Gospel Meeting at Kulaman Valley church of Christ, Kulaman Valley, Arakan, Cotabato

October 03, 2015

 About 125 miles away from our residence at Digos City, Davao del Sur, we went to a very mountainous place known as Kulaman Valley, Arakan, Cotabato. Looking forward at the picture, in the lower ground is the said place. We depart in Digos City at 6:00 AM and arrived in our destination at 10:00 AM. The brethren and some visitors are already waiting for us.

Our car was in risk to pass the river because of mechanical problems, so we decided to walk just a hundred meters to our meeting place. Fortunately, they have a hanging bridge. In the picture is my father, Julie Notarte and I, wearing black polo.

Kulaman Valley church of Christ was established long time ago through the effort of brother Moca Marapan, Henry Embac, brother Balhanan (deceased), and many more. Many people were baptized here  but due to different calamities and unending wars between Philippine government and communist rebels, many of the affected brethren were displaced.

My father, Julie Divine Notarte, begun the program by leading spiritual songs of the Church translated to our local dialect.

Cebuano Hymnals are very lacking. Overall, we only have 4 hymnals used during the entire gospel meeting. Most of them just try their best to sing the songs they memorized and their favorite song is "Higher Ground."

Brother Joseph Notarte was the first speaker who preached the word of God. He preached the lesson, "Victory Without Weights." That is if we want to win, we have to prepare for the race without any sins that gives us burden.

Brother Jonathan Notarte was the 2nd speaker. He preached about the "Gospel in Romans 1:16." That it is the power of God unto salvation where we must not be ashamed to proclaim and obey without delay.

I, Joshua Notarte, was the 3rd speaker who preached the word of God. I taught about the "Six Soul-Searching Questions." A lesson that shows us on What is the most important thing in our life?

Brother Rudy Coercy Notarte was the 4th speaker. He came from Tagum City church of Christ, Tagum City where he never slept for the entire night in order to assure that he could meet us in Ulas, Davao City.

Brother Julie Divine Notarte was the 5th and last speaker. He preached the lesson, "Are You Living Your Life Backwards?" It is a lesson that needs self examination and teaching us what kind of life we need to have in this world where many temptations and hindrances we face in serving God.

Overall, preaching the Gospel of Christ helps the brethren to be edified and continue in their faith. During the invitation song, there were 8 souls who came forward and confessed Christ as the son of God. These happy faces of the brethren shows that living a Christian life is a joyful and blessed life.

My father, Julie Notarte, baptized them at the river. They heard the word of God for several times through brother Moca Marapan and his co-preachers in this area.

 Their names are:
1. Catalino Mangguason
2. Helen Mangguason
3. Camelo Indao
4. Emma Indao
5. Alfeo Bucas
6. Dailyn Indao
7. Mailyn Danyagan
8. Jessica Aseyay

To God be the Glory!

Please remember them in your prayers. Our brethren and their family here were very poor. Many are hungry and sick. They asked for your prayers and help.