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4United News AsiaPulag, continued from page 3and we could see views of clouds that have descendedupon the mountaintops. That morning, the youths hada Bible study which was conducted by Mr. Eriz Dizon,pastor of the Baguio-Dagupan congregation. He gave usan inspiring message about why we are there and whatdrives us to be there. He said that we should not only bethere because it would be fun and exciting but becauseof God. He told us that our relationship with our churchmembers is greater than those of our blood relationsoutside the church and that we should always have a visionand to keep focused on the Kingdom that is being preparedby God for each one of us.During the day, we also thought about how great God’screations are. And how fortunate we are to be able to enjoythem. We also had a glimpse of how the locals there lived,simple and peaceful. There was a lot of clean fresh waterbut there was absolutely no electricity. They plant rice andvegetables for their livelihood and for their consumption,they raise chickens, cows andother animals, away fromwhat we call ‘civilization.’All of these makes one thinkof how the early peoplelived except that they havealready been influenced bymodern life. Some havejeepneys and cell phones.One particular house, somedistance below the rangerstation has a television setand other amenities whichare all operated by solarpower. Some families hadenough to put up storesand souvenir shops near theRanger’s Station. And somedon’t have enough but just the roofs on their heads andtheir gardens. They may be poor physically but they livehappy and have smiles on their faces. All of these makesone think that people can still be happy and joyful eventhey have less material things in life.All enjoyed the Sabbath rest, most not realizing whatwe will have to deal with the next day. Most of us werefirst timers. For dinner we had a taste of the vegetables thatwas available there, they were fresh and crunchy. Afterdinner that day, we prepared breakfast which we will behaving the next day on the way.We woke up early in the morning at 5 a.m. to prepareall the things we needed for the hike and our stay inthe mountains. We left what could be left behind at theRanger Station.Despite the fact that one of our companions got illduring the night, all were able to go. By 6:30 a.m., webegan to hike, we carried our things and divided all thebaggage. We went up in groups and we were accompaniedby two guides. It was drizzling, but that did not get usdown. After about two hours of hiking we stopped toeat breakfast at Camp 1 then we proceeded on our way.During the hike we would pass by trees and rocks coveredby different kinds of moss, orchids that grow on the trees,berries which we were warned not to eat because theymight be poisonous, giant ferns and different kind of plantlife. And even if you don’t look up, the ground is coveredwith wonderful living things you won’t see in the citystreets. Outdoor hiking is really a great way to appreciateGod’s creations. The downside of the hike was that thepath was slippery, muddy and some are steep slopes. Itnever stopped drizzling so our raincoats were very usefulAs we neared the Camp 2 camping area, we were allsilenced by the music of the brook. We were all glad, that wehave water to use to clean ourselves from all the mud laterthat day when we would be coming back from the summit.The men set-up our tents. There were a total of four tents(1 for the couples, 2 for the boys, and 1 for the ladies). Thefemales cooked lunch. All enjoyed the food especially sincewe were all hungry from thehike going up.By 1:30 p.m. we startedto hike to the summit. Theestimated time for amateursto reach the summit is twohours. Our group did it in lessthan that. And if you realizethat we even had a two-yearoldchild (Samuel Jorgensen,the son of Mr. and Mrs. Danand Nancy Jorgensen) withus, it was really amazing. Ofcourse, the child had to becarried by his mother. On theway, we passed by hills, andThe female climbers huddle at the peak to keep warm and forpicture-taking (photo by Serizalinio Dizon)hills covered by grass anddwarf bamboo plants. Thiswas all that covered the hills all the way to the summit. Weare already above the timber line. It is why the mountainwas named Pulag, meaning “bald” in the Ibaloi dialect.The pathway was visible so we didn’t find it difficult tofind the way up but because of all the rain and drizzling,the path was muddy and slippery. We battled with difficultconditions but our positive spirits prevailed.More than half-way to the summit, we passed by a signsaying that the summit was 1.5 kilometers from where westood. After quite some time, somewhere near the summit,I really wanted to change that sign! It felt and seemed likewe walked for 5 kilometers.Before we could reach the summit, we chose a path thatwas steep. On the way up we had to grasp the grass as weclimbed lest we slip and roll downhill. It was very slipperythat some literally crawled just to reach the summit. Some,like the guide didn’t have difficulty at all.After a steep climb we reached the summit at about 3:00p.m. The others came later. As we waited for them, we satSee Pulag, page 6United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

November/December 2007 5A Trophy For EveryoneA teen’s experience during the Manilacongregation’s Year-End Outing 2007by Joshua Infantado, Manila CongregationIt has been a tough year for all of us. We struggle dayby day living by God’s will and endure every testing ofour conviction. Every year, it is very comforting to knowThe Line-Up Game according to waist-line played by youths ofthe UCG Manila congregation (photo by Abraham Lorenzo)that our congregation will be having a year-end outing, atime in the year when our brothers and sisters in the faithwill spend time together to unwind and to relax as wefellowship with one another.As the year 2007 came to a close, the Manilacongregation chose the Blusyl Resort in Calamba,Laguna. The place was very conducive for fun andexcitement. As a teen in the church, I joined the teensand singles activities during the year-end outing. Weshared a lot of smiles and laughs, as we played the gamesprepared for us.First we had the Line-Up Game. It was played bytwo groups. Once we were divided up, the facilitatorinstructed the groups to line-up in order of height, shoesize, or by some other criterion to keep the game fun forall. When the group had lined-up in a particular order,they were then supposed to clap to let the facilitatorknow that they were done. The first group to clap wonthat round and got a Spud as a prize. This was a goodway to learn something you never would have thought toask about someone and I was amazed to discover it.Then, we had the Hula-Hoop Challenge. Each teamwas given parts of a hula-hoop that they must assemble.Once they had assembled their hula-hoops, the membersof each team must line up and hold hands, and themembers of the team must pass through the hula-hoopone by one. The objective was for all the members of theteam to pass through the hula-hoop without letting go ofeach other’s hands and without breaking their hula-hoop.Once the hula-hoop is disassembled the team must startagain. Of course, the first group to finish wins the roundand get their fruit of success, Choco Mucho. It has beena very close competition since all of us gave our best inplaying the game.Next, came Leading the Blind Game. We alreadyplayed this game during the Feast of Tabernacles 2007 inBaguio, thus some of us had a modest knowledge aboutit. The facilitator scattered pieces of coloured paper, cutin different shapes. Each team chose one member whothey will blindfold. Once each team had one memberblindfolded, the facilitator assigned a shape or colour foreach team. Now the other team members would guidetheir “blind” team mate in picking up six pieces of thatparticular shape and colour assigned to their team. Thefirst team to complete gathering their assigned six pieceswins the game. It was challenging to complete thosesix pieces because of distractions, like hearing what theother team is saying and you might get the wrong paper.Focus and strength of the senses were needed to win thisgame and to have Snickers as a proof of triumph.Finally, we played our last game, as the prizes ran out,Apples to Oranges. There were printed slips of paperthat were to be pulled out of a container. Each slip hadbeen labelled differently as follows: before the apple, theapple, after the apple, before the orange, the orange, andafter the orange. We, the players, stood in two circles,one circle inside the other circle. The facilitator gavethe apple to one person in one circle and the orange toSee Trophy, page 9Church Member Awarded‘Model Student of the Year’Audrey Ruth R. Angcos,22, a third year collegestudent of the PhilippineNormal University and abaptized member of theUCG Manila congregationwas recently selected as‘Model Student of the Year’by the university. Conditionsfor such a distinctionare that the student mustbe a bonafide student ofthe university taking up at least 18 units of subjectsper semester, whose average per semestermust be 88% and above with no grade lower than80% in all subjects since the first year. The studentmust also possess good moral character, talent,and good communication skills. She was finallyselected after undergoing a series of interviews bya panel that would test the students’ holistic ability,not just intelligence. She is a member of the Dean’sList and also ranked second place in a declamationcontest.—UNAUnited Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

6United News AsiaPulag, continued from page 4down and enjoyed the calming and peaceful atmosphere.We also hid behind the dwarf bamboos to shield us fromthe cold wind. The wind was like ice slapping your skin.It was also drizzling there; we went up at a not so goodtime because the winds from Siberia are blowing stronglythrough the summit. The clouds blocked our view butthe whole atmosphere up there was just something youwouldn’t always experience. At this point we still couldnot say that we survived the climb to Mt. Pulag since weknew that we still had to go back down.We knew that the view was wonderful; we just couldn’tsee it due to the clouds.This could remind us of theKingdom of God, though weactually cannot see it yet weknow it exists and that is wherewe are going. Relating theexperience to our Christian life,we could ask ourselves howmuch hardship are we willingto endure to be part of God’sfamily? How much are wewilling to sacrifice and give?And how much motivation dowe have to be part of it all?When the others arrived(yes, Samuel made it to thetop), we did not stay long sincesome of us were really soakedand shivering. Sometimes, thetemperature there goes downvery near 0 degrees centigradebecause of the wind chill factor. We glanced around for awhile, took some pictures then proceeded down.We took a different route, not going down thesteep path. If we did, some might have tumbled down.Going back down is also challenging since it would bemore slippery. Many slipped; I personally had slippedseveral times. It might sound humiliating to the reader,but actually it was surprisingly fun. The air would befilled with cries and screams of “Whoa” and “Aahhh”then shortly followed by a lot of laughter. We did notintentionally let ourselves slip, it just happens even ifyou’re careful. One of the youths mentioned that theclimb up there would make you feel like a playful littlechild while making you feel old and tired.The trek back down to camp was much easier andshorter. We arrived by 4:10, some at 5 p.m. We thankedGod for His merciful protection and care. No one wasbadly hurt, but some of us had grass cuts on our fingers.Some wanted to go back down to the Ranger Stationduring the day but not all was in favor of that so we had tosleep in our tents for the night.We had to fetch water from the brook below thecampsite for us to use for cooking and cleaning up. Thecomfort room did not at all resemble the toilets that weThe contingent at the Ranger Station at the base of MountPulag in Luzon (photo courtesy of Serizalinio Dizon)have at home, it was all makeshift and it had no roof. Wealways had to take our umbrellas with us when going tothe toilet; it was a little bit of an ordeal to go to there.Staying dry was very difficult even when we werein the tent, moisture builds up inside. Even if we werealready layered with clothes, it was still really cold. It waslike we were living in a freezer. Some of us slept half-wet.We would awaken in-between sleeps and chat, kid aroundand just laugh despite the conditions we were in. Nothingprevented us from enjoying the company of friends.In the morning we could hear birds singing on the treetops. It was still drizzling. It was not a good day, but thebirds cheered us up. We werepacking when we realized that wewould be carrying a heavier loadsince we would be carrying ourwet clothes and blankets. Afterbreakfast, we hiked downwards.The trek down made us hark backon how we got up. Along the way,we would meet and greet locals,men and some young womencarrying heavy sacks or baggageson their shoulders. And wewould ask them where they wereheading. They would alwaysanswer that they were headinghome, to “Lusod,” a place whichis about 20+ kilometers fromwhere we were. As we bid themgoodbye, we were amazed byhow these people live.It was almost noon whenwe were back at the Babadac Ranger Station. We wererelieved to be back there. The sun has shone down on usand it was so warm. While waiting for the others, we tooka bath and used the toilet. The others did the same whenthey arrived. After cleaning up and fixing our things someof us went to buy souvenirs from the shop nearby. By thistime we were worthy of wearing the T-shirts saying “Isurvived Mt. Pulag.”Just before we rode the jeep to take us back down, weprayed thanking God for His guidance and protection, theopportunity to see His creations and for all the things thatwe had experienced. We arrived at the DENR/ Mt. PulagNational Park Protected Area Office in Ambangeg late inthe afternoon.We were sad that the trip and the whole activity wereover. But we were also pleased to think that we were goinghome and back to our families and that we would be ableto sleep comfortably in our bed.We learned a lot of lessons during our stay at Mt. Pulag.As I write this article, I could not envision that I had reallysurvived the climb and reached the top. In our life in thisworld, we are very much different from the others. We knowthat we have a purpose to fulfill. A goal that we must reachno matter what difficulties we encounter along the way. •United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

High and Low of 2007The first verse of Ecclesiastes chapter three states,“To everything there is a season, a time for every purposeunder heaven” (NKJV). This may even well be true as itrelates to the financial condition of the United Church ofGod in the Philippines.Compared with the year 2006, the year 2007 has notbeen particularly good in the sense that the value of the USdollar—to which the Philippine subsidy is pegged—hassteadily declined against the Philippine peso. As a result,the Philippine work’s financial capacity has sufferedsomewhat. There may be a purpose for this.When the Bible study opened in Cebu City last year(2007), we were excited to see about two dozen peoplecoming to learn the truth of God’s Word from the Bible.We were then so excited that we tried meeting everySabbath. This went on for a number of months. Gradually,the attendance has diminished to the point that now thereare only five to six people attending regularly. Many ofthose who dropped out have jobs on Saturday.Beginning January 2008, we decided to cut down thefrequency of the Cebu Bible studies to only once a month,at least temporarily. We continue to pray that God willwork on those who have subscribed to The Good Newsmagazine and will cause them to begin attending theBible Study. Perhaps, it is still about Ecclesiastes 3:1—that it is still not the time to have a full-time congregationin Cebu.The Church outing of the Bacolod congregation lastDecember 24 and 25 was not a big success as expected.The brethren stayed overnight at Santa Fe Resort, sevenkilometers east of Bacolod. Though the fellowshippingand the abundant food prepared by each family and sharedby everyone was great, the planned outdoor activities—besides swimming and table tennis—was dampened bycontinuous rain.November/December 2007 7Nevertheless, after dinner on the 24th, the brethrenlistened to a Bible study presentation given by Mr.Florante Siopan on “God’s Plan For Saving Mankind.”After the Bible study, everyone participated in a sing-alonghosted by the Cainglet family, enjoying the evening untilmidnight. The inconvenience the brethren experiencedbecause of the poor weather was overcome by the rightattitude and the high spirits of everyone.Well, life goes on beyond 2007 in this world ofuncertainty. After all, it is God who moves people andevents. He is the One who decides what to do and what theoutcome will be according to His purpose and plan.—Reported by Florante Siopan31 Attend Feast in Sabah“Happy Feast of Tabernacles and the Last GreatDay!” was their usual joyous greetings echoed fromthe happy faces of the feastgoers in Semporna, Sabah,Malaysia as they celebrated God’s commanded Festivalsin their own place.Semporna is one of the most remote towns of Malaysia,a predominantly Moslem country. Semporna is located563 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of thepalm oil-rich Sabah, the eastern state of Malaysia.Semporna is the home of a small group of members ofthe United Church of God under the care of Mr. FloranteSiopan, the Visayas pastor in the Philippines.This year’s Feast [2007], six families in Semporna andfrom other nearby towns of Sabah, came to fellowship,worship, and praise God together for eight precious daysof joyous and memorable celebration of God’s appointedFestivals. The highest attendance was 31.The brethren enjoyed the Family Day outing. Theweather was perfect; everybody seemed ready and excitedto go to Borneo Paradise Resort, 127 kilometers away fromthe festival site. The resort is known for its exquisite viewof nature; fishing highlighted the day. The next stop wasat Madai Forest Reserve, a tourist attraction maintainedFeast-goers in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia; Sabah membersduring their outing at the entrance of Madai Forest Reserve(photo by Ian-ian Bernal) See Sabah, page 8United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

8United News AsiaSabah, continued from page 7by the Malaysian government. The brethren enjoyedseeing some large, tall, 300-year-old trees. Everyonewas so excited to pass through a hanging rope bridge tiedto the trunk of the tree 30 to 50 feet above the ground.Our Family Day outing ended as we excitedly reached thewaterfalls after 92 steps of descent.The children enjoy the cold water at Madai waterfalls in Sabah,Malaysia (photo by Albun Bernal)The brethren in Sabah were blessed with many children;four babies were born months before the Festivals, greatlyadding to our number.By the end of the Feast they were spiritually blessedand greatly encouraged as they all learned the importantmeaning of the celebration and looked forward to the Daywhen what the Feast foreshadows becomes a reality.—Reported by Raul VillacoteStrong, continued from page 3my might. There is a passage in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 9:10,that says; “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it withthy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge,nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”Climbing Mt. Pulag for the second time was a lotdifferent than the first. Why? It’s because when I firstclimbed Mt. Pulag, I was four years younger. Now,there are factors that work against me. I may not be asstrong and agile as before, I have already been there somy enthusiasm is not as great as before. These thingsmight be seen by my companions and it might becomea hindrance for them as they climb. But those negativefeelings were overcome by my determination and faith inGod that I could do it and be a support to our young adultsin the Church. During our trek, there was still the feelingof backing out but I was inspired with the strong spirit ofour young people who went with us. I saw in them thedetermination to reach the top. Even though the rain hadnot stopped during the whole course of our journey theseyoung people kept going on. On our journey to the top, Isaw the courage, cooperation, initiative, support and lovefor one another in our young people.My climb to Mt. Pulag, the coldest and second highestmountain in the Philippines, will serve as an example tomy students because I will be able to show and relate tothem the experiences that I had and be able to instill inthem the value of determination. Whatever goal they wantto achieve in life they have to be determined in order toreach their goal. •Additional Mount Pulag photos can also be viewed at:http://gino.macaraeg.org/pulag07.htmlGod’s Holy Day Calendar for 2008Passover: April 19*Feast of Unleavened Bread: April 20-26Pentecost: June 8Feast of Trumpets: September 30Day of Atonement: October 9Feast of Tabernacles: October 14-20Last Great Day: October 21In biblical reckoning, days begin in the evening(Gen. 1:5), when the sun goes down (Joshua 8:29; 2 Chr. 18:34; Mark 1:32), and are counted “fromevening to evening” (Lev. 23:32). Thus, all God’s festivalsbegin the evening just before the dates listed.For example, the Feast of Unleavened Bread beginsSaturday evening, April 19, 2008. The festivals end inthe evening on the dates given. (Excerpts from ourbooklet, God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hopefor All Mankind).* In 2008, Passover is observed on Friday evening,April 18, after sundownObituaryMr. Mark Agayo, a long time member of theChurch of God in Baguio City died last October15, 2007 of old age. He was born March 25, 1922.He is survived by his wife Julia and their fourchildren: Marcos, Mario, Louisa Olivia (Lali) andJose, and their corresponding families.Mrs. Josefa Abregana Caminade, bornSeptember 15, 1915, in Ronda, Cebu, diedDecember 29, 2007, at age 92. She was buried thefollowing day in Dologon, Maramag, officiated byOsias Eturalde.Mrs. Josefa Caminade was baptized in 1992,and had been widowed for about 30 years. She hasbeen residing in Litig, Maramag, Bukidnon andwas unable to walk for years prior to her death.She is survived by four of her five children, 36grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

November/December 2007 9Youths of the UCG Manila congregation play the Hula-HoopChallege, Leading the Blind Game, and the Apples to Orangesgame (photos by Abraham Lorenzo)Don’t QuitWhen things go wrong, as they sometimes will,When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,When the funds are low, and the debts are high,And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,When care is pressing you down a bit,Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.Trophy, continued from page 5someone in the other circle, and then the music startedto play. We are to pass the fruits until the music stops.When the music stops, everyone held their breaths as thefacilitator pulled out a slip of paper and read it. If thepaper states before the specific fruit, then that person isout. If it’s after the specific fruit, then that person is out.If it just states a fruit then that person is out. So not onlydo we have to worry about holding the fruit but where itis in the circle. It’s very unpredictable what that slip ofpaper would state, but one thing was certain, the winnerwould get Chips Delight as a prize.Indeed, this was one of those moments that we couldtruly tell ourselves, “how good and how pleasant it isfor brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).We all had fun during those games while the winnersunselfishly shared their prizes. The spirit of competitionheated up as each team tried to win. But despite that,it is very amusing to note how each one of us smiledeven though we did not all win the game. It was thenthat I realized that no one really lost the game, becauseeveryone won a very special trophy—that is, the trophyof memories that we would surely cherish until the timeof the coming of God. •Life is queer with its twists and turns,As everyone of us sometimes learns,And many a failure turns about,When he might have won had he stuck it out;Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,You may succeed with another blow.Often the goal is nearer thanIt seems to a faint and faltering man;Often the struggler has given upWhen he might have captured the victor’s cup;And he learned too late when the night came downHow close he was to the golden crown.Success is failure turned inside out,The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,And you never can tell how close you are,It may be near when it seems afar;So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit!—Author Unknown“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, thatno one may take your crown.” –Revelation 3:11“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”–Matthew 24:13United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

10United News AsiaLearn, continued from page 16:30 to 7:30 a.m. The sessions began at 8 am. The firstlecture ends at 9:30, followed by a 15-minute break. Thenanother lecture follows from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. This wasfollowed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Lunch is thenserved from noon to 1 p.m. There are also two lectures inthe afternoon, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and from 3:15 to 4:45p.m. Of course, there is still the usual 15-minute break and15 minutes of Q&A. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 6:30p.m. After dinner, there is one last lecture or module (from7:30 to 9 p.m.), for a total of five every day.The seminarworkshopbegan afterlunch on Sunday,December 23. Mr.Macaraeg mentionedon the welcomeaddress the need forthis training—why ithad been planned. Abinder was providedto each congregationalassistant with all thehandouts and formsincluded. Afterdinner, the variousc o n g r e g a t i o n a lassistants gave shortupdates about theVarious topics on local church administration were discussedand practiced during the four-day Mindanao seminarand workshop such as on giving sermonettes (below)congregations theywere assigned to look after. It was very interesting and eyeopeningfor everyone to hear about the unique challengesbeing faced by each of the other congregations.On Monday morning, the first lecture was “In Searchof a Faithful Servant.” Mr. Macaraegsaid, “God is looking all over the earthfor somebody who can be trusted, andwho can consistently live up to theexpectations enumerated in 1 Timothychapter 3, and in Titus chapter 1.”The second lecture that morning was“The Shepherd’s Heart.” Accordingto Mr. Macaraeg, many people arelike commanders, overlords, drillsergeants—they can command, they canbark orders, they can shout. He thendrew the difference between a cowboyand a shepherd. Both bring animals from Point A toPoint B—from pasture 1 to pasture 2. The cowboy withhis long whip shouts and lashes on the backs of all thecows and rounds them up. And if they’re slow, he fireshis gun—BANG! The cows run in fear. That’s a cowboy.But he said a shepherd never raises his voice. Instead ofbeing at the back of the flock, he is at the head and leadsthem, and he calls the sheep by name and they follow him.That’s the difference. And the true shepherd will evengive up his life for the sheep. Then he also distinguished ahireling from a shepherd. He said: “I want each of you tobe willing to live and die with your congregations! I don’tneed a person who cannot meet this expectation; he can bejust a hireling. If your people suffer, you suffer. That isthe kind of leadership that I want and which God needs…It’s not easy—it’s not supposed to be glamorous work.But that is what is required of a true shepherd.” Then heproceeded to illustrate and expound on each of the versesin Psalm 23 and John 10 among others.In the afternoon of Monday, Mr. Macaraeg talked about“The Role of a Leader’s Wife.” He emphasized that aman needs the support of his wife.They have to work as a team—like theright foot and the left foot. If one isdragging, or limping along, they cannoteffectively move forward. They haveto support and counter-balance eachother. The wife needs to occasionallyremind her husband and point outthings in a gentle way. While beingthe leader, the husband should alsobe humble enough to have a listeningear. He said both husband and wifeshould work as a team because a manis just one half emotionally, mentally,and psychologically. The other halfis in the woman. God created it thatway. The ministry is never complete ifit’s just the “macho” mentality. Thereneeds to be a mother’s touch and amother’s heart. These two have to attend to the total needsof the congregation.In the second period of Monday afternoon, Mr.Macaraeg talked about “Podium Ethics.” What do yousay in the pulpit? Whatshould you not say? Howshould you say things?Some things are appropriatefor the pulpit, some aredefinitely not. He said itis important to be gentlebecause—and he madereference to the proverb—”A brother offended isharder to win than a strongcity” (Proverbs 18:19). Hesaid that sometimes youneed to—it’s your responsibility to—put things on theline—what is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong.He said we cannot be politicians. We cannot say thethings that people just want to hear. We have to gently butfrankly point out what the Bible says. We should not beswayed or intimidated by a person’s level of influence orwealth. He emphasized that there should be no bribery, noshady dealing, in the ministry.On Monday evening, Mr. Macaraeg discussed“Basic Principles of Counseling.” He pointed out thatUnited Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

November/December 2007 11UCG-Mindanao leaders and their wives after the four-day Mindanao Seminar-Workshop in December; In-house catering of meals wereheartily served by volunteers in the Davao City church (below)counselling is a complicated and challenging subject,because one of the most difficult things to deal with ishuman nature. Why? The human heart can be “deceitfulabove all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).People can hide, or bend the facts to their own liking, tosave face, or to deceive, until eventually it’s very far fromreality. Thus, counselling can be difficult and challenging.But the important thing is—with the help of God and thebasic principles presented—toknow how to help our memberssort out their problems andtheir relationships.On Tuesday, we had apracticum on Song Leadingand Answering BibleQuestions. We prepared Biblequestions on strips of paper,folded them, and put them in ajar. Each man in turn took outa piece of paper, read it beforethe body, and attempted toanswer it within two minutes.Where needed, Mr. Macaraegprovided the correct biblical explanations and coached themen on how to improve their answers.After lunch of Tuesday, we had three sessions ofSermonette practice (all of the afternoon and evening ofTuesday). He chose a few men to speak for 10 minutesand evaluated how they delivered their messages. He,along with the group’s input, suggested helpful tips onhow to improve on the content and/or the delivery.On Wednesday morning, there were two final sessions.The first one was on “Personal Godly CharacterDevelopment.” Mr. Macaraeg said, “It does not matterhow great a speaker or orator you are, how dynamicyour personality is, how rich your vocabulary or howknowledgeable you are—if your character is defective,you are not qualified. He said there are many cases ofreligious leaders who have fallen into disgrace. Withoutgodly character, a “therapist” can become “the rapist.”He said it has happened many times in the world, evenin the great churches and in great religions. You may bethe “mentor,” but if you are nottrained properly, and don’t havethe godly character, you couldbecome the “tormentor.” Thatwill disqualify one from servicein the ministry. He emphasizedthat you cannot, should not,ought not, take advantage of themembers. Even to as much ashint that you desire a thing thatbelongs to one in your charge.You cannot accept bribes or gifts.The Bible says a bribe can blindone’s eyes (Exodus 23:8 andDeuteronomy 16:19).The second lecture on the final day, Wednesday, was“Catching the Vision of a Mission.” Mr. Macaraegexplained that in our materialistic society it is hard tofind people for the work of God and the ministry. Insome cases, it is considered one of the most unflatteringand unattractive of jobs. He said, “It’s not an 8-to-5 job,where when the clock strikes 5, you are done for the day.Ours can often be a 24-hour job. Sometimes in the middleof the night you have to attend to a problem, counsel, oreven get out of your bed and visit somebody. It’s not a jobSee Learn, page 12United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

12United News AsiaLearn, continued from page 11for those looking for comfort and convenience. You haveto weep with them who weep; you have to visit sadnessand tragedy and many other problems. You have to bethere with them and try to offer solutions and comfort.”Moreover, he said, “I don’t want you to have any illusionsor false expectations. I’m not promising any of you a rosegarden. I’m not promising any of you salary, benefits, acar, an allowance—none of these things. It is up to Godto supply our needs. But like Jesus Christ said, what Ican tell you is that you’ll have to go through trials andtribulations, through sufferings and heartaches, throughdisappointments—even betrayal—from the hands ofpeople you trusted… and possibly even death. Whowould like to accept that? You could die in the work. Youcould be killed. You can be threatened. The apostles died.So it’s a calling that most people will run away from! Whowants that kind of job?”Yet Christ said, “look at the fields for they are alreadywhite for harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35-38). Who among you is ready to help in the great harvest?He concluded the seminar-workshop by reading the“God’s Special Forces Creed” [in the inset]. Then hesaid, “This is the creed that I’d like us to consider beforeyou go. If you cannot commit to this, I’ll not blame you—you’re just human. But if you think you can commit tothis: Welcome, brother, to the Work of God.”GOD’S SPECIAL FORCES CREEDI am a soldier in God’s Special Forces [and inthe ministry of Jesus Christ].The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.The decision has been made—I am a disciple and servantof Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down,or quit. My past is forgiven, my present is empowered,and my future is incredible. I’m finished and done withdisobedience, low-living, sight-walking, smooth knees,colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly-talking, cheapgiving,and dwarfed goals.I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position,promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to beaccepted, praised, recognized, regarded, or rewarded. Inow live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience,draw on His strength by prayer, and labor by His power.My face and focus is set, and my gait is fast towardmy goal: the Kingdom of God. My road is narrow, myway is rough, my companions are few, but my Guide isreliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought,compromised, detoured, hired away, turned back, diluted,or delayed.I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in thepresence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity,or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up,shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayedup, paid up; and not give up till I drop, preach till allknow, and work till He stops me. And when He comes,I trust that He will say: “Well done, thou good andfaithful servant.”—Adapted from Words Aptly Spoken, by Dr. Bob MooreheadAfter saying this, Mr. Macaraeg bowed and paused forabout 40 seconds. He would later relate, “I was personallychoked with emotion just before the commissioningaspect when I sensed that all were now willing not onlyto teach and to serve, but to even live and die with theirrespective congregations.”He then announced the new configuration for theMindanao congregations effective January 1, 2008. (Inthe past, due to lack of trained manpower, more thanone man served several different congregations, suchthat there was no clear accountability from Sabbath toSabbath.) Effective 2008, each couple or person willnow be assigned and responsible for one area, or twoat the most. Also the groups will be reconfigured suchthat those congregations composed basically of one clanor family will be reclassified as a video group (VG)starting 2008:1. Bagaobawan (VG)—Mr-s. Simplicio Cambare2. Banisilan (VG)—Mr-s. Francisco Basilio3. Bunawan (VG)—Mr-s. David Obsequio4. Butuan City—Mr-s. Paul Cebrian, assisted by Mr-s.James Presbitero5. Cagayan de Oro City—Mr-s. Paul Cebrian, assistedby Mr-s. Victorio Gervise6. Davao City—Mr-s. Edmond Macaraeg, assistedby Mr. Daniel Macaraeg, Mr-s. Charles Macaraeg; Mr-s.Gem Nagtalon, Mr-s. Roy Gilos, and Mr. David Macaraeg.(Mindanao Pastoral Staff: Mr-s. Rodrigo Florencondia,Mr. Alvin Abrau, Mr. Richard Macaraeg.)7. Diatagon—Mr-s. James Presbitero, assisted by Mr-s.Wilfredo Salvador8. Kiara—Mr-s. Arcadio Gargar, Mr-s. Manuel Valdez,Mr-s. Pablo Rico9. Kidapawan—Mr-s. Merlito Tonog, assisted by Mr-s.Abelardo Cuizon10. Litig—Mr-s. Osias Eturalde, assisted by Mr-s.Aurelio Laguitao11. Maramag—Mr-s. Osias Eturalde12. Mati—Mr-s. Steve Budoyan, Mr-s. Raul Evaristo,Mr-s. Ricardo Gepanaga13. Pantukan—Mr-s. Quillano Sabello and Mr-s.Renante Angana14. Prosperidad (VG)—Mr. Job Gargar15. Quezon (VG)—Mr. Felipe Arceo16. Santiago (VG)—Mr-s. Jaime Dagani17. Santo Tomas (VG)—Mr-s. Honorio Gilos18. Tagum (VG)—Mr-s. Concepciano Bacor*NOTE: Isulan and Tago video groups don’t yet have adesignated person in charge.Mr. Macaraeg hastened to add that this configuration isnot “set in stone,” but will be reviewed periodically—afterthree months, and again after six months. Modificationswill be made as the need arises.From speaking with the participants and from theexit surveys, we can conclude that the whole event hadbeen very successful and inspiring—and without a doubt,See Learn, page 13United Church of God, AIA Pilipinas

14United News AsiaHello! I received The Good News magazine lastNovember – December 2006 and I especially liked thearticle “Revitalize Your Marriage: Here’s How” byJerold Aust.I am not yet married but like the subject of marriageespecially because it is my dream to become a wife sinceI was a child. I want my marriage to last forever when theright man comes. I think having the right perspective onmarriage is the way to go…May I request for free the free booklet Marriage andFamily: The Missing Dimension because I want to knowthe biblical teachings about marriage, since I know andtrust that the Bible is the way to go J. I always look intothe Bible for answers and I am glad that there is such abook that condenses the Bible’s teaching on marriage.Thank You!!W.L., Tondo, ManilaI want to thank you for sending me the copies of themagazines, literature, and newsletters that serves as atool to broaden my understanding and knowledge inthe Word of God… I am one of the subscribers and aprofound reader of The Good News magazine togetherwith the literature that you send in the Philippines. Yourpublication, including the editorials and articles, that yougave me are filled with rich information that perceives theinterest of the readers around the world. I spend qualitytime reading and studying the literature, together with myBible, with eagerness to learn more about the subjects andcrucial topics that are available in your publications. I readit and review it carefully and I observe the interpretationwritten in your topics. It is well expounded and easy tounderstand—helping me to extend my understanding inreal life events…J.P.M., CaviteThank you so much for sending me The Good News.I really love reading all of your articles especially aboutEaster Sunday and The Da Vinci Code. As a RomanCatholic, I have so many questions about our religion.Ever since, I really believed that ours have distorted thetrue teachings of Christ but I just could not find somesupport for my doubts. However, when your magazinediscussed about how Roman Catholicism originated, Icame to a wide-eyed awakening. Now I don’t feel guiltyanymore if I don’t do some of our practices (which are notbiblically taught). As long as my faith in God and Jesus isstill burning, I know I won’t get lost.Again, my warmest gratitude and may God continueblessing you so that you can keep on spreading The GoodNews throughout the world.M.G.A., Cagayan de Oro CityI am a Christian who happened to take hold of a copy ofyour publication and my interest was kindled by the truthsin it. I find your articles abreast with the present conditionsof our times and your opinions, which are Bible-based,somehow answer some spiritual questions that I have.E.P.C. Cateel, Davao OrientalThank you so much for the opportunity of readinginteresting and valuable articles from The Good News evenin my sunset years. I am eighty-seven years old, but I haveto learn a lot more to prepare myself for the coming ofJesus Christ to this planet Earth so I’ll be ready.V.T.F., Davao CityI have just received the July/August 2007 issue of TheGood News magazine. The magazine truly discussedworld trends and events and also regarding family matters.It was so educational indeed. Thank you very much andmay God shower you all with blessings for proclaimingthe Wonderful News—The Good News of God’s comingKingdom and Government.”J.U.L., San Fabian, PangasinanGod has greatly blessed me because of the wisdom Hehas given me through His Word. I say thank you to thosebehind The Good News magazine that has enlightened mymind to the situation of our world in the past, today, andin the future. God bless the cheerful giver! And may thegrace of God and Jesus Christ be with you all.A.P.M., Zamboanguita, Negros OrientalThru Text Messaging (SMS)Thank you for sending me The Good News magazine. Iam very thankful that this magazine taught me a lot aboutour relationship with God and it means a lot to me. Thismagazine relates to many aspects of life, our struggletowards daily trials on which this magazine guides me. Itis really the MAGAZINE OF UNDERSTANDING. Thankyou for all the years that I am still in the “MAGAZINE OFUNDERSTANDING.” I’m not tired of reading becauseit gives “THE GOOD NEWS” of life and salvation andfamily-bonding relationships. Thank you.A.M.B. Baybay, LeyteThru the InternetI was surfing and was very, very glad to find your siteon the Web, and right then requested a copy of Sunsetto Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest. I received the copy asrequested. Much joy filled my heart when I also received acopy of The Good News, a magazine of understanding, theMay/June 2007 issue last July 24. It was the day I arrivedhome from my long vacation in Mindanao. It was a veryinformative magazine and my heart really longs to read itagain. Thanks, for the desires of my heart were granted.Once again my gratitude is everlasting for having copies ofyour literature as requested.H.A., Malabon, Metro ManilaUnited Church of God, AIA Pilipinas