Gospel Meeting at Taclobo church of Christ, Taclobo, Libertad, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal

December 31, 2015 - January 01, 2016

 We spent our New Year with the brethren in Taclobo Church of Christ and Bagong Silang Church of Christ in Samal Island where I was born and was baptized. These congregations are very close in our hearts as we witnessed their faith in Christ for many years until now. These congregations were established through the radio program of my late grandfather, Ruben C. Notarte, followed by my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte and his late brother in flesh, Joy Remuner Notarte. Many American preachers of the Church of Christ also had came here and preached which helped edify the brethren and become better equipped in preaching the truth. Their local preachers here are brother Bobby Enotivas, Gerry Catamora, Godofredo Catamora, and many more who can able to teach.

 I, Joshua A. Notarte, was one of the speakers who preached the word of God during our gospel meeting in the meeting place at Taclobo church of Christ, Taclobo, Libertad, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal. Other speakers were brother Joseph A. Notarte, Jonathan A. Notarte and Julie Divine A. Notarte.

Joseph A. Notarte, preached

While everybody are very busy preparing for their New Year's Celebration, the brethren here were also busy studying the bible and feeding ourselves with more spiritual food, the pure milk of the word, that helped us grow in our salvation. (1 Peter 2:2) Please pray for the brethren here to have a prosperous and blessed year 2016.

Jonathan A. Notarte, preached

Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached

Church building of Taclobo Church of Christ

Preaching the Truth in our Family Reunion at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines

December 28-29, 2015

We were very fortunate to have an opportunity to preach the truth about the Bible, Family and the Church of Christ to our family clan at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay during the 1st Grand Reunion of Albano - Quiboyen - Guansing family. For 2 nights, we were given a time to teach the bible and everyone was very interested in listening as my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte preached. Most of our relatives here are members of "Christian and Missionary Alliance Church" where my late grandfather, Ruben Notarte, was also a "Reverend" in such denomination. But when he heard the truth about the Church of Christ, he left even his title and wear no other name, just a "Christian" as the bible authorized. (Acts 11:26) 

In the second picture, it shows the father of my late grandmother, Juanita Albano Notarte, the mother of my father, Julie Divine Albano Notarte. (Sitting in front between 2 ladies). This is my first time to see his face in the picture.

This was my first time experience to travel in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. We departed in our house at Digos City, Davao del Sur on Dec. 28, 2015 at 4:00 AM and traveled 12 hours by land, passing the dangerous and critical route in Cotabato, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and Norte as we enter the place where many Muslim rebels lived and made many killings in that area. And so it was a great relief as we made safely our trip without any harm. We are thankful to God for his protection and providence to make this trip possible and fruitful as His words was preached to our relatives. We went home on Dec. 30, 2015 as early as 3:00 AM and arrived home safely at 2:00 PM in Digos City. We were very tired and over fatigue on our trip but we believe it worth the effort as long as the Gospel was preached. And like apostle Paul, our heart's desire and prayer for our relatives is that they might be saved and become members of the Church that Jesus built. (Romans 10:1) 

Worship Services in 5 Local Congregations

December 27, 2015

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." (Psalms 122:1)

Like David, it is our joy to see the brethren attending the worship services to serve God. This day also, we are very busy in preaching the word of God in different congregations to edify the brethren and teach everyone to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9:00 - 11:00 AM - My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte and my eldest brother in flesh, Joseph Notarte, preached in Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. Brother Joey Bilang lead the songs. (as seen in the pictures)

At the same time, Jonathan A. Notarte preached in Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur together with brother Advincula Odas and Valente Tumol Sr.

I, Joshua A. Notarte, preached in 2 congregations in the morning. First, I preached in New Quezon church of Christ, New Quezon, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. After that, I preached in Manga church of Christ, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur. My wife, Glaiza Notarte, always goes with me in this trip riding my old motorbike.

2:00 - 3:00 PM - We preached in the worship services at Digos City District Jail church of Christ where more than 500 prisoners detained and 150 souls from them baptized since 2006. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte preached in Male section and Jonathan Notarte preached in Female section. (This is how the jail administration arranged our worship.)

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Brother Joseph Notarte preached in Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. 

We could not do this all without the help of our co-preachers. They are brother Ruel Eloy, Renato Bogoy, Ringene Grengea and Cebe Arjay Notarte.

31 Precious Souls Baptized at Bonguyan, Matina Aplaya, Davao City

December 25, 2015

By God's grace, 31 SOULS submitted to baptism after hearing the Gospel of Christ for several times. These people came from Sagundanon, Bukidnon and in neighboring places where the truth was preached first by our co-preachers like brother Moca Marapan, Henry Embac and Quinones Macla. 

They came here in Davao City to plead for help because they live in war areas and are very poor. They evacuated their homes for many times because they are afraid of astray bullets and military operations. Many of the members of the Church of Christ in their area died due to gun shot. Their living was very much affected. But even how poor they are, they were blessed to find the True Church that Jesus Built (Matt. 16:18) where he will save (Eph. 5:23)

The Church of Christ in Sagundanon, Bukidnon and in neighboring congregations were established many years ago and remain faithful in Christ. And these 31 souls addition will join the worship services in that place.

Early morning we arrived in Davao City and these people were already prepared to hear more about Jesus and His command. We rented a comfortable cottage where we can concentrate in hearing the Gospel. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte preached. During the invitation, all of them who heard and believe the truth had decided to be baptized without delay.

Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte baptized them and we give all the glory to God. Please pray for our new brethren that they may grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And that they may be matured enough in standing for their faith even in hard times. Please pray also for their lives that God may protect them from any harm due to wars in their area between Philippine Army and New People's Army Rebels.


The preachers who cooperated in this work (as seen in the last picture from the left) is I (Joshua A. Notarte), Rudy Coercy A. Notarte, Henry Embac, Moca Marapan, Quinones Macla, Julie Divine A. Notarte, Jonathan A. Notarte (who read the bible after baptism) and Joseph A. Notarte.

Four (4) Precious Souls Baptized at Dawis, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

December 22, 2015

 In response to the Gospel call of Christ, four (4) souls submitted to baptism as what Jesus Christ commanded. (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16) They heard the truth for several times through the help of brother Larry Madialan, a preacher in Albatana church of Christ, Albatana, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. His untiring effort in preaching the Gospel in their place for many years had resulted of many harvest of souls who are lost. Many rebels also heard the truth and were baptized after repenting their sins.

I, Joshua A. Notarte, was requested to preach before going to the water at the meeting place in Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. Even though they already decided to be baptized but we insure that they will obey the Gospel with a refreshed mind. Especially that they are formerly members of "General Baptist Church" who teaches that we are save by "Faith Only" without water baptism.

My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, did the baptism of these 4 precious souls at Dawis, Digos City. Their names are:
1. Norman Talang
2. Donna Saban
3. Roselyn Saban
4. Efren Ode

We give all glory to God for these addition in God's Church, the Church of Christ. Please pray for them as new babes in Christ that they may grow unto maturity in the knowledge and grace.


Other preachers who cooperated in this work were brother:
1. Joseph A. Notarte (who read the scriptures after baptism)
2. Jonathan A. Notarte
3. Matias Enoc (a preacher in Maibo church of Christ, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur)
4. Dionesio Tol (a preacher in Dongan Pekong church of Christ, Dongan Pekong, Matanao, Davao del Sur)

Gospel Meeting with Brother Ron Halbrook at Lanton Church of Christ

December 18, 2015

We are thankful to God for His providence in giving us safe trip that were able to attend the Gospel Meeting at Lanton church of Christ, Purok 11, Lanton Overview, Apopong, General Santos City, Philippines where brother Jolly Julom preaches for many years. Many preachers from different congregations in Southern Mindanao had attended and cooperated for 2 days bible lectures. There are also denominational preachers who attended but according to brother Jolly Julom, some of them went home with pricked in their hearts because of the truth they heard. Please pray for them that God may touch their hearts and were able to humble themselves in obedience to God.

My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was given a time to preached in the morning before brother Ron Halbrook arrived. He taught the lesson, "When Disaster Strikes." This day, a typhoon entered our country particularly in Mindanao areas. In the Philippines, it was named "Onyok." But just few days ago, another typhoon named "Nona" striked in Visayas and Luzon islands where many people died and millions of Filipinos were affected. Many of our brethren were also affected and pleading for help. This day, the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, declares a "State of National Calamity." The whole country was affected. On the other hand, the bible clearly shows why all of this calamities happened and we should seek God always when disaster strikes.

Brother Ron Halbrook taught 4 lessons this day. Two in the morning and another 2 lessons in the afternoon. It is always a blessing to hear a lesson from him that edify our faith and grow our knowledge into Christ. We admire his dedication in helping us become equipped in preaching the truth and helping preached the Gospel throughout the Philippine Islands. It is our prayer that God may give him good health always and more preaching trips to be done here in the Philippines.

Brother Jonathan Cariño, a preacher from Central Cebu City church of Christ also preached in the afternoon. He taught 2 lessons and we were edified to hear great lessons from him.

Brother Jolly Julom, a preacher in this congregation was thankful for this meeting. Through this, many preachers attended and were restored because for a long time, some preachers are not active in attending like this. This is also a statement from brother Carlito Abella who also helped in facilitating this gospel meeting. Their desire is to do such meeting in different congregations also for them to be edified. Please pray for their plans in God's work.

I (Joshua A. Notarte), and my family went there and participated. From my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, to my mother, Estrella Notarte, then my eldest brother, Joseph Notarte with his wife, Edden Notarte and my elder brother, Jonathan Notarte, with their daughters. 

Bible Study at Provincial Jail, Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

December 17, 2015

"I was in prison, and you came to Me." - Matthew 25:36

These words from Jesus Christ always remind us on how important for us to preach the Gospel to the prisoners. We all need salvation in Christ and it is our responsibility as Christians to preach about Jesus Christ to those who are lost in sin. And by God's grace, many of them who heard the truth for several times through weekly bible studies are now ready to obey by submitting to water baptism. Please help us pray that God will make a way for us to baptized them. It is not always easy for us to conduct baptism inside the jail. There are many permits to be made and the jail guards must be convinced. Please help us pray for this plan of God's work.

This time, brother Julie Divine A. Notarte preached the word of God. He taught about "The Church at Corinth." A good lesson that shows of the people who are very sinful and hard headed after becoming Christians, but still they were able to repent in their sins and be acceptable to God and become active for the work in helping the brethren. And as we always observed, the prisoners were very attentive in hearing the truth.

I, Joshua A. Notarte, lead the songs. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte and Benito "Ben" Dulong.

Singing Class and Bible Lecture at Homitori, Davao City

December 11 to 15, 2015

By God's grace, the singing class and bible lecture held for the first time in Davao City was successful with many good lessons learned by everyone who attended. It is our joy to participate in this special kind of event together with our brethren from United States of America, brother Ron Halbrook, Jim Barnett and Robert Steven Saunders. We appreciate their effort and sacrifices just to help us become better preachers and song leaders. It is our prayer that God may reward them greatly for their dedication and love for the work of God here in the Philippines.

Brother Juanito Balbin and his sons, Dudley, Sonni and Connie hosted this event and we are thankful to them for working behind the scene in order to accommodate us well. There were more than 50 preachers from different places who attended plus some women who participated in singing.

Brother Ron Halbrook preached several good topic that edify our faith in Christ. I always love to hear him preaching with sincerity and God's wisdom.

Brother Jim Barnett and Robert Steven Saunders taught us about singing. From breathing exercises, proper song leading, song beating, reading notes and many more which are all helpful tips in becoming effective song leaders. God commanded us to sing with praises to His name and that is why we should have to do our best in singing. And this training helped us a lot.

I (Joshua A. Notarte), together with my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, and brothers in flesh, Joseph and Jonathan, attended and participated. We give all glory to God for his providence in this precious work.

Jonathan A. Notarte

Julie Divine A. Notarte

Joshua A. Notarte

Joseph A. Notarte