GCF Mercy Ministry

The GCF Mercy Ministry Scholars of Catarman, Northern Samar joined the Summer Youth Camp hosted by Greenhills Christian Fellowship – Silbino Lubos last April 1–4, 2026, held at Malobaroc Beach Resort in Mondragon, Northern Samar.

During the camp, the scholars took on leadership roles by guiding their assigned teams while also learning through various activities and sessions.

The theme, based on Galatians 2:20, “No Longer I,” reminds believers that life is no longer centered on self, but on Christ living in us—calling us to live by faith and surrender fully to Him.

Participants came from GCF churches in Allen, Mondragon, and Silbino Lubos, initiated by Pastor Peter Paul Reynaldo and his wife, Cherry Reynaldo.

The camp addressed relevant topics such as digital influence, extending grace and truth to the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of discipleship and a surrendered life. It left a meaningful impact, inspiring both leaders and campers to serve God and invest in the next generation.

The Current State of Man and Our Need for God

During our prayer night, Jhon Mark Domequil, a 3rd Year Political Science student, shared a message about the current state of human and our need for God.

He cited verses Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, and Ephesians 2:1–5, and then he explained that all people have sinned, and that sin separates us from God. And because of this sin, it leads us to death, that shows how serious our separation from God truly is. He also highlighted the good news of God’s love and grace, which offer eternal life.

He concluded by reminding everyone that we have to repent, to have faith, and surrender our lives to God. Through this, salvation gives us a new purpose and transformed life.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION

On Wednesday, February 17, 2026, Fred Rick Balleta, a 3rd Year Marine Biology student from the University of Eastern Philippines, shared a message entitled “Environmental Destruction.”

He highlighted how broken stewardship, corruption, and greed stem from humanity’s failure to properly care for what God has entrusted to us. He connected this to the biblical concept of accountability, describing nature as “God’s second book” — a reflection of His power and character. He also emphasized the effects of sin on the earth, the need for genuine repentance that leads to changed actions, and God’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth.

Fred encouraged his fellow scholars to reflect on how each person has, in some way, contributed to environmental abuse and therefore shares the responsibility of restoration. He concluded by reminding everyone that true restoration begins with restoring our relationship with God.

Beware of double identity: Lord in Public, Stranger in Private.

Happy Birthday Fredrick! May your heart always find joy in serving God.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day last February 14, 2026, destinctive guests from Greenhills Christian Fellowship, Pasig City visited the Mercy Ministry Scholars in Catarman, Northern Samar. The GCF team was composed of Dr. Larry Pabiona, Senior Pastor of Greenhills Christian Fellowship; PMGen / Pastor Benigno “B**g” Durana Jr., Ministry Head of Mercy Ministry; Elder Jun Acebedo, Chairman of the Board of Elders; Pastor Boni Abdon; Elder Levi Fabillar; Ma’am Aira Velasquez, Mercy Ministry Development Officer; and Sir Matthan Osorio, Mercy Ministry Field Coordinator.

The scholars warmly prepared a simple program for the visitors, led by Roxan Iovino and Jhon Mark Domiquel l. During the gathering, Pastor B**g shared from 1 John 4:7, emphasizing that real love is not merely a feeling but is patterned after how God loved us despite who we are. This kind of love, he said, should compel us to love one another as evidence that we truly know Him.

Dinner and fellowship followed, highlighted by songs from Sandrex Lobrico Canillo and Fredrick Balleta , while the rest of the scholars expressed their gratitude through letters, flowers, and chocolates for the guests. The meaningful and joy-filled fellowship was also attended by our dear ministry partners, Pastor Peter Paul Reynaldo and his wife Cherry Reynaldo, as well as Pastor Oriel Valenciano.

Happy birthday to our soon to be Engineer Sandrex Lobrico Canillo! 😺 Happy birthday!

Never Give Up, Keep Learning, Always Be Kind

Ngayong gabi, nagbahagi si Sir Matthan Emmanuel Fumar Osorio, GCF Mercy Ministry Field Coordinator, ng isang kayamanang hindi materyal kundi kaalaman—mga aral na maaaring magsilbing gabay naming mga skolar sa aming paglalakbay.

Binigyang-diin niya ang tatlong mahalagang rules sa buhay.

Una, Never Give Up! Anuman ang pagsubok—sa professor, sa thesis, o sa mga groupmates—huwag susuko sapagkat bahagi lamang ito ng preparasyon sa realidad ng buhay. Ikalawa, Keep Learning. Patuloy na maglearn at mag-try ng mga bagay upang hindi maging cyclical ang buhay, dahil ang paulit-ulit na routine ay maaaring magdulot ng kalungkutan at kawalan ng excitement. At panghuli, Always Be Kind. Maging mabait at marespeto sa lahat. Ngunit tandaan na 'we cannot give what we don’t have'. Kailangang patatagin muna ang sarili bago magbigay sa iba.

Ang tatlong rules na ito ang kanyang ipinaalala sa amin upang magsilbing liwanag at inspirasyon sa patuloy naming pagharap at pagtanggap sa anumang hamon ng buhay.

February 11, 2026

During our Prayer Night, Icy Lobos, a second-year BS Meat Technology student at UEP, shared about “How Trauma Shapes Our Emotions and Self-Image” with her fellow scholars.

She explained how trauma—whether from personal experience (firsthand trauma) or from hearing and being deeply affected by others’ painful experiences (secondhand trauma)—can create lasting emotional wounds. When left unmanaged, these wounds can negatively impact self-image, confidence, and relationships. Many who carry trauma tend to set unrealistically high standards for themselves, leading to perfectionism, frustration, and self-criticism.

Icy emphasized that healing is possible. She shared practical steps toward recovery:

1. Forgiveness
2. Renewing the mind
3. Surrender and trust in God

Though we cannot change the painful realities of the past, we can choose to forgive, let go, and entrust our healing to God. With His help, we can overcome and live healthier, freer lives.

After the session, John Mark and Roxan facilitated breakout groups for reflection and prayer. The scholars prayed together for families, the government, the weather, and the Church. To God be the glory.

Highest and purest form of love?

-𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑