The New Years message for all was from Luke 9:60. Proclaim the kingdom of God, with courage, esteem and respect for others, mercy and compassion and focus on what is essential. District Apostle Hebeisen proclaimed the New Year’s Resolution “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. The Chief Apostle conducted the New Years service in our Church in Berlin and called for an year of PERSISTENCE. PERSISTENT IN PRAYER, that is always the beginning, IN WORKING ALONG in God’s work, MAINTAINING GOOD RELATIONSHIP with fellow men and our surrounding, MAKING PEACE, Children of God are Peacemakers, INTRODUCINC OUR FAITH to fellow men, WAITING FOR THE DAY OF REDEMPTION, the day of the Lord with Courage and confidence.

All Apostles and Bishops, some country Rectors as well as administrative officers met for an year-end meeting with the District Apostle. Besides deliberations on spiritual topics and organizational matters also social issues affecting our congregations were discussed. Presentations on “Raising Children” the widespread sickness of “diabetes” as well as “visions on financial literacy” were offered. The high point of the meeting was a video conference with the Chief Apostle who addressed all from his Hamburg office with a very encouraging message for the New Year. A very lively Christmas Concert by the Makati Orchestra, Choir and Children Choir enlivened the festive mood and prepared for the Divine Service on Sunday morning.

Christmas Concert 1, Christmas Concert 2, DAP, Apostles and Bishops

The children choir of Makati Congregation participated in the finals of a Christmas Caroling contest at SM Hypermarket. In true Filipino tradition they went caroling from one house to the other when they were referred to the singing contest at a local Supermarket and promptly made it to the finals where they competed with professional choirs therefore not much chance of winning. However their public appearance and performance brought much joy to Christmas shoppers.

Makati Childrens Choir 1, Makati Childrens Choir 2, Makati Childrens Choir 3, Makati Childrens Choir 4

The Cebu Youth hosted a weekend for the youth in Argao. From Bohol and Negros Oriental the young Brothers and Sisters joined the Youth from Cebu for a one day Beach Volleyball competition. Many rounds of discussions were on the program and in the evening they bombarded the District Apostle with questions about many topics. Sunday all were at our Argao Church and after the Divine Service the congregation was rejoicing hearing a variety of choir presentations by the youth from the various regions. The District Apostle made the announcement that the Chief Apostle will come for the Asian Youth Day in Indonesia 2011. Save money and get a passport and you are part of this great event, first of its kind.