Pag-ibig Turns 4!

Pag-big family celebrated its 4^th year anniversary at the Namisato's residence in Somerset, New Jersey last May 29, 2010. The event started with worship, led by the head of the group, Elder Marlon Epeleta, followed by a banquet and singing, which the group is most known for.

Quoting one of Elder Marlon’s statements, he emphasized, “If we unite together as a group, we can make things happen for the glory of God.” Indeed, the group has proven to have been useful in the Lord’s service, in that everyone is greatly involved in the church it is presently attending. Along with the occasion, the host family threw a housewarming party. If we remember a few months back, the Namisato’s also hosted the New Year’s celebration in their abode, which was then in Edison.

Looking back, one cannot help but get emotional over the thought that God has blessed the Pag-ibig family through its ups and downs. From when it started as a small group until its increasing number over the years, each member took time this day, to commemorate the group’s history, even calling other members who have moved to other states, to share the joy with them.

To Pag-big family: more YEARS to come; more POWER, to move; more FAITH, to endure! Happy 4 pag-ibig years! - Julie Ahhi




Elder Marlon Espeleta lead the devotional




The chief and his assistant




Also celebrating May Namisato's 9th birthday

2010 New Year's Day

"On New Year's Day, everyone who came to the Namisato's talked about what their New Years Resolution will be; Parents usually wanting to spend more time with their families, and kids mostly looking forward to better grades. We all agreed that it's another year of new challenges and a year closer to Jesus' coming." -Andrea Silos






Devotional with Elder Guevarra

Pathfinders and Adventurers - Apple Picking

Apple Picking or Apple Picnic?


With Autumn now fully in session, a trip to the apple orchards was well in store. On October 4th, the Pathfinders and Adventurers went on a joint field trip to Masker Orchards in Warwick, NY. But, at over $20 a bag, the trip agenda quickly changed from picking apples off the trees to picnicking next to apple trees.

Although this was a trip that the whole family could enjoy, it was first and foremost an outreach trip for the youth of the church. They enjoyed running through the trees and eating fresh apples from the branches, but they also performed their duties for the Lord by handing out flyers to those around.

No one left the orchards with a bag of apples that day, but memories were made and the youth helped to spread the gospel. Maybe we’ll be able to share apples with the people they reached in heaven someday. - Marjolynne Espelete

Church Family Camping

Cold Weather, Warm Hearts

It was a brisk, autumn day, clouds in the sky. Summer wanted to linger longer, but Autumn sought to take its rightful time. On the weekend of September 26, the Lake Nelson family gathered for the annual Jersey Shore get together at the Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek, NJ. Though everyone was shivering and shaking their legs to keep warm, it was a time for the family to once again connect with God in the serenity of nature.

Church proceeded outdoors, with a much more laid back feel. Elder Camacho blessed those in attendance with the Word of Life, and as in Lake Nelson fashion, many instruments participated, contributing lively praise and worship. After our outdoor church service, it was time for lunch. And again as in Lake Nelson fashion, there was an overabundance of food.

What would a trip to the Jersey Shore be without going to the beach? Although it was much too cold to get in the water, the church members made their way to the beach. It was a chance to get a breath of fresh air while walking along the pier or on the rocks. A few of the kids went for a wade in the cold water, and acquaintances were made with the fishermen.

Then, it was time for the trek.

1… 2… 3… 4…
118… 119… 120…
215 (stop and pause)… 216 (catching some breath)…
And finally… 217!

Towering high above the people was the Barnegat Lighthouse. At 217 steps high, it was no easy climb. Still, men, women, and children alike dared to climb the lighthouse and made it successfully to the top. What a breathtaking view of New Jersey! Later on that day, the church family closed the Sabbath, and afterwards returned to the campsite for dinner. Unfortunately, it began to rain. But, in each other’s presence and camaraderie, though the weather was cold, hearts were warm. -Marjolynne Espeleta

Capturing 2009 Summer Memories

Biking at Liberty State Park, NJ (Sept. 20, 2009)

Weekend at Eagle Rock PA (Sept., 2009)

Filipinos. Friends. Fun. Family. Faith. Food.
Once again the families of the Pag-ibig group of Lake Nelson church gathered in the beautiful scenery of Eagle Rock, PA on Labor Day Weekend for their annual retreat. To most people, cell phone service is an everyday commodity, but in the quiet hills of Eagle Rock, it was a luxury that would have to wait until after the weekend. Yet, everyone who was there would have gladly traded this modern convenience for the serenity of nature and the warmth of fellowship… and the food.

It was an informal weekend that encompassed worship, outdoor activities… and food. Even outdoors, musicians were present, featuring the flute and multiple guitars. Worship was the highlight of the Sabbath. Everyone was blessed by the children’s rendition of “Shine, Jesus, Shine.” Noel Javier preached a sermon challenging everyone there to turn to the Bible, meditating on its words, and contemplating the message of the Bible alone. The youth led an AY program that involved a Bible scavenger hunt, reminding everyone there of the importance of knowing God’s Word.

Although these activities satisfied spiritual appetites, physical appetites were suppressed as well. When Filipinos gather, the shortage of food is never an issue, as was certainly the case this weekend. Everyone ate to maximum capacity… even the vegetarians had ample supply. Both Sabbath and Sunday, these families enjoyed nothing short of a feast. Yet, with all the eating going on, there was still plenty of time for fun with friends. Sunday was full of activities from canoeing, to kayaking, to playing on the beach, and simply lounging at picnic tables. It was a weekend of memories… and happy stomachs. -Marjolynne Espeleta

(For Eagle Rock videos log in to youtube and search pagibigsda)



OSHKOSH - “Courage to Stand” August, 2009
"Oshkosh was a life-changing experience. Even though this was my first Oshkosh Camporee, it had taught me very valuable things that I will need to remember as I go along in life. This camporee had taught me to have the courage to stand and to believe that if God is on our side we can do the inevitable, just like Esther. There were hundreds of young Pathfinders who came internationally just to come and praise and serve God. I was amazed of how so many people loved God. I was really touched during Oshkosh. On Saturday, I gave God my life to him publicly by getting baptized. Before I got baptized, I prayed to God, thanking Him for all the help He has given me and for leading me to trust in Him. During one of the night shows, there was a cross in the sky, formed by clouds. That was when I knew that God was so happy and that the Spirit of God was in all of us. He showed that He loved us and that He was with us the whole time even when we thought we lost Him. Oshkosh was an experience I'll never forget and it showed me that God is the way, the truth, and the light. It was an unforgettable experience. “ -Bernadette Flores

“Oshkosh was a turning point in my life. It’s where I gave my life to God.” –Adrianne Magsipoc

“Oshkosh was a life-changing experience. It was awesome! Being with thousands of youth, "God-fearing youth," was a blessing. No violence, people are nice, we learned to stand firm in our faith even in tough times. Me and my sister, together with friends got baptized. That was the best! -Andrew Silos

Oshkosh wasn't just some camporee I would go to every year. It was more than that to me. It was a life-changing experience that open my eyes and my heart to let God in. Seeing hundreds of other Pathfinders there showed me how many young kids love God so much, including myself. I accepted God as my Savior there in Oshkosh and was baptized there. During the last night show, there was a cross in the sky, formed by clouds. I believe the Spirit of God was in all of us that night because that perfect image couldn't have just been a coincidence. He showed His love to us that day and that He was with us. My Oshkosh experience was a “once in a lifetime” one and nothing could replace what I experienced there. It was amazing and indescribable, just like God. – Nadine Flores

Baywatch buddies…

“Going to the beach in the summer with the Silos, Ahhi and Olofernes family was really fun including the part when me and Andrea went bogie boarding! Well all I can say is that, it was fun and exhausting! -Diana Sese

You did it again!

You are seeing New Jersey Conference Seventh-day Adventist Campmeeting photos from 2007. Folks, you did it again, so i hear. Just this summer, NJC campmeeting 2008 was awesome. Lake Nelson SDA church ensemble musical presentation viewed in youtube was phenomenal! Great job everyone! Your musical pieces were personally arranged by a renown Filipino composer from the nation's entertainment industry.

In His Time, Give Thanks, Shout to the Lord and Lord, I offer you were such joy to hear. Each musical instrument's identity was profoundly elemental towards its magnanimous collosal clash.

None of its instrument got burried by the other.
Wow! Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Making memories

"I'm so tired." I often say that when I was in the east coast. Little do I know, I was making memories. Come Friday night, the house was full of friends, relatives and newer friends. Come Saturday morning, we're rushing to get ready for church, to be on time for sabbath school, making sure the potluck dish was loaded in the trunk of the car. Come lunch, we're gazing our way through one of our closest and dearest brethrens. Saturday sundown, we took turns hanging in someone's cozy rack and close the sabbath day with sweet smelling words from the Bible and personal revelation of God's grace. We would drive all the way north to Bergenfield, even northwest to the Pennsylvania mountains and down south to the Sandy Hook Jersey shore. Most importantly, the memories of friends, the crowded room with smiles, babies cooing and young mothers' brave weekday stories. So sweet. So relevant.

On my way to work, one Monday morning, in my new California home address, I tagged my husband's arms and graciously bowed with him so that I can pray this: "Oh Lord, heavenly Father, how great thou art. Your throne full of mercy and grace, so humbling and so loving, that here, at this moment, no words can explain how thankful I am that you have blessed us with such great friends, relationships and gazing ability to full appreciation of the strength and courage you allow me to come this far. It could have been worse, oh Lord. But each day, a new beginning comes to me with so much learning. Thank you for helping me find ways towards your throne of ever flowing joy, peace, hope and continued evidence of your PROMISES. In spirit, in truth, I worship you." -glenda c.

Remembering Norma Duenas

Last night, my husband slowly opened our cupboard. I noticed that he was taking out those beautiful silver-lined china, one at a time, piling them up on top of the counter and just staring at them. I asked him, "what are you doing?"

He quietly wiped them clean as though they haven't been used. He softly answered, "I just want to remember sister Norma. Remember? Only she, who thought of giving us a wedding present. (Despite the fact that the wedding was kind-of against all odds at the time). What a memory! TJ, our firstborn, suggested to refrain using the china so as to keep it safe up to his generation and the next. How endearing to hear such phrases of respect and expressing such candor that he felt about his beloved "aunt Norma." I was so touched.

She's always been so thoughtful. She was TJ's first adventurer's director. She would give all her energy just to keep us engaged in her humbled way of ministering.

It was that night that my husband and I were a little confused and figuring out what TJ's friend's blog meant..."Aunt Norma is now resting.-PJ"

I knew it was not long ago when we left New Jersey for a new adventure here in the California central valley. It gave us a moment to reflect on her goodness, seeking God to turn back time. Lord, please get me in my car, i want to drive to Howell, just 20 miles west of Hazlet. I'll certainly find her gleeing face and her warm hugs. She would blast into laughter for any silly jokes I get to offer. Oh, I just gotta to tell her how much I love her.

Today, an email did confirm that she passed away this morning. Dale and Sue, thanks for thinking of us here in Calif.

I would like to share Sue's wedding photo in the early 90's. Ate Norma was standing on my right. Her beautiful smile in this photo will I long to see when that glorious day come. As John wrote Jesus' promise: That glorious day is the the day when Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven. He is the resurrection. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

My prayer of comfort and peace to all that Ate Norma has left behind.

"Ate Norma is resting, truly it is. Her 'spirit returns to God who gave it (Eccl. 12:7)'.

Manong Rudy and Rachel: Peace through Jesus Christ, I pray. -Glenda & Pepe

Farewell Gary and Marilyn

April 19, 2007

Lake Nelson School Gym

New Jersey

Gary and Marilyn Blair were a given a farewell party in the Lake Nelson Gym by the members of the Lake Nelson Church. Ray and Mickie Emmonds spearheaded the arrangement and coordination of the event that totally surprised the couple. Everybody brought their homemade dish to add to the potluck. Ray, the emcee of the night, gave time for everyone to say adieu and personal testimony of how the couple affected their Christian life. There were also surprises and games throughout the evening. Everyone enjoyed the night especially the Vegetable Dance (marching) led by Pastor Riano and Lanlan Flores. The Pagibig Family of Lake Nelson Church will be forever grateful to Gary for accepting us into this church with open arms and without reservations. Your level-headed leadership will be surely missed Gary! May God Bless you and empower you on your new mission in life.

The Pagibig Family