* Outreach Conference in Provident Christian Church

This past Thursday (April 17) was a public holiday in the Philippines.  Provident Christian Church in Marikina, one of the churches we are working in, decided to have an outreach conference that day.  The people invited many friends and family.  Some of the members did this by handing out copies of the pamphlet, "Knowing The True God" by Rev. Houck with an invitation to the conference tucked inside.  In God's providence, several visitors attended.

Getting things sorted out beforehand.

Brother Ben Chua spoke before and after Rev. Kleyn, giving an introduction to the topics as well as a summary of the speeches.

Rev. Kleyn gave two speeches: 1) God's Sovereignty Over Evils and 2) God's Sovereignty in Salvation.  There was also a question and answer period afterward. 

The audience consisted of many from PCC as well as several visitors.

A delicious lunch and time of fellowship followed the conference.

May God use His word to save those who are His.

 

* Organization of Federation of Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines

We had a memorable and historical day yesterday under the blessing of God.  The First Reformed Church of Bulacan and the Berean Protestant Reformed Church reached the culmination of many months (even years) of work and were united into a Reformed denomination.

There were two main parts to the day. First, the ceremony for forming the new denomination.  Secondly, the meeting of the first Classis of the new denomination. 

Maranatha PRC, one of the churches we are currently working in, generously offered the use of their church building for the event.  It was centrally located for those involved, so worked out well.

Getting things ready.

After opening devotions and singing, Rev. Kleyn gave a meditation on I Corinthians 15:58.  "Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

The gathering, including members from the two churches, many children and young people, as well as many friends, made for a day of good fellowship. 

After the meditation by Rev. Kleyn, there was the reading and signing of two different documents by all the members (ministers, elders and deacons) of the two consistories.  First The Declaration of Agreement was signed, in which is stated the basis of unity and the purposes for the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines.  Then the Formula of Subscription was signed, in which all the office bearers promise to uphold and defend the confessions of the churches.

 

Rev. Vernon Ibe, BPRC
 

 

Elder Eric Mescallado, BPRC
 

Deacon Buboy Prosia, BPRC

 

 

Elder Rod Bongat, BPRC

 

 

Elder Sonny Umali, BPRC

  

Deacon Dick Espiritu, BPRC

 

 

Rev. John Flores, FRCB

 

 

Elder Reden Zuniega, FRCB

 

Elder Ronald Mercado, FRCB

 

Deacon Lito Trias, FRCB

 

After all the signing was finished, Rev. Smit read out many letters of greeting from the Protestant Reformed Churches in America, the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland, and the Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore.  Our hearts were stirred at the beauty of the body of Jesus Christ throughout the world, united in one, true faith.

 There was also much time for fellowship during the coffee and lunch breaks.

We then proceeded to the second part of the day.  The office bearers gathered for the first Classis meeting of the new denomination, while the rest of us were allowed to observe the proceedings.

 

At the meeting, the Rules of Classis were adopted, officers, standing committees and church visitors were elected, and matters of finance and other things were dealt with.

And of course, there was also time for some picture taking.

The members of the two consistories.

Members of Classis with the two missionaries.

How good and pleasant is the sight,

When brethren make it their delight

To dwell in blessed accord.

Such love is like anointing oil,

That consecrates for holy toil,

The servants of the Lord.

We are thankful to God, for His sovereign work in bringing these two churches together, united in true faith as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity.  May His blessing continue to rest on this denomination with a view to the gathering of His precious church, the coming of Christ, and the glory of His holy Name.

Sola Deo Gloria!