UCG Manila got a visit from Council of Elders member Mr. Jim Franks and Senior Pastor for Asia, Mr. David Baker during the first week of January. Mr. Baker arrived a day earlier on January 5 and Mr. Franks arrived the following day, Thursday, January 6.

We had morning services and afternoon Bible study the Sabbath of January 8. Mr. Baker gave the first split-sermon and Mr. Franks gave the second split-sermon that Sabbath morning. In the afternoon, Mr. Franks conducted a Bible study on the nature of God and Christ.

It was indeed a special Sabbath day for us in Manila as all the Philippine elders and their wives—from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao—were present. They all came for the Sabbath and the ministerial conference that was to be held the following day. They were all warmly received by the Manila brethren as this was one of the rare opportunities to meet and fellowship with the entire Philippine ministry and their wives during Sabbath services. We had a record attendance of 76 on this day.

The following day, Mr. Baker and Mr. Franks conducted the ministerial conference where each of the pastors gave a report on their respective areas. Mr. Norman Julag-ay reported on the progress of our SEC registration under a new name. It was agreed upon that we will pursue the name that was found to be most acceptable by the SEC which is UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, AIA, PILIPINAS, INC. The conference was adjourned by 5:00 p.m. with the ministry strengthened with renewed vigor to carry on with its service to God’s people.

The next day, the Philippine ministers and their wives coming from the Visayas and Mindanao returned to their respective areas but the work of Mr. Baker and Mr. Franks in Manila was far from over. This time, both men conducted a leadership seminar for the benefit of the men and women serving in their respective congregations in the Luzon area. The seminar was very helpful in giving encouragement and guidelines on how to better serve the brethren in their congregations.

It is indeed a great blessing from God to be provided which such fruitful activities that will surely benefit the brethren to help them be better equipped for the work of service and for character development.

—Reported by Rey Evasco, Manila church pastor