A BLESSED CHRISTMAS & EXCITING NEW YEAR!

LAST December 16, Saturday our Philippine Challenge, Inc. Southern Philippines Team had our christmas party together with our family members. We had a great time playing with our teammates and family members. Indeed we needed the break and remembering the importance of Christmas.

Year 2006 is about to end and we say THANK YOU LORD for everything...we look forward for another exciting year in 2007...

To all our prayer partners and ministry supporters, from the bottom of our hearts Thank You Very Much for believing in us...

We appreciate your love and partnership!

SHALOM!!!

TAGUM EVANGELICAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

DURING the early part of December, I was very busy setting up this new league on the block "The Tagum Evangelical Basketball Association".

Ptr. Dixon, a young pastor from the Southern Baptist Church based in Tagum City came to me and ask me if I can help him set-up and organize his league. Right away, I told him by all means pastor I would be glad to assist.

For the last two (2) weeks, we have been meeting in my office and drafting the ground rules, briefing him on the mechanics of the league and gave him some pointers based on my experience running a league.

Our next program will now be meeting all the participating churches represented by their pastors for a short seminar on Sports Ministry. We are looking forward of doing this early January, 2007.

Please pray for TEBA that God will use this ministry in reaching out young people for Christ. Pray also for Pastor Dixon, as he leads this ministry...

RADM DANILO A ABINOJA PCG

LAST November 2006 our Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Coast Guard Auxiliary District, Southeastern Mindanao had our Third District Conference. Close to forty (40) CSPCGA Chaplains all over Southeastern Mindanao came to attend the convention.

I had the chance to give a ministry report of what CSPCGA has been doing all over the country.

It was also a blessing for me to meet RADM DANILO A ABINOJA PCG, Deputy Commadant & National Director, PCGA. He gave me some encouraging words about our chaplaincy work. He said that he totally supports our program. Praise the Lord!

Hopefully I will meet RADM Abinoja on February, 2007 during the Second CSPCGA National Gathering in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

COMMENDATION RIBBON: LTSG GRACE C VISITACION PCGA

Grace has been very active in her chaplain service ministry with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (CSPCGA)here in Mindanao. In fact, one of her latest ministry activity was during the medical and dental outreach which the squadron hosted in one of the remote areas in the city.

Last November 2006, Commodore Margarita M Floirendo PCGA, District Commander, CGAD-SEM personally awarded Grace a Commendation Ribbon for her support during the said activity.

I personally witness the awarding ceremony and felt very proud of my wife's commitment in her chaplaincy work.

Praise the Lord!

CHAPLAIN SERVICE: NORTHERN MINDANAO

LAST NOVEMBER 2006 I had to travel again to Bukidnon which is four (4) hours bus ride to orient and train close to sixty (60) pastors and christian leaders in Northern Mindanao.

I was again a great experience for me and the training staff because we were preparing these ministry workers on how to conduct ministry with the men and women in uniform especially the military and police.

I am looking forward to these ministers and lay leaders to be part of the Chaplain Service, PCGA. I know they will make a big impact in reaching these people for Christ.

Please remember this ministers in your prayers...

STEPHEN'S ACTIVITY...

LAST week Stephen Christian went to visit Central 911-Davao (counterpart of 911 USA & Canada). He had the chance of learning a lot of techniques in Disaster Management. According to Stephen it was a very wonderful experience for him knowing that a disaster can happen anytime.

I really enjoyed the experience especially how to handle emergency situations where help is needed right away...

Davao City is blessed to have this king of program for the people to get immediate attention in the event assistance is needed. Our family is now helping educate our commmunity so that they can avail of the services of Central 911...

BRIAN'S GRADUATION DAY...

LAST November 15, Wednesday the whole family went to witness Brian's Graduation Day at the University of Mindanao Gymnasium.

It was a day of thanksgiving for the family seeing that Brian finished his course (Electronics & Communications Engineering). Only a few would like to take this five (5) year course because there is so much pressure and responsibility each student would go through.

Grace and I witnessed how Brian faced all the challenges but in the end he came out victorious. Our feeling that day was like winning a "basketball game" & Brian hit the final buzzer.

Brian is now back in Cebu City to continue his review so that he will be prepared for the board exam this coming April, 2007.

Please continue to pray for Brian that God will continue to give him wisdom, strength and courage to finally finish the race.

To Brian, we are very proud of you son...

Looking forward of seeing you soon...

And they came to blessed us...

Stolen moments from the people who came and visited us...

A VISIT FROM OUR FRIENDS...

Special friends will always be treasured...

Last November 3-5, 2006, we were visited by members from our former church headed by their Pastor Norman Lim from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. Around twenty (20) of them came and most of them stayed with us. Grace and I together with our children were blessed to have them as our guests in the house. The last time they came to visit us was almost ten (10) years ago.

We really had a great time with them. We had the chance of bringing them around Davao City. But what we really missed was the fellowship we had together. We talked about our wonderful memories together when we were still their pastor of four (4) years(1991-1995).

Right now the church is pastored by my good friend Pastor Norman & Arlene Lim. They are such a wonderful couple that they have shown so much love to the church. Grace and I don't missed a day without praying for them and their family.

Before we say our goodbyes, we had the chance of reminding them of how much God is blessing people especially in the family of believers. Their visit really brought a lot of encouragement to us and vice-versa as well.

We will never forget this wonderful visit they had with us. As Grace and I would always say special friends will always be treasured.

To Pastor Norman and company, thank you so much for the blessing...

We will always treasure the friendship...until next visit...

We love you all!

Shalom!


From the Visitacion Family...

MEETING OUR BAP PRESIDENT...

LAST October 11-13 2006, I had the chance to attend the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) National Congress held at the Aloha Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Our ICBL organization has been an official member of the BAP for the last seven (7) years. I had the chance to meet the "big names" in Philippine basketball. One of them was our former Senator Joey D. Lina, who just resigned as our BAP President during the congress.

I was given the chance to speak during the congress. In fact, my message focus more on the leadership of Senator Lina, who I believe is a christian. I had a short talk with him personally before the meeting started and I tried to convince him not to resign as we need leaders like him who stand on righteousness.

But he told me pastor that it was a very hard decision to make but this would be the best option to make in our beleaguered organization. I believe BAP and Philippine Basketball lost a great leader that day.

I told our former president, that I will continue to pray for him and support his leadership in any capacity.

To our former BAP President Joey D. Lina, I salute you sir...


Ptr. Gary Visitacion, CSC
ICBL Director

Chaplaincy Service: Northern Mindanao

Last October 04-07, I went to Malaybalay City, Province of Bukidnon which is around fours (4) by vehicle going around the mountains. It was indeed a foggy ride.

But seeing close to forty (40) ministers and laymen wanting to join the chaplaincy service really got me excited. We started the interview and the three (3) days training for them. I am amazed by the interest given by these ministers to do ministry with the men in uniform.

We hope to see more chaplains being trained and deployed to the different military units nationwide. I believe God is reaching out to the men & women in uniform.

I am always looking forward to the next training. Please pray for these volunteer chaplains who have made a commitment to be used by God in the military.

To the Chaplains, Welcome aboard!

Stephen's Ministry...

LAST Sunday, Stephen Christian was requested to give a special number in one of the churches that we are doing ministry at least once a month.

This church is two (2) years old. Their pastor and his wife are very committed to pioneer the church. So far, right now they have already around fifteen (15) families that they are ministering too.

Grace and I are always blessed to minister to them because of their zealousness and love of serving the Lord and the family of believers.

Even Stephen is always looking forward to visit this church so that he can sing to the church. Stephen loves always to sing for the Lord, we believe this is the gift that the Lord has given him.

To God be the glory!

INTER-CHURCH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

INTER-CHURCH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

INTER-CHURCH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Last September 8-10, 2006 was a very busy weekend during the opening of the Inter-Church Basketball League (ICBL) Fourteenth Conference.

Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) (local version of the NBA) Alfonso “Al” Solis & Lawrence “Tata” Merced were the special guests during activities. Al & Tata shared their personal testimonies to the different coaches, team officials and players. They even conducted a basketball clinic in one of the communities hosted by All Nations Christian Fellowship (ANCF).

Currently, there are twelve (12) church-teams who joined the tournament. Games will be played every Saturdays & Sundays. Team officials and players will be followed up by their local churches through bible study, church fellowship and other ministry activities. The tournament will last until November 26, 2006.

I would like to extend our appreciation to Baptist Basketball from Perth Western Australia under the leadership of Ashley & Tara Brian who has partnered with us in helping ICBL continue it’s ministry in the Philippines.

To Ashley & Tara, thank you very much for being our ministry partners...

MISSIONS TRIP PICTURES...

MISSIONS: ZAMBOANGA & BASILAN

It was another missions trip that I could not forget. I had the chance again to work with my old friends who are based in this area. I was very glad to meet them. I was blessed to know that their ministry is doing well. Zamboanga & Basilan provinces is dominated by our “muslim friends”. If you remember the kidnapping of former missionaries to the Philippines Martin & Gracia Burnhams, Basilan was the place that they were held captived by the local terrorists called Abu Sayyap for many months.

I could see that the church in the area continues to do the Great Commission. Doing the will of God in this area is not easy. In fact, most of the time they always fear for their lives. I have the chance of hear their testimonies and experiences. I am really amazed how the Lord Jesus Christ has protected them.

Please remember to pray for our brethren in these area. Hope to visit them again next year.

MISSIONS TRIP

Today August 19, Saturday I will be travelling to the mountains of Saranggani Province. I will be there for four (4) days ministering to the B'Laan Tribe. A lot of their mountain pastors and church workers really need help and encouragement.

Everytime I travel to this places, I am always being blessed seeing these wounderful people of God. Their commitment of serving the Lord is really tremendous. They always tell me that they are blessed to see me during my visit. But in reality it is me who is really blessed because everytime I see them, I am always encouraged.

The mode of transportation during my visit, will be riding their horses, which is also very exciting.

Please remember me in your prayers during this time. I will be travelling to Zamboanga City and Basilan on August 23-30.

Ptr. Gary & Grace

SPORTS AMBASSADORS: BOGO TOWN TOUR

SPORTS AMBASSADORS: BOGO TOWN TOUR

Our final stop was in the town of Bogo, Northern Cebu Province. We were welcomed by the town official. Personally to welcome us was Vice-Mayor Vicente Rodriquez Jr. and town administrator Mr. Pepe Lupon.

After the short courtesy call, we had a motorcade around town, it was a cool experience for our players. We even visited some schools during the parade, thousands of students were waiting for us during our visit.

That afternoon, we had a barangay game and our last game was held at the town sports coliseum that evening. Many people came to watch our game against the local town selection. Surprisingly, they had three (3) players who are currently playing at the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), a professional league in the Philippines. The game ended in a tie at 84 all, but the great thing was for the people to hear the gospel.

Today is our final day in the city of Cebu. Our players deserved a big break today after almost 10 days of games, ministry and travel.

We all are going home tomorrow bringing with us the wonderful experience of being used by God.

To all of you, thank you very much for your prayers and support.

CONQUERING BANTAYAN ISLAND

Our Ventures For Victory/Sports Ambassadors team spent four (4) days in Bantayan Island visiting all three (3) towns of the island called Sta Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos, we played six (6) games. A lot of people came to our games. It was really a wonderful experience for the team because the local churches who worked with us was very excited and thankful that we visited them. The island has only less than 2% evangelical presence. We even left them with some gospel tracts because they plan to continue their evangelism campaign in the island.

Sunday afternoon after our final game in the island, we traveled back to the main island of Cebu and traveled to the town of Bogo which is our final stop of the tour. We will be playing our remaining three (3) games in this town. Tuesday afternoon our team will be traveling back to Cebu City and the whole team goes back to our individual home base on Wednesday, July 26, 2007.

Another exciting trip is about to end. We will be going home very tired but bringing with us the joy of seeing a lot of people received Jesus Christ. Please continue to remember in your prayers the different pastors and churches who will be doing the follow-up.

Shalom!

SPORTS AMBASSADORS: BANTAYAN ISLAND TOUR

SPORTS AMBASSADORS: BANTAYAN ISLAND TOUR

SPORTS AMBASSADORS: BANTAYAN ISLAND TOUR