September 26, 2015
Blazan church of Christ, Blazan, Malawanit, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur STARTED since 1970's. These brethren were PART of the first converts since my grandfather, RUBEN NOTARTE, together with my father, JULIE NOTARTE, preached about the CHURCH OF CHRIST after their conversion. The first baptism was about 60 souls that obeyed the Gospel of Christ and since then, they remain standing for the truth and did not transfer to any religion.
Their place is a RED FLAG for the military wars. Many rebels stay here until now. Every now and then, there are wars and chaos happen but most of them were not published in any media or news. As a result, many of them were displaced and transferred to other place but the good thing happened, everywhere they went and build their living, they started a new congregation. This is actually a picture of ACTS 8:4.
This is brother ROGELIO TARI, a faithful preacher of the Church of Christ in this congregation and in Malawanit church of Christ, about 2 miles from Blazan. Together with his brothers in flesh, LITTLE TARI and ROQUE TARI, they worked together in preaching the Gospel and edifying the brethren. Their work is not easy. Brother Rogelio Tari have to walk 2 miles every Sunday worship in this mountainous area. His brother, Little Tari, have to walked 6 miles to preach in PUROK 9 CHURCH OF CHRIST, Purok 9, Bacungan, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. They have to walked because they don't have enough money to pay for transportation.
This is brother LITTLE TARI. His name was given to him when brother Wallace Little, a preacher from U.S. came here in Mindanao Island, Philippines.
He is the 2nd speaker on this gospel meeting. The 1st speaker was brother ROQUE TARI but I was not lucky to take a picture since they started preaching early morning when we did not yet arrived.
The 3rd speaker was brother DOMINGUEZ MANIFE, a long time preacher from SANTOLAN CHURCH OF CHRIST, Santolan, Asbang, Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Bro. Rogelio Tari lead the songs.
Bro. JONATHAN NOTARTE was the 4th speaker.
I, JOSHUA NOTARTE, was the 5th speaker. Bringing a message from EPH. 6:14 to "TAKE A STAND." Being members of the Church for a long time will not guarantee to enter heaven if we will not take SERIOUSLY the responsibility that we have to STAND. We must be COURAGEOUS to FIGHT against Satan.
We live in a world where many will not take a stand for what is right; but, as Christians, we have a duty to take a stand for principles of truth.
Everyday, some Christian somewhere faces a “David and Goliath” moment: bigger, defying, and, influencial (1 Sam. 17)
Will you cut and run (1 Sam. 17:24), or will you stand and fight (1 Sam. 17:48)?
Most of the points I used in preaching this topic was copied to Bro. Chris Reeves in his outline and I am very thankful and blessed for it.
Bro. RUDY COERCY NOTARTE was the 6th speaker. He is a preacher from TAGUM CITY Church of Christ, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. He is the eldest brother of my father, Julie Notarte.
My father, JULIE DIVINE NOTARTE, is the 7th and last speaker. He taught about "THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH." That in order to preserve the PURITY, we must become a disciplined people of God.
Jesus LOVED US so much. That is why he DISCIPLINED US. (Rev. 3:19)
During the invitation song, there were 8 souls who came forward and without delay, we baptized them at the river. One of them is a wife of Rebel's commander but now repented her sin and added to the Church.
Their names are:
1. Rico Manife
2. Rosana Manife
3. Lady Jane Layal
4. Rosyl Cabanilla
5. Redilisma Saliga
6. Aldrin Reponte
7. Annie Rose Salutan
8. Rosalinda Pregonta
Brother Rogelio Tari baptized them and we give all the glory to God.
