds to understand<br />

that one’s life here on earth is full <strong>of</strong> problems and trials to<br />

overcome. But let us continue to be found faithful to <strong>God</strong><br />

(Revelation 21:7). •<br />

Honor Students<br />

Cheryl Tuario<br />

Elementary Graduate<br />

F. Canay Elementary School<br />

Pres. Roxas, North Cotabato<br />

- Second Honor<br />

- Best in Math<br />

- Best in Science<br />

- Best in English<br />

- Girl Scout Awardee<br />

- Most Graceful<br />

- Most Outstanding Majorette<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas<br />

Gideon Mark D. Agayo<br />

Grade 4 student<br />

- First Honor<br />

March/April 2007 7<br />

2007 Spring Holy Day Attendance<br />

<strong>Church</strong> Area Passover First DUB Last DUB<br />

N. Luzon, PH 13 24 27<br />

Manila, PH 50 93 99<br />

Visayas, PH 53 90 90<br />

Mindanao, PH 162 384 374<br />

Sabah 8 20 20<br />

Sri Lanka 7 8 7<br />

Singapore 14 17 15<br />

Visayas, continued from page 3<br />

the brethren departed for their respective places. <strong>God</strong>’s<br />

people met at the residence <strong>of</strong> the Merino family where<br />

the weekly Sabbath services were being held since the<br />

congregation was started in Isabel.<br />

In Bacolod the Passover service was conducted by Mr.<br />

Norman Julag-ay, our elder in the Bacolod area, with 14<br />

baptized members. There was an increase in attendance<br />

to more than 40 during the services <strong>of</strong> the Days <strong>of</strong><br />

Unleavened Bread and<br />

also the Night To Be<br />

Much Observed.<br />

In Cebu City, the<br />

Bible study that was<br />

started a month before<br />

the Feast in 2006 is<br />

still going on. We meet<br />

every second and fourth<br />

Sundays <strong>of</strong> the month.<br />

Those who attend come<br />

from various religious<br />

g r o u p s — C a t h o l i c ,<br />

Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist, and from the<br />

Messianic groups who strictly adhere to the name Yahweh<br />

in reference to <strong>God</strong>. We have, more or less, 20 people<br />

regularly attending the seminar.<br />

Our next schedule for the Cebu Bible study will be on<br />

April 29, 2007. We will determine in that meeting whether<br />

we will start a Sabbath service as requested many times<br />

by some <strong>of</strong> the attendees. We ask for the prayers <strong>of</strong> the<br />

brethren for the success <strong>of</strong> this plan, that <strong>God</strong> will bless<br />

His work in Cebu with a congregation to be established.<br />

The brethren in Sabah, Malaysia expressed their<br />

gladness and appreciation when the <strong>Church</strong> sent Raul<br />

Villacote, our elder from Tacloban, to conduct the<br />

Passover service there, in which eight baptized members<br />

attended. The attendance increased to more than 20 when<br />

members <strong>of</strong> the family attended the services on the Days<br />

<strong>of</strong> Unleavened Bread. The brethren in Sabah remain firm<br />

and strong in their faith and resolve to continue living as<br />

children <strong>of</strong> light despite the difficulties and trials along the<br />

way. Let us pray for our brethren in far away places as we<br />

wait for the return <strong>of</strong> our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. •<br />

Brethren in Cebu (photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> Florante Siopan)


8<br />

<strong>United</strong> News Asia<br />

The Good News Mailing to Asia<br />

I truly thank you for sending me your magazine. It is<br />

very in<strong>format</strong>ive and I was blest after reading your feature<br />

entitled, “What Are You Doing With Your Time” It<br />

is like <strong>God</strong> was talking to me and I believe He was really<br />

teaching me. I praise <strong>God</strong> for using your magazine and<br />

your church in spreading <strong>God</strong>’s word—The Good News!<br />

I am a second year college student and I really wanted<br />

to know more about the Bible. I praise <strong>God</strong> for making<br />

you as an instrument. I also wanted to request your<br />

free copies <strong>of</strong> your recommended readings because I am<br />

eager to know more about the Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> and be blest<br />

through the best advice in your <strong>of</strong>fered booklets.<br />

I believe that through this magazine and especially the<br />

anointed and blessed members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>God</strong>, many Christians and other people will be blessed.<br />

And because you are serving <strong>God</strong>, prosperity will be your<br />

reward. My best <strong>of</strong>fering to <strong>God</strong> in your church is my<br />

prayers. I will always include your church, the <strong>United</strong><br />

<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, in my daily prayers.<br />

Thank you again for being a BLESSING!<br />

R.A., Internet<br />

First and above all, I give thanks to <strong>God</strong> for so many<br />

spiritual blessings He bestowed upon us.<br />

Thank you so much for letting me be one <strong>of</strong> your subscribers<br />

to The Good News magazine. I read it from cover<br />

to cover and by the guidance <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit, I learned<br />

so many things that strengthened my faith in <strong>God</strong> in this<br />

end time. One that impressed me much in your magazine<br />

is the section called “<strong>God</strong>, Science and the Bible” that<br />

proves and supports the facts from the Bible and because<br />

<strong>of</strong> that the Bible can be trusted.<br />

L.B.L., Valencia City, Bukidnon<br />

I am truly grateful that you have never failed to<br />

send me a free copy <strong>of</strong> your inspiring and in<strong>format</strong>ive<br />

magazine. Your exposition and teachings truly make the<br />

Bible come alive and it becomes like a sort <strong>of</strong> instruction<br />

manual which is still very relevant even in today’s modern<br />

age!! I do hope that <strong>God</strong> will continue to bless your<br />

ministry so that many Christians will be blessed! For this<br />

aspect alone, be assured that we will devoutly continue to<br />

include you in our prayers! <strong>God</strong> Bless!<br />

J.B.C., Cagayan de Oro City<br />

I just want to thank you for your sincere dedication in<br />

spreading <strong>God</strong>’s word through the magazine The Good<br />

News. I feel so lucky to be one <strong>of</strong> your subscribers. I<br />

hope it will continue with <strong>God</strong>’s blessings.<br />

More power and keep up the good work!<br />

R.R., Davao City<br />

COUNTRY<br />

Other Literature<br />

Sep/Oct<br />

2006<br />

Nov/Dec<br />

2006<br />

Jan/Feb<br />

2007<br />

Mar/Apr<br />

2007<br />

Bangladesh 23 24 21 24<br />

Bhutan 2 2 2 3<br />

Brunei 2 2 2 -<br />

Cambodia 1 1 2 2<br />

China 47 46 47 43<br />

Hong Kong 147 160 128 115<br />

India 3,178 3,250 3,104 3,297<br />

Indonesia 257 271 280 291<br />

Japan 25 23 19 22<br />

Laos 1 1 1 2<br />

Macau 2 3 4 4<br />

Malaysia 468 568 588 649<br />

Mongolia 1 1 - -<br />

Myanmar 55 61 58 56<br />

Nepal 21 25 29 32<br />

Pakistan 354 369 288 292<br />

Philippines 7,987 7,703 7,582 8,691<br />

Singapore 844 926 1,070 1,125<br />

South Korea 14 14 15 14<br />

Sri Lanka 136 162 188 205<br />

Taiwan 23 19 21 21<br />

Thailand 74 68 73 73<br />

Vietnam 28 11 27 26<br />

Total 13,690 13,710 13,549 14,987<br />

I find your magazines, booklets and other reading materials<br />

I received interesting—true understanding biblically<br />

speaking.<br />

These helped me, my family, my friends and colleagues<br />

much in understanding the very many important<br />

messages, parables, history and including future events in<br />

the Bible.<br />

S.N.O., Butuan City<br />

It is such a blessing to be able to receive free booklets<br />

and magazines from your ministry. I was very impressed<br />

and it was satisfying about your every article regarding<br />

the true facts in science, politics, religion, business and<br />

history which is written in the Holy Scriptures…<br />

As I read the article Meet <strong>God</strong> from beginning till<br />

the end, I was encouraged to enroll in your Bible Study<br />

Course, to know how to conduct a Bible study and learn<br />

more about our Creator and His purpose for me.<br />

I am really blessed by your ministry because for a<br />

lowly [one] such as I, lacking financially, I can still study<br />

the Scriptures deeply and thoroughly… by providing me<br />

with supplemental reading materials for free. Of course<br />

with the help <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit who is sent by <strong>God</strong>, who<br />

opens our understanding when we read the Word <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />

R.A., Balangiga, East Samar<br />

<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas

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