Book Of Hope @ ICBL...

Book Of Hope distribution...

During my trip to Manila with the Vanguard University Lady Lions, the organization called Book Of Hope was the one responsible of providing us with materials for distribution during our ministry time with the other teams and people who came to watch our games.

I was really blessed with this ministry under the leadership of Pastor Wilbert Lojo, National Coordinator of the Book Of Hope together with his staff Pastors Bhong and James. We then discuss about the possibility that they can supply and help us with the distribution especially during our sports ministry trips and in line with our Chaplaincy Program. Pastor Wilbert gave us a commitment that we will be working together in the distribution of these materials.

In fact, during our ICBL Finals last May 19, Saturday we started distributing the Book Of Hope to the players and officials of our league. As long as we have the materials we will continue to be partners with them in saturating our country with the Book Of Hope.

Mabuhay ang Book Of Hope...

Highlights: VU Lady Lions Philippines Trip...

Vanguard University Lady Lions

The Vanguard University Lady Lions from Southern California, USA came to the Philippines last May 12-19, 2007 to play against top collegiate/university women's team in Manila. I was requested to join the trip and minister during our games.

The Lady Lions had a record of five consecutive Golden State Athletic Conference championship titles, eight total conference championship titles and nine NAIA Division I women's basketball national tournament appearances. Our record was 9-0 but what was important was the opportunity to share the gospel. Only half of the total line-up came but still they went home undefeated. They were led by their playing coach Liza "Playmaker" Faulkner, Jessica "The Matrix" Richter, Tiari "The Catwoman" Goold, Jaclyn "The Tank" Bleid, Lindsey "The Blur" Rinke, Lacy "The Fox" Burns, Laura "The Jewel" Job and Kelly "The Tower of Power" Schmidt.

A lot of opportunities for ministry and bible studies have been opened during our games and fellowship with the players and school officials. Praise the Lord!

The players had a great time and even the local church that we worked with were thankful for the partnership we had we them.

Mabuhay VU Lady Lions!

Neos Basketball Challenge...

May 01 is Labor Day in the Philippines, a special non-working holiday. But our Ventures for Victory/Sports Ambassadors team decided to go to Tagum City (one hour drive from Davao City) to join a one day basketball league.

Neos Basketball Challenge is organized by Mike & Valerie Boado. They are local missionaries based in this city. NBC is designed to reach out to the youth and use basketball as a tool to minister to them.

Our team lost during our first game, but we had the chance to minister and share the gospel during half-time of every game. This was really awesome!

Brian had the chance to share his personal testimony and even shared the gospel to the players.

We hope to see NBC continue their ministry to the young people in the area.

God bless NBC...

Ptr. Gary & Grace

Quezon Province...

Last April 26 & 27 Brian and I travelled from Manila for four (4) hours by land to Quezon Province. It was hard for Brian because he is not used to travel this far and going around the mountains. We had to stop a number of times because he was always throwing up. Poor Brian!

Quezon province has been known to have many communist guerillas around. That is why we hasd to pass by a number of military & police check points. Because of this insurgency problems the growth of the province has been affected.

This coming June & July we will be bringing another Sports Ambassadors team to the area to help the local churches evangelize their area. The local pastors and churches are excited and looking forward to this trip. We might be travelling also to the small islands of the province.

Please help us pray that the Lord of the Harvest will use our American players help evangelize the area together with the local workers who will be working with us.

Ptr. Gary & Grace

John Paul's Graduation Ceremony...

LAST MARCH 24, 2007 was a memorable day for everybody in the family. John Paul, our second son graduated BS Nursing at the San Pedro College. It was a very solemn moment for everybody us we witness another miracle in our lives.

Grace and I really thanked the Lord for sustaining us for the last four (4) fours that we have supported JJ in taking up Nursing course. We know that this is just the start of his long journey.
Becoming a nurse is more of a vocation and service rather than a career.

Right now, JJ is busy preparing for his board exam which will be this coming June, 2007. Please continue to pray for JJ.

To JJ, we are very proud of you son.

We love you very much!

Papa & Mommy Grace

Highlights of the CBC Basketball Team Tour...

ICBL - 15TH CONFERENCE...

LAST March 17, Saturday, we started our Inter-Church Basketball League (ICBL) Fifteenth Conference in Davao City. ICBL will be celebrating it's eight (8) year of doing ministry with the different churches in the city.

Since we started the league, many churches have experienced great results in winning souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. Currently, we have ten (10) church-teams participating in the tournament. Most of them are excited in doing ministry with their team officials and players as well.

Just recently we started our ICBL-Cebu. The result was tremendous, we had a great response from the local churches. We hope to start ICBL-Manila soon.

We will be updating again our ICBL blog for you to see the schedule and testimonies of officials and players that have joined the league. Visit our blog: www.icbldavao.blogspot.com

Shalom,

Ptr. Gary & Grace

CALVARY BIBLE COLLEGE

FROM MARCH 19 TO 25, 2007, I will be in Manila to work with the visiting Calvary Bible College Basketball Team from Kansas City, USA.

My ministry-partner Jeff Long from First Love Ministries has requested me to assist him in doing ministry with the visiting American basketball team. Most of their games will be played against College/University teams and Semi-Pro Commercial teams. Each day the team will be playing at least two (2) games.

I am very excited what God is going to do during this time especially to the players and students that we will be reaching out. Please remember us in your prayers during this time, we hope to share Jesus to many of them.

Looking forward to the praise report that I will be giving you after the trip.

Shalom,

Ptr. Gary & Grace

HARDEMAN CUP 2008

LAST February 7-10, 2007 I had the chance once again to be part of this prestigious league HARDEMAN CUP 2008 held every year at Hardeman Gymnasium, Faith Academy, Manila.

Top six (6) high school teams are invited to participated in this very exciting league (boys & girls) division. My job is to be the league announcer and oversee the officiating of the tournament.



Once again I had another wonderful experience working with Coach Tine "The Legend" Hardeman and Coach Dan Beaver.



I always look forward of working in this league because I know part of the experience is ministering to the players and officials about the Lord Jesus Christ.



Mabuhay ang Hardeman Cup...



Ptr. Gary & Grace

HIGHLIGHTS: ICBL-CEBU NETS TOURNAMENT

2ND CSPCGA NATIONAL GATHERING

LAST February 21-23, 2007 We had our 2nd Chaplain Service PCGA National Gathering held in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Close to One hundred Sixty (160) PCGA Chaplains coming from all over the country came to attend the gathering. The gathering was very meaningful that most of the speakers ministered to all the delegates. It was very timely that current issues were addressed and discussed by the body.

One of the highlights of the gathering was the recommitment of all the chaplains to reach out to the men and women in uniform.

The 3rd CSPCGA National Gathering will be held in Zamboanga City to be hosted by the 304th CSPCGA Squadron, CGAD-SWM under the command of CAPT Domingo R Calisang PCGA.

See you in Zamboanga City!

Muchas Gracias Amigo!

Ptr. Gary & Grace

ICON IN PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL

DURING the Unity Congress last February, 2007 I personally met for the first time Robert "Big J" Jaworski, Icon in Philippine Basketball.

Big J as he is fondly called is an institution in Philippine Basketball. During his amateur and professional career, Big J was always a standout, the fans would always get excited if they him on the court.

Meeting him was a dream come true for me. Our short conversation allowed me to know a little bit about my "idol" when I was still playing during my high school and college days.

I pray that Big J would get to know the Lord personally and serve Him.

Ptr. Gary & Grace

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UNITY CONGRESS...

ICBL-CEBU NETS

Early this year, we were able to start our Inter-Church Basketball League (ICBL) Cebu Nets program in Cebu City. Coach Lawrence "Tata" Merced and Coach Alfonso "Al" Solis helped us organized the league. Two (2) church teams from Davao City travelled to Cebu City for the pre-season tournament.

It was really a great experience for the Davao teams because they were given the chance to not only play but minister to the Cebuanos. Grace and I together with our son Brian helped in organizing the tournament.

We plan to have this tournament to be a yearly activity for the churches in Davao and Cebu.

Thanks to Coach Tata and Coach Al for the job well done in organizing the league in Cebu City.

Ptr. Gary & Grace

BAP/SBP UNITY CONGRESS

LAST February 05, 2007 Grace and I were invited to attend the BAP/SBP Unity Congress held at Dusit Hotel, Makati City, Metro Manila.

Two (2) years ago, Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) suspended the Philippines from participating in International competition because of disunity amongst the ranks of the organizers. After the unity congress was held, the different leaders in amateur and professional basketball gathered and set aside their differences and formed a unity body for Philippine Basketball. FIBA lifted the suspension one (1) month later after they have submitted the new organizing body.

As sports chaplain, Grace and I are very thankful that we took part in ministering to the organizers nationwide.

To God be the Glory!

Ptr. Gary & Grace

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

JUST TO KEEP YOU POSTED...Grace and I are always on the road since January 22, 2007, we have travelled to many places in Visayas and Manila almost everyday in a different city.

Having only ten (10) days to travel and visit our family members and friends is really indeed a very hectic schedule for us...Most of the time Grace had to go through a lot of sea sickness and dizziness because of the stress factor involved in travelling and having less time to sleep...

But praise God we were able to go through the wonderful exprience. Thanks for all your prayers and time that you have welcomed us in your homes. We appreciate all the love and care you have extended to us.

Until our next visit.

Shalom!

Ptr. Gary & Grace

BRIAN'S CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE IN BACOLOD...

VISAYAS TRIP...

GRACE AND I will be travelling to the Visayas this coming January 23 to February 05, 2007 for some very important mission: MISSIONARY SUPPORT RAISING ACTIVITY...

As we start our new year, Grace and I felt the need to travel to the Visayas and visit our former church, family members, relatives and friends so that they will be informed about our current ministry activities as well as being missionaries of Philippine Challenge, Inc. handling Sports Ministry and Chaplaincy Work...

This would also be a wonderful time to be with our individual families...We look forward to this trip and the time we will be spending with them...

Also seeing Brian in Cebu City would be a great time...We have not seen Brian since November last year because he is currently having his ECE board review until April, 2007...

John Paul and Stephen Christian will not be going with us because of theirc ongoing classess...

Please remember us in your prayers...We look forward for the exciting trip and that God would grant the desires of our hearts...

Shalom,

Ptr. Gary & Grace

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!