I don't want to celebrate an anniversary only because a year has passed. I want to celebrate because I know God has been good to us and has worked in us and through us. In PCF Nova, that's the way it was.
On June 8, 2008, we celebrated the message the we can be heroes through the powerful help of the Spirit. As I look at the people that God has brought to PCF Nova, I felt awe. Each one is a miracle of God. I can't help but wonder at the amazing things God can do to a person. The message of Ptr. Loi Gatchalian, head pastor of PCF Tondo, echoed the fact that through Christ, we can dream again and dream bigger this time. With past years like these with God, I look forward with excitement to our third year as we face our new theme - Heroes: Ordinary People with Extraordinary Power.
Camps bring the youth to a mountain top experience. They enjoyed the company of new friends, and the ministry of Jesus, and they don't want to break it off.
In the Heroes Camp in Tarlac, about 45 youth leaders attended from the four PCF churches. This was a time to develop camaraderie and the hero spirit among them. One boy lost his wallet in the camp, and he was really miserable. The rest of the boys took out from their meager money and gave to him. Perhaps God wanted to prove to that boy that some things could be lost for us to realize our true treasures. He lost his wallet, but gained true friends. I hope to see more heroes in the days to come.
On the later part of summer, about 50 youth from Nova composed mostly of unchurched people joined the Transformer Camp in Zambales. They were the youth from our communities. They went primarily to check out the fun, but ended up knowing the grace of Jesus. Today, nearly half of our attendees are youth, and they are the fastest growing segment in our church. Let's pray that they will continue to love Jesus and love His church as well.
This is our 4th water baptism party since we started two years ago. Ten people were baptized this time. We have baptized close to 40 people already, and we never tire of doing it. Jesus declared, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) In baptisms, we feel that joy as well. It's actually a source of energy for us to move on and be used by God.
