To the brethren of the International Assemblies of the Firstborn. Greetings in the marvelous name of Jesus! The new year presents our assembly with a celebratory time at the annual convention as we come together for the 86th anniversary of our beloved organization. Incrementally, eighty-six may not be a monumental number, like eighty or ninety, but I am not certain that … [Read more...]
Bring Good News
Dear Brethren, “…I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David; a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 10: 10b-11 NIV This Christmas season and into the new year let us continue to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was given to us because God so loved the … [Read more...]
Lift Up the Standard – Ministerial Conference 2017
Greetings Brothers and Sisters in the Lord! It's that time of the year which we call Harvest; a time where churches should be involved in evangelism and outreaches; praying the Lord of the harvest send out the laborers, and welcoming newcomers to our church events and fellowship. It's always exciting to witness new believers take a step of faith in baptism for it reminds us … [Read more...]
Philippines Trip CE
My visit to the Philippines for two weeks in the latter part of June to July was both for business and pleasure. It was business because I must be “about my Father’s business,” to share the gospel. It was pleasurable to see my relatives. For the trip, Pastor Wayne and our daughter, Brenna came along. The two weeks were filled with activities: visiting relatives and … [Read more...]
Empowered to be Bold – Convention 2017
Brethren, Greetings in His most excellent name! I was awestruck at the overwhelming flow of the Holy Spirit's presence at this year's convention in Elk Grove, California. I anticipated something refreshing would take place, but I had no idea what God would do in the hearts of His people. The psalmist writes "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell … [Read more...]
In Loving Memory
Brethren, Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to "the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven." This week we heard the news that one of the great pillars, consummate leader, and long time minister of our beloved organization, Reverend Emeliano Valle Jr. has graduated and is now in the presence of the Lord. … [Read more...]
Exceeding the Vision – International Convention 2017
Brethren, Greetings in His glorious name! I just returned home from attending the International Convention and Leadership Summit in the Philippines. We have had international conventions in the past, but for the first time we had a unique gathering of delegates from all over the globe! I was blessed with great joy to meet and revisit the superintendents from our new … [Read more...]
New Year 2017
Brethren, Happy New Year and Greetings in the joy and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ! I welcome this new year with great enthusiasm, and with a great sigh of relief. I hope your past year in ministry fared well but I experienced something that deeply challenged me spiritually and I am grateful it now remains in the past. The Prophet Isaiah wrote, The Lord says, Forget … [Read more...]
The Heart of Christmas
Brethren, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" We've arrived at the most wonderful, and busiest, time of the year! Our churches have already began preparations with the anticipation and excitement of childlike wonder. We willingly participate in church decorating, choir practices, and play rehearsals so we can invite family and friends to come … [Read more...]
Refreshed & Renewed – Post-Ministerial Conference 2016
Brethren, To the saints of God in the International Assemblies of the Firstborn; grace and peace to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We just returned from the Ministerial Conference in Lomita, California where all those who attended experienced a "time of refreshing"- Jeremiah 31:25 "I will refresh and satisfy the faint". Those who arrived the first night assumed it … [Read more...]
