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LCP PRESIDENT?S REPORT
To: All Dear Partner in Christ's mission- Delegates and Guests to the 20th Biennial
Convention of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines(LCP) blessings to you in the name of our risen Christ, our Lord and Savior whom we both love and serve with much joy!
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines here and overseas for your prayers and generous support to make this convention possible. Likewise, I would like to thanks sincerely our Brothers and Sister in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) for your fervent prayers and generous financial assistance so this convention is made possible.
Above all, I thank our Almighty Heavenly Father for His manifold blessings to the LCP. To Him be glory and honor and praise now and forever. Amen.
Business of paramount importance, our Father's business, has caused us to gather in Convention. I am certain that everyone of you is firmly convinced that this is the most important business on earth. What we shall discuss and decide is to be an earnest effort, weak and frail it is true, but honest and conscientious to carry out our savior's Great Commission.
To be a delegate to a national Convention of the LCP is a great privilege! Being a delegate also includes the responsibility of preparing oneself through prayer and the study of the Reports and Memorials, so that all we do may be done to the glory of God, the edifying of His Church, and the extending of His Kingdom.
God has seen fit to place you and me into Kingdom work in a very crucial period of LCP's history. Just recently, ominous clouds again threatened in the skies of our dear LCP. These clouds have not disappeared. Realizing this, how shall we approach the present and the future and the work the Lord has called and sent us to carry? For our direction and encouragement as we are sent to do the Great Commission, let us bear in mind the Word of God in Colossians 3:12-17; ?Therefore, as holy people whom God has chosen and dearly loved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
A Report on the LCP's State
Two (2) years and Six (6) months ago we were gathered in Convention under the theme: "The CHURCH Shall Never Perish." Looking at it very quickly, the theme is indicative that there circumstances, personalities that are trying to absolutely destroy the Church. Thanks be to God, the Church, the LCP did not perish and it shall never come to decay.
In October 2004, you elected me President and have given me the mandate to serve and govern the LCP. In my address, I expressed my desire that I want the LCP to focus and direct her efforts to MISSION, RECONCILIATION and STEWARDSHIP.
Thus in July 2005 I convened the LCP Board of Directors (LCP BD) and some LCP Leaders for an ablaze meeting and ministry planning. In that meeting the leaders joyfully adopted and shared the Ablaze vision of the LCMS-World Mission. The LCP BD acted through a resolution expressing therein that LCP becomes a Mission Church. The leaders of the LCP committed to establish at least 100 new congregations by the year 2017 which is the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation. When LCP adopted and joined the Ablaze Movement, I have thought of embarking on the promotion of mission consciousness in the four districts and the 90 congregations to intensify our mission outreach both locally and globally. In this vein, when I was invited to attend the Asia Ablaze Summit in November 2005, I asked that not only me but the Dean of the Seminary and the four districts Presidents be with me in the summit. Eight (8) delegates from LCP attended the ablaze summit in Hongkong. The following year, Ablaze Summits were held in the Four Districts of LCP and these fanned the flame in the hearts of many pastors and congregations that they are now actively thinking and doing mission outreach to friends, relatives and the lost and un-churched.
In August 26-September 3, 2005, I represented the LCP in the International Lutheran Council (ILC) conference in Berlin Germany. "The Lutheran Confessions" was the theme of the conference in celebration of significant anniversaries of the Augsburg Confession and the Book of Concord. I was tasked to lead one of the evening devotions. I was addressed many times by the much older Bishops and Presidents; "Young Man", "Baby President" because of the more than 30 heads of churches from more than 30 nation all over the world, I was the youngest. With my presence in that conference, the LCP is put back in the map of Confessional Lutherans in the world. I said this because I was told LCP was not represented in some ILC conferences.
Four months after the ILC Conference, I got an email from Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan- President of the Lutheran Church -Canada (LCC). He encouraged me to submit a proposal to the Lutheran Mission Society of the LCC. I did submit a proposal seeking funds for Lay training. My proposal was approved and the LCC provided a grant of Four Thousand US Dollars for Lay Training.
In May 2006, I was given the privilege to be invited as Mission guest on the occasion of the 19th Convention of the Minnesota North District- LCMS at Madden's resort on Gull Lake, Brainerd, Minnesota. In that convention of about Four Hundred (400) delegates and guests, I shared with the assembly greetings from the LCP. I also spoke of the Lord's work here, its start, growth and conflict and its present status, needs and goals. My words conveyed the excitement of what the Lord is doing here and the assembly responded with a standing ovation. The convention offering during the opening service was given to LCP which was eventually given as gifts to LCP workers.
In October 2006 Rev. Henry Paul Roa, Mrs. Adelina Balunsat and myself attended the Association of Lutheran Educators in Asia (ALEA) and the Human Care and World relief Seminar in Shanghai, China. I separately attended for the last two days the Asia ILC Leaders meeting. In that meeting church Leaders were asked to report and give an update as to how the Ablaze movement is doing in their respective churches.
In all International meetings that I have attended, I always shared with fellow Presidents and some Bishops my fervent desire for LCP to be able to mission locally and globally. To my jubilation, church leaders from the following church bodies have expressed several times their strong desire to work with LCP in doing mission work to Filipinos who are in their countries: Lutheran Church- Hongkong Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Taiwan, Japan Lutheran Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church of England and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The Lutheran Church Hongkong Synod through its President, Rev. Allan Yung already asked me to give the name of a possible candidate to work among the many Filipinos in Hongkong. President Kimio Takano of the Japan Lutheran Church expressed the same interest in doing mission work with the LCP to the large community of Filipinos in the Land of the Rising Sun. Mission opportunities is before as never before both locally and globally. Let us think about this seriously.
There are many other significant events in the area of mission that happened in your congregation, in your district and in your home that I have no knowledge of. Please keep telling the story. One thing is certain is certain though, God is sending us and He wants us to intensify our campaign for the Gospel. Let us continue with our concerted efforts of continued training and nurture and education to our congregations so that LCP will have a stronger impact in her outreach efforts.
In the area of Reconciliation, there were so many difficulties and test that LCP underwent. There are critics here and abroad who charge that LCP is unfaithful to its original Scriptural and confessional position. There have been allegations of leadership crises, false teaching and corruption expressed verbally and in print. We have a divided LCP.
Efforts were exerted towards the achievement of peace and reconciliation. There were dialogues and reconciliation talks but peace and reconciliation seem very illusive. LCP is paying a price for this internal warfare. Criticisms and judgment have seriously harmed people, their reputations, their health and their welfare. Seeds of distrust have been sown and the harvest has grown so rampantly. As I have said, "ominous clouds are in the sky of the LCP" and seemingly it will be there for a longer time. But by faith, I am certain of the grand plan of God in all of these. I still believe and submit to what St. Paul says in Romans 8:28; "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." What happened most recently at Sta. Mesa when the other group evicted the Rev. Christopher Del Monte, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and a few days after the children at the Concordia Children's Services were evicted from the domicile. I tried contacting fellow Pastors of the other group but there cell phones but they couldn't be reached. Then just a few days later emails were sent with so many false statements and unjust accusations. After all of these unfortunate circumstances, I asked myself, will I still think of reconciling to these people? It is a very difficult question but nevertheless, my answer is a big YES. I still give peace and reconciliation a chance. Let us pray without ceasing, that peace, unity and reconciliation reign in the LCP in a short time.
The experiences of LCP demonstrate how God use the unexpected circumstance and people to bring about His purpose. God sustains LCP in spite of religious, social and people's upheavals. By God's grace LCP has survived and thrived. Today there are 30 clergymen(Seminary Graduates), 15 Evangelists and local Pastors and a little over 50 Lay leaders serving a90 Congregations, 13 mission stations of 15,525 communicant members and 16,757 baptized members. There is a growing sensitivity to LCP's evangelical heritage as a Lutheran Church, matched by a willingness to witness to this confession in the church and to the world.
As we look forward to the future, it is good to ask; What is there to happen in LCP? By God's grace and HIM allowing, the ominous clouds will not be there for long. The following items is what we should endeavor and strive to pursue;
1. Training and encouraging the committed and active involvement of the laity. As I have said earlier, Mission opportunities is before us as never before. Lack of trained workers necessitates the training and equipping of the laity.
2.Partnership or the TEAM Concept(T-ogether E-veryone A-chieves M-ore) Partnership and linkages among church members, pastors, congregations, districts and Lutheran church Bodies in Asia and through out the world.
3. Theological Conferences and Leadership Trainings. When I attended the Minnesota North Convention, I happened to robbed elbows with the Chairman of the Lutheran Academy- Rev. dr. Daniel Preus. After a short talk with him, I expressed my interest that Luther Academy should come to the Philippines and conduct Continues Theological conference for Pastors and Evangelists. God allowing, a yearly theological conference for Pastors and Evangelists shall commence in November this year.
4. Maximize the use of Media( Print, Radio and TV) as an avenue to reach out for the lost and the un-churched.
5.Reproduction/Reprinting of Worship and teaching materials for Catechumens in the Four dialects(Ilocano, Cebuano, Kankannaey and Kalanguya)..Last March, Rev,. John Ferhmann, Chairman of the Confessional Lutheran Education Foundation, whom I met also in the Minnesota North District Convention came to the Philippines for the second time(He was with Rev. Daniel Preus in the October visit) and collected copies of the Hymnals and Catechisms in the different dialects. Hopefully this will be available in before the end of the year.
6. The Lutheran Youth Encounter popularly known as the New Dawn through its President, Rev. Dr. Larry Johnson, have signified their plan to come and visit us again in early part of 2008.
7.Grants and Loans for the purchase of new church sites, for building repairs and the reproduction of materials for use in mission.
8. The establishment of Schools in the four districts of the LCP.
9. Visits of brothers and sisters from other partner churches in the ILC and many more.
Perhaps you will keep on asking, "What lies beyond the 20th Biennial LCP Convention? The answer to that question lies with God. He is still in charge in matters within the church and everywhere. And so I pray for all of you the protection of the Holy angels as you journey to and from the convention. May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and minds with a readiness to bow humbly to the Word of our Lord as we make our decisions and with a willingness to recognize one another as brothers and sisters in Christ who are mutually concerned about the welfare of the church despite differences of opinions that may at times exist. May all of us know the joy and the satisfaction that center in the conviction that ours will be an edifying and rewarding experience as delegates and guests to the 20th biennial convention of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines.
Keeping in mind that we are assembled to conduct our Father?s business, let us now get busy and address ourselves to our important work in all faithfulness with sincere consecration, and with the fervent prayer that our Heavenly Father may remembers us with a rich measure of HIS Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, to grant us wisdom and understanding and to shower His divine benedictions on the Convention and gladly go to where the Lord of the Church will be sending us. I am your brother
In service to Christ and His Church,
REV. JAMES D. CERDE?OLA
LCP President
To: Lutheran Church in the Philippines in Convention, April 23-27,2007A.D.
Dear fellow-Lutheran disciples of Jesus the Christ'
Fraternal greetings in the Name of the risen, ruling, returning Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!
May the Holy Spirit inspire and encourage you in all your decisions, elections, Bible study, resolutions, discussions and actions during this convention. As you know, this is a very important convention of LCP which will determine the future direction of administration, growth and Gospel outreach as you prepare yourselves and others for the imminent return of Jesus the Christ. I will be with you in spirit and prayer as you consider the Father's business.
May your main efforts and resources be directed to the Great Commission to make disciples of all Filipinos through the effective implementation of the ABLAZE! program. May you also give full emphasis to the Great Commandment to love God above all things and to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Remember the closing words of the Bible. ?Behold! I come quickly!" To which we respond, "Amen! Come Lord Jesus!"
Peace be with you all,
Robert Day McAmis, LCP Missionary Emeritus
Report from the Lutheran Theological Seminary Dean/Administrator
Rev. Teodorico L. Taran, Jr.
The Lutheran Theological Seminary was established on June 30, 1955 in Cubao Missionary Residence, Cubao, Quezon City. LCP has a lot to give thanks of the existence of our Seminary. It produced 84 clergymen already and some deacons and deaconess. For almost five years, the Seminary is supported through rentals of some of its buildings and ground, donations from the congregations locally and some Lutheran auxiliaries from the USA. It is receiving funding from the Association of Theological Schools in South East Asia being a member. We are hoping that sooner, we will be able to complete the requirements to become an accredited seminary member of ATESEA.
We have at present nine (9) students studying at LTS. Two from NLLD, and six from NLHD, and one from SLD. It is our hope and prayer that each congregation of LCP will be able to start recruiting men for the Seminary. We need more pastors for our congregations and at the same time missionaries to other places where there are no Lutheran congregations. I am particularly referring to the Visayas.
The Seminary was also audited and hopefully yearly audit shall be done and it cost us Php 5,000 per year. Here with enclosed the financial report of the Seminary ending the year 2006..
The Seminary through the rentals has provided computers to all District TEE Coordinators. A friend from Michigan, also donated five laptop computers for the students to be used plus four computers which the Seminary has purchased.
As most of us know, each seminarian is required to pay tuition fee of Php 6,000.00 per school year. LCP through the Seminary is giving Php 1,500.00 for singles and Php 2,000.00 to married students for their food allowance, free lodging and the use of seminary facilities. We are also giving them books. Some seminarians are not able to afford the tuition fee and that is why we are encouraging the districts and congregations to share and give support for this purpose. You can be a sponsor to one seminarian as what others are doing. We are producing men to become pastors/missionaries and supervisors of LCP for the Lord Jesus Christ. As a church who has given the task of proclaiming the Gospel, we need your prayers and financial support. Indeed the harvest is many but there are few laborers. Pray that God will send more laborers for the harvest.
In Jesus Christ, our Lord of the Harvest,
(SGD) Rev. Teodorico L. Taran, Jr.
ADVISITORS AND GUESTS
Advisors:
1. Rev. Wilando Roa - Board of Contro, Chairman
2. Rev. Teodorico Taran, Jr. - LTS, Dean
3. Mr. Excelso Hipe - LCP Business Manager
4. Atty. Christian Gerald Castillo
5. Atty. Emmanuel Pe?a, Jr
- Sycip, Salazar, Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Firm
Guests:
1. Rev. Theodore Engelbrecht - LC-MS World Asia Mission
Southeast Asia Facilitator, Bible Study Leader
2. Rev. Masahiro Ando - Opening Preacher - Japan Lutheran Church, General Secretary
3. Rev. Chuzo Kitazawa - Japan Lutheran Church, Vice President
4. Rev. John Mehl - LC-MS Regional Director of Asia, - LC-MS Asia Region
5. Mr. Edward Strohschein - Business ManagerLC-MS Regional Director of Asia
6. Dr. Jose Fuliga - Former LTS Dean, Lecturer
7. Mrs. Letecia Orinay - MDD Women's Group
8. Ms. Irene Venus - MDD Youth Group
9. Mrs. Melba Reyes - SLD Women's Group
10. Mr. Elton John Santos - SLD Youth Group
11. Mrs. Juliet Sebaen - NLHD Women's Group
12. Mr. Jomar Nang-is - NLHD Youth Group
13. Mrs. Dolores Cari?o - NLLD Women's Group
14. Ms. Cristine Sambu - NLLD Youth Group
DONORS:
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI SYNOD
ASIA WOLRD MISSION
DR. ROBERT DAY MCAMIS
DR. JOSE FULIGA AND FAMILY
THE CARI?O DAUGHTERS
JOE AND BEVERLY JACKS
REV & MRS. RICHARD FAERBER
REV & MRS. JOHN SCHOLZ
ANONYMOUS
THE LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
LCP CONGREGATIONS
LCP INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
In behalf of the Lutheran Church In The Philippines, we express our
Heartfelt thanks and Gratitude to all those who gave supports in form
Of
Finances and prayers for the success of the 20th Lutheran Church in
Philippines in
Convention held at Communication Foundation For Asia, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
on April 23-27. 2007
DAGHANG SALAMAT SA TANAN!
MARAMING SALAMAT SA LAHAT!
AGYAMAN KAMI UNAY. DIOS TI AGNGINA KADAKAYO AMIN!
THANK YOU TO ALL!
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