Tuesday, September 12, 2006
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: 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.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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
Monday, July 24, 2006
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.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
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!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Thursday, July 20, 2006
SPORTS AMBASSADORS: CEBU PROVINCE TOUR
Praise the Lord! We made it safe to Bantayan Island, going through a rough boat ride. We missed our first game which was scheduled at 3:00 pm but we were ready for the 5:00 pm game.
All of us were very tired after a one day of travel. But we got to our game refreshed again after seeing lots of people waiting for us. We will be in this island for the next 4 days. We look forward for a fruitful ministry with the local people.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers...
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
SPORTS AMBASSADORS: CEBU PROVINCE TOUR
Today will be our last day playing in the big city - Cebu City. Tomorrow we will be travelling north of the province to island called Bantayan which will take us around 3 hours by land and 1 hour boat ride. It will be exciting and fun!
So far, the responses are very good, I am sure the churches who are helping us on this trip will have their hands full of people to follow up...
Please continue to remember our team in prayer, as we here to experience fatigue, less sleep, the pressure of trying to adjust with the culture and situation...Praise God the team has been responding positively to the pressure...
We will be in touch...
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