Thursday: IT Tender Day - Christmas Party 2010

IT TENDER CHRISTMAS PARTY’10

The dream became a reality………………………………………

The party started at 3:30 pm and finished at 8:30 pm.  The celebration focused on the theme “Tanggapin si Kristo, Magniningning ang Pasko” (“Receive Christ, Your Christmas Will Be Brighter“).  It was held in Jollibee, 4^th level Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.  About 195 attended.  The opening prayer was given by a member of City Bible Church and followed by the praise and worship.

Feeding Program Graduation

   

Part of the program was the graduation of “Fish and Bread Feeding Program” – a 6-month feeding program in Partnership with Action International, Philippines.  50 children were given certificate signed by the program coordinator and the director of IT Tender Ministry.  Pastor Junie Antiñero (Team Leader Seed of Love Ministry) prayed for the graduates.

Message

Pastor Ronald Fermanez (Senior Pastor, Lucena Northside Christian Church) gave the message from Luke 2:1-24, and he emphasized that “Jesus is the reason of this season”.  In the latter part of the message, the speaker made an altar call and Praise God 114 responded to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

Testimony

    

Five clients from different programs gave their testimony about their experience in the Christmas Party:

1. Jlaiza Rivera - a 6 year old girl said, “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa feeding naging malusog at masigla po ako.  Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa Christmas party at sa regalo na natanggap ko.” (“I am thankful to the feeding that I became heathy and strong. I am thankful also for the Christmas party and for all the gifts I received.“)

2. Azel Aira Galindo - a 9 year old girl said, “Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga pagkaing ibinigay at sa Panginoon at sa lahat ng nandito sa party .” (“I Am thankful for all the food and to the Lord and to all who attended the party.“)

3. Collaine  Obillo - a 7 year old girl said, “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Diyos sa party at sa mga regalo at kay ate Cecille sa pagpunta nya sa amin at sa pag-asikaso araw-araw. (“I am thankful to God for the party and for all the gifts and to sister Cecile for taking care of us everyday.”)

4. Thess Rivera – a parent said, “Salamat sa Diyos,kay Sister Gela, Pastor John, Emil, Gabby, at Cecille, maraming natutulungan na mga kabataan, maligaya kami at nakadalo kami sa Christmas Party.” (“I am thankful to God for Sister Gella, Pastor John, Emil, Gabby, and Cecile because many young people are being helped, we are happy that we are able to attend the Christmas party.“)

5. Merlinda Morales – a Mother said, “Good evening sa bumubuo ng Women’s Bible study tuwing martes, sa CBC at sa mga nanay.  Nagpapasalamat ako sa Lord at first time ko na nakapunta sa Jollibe.  Sa buong buhay ko ngayon ko lang naranasan ang ganito kasayang party.  Maraming salamat sa Lord!” (“Good evening to all the Women’s Bible study Group held every Tuesday, to CBC and the mothers.  I am thankful to the Lord and this is my first time to go to Jollibee.  In my whole life, this is the first time I have experienced a joyful party like this.  Thank you so much Lord!”)

The common phrase that we heard in their testimonies is the thanksgiving to the Lord for what they have experienced in the Christmas Party and how the Lord has truly blessed them.

Special Number, Games, etc.

There were several special number from different ministries. Our visitors from Sunrise Community Church (Sacramento, California) also gave a Gospel Presentation using rope tricks and illusions. The mascot Jollibee also came and he rendered a dance number together with the street children. Another surprise game we did is whoever finds a happy face sticker under their chair receives a prize.

                                                                                                    

Awarding

Each ministry gave an award based on their performances during their sessions; The categories are; most helpful, most kind, most clean and neat, most obedient, most friendly, most participative, most energetic. The Children, youth and mothers received awards.

Closing Remarks

Pastor John gave a token of appreciation and encouragement to our client and ministry partners who have been with us throughout the year in ministering to the street children. A video presentation showing God’s accomplishment in the year 2010 was also shown. Pastor John ended his closing remarks by asking the youth to render a mime presentation of the song “Thank You” by Rey Bolts.  Finally, we gave gifts to all.  About 210 gifts were prepared to be given away for the clients, guest, visitors and friends.

Assessment

To God be the glory for all the good things He has done in this Christmas party.   It is a blessing to see all the 195 who attended the party.  For some the party was really fun while the others said that the party brought joy in the lives of the children.  Some visitors were even crying and were touched by the lives of the children.

The Christmas celebration was a big blessing to each and every one of us, especially to the people we minister.  God used our ministry partners (Grace Chapel, Youth Mobilization, Action International, Philippines, City Bible Church, Laguna Northside Christian Church, individuals and friends) to be a channel of His blessings to the needy children.  Praise God for what He has done! To God be the glory!!!!