Greetings brethren! It was a wonderful joy meeting many of you during my recent visit to Asia. I had the privilege of observing the Passover in Kajang, Malaysia, the Night To Be Much Observed and the First Day of Unleavened Bread in Singapore and the rest of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Philippines. I hope the feast was as inspiring and memorable to you as it was for me. It is very exciting and encouraging to see the growth that God has blessed us with during the past year.

Each year as we observe the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread we are reminded of God’s mercy and faithfulness. God fulfilled a promise that He made to Abraham which is recorded in Genesis 15:12-14. God delivered Abraham’s descendents from the bondage of Egyptian slavery and led them to the land of Canaan, the land of promise. The Israelites began their journey with a “high hand” or boldness. They praised God for His greatness and power. But when they ran into trials and obstacles along the way, they forgot about God’s faithfulness and greatness and “in their hearts turned back to Egypt” (Acts 7:39). Finally God did not allow the adult generation that left Egypt to enter into the land of promise. He referred to them as despising the Promised Land (Numbers 14:31).

During the Feast of Unleavened Bread we are reminded of our deliverance from the bondage of sin. We also know that we will face many trials along our spiritual journey to the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Let’s not become discouraged as we face our trials and challenges, but rather let’s endeavor to utilize those trials to grow spiritually, always viewing God’s promised kingdom as that “pearl of great price.” As we approach the Feast of Pentecost, the anniversary of God pouring out His Spirit on the Church, let’s reflect the fruit of God’s Spirit in our life.

Please remember to pray for the success of the GCE which will be held May 6-7. This year two elders from the Philippines, Mr. Rey Evasco and Mr. Norman Julag-ay, will be attending the General Conference. Also the United Youth Camp will be held once again this year at Eden Nature Park in Davao City from May 13-20. Please remember to pray for the success of the camp and the protection of our staff and campers. Camp is a wonderful opportunity for many of our young people and I am thankful that we are able to increase the number of campers we can accommodate this year.

Thank you for your faithfulness to God and dedication to His work. I look forward to seeing some of you during my trip in June.

© 2007 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas