Batch II Graduation

Last Friday, we had the grand closing ceremony for the 2nd batch of pastors and ladies who serve in their churches. We also invited alumni from the first batch who were trained in 2007, and other special invited guests. All in all, almost seventy people attended including family members of those trained. Of the 36 members of Life-Discipleship trainees, 24 of them completed all course requirements and received the LD Certificate of Completion!

The main speakers were Rev. Doug Nichols, ACTION’s International Director of Pastor Leadership Development and Children At Risk, Rev. Jeff Anderson, ACTION’s Philippine Field Director, Pastor Norman Dagdag (Life-Discipleship’s Alumni leadership) and the two of us (Paul & Patty). The over-all theme was to challenge these trained pastors and ladies to train yet others who will spread their training both locally and abroad wherever the Lord may send them. Another feature of the ceremony was the showing of the “Fire Proof” DVD, http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ that served as a great review about marriage relationships as were taught in the course. Some came into the kitchen area asking for paper tissue to dry their eyes. We have yet to fully discover what all this will be doing in a living way. We do know that this will be added to the great rejoicing in Heaven some day.

Pastor Manalang’s wife and daughter attended the ceremony (See previous blog for this story). Mrs. Gina Manalang represented her faithful husband in receiving his certificate. All who were there were touched because of her husband’s testimony.