“Because God loves everyone, we in the church should not exclude anyone.” This was the resounding message from GCI Philippines national director Eugene Guzon at the conclusion of the 4-day Mindanao-wide festival held this month in Cagayan de Oro City in the province of Mindanao in the Philippines.
The focus of the festival was to urge the 500 members attending to develop within their churches a culture of Connectivity, Sensitivity and Proactivity.
Each day of the festival was filled with activities including tug-of-war contests and karaoke singing. The youth enjoyed a dance and a movie. In one session, Pastor Audie Santibañez urged leaders to take advantage of technology like ebooks. Mindanao Area Superintendent Jerome Manriquez warmed the audience on the opening day with an inspiring sermon titled, “The Celebration of Life.” A highlight of the festival was the commissioning of the pastoral teams in Mindanao. There also was an appeal to assist the earthquake victims there.
For years I have looked intensely at any reports coming from the Philippines for news of an old friend and finally there is his name in black and white, Audie Santibanez! If anyone could get me his email address I would love it.
He is a great friend and I have not seen him since college in Big Sandy.
Tim and Susie Shipman