From foot, or hoof, or boat during the time of the original apostles, God’s Work moved forward by leaps and bounds riding on the developments and advances in science and technology. From laboriously handwritten letters to the high-speed roll of full-color printing presses, the written gospel message likewise rolled on forward at high speed. From word of mouth, to radio and television broadcasting, God’s messages began to break down distance barriers among peoples. With computers, phone lines, and the Internet, the preaching of the gospel is breaking down remaining political, cultural, and religious barriers which may have been imposed by some regimes among its peoples. Of course, much is yet to be done to accomplish God’s Work and prepare a people.

How are God’s people being prepared for the kingdom? On a more local level, how do we surmount the obstacle of limited manpower and multiply our limited efforts of feeding the flock and reaching out to those God is calling and working with at this end-time?

In line with the advances in modern technology, our Philippine UCG Office also went through the various steps in upgrading the recording and production of audio messages, and even video production, through the years. Of course, we started with an audio cassette tape system which eventually advanced to the MP3 system. On video—because of the expense and bulkiness of the VHS camera (which we did not buy) and the more expensive VHS recorders and players—we moved on instead with the technological progress to record on 8mm and Digital8 tapes, and produce the output in VCD (Video Compact Disc) format. Thus, for the past couple of years now, we have been producing video recorded messages in the VCD format, which we still send out to individuals and outlying church areas. Also, for those who may still have VHS players, we still have lots of sermon video tapes from the Home Office on this format. However, to duplicate them is time-consuming and expensive (the cost of the VHS tapes alone, plus mailing costs).

The latest advancement in digital video recording is now with the MiniDV tape system, and its matching counterpart in DVD-Video (Digital Versatile Disc) output. This system provides more disc capacity, sharper pictures, and more brilliant colors, apart from many other features. However, we still produce VCD-formatted recordings because most still have that system in their homes. Eventually, we plan to move on fully to DVD technology, although we now have that capacity on a limited scale.

What are the advantages in the progression from the traditional tape system to the disc system (which for brevity we will simply call CD)?
• CD systems have more advanced features—especially the DVD system
• CD systems (recorders and players) are smaller and cheaper compared to tape versions
• CDs are more compact to store, and also cheaper to transmit by mail
• CDs are cheaper and faster to duplicate compared to tape systems
• CDs are easier to maintain and clean, compared to very long tapes in reel

What do we now have on CDs?
• CD recorded sermon messages
• CD video presentations such as: Festival videos, summer camp videos, etc.
• MP3 piano accompaniment for our hymnal (we have a version with some vocals)
• MP3 choral pieces (used especially in training for special music during holy days)
• MP3 library of Church publications and other Church resources
• MP3 radio broadcasts

How far do some of these CDs reach? Hypothetically, there is no limit, as we have many requests which include India and other African nations. But for now, please allow me to copy an e-mail coming from one of our brethren in Sabah, Malaysia written in the Cebuano dialect.

Dear Pastor Macaraeg,

Warm greetings from the little flock of God in Sabah.

Salamat kaayo sa gipadala nimong upat ka cd sermon nga akong nadawat niadtong Dec. 6. Pagkaugma milarga usab kami ni Ketchel paingon sa state plantation gitrabahoan sa akong anak as a Humana teacher, ug nadala nako and cd gibilin didto para makapatalinghog uban sa iyang familia. Gahapon naabot akong mga anak ug sa among Sabbath service subra 20 kami uban sa kabataan. Maoy among gipatalinhogan ang imong sermon, “The Fear of Man vs The Fear of God,” and “The Living Faith.” Nindot kaayo ang message Pastor ug very uplifting and inspiring. Malipayon kami tanan ug mapasalamaton sa inyong pagtagad sa gamay nako nga hangyo ngadto kang Mr. Paul Cebrian miabot diay sa imong attention. Salamat kaayo sa maayong mensahe nga Binisaya.

This is all for now our best regards to all of you over there. Please pray for us.

Your sister in Christ,
Perta V. Betoy

Translation of main text: Thank you very much for sending four CD sermons which I received Dec. 6. The following day, we left with Ketchel going to [the] state plantation [where] my child works as a Humana teacher, and I brought along the CD and left it there so that it can be listened to with the family. Yesterday, my children arrived and in our Sabbath service we were more than 20 including children. We listened to your sermon, “The Fear of Man vs. The Fear of God,” and “The Living Faith.” The messages were very nice Pastor and very uplifting and inspiring. We were all happy and thankful for your attending to our little request coursed through Mr. Paul Cebrian which somehow reached your attention. Thank you very much for the good message in [the] Visayan (dialect).

We are thankful that God has allowed us to use modern technology to serve His people wherever it is needed, and to help accomplish His commission to us.