TABLE OF CONTENTS JUNE-DECEMBER 2015

THE GOOD NEWS TIMESGREETINGS

UMC-DOC: INTENTIONAL EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP PATTERN ADOPTED BY PUMC

BREAKING GROUND: NEW PUNO UMC-BULACAN MISSION BUILDING TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION IN 2016

FAITH & ACTION

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GNT JUNE-DECEMBER 2015 STAFF + CONTRIBUTORS:Rev. John B. Manalo / Rose Regalia / Mye Regalia / Cookie Puno /

Angel Rocena / Vanessa Gem Cordova / Joseph Rey Velasquez

Dear beloved Puno UMC Family,

In the spirit of Christmas, I greet you all, leaders and members in this edition of The Good News Times. Your enduring commitment to Gospel witness is truly a blessing and inspiration to other believers.

As a community of faith, you motivate one another to continue to share the love of Christ and do good deeds to encourage one another, by doing acts of kindness and service and by being a good example of Christian living. Continue to give importance to meeting together as God’s people, for the sake of spiritual encouragement and enrichment. Being a vital congregation with many Bright Spots, I hope that all of you are members of CARE Groups where you show compassion and support each other.

I urge you to press on to accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! May more people be brought to faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through your multi-faceted ministries. Let us promote with passion family solidarity through discipleship.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,

and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Hebrews 10:24-25

BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUANRESIDENT BISHOPManila Episcopal Area

The United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference

MANILA EPISCOPAL AREA

Greetings to the people called Methodist of the Puno United Methodist Church.

Twenty seven years of meaningful ministry is a clear manifestation of God’s love for you and

through you. You have a reason to rejoice because you experienced God’s faithfulness. Your

accomplishments and enduring commitment to the Gospel witness is an inspiration not only to the

Quezon City PACE but to the whole Manila Episcopal Area.

Your Anniversary Theme: “Pagkalinga sa Kapwa, Kay Cristo’y Buklod Diwa” is a reflection of

how you fully grasp the social holiness message advocated by Rev. John Wesley, founder of the

Methodist Movement. This is also reflected by your ministries to the community which led the

founding of Puno-Masa UMC and also your continuing ministry to people with disability. Truly, new

life in Christ is not simply one of being good, but of doing good because the law of Christ is about

loving one another.

As dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ, may you remain true to God in humble obedience to Him

and compassionate concern for others. Serve God with passion, share the Gospel with power, true

disciples of Christ who have reverent love for God and caring love for neighbors.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUAN Resident Bishop, MEA President, College of Bishops, PCC

The United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference

MANILA EPISCOPAL AREA

Greetings to the people called Methodist of the Puno United Methodist Church.

Twenty seven years of meaningful ministry is a clear manifestation of God’s love for you and

through you. You have a reason to rejoice because you experienced God’s faithfulness. Your

accomplishments and enduring commitment to the Gospel witness is an inspiration not only to the

Quezon City PACE but to the whole Manila Episcopal Area.

Your Anniversary Theme: “Pagkalinga sa Kapwa, Kay Cristo’y Buklod Diwa” is a reflection of

how you fully grasp the social holiness message advocated by Rev. John Wesley, founder of the

Methodist Movement. This is also reflected by your ministries to the community which led the

founding of Puno-Masa UMC and also your continuing ministry to people with disability. Truly, new

life in Christ is not simply one of being good, but of doing good because the law of Christ is about

loving one another.

As dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ, may you remain true to God in humble obedience to Him

and compassionate concern for others. Serve God with passion, share the Gospel with power, true

disciples of Christ who have reverent love for God and caring love for neighbors.

“Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUAN Resident Bishop, MEA President, College of Bishops, PCC

Greetings

It inspires us knowing that the Sovereign God allows each one of us to be His yoke-fellow in bringing salvation and transformation through the character and relationships of those who truly believe in Him. At this time of the year, we are heading into a time of celebration and joy of togetherness with family and friends. Nowadays, electronic social media makes it easy for us to stay and get connected. But no matter how connected we are electronically, the true essence of fellowship is still not achieved. This is not what God intended for us: Hebrews 10:24-25 says; “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds… meet together and encourage each other.”

Let us constantly encourage each other, therefore, to continue to meet together, to build up one another, to love and do good works, all for the glory of God. While it is easy during this time of year to give in to the commercialism and consumerism of this secularized age, let us never forget the reason for the season, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us, as a local church, meet together and stay updated about each other in more basic ways than electronic media, seeing each other face to face and knowing our Church’s important news, events, and activities. Let us not rely on mere electronic connectedness and lose that basic human connection.

It is such a great joy to witness how Puno UMC has become part of God’s Mighty plan for the advancement of His Kingdom on earth. And we are very grateful to the Lord for your partnership in the ministry of QCPACE. May our Connection remain ever strong through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

God bless His Church.

REV. GILBERT A. CEDILLODistrict SuperintendentQCPACE

The United Methodist Church Manila Episcopal Area

Quezon City Philippines Annual Conference East Northwest District

Mensahe Isang karangalan ang maipaabot ang aming pagbati mula sa kabuuan ng North-west District sa lahat ng manggagawa, pamunuan ng konseho at mga miyembro ng Puno United Methodist Church sa pagdiriwang ng kanyang ika-27 taong pagkakatatag.

Ang inyong pagdiriwang sa taong ito na may temang: “Pagkalinga sa Kapwa, kay Kristo’y Buklod Diwa” na hango sa Galatia 6:2 na nagsasabing “Dalhin ninyo ang mga pasanin ng isa't isa, at sa gayon ay matutupad ninyo ang kautusan ni Cristo”. Ito ay pagpapahayag na ang pananampalataya ng Iglesya ay buhay at kumikilos ayon sa ninanais ng ating Diyos. Sa pamamagitan ng ating paglilingkod sa kapwa at pakikipasan ng dalahin ng bawat isa ay nasasalamin ang wangis ng Panginoong Hesu-Kristo. Sa diwang ito ay patuloy nating binubuo at pinalalago ang Kanyang katawan, ang Iglesya.

Hangarin at dalangin ko ang patuloy na paglago ng Puno United Methodist Church sa mga taon pang darating sa gabay at layunin ng Diyos na buhay .

“Kaya nga, mga minamahal kong kapatid, magpakatatag kayo at huwag matinag. Maging masipag palagi sa paglilingkod sa Panginoon, dahil alam ninyong hindi masasayang ang inyong pagpapagal para sa Kanya”.— 1 Corinto 15:58

Sa Diyos ang lahat ng papuri at pagluwalhati!

Lingkod ni Kristo, Rev. Gilbert A. Cedillo District Superintendent

Greetings PUMC Family!

We are all excited for more of God’s manifestations of goodness and faithfulness in the life of this church.

As brothers and sisters in this church who continue to commune together with compassion, mercy and love, Puno UMC will remain as a community of Christ’s disciples that Praises a living and awesome God, Unifies every believer to observe the Great Commission, and Nurtures everyone to be faithful and fruitful disciples and disciple-makers of Christ that truly Obeys God’s Commandment of loving Him and loving their neighbors.

Because of God’s manifest presence I am optimistic that before the Conference Year 2015-2016 ends we will be hearing more wonderful testimonies of God’s amazing and marvelous works that have happened to this congregation. Let us therefore renew our commitment in serving a great and mighty God. Let us also enjoy the encouragement from one another, worship together, and continue to grow in faith and in love.

Shalom,

REV. MAGUSIG (JOHN) B. MANALO, JR.Administrative Pastor

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (ret.)

We welcome the republication of Good News Times. This newsletter/magazine is part of the colorful history of Puno United Methodist Church. It more than chronicles the spiritual journey of the church and its members. From its inception, it was intended to be a vehicle to glorify the Lord thru the pen of members gifted with the power to write.

It is not easy to cobble the content of the Good News Times considering its divine purpose. If the Good News Times enjoyed a great longitude of time, credit it to the efforts of the late Dra. Myrna Puno Velasquez. She continuously labored as its editor to ensure that it comes out regularly, especially during our church anniversary. She stopped only in December last year, when she joined the Lord. The Times was never in the red under her stewardship and it was a joy watching the Times serving as a laboratory for our budding writers.

There are very few churches with a newsletter/magazine like the Good News Times. Let us congratulate the new staff for reviving Good News Times to praise and glorify the Lord!

In Him,

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno (ret.)Chairperson, Administrative CouncilPuno United Methodist Church

Every year as we celebrate Christmas, I feel God’s outpouring of love. There is that feeling of hope that in spite of hardships we encountered brought by natural calamities, God is faithful to provide us with His care and protection.

Trials come in many forms….one of which is the loss of a loved one. This December 30, 2015, we will remember the passing of my dear wife, Dra. Myrna Puno-Velasquez, a loving and dedicated wife and a caring mother to my sons James and Joseph…our in-house physician 24/7. She had served Puno United Methodist Church with dedication in different capacities and the outreach ministry which was so close to her heart.

Due to her passing, I am almost tempted not to celebrate Christmas the way we used to do. But our loss is incomparable to the FATHER’s loss of His begotten SON whose sacrificial love brought redemption to mankind. Jesus Christ’s birth is the reason we celebrate the season. I was enlightened by the Biblical theme of this year’s GNT issue from Hebrews 10:24-25:

“Let us think about each other and help each other to show loveand do good deeds….meet together and encourage each other.”

As our Christmas gift to our child-friendly Puno UMC and in memory of Dra. MPV whose love to small children never ceases, we have sponsored the CRY ROOM for nursing mothers and toddlers to enable them to join us worship the Lord together at the main sanctuary for we truly believe when Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Renato “Rey” Velasquez Charge Lay Leader

This one’s for you, Mommy. :)

This is the first time we’re doing The Good News Times without you and it feels surreal and different. To a certain extent, though, making this GNT issue is therapeutic; it’s a

part of you that will live on. Happy First Year in Heaven! We love you!

- Rey, James, and Joseph

Dra. Myrna Puno-Velasquez

UMCDOC

INTENTIONAL EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP PATTERN

ADOPTED BY PUMC

ministry. Both UMC clergy and laity should bring back this spirit in the life of the UMC.

John Wesley demonstrated it in his life and ministry, making Methodism a great and effective movement in the 18th Century. Wesley’s very mission was to accomplish the “Great Commission,” preaching to the multitude, teaching his

disciples, and building a strong relationship with them through classes, bands, and societies just like Jesus did. Jesus in His earthly ministry chose twelve men. He loved them, believed in them, and He developed character in them before sending them out to win the lost and make disciples of others. This very pattern is where the UMC DOC was based and founded.

The Disciples of Christ (DOC) Ministry is focusing on the small group ministry patterned after John Wesley’s bands and classes wherein each member of the group is accountable to one another; the goal is to make sure that Wesley’s “three simple rules” (Do no harm; do good; and stay in love with God) were being practiced and each one in the class or band is living in accordance to God’s commandments – “to love God and to love our neighbours.” This small group became a regular venue for fellowship, sharing of God’s Word, and caring and praying for each other’s burdens. This made classes and bands a place for growth and maturity as Christian believers. The DOC Ministry is about Christ’s way of life which He exemplified while in His earthly

In the 2012 UMC Book of Discipline under Paragraph 218, “Growth in Faithful Discipleship”– Faithful membership in the local church is essential for personal growth and for developing deeper commitment to the will and grace of God. As members involve themselves in private and public prayer, worship, the sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving, and holy discipline, they grow in their appreciation of Christ, understanding of God at work in history and the natural

order, and an understanding of themselves.

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Puno UMC started this with the Church Council members. On July 18, 2015 the UMC DOC Downloading was conducted at PUMC with 27 individuals participating. The event was an introduction to this ministry focusing on its Vision, Purpose, Goal and Core Values. An overview regarding the system and strategy was also discussed. The objective of this was to encourage the members of the Church Council to organize the Primary Care Group and schedule their regular Care Group meetings. On August 15, a One-day Seminar called “Flame Starter” was held at PUMC in preparation for the 3-day “Heart Warming Experience” Retreat. There were 22 individuals from PUMC and 9 from Puno-Bulacan Mission, as well as 14 more from the Northwest District’s Cluster 1 Churches who joined. On August 20 to 22, the 3-day Retreat – “Heart Warming Experience” was held at Fairview Park UMC with 18 individuals from PUMC and 43 from other churches of Cluster 1 of the QCPACE Northwest District participating. The first meeting of the PUMC’s Primary Care Group for this Conference Year was also started last November 10, 2015,

which was attended by 9 people.

By the end of Conference Year 2015-2016, we are confident that through the UMC DOC ministry’s consolidation to the existing Nurture-Outreach-Witness (NOW) Ministries of PUMC, the evangelism and discipleship process of the church will be strengthened and implemented.

Rev. John B. Manalo

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In 2012, Puno UMC’s second Mission Church located in Barangay Sto. Cristo, San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan was founded and held its first-ever Worship Service at the compound of Ed and Eva Laureano. Since then, the Bulacan Mission Center has steadily grown in membership, in its Ministries, and, last October 25, 2015, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at a 620 square meter lot where a new building will be built, all for God’s glory.

Leaders and members from both the Bulacan Mission and Puno UMC Congregations attended the event, as well as QCPACE District Superintendent Rev. Gilbert Cedillo and several representatives from the Bulacan District. The Bulacan Mission Praise and Worship Team also led in singing songs glorifying and thanking God for this breakthrough, with Rev. John Manalo

Breaking Ground:NEW PUNO UMC-BULACAN MISSION BUILDING TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION IN 2016

delivering the Message. The dedication was followed by the groundbreaking ceremony, participated by Council officers and lay people from both PUMC and the Bulacan Mission Center.

Purchased last May 2015, the lot will be home to a two-storey church building, with construction beginning in January 2016. The building will house a parsonage and office rooms at its ground floor, while the upper level becomes the new church sanctuary. Also to be built is the UMC Civic Center, a multi-purpose building.

It is an exciting time as we continue to witness the development of the Bulacan Mission Center. From its humble beginnings, the church is on the path of growth and fruitfulness, bringing more people to Christ and equipping its members with God’s Word.

Breaking Ground:

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“L e t u s t h i n k a bou t e a ch o t h e r a nd h e l p e a ch o t h e r t o s how l o v e a nd d o g o od d e ed s . . . mee t t o g e t h e r a nd encou rage e a ch o t h e r.”

Heb r ews 10 : 24-25

Puno UMC’s Ministries, following the Great Commandment of loving God and loving our neighbor, can be summed up in the Bible verse stated above. Let’s take a look at how God

used PUMC to advance His Kingdom during the first half of Conference Year 2015-2016.

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THE CHURCH COUNCILBefore each Conference Year starts, the Church Council convenes to discuss and deliberate the strengths and areas of improvement in the various Ministries of Puno UMC. Plans are consolidated, implemented, and are regularly checked through Council Meetings, organization-specific meetings, and seminars. Each lay organization, each Ministry, is part of a larger body that aims to glorify God and introduce Him to more and more people, so the Council must work together constantly toward that common goal.

PRAYER INTERCESSIONPrayer is our hotline to God. While we can always pray individually, prayers become more powerful when brothers and sisters pray together for a common cause. Puno UMC has long been in the Ministry of prayer intercession, having a dedicated group of prayer intercessors present during different events held inside and outside Puno UMC. Our intercessors listen to our needs and requests and pray for and with us.

LET US THINK ABOUT EACH OTHER

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LET US THINK ABOUT EACH OTHER

WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC:EXPERIENCING GODLast November 1, 2015, the Puno UMC Music Ministry presented Worship Through Music: Experiencing God, where the congregation did indeed experience God and heard His Word through voice and melody. Our departed loved ones were remembered and honored in an intimate ceremony within the event, and also through powerful testimonies.

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HELP EACH OTHER TO SHOW LOVE

BE A FAMILYAdopt A Family which has evolved into Be A Family has been going strong for the last nine years helping the underprivileged in the community feel the love of God through prayer and sharing God’ Word during our quarterly fellowships. Our church aims to let them grow in the love and compassion of Jesus.

FELLOWSHIPSUMYF, UMYAF, UMM, and the UMWSCS hold their group fellowships, enjoy their time together in Christian bond, pray for each other, share each other’s joys and pains, all for the love of Jesus.

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DO GOOD DEEDS

MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND OPTICAL MISSIONThe Medical and Dental Mission is an anniversary event under Outreach Ministry collaborated by Witness Ministry through individual and group prayer evangelism and Nurture Ministry through communications. This tradition has been a powerful connection of the church to our community, reaching out to them in ways Jesus modeled for us.

FEEDING PROGRAMThe feeding program under the Outreach Ministry and is done on a monthly basis is another way of reaching out to the children around our community, particularly in the Calayo compound, where these kids are also taught to value life through nutritious eating.

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MEET TOGETHER

CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONWe continue to expand our Biblical knowledge through various Bible Study and Sunday School groups. The great thing about Christian Education is that there are classes for all age groups, from “baby” Christians to those seeking more constructive discussions and discourse. CE Month was also celebrated where members testified on how Christian Education has influenced them and allowed them to learn more about the Lord, while fun Bible quizzes were also held for the congregation.

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MEET TOGETHER

TODAY GOD IS FIRSTPuno UMC reaches out to young people outside the confines of the church building through the TGIF (Today God is First), a Friday youth gathering held at Polytechnic University of the Philippines where young people learn more about God through preaching, fun activities, testimonies, and praise and worship.

WORSHIP SERVICEAs we gather every Sunday for Worship Service, we open our hearts and minds and welcome God’s presence as He imparts His wisdom and love to us through our pastors, speakers, testifiers, choirs, and worship team. Currently, we have two Worship Services (9:30AM and 4:00PM).

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MEET TOGETHER

WORSHIP NIGHTNow more than two years strong, quarterly Worship Nights held throughout the year (every first Saturday of March, June, September, December) where praise, prayer, and God’s power are on full display. The Praise & Worship Team, together with our pastors and prayer intercessors, lead the congregation to an hour-long intimate worship gathering with significant time allotted for prayer and words of knowledge and encouragement.

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MEET TOGETHER

28TH ANNIVERSARYGod has been good to Puno UMC. We celebrated our 28th Anniversary last October 11, remembering the Church’s rich and Spirit-filled history, while also looking forward to more years of Ministry ahead. Songs of praise and worship, congratulatory messages, and a powerful message highlighted the service, while we capped off the Anniversary Sunday with a church-wide luncheon at the DAHHA basketball court.

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ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

ABLAZE CONFERENCE 2015Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom -- freedom from sin, sickness, shame, pain and defeat. We are free to be whom God called us to be, His children living victoriously, miraculously and supernaturally.

Last October 24, 2015, hundreds gathered at the GT Toyota Center in UP Diliman for the 2015 ABLAZE Holy Spirit Conference, where God’s awesome power was felt through healings, words of knowledge, and promises. More of you, Lord!

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ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

WINDWATCHThe wind blows wherever it pleases and always carries us to greater heights of glory. Puno UMC continues to hold the Windwatch midweek prayer gathering every Thursday night, where we gloriously experience God’s love, presence and power through the Holy Spirit. The congregation continues to learn more about God’s Word, lessons, and promises and they are also given the opportunity to speak about His goodness through their testimonies and intercessory prayers.

SPECIAL SUNDAYS + HOME VISITATIONSWe celebrate God’s love for us expressed through the different people in our lives. Relatives, teachers, lay organizations, and church workers alike are given recognition on these special Sundays, where they are showered with love and gratitude. We also become Christ’s very hands and feet as we reach out to everyone who needs His touch through home visitations. Thank You, Lord, for blessing us to be a blessing to others!

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A digital copy of The Good News Times

is available athttp://issuu.com/punoumc

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SPECIAL THANKS TO:Andres FamilySagun Family

Mr. Emmanuel Puno & Family

We come to your throne of grace with thanksgiving as the Puno United Methodist Church celebrates their 28th Founding Anniversary. Pour out your Holy Spirit to impart fresh revelations as they enter another season in their life as a church. Let your power fall upon them that they can courageously overcome every challenge they will face. Tip the bowls of heaven for a mighty outpouring of your blessings. Declare your favor and display your goodness to them. Increase their influence for a lasting impact in the lives of many others. Honor their faith, prayers and hard work in the ministry. Let them reap in abundance what they have diligently sown. Renew their strength and refresh their spirits as they continue to partake in your glorious ministry. Remind them of your trustworthy promise that those who suffer with you shall indeed share in the bounty of your glory! Let your anointing fall upon them, your presence surround them and your power sustain them as they fulfill their God-ordained destiny. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Life Growth Christian Network Inc. 7 t h F l o o r J V To w e r , 3 4 S c o u t R e y e s Q C

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the 28th Anniversary of Puno United Methodist Church

We come to your throne of grace with thanksgiving as the Puno United Methodist Church celebrates their 28th Founding Anniversary. Pour out your Holy Spirit to impart fresh revelations as they enter another season in their life as a church. Let your power fall upon them that they can courageously overcome every challenge they will face. Tip the bowls of heaven for a mighty outpouring of your blessings. Declare your favor and display your goodness to them. Increase their influence for a lasting impact in the lives of many others. Honor their faith, prayers and hard work in the ministry. Let them reap in abundance what they have diligently sown. Renew their strength and refresh their spirits as they continue to partake in your glorious ministry. Remind them of your trustworthy promise that those who suffer with you shall indeed share in the bounty of your glory! Let your anointing fall upon them, your presence surround them and your power sustain them as they fulfill their God-ordained destiny. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Life Growth Christian Network Inc. 7 t h F l o o r J V To w e r , 3 4 S c o u t R e y e s Q C

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the 28th Anniversary of Puno United Methodist Church

We come to your throne of grace with thanksgiving as the Puno United Methodist Church celebrates their 28th Founding Anniversary. Pour out your Holy Spirit to impart fresh revelations as they enter another season in their life as a church. Let your power fall upon them that they can courageously overcome every challenge they will face. Tip the bowls of heaven for a mighty outpouring of your blessings. Declare your favor and display your goodness to them. Increase their influence for a lasting impact in the lives of many others. Honor their faith, prayers and hard work in the ministry. Let them reap in abundance what they have diligently sown. Renew their strength and refresh their spirits as they continue to partake in your glorious ministry. Remind them of your trustworthy promise that those who suffer with you shall indeed share in the bounty of your glory! Let your anointing fall upon them, your presence surround them and your power sustain them as they fulfill their God-ordained destiny. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!

Life Growth Christian Network Inc. 7 t h F l o o r J V To w e r , 3 4 S c o u t R e y e s Q C

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the 28th Anniversary of Puno United Methodist Church