May 26, 2009

Two busloads!

It's harvest time!

Going to the Zambales youth camp (hosted by MegaCity Ministry) is a yearly thing for PCF Nova. But this summer, God challenged us to send two buses, for a total of almost 100 seekers and 14 counselors.


Two weeks after the camp, we scheduled a fun-filled sportsfest in our worship center, sort of a reunion event for the campers and a follow-up as well. There were about 30 seekers who attended that weekend, and several returned on the next day's worship service. This coming June 12-13, we are preparing a youth retreat for them. Next year, we envision to send three busloads of seekers.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

May 25, 2009

Rekindle the intimacy

No couple is too old for that...

With two marriage seminars and a special dinner hosted by the youth, it was an event to remember for the 14 couples. So many things can happen right there in our worship center. There were flowers, dances, candle-night dinner, and renewing of vows.

The PCF youth made it happen. They prepared everything, decorated tables, food, photos, make-up (for the wives), baby-sitting, program, and videos. They were even our waiters and waitresses. Usually it's the parents who prepared for them in their activities. This time, they wanted to return the favor.

Not expensive and rich in lessons and loving memories, it was truly a gift from our generous God!


Changing directions

This year, God has led us to concentrate on the G12 discipleship process. Not that we're leaving Purpose Driven totally, we're carrying-over the good stuff that we've experienced there, like Discovering Spiritual Gifts, seeker-sensitive worship service, formal membership, and the leaders' forum among other things. Purpose Driven has a different small group paradigm - more facilitating rather than mentoring. As such, development of small group leaders is not its priority unlike in G12. At this early stage in our 3-year old church, I need a company of small group leaders to help me produce fruitful disciples of Christ.

It's a long way uphill, requiring 3 months for each module, totaling 9 months for the 3 modules. We've just completed ("hurrah!") the first module (Foundations and Family) which we started in March. Our 28 leaders have a feeling of triumph as they hurdled the hot sleepy afternoon sessions, the quizzes and memory verses. I doubt if we can still eat pandecoco, our regular bread during the 3- month class. At any rate, we lay our claim on God's promise of blessings on Mark 10:29-30, which I have restated as... "No one who has left the comfort of a lazy Sunday afternoon for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age."