The annual Pastoral Care Conference of CGM and ACTION reached another milestone of helping and equipping the pastors in the Philippines. The 16^th Pastoral Care Conference was conducted on August 17-19 at its very own venue, Jabez Campsite, Pala-pala, Dasmariñas, Cavite. It was well attended by 228 pastors, Church leaders/elders, Church workers and Church planters who came from almost every corner of the country, from North of Luzon to Mindanao (Isabela to South Cotabato).

Dr. Rod Pence gave an exposition on the first epistle of John. He started with the historical background of the epistle, mentioning the Gnostic problem, how Gnosticism effects belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He warned the participants of the effect and program of modern Gnosticism and gave the 3 cardinal test of 1 John, the theological, moral and social test. He strongly warned also the participants to be vigilant and to stay away from sexual temptation or immorality. He repeatedly said, “it will destroy your ministry.”

By: Chona Solano, 16 yrs old

Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be. Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar and you'll live as you've never lived before. (Erich Fromm)

 Now that I’ve graduated from my senior year in High School, another leaf in my life has turned over. I will be entering the next chapter of my life by spending it outside the orphanage. This time, I will be living with my brothers.

Fifteen years ago, together with my siblings Joy, Richard and Raffy, we were brought to the Home of Joy in Mandaluyong City. We stayed there for 5 months then were transferred to the Foster Care Program through licensed Foster Families. My brother Richard and I stayed with Ms. Norma Rafol. After 2 years, we were moved back again to the Home of Joy Residential Care Center, which was at that time located at Jabez Christian Center, Cavite City. We were under the care of one houseparent to another. First, we were under the guardianship of Mr.Watson & Mrs Noemi Atkinson together with the help of Noemi Sabanto, whom we fondly called ‘mommy’. Then, when I was in grade 3, we were under the custody of Daddy Rudy and Mommy Fe De Guzman. After 2 years my sister Joy and I were under the care and guidance of Papa Jun and Mama Lucy Regio. Finally, our former Home of Joy manager, Mrs. Juliet Andaya, fostered me at the guesthouse.

A former inmate of National Bilibid prison, Bro. Raul Tejada was not aware of anger and bitterness that were eating him out.  These weaknesses controlled him, even before he was incarcerated in jail. 

For many years in his life, the devil took advantage of his fury and enslaved him in bitterness.  He was motivated only by his personal needs and desires, wanting to satisfy only himself. 

But like anyone saved from the certainty of eternal damnation, Bro. Raul is grateful for the redemption he received through the Lord Jesus Christ.  He was freed both from spiritual captivity and physical imprisonment.  He is now out of prison and serves as one of the elders and devotional leader of their church, Calvary Chapel Prison Ministry.

He pursued the habit of reading the Bible and attending several trainings and seminars.  Through the help of CGM’s Church Assistance Ministries’ seminars, he learned the importance of directing his attention towards Jesus and focusing on other’s needs. His personal ambitions and desires are no longer the center of his priorities and wants.

True enough, the result of self-confrontation Biblical counseling is equally rewarding both to this brother and his would be counselees.

“Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law,  locked up until faith should be revealed.” Gal. 3:23