This year, GCI in the Philippines is celebrating its 50th anniversary in festivals titled, 50 years of Amazing Journey with Our Awesome God. Festivals were held in October in Cagayan de Oro City and Cebu City. Both sites offered a festive grand reunion of GCI members who had not seen one another for many years.
Cagayan de Oro City site
Members attending this site came from Mindanao, the Visayas, Luzon and from overseas. Speakers were Len Joson, Gil Llaneza, Margie Bahinting and national director Eugene Guzon.
A special plaque was awarded posthumously to GCI pastor Captain Jessup Bahinting in recognition of his love and service to the Philippine members. Margie Bahinting, Jessup’s wife, also was awareded a plaque in recognition of her love and service to the members in Mindanao.
Other highlights of the event included the ordination of Adriano Bravo as an elder (he serves as senior pastor in Pagadian City), the baptism of 14 members and the blessing of several children.
Cebu City site
Members attending here came from Panay Island, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Mindanao, Luzon and Cebu. Speakers were Eugene Guzon, Romy Pusta, Gil Llaneza, Terence Santibanez, Rey Taniajura and GCI Canada pastor Robert Millman.
Activities included presentations from GCI missionaries (at a Missions Fest); a family day; gatherings for teens, singles, couples and seniors; a ministerial dinner; and a tour of historical sites in Cebu. A highlight of the event was a presentation of certificates in Community Development Studies to 23 people.
Comgratulatioms on your 50th. Forty two years ago I visited the church in Manila and was impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the membership. Since then the church has grown in grace and knowledge and in numbers…God bless you.