Mission: Davao del Norte, Mindanao

This coming June 01 to 06, 2008, I will be having a sports trip to the Province of Davao del Norte.

Joining me is the Buhay Sports Basketball Team from Kansas City, USA. The visiting squad is scheduled to play against local teams in Tagum City, Panabo City and Carmen from June 01 to 05, 2008.

Leading the cast of players are Reagan Billings, 5’9, Shooting guard; Chase Billings, 6’1, Pointguard; Scott Henderson, 6’3, Center; Kevin Henderson, 6’2, Power Forward; Jordan Martin, 6’2, Small Forward; Jason Netherton, 6’2, Small Forward; Tom Nykamp, 6’2, Power Forward; Daniel Bucher, 6’2, Small Forward, David Clinton, 6’4, Power Forward and Joshua Manthe, 6’8, Center.

The American Buhay Sports Basketball team is scheduled to arrive Manila this coming May 31, Saturday then they are expected to arrive Davao City on June 01, Sunday. Before they travel to Tagum City in the afternoon the team will be the guests at Grace Baptist Church of Pastor Sam Pascual at 10:30 am during their regular Sunday Service.

Please remember us in your prayers. We are looking forward for the gospel to be shared to the people that will come and watch our games.

Visiting Families, Churches & Friends

Our Unforgettable journey

April 25th marked the start of our initiation as travellers from Mindanao to the Visayas via land and sea. Bringing with us our vehicle, we left Davao at 6:00 in the evening for a 6 hour-drive to Cagayan de Oro City. Our trip was not at all easy as we trod along the winding roads of Bukidnon. First, the fog was so thick we could hardly see. Second, it rained so hard the reflectors were no longer visible, thus, forcing us to stop in the middle of the road to wait for the rain to disperse. Finally the heavy rain turned into drizzle and we continued our long drive until we reached Cagayan de Oro City at about 12:30 in the morning. We checked-in in one of the inns, woke up at 5:00 am the next day for another 3 hour-drive to Iligan City and another boat ride to Ozamis City then a another 3 hour drive to Dapitan for our 4 hour boat ride that will bring us to Dumaguete City.

In Dumaguete, we visited some of our friends before travelling to Bacolod City the next day. We thought our trip to Cagayan de Oro was the most challenging of all, but we were wrong. Bacolod is a 7 hour-drive from Dumaguete City, but the trip could be shortened if we pass through the undulating route accross the mountains of Negros. That was the most frightening trip we experienced. Once again, it rained heavily as we were climbing the mountains. We could only see the sharp curves and the trees lining up on our right side and on our left. Outside the car was total darkness. We only knew that as we turned every sharp curve, the cleft was just alongside. We continued our spiral trekking until we reached the part where the road was already straight and sloping. Meaning, we were nearing the civilization. Praise God! the long and winding road finally came to a halt. We would say, God was really in control of our car.

Finally, we arrived Bacolod City on April 27, Sunday around 9:00 pm and we were happy to see our family who greeted us with a sumptous dinner. Praise the Lord!

Highlights of the China Goodwill Games

Highlights of the China Goodwill Games

Greetings from Xiamen, China

We arrive in Xiamen, China on April 17, Thursday around 11:45 am without the team. Due to immigration problem, they were not allowed to board the plane except for the four (4) officials who were given clearance. The team had to catch the next plane the following day. Good that the Chinese Basketball Association in Xiamen understood the situation so they reset our first game the following day.

The following day when the team arrived from the Philippines, I met the team for a short meeeting at the hotel before we went to our game. They were very happy to have a team chaplain. Sharing the gospel to these young players was really a great opportunity. I had the chance to share some life stories of great basketball players who dedicated their lives to the Lord.

Our host also gave us a tour around Xiamen. This province is also part of the China Economy Zone that is why a lot of construction especially bridges are being built. We also visited some historical sites such as the turtle island, piano museum and other places.

On our fifth day, the boys had the chance to do some shopping especially buying some personal souvenirs. But before we went to the airport, I had another opportunity to minister to the team in my room. Another big challenge was that upon our check-in, we were told that three (3) of our players could not board the plane because they overbooked the flight. So we prayed that the Lord will do something. I could sense that the three players were starting to feel bad. I just continued to pray in my spirit that God will intervene in this situation. Praise God! the airline told us later that all of us will be able to go home.

Upon our arrival in the Philippines midnight of April 20, Sunday, I told the boys to remember God always in their lives especially the blessings they have received from Him.

I went home very tired but joyful that another opportunity was given to me to represent the country and also minister to the team.

China Goodwill Games

On April 17 to 21, 2008 the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) will be participating in the China Goodwill Games in Xiamen, China. A Collegiate Basketball Selection Team will represent the Philippines in this tournament.

Last week I was asked to be part of the delegation and be the Team Chaplain during the trip. After praying about it, I believed this is a great opportunity for me to minister to the players and officials while we participate in this prestigious tournament.

I am looking forward to this trip and praying that God will touch the lives of our filipino players.

Please remember to pray for us during those days while we are in Xiamen. I look forward to the praise report that I will share with you after the trip.

Ptr. Gary & Grace

Another great year for Stephen Christian!

Grace and I once again marched with Stephen during his final recognition day last March 31, Monday at his school. During the entire ceremony, I was just thanking the Lord for another great year for Stephen. He has really worked so hard studying, learning so many things, joining as many activities in school, etc. And the day has come for him to be given an award.

Stephen was even given the chance to carry the school flag during the opening march. Stephen received numerous awards in Academics and Activities that is being offered by the school.

Once again we are thankful to the Lord for Stephen, indeed he is our "miracle baby".

We love you very much Stephen! We are so proud of you son...

God bless you!

Papa & Mommy Grace

Bible Open Air Ministries

Last March 26, Wednesday I flew from Cebu City to Manila to meet Arthur Williams, Bible Open Air Ministries International Director together with his Philippine Staff to discuss the final preparation for the coming of Steve Lillis, former world pool champion from the US for a possible ministry trip in the Philippines. Steve is also the President/Founder of Gospel Trict Shots Ministries based in the US.

Joining me in that meeting was my field director Richard Henderson together with some BOAM staff in the Philippines and India. First we discussed our ministries, then Art Williams shared about Steve and GTS. I was excited to know that Steve has a burden to come to the Philippines to share his personal testimony thru the sport of billiards/pool. I never imagined that God can use billiards to reach out the lost for Christ. Hallelujah! Steve also knows some of the filipino world pool champions the like of Efren "Bata" Reyes, Dyango Bustamante, Noel Alcano and the others. No wonder the Philippines now is considered the Billiard capital of the world.

So we are now finalizing the details of Steve Lillis coming to the Philippines. Looking forward for this exciting ministry.

Please help us pray that God will use tremendously Steve Lillis in reaching the people for Christ.

3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

BEEFIT TRAINING CENTER sponsored a 3 on 3 basketball tournament which started last March 15, Saturday at the Matina Town Square Basketball Court. A total of ten (10) teams joined the 3 weekend tournament. Ventures For Victory/Sports Ambassadors was one of the teams that participated the tournament.

Together with our two boys Brian Christopher, John Paul and myself formed the VV/SA team that joined the league. Even if we did not win our first 2 games, we still had the chance to minister to the other players.

On our next game, we plan to distriubute some gospel tracts to the players and Brian & JJ plans to share their testimony during the games.

Please help us pray for the success of the tournament and that God will use us to minister to all the participants.

UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF CHRIST INC.

Once again our family had a 2 days missions trip to Davao del Norte last March 8-9, 2008. We visited some pastors and churches in Panabo City, Carmen and Tagum City.

We had a great time fellowship with these pastors and sharing with them our vision and mission. On our last day of travel, we had the chance to minister at the Universal Church Of Christ Inc. whom the resident pastor is a dear friend of ours.

The family ministered thru song while I gave the message. We were so thankful for the opportunity that God has given to blessed this church. We also went home being encouraged by the positive response of our brethren in their involvement in missions in the area.

We hope to visit UCCI again in the future.

Thank you very much for partnering with us!

We really appreciate your prayers and support to the Visitacion Family. Our hearts are for reaching our fellow filipino brothers for the Lord Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to have you as our ministry partners.

Please keep us posted of what God is doing in your lives. We consider you all not just our ministry partners but also part of our family. We love you all!

God bless you...

Ptr. Gary & Grace Visitacion

Sports Missionaries

Hardeman Cup & Batangas Province

Last February 7-13, 2008 I travelled to Manila for the yearly Tine "The Legend" Hardeman Basketball Tournament which was held again at Faith Academy, Manila. Faith Academy invites top high school basketball teams in Metro Manila for a 3 day league. But during the tournament the local teams will have the chance hear the gospel during breaktime. Sports Chaplain Tine Hardeman himself leads the devotion to the players and officials.

After the tournament, I travelled to Batangas Province visiting Lipa City and Batangas City to meet with the ministerials pastors in the area. Batangas Province is one of our target provinces this year for the yearly visit of the Ventures For Victory/Sports Ambassadors. I also had the chance to survey the places. Lipa City and Batangas City is considered a highly urbanized area and one challenge is that currently the evangelical presence is only less than 4%.

We hope our coming this July, 2008 will be a blessing to the local pastors and churches in helping them evangelize their cities.

Highlights of the Northern Mindanao Trip-Part 2

Highlights of the Northern Mindanao Trip-Part 1

Aussie Sports Ambassadors: Another Great Trip!

To all our ministry partners,

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. Our sports trip together with the Western Australia Sports Ambassadors last January 16-25, 2008 was another great experience. We played 19 games to an estimated crowd of 12,000 people in Northern Mindanao and Davao City. We had 2,653 responses, some received Jesus Christ, others wanted to be visited by us and others wants to be part of a local church.

It was also wonderful to see my old Aussie mates Greg, Paul, Mark, Hedley, Mike, Brad and new friends Giles and Danny.

I believe the pastors and local churches who were working with us had a great time of working together. Please remember them in your prayers as they focus now on following up those people who responded.

To my Aussie mates, congratulations for a job well done...

Remember, Boracay is better than Paradise Island. See you there on January, 2009.

Ptr. Gary & Grace

Aussie Sports Ambassadors Trip

This coming January 16-25, 2008, I will be joining the Australian Sports Ambassadors Basketball Team from Perth, Western Australia headed by Greg Beacham together with are his brothers Paul & Mark. Joining them are Hedley Taylor, Mike Valenti, Brad Potts, Giles Creelman & Danny Cook. Joining us also in the team are Joshua Manthe, Jeff & Kirk Long. We will be in Northern Mindanao from January 16-22 then proceed to Davao City on January 23-25, 2008.

The last time this Aussie Team was in the Philippines was 3 years ago. I will have the chance to work with 10 Aussies and play 2 games per day. We look forward of working with the local churches in the area. Bro. Jun Antipasado who is our local coordinator has lined-up some games for us. We will be playing against schools and barangay teams.

The last 3 days will be in Davao City for a series of games against schools, barangay and commercial teams. This is going to be tough but we look forward for the ministry side of our trip.

Thank you for remembering us in your prayers. We need it during this time.

Looking forward for the praise reports. Hallelujah!

Happy Healthy New Year to everybody

Greetings to Everybody!

May this 2008 bring more joy and happiness to you and your family.

Grace together with our boys Brian, JJ & Stephen would like to thank you for all your prayers and support for the many many years of ministry partnership.

God bless you!

Ptr. Gary & Grace Visitacion

Sports Evangelists

http://www.visitacionjournal.blogspot.com/

http://www.icbldavao.blogspot.com/

http://www.philchal.org/

http://www.onechallenge.org/

Tagum Missions Trip

Last December 29 & 30, 2007 we travelled to Tagum City, one hour drive north from where we lived.

Our mission was to ministered to pastors/chaplains in the area and be the guest speaker for the inauguration of a local church whose members are mostly natives in the coastal area. We had a great time of praise & worship together with the members. Grace and the boys ministered tru songs to the congregation.

I challenged the people to helped built the church in the area. Pastor Toto who we installed as their pastor is also one of the natives in that place.

Because the church is new, they are in need of a sound system, musical instruments, chairs, bibles, etc. Please remember them in your prayers that God will provide what they need.

The Year This Year - 2007

Praise God! - that’s the word we can best describe for the year 2007. The first and second quarter of this year brought about a lot of challenges in our family. We were so discouraged by a lot of things, people and events. If we tell them to you one by one you won’t believe we survived. But HALLELUJAH, God is faithful and walked with us through those tough times. The third quarter brought joy to our hearts when our second son J-j who graduated from nursing school last March, passed the nursing licensure examination. How gracious God is!

We are also thankful, that in our own little way we have blessed a lot of pastors and churches all over the country through our sports ministry and chaplain service ministry. God has been so faithful in providing the people and the finances needed to do the work. All of this was possible because of your prayers and your partnership with us.

As we enter the year 2008, we once again look forward to a continued partnership with you. God knows how truly grateful we are for all your support. May God in His goodness, return the blessings to you pressed down, shaken together and running over!

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas & a Healthy New Year!

Ptr. Gary & Grace Visitacion

Philippine Challenge, Inc.

Missionaries