KILOMETERS AWAY

August ended so fast! This month, The K-GROUP (Koinonia Discipleship Groups) of our church had the opportunty to have a very short mission trip to GCI Bokod Church in Karao,Bokod,Benguet. I was asked by brother Bantom Minong (a deacon assigned to look over the Bokod church while Ptr. Estong is in NZ) to form a team that will go to the church and lead the worship service. With prayers, I said "yes"! Immediately the following Sunday, I asked the K-GROUPS who among them is able to join the trip. The response was amazing that the music band was complete. Here is the composition of the team:

Sermon: Ptr. Adel Areola 

Guitar: Deco Amistad

Drums: Keem Rodnie

Keyboards: Miko Dadd

Back-up singers: Chryzle Amistad, Ally Yap, and Charis Areola

Documentation Team: Deborah Alwis and Kae Domoguen

Food and Beverage: Tita Benny Villanueva and Tita Grace Ogas

Support: Tita Neldy,Tita Carmy and Uncle Romy

We left Baguio City at 6:30 am. Some of my teamates are first timers in Bokod. We all enjoyed the sceneries going there. We arrived there at 9:30 am in time for the preparations before the service. We welcomed the members (who walked 1-3 kilometers away) as they enter the hall. There was no electricity that morning that is why Miko our keyboardist wasn't able to use his keyboard. Good thing, we photocopied our song sheets! We started the worship service with songs and a prayer.The message was delivered by Ptr. Adel Areola followed by the Communion. We sang our last songs and gave the benediction.

The trip won't be complete without  eating together during lunch which we call "Potluck". Everyone brought their food to share. Our team were satisfied...yummy! After eating, we decided to hike and explore the area. The place is peaceful and away from the sound of the traffic and all. It was a time for us to reflect and thank God for the opportunity He has given us.

One highlight of this short mission trip was when I met sister Cherry, who was a linguist from California. She was in Karao, Bokod for almost 20 years now and had given the mission to translate the Holy Bible in the "ikarao" language. I personally blessed and thank her for accepting the mission from God! May I ask all of you to continue praying for her!

I look forward for more mission trips (local and international) in the near future! God willing!!!

Next month will be the annual church conference of our church! I am getting excited of GCI Baguio Festival 2014! Yahooooo!