CHURCH STRENGTHENING
in Pangasinan
by Mikko Cabalfin
Bread and Beyond Cross-Cultural Ministry
The Church Planting and Missions Ministry led by ate Joy spearheaded the Church Strengthening activity in Pangasinan Christian Reformed Churches last November 3-5, 2006. Together with the Youth Ministry headed by Bro. Gary Quizon and the Children's Ministry represented by Sis. Beth Loreto, the team, composed of nine people (3 from the Missions: ate Joy, Esther Naguit, and Mikko Cabalfin; 5 from the Youth: Faith Resus, Peachy Canlas, Yna Quizon, and Krista Caballero; and from the Children's), visited three churches namely: Dagupan Christian Reformed Church, Church of Bread from Heaven Urbistondo, and Binmaley Christian Reformed Church, these cared by Pastors Louise Garcia, Norman Florendo, and James Ramos respectively.
The three days strengthening activity was composed mainly of prayer, sharing of the Word, ministering to one another, and encouraging the churches and the church members. The team also had the opportunity of fellowshipping with the Youth of Dagupan and joined them in their house visitation. The trip to Dagupan was also the time when the members of the three different ministries bonded with one another and got to know each other more. During these times, too, the Holy Spirit was felt moving in each one of them, thus, instead of going there to be channels of blessings, the team, in turn, was more blessed.
Indeed, when God works, blessings flow more than what one has expected. During the last day, the group helped the Dagupan CRC in their Sunday service. Bro. Gary shared the Word. ate Joy prayed for the church's protection and unity. Sis. Beth helped with the Sunday school. The youth helped with the projector presentation and praise and worship, while the rest helped with the ushering. Certainly, its good and pleasant to see brothers and sisters working together for the glory of God.
The activity was culminated by lunch together with the three pastors and their families. Truly, each of us was refreshed.
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