October 2007 Newsletter

… declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2) October 2007

10 YEARS AGO… Ten yrs. ago I was a National Trainee of the Navigators at UP Diliman under the tutelage of Kuya Craig & Ate Deb Meyer and Kuya Ed & Ate Page Cvelich. That 1 year in UPD has really taught me a lot about knowing myself, my God and making Him known. Now, I was given the opportunity to pass on what I have learned and experienced by mentoring Aden. She is one of the Navigator’s Youth Development Facilitator this year and she is assigned to assist me here in the Eastern Samar ministry area. She arrived in Borongan on 20 June together with Kuya Dan Narciso (one of the Philippine Navigators’ National Leader) and his wife Ate Angie. It is a challenging task to supervise and assist a person to move on to where God wants them to be, yet it is a great learning experience. I thank Him for the wonderful opportunity and privilege of helping His children.

Learning with Aden…

FACILITATING BIBLE DISCUSSIONS While in Borongan, Kuya Dan conducted a Facilitator’s Training from 22-23 June. There were 8 key student contacts and leaders who participated in the activity. As a result, they have begun facilitating Bible studies among their friends. In campus, there are now 8 small groups or one-on-one Bible discussions facilitated by Aden and other key students throughout the week. We are seeing students bringing their friends and classmates to join one of the on-going meetings.

Meanwhile, the Bible study in Maydolong every Friday night continues either at B2b Student Center. Each member of the group now takes turn facilitating in the discussion of the Design for Discipleship Book 2, thus relieving me of the role as Bible study leader. Hence, I am now concentrating on initiating and handling Bible discussions with teachers or young professionals at Maydolong during weekends. On September 28, I had the opportunity of facilitating a Spiritual Retreat with the theme “Creating Community.” Thirteen young adults who are members of the UCCP Maydolong attended the retreat. Thank God that inspite of a tropical depression hitting other parts of the country, we had good weather in the island and a safe, calm sessions and awesome time being together.

CONTENTS 10 YEARS AGO… FACILITATING BIBLE DISCUSSIONS MONTHLY GATHERINGS JOIN IN WHAT GOD IS DOING

1 1 2 2

TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN

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MONTHLY GATHERINGS Aside from weekly Bible studies, we usually have student gatherings once a month. Last August 4, we had a special Thanksgiving celebration in Maydolong. First of all, it’s to thank God for B2b Student Center’s 4th year of existence in Maydolong. We also praise God for the passing of Floricel in the Agriculturists’ Licensure Exam. Likewise, each one of those who attended the gathering cited their own praises and thanksgiving to the Lord for all that He has done.

Above: Thanksgiving celebration in Maydolong Below: Overnight gathering in Borongan

Finally, to wrap up the semester, an overnight gathering was organized in Borongan last Oct. 4. The purpose of the activity was to let new student contacts meet each other, develop friendship and bonding. Seventeen students were present for a night of fun, games, sharing and laughter.

JOIN IN WHAT GOD IS DOING… Well, it had been a very busy semester! Looking back at the people we’ve meet and the events we’ve held, surely it was all God’s design. On my own I won’t be able to attend to it all – as I am struggling to divide my time between my duties and responsibilities as a faculty member in the university, as a daughter to my old parents, and as an elder sister to our students and young contacts. I thank God for His children who obey Him by giving their time, talent and resources which enables us to do what God calls us to do… I’m blessed to have Aden in Borongan, Jenelith and Floricel in Maydolong and Daisy in Thailand who assists in the planning and implementation of various tasks. As the ministry is expanding, we are seeing a need to train and develop leaders who will be able to take over when the time comes for me to go elsewhere.

Our Address in Maydolong: B2b Student Center 6802 Maydolong, E. Samar, Philippines

We’re on the Web! See us at: http://www.freewebs.com/b2bstudentcenter

Please pray for wisdom in identifying God’s chosen leaders and how we could help prepare them to trust and obey God’s call for their lives to be a blessing to others. “We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy! (1John 1:3-4, The Message) Rejoicing in Him,

SHARON B. SINGZON Phone: +639173723286/+639183108259 E-mail ad: [email protected]

My Office Address:

College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Eastern Samar State University 6800 Borongan, E. Samar, Philippines