The camp, with its wide open spaces and towering talisay and mango trees, is far from the hustle and bustle of the big city of Davao. The serene, peaceful setting made it a conducive environment for meditating and communing with God, as well as for fellowshipping and rejoicing with brethren who were gathered for the same purpose.

We were privileged to have with us our senior pastor, Mr. David Dobson and his wife Denise, during the first half of the Feast. This added a dose of spiritual nourishment in the form of uplifting and fulfilling messages for all to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) as our theme of this year’s Feast. Mr. Kubik’s message encouraged God’s people to press toward the mountain of the Lord, the center of God’s government in the coming Kingdom.

The weather was beautiful with warm sunny days—from day one to the Eighth Day. This allowed members to truly enjoy the daily morning services and afternoon activities with events tailored for the family. The youth and singles had a forum hosted by Mr. Dobson. There were also field games for both old and young during the family sports day.

The brethren’s fellowship with each other started early in the morning, where hot chocolate drinks and hot bread were served. In addition to breakfast and lunch, we had daily afternoon snacks, tropical fruits and native delicacies, and the fellowship extended till dinner in the evening.

We were the humble beneficiaries of God’s mercy when He spared us from the possible consequence of the magnitude six earthquake that occurred during our Festival Show, causing the disruption and rescheduling of the same activity on the evening after the weekly Sabbath of Oct. 19. His loving care and generosity to His people was very much evident.

This year’s celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day will again linger in our memories as another “best Feast ever.” With all that God allowed us to enjoy this year, we gave honor and glory to Him by singing our parting song, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” The Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth day were truly a foretaste of the wonderful world ahead!