ARM

Reports From Ernesto Alocelja -- ARM Prison Chaplain in the Philippines

August, 2005

On July 26, 2005, the ARM Team was in Maa City jail, doing the regular schedule of Bible Fellowship. Praise God! One female inmate and 3 male inmates accepted Christ and ready for the schedule of Baptism. At the same time we distributed Large Print Bibles from Lutheran Braille Workers, for the new converts. Next time we are requested to conduct livelihood seminar for the inmates to help them support their living when they are released from jail.

People have been so encouraged because of the Jail Ministry of the ARM Prison Outreach International that a church has been established as brethren have learned to give and churches have received because of ARM Prison Outreach in the Philippines. We are now distributing Large Print Bibles to the inmates and some of them to the Brethren. We are very thankful for the endorsement of Bro. Rod Farthing to LBW, Inc. We have received supplies of Large Print Materials from LBW, Inc. Today arrived 2 boxes of Large Print Materials. Every Wednesday the brethren of the Church of Christ at Aplaya -- where most of the ARM Team and volunteers fellowshipping -- are Praying for you, for your health and safety travel around the world. We are praying also your staff, personnel, Board of Directors and Branch Ministries around the World.

The Church of Christ at Aplaya is a 5 month old congregation established by the ARM Philippine Team. Temporarily we are worshipping at the extension of our rented house in Lapu-lapu superhighway, Barangay Aplaya, Digos City. Our Regular time of worship is 5:00 - 6:30 PM and our regular attendance 35-40.

August 13, 2005 -- We baptized 2 detainees @ Panabo City Jail and one accepted Christ and ready for baptism this coming September 17, 2005.

On August 14, 2005 after 1.5 hours gospel Presentation we baptized 7 detention prisoners and 13 came forward for baptism this coming September 18, 2005.

On August 15, 2005, we conducted a gospel fellowship @ Compostela Valley Provincial Rehabilitation Center. After the Presentation 17 accepted Christ and ready for baptism this coming September 19, 2005.

Then we proceed to Tagum City Jail @ Canocotan, Tagum City. We have a very lively Gospel Singing and Bible Exposition. Some of the Guards and Female inmates attended the Gospel Fellowship and Presentation. They are very happy and thankful of the ARM Ministries and Jail Visitation. According to the Jail Management. The Presence of the ARM Philippines Team a great Contribution for the Rehabilitation of their Prisoners.

We are scheduled to South Cotabato especially in Gensan reformatory center.

July, 2005

7-20-05 After lunch at Tagum Church of Christ, the team moved to Davao Provincial Rehabilitation Center and conducted 2-hour Bible exposition, singing, and Bible sharing with the inmates. We had a very lively Gospel presentation and discussion in the Bible. One of the inmates said "I'm very willing to be Baptize, but how and where I should be Baptized?" This question touched our hearts and we were very proud to inform them that we have a collapsible Baptistry from USA to Bring in where we could performed the baptism. After the announcement, 5 inmates committed to Christ and ready for baptism. Thanks for the sponsors of two collapsible baptistries for the ARM Philippines Team! A convenient device for soul winning in Prisons.

During this 2 hours of Gospel Fellowship at DPRC, the Brethren from Camuning Church of Christ were our guest performers, leading the singing and contributing special music. Their presence and participation encouraged the inmates. How wonderful when we are united working together for proclaiming the word of the Lord to the incarcerated.

Very early in the morning of July 18, 2005 the team woke up and packed up the things needed -- especially the Collapsible Baptistry -- and hired transportation to Compostela Valley Provincial Rehabilitation Center. Inmates overcrowdedly pushed each other just to see the installation of the Baptistry. Today God Rejoiced for the immersion of 37 inmates at ComVal Provincial Jail. Bro. Romeo A. Ebale, officiated the baptism and Bro. Ronnie Calihanan, minister of Camuning Church of Christ gave the Brief advice, counselling, and short sermon for the new converts.

7-22-05 Today the ARM Team in the Philippines rejoiced and very excited upon receiving the 4 boxes contents Large Print Bibles from the Old Testament (New International Version) sent by L.B.W. This materials are very necessary for the growth in the knowledge of Jesus words.

June, 2005

Greetings in Christ's most wonderful name. Please be informed that we received the 2 collapsible baptistries yesterday at 1:30 PM. The almost one year of waiting was ended when we opened the box. Our hearts filled with excitement and tears of Joy flowed upon our eyes. The whole team rejoiced of God's Blessings of this portable and handy baptistries. The arrival of these two baptistries are very timely because this coming May 31, we baptized 4 female inmates and 9 male inmates at Maa City Jail at the same time. One of the women was named Kim. When she came out from the baptistry tears of joy overflowed from her eyes. This young lady was abandoned and neglected by her Family and no one visited her. Now she is very happy because she knows that God and Jesus is with him always at her side to comfort her in the absence of her love ones and family.

The ARM Ministry Team conducted a one day special activity at GENSAN Reformatory Center, Lanton Gen. Santos City in collaboration to the ARM Philippines 2nd Anniversary Celebration on June 14, 2005. One of the object that attracted themselves is the collapsible baptistry. They appreciated very much our portable and comfortable baptistry. This is the first of its kind in Mindanao. I thank God and the People who donated this very handy instrument that help made easy our work for the Lord. During the invitation 17 inmates --male and female-- came forward with tears accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. On June 19, we rejoiced as 42 inmates accepted Christ with tears at Compostela Valley Provincial Rehabilitation Center. All of them are scheduled to be baptized on July 17 and 18.

April, 2005

Feb. 28: The spirit of the Lord moved upon the face of BJMP - Digos City Compound and overcome the power of darkness inside the City Jail because of the Baptism of 25 inmates. One of them is Conchita Permangil - the victim of Drugs. She was touched by the Gospel and turned her life to Christ. God rejoiced for the souls converted into Christ today.

Mar. 20: The ARM Philippine Team was able to extend the work to Davao del Norte Province. Today is the start of Jail Ministry at Davao Rehabilitation Center one of the largest rehabilitation centers in Mindanao. Bro. Regie Loh Maranan was our active youth leader at Digos City Church of Christ in the 90's. But after he got married, he became a backslider for more than 10 years. No one was able to follow up on him in Tagum City, the place where he is working as Provincial Comelec Computer Technician. His office is now located beside Davao del Norte Provincial Jail now called Davao Provincial Rehabilitation Center.

It is a blessing in disguise when the team was in Tagum to negotiate the Provincial Jail. In this City we were able to visit them and he encouraged us in our Jail Ministry and promised to help us. At this point, he became active in Tagum Church of Christ and appointed deacon of this congregation.

Bro. Regie Loh Maranan is God's instrument in the opening of Prison Ministry at "Davao Rehabilitation Center" and the ARM ministry there. He is helping us in gathering used clothing for the inmates. He is giving us food to eat and place to sleep each time we are in Tagum City. And above all he committed himself to work with us voluntarily within his territory according to his availability.

Mar. 26: The ARM Philippine team Baptized 12 inmates at Panabo City District Jail. This month all Jail Management was on red alert because of the riot lead by the Pentagon (Muslim Terrorists) at Taguig City Jail that killed guards and hundreds of detainees. God's Holy Spirit prevailed-- this problem inside jails did not stop the baptism of these 12 inmates at Panabo City District Jail on March 26, 2005.

Sunday, Feb. 6 -- Greetings in Christ's most precious name. The ARM Prison Ministry at Provincial Rehabilitation Center was suspended in December, 2004 because of dangerous threat of the most wanted kidnappers for ransom gang known as the Pentagon Group. Their threat is to get by force their 17 companions detained in the Big Cell of P.R.C. They are Muslim terrorists.

The Arm forces of the Philippines put up a double barricade at the entrance of P.R.C. compound to protect the detainees and re-enforce the Provincial Guards. This week the ARMY Barricades were removed and all religious workers were given the "go" signal to resume their programs.

Praise God! Yesterday the ARM Prison Ministry inside was resumed. Inmates and Guards shouted and leapt for joy for the 2nd opportunity given to us to conduct Biblical Services inside. One thing very unusual during our re-opening yesterday-- one of the member of the Pentagon inside attended the Gospel Service - a Muslim lady. She said; "I want to become a Christian."

The inmates at Gensan Reformatory Center very excited that the Lutheran Braille Workers could send us a Large Print Bibles. Everyone are very excited to own one of this.

Editor's Note: This email network facilitated the connection with the Lutheran Braille Workers organization and led to these inmates having God's Word in large print in their own language. Praise God!

The ARM Philippines Team were in Panabo City Jail on Saturday, February 12, 2005. During the 2 hours of Gospel Presentation, Bro. David Domingo taught the inmates the very simple Gospel Plan of Salvation. After the lecture, we allow them to ask questions concerning the topic. Many questions were asked, and praise God, through the help of the Holy Spirit the we were able to answer all questions satisfactorily.

After the Open forum Bro. Ernesto O. Alocelja gave his life history and testimony and extend the invitation. During the calling the Holy Spirit touched the hearts of the inmates. There were 23 inmates who came forward accepting Christ with tears. They made a great decision in their lives to be baptized very soon.

On Feb. 14, after our 2 hour Bible Study, 3 female inmates and 27 male inmates accepted Christ. They are scheduled to be baptized on February 28, 2005 at BJMP-Digos City.

January 2005

Greetings in Christ's most Blessed name! The name above every name.

On December 25, 2004 / 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bro. Ernesto O. Alocelja was invited as a Guest Speaker at Mua-an Church of Christ Thanksgiving Celebration. During the invitation two souls came forward after the fellowship Lunch and 3 were baptized at Matingao River near the Church.

On December 27, 2004 / 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM The ARM Philippine Team Conducted a special Christmas Presentation at BJMP - Digos City. The half day activities composed of Singing, Praising, Bible Exposition, Prayers, the Memory Verse Contest, and the Awarding of Prizes, Gifts Distribution and Snacks.

The Amazing Part of the Program is the Memory Verse Contest because Contestants able to give unbelievable Numbers of Memory verses: Dominic Blanco, 1st Prize winner gave 250 memory verses. Arman Villanueva, 2nd Prize winner gave 150 memory verses and Rowin Maruya, 3rd place and gave 44 Memory verses.

On December 28, 2004 / 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The ARM Philippine Team sponsored a Free Medical Clinic at Maa City Jail under the Medical Missions of Dr. Titus Bantiles of Cebu City. The Inmates were so blessed and 120 inmates were served.

On December 30, 2004 Bro. Ernesto O. Alocelja was invited as a Guest Speaker at Cabadiangan Lupon Church of Christ in Davao Oriental Province. After the Thanksgiving lunch, 4 young people were immersed at Irrigation Canal in front of the Church building.

On January 01, 2005, The ARM Philippine Team Celebrated the New Year's Fellowship Together with their families and volunteers at Aplaya Beach, Digos City. A very successful fellowship with prayers for our 2005 activities.

The ARM Philippine Team are very happy and excited to inform you that yesterday we opened a new Jail Ministry at Magsaysay District Jail in the Province of Davao del Sur. We are given a regular schedule -- every Friday 1:00 - 3:00 PM and we started our Gospel Presentation on January 20. The inmates were very attentive and receptive to the Gospel Presentation. The Guards on Duty attended also to the Gospel Presentation and thankful for the ARM Philippines Religious Program inside their Jail Compound. After the 2-hour program, the deputy Warden offered us free snacks.

We are now completing one year of Christian work at Maa City Jail. We have discipled 50 - 60 inmates at this jail. On January 25 we were requested by jail management to renew our contract of having religious programs in this City Jail. The Management is very willing to give us another one year contract and continue gospel presentations for the inmates because they appreciate very much the style of ARM Philippines Gospel Presentation. Please Pray for our 2005 Religious Operation at Maa City Jail.

"To God be the Glory"

December, 2004

The ARM Philippines Team conducted a Christmas Presentation at General Santos City Reformatory Center on Dec. 14, 2004. Our attendance was 53 males and 3 females. San Isidro and Lagao Churches of Christ joined the program and donated juice and snacks. The Metro Dadiangas Church of Christ assisted by providing gifts for the personal needs of the inmates. We also held a one day Christmas Presentation for the male and female inmates at Maa City Jail Davao City. The Voice of Love Band gave a musical concert and almost 1000 attended. They were very excited and very happy. According to them the best gift they received was the musical and Biblical exposition. We prepared food and snacks for all. We distributed gifts and offered prayers for the inmates and Jail Management. There are four souls who came forward and accepted Christ with tears of joy.

November, 2004

On October 24, 2004 the ARM Philippine Team immersed 3 souls for Christ at Aplaya Beach, Digos City. The three baptized souls include: 1. Bro. Henry Abad, inmates friend 2. Sis. Marites Taluba, inmates niece 3. Bro. Joel Camerino, inmates cousin.

On October 28, 2004 the ARM Philippine Prison Ministry sponsored a one day Program in Celebration of 10th annual National Correctional Consciousness Week.

OUR PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES:
1. Free Medical Clinic by Dr. Titus Bantiles Medical Team        8:00AM-1:00PM
2. Free Dental Clinic by Region 12                              8:00AM-1:00PM
3. Bible Exposition & Singing Praises                            1:00PM-2:00PM
4. Preaching Contest                                             2:00PM-3:00PM
5. Singing Contest                                               3:00PM-4:00PM
6. Snacks for the inmates,guards & personnel                     4:00PM-5:00PM

During the Medical & Dental Clinic we were able to examine 100 inmates and distributed free medicines to more than 30 guards & personnel plus 25 of their children, relatives, and some 40 friends and neighbors. Our Bible exposition, singing and preaching are very successful. Thanks be to GOD for the success of the Program.

October, 2004

Greetings in Christ's most wonderful Name. The ARM Prison Outreach International in the Philippines baptized 9 of the most notorious prisoners at "Provincial Rehabilitation Center" Matti, Digos City on October 9, 2004. One of them who had killed his wife but God's word turned his life to Christ. The baptismal service was administered by the ARM Philippines team assisted by 2 young female students of Mindanao Christian Foundation College and Seminary and One youth volunteer.

The ARM Prison Ministry in the Philippines baptized 13 inmates at BJMP - Digos City on October 18, 2004. Two of them were females. The Baptism was done at BJMP in the new permanent baptistry. Bro. Fructouso Palomo and Bro. Roger M. Filaro-- New Minister of Tacul Church Of Christ-- counseled the 13 new Christians.

We are very happy for the release of JUN REY BAISAC at BJMP - Digos City on October 14, 2004. He had been one of the most dangerous inmates detained at Digos City District jail. The power of the Gospel captured his life from the darkness and he turned to Jesus. On July 21, 2003 he confessed Christ and was immersed together with 54 inmates on July 28, 2003.

Now released, he worshipped on October 17, 2004 with us at Digos City Church Of Christ together with his cousin. God's Spirit was working that Sunday and his cousin accepted Christ during the invitation and is scheduled to be baptized this October 24, 2004 at Aplaya Beach, Digos City. Now Jun Rey is looking for job -- please pray for him.

September, 2004

On August 23, 2004 the ARM Philippine team immersed 24 inmates at BJMP Digos City. At 1 pm we came to BJMP Digos City to performed our regular weekly Gospel presentation but instead of doing our usual schedules of cell by cell Bible studies and prayer fellowship some of the inmates requested baptism. After hours of waiting baptism was administered to 24 detainees. Praise God for the 24 souls baptized into Christ!

August, 2004

On the afternoon of July 26, 2004 the ARM Philippines Team baptized 19 inmates at BJMP Digos City! Bro. Solomon Suscano served as the officiating Minister. We are very happy to let you know that the ARM Philippines Prison Ministry now extends to Region XII. On July 30, 2004 our permit to conduct Gospel Fellowship was approved at General Santos City Reformatory Center and we received a go signal to start coming in August. Please Pray for our new jail ministry in this city.

July 31, 2004 the ARM Philippines team baptized 17 inmates at Provincial Rehabilitation Center Matti, Davao del Sur. Bro. David Domingo officiated and was assisted by some of the inmates already members of the Church Of Christ who were "trustee" detainees. To God be the Glory for the additional souls Converted to Christ at PRC! Thank you very much, God Bless!