United Church of God

2017 Feast of Tabernacles: Davao, Mindanao, Philippines 

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2017 Feast of Tabernacles

Davao, Mindanao, Philippines 

There were 226 attendees who registered, including two visitors from Australia. We were blessed with the presence of our assistant senior pastor in the Philippines, David Dobson, who was visiting with his wife, Denise. Their spiritual contribution left us all uplifted. They were here for the first half of the Feast.

The weather was beautiful with warm, sunny days from day one to the end of the Feast, which allowed members to truly enjoy.

In addition to the daily morning services, afternoon activities included livelihood workshops; children, youth and singles activities; a seniors’ social; a family sports day with fruit festival and native delicacies; a Bible study on the Sabbath afternoon conducted by Mr. Dobson; and our foreign guests toured the Philippine Eagle Park, the country’s bird sanctuary.

One of the highlights of the Feast was the variety show. Each congregation did an outstanding job in providing an evening of entertainment for the festival attendees. This event is one of the most memorable parts of the Feast.

The Davao Feast venue fostered closeness and unity as the Feastgoers stayed in one area exclusive to the brethren. The brethren ate meals together in the cafeteria, which provided a wonderful opportunity for more fellowship.

Our festival theme, “Understanding Suffering in Order to Rejoice,” was well expounded by Victor Kubik in his festival message. The festival theme encouraged us to keep our focus on the wonderful world tomorrow, when everyone will dwell in peace and harmony and where human suffering will have become a thing of the past.

At the end of the Feast before we leave the hall, we all sang a parting song, “For the Beauty of Earth.” Most of the brethren were deeply touched and were in tears. We truly felt like members of one large family anxiously looking forward to our next festival reunion. We earnestly pray God speed that day!