Jesus Cares for Inmates... this year and always!

The year is ending, but God has been so good. He has allowed us a few more activities just before the close of 2009.

The 18th, 20th, and 21st of December were earmarked for the special programs of our prison ministry.

First came the preparations...

Then the special program at the main jail...

Sunday was for the female inmates...

And finally, Monday for the inmates at the Davao City Jail Annex...

There is perhaps no better way to end the year. And we, once again, face a new beginning - a celebration of God's watchful, loving care.

Six More Reasons to Thank God

The brethren of Royal Valley SDA Church are excited for a lot of things. It's difficult not to be excited these past months. Each week seems to bring with it something new, something to look forward to, something to be really really excited about. These are just a few things:

(1) There'll be a youth camp held in the camp site in a few weeks' time. Bro. Brian Palangi of the Ilang Church have asked if they could use our camp site for a camp meeting designed especially for youth. According to Bro. Brian, around 70 young people are expected to attend. So it's just good that we've got Reason-to-be-Excited #2;

(2) A bulldozer's just been to the camp site to make a couple really good improvements. It's now easier to get there. Road's wider and flatter. If the warm weather keeps up, we could actually bring cars and motorcycles and trucks right in front of the church building. that means no more tired, worn, muddy feet during fellowships there. well, at least not on sunny days. and because we all want a look-see, we're all heading up there right after Reason-to-be-Excited #3;

(3) One of our sisters is getting married to a fine young man. Sis. Jenefa Atchicoso is tying the knot this Tuesday, December 8. We're all very happy for her and we all keep praying for health and happiness and blessing for her and the family she'll be building with Bro. Fred Toledanes;

(4) The church vehicle will be ready for use soon soon soon. After undergoing a lot of renovation, the church jeep will finally be good to go. It's blue, it's shiny, and it can carry around 30 people. We were hoping to use the jeep for the trip to Kidapawan last Sunday, but God has been saving it for a better plan. If He wills, we will be able to use the jeep this Sunday for the Prison Ministry. A blue jeep to carry the blue girls! Our thanks to the gracious people who have made this instrument of the gospel possible;

(5) Speaking of the Prison Ministry, we'll hold a year-end special gathering there come December 18, 20, and 21. The Welfare Ministry will be handing out soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste to the inmates along with good food that the brethren will prepare. And there'll be singing and preaching as well; and

(6) 2010 is here. We're all truly grateful for 2009, but who isn't glad and thankful that our Good Lord has been blessing and guiding us through all these passing years. And more importantly, the close of each year and the beginning of another brings us closer and closer to the advent of our Redeemer.

For the Christian, there's always something new to be thankful and happy about. The graces of the Lord are new every morning. In everything, let the name of the Lord be praised!

Nahisulat Na Radio Ministry: 6th Anniversary

November's over. And so is the month-long anniversary special we held for our radio program, Nahisulat Na. Six years since we started this ministry, it's safe to say we've come a long way. From a Davao-only radio show running for an hour each Sunday, we now have a Kidapawan City hook-up and we've extended to an hour and fifteen minutes. Church members are now also more active participants of the ministry as more and more members are encouraged to share their gifts of speech and music through the program.

While it is true that we hope for the soon close of the gospel, we are truly thankful that the Lord has been guiding and blessing us, bringing us through all six years and counting.

For this year's anniversary special, we held a musical show participated by more than half the church membership. We also gave away Bibles and pocket Spirit of Prophecy books.

On November 15, the church members gathered at the station of Radyo Ukay in Davao City- sharing in song and worship. A light dinner was also prepared and enjoyed.

November 29 was spent in Kidapawan City - a two-hour drive from Davao. Almost 50 members came along. We distributed flyers about Sabbath and Health in public areas.

We also conducted a medical mission at the Charm Radio FM station where we gave free massage, blood pressure check-up, health advice, herbal liniments and capsules, and more reading materials.

The people received us very warmly, and we sure were glad to be of help and to be going about the work of the Lord.

By 6:30, we held another praise and worship through music and song.

We all went home tired, but truly truly happy and blessed.

"Nahisulat Na" airs over DXUM Radyo Ukay 819 kHz in Davao City and DXCA Charm Radio FM 90.3 mHz in Kidapawan City, 6:30 - 7:45 pm every Sunday.

Plans are being made regarding further expansion for the ministry. Our praises and prayers continue to go to God, for all the good things (which includes our green shirts and the truth of the words written there.) :)