Gospel Meeting at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur (5 Souls Baptized) & Radio Preaching at night

January 7, 2017

We preach in gospel meetings to strengthen all Christians. Paul said, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). The teaching of the word of God's grace is what strengthens one's faith. We preach the gospel to hold what we already have won for Christ.

We give all the glory to God for the five (5) souls who submitted to baptism as a result of the Annual Gospel Meeting at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur where I, Joshua A. Notarte, is one of the preachers. Together with me who help in preaching here for many years were brother Advincula Odas, Valente Tumol Sr., Joseph Notarte and Jonathan Notarte. 

Many preachers had attended but only few were able to speak. They are brother Dionisio Tol, Pedro Perez, Cristituto Marquez, Franklin Isla III, Connie Balbin and Frank Isla. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Joseph Notarte, Felipe Tula Jr., Ruel Eloy, Sonnie Balbin, Dominggo Mantilla, etc. We were all edified for hearing the Gospel and were glad that alien sinners obey the truth.

Five (5) precious souls had submitted to baptism and brother Advincula Odas baptized them. Their names are: 1. Jenelyn Tabigas, 2. Elvera M. Ingay, 3. Jeany Veth Cantulan, 4. Rey-ann Jane Adas, and 5. Kimberly Saraum. Please pray for them as they start to live for Christ.

The Gospel of Christ was heard through the Radio Program of the Church of Christ in Radyo Ukay Digos 92.7 FM at 6:00 - 6:30 PM. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte, I (Joshua Notarte) and my brother is flesh (Joseph and Jonathan) preached here for many years. Through this radio program, many people heard the truth and after several times of listening, they obey. To God be the glory!

Funeral Service of Sister Melina B. Ayag

January 6, 2017

It is truly a wonderful day when one of God's saints is able to cross over the river of death to be in the presence of God. Sorrow in the hearts of those left behind, yes; but certainly not as those who have no hope. (1 Thes. 4:13 - "But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.")

Our sister in Christ, Melina B. Ayag died on December 25, 2016 due to complicated illness. Her husband is a preacher of the Church of Christ but is also very sickly. Both of them live faithfully to Christ and help building a meeting place for worship. Sister Melina's funeral service was conducted at the meeting place of the Agco church of Christ, Agco, Ilomavis, Kidapawan City. A large gathering was in attendance, including many preachers of the gospel. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was requested to preach the word of God. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Jonathan Notarte, Alejandro Anoling, Noli Caa, Danny Perez, and many more.

Gospel Meeting at Maibo church of Christ, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, Philippines (2 Souls Baptized)

January 2, 2017

We need to preach a militant gospel. Jude wrote, "Ye should earnestly contend for the faith" (v. 3). This is a call to arms, a rousing battle cry. It means to "agonize, straggle." Too many are forgetting we are engaged in a spiritual war that means life or death (Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12). We need real, courageous men who preach the gospel out of love for the souls of men.

By God's grace, 2 precious souls submitted to baptism after hearing the truth during the Gospel Meeting at Maibo church of Christ, Maibo, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur where brother Jerome Pari, Larry Madialan, Chito Pari and Garcia Malayang preaches. Since 1970's when this congregation was established, they continue to grow unto maturity and did their best in serving God.

We were always requested to be their SPEAKERS in their Gospel Meetings. This time, the speakers who preached the word of God were brother Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte, I (Joshua Notarte) and Julie Divine A. Notarte. Many brethren had attended and were edified. 

During the invitation song, 2 souls came forward and were baptized. Their names are Jessie Fray and Cristy Arabe. Brother Jimmy Labuguen baptized them at the river and we give all the glory to God!

Worship Services 01-01-2017

Why, then, does the Lord's church worship on the first day of the week? The answer is simple: because the Scriptures authorize it. (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2) The first day of the week, therefore, is the day of worship of the New Testament church. On that day, worship according to the divine pattern must be offered. Do you observe the Lord's day? (Rev. 1:10)

On this Lord's Day, we preached the Gospel to different local congregations of the churches of Christ.

9:00 - 11:00 AM - Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte and Joseph Notarte preached at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. The preachers who cooperated were brother Cebe Arjay A. Notarte (who lead the songs), Jay Obrero, Mencio Mangcal, Ruel Eloy, Romel Cabaña, etc.

At the same time, I (Joshua A. Notarte), preached at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Together with me was brother Janful Tumol. He helped in leading the songs.

Brother Jonathan Notarte also preached in 2 congregations on the worship services. 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. 

Brother Advincula Odas and Valente Tumol Sr. preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

4:00 - 5:00 PM - I (Joshua A. Notarte) preached on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. Brother Jonathan Notarte lead the songs and brother Joseph Notarte has cooperated.