December, 2011
Dear brethren in Christ,
A warm Christian greeting! Grace and peace to you and your family!
Join us in praising the Lord by quoting Isaiah 25:1. “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago”.
Let’s praise God for the many things He planned long ago. He already chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, His death and His resurrection fulfilled this plan. Because of what Jesus did, we can exultantly proclaim that we are His children!
As the year 2011 ends, let’s thank the Lord for all His goodness and grace. Truly, God crowns the year with His bounty, and His carts overflow with abundance (Ps. 65:11).
Last December 11 (a Sunday), the Metro Manila brethren met at wildlife park in Diliman to celebrate their Christmas party. Dr. Zenaida Ababa gave the message before more than 30 people (including children). Simultaneously, the brethren in Iligan, Marawi and Butuan ministry areas celebrated the birth of our Savior. This coming Sunday (December 18), the Cagayan de Oro brethren will be holding their Christmas celebration. Starting Monday, Dec. 19 to December 27, we will be attending the Christmas celebrations of the brethren in various ministry areas in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao, Cotabato and Misamis Oriental. We are looking forward to these fellowships/celebrations because once again we will hear testimonies on God’s activities/works in the midst of His people. God has continuously enlarged the territories of His kingdom, using ordinary folks who are willing and available for His bidding.
Very recently, a work with the Tiruray tribe in Upi, Cotabato had been started by one of our leaders. A Bible study is now being conducted with at least 10 people in attendance (all tirurays). To God be the glory.
Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you for being so much part of our lives and the work the Lord assigned us. Your prayers, encouragements, spiritual gifts, support, comfort, love, friendship, and many more were used by God in many ways that enabled us to move forward and do His will. We know we are always together in this Christian race and the travel is made easier and lighter because you are there. We thank God for your co-laborship in the Gospel.
May we all experience deeper joy this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. We all look forward to the coming year with confidence that He will always be with us. Immanuel!
In Christ,
Ptr. Bernardo A. Mendoza
Arise Christian Ministries, Inc.
