DAY ONE. JULY 5. We journeyed to Dallas TX from California (Northern
and Southern), Canada, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine,
New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Philippines, Tennessee,
Texas (Houston), Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. It was quite a
sight. Actually, we didn’t all arrive (and leave) at the same time.
The Dallas Filipino American UM community brought their area bishop, W.
Earl Bledsoe, to welcome the delegates and open the convocation. Pastor
Joseph Stabile spoke in behalf of the members of Cochran Chapel UMC, to
relay the congregation’s joy of being a part of our journey as a people
by the hosting of this historic gathering in their campus. Pastor
Joseph mentioned the small church in Mindanao named “Little Cochran
UMC” and illustrated some poignant connection.
The adult, youth, and children choirs of Faith UMC and Umphress Road
UMC reminded the gathering of the Filipino spirituality and culture
with their songs and dances. Pastor Diane McGehee of Bellaire UMC in
Houston TX, came with her members to grace the opening service with
contemporary songs and liturgical dance, a fitting blend. With the
message of Bishop Rudy Juan of the Baguio Episcopal Area as a
highlight, the first night of the 12th NAFAUM biennial was an evening
to remember.
The Dallas heat advisory for the last day of the convocation was just a
footnote for those that were determined to stay ‘til the end to witness
the closing programs of the 12th biennial convocation. Perhaps the
scorching outdoor temperature drove people to the air-conditioned and
friendly confines of Cochran Chapel. We confess that we were pleasantly
surprised with the unusually large attendance.
The concluding plenary session and another inspiring worship service
led by Grace Cajiuat-Herigstad were a fitting preparatory celebration
for the 13th biennial convocation in the California-Nevada area in
2011. The faithful sang and danced to “Humayo’t Ihayag” by Manoling
Francisco S.J, Johnny Go S.J, and Louie Catalan S.J. to close the
gathering. We rocked; we all danced with God!
The rest of the story will be told in pictures and video. We will let
you know when the YouTube link is completed and the DVD is available.
For now, for a limited period, you may view us on pictures or a slide
show taken by Brian Powell (God bless this man) in his website:
www.stickboyproductions.biz/NAFAUM. Brian requests that you make a
donation to NAFAUM when you print a picture. This is in addition to his
donation on the orders already delivered at the site. (By the way, the
group picture in the collection is not complete as it was taken early
in the day.)
footnote for those that were determined to stay ‘til the end to witness
the closing programs of the 12th biennial convocation. Perhaps the
scorching outdoor temperature drove people to the air-conditioned and
friendly confines of Cochran Chapel. We confess that we were pleasantly
surprised with the unusually large attendance.
The concluding plenary session and another inspiring worship service
led by Grace Cajiuat-Herigstad were a fitting preparatory celebration
for the 13th biennial convocation in the California-Nevada area in
2011. The faithful sang and danced to “Humayo’t Ihayag” by Manoling
Francisco S.J, Johnny Go S.J, and Louie Catalan S.J. to close the
gathering. We rocked; we all danced with God!
The rest of the story will be told in pictures and video. We will let
you know when the YouTube link is completed and the DVD is available.
For now, for a limited period, you may view us on pictures or a slide
show taken by Brian Powell (God bless this man) in his website:
www.stickboyproduct
donation to NAFAUM when you print a picture. This is in addition to his
donation on the orders already delivered at the site. (By the way, the
group picture in the collection is not complete as it was taken early
in the day.)
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