Of the 430 people who attended the Davao Festival site, many considered it their “best Feast ever.”

We were blessed with good weather all throughout the Feast. Since Davao City is geographically south of the typhoon belt, we were spared from the two recent super-typhoons which wreaked havoc in the northern part of the country and caused the worst flooding in 42 years.

The helpful and inspiring messages helped the brethren look past the present problems and focus on that wonderful time in the future when all suffering will cease. Ken and Kathy Treybig (pastor of the US congregations in East Texas, Texarkana and Ruston) were our guests for the last two days of the Feast. Many also appreciated the true-to-life stories shared by those featured in the Feast video. We also devoted three consecutive evenings to “Practical Christianity” sessions for married couples, singles, and teens. Another full evening was devoted to answering dozens of Bible questions from the brethren.

Apart from the spiritual aspects of the Feast, the fellowship and entertainment were excellent as well. One can see children playing barefoot on the green grass. Teens had many opportunities to interact as well. The seniors had an afternoon sipping coffee and exchanging stories about “the good ol’ days.” Families enjoyed a fellowship evening of games and much later in the Feast, an afternoon sports day while feasting on Davao’s best fruits. Since most members are poor, we offered free lunches for everyone, with a serving of roasted calf on the first day and on the last day. We also distributed used clothing and breakfast items to all the families at the Feast.

A few more things made the Feast extra-special. We devoted one afternoon to livelihood workshops, where some brethren shared their marketable skill with others. On another afternoon, a well-known Filipino medical doctor (a Church member) conducted a PowerPoint health seminar, sharing the latest health research and tips behind his successful treatment of patients labelled as “hopeless cases” by other doctors—mainly through proper diet and nutrition.

Finally, we had quite a number of individuals from our former association who recently affiliated with us. We also had about 15 infants and children blessed, as well as nine baptisms! They were: Jason Casimero, Leonardo Cebrian, Leopoldo Evaristo, Corazon Ferriols, Rogelio Franco, Rosalia Gargar, Theresa Humol, Betty Lim, and Arsenia Puyo.

We thank God for all these great and wonderful blessings. As we strive to continuously improve, we look forward to another “best Feast ever” next year.

--Edmond and Daniel Macaraeg