NEWS FLASH!!

The Couples Ministry launches its Website and Inspirational Book Projects.

Last May 25, the Couples Ministry launched two of its major projects for the year in the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and the 4:30 p.m. fellowship services.

The first project is an Inspirational Book entitled "It takes Three". This is a compilation of personal testimonies written for couples and families who may need encouragement and inspiration. The book will feature real stories of couples and families who underwent varying challenges in life and who came out much stronger and learned from their experiences, not because of their individual and combined capabilities, but because of the grace and wisdom from God. These are stories of human frailties and inner strengths; relational failures and redeeming values and God's faithfulness to His children.

What is unique about this book that will be published in October 2008 is that parties who are touched by the stories in the book or who need counseling or additional information can communicate with the "owners" of the testimonies on-line through the Couples Ministry's second project, The Couples Website.

At this stage, the Ministry has been soliciting and collecting testimonies from couples in and out of the Ministry. In the three services last May 25, more than 200 letters were distributed to the couples in the congregations. The 52 testimonies to be included in the book will be selected from several hundred articles submitted.

During the launch of the Couples Website, positive reviews were received from a number of attendees of our Sunday services. The interested parties include those who need counseling from people who actually experienced the same problems they currently have and those who have spouses abroad who need continuous feeding and guidance. Some simply want to be updated about the Couples' and the Church's activities while a few others need refreshing stories to strengthen them in their Christian day-to-day walk .

The project launch, showcased the testimony of Brother Paolo and Sister SJ and their only child Dana. It was about the travail of a young, hopeful couple whose newest member of the family was diagnosed to have a disease that could be fatal or brain damaging if not handled well. At the lowest point of this experience, it was nothing but their faith in God that they held on to. Their testimony was capped by a song number by Dana herself, whose rendition was a befitting worship to her God, her Creator, and Savior.

Sister SJ encouraged the couples in the congregation to submit their own testimonies for God's glory and honor.

The next part of the program was the launch of the Couples Website. An audio-visual presentation was shown to outline the features and address of the website. The Ministry has been blessed with the expertise of Brother Randy Cabredo (and her supportive wife, Tess) who did the Website design and the other attendant work.

The Couples Ministry choir, under the direction of Sister Chambi Soriano, sang a timeless love song entitled "Wind Beneath My Wings". The energetic husband and wife team of Jason and Monica Balibay led the Praise and Worship portion in the 8:00 a.m. and the 4:30 p.m. services. Brothers Paolo Pacis, Ian Solidum, and Pastor Jason Foenander focused the Sunday message on family and marital relations and on sustaining our daily walk with God. The technical and creative support in preparing the Audio Visual Presentations was provided by the indefatigable, Brother Israel Sy.

The Couples are scheduled to do the projects launching at the 5/29 (Thursday)- 6:00 p.m. service and the 6/8 (Sunday)- 2:00 p.m. service. Pastor Ed Soriano and Brother Randy Cabredo, respectively, will share the message on these dates.