News from the Philippines
Cavite Open Door Commission Church: The Joy of Spreading Love and Hope Over Christmas
INTRODUCTION
As the Christmas season unfolded, our church experienced the joy of sharing love and hope with others, celebrating the true meaning of Christ’s birth. Here are some highlights from our vibrant holiday activities:
Emmanuel Stage Play: Sharing Talents and Unity
A major highlight of our celebrations was the stage play “Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23), led by our teens. Their eagerness to share their talents brought life to the play, filled with dancing, music, and heartfelt performances. These shared experiences strengthened relationships among the teens and the youth who supported them. This unity has inspired our young people to serve God with renewed passion, reminding us all of the true gift of Christmas.
Sharing Blessings at Burol Elementary School
As part of our Christmas outreach, we were honoured to bring joy to 100 less fortunate students at Burol Elementary School. Each child received a Christmas package generously donated by kind-hearted individuals and organisations. Seeing the smiles on their faces and witnessing God’s provision in action was a blessing.
GMA Children’s Ministry Christmas Party
Forty-eight children, accompanied by their mothers and friends, gathered for a joyful celebration filled with surprises and gifts. Our guest speaker, Bro. Renan Regulto shared a heartfelt Christmas message, reminding us all to praise God.
Adding to the festive spirit, two beauty queens, Amara and Anessa Fierros, visited the GMA Children’s Ministry. These granddaughters of Bro. Samuel Mendoza, crowned Royal International Miss Sweetheart and Miss Hawaii Princess, respectively, distributed school supplies and gifts as part of their projects. Their generosity touched many hearts. Thank you, Amara and Anessa. God bless you abundantly.
Bucal Children’s Ministry Christmas Party
The newly opened Bucal Children’s Ministry held its first-ever Christmas party, marking a joyful milestone. The event featured games, prizes, and gifts for the children, while Sis. Althea Pelipas shared an inspiring Christmas message. This wonderful gathering reminded us of God’s faithfulness as we celebrated together. To God be all the glory!
Christmas Day Celebration
On Christmas Day, our worship service was a powerful reminder of God’s goodness. The message, delivered with conviction and passion, filled our hearts with gratitude. Worship and praise filled the day as we celebrated the birth of our Savior. To further spread joy, 31 families from Cavite Open Door Commission Church (CODCC) were gifted with grocery goods, thanks to the generosity of Commission. This act of kindness was a testament to God’s abundant provision during this season of giving.
Looking Ahead: Bicol, Mahal Ka ng Diyos Mission
As we reflect on the joy of giving during Christmas, we look forward to continuing this spirit of compassion with the upcoming “Bicol, Mahal Ka ng Diyos” mission from January 21-28, 2025.
The Philippines has recently endured six devastating typhoons, with the Bicol Region suffering the most damage. Flooding, landslides, and lahars from Mayon Volcano have left a trail of destruction, severely impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and countless lives. Many Bicolanos are now facing despair and uncertainty. While the government works to assist, the overwhelming needs are far greater than their resources.
In response, our church, guided by God’s love, is preparing to bring hope and relief to the Bicol Region. During this mission, we will visit two churches and one school, sharing a message of encouragement and distributing gifts and food to show God’s love in action. We humbly ask for your prayers and support in this mission. We can remind the Bicolanos that they are not alone and that God’s love remains steadfast, even in the toughest times.
If you’d like to stay updated on what’s happening with CODC in the Philippines, email comms@commission.global to subscribe to their monthly newsletter!