Gospel Meeting at Albatana Church of Christ, Sitio Albatana, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur

October 19, 2015

We give all glory and honor to God when people repented their sins and submit to Christ through baptism in His name. Thanks to God for giving us assurance in 1 PETER 3:21 - "baptism does also now save us." More and more sinners obeyed the Gospel of Christ.

Nineteen (19) precious souls submitted to baptism and were added to the church.

A Gospel Meeting was made in ALBATANA CHURCH OF CHRIST, Sitio Albatana, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. This congregation was established since 1977 when my grandfather, Ruben Notarte, preached the truth of the Church of Christ in this place and many were converted. But due to many wars and conflicts between Philippine Government and Communist Rebels, most of our brethren were afraid and forced to evacuate their homes and gardens. And I guess, this is the reason why it was called "Albatana" that in the native language of "B'laan Tribe" means "Deteriorated Land." But most of the brethren now are attending worship services in Maibo church of Christ, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, just 20 to 30 minutes walking distance. 

Brother Larry Madialan helped to restore this congregation because some still prefer to live in this place even that it was a critical area. They just made a temporary canopy to gather in their worship services. In this picture, brother Larry lead the songs.

Brother Jonathan Notarte was the first speaker who preached the word of God. He taught the lesson, "The Judgment is Coming, Are You Ready?"

Every speakers were given 20 minutes to preach because we were advised by the government officials to leave the area not beyond 12:00 noon.

Brother Rudy Coercy Notarte, the eldest brother of Julie Notarte, was the second speaker. He is a preacher in Tagum City church of Christ, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

 I, Joshua Notarte, was requested to preach and was the third speaker. I taught the lesson about the "Warnings for the Church against False Doctrines."

Many who attended were members of denominations but they remained in their seats until we finished. They shown more interest to the truth they heard.

Brother Franklin Isla was the fourth speaker. He was a preacher for many years in Bansalan church of Christ, Gumamela St., Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

 My father, Julie Divine Notarte, was the 5th and last speaker. He taught the lesson "Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." He ended his lesson with an invitation. A plea that God made for everyone to become His people and become part of His family which is the Church.

 During the invitation song, many came forward and confessed Christ. Through the effort of the brethren and our co-preachers in this place who preached to them for several times, this people decided to obey Christ and become members of His Kingdom which is the Church.

The brethren were edified and thankful for the gospel meeting. This picture shows also the faces of our co-preachers who helped in spreading the Gospel. Some of them were brother Jimmy Labuguen, Elio Saban, Jerome Pari, Noel Pandia, Brother Felis, Oliver Olie, etc.

Brother Matias Enoc did the baptism of 19 precious souls. Their names are:

1. Gido Noe

2. Wendel Balilid

3. Michelle Pari

4. Cheper Tamles

5. Rostan Macawili

6. Freddie Noe

7. Hanabel Batawan

8. Vivian Pilis

9. Roxanne Abad 

10. Jessel Mae Noe

11. Merry Grace Parasa

12. Desiflor Parasa

13. Jun Rey Diandan

14. Resnel Salas

15. Dina Gambin

16. Irene Odie

17. Lucia Odie

18. Joel Panday

19. Reden Dolin

We went home with gladness that God gave us success in preaching His word.

The man on the picture is brother Jerome Pari. He also helped in preaching in this congregation and in Maibo church of Christ and neighboring places. It's always a great joy to work with him.

These women on the picture are Preachers Wives. They are very active in helping the work of God. Through them, many were converted to Christ and they are really useful in edifying new converts. Please pray for them and we must not forget their important part in the Church.