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