GCM Metro Manila & Bicol
May prayer letter and update
Philippians 1:3-6
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Thank You Mission Team!
Cru BU Retreat
God encountered us when we had our Cru BU Leadership Team Spiritual Retreat. One of the goals of the retreat was to welcome to welcome Angelo, Meljay and Juan as new members of our Student Leadership Team. They all publicly declared faith thru water baptism during the last night of the retreat. We are pleased to introduce them to you and share their highlights:
BU Leadership Team
Cru Albay
Cru BU Retreat
“First time ko ma-encounter ang ganoong retreat na. Nakakabless talaga dahil hindi lang nakilala ko ang bawat isa kundi mas madami din akong natutunan about God’s word at pati na rin patungkol sa water baptism na nabigyan ako ng linaw tungkol dito.“
Angelo Basmayor
“Masaya akong naranasan ko ang pagsama sa Spiritual Retreat bilang isang leader. Natutunan kong ituon ng buong pansin ko sa salita ng Diyos at pagkakaraon ng malinaw na pag-unawa nito. Nagdulot din ang retreat sa akin upang mas maunawan ko kung ano ang tunay na kahulugan pagbabautismo sa tubig at ang kahalagahan nito buhay ng isang Kristiyano. Masaya akong naging bahagi ako ng gawain at lalo na ang makasama ang mga taong tulad ko na may Kristo sa puso.”
Juan Capitin
“First time ko na maexperience ang spiritual retreat. Honestly, nanibago ako dahil sa language barrier but I thank God sa mga new people in this group (Cru BU) that I will serve God with. After the baptism, I experienced joy and changes in my life dahil sa power ng Holy Spirit.”
Meljay Angeles
Cru BU Retreat
Praise the LORD, indeed!
Aside from these amazing men, we also sent off the outgoing leaders of Cru BU. They will graduate soon and pursue God’s further direction in their lives. They are Khris Jay, Joshua, Ronin, Mel & Shane. Khris Jay will go to South Korea for work. Joshua, Ronin, and Shane will continue serving God with Cru as a volunteer missionaries. Mel will apply also with Cru as an intern missionary.
The purpose of our retreat is to bless one another and put in our hearts that our journey is a journey of endurance. We all committed our lives to endure well for our Lord Jesus and His cause.
for more exciting story..
Cru Camsur Minstry Visitation
Camsur Team
Cru CamSur
Just like Paul's missionary journey, it's always a joy to see and know that your colaborers are walking in the Lord. For the record, for the majority, this is the first time that the Cru Camsur ministry gathered face to face. One of the staff members (Chan) drove for 2 hours to meet and minister with Cam Sur Disciples. Learning about their vision and aspirations for their sphere of influence makes our hearts excited to trust God all the more. Camarines Sur ministry is still in the process of establishing a leadership team. Yet, we've seen how God raised up and raises like-hearted and like-minded people to help fulfill the Great Commission. The disciples accepted the challenge to level up their commitment regardless of the possible hindrances that they may face along the way. May they see that the Lord of Harvest is with them and at work in the hearts of men!
for more exciting story..
Faith Journey
I used to think that I can live my life alone, without any faith, without relying on people, and just by my own provision. I didn’t know that Christ was already working inside me, reaching me, and loving me. He was there from the start and when a friend of mine shared her testimony, shared the gospel, and asked me to accept Jesus Christ in my life, as my personal savior, I said yes. Then I experienced the joy that I finally acknowledged Him and His works, from then I started undergoing discipleship, involved myself in the community, and grew (and still growing) my faith in Him. Ultimately, I obeyed Christ’s command to me as a believer which is water baptism, I experienced greater joy, I felt the inner change that occurred inside me, I emerged from my old ways and I was born again through my faith in Jesus Christ. As I travel this faith journey, I will always glorify Him, praise Him, and obey Him. Amen!
John Oliver Rubi
Cru CamSur
My journey of sickness was a refining one.
I was rushed to the hospital twice because of my severe headache, high fever, vomiting, and joint pains. It was my first time feeling such severe pain that only a pain reliever can help remove it (but after a few hours of the effect of the medicine, the severe pain comes back again).
I thought it would just last for a few days, but it took almost a month of pain and agony before the doctors identified what sickness I have, which is chikungunya. I felt tired, worried, overwhelmed, and afraid but during that very dark moment, the Lord encountered me. I’ve realized all my shortcomings and iniquities, but God is gracious. He has lavished me with His amazing love through the care of my family, friends, teammates, Cru, and especially my fiancè, Jom, who sacrificed a lot. I was also amazed by the help of unknown and unexpected people. He has provided for my hospitalization, medical and other needs. He has healed me little by little. What a comfort also to hear that many people prayed for me.
I thank God that I suffered this with my husband-to-be. I am thankful to God for his life. He always points me to Jesus. God is faithful! Nothing is too hard for him. The sickness journey is now a message journey that I can share to testify God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Healing Journey
Marisol Mayor
Our new Teammate
Calling Journey
Melissa Angeles
Incoming Intern Missionary
Her story...
I began to internalize and consider what my calling was on November 8, 2021. In January 2022, one of the staff requested me to attend a meeting for graduating student recruitment, and it was then that I decided to become more intentional in my prayer and devotion in order to discern God's calling for my life. And one day, as I confess to God, "I desire to become a channel of blessing to the lost," the calling becomes apparent to me. You called me to be a missionary, and it's reinforced as I check through my devotion again at Luke 9:23 on the first page and John 14:12 on the last page. And, despite the fact that it has become evident, there are still obstacles in my way. However, this phrase in John 20:21, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” compelled me to go on and apply as an intern missionary with Cru.
Calling Journey
Anna Jane Grefalda
Incoming Intern Missionary
Her story...
After receiving Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, I knew I wanted to share the good news with everyone and honor Him. I recognize that we are all called by God. As I walk with Him and know Him more during my college years, Matthew 6:33 speaks to me, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." I still recall that I put first the ministry more than my academics at that time, presuming the first words "seek first the kingdom of God," there is no hesitation even though it is wrong; I am willing to offer every time and resource that I have.
I want to serve Him and dedicate my life to God and His kingdom by faith. Like Moses, I want to see God's way and favor. Exodus 33:17 And the Lord said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." What a privilege that a simple woman like me serves the Kings of Kings. Pursuing God's call will give me fulfillment, joy, and a sense of purpose. Thankfully that Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross to make salvation possible for us. After sleepless nights, battling with the Lord, and crying a lot, I am now pursuing what He wants for my life—maximizing my day to serve, honor, and glorify Him in everything I do as Jesus always glorified His Father in heaven.
Strategic Planning Process
Take a look at what we've come up with for the whole day Strategic Planning Process for the year 2022-2027. We thank the Lord for the wisdom, clarity, and driven heart!
GCM MM
Prayer Request
- Support raising journey of all GCM MM Full-time Missionaries (Jom, Sol, Dane, Chan, and Judy) and 2 incoming Intern Missionaries (Jane and Mel). May we all experience God’s abundance and be fully funded.
- Jane and Mel’s life transition to missionary life. May they be faithful and experience fruitfulness.
- Abiding life of all the disciples and church partners. May they experience maturity and multiplication as they pursue Christ-likeness.
What can we pray for you?