ROYAL HERALD

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2011-12-15T01:00:00.001-08:00

for photos and updates on recent church activities, please follow this link:

http://royalvalleysda.multiply.com/

God bless you! :)

Church Location

2011-07-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

The estimated boundaries of the new church lot. Photo courtesy of Google Earth. Click to enlarge.

Just Keep Holding on to Him

2011-05-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier in this blog, we told you about a group of young people from Tagum City who attended our Summer Camp Meeting last April and how they composed [in about two days] an original song especially for that camp meeting's theme.

Most of you may have been curious about how that song turned out, so we are sharing a recording here. This video was taken during their visit to the radio station right after the Vacation Bible School.

God bless you, everyone! :)

Summer Tract Distribution

2011-05-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

One of the bigger ministries we have at church is the Publishing Ministry. We print a total of 20,000 flyers each year and make it a point to involve as many of the brethren as possible in the work of distributing them.

Publications must be multiplied, and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime.--Review and Herald, Nov. 21, 1878.

For several years now, we've been printing and reprinting flyers on the Sabbath (Why Don't You Ask God About the Sabbath?) and on Health (GODSPLAN) both in English and in the vernacular. Other churches and ministries have also used these same flyers for their tract distribution activities. A ministry in Northern Luzon, for example, had 10,000 of these flyers printed and sent to them for use in their medical missions. It is our delight to be able to connect with other ministries in this way.

Just this morning, more than 30 brethren came out to walk the streets of a subdivision in Bangkal to distribute the flyers. Young and old cheerfully participated in the activity..

Our little trouper straining to get the flyers into the mailboxes. :)

Our "folding crew" who stayed in the jeep to fold the flyers to be supplied

to those who distributed them.

two months worth of updates

2011-05-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

yes, it really has been two months since the last update on this blog and we owe you so much news.

since the last time we posted on this blog, we have been really busy preparing for camp meeting, holding that camp meeting, preparing for Vacation Bible School, and holding that one too.

for camp meeting, the theme was Hold On! Prepare, Prepare! Get Ready, Get Ready! and it was perhaps the most successful camp meeting to date. the attendance was double that of the previous camp meeting and the enthusiasm was overwhelming. the camp meeting was held at th campsite in Aracan and was attended delegates from several churches, among the most enthusiastic of whom were the youth of the newly-formed home division in Tagum City. they even composed a song based on the theme of the camp meeting! the pillars of faith were tackled and reviewed, health studies opened to the understanding of youth and adults alike. everyone was truly blessed as never before.

two weeks after the camp meeting, we held our vacation bible school in Talomo, Davao City. we had invited the youth from Tagum and other churches to be part of the activity. we had a total of 25 staff members (more than ninety per cent of which are youth), not counting the loving brethren and sisters who volunteered to prepare the staff meals. the theme for the activity was Happy with Jesus and aimed to present faith and obedience to be the keys to happiness. at the end of the weeklong activity, we had a total of 147 names registered. the parents came to the closing ceremony on Sabbath and were truly happy to see their children so eager to learn about Jesus.

this Sunday, we are going to hold a Tract Distribution activity for the youth and adults of the Royal Valley Free SDA Church. we continue to pray that God will bring the same success and blessing to this activity as He has so wonderfully done for our camp meeting and vacation bile school.

God Calls for Our Best Affections

2011-03-14T02:25:00.000-07:00

   No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24. {OHC 79.1}

   Many are on the enchanted ground of the enemy. Things of the least importance--foolish social parties, singing, jesting, joking-- engross their minds and they serve God with a divided heart. . . . The declaration of Christ, "No man can serve two masters," is unheeded. {OHC 79.2}

   One of the most marked features of the earth's inhabitants in the days of Noah was their intense worldliness. They made eating and drinking, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage, the supreme objects of life. It is not sinful, but the fulfillment of a duty, to eat and drink, if that which is lawful is not carried to excess. . . . God Himself instituted marriage when He gave Eve to Adam. All God's laws are marvelously adapted to meet the nature of man. The sin of the antediluvians was in perverting that which in itself was lawful. They corrupted God's gifts by using them to minister to their selfish desires. . . . {OHC 79.3}

Excessive love and devotion to that which in itself is lawful, proves the ruination of thousands upon thousands of souls. To matters of minor importance is often given the strength of intellect that should be wholly devoted to God. We need always to be guarded against carrying to excess that which, rightly used, is lawful. Many, many souls are lost by engaging in those things which, properly managed, are harmless, but which, perverted and misapplied, become sinful and demoralizing. {OHC 79.4}

   If we are constantly thinking of and struggling for the things that pertain to this life, we cannot keep our thoughts fixed on the things of heaven. Satan is seeking to lead our minds away from God, and to center them on the fashions, the customs, and the demands of the world, which bring disease and death. . . . {OHC 79.5}

   In this world we are to obtain a fitness for the higher world. God has left a trust with us, and He expects us to use all our faculties in helping and blessing our fellow men. He calls for our best affections, our highest powers. {OHC 79.6}

-Our High Calling
Ellen G. White

what we will be busy with in the coming days and months

2011-03-09T00:13:00.000-08:00

In the coming months, we will be busy with church visitations to Malita, Davao del Sur and Tagum City. We have been visiting Malita once a month over several months and have installed workers there in the person of Bro. and Sis. Benhur Negre. In Tagum City is sprouting a revival for an extended family and a few of their friends. We have decided to visit them for two Sabbaths each month, holding a home division church service for them. The remaining Sabbaths of the month, they make the two-hour trip to worship with us at the Royal Valley Free SDA Church.

This month, we'll be holding our second year anniversary celebration at the Ray of Hope Village, the female division of the Davao City Jail where we hold Bible Study sessions with the inmates every other week. This particular field of ministry has been very special to us, especially for the women in the congregation who felt it their duty to reach out to their sisters and help them find a way to Jesus, our Saviour.

On April will be the annual Summer Camp Meeting. As a refreshing change, we will hold the meeting in the church Campsite up in the mountains instead of the usual school grounds of the Royal Valley Academy - a way of breaking away from the summer heat of the city during this holy convocation. Preparations are already underway at the church campsite. More on the upcoming camp meeting will be posted here in the coming days. Also on April, we will be strengthening our personal labor programs so each of the church members can be equipped to labor personally and efficiently with God.

On May, two years after we held our last Vacation Bible School, we are revitalizing our Children's Ministry and holding a one-week program for kids and teens in a community in suburban Talomo, Davao City. It will be a simple program but will be filled with wonderful Bible lessons and praise songs and fun activities for children. Best of all, the youth from church will be the ones teaching and leading out in the VBS - making it a fun learning experience for all. As this is sure to be a challenging activity, we ask you to join us in prayer for the success of this program and every other endeavor put forward for God's glory all the world over.

We'll keep you posted. God bless you. :)

You might also want to visit our Church Building Project page. The church has been working and praying hard for this project to be fully realized and every day God brings us closer and closer to the mark. With the help of friends and brethren, we have almost reached the goal amount we need to make the initial payment for the land on which to erect the church.

Ellen White Books Available

2011-02-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

We are constantly trying to make reading materials accessible to as many as possible. To start off the year, we acquired quite a number of Early Writings and Last Day Events (Cebuano Edition), both by Sis. Ellen White. If you would like a copy of these books, email us at royalvalleyfreesda@gmail.com or leave a comment here.

Other books on our shelf include:

The History of Redemption - a set of ten books by Sis. White in pocket-size, in a convenient box, and with a free History of Redemption chart

The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia (limited stocks)

We try to make as many books as possible available free for those who would really value them, but thank you for understanding that though this isn't always possible, we always make it a point to make such materials available at the lowest reasonable price.

God bless us all. :)

My Redeemer is Faithful and True

2010-12-22T02:01:00.001-08:00

Bito Church - December 2010

2010-12-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, a worker was installed in Bito, Malita and we're all carefully observing the progress of the work there. Bro. Ben Negre's wife, Sis. Beth, joined him in Bito to aid in the work there. She accompanies him during house calls and specializes in teaching youth and kids in the church.

A few weeks ago, Bro. Ben had to be brought back to Davao due to a knee injury he incurred during his stay in Bito. Sis. Beth, along with Sis. Wylie Ann "Nene" Mariano, then faithfully took up the work there in order to hold the people who come to church but are unable to keep up the services.

When Sis. Nene had to come back to Davao for a few days due to a death in the family, four young people were sent out to aid Sis. Beth in the Sabbath programs.

While there are still only few adults present during the church service, there was a fair number of youth there who actively help Sis. Beth to the best of their abilities.

Sis. Gladys and Bro. Joseph with the youth who aid Sis. Beth in Bito church

The service went well. During Sabbath School, Sis. Ruth Mae Canonero talked about giving praise and thanks to God. The lesson was conducted by Sis. Gladys Laguardia. A member of the church, Bro. Boni, also shared his knowledge on health by giving a short lecture about the digestive system. For the Divine Service, Bro. Joseph Baldemor spoke about giving the heart to Jesus. In the afternoon, Sis. Jaylyn Esperanza gave a follow-through to Bro. Boni's lecture by elaborating on the digestive system and how it can be better cared for.

Before heading back to Davao, we visited an active church member who was sick and thus couldn't make it to the Sabbath program.

The endeavor in Bito needs much work and much prayer. Please include this work in your prayers.

Prison Ministry Thanksgiving Program (DCJ-Annex)

2010-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

Our ministry includes a weekly visit to the Davao City Jail Annex to bring the truth to inmate brothers who cannot come to hear it in church. Three or four of our brethren in church give the inmates Bible studies and messages of encouragement. We also try to alleviate their situation by providing for their material needs wherever possible and prudent.

As we cannot meet their material needs on a daily basis, we have made it a point to have more of the brethren visit them at least twice a year and bring them such humble gifts as soap and toothpaste - simple everyday items that are most precious to the inmates, especially those who have had no visits from family or friends.

Last December 9, we paid them this visit and brought them a simple meal of tofu, pancit, and fruits. We also gave them soy milk.

We also handed out certificates to those who were most active in the Bible Study Program.

The DCJ-Annex is only one of the three divisions of the city jail that we minister to. In the following weeks, we will also be holding special programs for the inmates of the Main Prison and the Ray of Hope Village (women division).

7th Nahisulat Na Anniversary (Kidapawan Leg)

2010-12-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

The drive to Kidapawan took almost three hours from Davao City. Stopping only for a quick lunch by the road, we pretty much enjoyed those three hours.

We arrived at the DXCA Charm Radio FM station early afternoon, took a few group photos, and then set out to do what we'd gone there to do: hand out literature and invite people to our humble medical mission.

This missionary endeavor was open to all ages. That Sunday afternoon saw groups of kids as young as eight, early teens, late teens, young adults, middle-aged men and women, and the elderly trace the streets of Kidapawan armed with bundles of flyers on Sabbath and health. There were also toddlers who, while too young to join in the tract distribution, were old enough to get started on service.

Later in the afternoon we all came back to the radio station, each enriched with experience and happily welcomed the people who came out to avail of the free medical services. We also gave out free herbal medicines.

At 6:30 pm, Nahisulat Na went on air live from Kidapawan City and, according to feedback sent to us through SMS, blessed the audience with songs of praise and encouragement.

Do pray that as we enter our eighth year, the Lord will work even more wonderfully through this radio program. :)

November 28, 2010

Angel Sings with Joy

2010-11-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

At Royal Valley, we always try to make room for the younger ones to share their talents in church, thus preparing them for greater work. We like to make them feel comfortable in the ministry so that when they're older and better prepared to understand the special truths for our time, they can shine as bright lights reflecting the glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Recently, our talents seem to be getting younger and younger!

Here, nine-year-old Faith Joy Aguda sings with two-year-old neice, Lovely Angel.

Nahisulat Na Radio Program 7th Anniversary (Davao Leg)

2010-11-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

This entire month of November we are celebrating the seventh year of our radio ministry. It's been seven years since we first aired Nahisulat Na (It is Written) in Davao City, and five years since we started the hookup program in Kidapawan City. The past seven years saw many changes for the program and with the changes, a lot of growing for the members of the Royal Valley Free SDA Church.

In the radio program, church members have learned to unite and support one another through the diversity of gifts that God has given to the church - some through gifts of knowledge, others through gift of speech, some through gifts of music, and others still through financial support.

May the good Lord continue to use this radio ministry for His closing work. :)

In our blue shirts that declared the first angel's message, we filled the radio station and offered songs of praise, thanksgiving, and encouragement.

On the 28th, we will be broadcasting live from DXCA in Kidapawan City. do come back for updates on our activity there. God bless you. :)

Hold Fast: the Royal Valley Free SDA Church Campmeeting 2010

2010-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

The recently-concluded camp meeting was a definite success. Themed "Hold Fast," it highlighted the pillars of the Seventh-day Adventist Faith in a free and open discussion, the essentials and essentiality of prayer, the discovery and nurturing of spiritual gifts, and the proper presentation and representation of the truth. There was also an evaluation of individual spirituality and efficiency of the current ministries.

During the morning and evening devotionals, messages of encouragement and inspiration were shared by elders and workers, and the youth were very eager to share their gifts of song.

On Sabbath, Elder Leve Catubigan talked about the purging of secret sins from every individual so the church can receive the full blessing from the Lord.

RV Teens rendering a song during a morning devotional

a band of brothers: young workers also sharing their gifts of music

Royal Valley Women's Ministry

the congregation during one of the activities

we had a larger attendance this year than during the previous campmeeting

Click on the following links to listen to some of the songs rendered during the campmeeting:

Sa Halayong Yuta

Whiter than Snow

If you have a Facebook account, you may view more of the photos from the campmeeting by following these links:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34734&id=100000329086063

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34739&id=100000329086063

Camp Meeting

2010-09-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's soon time for the second of our two yearly camp meetings.

It will be on October 26-31. Mark your calendars and free up your schedules.

This time, we're holding it at our camp site up in San Miguel, Arakan, North Cotabato. Some of our brothers are now working on building a new kitchen since we lost the old one to a fire sometime back.

We're looking forward to a much larger attendance than before and would be delighted to have you there.

For more information, please contact us.

Royal Valley Free SDA Church

c/o Nahisulat Na, PO Box 81228 Davao City, Philippines

+63 82 297 3084

+63 999 745 6345

+63 905 595 9123

royalvalleyfreesda@gmail.com

Fellowship at Bito Church

2010-09-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

On August 28, we once again made the trip to Malita for our monthly fellowship there. Brethren and sisters filled our blue jeep before the sun was up on Sabbath morning, arriving in Bito church just in time for breakfast before Sabbath School began.

As always, we had the warm support of the brethren from Pangian church. We were also blessed to have with us a couple of brothers from the SDA Reform Movement who also shared their knowledge, especially in the line of prophetic events.

Representatives from the different churches shared how they go about God's work in their locality. Lunch was wonderful, especially as the brethren continued to discuss Bible subjects and natural methods of healing.

Speakers for the Sabbath included Bro. Benhur Negre, Bro. Roger Laguardia, Sis. Gladys Laguardia, and Bro. Randy Akyatan (SDARM).

We look forward to the next fellowship, which will be on September 25 at Pangian Church. God bless us all.

Uniting in Giving to the Cause of God

2010-08-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been busy ones for the members of the church. We had our usual rounds of ministry: Bible studies, visits to the city jail, visits to the sick and needy, prayer meetings, and Sabbath. But apart from the usual, we also had something rather fun and special to do: raising funds for our church building project!

Some of the brethren donated fruits from their trees, so a bunch of us went over to harvest the fruits. The fruits were then delivered to other brethren who then sold the fruits to their friends and co-workers.

Sis. Risha and Sis. Dina placing lanzones fruits in boxes

Bro. Brian up in a mangosteen tree

Two of our sisters also went about taking ID pictures for students and donating the income to the church building fund.

The rest of the brethren, while unable to help in these special efforts, gave what they could in the form of pledges.

Little by little, our church building fund is growing and growing. With every penny and every moment and every drop of sweat devoted to the support of God's work, the church is coming closer and closer to achieving the goal of setting up a house of worship.

Best of all, it is very inspiring to see the brethren working together, each giving what he can, all sharing in the dream, in the work, and soon, in its success. In God's perfect time, we will not only have a church building, but also to worship in it a people united in the love and labors of Christ.

If you desire to help us build God's house, do contact us:

Royal Valley Free SDA Church

c/o Nahisulat Na, PO Box 81228 Davao City, Philippines

+63 82 297 3084

+63 999 745 6345

+63 905 595 9123

royalvalleyfreesda@gmail.com

www.royalvalleysda.blogspot.com

God bless us all.

Birthday Bash with the Kids of Sitio Libas

2010-08-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

April 11, 2010 was a day of happiness for the children of Sitio Libas, Waan, Ma-a, Davao City. With the month's birthday celebrants (Sis. Dina, Bro. Joesan, Sis. Anchie, and Sis. Joy) in the lead, the brethren of Royal Valley Free SDA Church gathered the children to the Sitio center, taught them songs, and told them stories about Jesus.

the Royal Valley Youth gave a rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" with a set of Angklong, Indonesian musical instruments

we handed out packed lunches

and take-home treats, to boot.

tracts were also handed out to the neighboring houses

the day's activities made the prayer meeting that evening even more blessed.

Malita Fellowship

2010-08-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

For three months now, the brethren of Royal Valley Free SDA Church have been fellowshipping with two churches in Malita - Pangian and Bito. The monthly fellowships, held on the last Sabbath of each month, are conducted as part of our joint efforts to revive the church in Bito and also to help nurture the church in Pangian.

The three churches have agreed to hold the fellowships alternately in Bito and in Pangian. The brethren of Royal Valley then make the three-hour trip from Davao City to attend the fellowship and share in the worship and study.

Please continue to pray for these three churches to prosper more in the grace of God and in the knowledge of His truth.

6th Summer Camp Meeting: Prepare to Meet thy God

2010-05-06T20:47:00.003-07:00

After weeks (and even months) of preparation, our 6th Summer Camp Meeting finally came and passed - but not without leaving a trail of priceless blessings.

From April 20 to 24, each of the friends and brethren who came to the meeting was blessed with inspiring messages on health and spirituality. The members of Royal Valley Free SDA Church gladly welcomed the guests who arrived from all over Mindanao. The largest representation came from the church of Pangyan, Malita, Davao del Sur led by Bro. and Sis. Ben Tanyo. They were mostly young people who shared their gift of song and friendship. There were also representatives from Mati, Governor Generoso, Digos City, Valencia, and Kipilas.

On April 21, Pastor Patrick and Dr. Diane Herbert arrived to greatly increase the blessings afforded by the daily meetings. Dr. Diane shared valuable information on health including stress management, dealing with infection, and the importance of Vitamin C for the body. Pastor Herbert started by expounding on the theme "Prepare to Meet thy God," stressing on the significance of wasted moments and unfulfilled duties when we finally face life's record. He ended with a series of lectures on Christian love, courtship, marriage, and family life.

Pastor Herbert also encouraged the brethren to look beyond the horizon, aspire for greater spiritual gifts, and labor diligently to broaden the work of the Lord.

On Sabbath afternoon, six individuals were baptized.

The radio program on Sunday was also made special by the presence of Pastor and Dr. Herbert who gave the spiritual and health lectures.

We continue to pray for each of those who attended the meeting and for God's workers the world over.

6th Summer Camp Meeting

2010-04-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Prepare to Meet Thy God

6th Summer Camp Meeting

Royal Valley Academy, Bangkal, Davao City

April 20-24, 2010

It's time for camp meeting once again, and we are all busy with the preparations. Just yesterday, brothers and sisters and youth put their hands together in preparing the venue for the camp meeting.

There's grass to be mowed, floors and grounds to be swept, chairs to be arranged, firewood to be stacked, electrical wiring and water piping to be installed, a temporary kitchen to be set up, and pretty much more in between. Preparing the venue is scheduled to last until early Tuesday morning when we will be expecting the first batch of participants to arrive. The camp meeting will formally open Tuesday evening.

We have invited our brethren from different churches and congregations. We are also very thankful that God is blessing this camp meeting with the arrival of Pastor Patrick Herbert and Dr. Diane Herbert from the Gilead Institute of America.

Themed "Prepare to Meet Thy God," this camp meeting will be packed full of spiritual and health messages that are essential for every Christian living in these last days.

The camp meeting is open for everyone interested, including you. We will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Royal Valley Academy has been very kind in allowing us to use the classrooms to accommodate the participants. Registration is free.

Do come, and bring your family and friends with you so they too can share in the blessing.

For inquiries, you may reach us through royalvalleysda@gmail.com or through mobile number +639215363460.

Celebrating Our First Year at the Ray of Hope Village

2010-03-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a full year since we first started our ministry at the Ray of Hope Village, the female division of the Maa City Jail.

What started out as a humble endeavor by our sisters turned out to become one of the church's most active, most effective ministries. Over the past months, we've studied the Bible with these inmates and learned songs with them. We have also gotten the chance to visit the families they themselves could not visit. All throughout, these visits became golden opportunities for us to share Jesus. And as we learned more about the different lives of the inmates, the more were we inspired to reach out to them, bringing with us the graces of our bountiful Father.

During the anniversary program on March 21, we listened as inmate after inmate spoke of how much our humble ministry meant to them. Sometimes in tears, they told of how their lives are being changed by the entrance of God's word in their hearts. With grateful handshakes and warm smiles, they thanked us for ministering to their needs, both spiritual and material. And we could not have been more thankful that God used us as His instruments.

Yes, we'd like to tell you about the little gifts we brought for them, and about the food we shared with them, and about how many of us were there that day. But what we'd most like to tell you is that when we reached out to them so that Jesus could touch them through our humble hands, we ourselves were touched.

May God continue to prosper our labors as we work for and with Him.

Let It Rain!

2010-02-23T22:31:00.000-08:00

On February 10, 2010, we paid the Davao City Jail Annex a little visit to deliver five (5) galvanized iron sheets.

The roofing in the small Annex Worship Hall had so many holes in it that we were pretty sure meetings during the rainy season were very uncomfortable.

photo taken December 21, 2009. see the many holes? and it's their library too.

The warden happily received the GI sheets. The inmates were definitely happier. They can now comfortably study God's Word with our Jail workers, rain or shine.

But they don't know that we were the happiest of all. It's always a delight to be able to help our brethren.

And the GI sheets came with a wall clock, too!

Five rolled-up GI sheets and the wall clock. Bro. and Sis. Catubigan with a jail officer and an inmate.

Sunday Sunshine: All We God's Children

2010-02-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

From time to time, we'll be sharing in this blog personal insights and creative attempts made by members of the Royal Valley SDA Church for the inspiration and encouragement of all.

The following is taken from a blog post dated August 10, 2006.

----------------------------------0-0-0-------------------------------------

The youth in my church are very dear to my heart. They are like a second family to me. We have been through a lot as a group. After all these years, they are now to me like brothers and sisters, and the dearest of friends. I love them a whole lot because they give meaning to the phrase "family of God". I value them because it is not always that I can find friends with whom I can build a Christ-centered relationship.
For the youth at church, thank you so much for the times together, good and bad. I hope to make more memories of you, and of us. I will keep thanking God for you, and praying that He will see each of us through.

I wrote this for us all.

-o-

ALL WE GOD'S CHILDREN

We came together, different we may be,
Yet we lift our voices in a single melody.
Here we stand together, a family in God.
As brothers and sisters, one in Jesus' blood.

All we God's children, bound by His love,
Born of His Spirit, bought with His blood.
We will grow ever upward, walking in the light.
We are near one to another, when we all are near to Christ.

Still we stand together in a friendship rare and true,
Bound by truth and spirit, love and service too.
Our joys are all doubled, our sorrows cut in half.
We make a little heaven by our friendship, by our love.

All we God's children, bound by His love,
Born of His Spirit, bought with His blood.
We will grow ever upward, walking in the light.
We are near one to another, when we all are near to Christ.

While waiting for our Father, our commission we'll fulfill.
We'll work side by side, obey His perfect will.
We'll overcome together, though it be flame or flood.
We'll help one another grow in the love of God.

All we God's children, bound by His love,
Born of His Spirit, bought with His blood.
We will grow ever upward, walking in the light.
We are near one to another, when we all are near to Christ.

And we'll be standing together before the throne of God.
We will walk hand in hand on the heavenly sod.

All we God's children, bound by His love,
Born of His Spirit, bought with His blood.
We will grow ever upward, walking in the light.
We are near one to another, when we all are near to Christ.

-o-

I hope you like it, and may we live the life of the blessed...

God loves all of you and I do too.

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Friday Favorite: "These Last Days" Bible Study

2010-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Lately, we have been receiving lots of requests for Bible studies. Most of these requests come from young people. It delights us endlessly to know that so many young boys and girls are showing interest in growing more and more in the knowledge of our God.

In the school where Bro. and Sis. Catubigan work, a group of 20 students are asking for Bible study sessions. Sis. Catubigan is now trying to arrange schedules to accommodate as many students as possible.

For these Bible studies, we use as our guide Pastor Ken LeBrun's "These Last Days," and we find it truly helpful. Its focus on the events of the last days sets everything in perspective for the young students who are living in the time of those events.

Since we started using "These Last Days" as Sabbath School Lessons for our Earliteen Class, many have come up to us to set up schedules for regular Bible study sessions.

This revival of interest in God's Word among our youth inspires us all the more in our service. It is our continued prayer that the Lord bless these young ones that they, as well as we, may keep growing and growing in the light of His truth and love.

Wordless Wednesday: Our Campsite

2010-01-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

October 2009

Happy New Year!

2010-01-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

2010 is finally here and we're wishing everyone a very happy new year.

the past year has been the busiest for the Royal Valley SDA Church - a year filled with activities and projects that the Lord has graciously blessed with success.

up to the end of last year, the members have been busily going about the business of serving and teaching.

on december 25 and 26, we paid Ilang Church (Tibungco, Davao City) a visit as they were hosting a youth fellowship there.

Sis. Risha Catubigan stressed the importance of thorough heart-searching and self-examination. She also conducted a special activity that aimed to help youth find out their strengths and weaknesses.

A couple of weeks later, some of these youth came to visit us at Royal Valley to spend the Sabbath afternoon with us.

Bro. Bruce Palange gave a lecture on the effects of too much sugar in the body. He also gave a message especially for the youth.

The following is a song performed by the Ilang Adventist Youth during their visit.

"Come Higher" - the perfect watchword for the dawning new year. :)

Jesus Cares for Inmates... this year and always!

2009-12-25T00:27:00.000-08:00

The year is ending, but God has been so good. He has allowed us a few more activities just before the close of 2009.

The 18th, 20th, and 21st of December were earmarked for the special programs of our prison ministry.

First came the preparations...

Then the special program at the main jail...

Sunday was for the female inmates...

And finally, Monday for the inmates at the Davao City Jail Annex...

There is perhaps no better way to end the year. And we, once again, face a new beginning - a celebration of God's watchful, loving care.

Six More Reasons to Thank God

2009-12-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

The brethren of Royal Valley SDA Church are excited for a lot of things. It's difficult not to be excited these past months. Each week seems to bring with it something new, something to look forward to, something to be really really excited about. These are just a few things:

(1) There'll be a youth camp held in the camp site in a few weeks' time. Bro. Brian Palangi of the Ilang Church have asked if they could use our camp site for a camp meeting designed especially for youth. According to Bro. Brian, around 70 young people are expected to attend. So it's just good that we've got Reason-to-be-Excited #2;

(2) A bulldozer's just been to the camp site to make a couple really good improvements. It's now easier to get there. Road's wider and flatter. If the warm weather keeps up, we could actually bring cars and motorcycles and trucks right in front of the church building. that means no more tired, worn, muddy feet during fellowships there. well, at least not on sunny days. and because we all want a look-see, we're all heading up there right after Reason-to-be-Excited #3;

(3) One of our sisters is getting married to a fine young man. Sis. Jenefa Atchicoso is tying the knot this Tuesday, December 8. We're all very happy for her and we all keep praying for health and happiness and blessing for her and the family she'll be building with Bro. Fred Toledanes;

(4) The church vehicle will be ready for use soon soon soon. After undergoing a lot of renovation, the church jeep will finally be good to go. It's blue, it's shiny, and it can carry around 30 people. We were hoping to use the jeep for the trip to Kidapawan last Sunday, but God has been saving it for a better plan. If He wills, we will be able to use the jeep this Sunday for the Prison Ministry. A blue jeep to carry the blue girls! Our thanks to the gracious people who have made this instrument of the gospel possible;

(5) Speaking of the Prison Ministry, we'll hold a year-end special gathering there come December 18, 20, and 21. The Welfare Ministry will be handing out soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste to the inmates along with good food that the brethren will prepare. And there'll be singing and preaching as well; and

(6) 2010 is here. We're all truly grateful for 2009, but who isn't glad and thankful that our Good Lord has been blessing and guiding us through all these passing years. And more importantly, the close of each year and the beginning of another brings us closer and closer to the advent of our Redeemer.

For the Christian, there's always something new to be thankful and happy about. The graces of the Lord are new every morning. In everything, let the name of the Lord be praised!

Nahisulat Na Radio Ministry: 6th Anniversary

2009-12-01T23:35:00.000-08:00

November's over. And so is the month-long anniversary special we held for our radio program, Nahisulat Na. Six years since we started this ministry, it's safe to say we've come a long way. From a Davao-only radio show running for an hour each Sunday, we now have a Kidapawan City hook-up and we've extended to an hour and fifteen minutes. Church members are now also more active participants of the ministry as more and more members are encouraged to share their gifts of speech and music through the program.

While it is true that we hope for the soon close of the gospel, we are truly thankful that the Lord has been guiding and blessing us, bringing us through all six years and counting.

For this year's anniversary special, we held a musical show participated by more than half the church membership. We also gave away Bibles and pocket Spirit of Prophecy books.

On November 15, the church members gathered at the station of Radyo Ukay in Davao City- sharing in song and worship. A light dinner was also prepared and enjoyed.

November 29 was spent in Kidapawan City - a two-hour drive from Davao. Almost 50 members came along. We distributed flyers about Sabbath and Health in public areas.

We also conducted a medical mission at the Charm Radio FM station where we gave free massage, blood pressure check-up, health advice, herbal liniments and capsules, and more reading materials.

The people received us very warmly, and we sure were glad to be of help and to be going about the work of the Lord.

By 6:30, we held another praise and worship through music and song.

We all went home tired, but truly truly happy and blessed.

"Nahisulat Na" airs over DXUM Radyo Ukay 819 kHz in Davao City and DXCA Charm Radio FM 90.3 mHz in Kidapawan City, 6:30 - 7:45 pm every Sunday.

Plans are being made regarding further expansion for the ministry. Our praises and prayers continue to go to God, for all the good things (which includes our green shirts and the truth of the words written there.) :)

Onward, Ever Onward!: Campmeeting 2009

2009-11-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

Young and old alike emerged truly blessed from the recent Camp Meeting at the Royal Valley Campsite in San Miguel, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Themed "Onward, Ever Onward!" the Camp Meeting was designed to encourage and inspire everyone who came to move steadily forward in our Christian journey, all the time looking to Christ for guidance, strength, and wisdom.

The five-day activity was attended by brothers and sisters from different churches in Mindanao. Aside from the brethren of Royal Valley SDA Church, the youth from Pangian Conference Church were also present, along with the youth from Badas Church. There were also representatives from Kipilas, Pantucan, and Ilang. Many who came were experiencing the blessedness of camp meeting for the first time.

The youth were especially blessed with messages of warning regarding the modern-day snares of Satan and how he makes the youth his special target.

God has truly been good in sending messengers in the person of Bro. Mirasol and Bro. Brian Palange who shared messages of health and inspiration.

Everyone, too, was given the chance to share their insights through the different activities held throughout the meeting.

Music made the activity even more wonderful.

Bro. Anthony Larita also led the youth in little explorations of the wonders of God's creation.

Moments spent in prayer completed this year's camp meeting.

Though getting there was quite a task, and the temperature was something to be endured, everyone thinks it was all worth it! Onward, ever onward everyone!

back from camp meeting

2009-11-02T02:47:00.000-08:00

we are back from camp meeting. and it was very successful. brothers and sisters and friends all came to share in the wonderful messages.

four days of worship and learning. four days of refreshing and inspiration. everyone present was truly blessed.

photos and more will be posted soon.

God bless, everyone!

NACOCO Week at Maa City Jail

2009-10-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2009 marked the beginning of the 15th National Correctional Consciousness Week. It's a celebration held across correctional institutions across the country. For one week, the inmates host all sorts of different activities for families and friends.

For the first day, the warden in the Female Division of Ma-a City Jail wanted a religious activity. So we decided to dress up -women in blue and the men in white- and practice a couple of songs for the gathering.

Besides us, several other churches and ministries came to take part in the program. The theme was "Be a Light to Others... An Instrument of Healing and Reconciliation." So we sang "Let Your Light So Shine" and "Ipakita si Kristo sa Tanan," both telling about how we should witness for Jesus.

Here are a few photos from the activity.

with the jail warden and the correctional chaplain

with the representatives from other service providers

the Ma-a City Jail Female Division has its own choir

Another Fellowship with Our SDARM Brethren

2009-10-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sabbaths are always wonderful. It is a time we devote fully to the praise and worship of our mighty, loving God and to the study of His sanctifying truths.

However, the past Sabbath had been more wonderful than usual, thanks to the 50 or so brethren who came to worship God with us at the Royal Valley SDA Church.

The visitors were mostly brothers and sisters from the SDA Reform Movement, coming from Davao City, Digos City, and Tagum City. But there were also friends from Mati and from Laguna.

A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!
[It is] like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, [even] Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore. -Psalms 133

This has been the second time that our SDARM brethren came to fellowship with us. The first time had also been wonderful. Lots of things to share and learn. Since then, we have been able to visit worship with them for a Sabbath afternoon in their church in Matina Pangi.

Last Sabbath, we were filled with health messages from Bro. Jeoffrey Laguit, Bro. Daniel Serrano, and Bro. Manasses Dumaguit.

Bro. Daniel Serrano

The worship was completed with beautiful song renditions from their youth and children.

We look forward to many happy returns.

Camp Meeting's Coming Up

2009-10-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

The brethren of the Royal Valley SDA Church are now preparing for the annual camp meeting. This year, it will be held at the church's camp site in San Miguel, Arakan, North Cotabato from October 28 to November 1.

Themed Onward, Ever Onward! the camp meeting will be a venue for prayer, meditation, and study of God's Word.

Aside from the regular members of the church, brethren from other congregations are also expected. Everyone is invited to join us for this very special gathering.

Those interested are to contact us via email: royalvalleysda@gmail.com for more information.

We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. . . . The convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls, are God's appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain. FLB, 246.

In Remembrance of Christ: The Communion Service

2009-10-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

The Communion service points to Christ's second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how "He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord's return. Unspeakably precious to them was the thought, "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come." 1 Cor. 11:26. {DA 659.3}

On October 2, 2009, the Royal Valley SDA Church celebrated the Holy Communion, in remembrance of the ordinance instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. Remembering the priceless offering of His own blood and flesh, we pay tribute to His eternal love. Remembering His humility, we are ourselves humbled. And remembering His promise, we look to that blessed hope that very soon we will be able to dine with our Lord and Savior in our eternal home.

These are the things we are never to forget. The love of Jesus, with its constraining power, is to be kept fresh in our memory. Christ has instituted this service that it may speak to our senses of the love of God that has been expressed in our behalf. There can be no union between our souls and God except through Christ. The union and love between brother and brother must be cemented and rendered eternal by the love of Jesus. And nothing less than the death of Christ could make His love efficacious for us. It is only because of His death that we can look with joy to His second coming. His sacrifice is the center of our hope. Upon this we must fix our faith. {DA 660.1}

May the true meaning of this blessed ordinance be ever kept in our hearts and in our minds.

SUNDAY MISSIONARY WORK

2009-09-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

"Sunday can be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much for the Lord. On this day open - air meetings and cottage meetings can be held. House-to-house work can be done...Whenever it is possible, let religious services held on Sunday. Make these meetings intensely interesting. Sing genuine revival hymns, and speak with power and assurance of Saviour's love. Speak on temperance and on true religious experience. You will thus learn much about how to work, and will reach many souls..."Maranatha 178.3

Our work in the near future will be centered on Sunday missionary work that "when we devote Sunday to missionary work, the whip will be taken out of the hands of the arbitrary zealots who would be well pleased to humiliate Seventh-day Adventist..." Maranatha 178.2

Not that we will wait for this grand Sunday missionary work to commence to start this work but it is now a high time to make this day a Missionary Day to prepare ourselves for this grand work.

Yes, the Royal Valley SDA brethren make it a point to use this day for various missionary endeavors. At 9am to 12 noon, our Women's Ministry share the gospel to the inmates of Maa, Davao City Jail. They also visit the families of the inmates. Spiritual guidance to the family as well as material things are shared to the members of the families of the inmates.

In the afternoons, members of the choir gather for practice to share also the gospel through this ministry. After this, some of the members are bound for our radio program which aired in Radyo Ukay DXUM in Davao City and Charm Radio FM in Kidapawan City.

To most of the brethren Sunday is a 9(am) to 9(pm) missionary endeavor.

SDARM Fellowship at RVSDA Church

2009-09-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

August 29 - The Royal Valley SDA Church brethren was surprised and happy that SDARM brethren from different churches (Tagum City, Digos City, Davao City, Kibalang, Bukidnon) held their fellowship in our church. Brief text messages passed to church officers on that week to get ready for the special fellowship and with open arms they were welcomed and always welcome in our church.

It was really a blessing to the church as their church pastors, most of them doctor of naturopathy share health reformation lecture in the afternoon. Their Bible students at Digos City also grace the program by giving special songs.

We are looking forward that they can again visit our church or we can visit their churches, for empowering each other in working with the Lord especially in these last days.

Pocket SOP Books Now Available

2009-08-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

The primary objective of the Publishing Ministry is to share God to the world through the written word.

So far, we have been able to produce our local quarterly Sabbath School lesson, the morning devotional, and several batches of flyers and tracts.

We have also been able to give away numerous Bibles and SOP Books.

In the past year, we have been eyeing a set of pocket SOP Books that comes with a free History of Redemption Study Chart/Timeline, and praying that God will open a way for us to acquire these books.

Finally, in mid-2009, God did open the way. With the help of friends, brothers, and sisters in the faith, we were able to acquire 120 sets of these books.

The set is composed eight books that include Prophets and Kings, Patriarchs and Kings, The Desire of Ages, The Acts of the Apostles, The Great Controversy, Christian Service and Counsels on Stewardship (in one book), Counsels for the Church, and Ministry of Healing and Steps to Christ (in one book).

They come in a beautiful and convenient bookcase and box that makes the set perfect for gifting.

Some of these books have already been given away to different individuals who have expressed sincere desire to learn more about God.

More of the books will be made available through brethren who are interested in literature evangelism.

We continue to pray that God will open the way for more Adventist books to be made available in the near future.

For information on how to obtain copies of these books, please email us at royalvalleysda@gmail.com

Church Services

2009-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone is welcome to attend our weekly church services:

Midweek Prayer Meeting - Wednesdays, 7:00 pm
Vesper Meeting - Fridays, 7:30 pm
Sabbath School - Saturdays, 8:30 am
Divine Service - Saturdays, 10:30 am
Testimonies - Saturdays, 2:00 pm
Medical Missionary Training - Saturdays, 3:00 pm
Adventist Youth Program - Saturdays, 4:00 pm (this is the last program for the Sabbath and usually ends at 6:00 pm)

Our church is located within the Royal Valley Academy (high school) campus, Km 7 MacArthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City.

If you need further directions, please contact us through email: royalvalleysda@gmail.com or sharivele@yahoo.com

We'd love to have you worship God with us. :)

Pictures: Church during Sabbath School Lesson Review

Jail Ministry

2009-08-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Our jail ministry has now expanded to three branches, ministering to two groups of male inmates and to one group of female inmates.

Last August 21, 2009, we visited the larger of the two male groups to bring vegetarian food and herbal medicine.

While our brethren inside jail are happy enough to hear God's Word during each of our weekly visits, they became even more thankful with the addition of our humble material gifts.

The simple meal we brought was to them a great feast, given the scant conditions of prisons in the country.

They were most thankful for the garlic and turmeric capsules that were distributed and for the homemade herbal liniment that were also given away.

Conditions in the jail are so difficult that a large fraction of the inmates sleep on cold, bare cement floors.

In our meager wealth, we try to share our blessings with these brothers whenever possible.

Our thanks go to the Aguda family who generously support our various lines of ministry, to the brethren of Royal Valley SDA Church who untiringly spent time and energy in the preparation of the food and medicine, and, of course, to our Heavenly Father who unceasingly watches over His people.

Women at Work

2009-08-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Sometime ago, I came across this question on the internet: "How does the SDA Church address the issue of equality across genders? Can women be pastors and ministers in the SDA Church?"

That question comes to mind now as I consider the work women of the Royal Valley SDA Church have been doing this past year.

Majority of our members are women and girls. That means we have very few who can be ordained elders and deacons. But never did it mean that we lack busybees doing the work of the Lord.

Our Women's ministry started as a loose group of mothers and housewives who simply wanted to improve the lifestyles of their respective families. So they took an interest in basic nutrition and shared vegetarian recipes with one another. Later on, they began to study natural ways of healing, focusing on herbs. Lecturers were invited to the church to speak about different kinds of herbs and their uses. This knowledge was readily shared with relatives, friends, and even complete strangers.

Some Saturday evenings would find these women and their husbands still in church, repacking capsules of powdered garlic, turmeric, and charcoal for distribution to whoever needs them.

Later on, the women acquired knowledge on basic massage techniques, which became very useful for our little medical missions.

This past year, the church opened a new branch of ministry: Bible studies in the Women's Correctional. And guess who's spearheading this work!

Every Sunday morning, the women of our church would meet at the Ray of Hope Village to study the Bible with the women inmates. Bibles and other basic needs were given away and knowledge was shared regarding God's Word and how to take care of our health.

The inmates were taught about the healing wonders of herbs, charcoal, and water. Soon, even the jail wardens began to benefit from the knowledge.

After some time, the inmates began to ask the church women to visit sick relatives and to study the Bible with them too. On Sunday afternoons, they might opt to visit one such family or go to the local hospital to offer prayers, songs, and messages of encouragement to the sick.

After which, they'll all head to the church to practice with the church choir. The evening will be spent offering songs at the church's local radio program.

With all this work, one might think that the women will soon grow weary, but no. They actually enjoy getting together at least once a week and working together. It's also bonding time for them. Our Sabbath afternoons at church would be littered with testimonies and experiences by these women who share God whenever and wherever possible.

The women are always the first ones to sign up for a tract distribution activity, or for a visit to other churches, or for one training program or another. One could say that they do more work than our church men (although the men do all of their appointed work to the best of their ability).

And that's not all of it yet. All our Sabbath School Superintendents, secretaries, and choristers are women. Ninety per cent of our AY officers are women and girls. We have women lecturers, musicians, teachers, and speakers for prayer meetings and Sabbath programs.

The best thing about all this work is that our women are now more inspired and more driven to study God's Word for themselves so they could increase in knowledge and in wisdom.

Here we see what a great place there is for women in the ministry. Gone are the days when women had to sit home and wait for men to do the job. The women of today are women empowered to accomplish great things - learning, healing, inspiring, and winning souls within the home, the church, and beyond.

So going back to the question we started with, I think one pastor had it right. In God's church, regardless of gender, age, nationality, or social status, the question is always "what can I do to be of service to Christ?"

And for women, there's a lot.

Believe me, I know. Because as I am writing this, women of our church are gathered in the home of a newly-widowed woman and her teenage children, studying the Bible with them.

Big Little Church: Visiting Pangian

2009-08-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

It was an unassuming building beside a rough road that runs and rolls over a rugged terrain. The walls were made of kalakat, the pews of uneven wood slabs. There were no fancy windows, nor was there an utra-modern sound system.

Yet, within Pangian Church one finds a sense of peace and reverence that is too often absent in big-city churches.

Perhaps it was in the way one hears only the speaker on the pulpit and not much else, or in the way one is supposed to leave his shoes outside the door, or even in the modesty of the old electric guitar and the slightly different way the vernacular hymns were sung.

Then again, perhaps it was all of these blended into the way the local brethren showed their hunger and eagerness for eternal truths we have come to share with them.

We first witnessed their eagerness and diligence two months ago in the neighboring locality of Bito. We have since committed ourselves to visiting them in their own church, meeting their needs wherever possible, and sharing precious truths we ourselves continue to study.

The brethren have started a Bible Markings Program where the young and the old study the Bible together. During our visit, ten Bibles were turned over to the church officers for distribution to needing members.

The Sabbath services were filled with messages of present truth and encouragement shared by Elder Gil Tagolgol, Elder Paquito Esperanza, Bro. Anthony Larita, and Sis. Wylie Ann Mariano. They requested for a lecture on health, and we were more than happy to oblige with Sis. Gladys talking about the need for keeping the body clean and Sis. Risha Catubigan sharing about our body's need for rest in order to rid it of toxins. Sis. Jowena Saliling also shared experiences from her youth that have led her to her present devotion to the Lord.

Music made the worship services even more meaningful as the brethren of Royal Valley and of Pangian took turns sharing the gift of song in praise of God and in encouragement of one another.

Although new to the message of reformation, the brethren of Pangian have begun to change old ways of observing the Sabbath and maintaining health.

What the church needs now are more resources, access to more information, books and other learning materials - tools that will help them improve on the truths we have shared with them.

We stayed one more night in Pangian, comfortable in the warm hospitality of Bro. and Sis. Tanyo and their grandchildren. These grandchildren were youngsters who, time and again, have made themselves available for service in their little church, and who have expressed their eagerness in learning more and more about present truth.

In the little church of Pangian, we are once again reminded that the size of a church is not as much the breadth or length of a building as it is the genuine eagerness for righteousness possessed by its members.

a happy union

2009-08-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

July 12, 2009 witnessed the happy union of our sister Arlene Joy Mariano and Billy Roman.

The Royal Valley SDA Church joins Billy and Joy in their happiness as they begin a new life as a couple united in marriage - one of God's very first gifts to man.

May the good Lord pour out His blessings upon you. Congratulations!

GOODBYE, Bro. Jimmy!

2009-07-23T15:48:00.001-07:00

“God holds our tomorrow.” We don’t know when our time will be. The death of our brother, Jimmy Plaza of Manikling, San Isidro, Davao del Norte, was unexpected. He met an accident and, after two weeks in the ICU, God took him.

For his family, our brother's death is not a loss but a gain. The nightly wake services were turned to a public evangelism crusade and they used the time as an opportunity to share God’s message to the people who attended the services.

Bro. Jimmy Plaza was one of the constant financial supporters for our “Nahisulat Na” Radio Program. Together with his family, he was re-baptized last summer camp meeting (May 2008) by Pastor Patrick Herbert of Tucker-Norcross SDA Church/Gilead Institute of America.

Two weeks before his death, the Royal Valley brethren visited him in the ICU and extended not only financial help but also moral support to the family. His daughter, Iris, initially believed that his condition was improving but finally gave up. Most of the RVSDA brethren, with the elders and family all present, empathized with the family. The brethren went to Manikling (a four-hour travel from Davao City) the day before the burial and took charge of the program.

Even with this event, the RVSDA brethren were happy to witness the faith and the spirit of Bro. Jimmy's wife, Sis. Bebe, and his daughter, Sis. Iris, and how they remained active in missionary work.

PANGIAN CHURCH: SEEKERS OF TRUTH

2009-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Our hearts were filled with joy to meet these brethren who are “hungered for righteousness.” All the church members are active and eager to know more of the present truth. The Pangian Church of SDA Conference is not under the mission/conference of SDA but under another conference different from the local church conference. This church is in Malita, Davao del Sur.

The church members are resourceful and diligent in studying the Bible together. They want to learn more of the Spirit of the Prophecy and live the life of our pioneers.

Our meeting with them at Bito Church last May 29-31 was a revival and reformation meeting and they were very happy to learn so much. Sis. Wylie Ann Mariano gave them a set of pocket SOP books and their joy was beyond expression. The Royal Valley SDA Church also promised to give ten Bibles for their Bible Study.

We will meet again for another series of studies this coming August. Let’s pray for these brethren.

(1) Elder Paquito Esperanza as Divine Speaker;(2) Sis. Mariano with the head elder of Pangian Church; (3) the Pangian church members; (4) Elder Leve Catubigan for the Sabbath Reformation; and (5) the Pangian Youth

LOCAL CONFERENCE CHURCH OF SDA INVITES RVSDA

2009-07-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

A Camp Meeting of the Local Conference of SDA was held at General Santos City on the last week of May 2009. More or less 300 members of this church conference were present from different parts of Mindanao. The conference, through Ilang Church, invited Sis. Risha and Bro. Leve Catubigan of the Royal Valley SDA Church as their speakers. "Reformation" was the theme of the week-long camp meeting. Some of the conference's member churches are new to this message while others have already accepted the messages and lived by it.

The topics shared during the camp meeting were: "Why Our Work is Not Yet Finished," "Health Message and the Leaders' Responsibility," "The Isaiah 58 Message," "Death Begins in the Colon," "Fecal Analysis," and "Enema."

A positive response was received from the brethren who really accepted the message. Others, however, still struggle to accept these present truth messages.

Bro. Leve and Sis. Risha spent only two days with the meeting and proceeded to Malita, Davao del Sur for another important task.

Pictures: (1) Sis. Risha with the All Church Pastors and Women's Ministry members of Local Conference; (2) Sis. Risha on Isaiah 58 message; and (3) The participants while listening.

MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK

2009-07-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Royal Valley SDA Church members learn how to do medical missionary work everyday. Hearing one another's experiences encourage us to do this. Every week, we learn new things to share with others. Every Sabbath afternoon, after testimonials (2-3pm), another hour is spent for a medical missionary evangelism class (3-4 pm). Some of the church members, especially those who are engaged in the medical line, are tapped to conduct the health lecture.

"Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause of God. As through it mena and women are led to see the importance of right habits of living, the saving power of the truth will be made known. Every city is to be entered by workers trained to do medical missionary work. As the right hand of the third angel's message, God's methods of treating disease will open doors for the entrance in the present truth. Health literature must be circulated in many lands." Testimonies, vol. 7, page 59.

"SAVING THE WORLD THROUGH GOD'S WORD"

2009-07-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

For this year, the Publishing Department of the Royal Valley SDA Church scheduled May 10 as Tracts Distribution Day. The church believes that "we are fast approaching the end. The printing and circulation of the books and papers that contain the truth for this time are to be our work." (Testimonies, vol. 9, p.69)

"God will soon do great things for us, if we lie humble and believing at his feet...More than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first conviction to the reading of our publications."Review and Herald, November 10, 1885.

To date, about 25,000 flyers about Sabbath and about Health (GODSPLAN) have been scattered.

"WORKING WITH THE LORD"

2009-07-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

This was the theme of our summer camp meeting. The church is engaged in many activities and members need to be founded and guided by the Bible and the Testimonies. The camp meeting was a good avenue to reflect if the work of each member is solidly grounded on the plan of work God entrusted to him or her. More than anything else, the member’s connection with the Lord is most important in sharing God to other people.

The elders gave their messages in connection with the theme, and a workshop was also conducted. Health messages were also part of the meeting. All present were blessed by the talents shared by the Garcia Memorial Church Youth Singers. Other activities, including a medical mission and cooking demonstrations, made the camp meeting not only an inreach but also an outreach program.

Every participant and visitor was blessed by the meeting!

"WORKING WITH THE LORD"

2009-06-28T06:15:00.001-07:00

The Summer Camp Meeting's theme was "Working With the Lord." It was a good venue to review the work and ministry of each church member and the reason behind of our work. We may be engrossed with working with our church activities but forgetting a very important thing: being connected with God in all our work.

Guided by the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, all church activities were anchored to the truth we learned. Each became an active participant and the elders especially shared important points on our theme.

SUMMER CAMP MEETING

2009-06-27T21:57:00.001-07:00

This year summer camp meeting (April 29-May 2) was different from previous camp meeting since it was held at Tagacpan, Tugbok District, Davao City. Bro. Danny Garcia, made the building near the church of Garcia Memorial available to us. The building so with the church building was owned by the Garcia family and it was not donated to the mission.

Royal Valley SDA Church was very fortunate to be the first user of this building.

The camp meeting was very successful as it reached and touched the lives of our brethren of that area who for a time were not able to fellowship with other churches even if there's a mission churches near in their houses.

They are health reformer before and they are looking for a church who are uplifting the 3 angel's message and they are revived again by the message that we gave. In fact, they are starting to fellowship with us at Royal Valley SDA Church.

One thing that made this camp meeting unique and different also was that it aroused the brethren from the mission (conference). The Garcia Memorial brethren was not aware that on the first day of our camp meeting their district pastor for the first time was there and gather them for a different fellowship. They are supposed to joined in our opening program.

And also on Sabbath afternoon, the district pastor called an emergency meeting to all elders of 10 churches he handled and that meeting was held there right at the building (ground floor) where we gather. We used the upper room for our fellowship. The meeting called for in regards to our presence in that area.

After a month we just heard that the mission already replaced the district pastor of that area.

THANK YOU, LORD!

2009-06-27T21:31:00.001-07:00

We encounter technical problem while learning this thing with our computer unit and with our internet connection for a month, the reason that we are not able to reach you and inform you with our blogspot.

God is so good however, of teaching us to use this positively as an avenue to reach you and update you of our church activities here in Davao, Philippines.

We are only hoping that you include us in your prayer as we advancing the work of God!

Vacation Bible School 2009

2009-06-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School at Laguardia's Residence at Purok 4, Mintal, Davao City - April 13-18, 2009.

VBS 2009 Closing Exercise

2009-06-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

RADIO MINISTRY: Reaching the Unreached

2009-05-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1

"Nahisulat Na" (It Is Written) Radio Ministry Program of Royal Valley SDA Church started last November 2003 and is still reaching more people who keep in touch with the program. Responses through mobile texting and snail mail was expressed by the radio listeners that was blessed by the program.

The first active ministry after the church was considered "defunct" church by Davao Mission, this ministry spread the present truth. Program aired in Radyo Ukay, DXUM in Davao City and another hookep up made to make the program simultaneously aired at Charm Radio, Kidapawan City.

The program will be heard in 10 cities and 10 provinces of Mindanao (based on text received). Health Messages, 3 Angels Messages and Gospel Songs are shared throughout 75 minutes of airing.

Now, the gospel messages that was started by Bro. Jerry Ayuban are shared by the church elders, deacons and missionaries of the church. Health messages is shared by Sis. Risha Catubigan.

With this program, medical mission, personal visitation and church visitation are borne.

JAIL MINISTRY:Church Oldest Ministry

2009-05-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

This oldest ministry of the church is spearheaded by Bro. Oscar Campomanes that for almost 2 decades served the inmates of Davao City Jail.

For this year, God's open the way that it will serve not only in one area but also to the annex building and to the Ray of Hope Village (female area).

Schedule for fellowship are every Mondays for the annex building and every Fridays for the main fellowship hall of the male area.

Bro. Oscar Campomanes and Bro. Anthony Larita, our young missionary are responsible for sharing the health and three angels messages for the least fortunate brethren in this area.

The Women's Ministry of the Church is in charge of the Ray of Hope Village (female area) of Davao City Jail. Fellowship in this area is every Sundays 10am-12am and started last March 8, 2009.

The Flowers Show It All

2009-05-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE

2009-05-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

"All things work together for good, for those who love Him."

Such is the experience of the faithful few who, with God's grace, continue to strive to work for the Lord in this end time.

The Royal Valley SDA Church has been chosen by God. For seven years now, He has preserved this church and purified its members to become co-laborers with Him in the work that was once entrusted to the leaders of the church. Tried by fire, she yields all the more to the will of God.

"A living church...a working church." This is Royal Valley SDA Church.