Wedding at Colonsabac, Matanao, Davao del Sur

October 28, 2016

If all parts of the marriage and home work together as God directs, there is harmony and happiness. It is God's plan for a man and a woman to be married for life. Jesus admonished, "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt. 19:6). This is a warning we should heed. An individual is bound to his mate for life by the law of God (Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:39).

My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was requested to solemnize the marriage of Samy and Yeny at Colonsabac church of Christ, Colonsabac, Matanao, Davao del Sur. Both of them are members of the Church of Christ including their parents. Many people in this place are members of the Church for many years. Although, this place was known as rebel area and war places, but still the brethren continue to live faithfully to God and remain standing on their faith.

Preaching the Gospel at Digos City District Jail, Digos City, Davao del Sur

October 24, 2016

This picture was taken on Jan. 24, 2016
during the worship service

Many prisoners love to hear and learn the truth of the Gospel. But "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14) We need God's truths to be brought into these prisoners. We have many rich harvest fields here and the fruits are ready for picking. (Matthew 9:37-38)

For Ten (10) years, we were able to preach and baptized about 150 prisoners here in Digos City District Jail or Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). There were many members of the Church of Christ in this jail and many of them remain faithful. Unfortunately, the new Jail Warden made a policy by removing all religious schedule every afternoon and our schedule was one of it. Our worship here was every Sunday at 2:00-3:00 PM. We do what we can to request the jail administration but until now, they could not consider even if we are preaching here for 10 years already. Please help us pray with this matter.

But even if we are not able to preach here for 3 months already, the jail administration still considered us as part of their service providers. This day, we are scheduled to preach the Gospel of Christ. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached about the Church that Jesus built and the importance of water baptism as what Jesus commanded on the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). We are thankful for this opportunity and we are also edified to see the brethren who miss us so much. They said that they are praying for us.

Before the program had started, the Jail Warden of the Female talk to us in her office until we have an opportunity to study the bible with her. She is also a religious person and had a bible with her. For about 1 hour, the Gospel of Christ was preached. Please help us pray that God touches her heart to obey the truth.

Worship Services 10-23-2016 and 3 Souls Baptized

We ought to worship God for there is no other God to worship. As the people in the Old Testament were told, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else" (Isa. 45:22). If we don't worship God, it is like Peter said one time about Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" (Jn. 6:68). There is only "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:6). It is either we worship God or we don't really worship!

9:00 - 11:00 AM - I (Joshua A. Notarte) and my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached on the worship service at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. Brother Joey Bilang lead the songs and brother Cebe Arjay Notarte, Ruel Eloy, Renato Taborada and Renato Bogoy had cooperated.

After the worship, 3 SOULS submitted to baptism after hearing the Gospel of Christ for many times. They are attending the worship services here in Digos City church of Christ. Their names are: 1. Chinoroi Olmido, 2. Shivalyn Olmido, and 3. Christine Dayola. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte baptized them at Lozada, San Isidro, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. I cooperated and give some advice from the scriptures as they start to live a new life in Christ. To God be the glory!

At the same time, brother Jonathan A. Notarte was requested to preach at Taclobo church of Christ, Taclobo, Libertad, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal where brother Bobby Enotivas and Boy Lumogdang preaches. Together with him was my mother, Estrella Notarte, riding a motorbike for almost 4 hours one way from Digos City just to edify the brethren.

Brother Felipe Tula Jr. and Valente Tumol Sr. preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Brother Advincula Odas preached at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Brother Joseph A. Notarte preached in 2 congregations of the Church of Christ. First, he preached at New Quezon church of Christ, New Quezon, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Second, he preached at Manga church of Christ, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur.

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Brother Joseph Notarte preached on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. 

Gospel Meeting at Maibo church of Christ, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur (10 Souls Baptized) & Radio Preaching at Night

October 22, 2016

Let each of us realize that our daily life is an advertisement of all our efforts as the people of God. Let us so live that others can truly see that we have "been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). They must see that what we are offering to others is truly the rule in our own life (Phil. 1:27). That, dear brethren, will be an effective advertisement in all our Gospel Meetings.

We thanked God and to the brethren in Maibo church of Christ, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur in helping us harvest more souls to Christ especially with the help of their local preachers, brother Larry Madialan, Jerome Pari, Garcia Malayang and Chito Pari. Since 1970's when this congregation was established, the work has grown and will continue to grow as we cooperate in preaching the Gospel of Christ.

We were requested to be their SPEAKERS in this Gospel Meeting. Brother Joseph Notarte lead the songs and brother Jonathan Notarte, I (Joshua Notarte) and Julie Divine A. Notarte preached the word of God. The brethren were edified and many of those alien sinners who heard had believed and obey the Gospel. 

During the invitation song, 10 SOULS came forward and were immediately baptized at the river with the help of brother Jimmy Labuguen. Their names are: 1. Loverly Embate, 2. Jessa Cotis, 3. Christine Joy Mandacawan, 4. Jeel Cotis, 5. Chrirrenizy Tamles, 6. Jenny Malagante, 7. Jine Mae Diandan, 8. Rona Mae Pare, 9. Fernan Capion, & 10. Rizza Mae Macawili. We give all the glory to God!

At 6:00-6:30 PM, the Radio Program of the Church of Christ was heard throughout Davao del Sur province and neighboring places. I (Joshua A. Notarte) preached this night and I am thankful because some brethren send a text messages for me informing that they are listening in our radio program and were edified. One of them who texted were the brethren in Compound church of Christ, Compound, Kilong, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur. After preaching in the radio, I received another text messages from radio listener asking about the Church of Christ and was interested in learning the truth. Please help us pray that many more souls will be converted through this radio program.

Wedding at Dawn's Cafe, Kidapawan City

October 20, 2016

"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13:4). Let us hold marriage as high, holy, and honorable by teaching the truth of God's Word and living by it. God's rule is one man for one woman for life . "Let us walk by the same rule" (Phil. 3:16). May each one of us sincerely commit ourselves to live by that rule!

My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was requested to solemnize the marriage of sister Jenny Anne Manibog & Peter Paul Mission at Dawn's Cafe & Restaurant, Kidapawan City. Sister Jenny is a member of the Church of Christ whose late grandfather was a preacher at Ginatilan church of Christ, Ginatilan, Kidapawan City. Part of the wedding ceremony is preaching what the bible says about marriage. Brother Julie Notarte emphasized about Romans 7:1-3. Many of those who attended are not yet Christians and it was a great opportunity for us to preach the truth. We pray that God touch their hearts to obey.

Worship Services 10-16-2016

Worshiping people are praying people, as were the early disciples. ". . . prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God. . ." (Acts 12:5). "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). Please read also: Romans 15:30; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:17.

9:00 - 12:00 PM - I (Joshua A. Notarte) and brother Felipe Tula Jr. preached in 2 congregations on the worship services. First, I requested brother Felipe Tula Jr. to preach at New Quezon church of Christ, New Quezon, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Second, I preached at Manga church of Christ, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur. 

9:00 - 11:00 AM - Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte and Jonathan Notarte preached at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. Brother Ruel Eloy lead the songs and with the cooperation of brother Cebe Arjay Notarte, Mencio Mangcal, Renato Taborada, Romel Cabaña, etc.

At the same time, brother Joseph Notarte and Valente Tumol Sr. preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Brother Advincula Odas, one of the preachers at Bitaug church of Christ was sent to preach at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

4:00 - 5:00 PM - I (Joshua Notarte) preached on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. Brother Felipe Tula Jr. lead the songs. 

7:00 - 8:00 PM - Brother Felipe Tula Jr. preached on the worship service at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City. Brother Cebe Ajay Notarte lead the songs.

2 Souls Baptized at Taclobo, Libertad, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte

October 15, 2016

Baptism is indeed essential for salvation. Surely you will not let this simple act of obedience stand between you and the forgiveness of sins. The Bible teaches us that those who do not obey the gospel will be punished (2 Thess. 1:7-9). "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).

We give all the glory to God for the 2 SOULS who submitted to baptism after hearing the Gospel of Christ for many times. They always attended the worship services at Taclobo church of Christ, Taclobo, Liberted, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal where both their parents are members in that congregation. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte preached first before he baptized them. Brother Jonathan Notarte and Joseph Notarte had cooperated together with my mother, Estrella Notarte, and sister Edden Notarte. Please pray for our brethren that they may grow unto maturity in Christ.

Gospel Meeting at Bagong Silang church of Christ, Bagong Silang, San Remigio, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal

October 14, 2016

The great commission commands us to "teach all nations" and after baptizing them, "teaching them to observe all things" (Matt. 28:19-20). The Apostle Paul commanded Timothy to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). Because the brethren of Thessalonica saw the real value of gospel preaching, Paul could commend them by saying, "for from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad: so that we need not to speak any thing" (1 Thess. 1:8). Gospel preaching is absolutely essential to the salvation of the lost (Rom. 10:8-17).

A Gospel Meeting was held at Bagong Silang church of Christ, Bagong Silang, San Remigio, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal where brother Jerry Catamora and his father, Godofredo Catamora preaches for many years. 

The speakers were brother Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte and Julie Divine A. Notarte. Brother Bobby Enotivas lead the songs. He is a preacher at Taclobo church of Christ, Taclobo, Libertad, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal together with brother Boy Lumogdang.