ACCPHIL Christmas Party
Filipinos like their parties. First we went to the ACCPHIL (Association of Christian Churches in the Philippines) pastor's Christmas party. There were lots of smiles, laughter, and lots of games that involved sorting people quickly...by sir name..by first name...by province (which for me I guess would be Pasco county)...by favorite cartoon character alphabetically. I didn't really understand all the games, but I did enjoy watching the pastor's and their families enjoy one another. We (Eberts and the Abells) were able to provide the pig for the party so I think I can officially claim ownership of a pig even though it was for a short time. It was roasted in typical Filipino fashion and delicious as always. There were other items provided by the families all were very enjoyable along with the sweets!
CBSIS Christmas Party
This evening we attended the CBSIS (Center for Biblical Studies Institute and Seminary) student Christmas party. Their theme was "throwback" Christmas so they were dressed in clothes that represented different time eras. They had a meal there that included traditional Filipino fare. They also had many games that they seemed to enjoy. They exchanged gifts by class. I was the invited speaker for the evening and spoke from Luke 2:8-20, the shepherd's story from the Christmas narrative. After the short message, they resumed their games which lasted late into the evening. I am excited about these students' future ministry. They are the future pastors and Christian workers for the Philippines. When I travel here, I get to see every iteration of what God is doing through this ministry. Last week the conference we taught was hosted Pastor Posadas, now elderly, an early graduate of CBSIS. Tonight we were with students yet to find their place in ministry. It is all part of the thirty-year history of God's work at the Hilltop. I am so grateful for the small part he has given us in it.
