The Filipinos At The UPCI General Conference 2008
November 1, 2008 by admin
Filed under Updates From Abroad
From Greensboro, North Carolina…
The exposure of our fellow Filipinos who attended the recent UPCI General Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina was an overwhelming experience. Our active participation in this type of event has led us to an increase of exposure and promotion of our Filipino Outreach in North America. Nothing quite like this has ever done before in the history of UPCI General Conference, at least not in the United States and Canada.
- The Filipino Choir at Practice
The Filipino Mass Choir was unique and only one of its kind. There were more or less 70 Filipinos who participated and joined the Mass Choir. These were folks who came from all over the United States, Canada, and from the Philippines. Most of the choir members have not met each other before. The songs were totally unknown and foreign to most of them. But thank God for the exceptional ability of our leadership in coordinating the song practices remotely through internet video that came handy with the song lyrics and live lessons of music parts for all the participants. When these folks arrived to the event, they were ready to be put on stage.
Friday Night Home Missions Service, the Filipino Mass Choir was on the platform throughout the service. Reverend Don Hanscom, the Multi-Cultural Director of Home Missions Division, introduced the Filipinos very favorably to several thousand attendees of the conference and they were received with standing ovation and warm approbation. And once again, the contagious revivalist spirit of the Filipinos took over… and made an incredible legacy of experience for our generations to come.
Saturday, the day after the Mass Choir event, there was a Multi-Cultural service which was focused on Filipino Service. The Filipinos sang again, and our Filipino Pastor Ryan Valenzuela from Maui, Hawaii did a fantastic job in preaching to us with such a powerful and anointed message. This talented and energetic young man is truly a gift of God to the Filipino Evangelism in North America. That service was concluded with wet eyes, and apostolic roars from all corners of the room which are evident signs of God’s mighty outpouring of great revival.
- Familiar Faces From The The Choir Participants
All the songs we sang were not only unique and noteworthy, they were also composed originally by our very own local talents. The lyrics of “Praise the Lord” was composed by Pastor Glenn and Sister Megan Villarin, music arranged by Brother Yoyong Nalasa, …and we sang it in 7 major languages. The lyrics of “Let’s Rise Up and Build”, was composed originally by Sister Irene Chavez and Pastor Glenn Villarin. The song “Temple of Praise” was by Brother Yoyong Nalasa.
And the cultural “barong” attire of all the men, and the women in black and white, added the spice to their incredible singing performance. Overall, the presence of the Filipinos at the UPCI General Conference was remarkably awe-inspiring.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to the Home Missions Division under the direction of Reverend Carlton Coon Sr. for showing their high confidence to the Filipinos. They could have chosen other groups to sing for that special night, but they handpicked us because they believe in the Filipinos.
Our hats off appreciation to Pastor Jess Fortaleza, our National Filipino Evangelism Coordinator of North America, who led our fellows to a remarkable experience; the result was a big pay-off for his hard work. But he said he could have never made it without those people who rallied behind him. He is extending his deep gratitude to all the Mass Choir members, all the Church Pastors who supported by sending Filipinos to participate in the choir, and all the Filipino Ministers who unselfishly worked with him behind the scene.
Big thanks and congratulations also to Pastor Glenn Villarin who did an excellent job in directing the Mass Choir; the musicians, Pastor Nestor Villarin, Brother Yoyong Nalasa and Brother Daryll Villarin who were outstanding in handling of the music.
- This Way To UPCI General Conference 2008 Filipino Service
Nonetheless, all of these were never ever to be accomplished without the leading and powerful anointing of our Holy God, our Lord Jesus Christ. ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR GOES TO HIM!
Just like the lyrics in one of the songs we sang, I would say, “Tsang May Zhu” (Chinese), “Aruji-O Sansho Shimasu!” (Japanese), “Gloria A Dios!” (Spanish), “Jai Masih Deh!” (Indian Hindi), “Yawaste ki Itaca!” (Native American), “Praise the Lord!”, “Purihin ang Panginoon!”
Mabuhay!
Reported by:
Brother Mike S Lacsamana
Kent, Washington U.S.A.
This is now a reality of our DREAM (Dare to Reach Everyone with the Apostolic Message) thru our very own Web-site. Let’s move on to reality to the prophetic utterance and vision that Filipinos will have a great role in worldwide evangelism. United and matured Nationalized church are now ready to launch out not just locally but also in international and global outreach. Let’s DO IT!
Wonderful article Pastor Mike! I am one of the blessed and privileged people to be in the choir… it was an awesome experience for me and my husband. In fact being there at North Carolina for the conference was a great miracle for us, which took place at the very last minute– we headed to the airport with a “standby” passenger ticket.. and we made it to the plane! Also, we didn’t have as much finances as we should have, but thank God… He made us come home full and blessed. SO to God be the glory and Kudos to all our Filipino Folks… Pastor Eduard and I salute you all!
The Hesites
thank Gob nasa wedsite natayo ang katutuhanan pag pupuri
Thanks God! I find this website today, and I open about pastor from Nueva Ecija.
I think something wrong in my church address in Quezon, Nueva Ecija. instead of Sto. Domingo may u change it to Quezon, N.E.? Pastor Darlson is my pastor presently. since 1996 of UPC Quezon, Nueva Ecija established. since 1996 month of October where me and my wife are baptized and my three children too, and also continue baptized in the name of Jesus Christ with my sister&bro. in-law and their all children and many more.
hoping u find the true address given in this site. thank you & God Bless!
UPC-Quezon, N.E.
elder: Bro. Gerald
“Pilipino” word is thought to be a combination of two words “pili” and “pino,” meaning chosen and refined. Looking at divine plan perspective, it was not a coincidence. Historically, great Filipinos were considered significant in global attention like San Juan and Flores. This time, let the Apostolic Filipinos do more for God’s glory and let them do by initiative, unity-mindedness, and principles. Congratulations to our Filipino Apostolic Brethren living beyond homeland.
The last time I visited this website, I felt sad because it was idle for some time. Just thought of visiting this again and…alas! a number of updates amuses me! I miss the people includes/mentioned/seen in the articles…I’m proud to be a oneness Pentecostal!
I hope that some one has remember me in the Philippines that I attend mass choir.
I remember that awesome experience that I explore the world of mass choir of the united pentecostal philippines. I became a dreamer ‘in the LORD’ . I met a lot of friends, and see their humble lives that they do it all in the NAME of the LORD.
I was one of the ordinary choir members as I go to school but I have grown “musically” in meeting friends in this ’so called group singing’
“basta attend lang ako ng attend ng practice”. As they say ‘practice makes perfect.
I can say that “I’m truly Blessed” in attending the practices because “I CAN FEEL
THE POWER” of JESUS in the lives of humble ordinary musicians in (upc philippines).
ANG Masasabi ko SALAMAT sa mga lutong bahay ni nanay, kasi minsan kanya kanya kaming discarte sa pag back-up. ANG DAMI DAMI kasing taong pasasalamatan ko eh. Baka di na ako makilala sa pagka taba ko ngayon. Minsan mag dieta na ako para lang makilala ako.
GODBLESS SA INYONG LAHAT
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Alfel S. Quiamco
I thank to our Lord JESUS CHRIST to give a chance na makapag comment at mabasa ko ang mga comment ng mga kapatiran.sanay marami pang mga kaatiran ang makajoin………GOD Bless you all……………..
pag kakaisa kapatid sapananampalataya
please sir,
i need invitation letter to attend the coming conference in 2010,i and six others pastor will like to attend
thanks
prophet david isah ifoto
i would love to have the phone numbers to the churches near CAVITE PH
because i have a friend there
who wants to know wher eto find a Church to go to
we are all inviting you to join us celebrate and praise our LORD JESUS CHRIST on our 16th church anniversary on November 28, 2010 at K of C, Club House, Malasin, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. . . LJC – UPC, San Jose City with our Pastor, Ptr. Erwin Narvasa. Come and Join Us in Praising and Worshiping our ONE GOD. . . JESUS CHRIST. . .
Salamat sa Panginoon ipinakilala nya sa akin ang katotohanang si Jesus ay Diyos.Bumaba mula sa langit, namatay, nalibing ngunit nabuhay na mag-uli upang manatili sa bawat pusong umiibig at sumusunod sa kanya.I’m proud to be a UPC follower. The church of truth. To God be the glory. Halleluya!!!!