| First Half of 2008 Visayas Report | |
| January to June 2008 passed with a continuous build-up of spiritual fruit in the Visayas area and in Sabah, Malaysia. Six people submitted themselves to God through baptism, a commitment that only the few are willing to enter. Although it is a narrow and difficult road, it is the only way to gain awesome benefits and blessings that come from God including eternal life. These six people came to understand the truth through their attendance in the Sabbath Services. Josefina and Imelda Alvarado (mother and daughter), who attend the Sabang congregation in Leyte province were baptized in one of the beaches in Merida, in the morning before the Passover of April 19, 2008 in Isabel. Passover service was attended by 35 baptized members and seven observers who were prospective members. During the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, there were 49 people who attended in Isabel, Leyte for a combined Holy Day service. In Sabah, Raul Villacote, an elder residing in Tacloban, Leyte, was sent to Sabah to conduct the Passover and the Days of Unleavened for the brethren in that area. He later baptized Hope Betoy and his wife Helen in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. Hope Betoy is the son of Ruperta Betoy who is now living here in Bacolod City with her three younger children. On June 15, Sunday, Mr. Romeo Cainglet and his wife Victoria were baptized in Bulubitoon beach in Hinigaran, a town in Negros Occidental province. The couple’s comment after the baptism ceremony was that, “we felt a wonderful feeling, and for the first time we have complete joy.” The whole Visayas and Sabah congregations rejoiced because of these added members of God’s family. God has been so merciful in calling these people from darkness to light, from errors of this world to His marvelous truth. It is our prayer and hope that God will call more as we see the day of Christ’s return approaching. Philippine Camp This year’s Philippine United Youth Camp which took place on May 4-11 was attended by 32 campers and 34 staffers. Despite of the almost continuous rains in the afternoon throughout the camp, there was no let up in all the activities. The morning Christian living sessions conducted by the camp director were well received by the campers and staffers alike. Issues were discussed on how to live a Christian life without becoming a part of this world’s ways. The campers also enjoyed activities, workshops, and various outdoor activities in the afternoon which were all challenging. Overall, the camp was a success. Typhoon ‘Frank’ A deadly storm named ‘Frank’ devastated almost the entire country. As of this writing, the total number of casualties has not yet been reported, but the number of dead people kept rising in scattered areas. In Western Visayas alone, 134 were reportedly confirmed dead. In Iloilo alone, 28 people were confirmed dead. Negros Occidental had also some casualties but were less in number. Thankfully, no untoward incidents were reported from the members of the Church in the Visayas area from the typhoon. God had mercifully protected His people during the tragedy. Graduates This year’s graduates in the Visayas are the following: In Bacolod: In Leyte: —Reported by Florante Siopan, UCG Elder |
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