REGISTRATION took place from 1.00pm onwards at the lounge of the Caliraya Re-Creation Centre. The Conference Secretariat Staff worked tirelessly and efficiently and by about 4.00pm, the bulk of the participants had been registered and received their Conference Program, meal tickets for the week and personalized nametags. A total of 470 delegates were registered, local 386 and overseas 84. Among the delegates, 86 were pastors and elders from The Philippines and 28 from Overseas.

The OFFICIAL RECEPTION DINNER was held at the dining areas at 5.30pm. The participants turned out in their resplendent best to partake of the first official meal of the Conference.

The EVENING OPENING SESSION was held at the main conference hall, adjacent to the dining areas. At 6.45pm, the Conference Musical Ensemble, comprising Samuel Sanglap on the violin, accompanied by Kenneth Habasadas and Hannah Valdez on the piano and organ, gave a prelude with some of the ever-popular hymns and choruses. As they glorified God with nostalgic melodies that filled the air, people streamed into the hall and took their seats with expectant hearts to await God’s blessings through the preaching of His Word and through the proceedings of the Conference.

At 7.00pm, Rev Edwin Ormeo welcomed participants to The Philippines and requested all to rise to the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by the Conference Choir. Dr Mariano Leones committed the Conference to God in an Opening Prayer.

Pastor Sam Ormeo led in the singing of three hymns: The Banner of the Cross, The Bible Stands and We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations. Indeed, the singing was vibrant and inspiring.

Rev Joseph Mauk, the Manager of the Caliraya Re-Creation Centre, extended a warm welcome to all participants to the first family Christian resort in The Philippines. He assured participants that their stay would be a refreshing experience, as they would leave the place recharged spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Then, Rev Edwin Ormeo, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, gave a word of Welcome to all present at the 15th General Assembly of the FECCC and pronounced it duly in session. He requested delegates to rise and be recognized as their region or country was being identified. The participants from the various regions of The Philippines were acknowledged first: Luzon and Metro Manila, Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan. They received loud applause as they rose. Then, the delegates from: Korea, Singapore, Republic of China, India, Australia, Myanmar and United States of America were recognized. The presence of key individuals was also recognized. Amongst them were: Dr Carl McIntire, President, ICCC and Mrs Carl McIntire; Dr Choi Kwang Jae, President, FECCC; Dr Quek Kiok Chiang, 1st Vice-President ICCC and FECCC Secretary/Treasurer; Dr Quek Swee Hwa, Recording Secretary, ICCC/FECCC; Dr John Barela, President, ICCC USA, Dr Shin Eung Kyung, President, Fellowship of Korean CCC Churches; Dr Lee Soon Tai, President, Singapore CCC; Dr Peter Hung, Republic of China; Rev C.E. Rajkishore, General Secretary, CCC of India; Dr Antonio Ormeo, ICCC Vice-President for The Philippines; Rev R Geguillana; Dr A.B. Zamar; and others from The Philippines.

Rev. Dr KC Quek read out GREETINGS from Singapore and Indonesia to the Conference.

A SPECIAL MUSICAL ITEM, entitled O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, was presented by the AfterGlow Singers, the music arm of a student Christian organization in The Philippines, the Student Missionary Outreach (SMO).

Pastor Sam Ormeo led in the singing of the Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God Almighty!

The Scripture reading was taken from 1 Timothy 4:6,

Dr Choi Kwang Jae, FECCC President, delivered the keynote address entitled, "A Good Minister of Jesus Christ." In his message, he cited from the example of Paul, three distinctive characteristics of a good minister. He must be a soul winner and lover and his primary purpose is "Souls for Christ." He is Spirit-filled and God-fearing in doing God’s work and preaching His Word. He is God-ward, always dependent on God and His grace is always sufficient to him. He challenged all servants of the Lord at the Conference to preach the Word of God cheerfully and willingly and to be soul-winners, Spirit-filled and God-ward ministers of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The AfterGlow Singers presented a medley of choruses entitled: Since Jesus Came into My Heart.

The General Assembly participants rose to sing: Great is Thy Faithfulness, as led by Pastor Sam Ormeo.

Dr Carl McIntire, President, International Council of Christian Churches, gave a stirring challenge in his Opening Address: "21st Century Reformation" to the 15th General Assembly of FECCC. He recalled the very first statement made by the newly formed ICCC in 1948 confronting the World Council of Churches organized later in 1948. It highlighted the vital differences between the ICCC and the WCC, especially with regard to the ICCC’s determination to uphold the evangelical doctrines built upon the Word of God, the Bible. He urged the members of the FECCC, first assembled in 1951 in Manila, to continue this battle for the faith that was carried through the last century by the ICCC to the 21st Century. Dr McIntire closed the message in prayer.

After some routine announcements, Rev Edwin Ormeo led in the closing Hymn: Jesus Saves.

Rev Dr John Barela closed the session in prayer and pronounced the Benediction.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER SESSION: At 8.30am, the session began with the singing of the Opening Hymn of Praise, Amazing Grace, led by Rev E Ermeo. After the Opening Prayer by Rev M Senina, another hymn Blessed Assurance was sung in preparation for the morning devotional message. Rev E Rivera gave a short and succinct message on "Prayer and Faith" based on Matthew 8:5-10. He told the participants that the prayer of faith is what God wants them to have. They should approach the throne of grace with humility and pray with objective of results. For the rest of the hour, the participants went on their knees to pray for the smooth running of the Conference, for good health and strength for the speakers, the staff of the resort who work tirelessly to make the Conference possible, the financial needs of the Conference, and for the Conferences to be organized in the Year 2000. After this, Pastor Tampo Frances, Dr Glorioso Mijarez and Pastor Valdez Jesse led in a time of public prayer. The prayer session ended with the singing of the Hymn, It is Well with My Soul" led by Rev E Ermeo. ANNOUNCEMENTS seeking volunteers to join the Conference Choir and other matters were made.

At 9.30am, Pastor James Echon led in the singing of the Hymn Onward Christian Soldiers. Then, Rev Tony Dignadice committed the session on Bible Expositions on the theme "A Good Minister of Jesus Christ" to the Lord in prayer. The participants rose to magnify the Lord with the hymn, Stand Up for Jesus. Then, the resident Choir, the AfterGlow Singers, filled the hall with a medley entitled O Hail, the Power of Jesus Name. The magnificent singing ministered to one and all and prepared their hearts to reverently receive the Word of God. Rev Arlene Fidel, Pastor of Manila Baptist Church spoke on "Faithful in Ministering" based on 2 Timothy 4:1-5. He closed the message in prayer and this was followed by the singing of the hymn Make Me a Blessing.

At 10.30am, the Business Session commenced. Rev Quek Kiok Chiang presented several Statements on the issues of the day for the consideration of the 15th General Assembly. The 1st Statement on "Upholding the Word of God" was read and proposed by Rev KC Quek. The proposal to adopt the Statement was seconded By Rev Ernesto Rivera and was adopted by a show of hands. The 2nd Statement on "United Religious Organization (URO)" proposed by Rev KC Quek, was seconded by Rev Antonio Ormeo Sr. The 3rd Statement on "FECCC Entering the 21^st Century" proposed by Rev KC Quek, was seconded by Rev Jacob George. These Statements were adopted in the usual manner.

SPEECH OF WELCOME:

The Governor of the Province of Laguna, Jose Lina, expressed his warm greetings to all participants at the 15th General Assembly of FECCC and extended a warm welcome to the Province of Laguna. He spoke about the Development Program he had undertaken in the Province and that moral recovery program in which the spiritual transformation of the people of Laguna was placed uppermost in his priority. His primary concern is making people know and love Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. He believed that God is faithful to leaders who are committed to Jesus Christ. Praise God for such leaders!

NATIONAL REPORTS: Dr Antolin Zamar, Chairman of the Association of Fundamental Baptist Churches of the Philippines (AFBCP), reported that the Association set the goal in Palawan of making 2000 churches by the year 2000. He then gave a brief report of how the moving of the Holy Spirit brought about the reconciliation of two groups of churches the AFBCP and the Association of Bible Believing Churches of The Philippines (ABBCP) at a big convention held in 1997 in The Philippines. Together, they have more than 2000 churches. Dr E Rivera shared about their concern for the Muslims in Mindanao region and urged all present to attend the Centennial Conference scheduled for May 1-4, 2000. The session ended with a prayer by Dr Mariano Leones, and adjourned for lunch.

FORUM AND DISCUSSION: At 4.00pm, the General Assembly reconvened with the singing of the hymn Who Is on the Lord’s Side? led by Rev Dr Quek Swee Hwa, the Chairman for the session on "Biblical Evangelism and Missions." The purpose of the session was to hear what missionaries and evangelists have been doing in their respective countries. Dr Okman Ki who was from the Glory Bible Presbyterian Church in Seoul pastored by the FEEC President, shared about his work in Nairobi, Kenya among Bible-college students and also about the outreach programs to more than 250 children. At present, his work as a pastor and missionary with Bible-college students in Adelaide, South Australia was so different. Rev Ebenezer Rajkishore shared about his missions program and the pastoral work among 30 families in South India. Rev Jacob George of the Glory Church of Madras, India talked about the Gospel ministry, children’s ministry, hospital and prison ministry, church planting and community development projects carried out by his church. Rev Roberto Geguillana shared about the joys and blessings of his missionary work in Thailand, Cambodia and Shanghai. He also reiterated that being old is not a handicap and that God still used him in church planting in Iloilo, Philippines. Dr Ernesto Rivera gave a report about his mission work in Bohol and also, in Northern Mindanao ministering to the Muslims there. He sought prayer as he planned to start mission work in Surigao, Philippines. Dr Antolin Zamar shared about his humble work in Davao City, Agusan and Bohol and the support given to five of the missionaries there. Miss Adeline Char of Singapore gave a testimony of her mission work in Tretes, Indonesia and in Japan. Dr Quek Swee Hwa shared about his mission work in Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Albania, China and Cambodia; orphanage and Bible schools in Indonesia; and the rehabilitation ministry in Cebu, Philippines. Dr Quek Kiok Chiang, before closing the session in prayer, shared briefly about his mission work in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

At 7.00pm, the Musical Ensemble, together with Rev Ebenezer T Nacita on the trumpet, presented the prelude with the hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness. The night session began with the vibrant singing of the three hymns, Blessed Assurance; O God, Our Help in Ages Past and There Is a Fountain, led by Rev Balm Escobar. Rev Eric Kwan of Singapore said the opening prayer. Rev Minado Lontoc, with his powerful rendition of the song, Thy Lord, drew many hearts closer to the Lord. The AfterGlow Singers, with Dr Quek Swee Hwa conducting, continued to minister to all present with their harmony in rhythm and refrains. The Assembly responded with the singing of the hymn, We’ve a Story to Tell.

Rev Dr Peter C H Hung, his Pastor and two co-workers, the delegation from Taiwan, Republic of China, introduced themselves with a song item entitled How Great Thou Art. Following this, Dr Hung made a video presentation on the aftermath of the recent major earthquake in Taiwan and how the Christian Churches exhorted and motivated the people of Taiwan in the face of national disaster. Then, in his message entitled "The Great Commission of Jesus Christ" (Matthew 28:19-20), he posed the following questions: What is your priority? Why are you here? What are you aiming for? He urged all believers to set their priorities right and "to go and preach the Gospel to every creature." This is our mission from our Lord Jesus Himself. The wars and the disasters that were happening more frequently and severely should move everyone to engage in bringing the Gospel to all nations and people. In order to be a good minister of God, he challenged one and all to labour on and strive to preach the Word of God, for God’s power and presence is with us always.

Rev Balm Escobar led the Assembly in the singing of the hymn O Zion, Haste in response to that message. Indeed, the chorus: Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace, tidings of Jesus, redemption and release filled the air and every heart with zest and enthusiasm. The AfterGlow Singers continued to praise the Lord with two special items: Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I would pray and Praise Jesus’ Precious Name. Elder Dr Lee Soon Tai, President of the Singapore Council of Christian Churches picked up pace and developed the urgency to carry out this Great Commission in his illustrated message on "Update of the End Times." The closing hymn was When Jesus Comes to Reward His Servants and the closing prayer and benediction was pronounced by Rev Geguillana.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER SESSION: Rev Edwin Ormeo led in the singing of the Opening Hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness, following which Rev Rocky Diaz committed the morning session to the Lord in an opening prayer. The participants raised their voices again in the singing of Trust and Obey. Rev Glorioso Mijares preached his devotional message "Wait and Pray" based on the text 1 Kings 18:41-46. Elijah, a good minister of God, gave himself to prayer and ministry of the Word. King David prayed morning, day and night. Paul too prayed consistently. Our success and failure depends entirely on our prayer life. He stressed that prayer is power for Peter was delivered in answer to prayer. We need boldness, but more importantly we need to pray and wait

and not to run ahead of God. Elijah waited with expectation. We need to wait with assurance that God will answer. He urged everyone to be men and women of prayer, sometimes wait in faith, patience, expectation and assurance.

Conference, Caliraya staff, closing Gospel Rally, good weather, good health, and a revival for all at the Conference.

BIBLE EXPOSITION: The 9.30am session started on time with the singing of The Bible Stands and Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart, led by Pastor John Eclarin Jr. Rev Antonio Ermeo prayed for God’s blessings at this Session. After the singing of another hymn, Jesus Saves, Pastor Dave Simone presented a special song of praise. Rev R Collado delivered his message entitled, "Faithful in Preaching." Firstly, preaching is a calling, and we are ‘called by His grace’ (Galatians 1:15-16) to preach. It is a calling that is related to gift, it is for one’s lifetime, and it is a primary ministry (Acts 6:12). Secondly, preaching is a commitment. In 2 Corinthians 11:25-28, Paul kept on preaching in spite of the sufferings he went through, as ‘none of these things moved me.’ Life seemed unimportant as nothing could hinder his teaching, for the sake of the Gospel. Fight the good fight and finish the race. Finally, preaching is a charge to all present as witnessed by God and Jesus Christ. We need to proclaim the Word, ‘the whole counsel of God’ with authority and with clarity. Faithfulness in preaching and teaching the Word of God is the hallmark of a good minister for Jesus Christ. He closed in prayer. Then, Lily Jarata shared a message in songs, I Promised to be Faithful and In the Presence of the Lord. With the singing of the hymn, The Banner of the Cross the Session ended.

BUSINESS SESSION: At 10.30am, Rev. Dr. Quek Kiok Chiang called the Business Session to order.

The following were unanimously elected to serve in the Executive Committee of the FECCC:

Honorary President – Rev. Dr. Carl McIntire; President – Rev. Dr. Choi Kwang Jae;

1st Vice-President – Rev. Dr. Shin Eung Kyung; Executive Secretary – Rev. Dr Quek Kiok Chiang; Assistant Executive Secretary – Rev. Dr. Okman Ki; Recording Secretary – Rev. Dr. Quek Swee Hwa; Assistant Recording Secretaries – Rev Edwin Ermeo, Rev. Park Sang Woo and Elder Kenneth Foong.

The Vice-Presidents and Members of the following Asian countries were also elected: Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan China and Thailand. The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Members of the following Commissions were also elected: Christian Education, Evangelism and Missions, Christian Relief, International Christian Youth (ICY) Advisory Commission, Medical Mission, and Theological Commission. (The names are found in a separate list). Immediately after the Election, the Assembly considered the following Statements and adopted them: Statement on Evangelicals and Catholics Together as proposed by Rev Kwan and seconded by Rev Rivera; Stand on Charismatics as proposed by Rev KC Quek and seconded by Dr. Zamar; Statement on Youth as proposed by Rev KC Quek and seconded by Rev Jacob George; Statement on Role of Missions as proposed by Rev KC Quek and seconded by Dr A Ormeo; and Statement on Moral Standards as proposed by Rev KC Quek and seconded by Rev Geguillana. Dr Carl McIntire closed this Session in prayer.

FORUM AND DISCUSSION: At 4.00pm, Rev Sam Ormeo reconvened the session with the singing of the hymn There’s Power in the Blood. Dr A B Zamar chaired this session on Leadership & Theological Training. Dr Zamar invited participants to give short reports, information, or words of inspiration on the nature and status of leadership and theological training in their respective countries.

The following shared their experiences:

(1) Rev Ebenezer Nacita reported that theological education for the young pastors in The Philippines was difficult. Most of them would have completed high school at the age of 23-25 years and had to go to remote areas to pastor a church. They could not afford the luxury of going to a Bible Institute for further theological education. So Bible Institutes had to design short courses of a few days duration and send the lecturers down to the churches to deliver the programs. In this way, young pastors all over The Philippines were given some opportunities for theological studies.

(2) Pastor James Echon reported how the First Baptist Church was meeting the needs of the times by planting churches in Dubai, Saudi Arabia. He shared about his ministry in giving theological training to leaders in Dubai.

(3) Dr Luz D Nacionales shared with participants about her 40 years of unflinching service to Christian Education. She started the Students Missionary Outreach (SMO) in Metro Manila and as there was a dearth of resource materials she developed the "Source of Light" (started by a missionary in Peru) for use in The Philippines. She introduced her co-workers from The Philippines who would provide more information on the materials that were exhibited in the foyer. ) Rev Dr Peter Hung shared about his efforts in reviewing 66 books in 4 years to be used for Bible Studies in his Theological Seminary in Taiwan.

(5) Rev Dr Quek Swee Hwa shared about his work as Dean of the Biblical Graduate School of Theology in Singapore. The School provides post-graduate training for lay people, professionals and Master degree holders on Biblical Languages, Applied Theology and Biblical Archaeology. Over 350 students attended courses provided and having received sound theological training they returned to their home country to serve.

(6) Rudy Alama shared his concern on how to evangelize to people before Christ comes. He described to all present about his radio program in the Bicol region and how with the help of part-time students tracts were given out.

Rev Sam Ormeo led in the closing hymn, Trust and Obey and Dr M Leones closed the session in prayer.

NIGHT SESSION: The prelude by the Conference Musical Ensemble at 6.45pm brought the people to the Conference Hall and as they played My Tribute, those present spontaneously burst into songs, humming and singing the chorus, To God be the Glory, as a sacrifice of praise unto God.

At 7.00pm, Rev Quek Swee Hwa called the people to worship with "But ye, beloved, building yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 20-21) and committed the session to God in prayer. He led in the singing of Blest be the Tie that Binds and then welcomed all to this night session. After that, Rev Eric Kwan led in the singing of three hymns: All People that on Earth Do Dwell; O God, Our Help in Ages Past and Faith of Our Fathers. The AfterGlow singers presented their item of praise, I Have Seen the Light..

Rev Ebenezer Nacita started his message on "The Defence of the Historic Christian Faith" by reading from Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 7:13-14 and John 14:6 to correct the impression that God was the underdog and needed a defence. He thanked God for the privilege to offer some legitimate and biblical reasons as to why we are defending Biblical Christianity. He encouraged everyone present that God does not need any defence. It was those people who rejected the Gospel of Christ, and those who did not accept the truth of the Gospel, who needed a defence. He affirmed that the Historical Christian Faith was vital and urgent and needed our full attention. For if we ignore the distortions, alterations, additions, subtractions and counterfeiting done by the apostate groups of the ecumenical movement, more would go to the eternal lake of fire. This was the reason why we need to make a defence, so that the pastors and teachers could become more effective in bringing the unsaved to the Lord. It was also the reason why Christian Apologetics took up a special place in Bible seminaries and institutes. He expounded that the components of defence comprise building up a fellowship of like-minded saints, in charging and affirming the Doctrine of the Trinity, of the Deity of Jesus Christ, and of Salvation, all of which had been under fire from all sources. He encouraged all to be watchful, to re-charge ourselves and to re-affirm the tenets of the Historical Christian Faith.

Rev Eric Kwan led in the singing of the hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. The AfterGlow rendered two items of praise unto the Lord. Elder Dr Lee Soon Tai presented his second Illustrated Message on "Emergencies in Rural Areas" by explaining with slides the Advanced Trauma Life Support System. This would be beneficial to pastors and missionary workers in the mountainous and remote areas. He talked about the A, B, C and D of the Life Support System: A for Airways, B for Breathing, C for Circulation and D for Diagnose.

The Night Session ended with the singing of the hymn Go Labour On led by Rev Eric Kwan and the closing prayer was by Rev Edwin Ormeo. After a few announcements, the participants retired for further fellowship and rest. Blessed be the Name of the Lord! (Summary of Daily Proceedings for Nov 4 and 5, 2000 to be continued in the next issue). n