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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 />
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entitled, “What Are You Doing With Your Time” It<br />
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manual which is still very relevant even in today’s modern<br />
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More power and keep up the good work!<br />
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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 />
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lowly [one] such as I, lacking financially, I can still study<br />
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R.A., Balangiga, East Samar<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>, AIA Pilipinas