“For even for the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
–Mark 10:45
Mar 29-31 2013
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The UBF(University Bible Fellowship)-Philippines celebrated their Easter Summer Bible Conference on the 29th up to the 31st of March 2013, and was held at the Bankers village, Antipolo City. The venue is under construction but once it is finished, it will become the new Bible House. As of now, only the walls, the stage, the flooring and cemented pillars could be seen, and there’s no roof yet, so they improvised something else that served as their roof which was good enough to protect them from extreme heat. There was also an equal division of labor. Some shepherds were assigned to buy groceries while most shepherdesses or prayer mothers in to cooking, and the other shepherds were at the technical preparation while the others were assigned as cleaners. All in all they had 88 attendees.
On the 29th, in the morning, shepherds and shepherdesses worked together on the preparation from the food up to the technical. At 12 noon, they had lunch. Unfortunately they were free from 1-4 pm. But some of them used the spare time for practicing their special numbers. At 4 pm the program began. Dr. Benjamin Toh from Westloop-UBF, Chicago led the fellowship for Bible Study on Revelation 2:1-11. The passage mainly focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the seven churches. After the study, they were told by Dr. Ben Toh to regroup into 10 for sharing their insights and reflections individually about the passage. After sharing, they had dinner, and after that the program continued. One representative from each of the 10 groups was appointed to talk about what their group shared about. Then at 7 pm was the worship song numbers and the different chapters such as Valenzuela, Caloocan, UP (University of the Philippines-Manila), and Anitpolo performed. There was also Life Testimony sharers in between. Mr. Eddie and Mrs. Rose Nepaz delivered their joyful testimonies that moved the hearts of young people regarding the Godly perspective about marriage.
On the 30th, Dr. Ben led the Bible Study at 7 am in the morning. It was the continuation of our Revelation lessons from verses 12-29. Despite of the heat and other inconveniences, they all participated. After the study, they regrouped into 8 for the sharing of insights guided by 3 compelling questions about their genuine love for Christ, how much they long for the morning star (according to verse 28), and the most difficult question of all, what impression do they give to others and their self-estimation of themselves. After the devotional bible study they took lunch.
On their free time from 1-5 pm, they practiced different dances for the night. It was very encouraging and moving to see everyone working together with their hearts beating as one regardless of the hot and unpleasant atmosphere. At 5 pm was the Dance night and Life Testimony sharing. Two from the Ignite Bible club, Sh. Andrew Tapales and Sh. Princess Joy, shared their gracious testimony, not to mention those who heard it was touched and moved by the grace of God. Their testimonies was full of how God changed them from wretchedness and unhappiness into being useful, humble, and joyful servants of God.
On the 31st, the third day, they had worship service which started at 7 am in the morning and Dr. Ben delivered the message based on John 19. The message strengthens each and everyone’s discernments and convictions regarding why Jesus died. They received the message that He died not only because of our sins (it is secondary) but first and foremost for the glory of God.
From John 19:5, Pilate said “here is the Man!” This message seemed to concern men more. They’ve learned what it means to be a True Man like Jesus, for the sad truth is, men today are not real men but counterfeit men. Most importantly, the passage uncovered Jesus’ great and unfailing love for the sinners, and none among the humanly and earthly love could surpass His.
The 3-day conference was never meaningless for the word of God is awesome, stronger, and powerful than the technical problems and weather predicament.
Personally I learned about how the powerful hands of God works for those who made Christ the center of their life, their relationships, and of whatever people do to glorify Him. I learned that the only person I should imitate to is Jesus Christ, the First True Man ever! Through Jesus, I learned that I should pray to have Christ-like-True Man characters such as loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, merciful, humble, faithful, fair, honest, obedient, responsible, courageous, pure, holy, and seeking God’s greater reward.
-Sh. Noah Montefalcon
UNIVERSITY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
Valenzuela city, Philippines
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