Greetings from the Bartons in the Philippines!
Remy and I (Douglas) speaking at San Jose de Urquico.
The Lord has continued to open doors for us over the past year.
Remy was re-elected to the Central Luzon Conference (CLC) board during the elections held last November 2023. She was also re-appointed as the conference representative to the National Board in the Philippines. In addition to this, she was also re-appointed by the CLC board to be the adviser of Youth Quest until the end of her current term on the board. She continues to work with our son Ethan, who was re-elected by the young people as the Vice President of Youth Quest during the election held in February. This will be Ethan’s last term as a Youth Quest officer, as he will be over age by the time of the next election in 2026.
Ethan speaking to the young people at Youth Quest's District 3 fellowship.
The Youth Quest officers have put together a series of youth conferences over the summer for the three districts in the CLC. These conferences had the theme “Walk the Talk” based on James 1:22. These conferences bring young people from different churches together for an afternoon of fellowship and listening to the Word. These conferences also include a time for group discussion, where the youth leaders and pastors can discuss the message in detail, answer questions, and pray for the young people. The District 1 Fellowship was held on May 26 in Binbinaca, Mayantoc, with 68 young people from eight churches in attendance. The District 2 fellowship was held on June 23 at our home church in San Jose de Urquico, Tarlac City, with 128 young people from nine churches in attendance. Ethan was the speaker at the District 3 fellowship, which was held on July 28 in Balayang, Victoria. There were 71 young people from 10 different churches in attendance.
Ethan leading a small group discussion during the District 2 fellowship.
Youth Quest is also planning a youth camp that will be held this December 26 – 28. The theme of this camp will be “Ascend,” based on Psalm 24:3-4.
Remy continues to serve as the assistant pastor of the church in San Jose de Urquico, Tarlac City. Her responsibilities include speaking every fifth Sunday of the month and translating for me (Douglas) when I speak at the church.
Remy delivering the Word in San Jose de Urquico.
Ethan is continuing his ministry as a youth leader at the church in San Jose de Urquico. His responsibilities include speaking to the young people during their virtual fellowships, which are held every week, and facilitating their face-to-face fellowships, which are held twice a month. He is also continuing his music ministry in Urquico, where he plays the keyboard and leads worship.
Ethan playing the keyboard during worship in San Jose de Urquico.
We thank you for your continued support, and we ask that you continue to partner with us as we train the people of the Philippines to respond to the Great Commission.
Douglas & Remedios Barton
