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Chronicles 2012

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Chronicles is the yearly publication of Shekinah Christian Church, University Belt. This is the first online issue in its history.

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Page 1: Chronicles 2012
Page 2: Chronicles 2012

A B O U T T H E C O V E R

“ B l o o d ” p a i n t s t h e w a y t o t h e

P i n n a c l e o f t h e R o c k o f A g e s ,

s y m b o l i z i n g t h a t o n l y b y t h e

s a c r i f i c e o f t h e S o n c a n m a n

r e a c h a n d s u r v i v e t h e H o l i n e s s

o f G o d .

Staff ARLENE EVANGELISTA ANLEN CONDAT PAOLO GUICHO GO

Contributors

ANDREA PHOEBE FELARCA CHARLENE BASSIG HANCEELY VILLA HENRY VILLA LULU LOPEZ MAFIA ESCASINAS NEOMI RUTH RIZO

CHRONICLES 2012 is available online. Please visit www.shekinah.com.ph for details.

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FaithfulGod

FaithfulServants

FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART

BY REV. MELCHOR C. GOTwenty-eight years and counting! And yes, growing

still! One wonders as to what makes Shekinah tick?

What has kept us going all these years, and with the

fervor for service sustained and brightly burning

for all to see? Why are we still at it? That is, with

our “hands to the plough” and apparently never

looking back in the task of “cultivating the soil”

and “sowing the seed” of God’s Word everywhere?

Over the years, we have never ceased to harp on

the Divine element of Shekinah’s achievements and

rightly so because it is only fitting that we primarily

acknowledge God’s role in our all our endeavors.

His bountiful grace, no doubt, has sustained us

all along. He is our refuge and strength, a present

help in times of need. In fact, we are all witnesses

to His amazing work and that He isn’t the ‘Rock

of Ages’ for nothing! He is the Source of all, the

Fountain of our life and existence!

But the other equally important element in the

equation is the dedication of His faithful servants

who have tirelessly labored in His vineyard. They

are the men and women who have braved the

perilous and oftentimes unforgiving elements of

nature, surviving loneliness and extreme wants

if only to carry out the task of fulfilling the

Great Commission. Without regard to monetary

gain or worldly accolades, these humble servants

have unselfishly devoted themselves in reckless

abandon to the Lord and His work. Most of them

have been contented to work inconspicuously in

the background, away from the glares of light and

completely satisfied that they have secretly pleased

their Master!

It would therefore be the height of insensitivity if

we fail to acknowledge their priceless contribution.

For we could never have reached this point in our

spiritual journey had it not been for His faithful

servants who traveled with us the extra mile and

made themselves of service in more ways than

one. In the same way as we are to the Lord, we are

all equally indebted to them as they made a good

account of themselves in faithful service to the

Master and His children.

Therefore, it is only fitting that we personally

recognize our dear pastors, missionaries, church

planters, teachers, evangelists, workers and leaders

for their faithful service to our community and

the world. They have definitely touched our lives

for the better. And while this may make them

uncomfortable as they may argue that they are

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CHRONICLES 2012

NEWS

SCMI Youth convened its first Youth ConferenceBY CHARLENE BASSIG

Last October 22, 2011, the SCMI Youth held its

very first conference at the Chi Alpha Student

Center in Sampaloc, Manila. The said event’s

theme was ‘Obedience of a Christian Youth” and

the principal verse was Luke 9:23 - Then he said to

them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must

deny themselves and take up their cross daily and

follow me.”

The conference was divided into two sessions, the

morning and the afternoon sessions. The morning

session started by dividing the youth into different

groups. The purpose was for the participants

to be familiarized with the young people from

other churches. Praise and Worship was led by the

SCC – UB Youth, Talita Koum. Afterwards, Ptr.

Sunil Stephens took over and spoke on the topic

“Obedience versus Sacrifice.”

In the afternoon session, everyone had fun with

(Continued from page 3) “simply doing

their duty” to the Lord, such a gesture

would affirm their worth and efforts.

It will certainly encourage them all the

more to greater heights of service. This is

one way of telling them that their labor

is not in vain!

The Bible commands us to credit with

“double honor” those who serve well

among us for in so doing not only do we

bless those who come to us in the name of

the Lord, but we also succeed in blessing

ourselves in return. Then we perpetuate

the endless cycle of reciprocity! No

wonder Shekinah has been enjoying His

blessings all these 28 years!

Let us all thank God for blessing us

with the steady presence of His faithful

servants! ▲

Rev. Melchor Go is the Senior Pastor of Shekinah Christian Church at the University Belt. He has been serving at Shekinah since its conception in 1984.

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Music, Dinner & MeBY PAOLO GUICHO GO

As though it has been ingrained in us, we find our

souls full of glee while listening to good music. We

also find a similar joy in sharing a meal with friends

and loved ones. Hence, it is not surprising that both

of these have been wed countless of times to make

truly lasting memories. The marriage between

music and meal happened again last November

18th, 2011 on a truly memorable evening: an

evening of music and food shared among friends—

and for a good cause too.

The event “Music, Dinner and Me” was organized

by the University Belt’s Fund Raising Committee,

and was spearheaded by Chito Guevara to benefit

the Church Lot and Building Project. For almost

three years now, the church has been involved in

realizing its dream of building a new base for its

ministries. Many fund raisers have been made to

serve this purpose, and this year, the committee

opted to go back to basics.

Held at Tramway Buffet Plaza, Mandaluyong

City, “Music, Dinner and Me” combined delectable

dishes with nostalgic music performed by no less

than Shekinah’s homegrown talents. Young and

old alike were serenaded by a group performance of

Arlene Evangelista, Anlen Condat and Neomi Ruth

Rizo who sang their own rendition of contemporary

Christian songs. Nostalgia sank in when pastors

Tony Hernandez and Lily Banis took on the stage,

while the soulful sax performances of Daddy Ceto

Portento captured the right tone for the mood of

the evening.

While the members of the committee went

around during the performances to promote the

project, Senior Pastor Melchor Go gave a talk about

investing not just in the Church Lot & Building

Project, but in the holy work of God. It is true that

God uses many ways to further His kingdom on

earth. One of these is through the support and

generosity of His people. The pastor made the

observation that investing in the work of God has

eternal implications. The church lot and building

may one day be gone, as these things are temporary,

but the work of God shall remain steadfast.

In any small way that we participate in it, we

receive the tremendous honor of letting God use us

to further His plans. Since we know for a fact that

God’s plan shall never fail, we have the assurance

of receiving the fruits of our investment by seeing

the Gospel preached, individuals nurtured by the

Word of God, and lives transformed by the grace

of God.

games facilitated by Charlene Bassig and Mafia

Escasinas. To continue with the main message, our

very own Ptr. Melchor Go took the floor with the

topic “Obedience as a Command.”

Before the event ended, each group was asked

to create a poster on what they have learned from

both speakers, and then was asked to explain their

work afterwards. It was a wonderful event filled

with fun and a great message. The SCMI Youth

conference was a great success. ▲

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CHRONICLES 2012

(Continued from page 5) The event ended with a

marked success and members of the committee

were overwhelmed by the amount of support they

received from their home church, as well as friends

from other churches and organizations.

In gratitude, the committee decided to give

some of its earnings to the youth of the University

Belt, in support to their upcoming Youth Camp in

April of 2012, as well as to the pastors of Shekinah

Christian Ministries International.

The committee looks forward to many fund

raisers that will not only build stone walls and

foundations, but also rally the people of God

together for His glory. ▲

Previously in October, the church at the University

Belt held its annual Missions Month, hosted by

the Evangelism Team. The event itself could be

qualified as a traditional practice in the church, but

the one held that year introduced a twist of sorts.

Usually, when one presents missions to the

church, one presents it through the eyes of either

the missionary or the unreached people. Last year,

however, members of the Evangelism Team opted

to include another perspective—the church’s.

This innovation, so to speak, stems from the

reality that everyone is called to assist in the work

of evangelism and mission—no exceptions. When

Jesus of Nazareth commanded, “Go therefore and

make disciples of all nations,” He said it so to all

his followers. That includes you, me, and the rest

of His body.

Which One Are You?BY PAOLO GUICHO GO

Surely, not everyone is called to become a

missionary, but still, the mission of the church

remains the responsibility of all its members—

from the first to the last. Everyone has a role to do

in this collective work: some are to go, while others

are to send. This dynamic was at the heart of the

month-long event, further echoed by the month’s

catch phrase, “get involved.”

Primarily, pulpit preaching was used to

address these issues. On weeks one and two, the

sermons focused on the work of the “goer” or the

missionary, including the call to cross cultures,

the challenge and the price of answering that call.

To highlight this, the film, “End of the Spear,” was

shown. It tells the story of Jim Elliot’s team and

their families as they ministered to the Waodani

tribe of Ecuador. Their joys and hardships were

recounted, culminating towards the team’s death

at the hands of the very tribe they ministered to.

However, the evangelistic work was continued by

the team’s families and eventually, the tribe was

won to Christ.

Continuing on to week three, the preaching

emphasized the contribution of the church, or the

“sender”, in missions. Week four saw the challenge

of the goer and sender working together towards

a singular goal which was addressed on the last

Sunday of the month, also marked by the first

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ever Mass Tracts Distribution event. The event

which was participated by a significant number of

members served as an eye-opener for most that the

work of evangelism is truly, the work of the whole

church. ▲

Shekinah’s Got TalentBY ANDREA PHOEBE FELARCA

Shekinah UB’s 2011 Christmas party was not the

usual celebration since the year’s themed White

Christmas Party featured the nine talented

Shekinahns in the contest “Shekinah’s God Talent.”

This talent search was hosted by Anlen Condat and

her fellow MOB hosts Miko Go and Abi Gabriel. The

contestants of different ages came to center stage

to showcase their talents with hopes to win the

votes of the three talented judges—Pastor Melchor

Go, Ms. Emee Fortuno and Mr. Tony Lopez—and

the Shekinah MOB.

The music ministry team opened the curtain of

the SGT center stage with their rendition of the

broadway medley featuring the songs from the

famous Broadway musicals like “Phantom of the

Opera,” “Rent” and “Tarzan” to name a few. Nine

Shekinahns shared the center stage afterwards

with a given 5-minute time limit to show off their

talents to the judges and the MOB. Dang Salcedo

started the tone of the competition as she did a

dramatic acting interpretation of the song “Sino

ang Tunay na Baliw”. Samara Asiddao shared a

short song with her mom. Mcoy Umadhay sang

“Tomorrow” as accompanied by his father Mike.

The Balic Balic Dance group of four beautiful ladies

set the mood for dancing as they did their own

version of the LA walk. Dindi Morales came in as

a cute little angel serenading the judges with her

version of some Christmas songs. Naldy Garcia

did a unique whistle song presentation. Ashleigh

Mabalot did a solo pop dance to the medley of the

famous pop songs of 2011. Pastora Mel Olmedo

shared her Biblical declamation piece with full

conviction. The Evangelista Kids—Paolo, Akira

and Pauline—serenaded the judges with their

song number. The Supah Beast Group of the SCC-

UB Youth kept the momentum of the contest high

towards the end of the contest when they did a

group dance performace to the tune of a medley of

pop songs.

Aside from the contest proper, one of the judges,

Emee Fortuno, rendered a song number with the

water bottle drum accompaniment of her brother

Lito Bernardo. Dance guru and judge Tony Lopez

together with Pastor Emman Olmedo, Gloria Go

and Pastora Mel Olmedo also did a dance number

as scores of the contestants were being tallied.

After much deliberation from the judges, Naldy

Garcia and Dang Salcedo came in together as their

scores tied for the third place, the Evangelista kids

got the second place and the Supah Beast bagged

the first place. ▲

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CHRONICLES 2012

PHOTOS BY MAFIA ESCASINAS

NEWSBotolanMedical

MissionOn February 18th, 2012, Shekinah Christian

Ministries International initiated a church

planting effort in Botolan, Zambales by

conducting a medical mission, in cooperation

with medical experts from Great Redeemer

Christian Fellowship. ▲

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CHRONICLES 2012

MINISTRY UPDATES

“How then will they call on him in whom they

have not believed? And how are they to believe

in him of whom they have never heard? And how

are they to hear without someone preaching?

And how are they to preach unless they are sent?

As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of

those who preach the good news!’” Romans 10:14-

15

Over the past year, evangelism has been the

main thrust of Shekinah UB. If we look back to

our church’s history, we see that Shekinah started

and grew because God used young people, both

students and yuppies, who were passionate about

sharing the gospel. Now our prayer is to have that

same passion back.

Two of Shekinah’s goals for evangelism are for

all the members to see the beauty of the gospel,

and for witnessing to be deeply ingrained in every

Shekinahn’s spiritual DNA, so that it will become

more of a lifestyle than a duty. This is continuously

being realized as the gospel is preached in the

pulpit, and the continuous effort to educate our

members through our regular Sunday school Study

in the Word.

At the onset of the second quarter last year, the

Evangelism Department spearheaded a seminar

training conducted on biblical evangelism by Living

Waters-Asia. This event was attended by over 80

Shekinahns, not just from the Belt but also from

neighboring SCMI churches.

Evangelism UpdateBY ARLENE EVANGELISTA

PREFATORY After celebrating Shekinah’s 25th

anniversary in 2009, an ambitious yet realistic

project was launched. It aims to raise funds for

the construction of a more expanded and better-

equipped church building in order to serve the

church’s growing evangelical and ministry needs.

Church Lot & Building ProjectBY HENRY VILLA

In October of last year, over 50 UB members

participated in the first ever mass tracts distribution

in Rizal Park. Shekinahns from different ministries

and different age groups gave away tracts, did one

on one evangelism, and even prayed for the people

they spoke with. It was indeed a momentous event.

A number of plans which include seminars and

forums, medical missions and feeding programs

to reach the Belt community have been set, and

we are looking forward to a busy evangelistic year

ahead of us. Let us pray as one for the Lord to bless

those plans. We recognize that the result of our

evangelistic work does not depend on human effort

but on God’s sovereign will alone.

So Shekinahns, let us all go out there and

proclaim the good news with a fervent desire to

win souls for the glory of God, and then let Him

take care of the rest. ▲

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PAGE 11

The goal of the project is to raise Php 50 million

by year 2015. Specifically, it intends to purchase

a 650 square-meter lot located along Espaňa, a

main street at the heart of the University Belt,

and accordingly construct a five-storey building on

the said lot. Among others, the proposed building

will house the church’s worship hall, Chi Alpha

Student Center, education facilities, department

offices, halfway homes & dormitories, and other

evangelical and ministry related facilities.

In order to ensure the success of this project, the

church has decided to create a special committee

that will spearhead its fund raising requirements.

This committee is commonly known as the Church

& Lot Building Project Committee [CLBPC] and is

presently headed by Bro. Chito Guevara.

As of this writing, the CLBPC has already raised

the sum of Php 813,303. It has also collected USD

10,605 [approximately Php 450,712]. Admittedly,

it may have had a slow start but with church-wide

prayer and support, the CLBPC is confident that a

leap in progress is ahead as its time line approaches.

THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES From Paul’s letters we

see that “fund raising” is not only legitimate for the

church, but it’s also a corporate undertaking. Paul

says, “let everyone” contribute. Once a true need

arises, it is part of every believer’s responsibility

to help. Poverty does not exempt a believer from

giving. As revealed by the poor widow who gave

her two “insignificant” coins, it’s the heart that

God is concerned about, not the amount [see Mark

12:40-44].

God doesn’t need anything from us. However,

He helps us grow in spiritual maturity by inviting

us to play a part in His plans and purposes through

our giving. Indeed, giving involves planning and

sacrifice; personal wants must be put aside. We

give to God what is valuable, not what’s left after

we have fulfilled our own wants and desires.

Furthermore, Paul adds that when money is

involved, it is the congregation’s responsibility to

“approve” of trustworthy men to be in charge of

overseeing the funds. Acts 6:2-3 also highlights the

importance of designating Godly men to oversee

money collection in the church.

A CALL FOR SUPPORT In light of the foregoing,

we seek to partner with you and every kindred

believer to invest in this noble venture. Presently,

we are focusing our main efforts on fund raising.

We recognize that your generosity, along with

those kindred individuals, is one step to making

this shared dream a reality.

Together let us pray and keep this vision to its

fruition as we allowed our Lord to move and use

us, His servants, all for His glory.

With your help and everyone whom God called

for this purpose, may the dream of Shekinah

become reality, for the increase of our Lord’s fame.

You may help us in any of the following:

1. One time donation [any amount]

2. Monthly donation [any amount]

3. Sponsor of One Square Meter [equivalent

to Php 36,000]

4. Kulit ‘en Kolek [for kids and children]

5. Participation in our prayer chains

6. Others

For more information about our project, you

may approach any member of the CLBPC.

Together, let us build Shekinah’s dream. Indeed,

it needs steadfast, resolved, wholehearted support,

and shared cooperation to be able to realize our

dream of constructing our own church building—a

place we could proudly claim our own! ▲

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CHRONICLES 2012

LITERARY

The CrossBY NEOMI RUTH RIZO

Thank You for the life You gave

Thank You for the price you paid

You died on the cross for my shame

Thank You for choosing me,

and taking away my blame.

Before I sleep at night I remember Your mercy

And when I wake up in the morning,

Your grace is set before me

I always ask, “Lord, why?”

But as I fully understand Your great love for me,

I really can’t help but cry.

I’m always amazed at how You saved me,

What you did on the cross

for someone unworthy like me.

Salvation, I never chose it!

But I am saved by grace

through the work of Your Spirit.

I am always humbled and amazed at what You did,

On the cross where You always lead.

Father, indeed it’s not about me!

I am satisfied in You, so be glorified in me! ▲

Let Me Confide

In YouBY MAFIA ESCASINAS

Let me confide in You, oh my God

For You are and will always be my refuge

Let me hope in You all of my days

For You are the light in my darken way

Let me seek Your face—

with feverish wanting—needing

For You know my heart's desire

Let me take refuge in

the warmth of Your embrace

For You could only soothe my restlessness

Let me fall on my knees,

my empty soul crying out

For—it is only you—

You, who have breathed life on me

That could fill it whole

My Lord God, How beautiful Your love is for me

Be unto me a never ending grace

Continuously amaze my fragile soul

For You are everything

Your cross, I will take

Now and forever ▲

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PAGE 13

O Panginoong Hesus, tunay na kay buti-buti Mo

Biyaya Mo nga’y sapat, ito’y lagi ng bago

Silangan man at kanluran,

lahat ay nagpupuri sa Iyo

Wala na ngang sa Yo’y papantay,

magunaw man itong mundo

O kay buti ngang umawit

ng mga papuri sa ating Diyos

Pagkat ito sa pandinig Niya,

ay ganap na naka lulugod

Kung paanong tayo

ay patuloy Niyang kinukupkop

Ihayag natin araw-araw

kadakilaan Niyang lubos

Sabi ng Panginoon,

“Anak, Ako sana ay pakinggan

Sundin ang payo Ko

na mapaayos ang pamumuhay

Laging maging matalino

at laging turo Ko ay dinggin mo

Ng buhay ay sumagana

at huwag lalauan ang mga ito.”

“Ang makasumpong sa Akin

ay nakasumpong nga ng buhay

At kalooban nga ng Diyos

ang kanyang laging kakamtan

Kay Buti-Buti MoBY LULU LOPEZ

Ang taong di Ako masumpungan

sarili’y kanyang sinasaktan

At ang napopoot sa Akin ang hanap ay

kamatayan.”

Sa tuwi ngang minamalas

mga gawa ng ‘Yong kamay

Tunay na namamangha

sa ‘Yong angking kadakilaan

Kung paanog inilagay sa ayos

mga likha Mong kagandahan

Maging mga ibon at bulaklak

na may iba’t ibang kulay.

Kaya nga si Yahweh ay papurihan sa araw-araw

Mga salita Niya’y isagawa at sa tuwina’y ipamuhay

Lumakad na may pagsunod,

sundin ang Kanyang kalooban

Pagpapala Niya’y lubos siksik, liglig, umaapaw.

Panginoon, ang Iglesyang ito’y

patuloy na magpapuri sa Iyo

Kami ay lagi ng aawi at sasamba sa ngalan Mo

Puspusin Mo nawa kami

ng ‘Yong Santong Espiritu

Hanggang sa Iyong pagbabalik

at mamasdan ang mukha Mo. ▲

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CHRONICLES 2012

FaithfulBY HANCEELY VILLA

Timmy grew up in the countryside. He lived a happy and simple life with his father. Time came when he needed to go to

the city to finish his studies. Although in the verge of tears, his father asked him to do well in school and to not forget

about him. Timmy nodded and grinned at his father before boarding the train.

The city turned out to be really beautiful. Its skylines were always bordered with lights at night. His eyes were full

of curiosity as he made his way to his uncle’s home.

His cousin, Bryan, was more than happy to have him live with them. The two of them were like brothers. Bryan

introduced him to lots of things Timmy never saw in the countryside. And they never failed to amuse him.

Bryan and Timmy slept in one room. Every night, as Bryan went to his father’s room, Timmy would call his father.

He’d tell him all of the adventures and mishaps he’d gone though. When Bryan returned, Timmy would always bid

farewell to his dad.

“How is it in the countryside?” Bryan asked him.

“Hmm… it’s different. But I like it here better.” Timmy grinned at him.

“It must be very happy there. I wish I could go there.” Bryan said mostly to himself.

The following night was different. Bryan came back with his eyes red. Timmy sprang up from his bed and went to

his cousin.

“What happened?”

“Do you know why I’ve always wanted to go the countryside?”

“No. You never told me.”

“Dad hates me. Every night he would beat me. He says I’m worthless.”

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PAGE 15

“Bryan, that’s impossible. How can you think that? He’s always giving you everything!” Timmy practically shouted.

“He gives me these because he wanted everyone to see. But he never loved me. It’s different. Living here is like that.

It only felt good at the start. I never felt contented. You’ll come to a time when you realize how wrong things were.”

Timmy couldn’t believe his words.

“That’s why I’ve always been jealous of you. I always hear you talking to your dad. He must really love you a lot.”

“Of course! A father would always love his son.”

“Do you think we could go to the countryside?”

“Right now? I guess so. But you should tell your father first.”

“He wouldn’t allow me. He said I should just stay here. How about we just go there secretly? I really want to meet

your father. My dad never talked about his family.” Timmy was still hesitant but agreed when he saw how Bryan

wanted to go to his home.

The two of them packed their bags before leaving the room. They were as quiet as mice. As they were about to step

out the door, they heard Bryan’s father.

“What do you think you’re do-

ing?!” Bryan’s father almost growled

at them. Timmy stepped back. He’s

too afraid as this is the first time

he’s seen his uncle like that.

“RUN!” Bryan pulled him. They

rode the train back to the country-

side together.

Timmy’s father was surprised

when he saw them. “My son!” He

hugged his son tight. “Is he your

cousin?” He asked while looking

at Bryan. Timmy nodded. “Come

here!” He also hugged Bryan. The

new boy couldn’t help but smile.

Before going to sleep, Timmy was called by his father. “Thank you, son, for not forgetting about me.”

“Dad, I realized one thing. Nothing is better than being with you. Material things won’t make me happy for long.

I’ve seen lots of things in the city. Honestly, I’ve almost wanted to stay there forever. They were cool but they never left

my heart in peace.”

“Of course. That’s how I love my son. Your father will be faithful to you… just like how God is faithful to us.” ▲

Page 16: Chronicles 2012

“We exist to share God’s love to all people & make disciples of Jesus Christ in the context of a Christian community.”

~ Since 1984 ~

SCMI WORKER’S CONVENTION 2012

April 9th to 11th

Tagaytay Retreat & Training Center, Tagaytay City

Registration Fee is 2,300 php (inclusive of accommodations, meals

and use of the function hall.)

SCMI YOUTH CAMP 2012

“Cross Encounter”

April 22nd to 24th

Rizal Re-creation Center, Laguna

Registration Fee is 1,500 php

2ND FLOOR RBJ BUILDING 880 R. PAPA EXTENSION, SAMPALOC, MANILA 1008

735-5783, 493-4762, [email protected], www.shekinah.com.ph