catalans

Year End Thanksgiving

2009-01-03T04:52:00.001-08:00

The following pictures were taken during our Year End Thanksgiving celebration held last Dec. 27, 2008. The gathering were specifically for children of Cainta who are mostly from the impoverished neighborhood.

The program were very simple and mostly concentrated to the much awaited Children's event, and that is the exchanged gifts. For the youth the amount is just measly P20 -P25.00 and above and for the kids' only P10. The program starts with singing, games and the gift-giving. Followed by the distribution of sleepers, donated by sister Liza Elasin.

The surprised belated Christmas bags of goodies came as the finale. Assisted by Raj Buo, together we distributed bags of groceries that consists of noodles, variety of canned goods, 2 packets of rice, and biscuits. A total of 20 bags were distributed to each families. These stuff all came and courtesy of the brethren from Bishan and PP churches of Christ in Singapore.

The program ends with a snack of spaghetti noodles, biscuits and drinks prepared by Sister Gina Catalan. And later, she distributed chocolate candies.

We still have some goodies to be given away, like t-shirts and Bibles, bags and other gift items that all included in the balikbayan box from Singapore, but we deffered it for the moment because we want to give it personally, like prize or special gifts for some occasions.

We would like to thank the brethren from Singapore for all these stuff that truly made some people happy and merry in this season of giving. We really appreciate all your help in Cainta as we continue to serve His people and hoping that someday, all our efforts will produced fruits specially to the parents and families of this kids who are really diligent in regularly attending our Sunday School Bible Classes.

All for God's glory!

Cainta CoC 10th Year of Thanksgiving

2008-12-10T21:02:00.001-08:00

Cainta church of Christ 10th Year of Thanksgiving. Held on Nov. 9, 2008 at sister Lisa Elasin's house in Village East, Cainta Rizal.

Team Hoyt

2008-11-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

Incredible video about the relationship between a father and son.... and God's relationship with us.

Job 19:25 But as for me I know that my Redeemer liveth, And at last he will stand up upon the earth.

This story is absolutely amazing! Make sure you view the clip of the duo (best with speakers or headphones). A son asked his father, ' Dad , will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says, 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, ' Dad , let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' . For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island . Father and son went on to complete the race together.

Go for Goat!

2008-08-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

To our Philippine brethren.

We now have over 250 goats in our Cebu farms. Our target is to have 10,000 goats to loan to Philippine partnering farmers in five years or less. Here are pictures that will give you an idea how simple it is to start a goat farm. If you cannot do it yourself due to time or space, just learn more about this program and share it with the members of your congregation. Later on, I can help loan them quality goats to raise and you or someone in the church can serve as the monitor or coordinator. Or better yet, you can do this on your own independently. We will supply you with additional information and any other way we could be of service to the Lord's body.

This project is low cost, low, tech and ideal for the Philippine climate and economic condition. It has also a lot of downstream benefits: Health, Environment, Economy and most especially, Outreach opportunities for the church. After goat raising, you can get milk out of this (rich in calcium, protein, and lactose free). You then can make soap and lotion from the milk that you cannot drink. Manure can be used as rich organic fertilizer. Goat skin can be used for many leather products such as handicrafts. You can also raise chicken with goats and the chicken can live from the excess goat feed as well as eat the centipedes around the farm that can harm the goats. Other complimenting farm projects: Vermiculture (Worm) and Seed Production.

Some goats can give up to a gallon of milk per day.
Some goats can grow up to 300 lbs.
Some goats can provide up to 25 lbs of manure every day.
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/goatraisers/photos/browse/be3b

Goat raising can be a solution towards self-sufficiency of our members, preachers, and churches. In the ancient times, the image of a goat is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Jacob started from Laban's rejects and became prosperous through goats and sheep. In modern days, New Zealand became prosperous due to sheep and goats. Through goat raising, we can be healthier, our kids can go to college, we can support our own preachers and evangelize our neighbors and beyond.

" The lambs will provide you with clothing and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goat's milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls." Prov. 27:26-28 NIV

Go for GOAT!

Salvador Cariaga
For more information, write to me at cariaga@yahoo.com or Alex Coloma at abc_nikko@yahoo.com
Feel free to share

East-Rizal Intercon Worship Service

2008-08-06T22:07:00.001-07:00

East Rizal Inter-Congregational Worship Service

2008-07-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

The first inter-congregational gathering of the churches of Christ in East Rizal area. The non-stop heavy downpour of rain didn't stop the organizer and the worshipper to proceed inspite of the threatening storm, (the event was already postponed a month ago during the height of typhoon Frank). There are almost 150 members attended and six congregations participated namely the churches of Antipolo (Uptown Rizal), Cainta, De Castro (Pasig), Kapitolyo (Pasig), Centennial (Pasig) and Pag-Ibig (Pasig).

Myanmar Mission Relief Work

2008-05-28T07:14:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

36th MARCH Mission - CdO City

2008-05-26T23:31:00.001-07:00

36th M.A.R.C.H for Christ Medical and Dental Mission, 22-23 May, 2008 East City Central School Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. Simultenously held in Iligan City (22 May) and Camiguin Island (23 May) in Mindanao.

Latest Update from Myanmar Relief Mission Work

2008-05-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Update from Myanmar Relief Mission Work, Sun. 25 2008

we had a great Lords day here in myanmar. Ubah tais daughter and son-in-law attended the morning worship at sis winsomes place. he is the only christian in his family so we were so glad to see some of his clan whom we gave medical aid last friday .attendace is 26 plus 5 children.
Joey barrier preached in the morning and jeremy is scheduled in the afternoon at sis esthers house. but joey had a bum stomach so they were late in the evening worship and i had to fill in as the speaker.we had 5 visitors in the pm service.the nieghbors who helped with the prep of the relief packages.
no need to worry abt joey. we got him some medications already.
the barrier brothers is in uncle ronnies place as i write to get info and help through their org.if they can give us certification so we can go to lapoda on tuesday. joey will also meet with the prez of myanmar ecunemical movt tom morning who is his acquaintance if the grp can help 4 foreigners (2 americans+2 pinoys) got he the delta region. as of today, accdng to douglas, only burmese are permitted to go there.
by the way, the remaining staff of winsomes former office will travel to lapoda tom. so 4 of our church members namely, phillip,sian tal, ubah tai and nim mou decided to join the grp. like i said earlier, uncle ronnies grp has already machineries in that area also and he gave our grp permission to travel with them even if we will do our own thing. they are willing to provide logistics and provide nec contacts to our team going there.
so our 3 preachers+ 1 member will serve as our advance team there.they will come back thursday,Lord willing. 4 or 5 of us will follow on tues if we can get passes or if and when the military govt will make an announcement allowing all foreigners passage to the delta area.
but i will contact the phillipne asmbassador also early tom and ask abt the phil team and how he may help us.
i released 500usd/pax as recommended for the advance team as their relief budget.
jeremy also handed to the team a handy water purification system and lots of puritabs for their use and the people theyre going to help with instruction that they will pass it on to the next team goin there.
meanwhile, dr conrad and i will go back to mhawbi tom morning for a basic healhtcare lecture for the orphans beside the bible college. edward, the tamil burmese guy you missed last mon. barrier boys will follow in the afternoon.
by the way, phillip is asking if the gen set can have at least 5KW power. the rationale is that they need at least 5kw in order for the schools electric power water pump to work. the made in china gen set with that capacity is abt 650usd.
pls include abovementioned plans and our health and welfare as well in your prayers,

to God be the glory!

shemer sameon (MARCH for Christ, Team 2)

Sat. 24 May, 2008

dear bro,
we share the same ecstasy when we heard the news last night abt the govt opening to all aid workers. but its only a news until now and many are also asking WHEN?
at our meeting, the group felt that we should go as far as lapoda bec thts whre many small villages are neglected and there are talks that the ones without relief aid are buddhist. accdng to them, majority of the populace in the delta region are baptist christians. with the the karens baptist grp relief machinery( that we can atest), the baptist burmese in the delta region have sufficient relief supply now. so the small villages with buddhist beliefs are the ones in dire need of relief goods.
church members here feels its a good time to show the love of the living God to our buddhist freinds now in small villages in the delta by going there and helping them.
after dinner last night, we went straight to get some fresh info from uncle Ronnie, winsomes boss who is now the president of Myanmar Coordinating Council for Relief-composed of churches, medium business and political grps. he remembers meeting you. anyway, we went to his house late l;ast night so i wasnt able to e-mail you bec internet cafe here closes early. he just came from the delta a few days back and said the same thing- that the relief stage has diminished bec most people there have enough food supply,except for the small villages that were overlooked.one has to ride a boat to reach these villages. the rehabilitation stage has commenced and his org will start with the housing,and procurement of tractors, diesel-fed engines saws and others.he is inviting to join us and allowed us to use their contacts there in the delta region.most of his staff are already there, except for his secretary who is goin to the church tom to have meeting with us with
regards to our delta trip.
there is NO official word that foreigners can go there now but we are hoping that it will come out tom after the UN meeting at the hotel tom. pls continue to pray for a favorable outcome bec even the locals are hesitant to bring us along with them to lapoda.
yes winsome made arrangement with our small limo to pick up the the Barrier bros tom. theyve been here 6 times so even uma win knows the 2 americans.
as for our activities: last thursday,may 22, dr conrad, phillip and i went back to Kyauk Tan for medical consultation. we wer told up[on arrival that the L:aos medical team went around the area that morning too so we went straight to the people we have befriended the day before and phillip distributed to them the jc choate book in burmese. we even prayed for friendly guy whose house( a shanty now) who offerd you a chair the 2nd time we were there. we also gave a little amount for the bed-ridden patient, just enough to bring her to the hospital and pay for routine physical tests. the dr consulted abt 4 patients that time. nim mou and and others help with the relief pack prep at sister esthers house that day. we joined the grp later that afternoon after we canvassed for the generator set for the bible college.

friday may 23, we had a medical consulation at U Ba Htays residence.many neighbors came. total of 22 patients sought medical consultation. i had a patient there too, his 4th daughter whos suffering fr neck pain.
today,may 24, we visited the bible col;lege in Hmawbi. there was medical consultation too and the good doctor saw at least 23 patients not including the children from the orphanage whom i served with multivitatmins.
ill give the money needed for the expense of the big tree that fell and blocked the entrance of the school tom. they are only asking for that lone tree to be cleared. they will leave the other 19 trees on the ground and keep them a little green and use them for firewood one tree at a time.for the gen set, we will try to purchase tom bec i need to see their situation there first as per winsomes advice.
we scheduled another mini clinic after worship at winsomes place tomorrow,Lord willing
praying for a clearer delta trip planning tom.

MINGKALABA!

shem sameon (MARCH for Christ, Team 2)

Luis Cusi wrote:

shem,

with the opening of MM to ALL foreign aid workers, pls. see how you can register so that we can being among the first to send our doctors to the irawaddy delta region. this will pave the way for evelyn, lorie, titus and verna, who all have visas, to take the next trip to MM. try getting in touch with the ambassador and coordinate your plans with him if you think this is wise. he could help you get the accreditation that the government might require. otherwise, continue as you think is best. pls. report regarding your meeting this evening. i know tomorrow you have free time. many people continue to pray for you.

Tue, 20 May, 2008

Dear brethren,
Today was a special day for me and your brethren here in Yangon, Myanmar. It rained very hard the whole morning and we thought that we would again be rained on as we got terribly wet yesterday. But praise God, our prayers were answered, and it only was overcast the whole day and did not rain at all.
We visited the village of Klaiktan ( kyak-tan), and even if we did not announce our arrival, there were about 150 women and children lined up in the streets waiting for a relief van to come. None had arrived that morning, and so at 1 pm, our arrival caused some excitement in the crowd. Immediately people lined up behind our Dyna truck; except, it wasn't a line, it look more like a hungry crowd.
We asked them to return to their homes instead because we said we wanted to meet them in their houses. So one by one, we went to over 200 houses spread apart in muddy fields. Dr. Conrad said there was an instance he had to jump over a pool of muddy water. There were 6 teams of brethren accompanied by 2 locals who carried our sacks of packed rice, dahl, dried fish and candles. For the houses that did not have a roof, we gave away tarpaulin roofing material. It was a great opportunity to interact with them as we went to their homes, and wrote down their names. They are so thankful and appreciative! Some of our teams even taught them how to say Thank you Jesus and even those who were not taught how to say this would repeatedly say "Thank you Jesus".
I particularly was able to go to three of the bigger wooden houses that was still intact. In two of them, they agreed to allow us to teach them how to read the Bible in Burmese and to conduct lessons for children. In one house, Winsome and I interviewed the men and women about how they expect to get their livelihood now that the cyclone destroyed their harvest. I preached a little to them about how they must continue to trust God and to be thankful that they are alive and still have food to eat even if it has to come from strangers. That in their time of suffering they must be drawn closer to God and listen to His voice. They were very receptive and I taught the children how to sing Jesus Loves Me and Happy Birthday. Please pray that seeds planted in Klaiktan today will be implanted deeply in their hearts and that your brethren will be able to bring them to salvation in Christ.
And this is perhaps why today was special. We all saw how important it is not to just hand over the gifts to the monks or village leaders, but to meet the people and immerse ourself in the village. All of us had very gratifying experiences! Everyone in the team felt an openness to Christians, perhaps because there was no Buddhist monastery nearby. In our dinner meeting we decided that we shall return to the village tomorrow and deliver more gifts, since there were over 500 families in the area and we brought only 300 bags. Please keep this in your prayers.
As we left Klaiktan with joy and gladness at what had taken place, we passed several more villages that had been damaged greatly by the cyclone. And as we drove the 1.5 hours to the city, and having been to Irawaddy the previous week, I pondered on how great the need is to rebuild and how humongous the task ahead to rehabilitate their livelihood. For three seasons now they have not gained money from their harvest. They have managed to survive through this, but now with many of their homes gone or badly damaged, their livestock diminished, their sources of firewood and income cut down by the winds, and this third harvest destroyed, how will they survive in the next few months. They are healthy now and they still have food, but what happens next week, or next month? Indeed it is a disaster that will continue to unfold especially with a military junta that cares only about holding on to power and not the people's well-being.
Please continue to give and ask those who have not given to give. When we first asked for funds for the cyclone Nargis victims relief fund, I told you that I would be content with only $20-$25k. You have been so generous and gave in excess of this, up to the amount of $50k. We would like to help them to rebuild their houses; sturdier ones that will stand more cyclones to come. We would like to be able to provide them with funds to buy seeds and fertilizers. We would like to be able to reach more people. Most of all, we would like to be able to provide them with Godly men from the church who can edify them and nurture them in the way of the Lord.
I leave Yangon on Thursday, and leave behind Shem Sameon and Dr. Conrad Diestro, able men who will carry on the work of providing relief aid in partnership with our Burmese brethren and volunteers. But I will be back! With your support and blessings I would like to bring 2 Filipino missionaries to work with me in the months of June, July and beyond if needed. There are already some men and women in the church of Christ in Myanmar who are stepping up their commitments and whom we are asking to move to Yangon to reinforce the brethren in the relief and evangelism work. With your prayers and support this is all happening because we saw cyclone Nargis as God's way of opening doors and hearts for the gospel to be preach and Burmese people to be added to the number of the saved.
I am yours in Christ,

CHITO CUSI

Day 7: Mission Relief Work in Myanmar

2008-05-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

May 18, 2008 (Day 7 in Myanmar)

Dear brethren in the Lord,

Greetings of grace and peace in the Lord! I thank God for our safety, and how the Holy Spirit has led us to show the love and care of Jesus. and all that we have been able to do. During the 6 days that I have been here, we have learned many lessons. Allow me to share this with you.

First, the needs of the brethren have been attended to, with their houses repaired and made as good as it was before (if not better for some). Your sending me was a great source of joy for them! Some were surprised why we all even bothered, but because you sent me, they know that our love and kinship is deeper than blood relationship.

There is excitement in the air for the brethren. As a people, the Burmese take care of each other. Inspite of their meager funds, they are helping to bring relief to the cyclone Nargis victims in Yangon and in Irawaddy. Perhaps it is because they have learned that they have only each other to depend on under a harsh and corrupt military leadership. There is bitterness and anger when they talk about how the government has been slow in providing relief and allowing international agencies to help. I am among those who encourage them to pray that God will open the hearts of their rulers, and to just do what they can to help. Our brethren are no exception, and to them, with the church actively involved in relief work, their pride and self-esteem as Christians is greatly boosted.

Our relief work is taking shape. And what is emerging is a two-pronged relief effort. First, aid to small affected communities around Yangon, within a 30 minute ride from the city. Second, aid to the far flung areas in the Irawaddy.

Now how do 2 small house churches accomplish this?
1. Under OUR (yours and ours) guidance and supervision we move to empower our local Burmese brethren to work with local Burmese NGOs in delivering vital resources to far flung areas;
2. The nearby communities are easily reached by taxi so our brethren can do the job of not only providing relief but developing friendships with the people that will lead to bible studies;

Another question that you might have is, can our house churches evangelize the far flung areas on a sustained basis? The answer is NO. So why should we help at all? And I know that you will say, as I said in the beginning, that we will help because we want to be part of the solution, i.e. to provide basic necessities to ensure the survival of those in the delta region. God loves each and everyone of them, and we are God's messengers of hope.

At this point, let me tell you briefly what I know about the Brethren---a bible-believing church that is recognized and has been in Yangon for at least 2 decades. As far as I know from the information I have been provided, they baptize for the remission of sins. In addition they have the Lord's Supper every first day of the week. They also do not use instruments in worship, and the women are "silent". They have a Sunday attendance of about 1500, and a membership that is perhaps even more.

I met with their head pastor-Pastor Ronnie, and he informed me that they have formed 10 teams of 5-10 people to go to the Irawaddy delta and penetrate its remote villages and towns. Bringing only provisions and money, they will walk through the paddies and wade in the waters. He is indenting rubber boats/dinghies, and once this arrives, their mobility will be greatly improved. Their objective is similar to ours, that is to give aid, and to evangelize. And he has welcomed us to join them; to pool resources. This is why on Tuesday, while I stay and work in Kunyangone area (which is still part of the prohibited area for foreigners, altho there is only 1 checkpoint), Philip, Winsome and Relo (members of our church) will go to Laputta---6 hours by car, and again, one of the worst hit towns. It is a town, so supplies of rice, dried fish, dahl, blankets, clothers, diesel, etc. are available. Its many villages still have to be reached by aid.

What other needs are there where you and I can help the Burmese people in rebuilding? After food and medicines, comes the need to rebuild their houses. They are made of very simple materials--- wood and thatch leaves. But even all the leaves have been blown away by Nargis and it will take another 2 years from them to re-grow. I have made a preliminary estimate and $120 will provide 10-12 roofing sheets, 6 bamboo wall panels, nails and several pieces of lumber that will build the frame for a house that is 10 ft. by 12 ft. They will have to provide the labor.

Obviously, much remains to be done. And what I want to point out at the end of this "report" is that as we continue to support the on-going relief work, we must most of all be quick to support the evangelistic effort that needs to take place. I would like to be able to send 2 Filipino missionaries to work with our 2 Burmese preachers that are presently in Yangon. I have observed that they need mentoring and encouragement in leadership and improving their self-esteem, so this contact and partnership with ex-patriate missionaries will help. There is also one other Burmese preacher in Mandalay (sorry I don't have his name at the moment), who can reinforce this team. I hope you understand why I am not recommending US missionaries.

Thank you for generously sending the MARCH team to Myanmar to be your eyes, ears, hands, feets and heart. On Monday, Shem Sameon and Dr. Conrad are arriving. We give God all the glory for what our partnership is able to accomplish. Please continue to give to the Myanmar Aid & Relief. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Your brother and fellow-servant in the Lord,

Chito Cusi

Day 4: Mission Relief Work in Myanmar

2008-05-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

This is the latest from Yangon --

May 15, 2008---Day 4

Dear family and brethren in the Lord,

Today was not as exciting as yesterday's trek into the Irawaddy delta. But it had its share of exciting events and opportunities.
First, I met brother U Ba Htay in his damaged house. A retired soldier who had been baptized recently. Surprisingly robust and full of energy for the gospel at age 70, I pray that he will be instrumental in bringing many to Christ. He has 3 married sons and one of his daughters-in-law listened intently as I delivered a short message and Philip Lian translated. He used to worship with a denominational church, and his search for true worship has led to the church in Yangon. And yes, of course, we will repair his house and that of his sons. And also of a lady's house who he has been 5/16/08 at 12:42 AM

lady's house who he has been studying the bible with.
Second reason for optimism is I met two elderly women who came to meet me this afternoon at my hotel! They are both doctors and wanted to join our mission, but when Philip and I told them about our trip to Irawaddy, they realized they are too old. Now, the optimism comes from the promise of the ladies to introduce us to the group of their children who have a medical and relief team that went out today to Irawaddy. Please pray that we will be able to utilize the energy of this young men and women to deliver relief to the far flung areas. If this materializes, we will always take opportunity to provide spiritual insipiration and direction.
Third of all, the meeting with 7 pillar-members of the church in Yangon was very fruit 5/16/08 at 12:42 AM

of the church in Yangon was very fruitful. Everyone is enthusiastic to participate in helping out in organize and participate in the coming relief missions to irawaddy. We have divided into several assignments and once all the tarps, rice and dried fish are packed into 1,000 bags, we will leave Saturday dawn either for Bogale or Kunyangone. We also have an invitation to go to the farthest point south which is in lopatta, where a doctor will be coordinating efforts with us. This is the place where the stench of death permeates your skin and where the floating bodies remain unrecovered.
Some disappointments so far:
1. To-date I have not received confirmation to go to the island of Hiene-Gyi with the retired admiral's party;
2. The general's convoy to Irawaddy has not yet mate 5/16/08 at 12:42 AM

materialized (only up to planning stage);
3. I have over $6,000 ($100 dollar bills) that I cannot use because money changers do not accept bills that have the face of Benjamin Franklin smudged or creased. I have told my coming teams to make sure they will not bring such bills.
Other than this, I am so blessed to be here to be your eyes, ears, hands, heart, and mouth. Pray that I will be able to return to Irawaddy undetected. Please pray that the rest of our Filipino team of workers will finally get their visas tomorrow; there has been delay with one whose visa was marked as aid worker when he went to Pakistan. Most importantly, continue to pray with me that the church will grow spiritually from this experience and the church will grow in numbers as they unite to work together.
5/16/08 at 12:43 AM

Pls. pray also fro the contacts we have made so far and whom we have yet to make. Pray for Saiman, the housekeeping supervisor, and Winnie (Winsome's friend), sales manager, of the Dusit Inya Lake Hotel; Douglas Vertaines, his wife, Weenie, and 3 grown children, Linda, Henry & Suzy; the businessmen brothers Ta-te & Mee Yat; brother Htay's family; the community secretary and his family; U Mah our driver, and, everyone else the Lord will put on our way.
This is all for now, and I pray for another blessed day of service tomorrow.

Your brother, partner and fellow-servant in Burma,

Chito Cusi,
M.A.R.C.H. President

Day 3: Mission Relief Work in Myanmar

2008-05-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

Update No. 3 (May 14, 2008)

it has been raining in myanmar. but this and strict checkpoint guards did not prevent us from going deep into the irawaddy province. we left 650am and returned at past 1030pm. i will exclude all details since i am in a public internet cafe with many people looking over shoulders every now and then. we went as far as bogaly, which is about 10 miles from the coast of the bay of bengal.
today we are buying tarps, rice, noodles and dried fish---some of the items badly needed in the area. shelter and food. some complain about needing dry clothes but this will have to follow. $5 worth of goods in a bag will contain 1 kg of dahl, i kg. of rice, some noodles and dried fish, hopefully a supply that will least the more than 40,000 families living along the road in small tent shaped thatched shelters. i have plenty of pics and video but for some reason this cafe cannot open it. children are lined up on the streets waiting and begging for gifts of food. in one stretch 40 km stretch, we saw nothing but thatch houses on their side, roofs blown or totally destroyed on each side of the road. it could have been more than 40 km, because the first damaged/destroyed houses appeared at around 8am, and it did not stop till two hours later, and still there were intermittent clusters of destroyed houses, and people living in this thatch tents. i think the place was in kunyagone.
we plan to go first to bogaly and distribute the goods we will prepare. then to the kunyagone area. we definitely need more help so tonight i am meeting with the brethren and some local volunteers.
and yes, no foreigners allowed. we had to go through 4 checkpoints, and thank God i am asian. we saw a group of 5 causcasians at a checkpoint pleading their case, surrounded by soldiers.
bbc announced today that volunteeers from 5 asian countries will be allowed to enter the delta, but they did not say which nations. i hope the phils. is one of them.
have to rush. please continue to pray for me. i have a soldier 2 booths away from.
to God be the glory! pls. continue to send those donations to the MARCH account. hopefully have more filipinos with me this sunday or monday.
your partner in the Lord's work,

chito

Update No. 2 Mission Relief Work in Myanmar

2008-05-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

Dear family and brethren,

“Mingalaba!” Greetings, good morning, good afternoon or good evening in Burmese. Whatever time of day it is said, it is a respectful welcome by a humble and friendly people.

It is Day 2 for me in Myanmar and everything is moving very fast. I have always said that when in Asia, MARCH for Christ can hit the ground running, and indeed that is how our almighty God has put us to work.

So far, we have been blessed to accomplish what we have set out to do on my first two days here. The surprised faces of the V. family and their neighbors at my arrival was a golden moment. It was an emotional time to see them safe, and for them to know of your concern for them. They are very happy and grateful that we remember them and that you have sent me with aid for them. If you had not sent anyone, perhaps they would have lived on and later on tell us how they had suffered, but for them to see our love in action is a priceless treasure.

Roofing sheets, plywood, nails, lumber, etc. have been purchased for the repair of the V’s leaking and damaged roof. We also have the materials for the 6 small houses a short distance from their home, which was damaged by the typhoon. One of these 6 is the house of the community secretary. He is the overseer of what they refer to as 100-1000 households in the area where the V. family live. Through the years he has been supportive of the house church; as we have found out in Myanmar, all he has to do is air a complaint against the church and the military will come and close down the church. On May 20, Tuesday, we will have a fellowship lunch in their neighborhood. In addition to this, he has allowed W.V. to use their community hall for VBS.

We also visited the Preacher Training School, and found that it has suffered almost no damage at all. Only 9 mango trees, 7 cashew trees and 3 other bigger trees were all toppled and have to be cleared---plenty of firewood for our Myanmar preachers who regularly go there for training and fellowship.

Tomorrow, a vanload composed of the V. family, a couple of people who have been to Irawaddy, a neighbor and myself head for no man’s land---the Irawaddy River Delta. A checkpoint at a bridge prevents foreigners from entering, but hopefully, being someone who looks Burmese, I pray that I will be able to sneak in. If not, I will stay at a aid center before the bridge, and let the Burmese survey the Delta region as deep into the region as they can. We leave at 6 am and expect to be back by 9 pm. Please keep our safety in your prayers.

Ah yes! How faithful is our God and how He has answered your answers. Providing us the good health and energy to go on, and letting us meet people with whom we can partner with in delivering aid to the suffering and desperate people in Irawaddy. So far, I have 4 Burmese doctors who are willing to conduct a medical mission with our brethren inside Irawaddy. I also talked to a man who is close friend of the V. family, making arrangements for me to join a convoy of a general who will bring aid possibly on Thursday to Irawaddy. In addition, the boyfriend of one of the V. ladies is the son of a retired admiral, who is going to the partly submerged Hiene-Gyi Island, the most badly damaged by cyclone Nagris. I have put in a request to join them on Friday or Saturday for a 2 day mission. In both the general and admiral’s trips, I will be bringing relief goods, tarps and medicines badly needed by the cyclone survivors.

It has started raining since I came. And for now drinking water is not a problem, but disease, exposure and famine continue to be major problems that might kill more than the cyclone.

I am waiting for my team that will start to arrive before the weekend. One of them already has a visa while three other doctors and one of our team leaders hopefully will get theirs tomorrow. I am also waiting for Thai brethren to join us. We also still have to go to ICRC/Red Cross to find out where else we can help.

I understand that you continue to raise funds in the US, and I pray that our brotherhood will generously give. Now whether you give it to MFC to manage or to another group does not matter to me so long as the help reaches the poor suffering people. God will be glorified to see His children doing acts of charity and in preparation for a harvest.

I had earlier written a longer report, but someone must have been monitoring my email, because as I was about to end and close it, it just got erased. So I am sending this as a Word document in my flash drive, and attaching it to this email.

This will be all for now. Please continue your prayers for us.
Your brother, fellow servant and partner in the work,
Chito C.

Report from Bro. Chito Cusi, M.A.R.C.H. President. First Filipino Team Member to arrived in Myanmar.

First Mission Relief Worker Arrived in Myanmar

2008-05-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

MARCH for Christ Relief Mission in Myanmar

Update 1:

Bro. Chito Cusi safely arrived in Myanmar. He was able to reach Brother Winsome's house by paying $4 taxi fare. The brethren's house still intact except for 2 GI sheets that flew off and the fallen sorrounding trees. The very good news is that all known brethren throughout Myanmar have been spared from injury or damaged to themselves and to their family. They were able to visit Winsome's neighboring village and were able to assessed the damaged. He's currently staying in a hotel with limited internet access, but nonetheless was able to contact me thru yahoo messenger to give this update. He wants to assure us all that he's A-ok and doing fine and this visit will do a lot of good as he prepares to welcome the rest of the team. if u wish to drop him a note, leave a message to his ym account lpcusi@yahoo.com

Call for Help!!!

2008-05-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

Seated from left to right Raj Buo, Renato Austria, Gigi Carranza, Shemer Sameon, Pres. Chito Cusi, Julius Rojo, Dra. Lani Palaypayon and Dra. Gina Catalan.

dear brother don,

still unable to get in touch with winsome or philip in myanmar. will try again tomorrow.
i have asked my brother's government office to endorse my application for a tourist visa in order to ensure that i get a visa asap. i will fly to manila on friday for a 930 am interview. the rest of this first team, dr. verna uy, dr. evelyn ignacio & physical therapist shem sameon (shem is also a preacher) or our missions coordinator ms. gigie carranza, will apply through normal channels since my brother told me he can only do this favor for me. didn't push him anymore to include the others since he is already going out of his busy schedule to accomodate me.
if all goes well, i will leave next week either on monday or tuesday, may 13, depending on available airline space and the visa of course.

Myanmar Relief Strategy and Plan

A. Prior to arrival of the 3 medical personnel:
1. chito to assess damage to vertaines house, preacher training school, achard's, yangon brethren's respective houses;
2. set up communications system;
3. assess feasiblity of working/registering with international and government relief agencies;
4. make plans together with yangon coc leaders and preachers at the training school for yangon relief work and possible trips to other areas/provinces where there are coc congregations and mission work;
5. locate suppliers and sources of food, water, medicine and shelter materials;
6. acquisition/ distribution of food, water and shelter materials to brethren;
7. repair of preacher school, if needed, and consider its use as a relief/feeding center;
8. set up feeding/water center at vertaines compound and/or achard's place to be managed by yangon coc;
9. establish ability of brethren and other volunteers to manage the relief/feeding center at the vertaines, etc. winsome to oversee this.
10. conduct regular devotionals for brethren, neighborhood volunteers, etc.

B. Upon arrival of the medical team (may 18-eta):
1. start roving medical team to start from vertaines residence, then to training school, achard's neighborhood, and other areas identified/recommen ded by brethren;
2. start provincial relief work in partnership with burmese brethren/preachers;
3. in the provincial areas, we will follow the above protocol;

C. Sustaining phase:
1. assess needs, opportunities and capabilities for further relief work;
2. assess capability and desire of local brethren to conduct further relief work without physcial presence of foreign participation;
3. establish an improved communications system with local brethren;
4. turnover funds, accountability forms/procedures and plans to local leadership;
5. assess financial and manpower capability to proceed to friendship evangelism;

D. Departure phase:
1. closing devotionals, turnover and prayers
2. goodbyes and till we meet again

on the ground, by God's grace, while we have made these plans, we will go where He will lead us.

our main object is to assist brethren in their time of need to recover from whatever physical, emotional or spiritual damage they are in. and as we strengthen and encourage them through our work and God's love, we would like them to see how they can take part in the opportunity that God has given them to be a blessing to their neighbors by participating in nieghborhood relief or assistance activities that we will organize and turn over to them.

we do not want to breed dependence with the charity that we bring. instead, we bring the message that they are part of a loving and caring universal church. for brethren to realize that while we can give material and physical relief to the damage suffered by cyclone ragus, the best gift that they have and that they can share is the gift of being in Christ and in Christ's family. and the friendships that will be bonded with their kin and neighbors during the relief work, are open doors for them to share the gospel.

having proposed all the above plans, we continue to ask for your prayers. thank you for your trust and partnering with us in the myanmar relief efforts. i know of your great desire for the gospel to flourish in asia, and i pray that God will continue to bless your small congregation in double springs, alabama, to continue in your giant ways. truly, when we let God use our resources, talents, abilities and our life, He is able to accomplish much through us.

should there be others who want to take part in this relief work and support our plans and desire to take this open door to this country in shackles, we will welcome your donations. our account details are:

account name: MARCH for Christ, Inc.
US$ savings account no.: 8124005117
bank name: Bank of the Philippine Islands, Baguio City Branch
code: BOPIPHMM

all donations will be receipted.

we go with God.

your brother,

chito cusi
MARCH for Christ(medical action for relief, counseling and healing)

Update: The First team planning to go to Myanmar are all ready set to depart this week once all their visas are granted. Prayers are needed for the success of this Mission Relief Workers. For more information about the group M.A.R.C.H. for Christ, please click July 2006 under Archives.

Vacation Bible School 2008

2008-04-17T20:40:00.001-07:00

The Cainta church of Christ held the Vacation Bible School '08 last April 7,9,11 and 12th, 2008 @ Midland Homes in Cainta chapel. A record of 44 combined Kids and Pre-Teens graduated. Five from Kids' Class earned their medal while seven from Pre-Teens class. All graduates received their Certificate of Completion.

New Sked for Sunday School

2008-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

We have started a new schedule for children's Sunday school dedicated for the kids around the neighborhood. Eleven of the new students attended the Afternoon session. Their ages ranges from 2yrs old to 13 years old. Sister Gina Catalan will be tasked to handle these kids. The initial gathering held with a little help from the preachers, Dea and sister Bing Legara. This set up will be held until we can finally integrate them into the morning session. To view the photos, just follow the link below...click it, copy and paste to your web browser.

http://www.flickr.com/gp/13307471@N02/Dw87K4

myFacebook

2008-02-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

It's been almost a week now since i've created myFacebook account, and yet the response and the result was so overwhelming. I feel like i'm having an

"information overload".

Facebook and Friendster have been around for some time, it's not that i am not a friendly person but i feel like it's only for young people and for those seeking companionship and romantic love.

Facebook?, ahhh...perhaps, bird with the same feather, same banana for the old gorilla. Not until i was curious enough to try it, what's the fuzz about it that even Henry Kong of PPCOC is into it, even pleading the rest of the brethren to try and go for it. And they say, the rest is history or so it seems.

It's quite normal to connect with your current friends thru phone, sms, and e_mails. But it's more surprising to find your almost forgotten-friends seems to sprung from out-of-nowhere and got connected to your current friend and even the Facebook categorically recognized them as your common friend. Come on, we're building an army of "Who's who???" here. It's now "same old faces, diet-overloaded." I mean to some, really.

Here, we can exchanged photos as well as messages from simple greetings to serious topic or events in a breeze. There are also a dozen type of applications that you can play around and share with all your contacts. You can even write or post your own messages as if somebody cares enough to pay great attention to it.

In this age of information technology, one need not to be a lone ranger, or still rely in conventional type of out-dated and slow-paced communication. Use it to its fullest and find ways on how it can be an effective tool in evangelism. Christians business is to seek and save the lost...connect with your friends. Connect with other brethren and be encouraged. Let's connect to the world and virtually/spiritually connect with our Creator.

Note: To view our Facebook, click "Catalan's Facebook" at the right side portion of this page and follow the link.

Sunrise Medical

2008-02-01T05:00:00.001-08:00

Sunrise Christian College's Medical and Dental Mission, held last January 11-12, 2008. For two days we have treated two thousand patients and two special cases of hernia repair in a nearby hospital in Butuan City. This mission was once again sponsored by CARIS Foundation with the help of volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, local government and private medical professionals, non-medical workers & preachers from different congregations in the Philippines & U.S. of America.

Photobucket Album

New Year's Prayer

2008-01-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Holy God of Heaven and Earth,

I know that a thousand years are as a day to you, but we humans are
bound up in time. As a new year is beginning, please teach me to ...

* care more about people and less about money,

* enjoy my work but not let it enslave me,

* and laugh more easily than I did last year.

As I get ready for 2008, help me to remember things that are easy to
forget ...

* that it might well be my last year,

* that some people are counting on me,

* and that you have things for me to do.

Lord, with the things I have accumulated over the years, please let
me ...

* shake off the monotony of life,

* try some new things in this new year,

* and mend some broken fences.

And, Father of Mercies, please teach me in this new and unspoiled
year to ...

* lighten up and enjoy children, sunsets, reading, and long walks,

* avoid quarrels and work at being a peacemaker in this world,

* and start next year with fewer regrets than I bring to 2008.

May we live it for your glory!

I cannot know what this year will bring, and I am grateful for that!
But help me ...

* eat less junk food,

* exercise and take better care of my body,

* and learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Above all other things, Father, I want to be your instrument for ...

* easing somebody's too-heavy load,

* relieving some sad person's misery,

* and introducing some lost soul to Jesus.

Come what may in the year about to begin, may we live it for your
glory, within your will, and to your delight.

We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

from Rubel Shelly

Special Dental Report

2008-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Tooth decay affects 60 to 90 per cent of schoolchildren worldwide, according to the World Oral Health Report by the World Health Organization. An estimated five billion people worlwide experienced dental caries, and five to 20 per cent of middle-aged adults have severe periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss.

There's mounting evidence that your oral health affects your entire body. The millions of people with periodontal disease may have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, lung infections and preterm births. Recent studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer. And infected teeth and gums left untreated can lead to dangerous, even life-threatening infections of the neck, blood, lungs and brain.

It's clear that without oral health, you're not healthy.

"Patients with periodontal disease bear inflammatory events in other body systems,"

says Dr. Gan Siok Ngoh, Periodontist from the Q&M Dental Group in Singapore. "Individuals with periodontal disease are 30 per cent more likely to have cardiovascular disease."

Prevention is the cheapest and best way to avoid problems. But fortunately, improving your dental health improves your overall health too. Researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine this year that treating advanced gum disease lowered blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

from Reader's Digest, December 2007

Cuatro Community School Christmas Party

2007-12-21T07:23:00.001-08:00

The Cuatro Community Center in Sityo Dilain held their very first Christmas Party last Dec. 20. The program consists of some superb performances by the students as they present their song and dance number, memory verses, dramatization, duets and group singing infront of school staff, volunteers, parents and some guests.

The highlight of the program was a short message prepared by Pastor Nick Clarin just after the opening remarks of DJ Langefeld and concluded with a closing remarks by Dra. Gina Catalan.

Outdoor games followed, held at the upper deck of the community center. The kids were joined by their parents and volunteers. A token of candies and some goodies were given out to those winners and a bag of groceries for the adult games courtesy of Dra. Gina.

After the games, the students went back to their respective classrooms for exchange gifts. School staff and parents also had their own exchange of gifts.

A sumptous fellowship lunch for everybody followed that consists mainly of Filipino food and the ever-present pinoy favorite rice cakes, salad and gelatin.

9th Thanksgiving Anniversary

2007-12-01T04:45:00.001-08:00

Call me...it's FREE!

2007-11-18T05:27:00.001-08:00

Get jaxtr | Login

Sankey Samaritan Mission Home

2007-11-07T04:44:00.001-08:00

The Sankey Samaritan mission home is being managed by Mr. Perfecto Luchavez Jr., and houses almost 30 orphans of combined boys and girls that composed mostly of teenagers. The sprawling estate can be found in Lucena City, province of Quezon. These photos are taken by Dra. Gina Catalan when she and some colleagues in Cuatro Community Center and New Faith Childrens home visited them on October 28. They spent 2 days and one night and were treated with spiritual songs and performances by their host.

OKTUBER's BEST

2007-10-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

The "NEW" Cainta church haus

Sunday Service:

10:30am - 11:00am Bible Study
11:00am - 12:00nn Worship Service

3rd Floor
Block 2 Lot 14
Midland/Estrella Homes
Cainta Rizal

Weekdays Activities:

Care Group for Youth (Weekly)
Care Group for Married Couples (Monthly)
Care Group for Everybody (Monthly)

Weekend Evangelism/Leafleat Distibution/House-to-house (Weekly)

Sunday School with Teacher Gina Catalan

The church is renting out a 3-storey apartment inside at the far-end left corner of Midland Homes for almost three months already. We occupies the 2nd floor that fits purposely for Sunday Bible class. And the 3rd floor serves as our worship venue. Our preachers are Raj Buo, Sonny Catalan, Lemuel Lucena and Ryan Santiago, student of Manila School of Evangelism. This coming November, the church will celebrate its 9th year in Christian service.

Care Group

The Catalans hosted the Care Group meeting held on Oct. 12. The initial gathering were attended by nine brethren and have feasted on a sumptous dinner of rice, fish fillet, fried tilapia and the Cainta's pride, bibingka (rice cake) and pancit. The group gathered for some songs, prayers and each one shared words of encouragement as bro. Sonny facilitated the event. The next month's gathering will focus on married couples and will use the materials left by Bro. Don Williams and Dianne when they visited early this year.

DEVO with the Visiting Emperado's

The Cainta and Indang (Cavite) brethren were very fortunate to have Bro. Elmer and Sis. Magdalena Emperado of Lapasan church of Christ, Cagayan de Oro City to have them in their monthly devotional gathering. Bro. Elmer and wife were picked up by the Catalans at the NAIA 2 terminal that morning and brought them to their hotel. The Emperados were here in Manila for only 2-days and one-night on an important matter. The next devotional gathering will be held on Nov. 30 at Gigi's house in Quezon City. If you happens to be around Metro Manila area, please join us. Everybody is invited. Potluck dinner is serve after the devotional.

Gina's Dental Ministry

2007-09-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

The newly built Cuatro Community Center in Sitio Dilain, Valley Golf in Cainta Rizal is a 3-storey building where it houses 3 classrooms alternating for Preparatory, Kinder, Grade 1 and 2.
On the ground floor, aside from the faculty office, there's also a mini-kitchen where volunteer cook from the community prepares lunch daily to be distributed to all students and school staff for free. At the right side of the building is a dental clinic (front photo) equipped with 2 dental chairs.
The second storey serve as one big classroom during weekdays and a huge worship place for the christian community during Sundays. While the 3rd floor is an open area enclosed with steel fences and serve as the activity center for kids and basketball court for the adult.

The center opened just in time for the start of school year where almost 60 students enrolled and 26 of them came from nearby New Faith Family Children's Home, an orphanaged house.

Dra. Gina was hired by Mr. Jeff Long of Faith Academy, to supervise the dental clinic for the purpose of serving the community. He also served as the director of New Faith Family Children's Home and president of Kids International Ministries (www.kidsinternationalministries.org/).

Seen in this photo is Mr. Jeff Long with doctors Gina and Deanne during their Dental Mission held last Sept. 20, 2007. The one-day dental mission treated and extracted more than 50 patients, adults and kids and received free toothbrush each.

The Catalans with doctor Deanne Dehesa, and her volunteer dentist-friends.

(Send a request if you wish to view a complete photos of the Dental Mission).
Aside from Cuatro Community Center, Dra. Gina is also scheduled to visit the Arthur Center in Everlast Compound near Kingsville along Sumulong Hi-way in Antipolo, every Fridays.

Dra. Gina treated a young patient from Arthur Center during one of her clinic days in the area.

The kids from Arthur Center were beeing taught on how to properly brush their teeth with their new toothbrush as giveaways.

The Arthur Center is being managed by a young American missionary, Daniel Bucher with the help of filipino couple, and their work is also related to Mr. Jeff Long's ministry.

The Williams, 2007

2007-06-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

Don and Deanne Williams of River City church, North Little Rock AR, together with their 3 lovely daughters spent 18 years as former missionaries in Makati, Manuela, Antipolo City and Cainta Rizal. After 7 yrs. and all grown-up kids had finished schooling, the couple and the 2 remaining single daughters (Anela and Alisha) with their friends decided to visit Manila. Their itineraries include the following: for their daughters to revisit their roots and a visit to Faith Academy (the kids left after a week). Get-together with some friends in their former neighborhood, and a reunion with the brethren whom they've both touched, a series of seminars on Marriage Enhancement and Peacemaker, a conflict resolution. Organized the joint fellowship for Antipolo-Cainta-Pasig and other congregations that brought down to almost a hundred of visitors during that Sunday. Uplifted and overwhelmed by the growing maturity in Faith of the people they've left several years ago, this couple is now planning to come back again and share more and be an encouragement to other christians in this part of the world.

35th MARCH Medical & Dental Mission: SOCSKSARGEN

2007-05-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

The 35th M.A.R.C.H. for Christ Medical & Dental Mission, 22-26th of May, 2007 were held for 1 and half-day in Tantangan, San Felipe in Sultan Kudarat (the 2nd day was supposed to be in Tacurong City but was cancelled due to prevailing situation there) the third day was in General Santos City in So. Cotabato.
For 2 and half-days we have treated 1,890 medical patients, 557 dental extractions and 75 circumsised kids, we've treated also several members from each congregation for a total of almost 3000 served and counseled.
We would like to expressed our thanks to the following volunteers: Malaysian tandem of Dr. Adrian Koay and his younger sister Alyssa for joining us.
(Shown in this picture are the brother and sister Adrian and Alyssa Koay with Dra. Gina)

We are also grateful to Bro. Crispin Gregorio Jr. and the brethren of San Felipe, esp. the kitchen staff for serving the best foods the city can offer and to the Gen. Santos City brethren led by the Cruz family and to Arboly couple Luningning and Rolly for the wonderful assistance they've extended. And most of all, praise and glory to God for allowing us to reach out among His people here in Mindanao.

The following text are from Chito Cusi, MARCH President:

dear brethren,
by God's grace, the MARCH medical/dental/counseling mission to Tantangan, Koronadal and General Santos City in the southern part of Mindanao in what used to be called Cotabato province was a huge success!
-almost 3000 people were blessed by our services
-tracts and invitations for bible studies with the local church of Christ were given out
-close to 1800 positive responses for visits and bible studies were received
-roughly 80 brethren from different parts of the Phils. worked together for a common purpose
-the fellowship, food and encouragements were greatly partaken by all
thanks to your prayers we have all returned to our respective homes fulfilled, blessed and prayerfully asking for God to bless the follow up work that is now being undertaken by the elders of the church and their members in Koronadal and nearby towns. the brethren in General Santos hopefully will undertake a similar action. both our host congregations have either extended their church buildings or are in the process of building a new one (general santos)---and we pray that this bigger facilities will be blessed by the arrival of new converts coming from this evangelistic effort.
our next medical mission will still be in mindanao, but this time in a safer part-- cagayan de oro city, misamis oriental province. an agreement has been reached with elmer emperado for them to host us either this october or in may, 2008---the final date will depend on whether we are able to raise additional funds this year. with plans to install elders this year, we hope that again, the medical mission will be a timely effort to bring in more people to the Lord's church in the cagayan de oro city.

thank you for your continued support and prayers. and knowing that our labors are never in vain, we know that a harvest awaits us.

your fellow servant in Christ,

chito cusi, president
MARCH for Christ

To view more pictures,please kindly request the author.

Libreng Check-Up & Spiritual Counseling: Hongkong, 2007

2007-04-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Counseling Mission & Libreng Check-Up! Hongkong, 2007. Organized by M.A.R.C.H for Christ, in cooperation with Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Wanchai church of Christ. Held in Bayanihan Center, Kennedy Town, April 5&8 (1:00pm to 6:00pm) and Wanchai church of Christ (1/F 221 Jaffe Rd.) April 6&7 (10:00am to 6:00pm). This overseas mission was also sponsored by Globe Kababayan, G-Cash, Jollibee, and Pagcor.

There were almost 400 Filipina workers and church members consulted and counseled in the four-day event.

Although this medical mission was not the first to be held outside the country, but this Hongkong mission produced some of the firsts as far as the organization is concerned.

This is the first time that a consulate and labor official from Philippine government supported the event, and they even showed up during the Kababayan night held on the last day of the counseling mission. This is also the first wherein top Philippine companies became our sponsors.

Here in Hongkong, our traditional Talent Night was replaced with Kababayan Night, an activity that is especially dedicated to our filipina patients, wherein we raffled off worth hundred of thousand pesos of kitchen and household appliances such as flat irons, rice cooker, cooking stove, dvd players, etc. and the grand prize of a return trip-ticket Hongkong-Manila-Hongkong to a lucky OFW's. The occasion was also made lively with the performance of various Filipino organizations.

The team also would like the thank the Wanchai sisters for a warm hospitality they accorded to us, especially the food committee who treated us to a parade of international cuisine such as Filipino food, to chinese style steam-boat and the all-favorite Japanese sushi, maki complete with wasabe.

(The following is the comprehensive report of Bro. Chito Cusi, MARCH President)

M.A.R.C.H. for Christ
Counseling Mission & Libreng Check Up
Accomplishment Report

“We thank MARCH for giving us the rare opportunity in helping our kababayans there through brief counseling and free medical consultation. I pray that God will continue to touch more sponsors of similar event in the future. Kudos… to all the people behind the making of this endeavor. More power and God bless us all.”
DR. TERESITA SISON, psychiatrist.

(Edna and Claire, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, in the presence of MARCH team at Wanchai church).

“I heard many good things from the ladies who went to see your counselors yesterday. I wish I had gone down to join. This is exactly what our OFWs need!”
Ms. TESS UBAMOS, Administrator-Bayanihan Centre.

This are just some of the many positive feedbacks we received from those who served with us and those we served during the “Counseling Mission & Libreng Check-up” for the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) held last April 5-8 in Hongkong.

The Dream

It all started when Chito Cusi, President of MARCH for Christ, visited the Wanchai church of Christ January 1, 2007. There, he was touched to see OFW Ms. Luz Olidan. She had earlier returned to the Philippines for good to be with her family, and Chito had seen how happy they were together. Seeing her back in Hongkong working as a domestic helper, he asked the question, “Why are you back in Hongkong?”, to which she replied, “We have no choice.”

From there the burden was planted to be able to do something--not just for Luz but for the thousands of Filipinos in Hongkong who have no choice. The burden led to a dream. No such Counseling and Free Medical Mission had ever been done before, and this emboldened us even more to seek God’s provisions even as the days for preparation were just barely two months.

There was a time when we actually were about to give up. Initially only Globe had pledged to help as sponsor, and this would not be enough to finance a 15 person team of doctors and counselors. And then God’s answer to our prayers came! Globe said they would expand their sponsorship with the entry of G-Cash, PAGCOR followed suit and so did Jollibee. The office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration also formally gave us their cooperation and manpower support.

The Preparations

The weeks that followed were, indeed, busy. Finalizing details and preparations with sponsors and firming up pledges. Doctors and counselors participation confirmed and flights booked. Since the mission trip would coincide with the Holy Week, flights were more expensive and available seats were getting fewer by the minute. An advance team was organized to finalize the venues and the promotions of the event with Filipino radio and print media in Hongkong.

The Visit with the Consul

The rest of the team arrived on April 3, Tuesday. The very next day we were at the Philippine Consulate to pay a courtesy call to the Consul General Alejandrino Vicente and held a meeting in his office with OWWA Welfare Officer Luz Mendizabal. Here we were told what we could do and what we should not do, at the risk of imprisonment. While this dampened our spirits somewhat, we were more determined to give better service to our kababayans.

That same afternoon we were at a 6-hour Counseling Workshop with one of the Team members, Dr .Tess Sison, psychiatrist. Dr. Sison served with us twice in Sri Lanka during the relief mission for the Tsunami survivors. Our doctors and counselors had likewise been to similar mission trips to Sri Lanka , Indonesia and Pakistan .

The Free Clinics

Our first day of work, April 5. Since the Bayanihan Centre was available only from 1pm-6pm, we held a dry run of sorts from 10 am-12 noon at the Wanchai church of Christ flat. We had the counseling sessions and free clinic at the church auditorium and had their members as our first patients. While the consultations were on-going, some of the team went to the Statue Park and Chater Garden to distribute more leaflets and to invite more people to come. This was our daily routine, leafleting and group counseling at Wanchai Church of Christ, Statue Park and Chater Garden from 10 am- 12 noon. It was really humbling to hear our fellow Filipinos relate their stories about life as a hired help in a foreign land. That afternoon we moved to the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town where more people were given quality time in medical consultation and counseling.

In all, we treated 416 OFWs. While we had earlier targeted to hit the thousand people mark, the restrictions of the Hongkong government made it difficult for us to achieve this. We had brought several boxes of medicines to give away, only to be warned by the Consul and the OWWA Officer that we would be punishable with imprisonment if we were caught. What we did was to give quality time to our kababayans, talking to them about their medical problems, give oral consultations, get vital signs, general physical examinations and a lot of one-on-one and group counseling.

As expected, we had more people turning out on the 5th and 8th as these are holidays for the OFWs. 122 on 5th and 238 on the 8th. Just over 20 on the 6th and so with 7th. These figures are based on the list that we have. There were others who came for check-up but did not sign-up in the registration sheet. Many of the volunteers from IMAP (midwives association) and SouthCom and church members did not sign up but availed also of the counseling and check-up.

We had the most number of patients on April 8, Sunday. The Bayanihan Centre administrator was well-pleased with the work we did on the first clinic day that she allowed us to use of one of the upstairs classroom for our consultations, and then the open air basketball court for our Awards and Appreciation Program. So instead of starting at 1pm we started seeing patients at 10am . And we did not stop until the last patient was treated shortly before 6pm.

The Celebration

As a culminating event, we added fun and cheer to the event with a Kababayan Night. Performers from different Filipino groups enlivened the late afternoon affair which had almost 200 people in attendance. Inspite the shoestring budget we had, we were able to raffle door prizes ranging from dvd players, kitchen gadgets to the grand prize – a roundtrip air ticket to Manila .

There to show their support of this work were Labor Attache Atty Romy Salud, OWWA representative Miss Lennie and the Consul General himself Mr. Alejandrino Vicente. Representatives from different Filipino associations showcased their talents in the performing arts. Notably favorite was Atty Salud’s dance number with one of the groups to the tune of popular Filipino novelty song “Totoy Bibo”. His performance practically brought the house down.

Our Prayer

While it is true that Filipino OFWs have free medical services courtesy of the Hongkong government, we found out that our kababayans usually have a traumatic experience in the hands of Chinese practitioners. There is the biggest problem in communication that leads often to misdiagnosis, and patients usually having to take loads of medicine that do not address their complaints. Often there are cases of having an operation even when one is not needed.

Like what ConGen Vicente said in his talk during the concluding program, this mission trip was the first of its kind in Hongkong. And he has pledged his support and cooperation with MARCH to work on making arrangements with medical practitioners in Hongkong who are willing to front for our future medical teams. Filipino doctors and counselors such as from MARCH need to visit with our unsung heroes regularly to address their needs and assuage their fears as they labor in a foreign land. And we hope we will be an active and regular participant in this.

We pray that you will continue to support MARCH especially as we endeavor to render better service and show the loving care of Jesus to our kababayans through our medical and counseling missions.

Our Thanks

None of these would have been possible if not for our generous sponsors:

1. Thank you Gerry Ablaza of Globe Telecom and your Globe Kababayan (Bob Dolina) and G-Cash (
teams for your trust and confidence. May you continue to provide better service to our
nation.
Thank you to Chairman Ephraim Genuino and the Board of PAGCOR (especially Dir. Phillip Lo) for believing in this project.
Thank you to Jollibee Foods-may you continue to build a Filipino presence in Hongkong for our kababayans.
To the Missions Committee of Saturn Road Church of Christ in Dallas , Texas , your support of this project was heaven sent. You filled in all the blanks.

We pray for your untiring and continued support and prayers. We thank each of you for believing in this project when nobody else would. May our God continue to richly bless you in every way.

Sincerely,

MARCH for Christ
Medical Action for Relief, Counseling & Healing

Bogtong & Guinobatan Dental Missions, March 16-19, 2007

2007-03-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

Three man team, led by dentists Lani Palaypayon (Midtown church, Baguio City), Gina Catalan with Sonny (Cainta Rizal church of Christ) conducted the 1-day dental clinic in Bogtong and half-a-day after Sunday worship service in Guinobatan, Albay. Seen in the picture are the church leaders of Bogtong namely Jojo delos Reyes, Jerome, Jason and the MARCH mission team.

Jason leading the charge in singing as the eager folks of Bogtong started to queue 30 minutes ahead of clinic schedule. The clinic site is the same worship place where the people of Bogtong congregate during Sundays. Almost 200 children and adults were treated, served and given medicines and vitamins. Fifty persons signed up for Home Bible Study and around 30 persons gave permission for home visit.

Seen in picture are the Aquina's University of Legaspi City nursing students who assisted and performed blood pressure checkup and head-holders. From left to right, Ronald, Jessica of Dacacay, Michelle Toledo, Renee, Vivien Alipio, Michelle Zuniga and Sonny.
For Lailani of Guinobatan, it took 2 dentists to extract her unrelenting tooth, 2 counselors as head-holder and assistant, (her original head-holder gave up on her) and a friend beside to comfort her.

The dental mission was sponsored by March for Christ, with the cooperation of Bogtong church and the assistance of Naga congregation led by Dino Roldan Sr., Jed Fuentes, the Hernandez couple, their young people, and sis. Eden Tulan of Angeles City who had secured the permit for the Guinobatan town plaza as the clinic venue.

The Guinobatan team took time to stop along the hi-way and pose for group photo behind the looming Mt. Mayon.

.

Marikina church of Christ Seminar

2007-02-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

Gabriel Yankey during the Men's Leadership Seminar in Marikina City church of Christ.
Sister Remy Kingsley of Wichita, Kansas City giving some insights and practical lesson during the Ladie's Seminar.
Group photo of those who attended the seminar in Marikina church in Friendly Village, organized by Bro. Dani de Vera and the Marikina and Cubao brethren last Feb. 14, 2007.
Gabriel leads the devotional for Bernie Ignacio of Tondo last Feb. 25. Bro. Bernie (at the back of Gabriel) is paralyzed waist down due to shooting incident some years ago. The brethren from Cainta, Antipolo and Indang Cavite gathered once a month in his house to have a fellowship with him.

Gabriel Yankey @ Uptown CoC

2007-02-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Gabriel Yankey was invited to be the guest speaker in Uptown Rizal (Antipolo church of Christ) on Feb. 25, 2007. Also seen in the picture is Bro. Joselito Daracen, the church minister.
Gabriel Yankey was part of a visiting group that arrived together with sister Remy Kingsley of Wichita, Kansas City. He also preached in Cainta and visited the evacuation center in Bicol area. Originally from Ghana, he's been in the States for almost 28 years. A counselor by profession, part of his ministry is to counsel those inmates who are recieving life sentences in Kansas' Bureau of Corrections.

Uptown church, Antipolo City

2007-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

It was an honor to be invited as the guest speaker for the Antipolo church's 14th year of Service to the Lord on Feb 21, 2007 with this year's theme of "Spiritual Growth."
Fourteen years ago american missionary John Long and family started to conduct Bible studies and worship service in Rizal area. Aside from the Long family, the pioneering members were Marivic Sacil, Dondon Buo and Bro. Arnel.

Then Eddie Poblete and family took charged when John and Sara Long went back to the States for good. Later on, Don Williams put up the WBS Office in the same area and together with his wife, Deanne and two lovely daughters, Anela and Alisha joined with the brethren in Antipolo City. When the church became bigger, the Williams together with Raj Buo, Jhun Ma and brethren from Pasig decided to plant another church. In November 1998, Cainta church was established.

Shown here is Bro. Lito Daracen, the minister of the Uptown church of Christ in Antipolo Rizal. For several years running he single-handedly carried the church where it is now, and of course with the help of Ranjee Samarista, youth minister and Sunday Bible teacher.
Bro. Lito, myself and an american retiree posed for photo op.

Another photo op for us courtesy of Ranjee Samarista, who took the picture.

Duka Bay Resort, Jan. 14-15, 2007

2007-01-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Just after the fellowship lunch provided by the Sunrise brethren, the March for Christ group headed to Duka Bay Resort accompanied by the Cariagas and some school faculty and students.
What a nice feeling to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city...beside the sea.
It's eating time again. Serving of fresh seafoods didn't stop in Butuan City, it spreads all the way to Mizamis City. After a hearty dinner, Bro. Roman Cariaga, founder of Sunrise Christian College delivered an impromptu devotional for the group.
The Catalans, with Shai (WBS Phils.), Doc Josie, Doc Meldy and Renato of Midtown church of Christ, Baguio City.
playing sand castle with the Cariaga children.

Butuan City Medical & Dental Mission, 2007

2007-01-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

Medical and Dental Mission Sunrise Christian College, Butuan City. January 11-13, 2007.

Patients queing outside the clinic site.
Sonny with the Sunrise Admin and Faculty personnel at the registration area.
The Sunrise Christian College Medical & Dental Mission was sponsored by Caris Foundation and brethren from the U.S. with the help of the school faculty and students, Body and Soul, March for Christ and preachers and volunteers from the churches of Christ in the Philippines.
For three days we have treated 1,701 medical patients, 601 dental extractions with a total of 2,302 patients and thousands of medicines and vitamins were distributed.

The Catalans, with Gigie Carranza and Dra. Medy Palitayan at the back. (For more pictures, just drop a note).

Bicol Relief and Rehabilitation Mission

2007-01-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Batch of Bicol Relief, Medical, Feeding Program and Rehabilition Mission, Dec. 13-17, 2006

MARCH for Christ Medical Mission in Bicol delivered the much needed relief of foods, medicines and housing materials to the people of Tuanzon and Bugtong/Pawa Evacuation Centers.
Dra. Gina is checking the blood pressure of one of the resident now resides in evacuation center.
For five consecutive days, they are serving the 180 families that comprised of more than 760 individuals for the combined evacuation centers. Another follow-up team is being proposed by early next year. Donations in whatever forms is much appreciated to continue the rehabilitation work in Bicol region. For the latest update, pls. request for a detailed e-mail report from MARCH Pres. Chito Cusi.

Moved....again!

2006-11-08T06:11:00.000-08:00

After staying for two years in an abandoned warehouse, the Cainta church has moved again...this time in an old abandoned house just a few meters away from its former place. It took a lot of convincing power from the church members to convinced the house caretaker to let the brethren rent the place albeit temporarily.

The house has three rooms that can be use simultaneously during worship service and also has two toilets.

This time, the brethren promised to fully utilized the place for God's glory by inviting friends and making plans to invite the neighborhood for gospel meetings.

Last November, the brethren celebrated the church's 8th year in Christian service with fellowship lunch and having a simple program just right after the worship service.

If you knew some friends, relatives or brethren who is living in Cainta Rizal or nearby area, tell them about us and we are gladly willing to invite them to worship with us.

Cagayan de Oro City Medical & Dental Mission

2006-11-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

With no clear explanation from Air Philippines authorities, our 6:00 am departure flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City turned into four hours of confusion, chaos and anxieties. It’s understandable that it was the early morning of October 30, the height of Super typhoon “Paeng" wrecking havoc in northern part of Luzon. But confusion and anger began to develop among the restless Cagayan de Oro City bound passengers when it became clear that the two scheduled flights (the 6:00am and the 8:00am) had been stalled while other planes come and go from different destinations.

Meanwhile, Bro. Elmer Emperado, of Lapasan church of Christ and Gigi Carranza’s exchange of text messages keep our cellphone busied. The former asking the latter if we’re already on our way to Cagayan. The only assurance that we can give to them is that, “we will text them as soon as we boarded the plane.”
.
When the smoke becomes clear and everything finally settled, the scheduled two-flights were combined and by the time we boarded the plane, the medical and dental mission in Cagayan already started an hour ago.

It’s almost 11:00 in the morning when our plane taxied the Cagayan tarmac and just outside, Bro. Elmer Emperado patiently waiting for almost two hours holding a piece of cardbox that read, “Sonny & Gina, MARCH for Christ.” Straight from the airport, this “big” brother drove us to the scene of the action
.
The clinic site is the same elementary school where the Lapasan brethren hold their Sunday worship service. As soon as we arrived, we immediately set up the Dental area. Throng of people that composed of men, women and even children gathered earlier now forming a long line ready to put their fate into Doc Gina’s hands. Some are eager to part-ways with their tooth of burden and unwanted cavities.

Hunger seems out of our mind, not when our hosts remind us to recharge. It was half past 1:00 o’clock when we feasted on ‘nilagang baboy’ and ‘pakbet’ prepared by sister Dalene Emperado.

The 1-day free clinic sponsored by MARCH for Christ ended when the place becomes totally free of patients. At almost 6:00 in the afternoon, doc Sam treated, dispensed medicines to 176 patients with 2 minor surgeries, and doc Gina had a total of 38 extractions.
.
At the Emperado’s house, the whole staff was treated with home-made cake again prepared by sis. Dalene. This was later followed by a dinner for the Cariagas and Catalans.

Before the night ended, doc Sam and family bid farewell to the rest of us and embarked on a 4-hour drive back to Butuan City. While our travel agent made sure we’ll be having a goodnight rest by texting us that our 10:35 am departure back to Manila has been moved to a more comfortable 2:35 pm schedule. It was a looong and good night rest indeed!

Note:

Special thanks to the Emperado’s for being our gracious host, diligently taking care of us, for their time of showing us around the city’s malls and exclusive subdivisions, and bidding us goodbyes up to the airport. To little Chabelita, for a short-lived but meaningful friendship. Thanks also to the young people of Lapasan who served as our dental assistant/registrar, to the student pharmacists and also to the promising nursing graduate who will take her board exam this coming December, wish you all the best. To the rest of you guys, sorry for my sin of omission for not putting your name on record. Thanks also to Doc Sam and his family, what a great partner in this kind of endeavor. To Gigi, for introducing us to Air Philippines (we know it’s beyond your control, but we will demand a treat every time this happens). To kuya Chito and the rest of the board members, for allowing us to represent the MARCH to Cagayan brethren; and most specially, thanks to our Awesome God for making this trip safe and the medical and dental mission a success. God bless us all.

What is MARCH for CHRIST

2006-07-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

MARCH for Christ is a non-profit, non-government corporation established in 1991 right after the Baguio Earthquake to assist victims in tragedy with relief, counseling and healing through its medical missions, distribution of relief goods and prayer and couseling sessions.

Sri Lanka, January 2005

Pakistan, November, 2005

Clinic site @ 12,200 ft.

It has been to over such 30 missions from as far as north of Kalinga-Apayao in Luzon to as far south Davao in Mindanao.

In January 23, 2005 it brought a 42 man relief mission to southern Sri Lanka providing its services and aid to various evacuation centers from Ambalangoda to Hambantota.
From March 2005 to May 2005, it sent 3 more smaller teams as follow up to Sri Lanka.

Some of our volunteers also joined the tsunami relief work in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Last November, a 6 man medical team participated in the earthquake relief work in the mountains of Pakistan. In all, MARCH for CHRIST has directly touched the lives of 100,000 victims of calamity and poverty.
- Text by Chito L. Cusi, MARCH for Christ President

(Published with permission).

32nd MARCH Medical & Dental Mission

2006-07-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Pagadian City, May 21-28, 2006
Dra. Gina Catalan attending to one of the local patient during the first day of the medical and dental mission. The 2-day free clinic served 1,997 in medical, 781 in dental and 77 circumsised young boys with a total of 2,855 treated patients in Pagadian excluding the church members who availed of the free check-up and medicines.

group photos of the MARCH members, joined by the Pagadian City church and some local government volunteers

Doc Sam Cariaga, one of the pioneering and longest serving member of MARCH.

He is currently serving as the new director of the Sunrise Christian College in Butuan City.

Posing at the Sundeck of the Superferry 9 bound for Ozamis City.

Pagadian beauties visit the clinic site during the first day of medical mission.
Dinnertime at the ship's canteen with Doc Amy and ate Ruth of Midtown Baguio church of Christ.

Jay-R, Gigie and Gina enjoys the sight-seeing.

If you wish to see more of the Pagadian City medical and dental photos, please drop me an e-mail request.

The Cainta church of Christ

2006-06-23T00:06:00.001-07:00

October 25, 1998 at East Garden Chinese Restaurant along Ortigas Ext. in Cainta Rizal, the Antipolo and Pasig church of Christ joined hands together for a “Sending Out” worship and special prayer for the three would-be workers in Cainta. Two weeks later, on Nov. 8, Don Williams (WBS director at that time), Rajahpad M. Buo and Eduardo “jhun” C. Ma Jr. (currently the minister/preacher in Tuao), together with the rest of the pioneering members of Cainta church began their first service at an unusual place, the old and unused Catholic chapel just beside the house of Sis. Rebecca Tajor. Bro. Jhun Ma delivered the very first sermon in front of enthusiastic worshippers composed of 18 adults, 5 teens and 5 kids.

Pressure and unfavorable remarks from the neighborhood forced the congregation to move out to a rented place just only after three weeks of its existence.

The infant church was blessed with six baptisms on its maiden year. However, Jhun Ma left the church barely four months before they celebrate its 1st anniversary. Don Buo, (younger brother of Raj) filled the leadership void and joined them on Sept, 1999. The changed of leadership occurred followed with another changed of location when the growing church leased an old two-storey apartment that became their home for five blessed years.

The Lord also, in the past years, sees us through separation-grief and difficult times when two leaders and church families left Cainta – Don, Deanne, Alisha and Anela Williams went back to the States for good. While Don Buo left on August, 2004.

I’ve been alternating with the Buo brothers in delivering sermons and Bible Study lessons since joining them in 2002, but I became “official” church worker when Don personally requested me to replace him and to assume all the job and responsibilities he left with the congregation.

The church is currently worshipping at a warehouse owned by Sis. Rebecca’s parents. We are actually located on the abandoned 2nd-floor, just below us is the hardware store fronting Greenland Subdivision, a few meters away from our former location.

The church decided to move due to the abrupt termination of fund it receives from sponsoring congregation overseas. The preachers are now left out-of-their own and the church unexpectedly become self-supporting.

From totally abandoned uninhibited area, the place suddenly transformed into a lively place of worship during Sundays. Minor repairs had been done in its leaking roof, canvass of sackcloth serves as the temporary ceiling, roughly cemented walls had been plastered by inexpensive wallpapers. The place is rental-free but we share the electricity we consume at a minimal rate. Major renovation has been put on hold due to budget constraint.

To others, a presentable place of worship is a must in order to have a decent and lively worship service. But for us, what matters most is presence of every individual soul who worships with us, giving honor and glory to God. We count not what we’re lacking, but thankful for what we have. Praise Him forever and ever, amen!

The Dental Clinic

2006-06-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Although she has her own, she still maintains and manage the old clinic in Manila, an hour and a half travel from our place. Her patients in our house can see her at night when she arrives or early in the morning. Others came in even during weekends.

Our House

2006-06-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Being constructed during our last year in Singapore and was finished just in time when we decided to came back for good. It's a three-storey house, the ground level served as the business establishment. Infront is the provision shop or "sari sari" grocery store and inside is Gina's dental clinic.

The second-level served as the sala or receiving area, the dining area, the balcony and right beside is the study room.

At the third-level is the master-bedroom and two more spare rooms.

Singapore: 1995 - 2002

2006-06-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken year 2000 in the Filipino Study room, Pasir Panjang church Singapore. While working for four years in a secular job, i got a chanced to handle the Filipinas, composed mostly of OCW's, in their Sunday Bible study.

My wife worked as a Dental Assistant for seven years in Mt. Elizabeth Hospital before we decided to comeback for good.

NOT OUR WEDDING PICTURE. This was taken last May 2005. We were invited by Gina's relative as the primary sponsor to their wedding in their hometown province of Camarines Sur.

The Catalans

2006-06-20T01:58:00.000-07:00

Sonny and Gina

Married on May 22, 1999

Residing in Cainta Rizal, Philippines

Worshipping at Cainta church of Christ