Coming this December: Camp Forever 14

More information on http://smocampforever.wordpress.com/

Together for the Gospel: A Message from our National Director

Snapshots from our 31st Anniversary

From the Desk of Pastor Renato del Mundo, SMO National Director:

This year’s anniversary theme, “Together for the Gospel”, made me think of a partnership between two faithful workers of the Lord – Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas, also known as Joses or Joseph mentioned in Acts 4:36-37, was a Levite who sold his property and gave the proceeds to the early Jerusalem Church. In contrast, Saul, who later became Paul was a former persecutor of the church who eventually became a believer through a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus himself. Both Barnabas and Paul became teachers and ministers to the Church in Antioch Syria where the early believers were first called Christians. They were then chosen by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the church to become official missionaries and team partners for the mission work in the neighboring countries.

The Book of Acts chapters 13 and 14 recorded the mission trip events of Barnabas and Paul. As mission partners, they were “together for the Gospel” having one heart and mind, agreeing and uniting for the same cause. Their unity was based on these three principles: They were committed and passionate about the same Mission they Performed, about the same Message they Proclaimed, and about the same Motivation they Pursued. Through their mission trips we can get strategies and insights on how to work together as fellow workers in the Lord’s ministry. Firstly, Paul and Barnabas were focused on their Mission: “Go and Make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28:20-21). In obedience to the Great Commission, Paul & Barnabas became witnesses of the Lord Jesus in every place they visited. With all zealousness, they went about taking the gospel from one synagogue after another, city after city, reaching out to the Jews, as well as to the Gentiles. As the Holy Spirit led them, they were bold in performing their mission regardless of the opposition, persecution and rejection.

Secondly, both of them have the same passion about the message they proclaimed. Their Message: “Gospel of Jesus, The Christ of God”. Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the gospel by proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the anointed of God, the Messiah as prophesied, and that salvation and justification is by Grace alone through Faith in Jesus’ finished work on the Cross (Acts 13:16-41). They introduced to them the Gospel of Jesus which resulted in the salvation of the Gentiles, as well as persecution from fellow Jews.

Thirdly, both of them have the same Motivation: “Glory of God & Expansion of His Kingdom”. In Acts 14: 8-18, there was an incident when the people from Lystra, a place where Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man from birth, that the people exalted them as gods and were to present a sacrificial offerings for them. When Paul and Barnabas learned about this, they rent their clothes and forbid them to do such, acknowledging that they were only men and that the glory belongs only to God who made the heavens and the earth. They were very careful not to receive the glory but to offer it only to the One who truly deserves it- GOD alone. So, regardless of the hardships and troubles, even Paul’s experience of death but was later revived by the Lord, they both persevered because they understood that after all, God’s kingdom is not about them, but it’s about God’s glory.

However, their unity doesn’t necessarily mean uniformity, where the two of them were exactly alike in all things. Like any other workers, we all have varying perceptions or opinions. On their supposed second mission trip (Acts 15:36-40), Barnabas and Paul had a serious disagreement regarding John Mark who deserted them during their first mission trip. Their sharp argument caused them to part ways. Barnabas brought John Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul decided to take Silas to be his mission partner to the regions of Lycaonia and Macedonia. ‘Though there maybe differences of opinions between them, they didn’t allow their differences to hinder their service to the Lord. Both of them continued on in the ministry where God wanted them to go and what he wanted them to do. They maybe serving the Lord in different places, or in different ways, but they were united in their Mission, in their Message, and in their Motivation. They remained partners in the Lord’s ministry. That was somehow proven that later in Paul’s Roman imprisonment, he requested to send John Mark to assist him.

Likewise, the SMO ministry serves as a partner to Christian Churches, schools, and our government in fulfilling the Great Commission, in proclaiming the message of Christ, and pursuing the glory of God. Together, we can be partners for the Gospel in Christ!

SMO Celebrates 31st Anniversary

Rev. Dr. Quek Swee Hwa flew in from Singapore to be one of the guest speakers of SMO’s 31st Anniversary held last August 17, 2008. Close to 370 students, pastors, and alumni filled the grounds of the SMO Youth Center in Bacolod City and listened to Dr. Quek speak on the importance of being together in the proclamation of the gospel. This year’s theme is “Together for the Gospel”. Prior to his message, some alumni and church leaders shared their partnership with SMO in their personal lives and the church life as a whole. Pastors present were duly acknowledged and given tokens of appreciation. Dr. Quek and his church has been a ministry partner of SMO for nearly ten years now.

The other speaker was Pastor Brian Golez Najapfour, a young Masters in Theology student. During the anniversary, he preached the Gospel message after students of SMO Bible Training Institute (BTI) presented a pantomime with a gospel theme.

Song numbers were given by the Afterglow, young people of Faith Baptist Church, alumni Ephraim Sabordo, and Ivah Mae de los Reyes with her sisters. SMO members and the alumni came up front to be together in singing the final song that day titled “We shall Stand”.

Ten schools and eight churches were represented during the event.

The following day, August 18, a special one day equipping event was held at the youth center. Dr. Quek, principal of Singapore-based Biblical Graduate School of Theology and a licensed tour guide and lecturer in the Bible lands, lectured on Biblical Archaeology. While Pastor Najapfour, who is finishing his Masters in Theology at the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, gave a lecture on Bible Versions and Dynamic Equivalence. Sixty pastors, Bible students, youth leaders, and lay people participated in the event which was held at the youth center.

Visit this link for more Anniversary Photos.

SMO Sets Program for 31st Anniversary

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Our youth ministry is now 31!

Our Activities:

August 7 – 17th Anniversary of “Ang Panong” (The Flock), our Bible study group at Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas. Speaker: Engr. Xerwin Ceballos.

August 8 – “Don’t Waste your Life”, evangelistic campaign at Murcia National High School, Negros Occ.

August 17 – “Together for the Gospel”, 31st Anniversary Celebration (inter-church/inter-school fellowship), 1:30 pm, SMO Grounds, 15 Lizares Ave., Bacolod City. Speakers: Pastor Brian Najafour and Rev. Dr. Quek Swee Hwa.

August 18 – “Explore”, 1day special event lecture on Biblical Archaeology (Rev. Quek), and Understanding Bible Versions (Pastor Najafour).

Join us!

We Took a Stand

Students from the provinces of Palawan, Negros, Camarines Sur, and Albay heard the messages loud and clear, and they are up and ready to make a stand for the “TRUTH” when school season begins this June. “Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception” was one of the major topics that were preached during the 12th SMO National Biennial Conference held on 7-11 April 2008 at Naga View Adventist College, Naga City, Camarines Sur. The conference theme “Stand for the Truth” couldn’t be more relevant especially when the nation faces a period of uncertainty in almost all realms (politics, economy, faith). “Stand for the Truth” Series, Spiritual Disciplines, and the urgency of the Biblical Evangelism and Discipleship were among the topics that were preached.

The conference were attend by 160 students, youth leaders, missionaries, pastors, and lay people. Pastor Edgar Santonia, SMO Coordinator in Naga, delegated responsibilities to his church members and his network of friends to make sure that the conference flowed smoothly.

Since this is a “youth” conference, some fun time could not be discounted. It’s great to see students from different cultural background could find unity in Christ. It’s also encouraging to that the days and weeks after this conference, friendly relationships have been formed and maintained through “texting” (sending SMS) and linking up with anyone’s Friendster account.

On the sidelines, some of the delegates were brought around the province and neighboring Albay for a day-long tour. Among the significant stops were a visit at a village completely wiped out by lahar during a recent eruption of Mayon volcano. The scene was nothing but eerie. Just a few kilometers away stood the residence and church of Pastor Batalla (the ministry’s new worker in Legazpi), which was spared from nature’s wrath.

SMO thanks those who have supported us in their prayers and those who have extended financial support to make this year’s conference a success. To God be the glory.

Summer’s Big Event

THE 12TH SMO NATIONAL BIENNIAL CONFERENCE will be on 7-11 April 2008 in Naga City, Bicol Province. Event details can be viewed at http://smoconference.wordpress.com

CONFERENCE TOPICS

Challenges:

Truth Matters: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception
Stand for the Truth by Knowing It
Stand for the Truth by Living It
Stand for the Truth by Sharing It
Stand for the Truth by Defending It
John: A Man of Passion who Courageously Contend for the Truth
Paul: A Man of Persistence who Zealously Share the Truth
Daniel: A Man of Purity who Willingly Live and Die for the Truth

Lectures:

Evangelism
Discipleship
How to Start and Maintain a Campus Ministry
Biblical Intake as a Spiritual Discipline
Prayer and Worship as a Spiritual Discipline
Service and Stewardship as a Spiritual Discipline

Images of “Stand:Camp Forever 13″

 

We are excited to show you the images of our recent camp held at Gawahon Eco-Tourism Park in Victorias City last 26-29 December 2007. The images testify of the goodness of the Lord!

BUT BEFORE THAT, HERE’S AN AMAZING TESTIMONY

The first time I heard the announcement about Camp Forever, I don’t know, but my heart seemed to pop. There seemed to be a prompting for me to join this camp. But there were two things that almost dampened my excitement. First, I just finished my schooling and I think that if I join, I may feel out of place. Second, I do not have 400 pesos to pay for the registration.

On Decemeber 24, I went back to our hometown, which was 1.5 hours bus ride from Bacolod City. I told my Nanay (mother) that I need to go back to the city the next day because I have an appointment. They’re used to my regular travel to the city when I was still a student that they don’t bother anymore what’s the reason for me to go back to Bacolod. Nanay asked me whether I need some money. I told her that I need to borrow from her 500 pesos. Surprisingly, she did lend me some money. Then Tatay (father) gave me my transport fare.

While I was packing my things, I prayed “God, whatever will happen to me during the camp, I am prepared to discover more of Him. Whatever happens after the camp, I want to be prepared as well.

I am so grateful to God for He provided me the ways and means to be part of this camp. I enjoyed every activity. I enjoyed every moment of worship and hearing His Word preached. I have learned to appreciate more His mercy. The camp went beyond my expectations. The chance to know God is a rich experience, so rich that I cannot place a price tag to it. I have so many questions on my mind about Him before the camp and I thank God that this camp has provided answers already to some of my questions. On the last night of our camp, I made a covenant with God that beginning on this day, I will make His Word a part of my life.

THE PLACE

Gawahon was once called as Alipo-op which means “fog”. Before commercial logging that destroyed its primary-growth forest (except at the summit ridge). Gawahon used to be under perpetual dense fog and continuous heavy rain. Although it is has lost most of its hostile characteristics, any climb of Gawahon, particularly on its west slopes, remains a great challenge. It is still has a high rate of rainfall. (http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/Gawahon.html)

Gawahon is 50 kilometers away from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Travel time is 1.5 hours.

WORSHIP

This camp’s loaded. We’ve got an early morning group devotion on sex (materials were selected from Randy Alcorn’s booklet “The Purity Principle”. Pastor Rodney Necesito met with mostly first-timers of Camp Forever where he conversed with them on the holiness of God and sinfulness of men, and of God’s forgiveness and man’s need to repent – in other words, the Gospel was preached to them. Pastor Ritchemar Macoy met with a separate group, those whose faith were harnessed by time and experience in their Christian walk, where he lectured on Christian apologetics. Time was limited though as eager youths sought more. The evening sessions focused on the theme – standing firm in the faith – from Philippians 1; Young preachers, Alan Solidum and Xerwin Ceballos delivered the challenges. Of course, not to be missed out in worship is – praise!

GAMETIME

Camp Forever wouldn’t be Camp Forever were it not for the hyper-active creative games which require a lot of thinking and solid teamwork. We wanted the youths to step into the outside world with the thought that it’s a tough world out there and that if they shouldn’t be working together, they’ll be in an awful lot of mess.

FUN NITE

It’s a night of discovery as campers and staff express their creative stuff – all in the spirit of clean fun.

BEST SOLO PORTRAITS

We chose some solo shots which we think were taken well and tells a story. It’s good someone brought a nice Nikon camera. Thanks dude.

BEST GROUP PORTRAITS

Congratulations to Team Zion for being chosen as this year’s Model Team and Team Eagle’s Eye as Performance Team! For Team Advengers and Team Cross-Aiders, you’ve got 11 more months to get yourself ready.

85 staff and campers participated in this year’s camp. And here are what we considered as the best group shots.

Fear Not

Our Christmas Greetings to You

Stand for the Truth

As a means for the students to join in this year’s Camp Forever, we have printed T-shirts for sale at only 150 pesos. The T-shirt design below highlights the Christian’s right to stand for the Truth. Those interested may contact the SMO office at (34)4336923 or 0927-6766-361.