Category: Stay Connected

Join us in congratulating Hazel and Dids! We share in the joy of both families.

Hazel Tabin (from Pasadena, CA, US) and Dids Raduban (from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines) are excited to share their engagement that took place in Baguio City, Philippines on January 13, 2023! A wedding date has not been set as they are currently working on Dids’ fiancè visa. Join them in praying that the process will go smoothly so they can finally be together permanently after being in a long-distance relationship.

Angie and Saddie Tabin (pastor and associate pastor of Pasedena, CA, US), along with Jina and Ezra Raduban (pastor and elder of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, PH), celebrate this momentous event and are eager to see what God has in store for Hazel and Dids!

Join us in congratulating Attorney Cielo and Peter Ben Dela Cruz on their ordination as elders!

On December 18, Pastor Audie Santibanez officiated the ordination of Cielo. That same day, Peter Ben was ordained and installed as senior pastor of GCI Metro East Manila (MEM) by Mario Natividad. Mario, who has served as senior pastor for many years, has passed the baton and will be serving in an advisory role. We’re very grateful to Mario for his faithful service and for equipping and empowering the next generation.

Read the interview below to get to know Cielo and Peter.

Did you grow up in GCI?
Yes, Peter’s parents met in GCI while attending Manila church. Cielo’s mother also attended the Manila church when she was single. After marriage, she raised her children in GCI even though her husband was a Catholic.

How long have you been part of GCI MEM?
Cielo since 2012, and Peter since 2015

How long have you been married?
7 years

Do you have any children?
Our daughter, Tanya Samantha, is 6 years old.

Do you work in the community in addition to pastoring the church?
Peter is a Computer Science graduate and works as a software engineer. Cielo is a full-time homemaker and works part-time as a lawyer.

Additionally, we try to involve ourselves in our village association projects, and we have a small-scale project called “MakeItCount.” Due to the pandemic, we see more people suffering, and our family decided we can do something, even if it’s small scale. Since 2021, we aim to cook and give out free food packs to at least 30 unhoused people once a week.Who has mentored you?
Pastor Gil and Carol Llaneza and Pastor Audie and Rachel Santibanez have been a mentor to Cielo. Pastor Andrew Teng, Russell and Teena Meimban, and Pastor Aron Tolentino have mentored Peter.

“I have learned what the Holy Spirit’s voice sounds like within my being and know that listening to it (even when—and especially when—it’s very hard) is the only thing that brings God’s peace that surpasses all understanding.” –Diana Mayhew

Check out this month’s GCI profile to get to know Diana Mayhew, Member and Donor Services Representative.

To read her full profile, click the image below. #WeAreGCI

Are you considering volunteering, but you have questions?

Check out our Q&A.

Q: The conference is 3+ days. Will I be expected to serve the entire time? Every session? What’s my time commitment?
A: Each shift or session is 2.5 hours or less. We ask that you choose and serve for one shift. Of course, you can choose more than one shift.

Q: Do I have to create my own lessons / curriculum?
A: No. We will provide a lesson and activity with all supplies for your session.

Q: How many other adults will I be with?
A: Depending on the age group, you will be with at least two other volunteers during your shift.

Q: Can I request which age group I help with? If I’d rather serve with teens, can I request that?
A: Absolutely. On the sign up, you will see that the shifts are organized by grade/age and times. You can pick any open slot.

Have additional questions or want to volunteer? Please send an email to home.office@gci.org

• • • • • Register today!
        • See the schedule.
        • Get more information.
        • Volunteer to help with our Celebration Kids Club and Teen Sessions and pay no registration fee!

GCI Gear is Here!

We chose the vendor for our on-demand store based on their high-quality and ethically sourced items, as well as their ability to ship internationally. However, please note that the shipping costs are per item. You can get detailed shipping information here.

This GCI Buzz explains the 4 Es: Engage, Equip, Empower, and Encourage. #gcibuzz

Click the image below to check out the full, printer-friendly PDF.

Click the image or here to learn more.