John Paul's Birthday - March 04

John “JJ” Paul, is turning twenty (20) years old this March 04, 2006. I used to call JJ as our “boy, who has only 1 speed” but not anymore. This coming June, 2006 he will be on his final year in Nursing. Wow! How time flies…

Grace and I are really proud to see JJ grow up not just physically but has become mature enough to take some responsibilities in life. He has a big heart in helping the less fortunate people. And he believes that by becoming a nurse, he can use the skills & talents that God has given him to help other people.

Talking to JJ one time, he said to me that he has big dreams for himself, I told him “just continue to follow your dreams and don’t forget to ask God for wisdom as you continue to serve Him.”

From a proud father, I say “You’re the best son!”

Sports Ambassadors - Visayas Trip

This coming March 6-12, 2006 I will be traveling again to the Visayas. My mission is to set up the games for the Sports Ambassadors teams that will be coming on June & July, 2006.

I will be meeting with the different ministerial heads and members in the area. Also this would give me the opportunity to meet the representatives of the different cities, towns and school/universities that our SA teams will be playing.

I will be setting up the games for the SA team in Negros Oriental, Siquijor Island, Cebu Province which includes Cebu City.

There will be three (3) teams that will be coming and each team will have the opportunity to play 25 to 30 games in 10 days.

Please remember me in your prayers: safety during my travel, that God will open opportunities to share the gospel thru the game of basketball and that I will be meeting the right people to assist me in the preparation.

Western Australia Sports Ambassadors

During the Australian Sports Ambassadors visit last December, 2005, Our son Brian Christopher was one of the staff that took care of the officiating and the preaching of the gospel at half-time. This was a great experience for our son because he really loves what he is doing.

Grace and I was really impressed with his confidence in sharing the gospel. In fact, most of the Australian players liked him a lot. Brian is a very relational person. He knows how to make somebody comfortable during a conversation even if it was their first time to meet.

The Beacham Brothers (Greg, Mark & Paul) who led the team to the Philippines showed Brian how they loved him so much, just like what they did to me in Perth, Western Australia when I visited them two (2) years ago during Mark’s Wedding by holding Brian in their arms.

Brian is almost done with school this summer. He plans to apply for a job in Perth, Western Australia early next year. He looks forward of meeting his WA Sports Ambassadors teammates again & Lording willing play with the team next time they come to the Philippines.

We pray that God will grant the desire’s of his (Brian) heart…

PCGA-Air Operations Wing Chaplaincy Service

Our chaplaincy responsibility with the PCGA-Air Operations Wing Auxiliary Tactical Operating Forces brings a lot of excitement in our activity with the uniformed men in the community.

Being the AOW-ATOF Chief-Of-Staff allows me to make sure that during our mission or activity, devotions and spiritual encouragement will always be part of our program.

During our command conference last February 17, Friday, close to 30 PCGA-AOW Officers where present. Part of our discussion was to plan our activities for the rest of the year. Chaplaincy Service activities with the different units in the area was also discussed.

Grace and I have been involved in the ministry for the last three (3) years and we have seen how the Lord has touched the lives of the men in uniform that we minister.

Please continue to pray for this ministry with the military and police. We long to see these officers give their lives to the real “Commander-in-chief” who is Jesus Christ.

TINE "The Legend" Hardeman

The TINE HARDEMAN SHOWCASE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT last February 9-11, 2006 at the Hardeman Gymnasium, Faith Academy, Cainta, Rizal was a great success.

This was my second (2) year to be part of the exciting tournament. Working with Coach Tine “The Legend” Hardeman is always a thrill and wonderful experience. Together with his wife Jane, Tine had been with the Ventures For Victory/Sports Ambassadors since 1957 here in the Philippines. He even had played with most of the Olympic teams here in Asia.

I am always proud to be associated with Coach Tine. His zealousness and passion for the gospel has always been burning, sharing to people the “The Game Of Life”. During the three (3) days of working with him, I have seen how he has led young kids to know Jesus Christ. Coach Tine is really a mentor to me and I look forward to our sports trip this coming June, 2006. Together with his Hardeman Team we are scheduled to visit Negros Oreintal and the island of Siquijor in the Visayas.

Again, to Coach Tine, I salute you sir and may God continue to give you more years of sports evangelism here in the Philippines…

Ventures For Victory/Sports Ambassadors

LAST February 05, 2006 Sunday, the local Ventures For Victory/Sports Ambassadors Basketball Team played the Temple Of Praise Christian Fellowship Basketball Team which is set to join a church league this coming March, 2006. Headed by their Executive Pastor Wilfredo R Calisang, they allowed us to play and minister to their two (2) church teams. Most of their players have just accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior.

Our son Brian Christopher together with Eric Pangburn, another VV/SA player had the chance to share their testimonies during the fellowship time. This was a great opportunity for Brian & Eric knowing that most of the young players that they were playing with were very excited to be part of the church basketball team.

Ptr. William mentioned to us that he is having a regular bible study with the players every wednesday night at the church. The church leadership is very supportive to the newly-opened sports ministry of the church.

Let us continue to remember them in prayer for the success of their sports ministry.

Meet the Visitacion Boys...

BRIAN CHRISTOPHER, 21 years old, graduating this summer after taking a five (5) year course on Electronics Communications Engineering (ECE) at the University of Mindanao (UM). Brian is very active with the local Ventures for Victory/Sports Ambassadors. He has been playing with the team for the four (4) years. He plans to continue his sports ministry activity even after school is done. But for the moment, he is set to leave for Cebu City for the review and board exams that he needs to take this May, 2006 and will be there until Novembr, 2006. Please remember Brian in your prayers…

JOHN PAUL, 20 years old, this year will be his last year as a nursing student at San Pedro College, Davao City. JJ loves to help people and minister to them. In fact, during school they have been doing a lot of community works in the ‘barangays”. This allowed JJ to see the need that there is indeed a lot of people who needs help. Please remember JJ in your prayers…

STEPHEN CHRISTIAN, 12 year old, graduating this March, 2006 at VI Grade. Stephen really enjoys singing and taking part in their school activities. In fact, he is the President of their Student School Council. At a young age, Stephen has the making of a good leader. He might even become the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Lord willing! Stephen would like to continue to develop his skills in singing. Please remember Stephen in your prayers…

We need you...

Grace & I have been full-time missionaries with Philippine Challenge, Inc. for the last five (5) years. We are enjoying great times with the people as we minister to the different Pastors, Church Leaders and Churches in the Philippines through Sports & Recreation Ministry & Chaplain Service.

But all of these victories cannot be accomplished by us without the guidance of our Almighty God and the prayers and support of our brethren. We believe that God sets aside people to further His kingdom by praying, giving and going. If you are led by the Lord to support us and our ministry through Philippine Challenge, Inc., you may send your financial blessings to:

Here in the Philippines:

Philippine Challenge – Account #4
C/A 00727-680218-2
Metrobank Branch

Mailing Address in the Philippines:

Philippine Challenge, Inc.
Ruby-Coral Streets, Marfori Heights Subdivision
8000 Davao City
Email Add: icbl@skyinet.net & glvisitacion@yahoo.com


In the USA or other countries, send support to:

OC International
c/o Ptr. Gary & Grace Visitacion
Philippine Missionaries
P.O. 36900, Colorado Springs
Colorado 80936, USA

Chaplain Service

CHAPLAIN SERVICE means “ministry that is happening outside of the local church.” The idea is to establish a ministry work in the different institution in the community where the local churches cannot reach, especially those men & women in uniform.

Three (3) years ago, Grace and I have joined the Chaplain Service Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (CSPCGA). It is our heart’s desire to see good values, good leaders & good governance being implemented, at the same time to live a dignified quality of life & sufficiency in accordance with God’s plan for a just, humane and caring organization.

We have been traveling to the different parts of the country to train and orient chaplains who is interested of being part of the organization. Our CSPCGA mission is to “To strengthen the moral & spiritual resources of PCGA Chaplains & Non-PCGA Officers as source of national identity & pride & to use it’s power for self-renewal.”