32nd Missions Conference--November 30, 2011

 Today the first day and the second night of the missions conference was held.
 Actually I woke up late. The service will start at 8:30, we'll play the prelude at 8:00 am, and we were supposed to be there at 7:30 am, to practice the prelude--again (This time we're playing a different set of songs, specifically the battle and service songs like "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "We've a Story to Tell"). So I woke up at 7:40 and did things very quickly; I left the house at about 8:00 am. Good thing we we're still allowed to play the prelude despite being late.


Morning Service
 I'll be now telling what happened this morning.
 The program started at 8:30 am, like what I said earlier. It was opened with congregational singing. Then  everyone proceeded to each divided session (There were three: ladies, men, and pastors). Of course I went to the ladies session. The session was led by Ma'am Mishael Sibug. We had the topic, "Encouraging your Pastor's Wife". She taught us the ways we can be a blessing to the wife of the man of God, like giving a simple note or assisting her.
After the divided session, we proceeded downstairs, to attend the session designed for members only. It was followed by a 30-minute break. Shortly, we were back again to our seats, and the challenge was given by Pastor Jerry Samson. This was the end of the morning service.
Actually there was a soulwinning session for the young people at 2:30 pm, but because I was already late, I didn't attend.


Evening Service
 4:30 pm--we had a practice again--this time it's for the offeratory.
 The second night was really great--so many special numbers, testimonies, and of course the powerful preaching of God's Word. The Mangyans gave a special number; They sang "To the Regions Beyond" in their own dialect and "Bringing in the Sheaves" in Tagalog version. Several testimonies were also given by new pastors and missionaries. Then Pastor Rudy Clayan preached.
 We were assigned to play the offeratory, and we played the piece "There is Power in the Blood". Then the service ended.

32nd Missions Conference (November 29-December 1, 2011) : First Night

 Last night, November 29, we held the kick-off night of the 32nd missions conference, with the theme "Who will Go?". The first night was really a blessing.
 I saw right in the first night God's blessing, which was reflected in the lives of the guest pastors, preachers, missionaries and other delegates. The conference was scheduled to start at 6:30 pm, but  I went there at 4:00 pm, to practice the prelude.
 After the practice, we had a short break. Then at 5:30 pm, we all got dressed for the service. At exactly 6:00, we started playing the prelude.
 The missions conference was opened with a song sung by the choir, "We'll Hold up the Light". Then Pastor Ed introduced the pastors and missionaries from daughter churches, missions, and outreaches. A group of Mangyans were also present.

We watched a short video presentation about the importance of missions. (The one above is only the  introductory video) It also included the testimony of  Miss Dulce Tan, who is a missionary to Taiwan. Of course I wouldn't forget the testimony of Pastor Ed dela Pena about the winning of the souls of the Mangyans in Mindoro. The presentation truly touched the hearts of Christians and encouraged them to give more for the purpose of missions--reaching the world for Christ.

 After the presentation, several congregational songs were sung, and then the preaching of God's Word was held. Pastor Ed Laurena preached about giving. The preaching has been a blessing to me personally.
 I'm looking forward to the next days of the missions conference, which I think will be a blessing too.

Bury my Heart on The Mission Field

A young girl weeps in a far distant land
She has no one to show her God's love.
No mother or father to wipe away her tears
She cries out in the night alone.

Bury my heart on the mission field, Lord
I'll go to dry that young girl's tears
I'll serve you no matter where the path may lead
Lord, please bury my heart

A mother grieves for her starving child;
She has no shelter from the cold
Earthly provisions will ease their suffering,
But who will feed their empty souls?

Bury my heart on the mission field Lord
I'll give the Gospel to the suffering ones
I'll go wherever you want me to go
Lord, please bury my heart

Will you ignore these lost souls in the night?
Can you hear their pleading cries?
They're begging for someone to show them the way;
We must go before another one dies.

Bury my heart on the mission field, Lord
These distant voices won't fade away
I'll do Your will whatever the cost
Lord, please bury my heart

I'll do Your will no matter the cost
Lord, please bury my heart
Lord, I give you my heart

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

 I've already stated my passion for books, especially the mystery and thriller ones. Since I was younger, I have always loved watching horror movies, which seems to satisfy my hunger for suspense. This I have also applied in most of the books I read. In buying books, I'm always considering these genres: mystery, thriller, crime, suspense, and horror. This book, "And Then There Were None", possesses these five genres, which makes it even more amazing.

 This book was written by Agatha Christie and was first published on 1939 under the title "Ten Little Niggers", but then was changed into "And Then There Were None" due to racial issues.
 In the novel, ten people, who each has something to hide, were invited to Indian Island by a man named U.N. Owen. There they were then murdered one by one, and which is odd, following the nursery rhyme:


"Ten little Indian boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine.

Nine little Indian boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight.

Eight little Indian boys travelling in Devon; One said he'd stay there and then there were seven.

Seven little Indian boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself and then there were six.

Six little Indian boys playing with a hive; A bee stung one and then there were five.

Five little Indian boys going in for law; One got into Chancery and then there were four.

Four little Indian boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.

Three little Indian boys walking in the Zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two.

Two little Indian boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one.

One little Indian boy left all alone; He went and hanged himself and then there were none.

Then the ten were found murdered, in Indian Island where there are no other people. And only the dead are above suspicion. 

It keeps me thrilled while reading this book. It builds up suspense which makes it enjoyable to read. "And Then There Were None" is a must-read for anyone out there who loves crimes, mystery, thrillers, and suspense, written by the awesome author and "queen of crime" Agatha Christie. You will surely love this one!

Hello world!

 Hello! It's my first time starting a blog. I am likely to make book reviews in this blog, aside from posting other stuffs.

I'm a student and I love to read mystery and thriller books, especially Agatha Christie's. Here's a photo of my little collection of Agatha Christie's books, which is still continuing to grow. I hope to buy more of her books this Christmas and add it to my collection.

 I also love eating chocolate! I'm really craving for this one! :

Goldilocks Black Forest Cake

And this! :

Red Ribbon Black forest cake

I'm really hoping I'll be able to update this blog at least twice a week, because I'm busy doing my studies. Glad Christmas is near! 2 weeks more 'til Christmas vacation!