NEW LOCAL CHURCHES TO BE ESTABLISHED
Pastor Calixtro (right) officiates the baptism
Two school outreaches in Bacolod City will soon lead to the establishment of local churches in their respective areas. Pastor Al Calixtro, elder of Lifespring Fundamental Baptist Church and volunteer worker of SMO, started Bible studies to students of Sum-ag National High School and Bata National High School. Some parents in these communities also attend with them. Last September, Pastor Calixtro officiated water baptism to 22 individuals (most of them came from Bible studies in these two areas); they are currently attending regular Sunday worship services in Lifespring and in members’ homes. This January, 2011, Lifepsring will officially acknowledge the outreaches in Sum-ag and Bata as their sister churches. Pastor Calixtro is assisted by youth members of Lifespring, who are also SMO members.
EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGNS HELD
Pastor Faller on the helm
Community Life Ministry based in Metro Manila continues to expand in their ministry outreaches. On September 17, 2011, Hoop Heaven Basketball Tournament was held in Cainta, Rizal, where several teams participated in friendly basketball games and in Bible studies. On September 23, 2011, an Evangelistic Night was held with singer Ryan Fuentes as the speaker. There were singing of praise and drama presentations. Hundreds of people mostly youths listened to the Gospel preached. On September 25, 2011, visiting US missionary couple Jeff and Bernadette Todd spoke to a youth gathering called The Greatest Love Story with God. And on October 14-15, a joint Parents and Teachers Camp was held in Iba, Zambales. More than 200 people participated in the camp titled Limitless: Infinity and Beyond.
Community Life Ministry is being spearheaded by Pastor Luis Faller, who is also a ministry partner of SMO.
Iloilo Bible Baptist Church based in Iloilo City commemorated their 21st Founding Anniversary on September 17-22, 2011 with evangelistic campaigns in three schools, a visit in a jailhouse, distribution of tracts in commercial areas and schools, and a worship celebration. US missionaries, Clayton Edgy, Lucas Edgy and Mat Stahlman preached the Gospel and gave their testimonies.
Pastor George Totica leads the church and is ministry partner of SMO.
In Bacolod, an evangelistic film showing was held in two public schools on August 23, 2011.
ASIAN MISSION TRIP
Repollo (left) with Rev. and Mrs. David Wong, and Afterglow trainer Ervin Lumauag
SMO Gen. Secretary Frederick Repollo joined the Afterglow Singers on a Mission Trip in Singapore and Thailand on October 28-November 6, 2011. Repollo was given the opportunity to talk to ministry partner Zion Bible Presbyterian Church to give new developments in the SMO work in the Philippines. He was also met by Rev. David Wong, Senior Pastor of Zion, where they had informal discussions about the ministry. Repollo also met and discuss matters with incoming Missions Director Tay Houw Jin. Video presentation about SMO was also shown during the worship services.
On the other hand, the Afterglow Singers sang in different occasions, notably, during the worship services at Zion and Emmanuel Bible Presbyterian Church, the Reformation Day Rally at Serangoon Bible Presbyterian Church, and the concert at Mt. Carmel Bible Presbyterian Church. The group also ministered to brethren in Thailand, particularly to Church of Blessings in Korat and Bangna Christian Fellowship. The group had a send-off concert in Bacolod City, Philippines on October 25 before they left for the Asian trip. Rev. Edwin Ormeo gave the message during the Philippine concert.
The Afterglow at a concert in Mt. Carmel BP Church, Singapore
The team was welcomed by Rev. Dr. Quek Swee Hwa in Singapore, and alumni members of Afterglow and church leaders in Thailand.
THANK YOU, PASTOR ARBI
Pastor Seijo
SMO will be missing one its Bible Study leaders and teaching staff as Pastor Reuel “Arbi” E. Seijo leaves for a new ministry in Davao City as one of the pastors of a local church there. The ministry expressed its heartfelt thanks to Pastor Arbi for three years of joyful service to the Lord. SMO looks forward to be in partnership with him and the local church he will be working with for a start of SMO work in Davao City soon. Our prayers on a new chapter in your life, Pastor Arbi.
A Seminar on Teen Sexuality with emphasis on Pre-Marital Sex and Abortion were held among 500 students of Medel National High School in Bacolod City. The seminar, sponsored by Student Missionary Outreach, aims to give awareness to students on the consequences of having pre-marital sex and the dangers of getting an abortion. The speaker was Nick Alayon, an SMO alumni and currently a guidance counselor of Colegio de San Agustin, a private College School based here in Bacolod City. This was held last February 17, 2012.
