NEWSLETTER -Quarter 2 of 2022

Sep 21, 2022

5 min read

Report No. 42

“God’s Love makes you Strong”

“Be strong and of good courage, be not be afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD Thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:9).

Amongst the most encouraging counsel that Moses gave to Joshua when it was about time for him to transfer the leadership of the Israelites to the promised land is to “Be strong and of good courage, be not be afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD Thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:9). These words were repeated several times to encourage not only Joshua as a leader but also the people as they were about to enter the land that was promised through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The lessons from the life of Joshua were the feature of this year’s Virtual Sunday School Prize Giving last July 3, 2022. The kids presented a drama about Joshua, highlighting his character as a strong man who faced many challenges in his leadership but put his whole trust in God. He was able to lead God’s people because God was with him.

We likewise have faced many trials and problems, as a community over the past 2 years, yet like Joshua can rest assured that if we put our trust in God seeking His help, he will never forsake us. and still experiencing global crisis, we are once again reminded like Joshua to “be strong” in facing all these challenges.

Because we have experienced the love of God, our faith has been strengthened. That love we must show to each other. That love we felt from our Brothers & Sisters and family, and that love we are enjoying from our Heavenly Father makes us stronger and courageous in our pilgrimage like Joshua.

ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL

Because of the success of the BEC virtual Sunday School over the past 2 years during the pandemic, the BEC plans to continue offering this mode of learning for our kids who have access on-line, particularly those living in remote locations in the Philippines. This work is led by Sis Eleanor Cruz and coordinated by Bro Jodel James at the BEC CDO office. Our faithful band of teachers scattered across the Philippines share out the weekly task of lesson preparation and presentation, A number of S Schools have also conducted their face-to-face Prize Giving making the conclusion of the school year.

BEC CAGAYAN DE ORO

In preparation for the start of this year’s Sunday School, the BEC Cagayan de Oro office and Prime Strata staff have been busy reproducing the Sunday School workbooks and teaching aids to be distributed to all School areas in the Philippines. The staff target to distribute by August prior to the commencement of the new Sunday school year, together with the support materials requested by Sunday School Teachers.

The BEC shop also serves as an office where first a large range of Bibles and Bible study materials are displayed and available to the public. The staff also design and print flyers and preaching materials for local Ecclesias and coordinate first principles classes and Bible studies via the “Zoom” platform. The Office also serves as the venue for a weekly Bible class of the CDO Ecclesia.

BEC VALENCIA

As quarantine restrictions are now lifting, regular Bible classes at BEC Valencia are now recommencing as well as welcoming interested v

isitors from the community.

Aside from group Bible study classes, it also serves as a venue where visitors can have face-to-face discussions to personally address their Bible queries. The BEC Valencia team is very grateful for having such helpful young people who volunteer to distribute flyers advertising the BEC during their vacant time. Flyers and translated preaching materials are reproduced locally at the BEC Valencia shop. A stand displaying preaching materials at the entrance is popular with passers-by.

Two new sisters were welcomed into the household of Faith in recent months as members of Mailag Ecclesia. Sheryl Joy Amila was baptized on July 16, 2022 while Rechel Celis was baptized last April during the 2022 Camiguin Summer Bible Camp, the fruits of the BEC work.

PASTORAL VISITS

Pastoral and preaching visits to distant Ecclesias and those in isolation are always welcomed by local members. Over the past month Bro Albert Cruz visited and led Bible studies and classes for interested friends in Bataan, Argao and Balaas, Cebu as well as the Ecclesias in Mindanao. It is a joy to fellowship together in our sure hope, the hope of Israel.

ARGAO, CEBU ECCLESIA

A highlight of Bro Albert’s pastoral visit to Argao, Cebu was the baptism of Five (5) new candidates for the Kingdom. The Ecclesia celebrated the welcoming of the new members to their Ecclesia with a Lunch following their 1st Memorial Meeting.

MAILAG ECCLESIA

It was a joy to visit this small but vibrant ecclesia with young and old together in studying their Bibles at their ecclesial hall.

An ecclesial picnic was enjoyed by the ecclesia in a nearby picnic ground. It provided the opportunity for the Ecclesial members to leave their homes and rejoice together in a picnic atmosphere for the first time in almost two years.

KALILANGAN ECCLESIA

It is always thrilling to see the happy faces of the Brothers and Sisters of Kalilangan Ecclesia. Kalilangan continues to grow with the encouragement of the local members. The young people of this Ecclesia are very enthusiastic, regularly conducting Bible classes at their Ecclesial Hall as well as supporting Sunday School activities.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, the Ecclesia held their 1st Bible Seminar at their new Ecclesial Hall. Flyers were distributed prior to the seminar and posters erected, by the local members. Most of the visitors were from the nearby community around the hall. Over 20 friends attended and showed much interest in the two Bible talks. Many interesting questions concluded the talks and the Ecclesia is already planning further sessions in the local dialect as requested by members of the audience..

BATAAN ECCLESIA

A visit to Bataan Ecclesia was made following the lifting of the COVID travel

restrictions. Bible discussions and a memorial meeting were enjoyed by everyone and an Ecclesial lunch was prepared. We can again visit and see the happy faces of the brothers and sisters of Bataan Ecclesia. Some 2nd hand clothes and books donated by Australian and US Ecclesias were brought to the Ecclesia and were appreciated by the members and children. The books and study aids were added to their Ecclesial library.

Fieldworkers are also very welcome to visit and support the work of the BECs now that travel

restrictions are eased. Accommodation is available for any wishing to volunteer to visit and support the work at the BECs. An enthusiastic welcome and warm Filipino hospitality for volunteers is assured! If you are able to assist us or if you have any inquiries, please contact us at: beccagayandeoro@gmail.com or to our key committee members:

Jodel James: jodeljames@gmail.com Treasurer/ Cagayan de Oro BEC
Michael Alesna: lita_alesna@yahoo.com Valencia City BEC
Efren Facun : efrenbfacun@yahoo.com Secretary.

The Bible Education Centre Inc. is a duly registered non- profit entity in the Philippines.