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We have adopted Declaration: I am a Christian as our ministry theme this school year. F

from the successful SMO National Youth Conference in Bacolod last April 6-10, which carrsimilar theme, the reasons for adopting this theme are significant.

First, the Declaration identifies us with Christ and our Commitment to Him. It speaks a

our relationshipand identitywith Jesus Christ, who is our Master and Lord. We are His follow

and we are called CHRIST-IANS. We belong to Christ, and we are His. He owned us twfirst in Creation, and then in Redemption by paying the penalty of our sins. We could have

condemned to death in hell for eternity, but He graciously extended to us His love by givinglife for a sacrifice so that we will be free. Hence, as our Master, He deserved our faithfu

and loyalty. This statement gives us a glimpse of who Jesus is, who we are, and how this reaffects our individual lives. As Christians, we must not be ashamed to be Jesus follower

fact, we must be proud of it because of what Jesus did to secure our salvation and our unio

Him.

Second, this Declaration involves our Conviction in Christ. Although Christians may clabe devoted in his identity as Christs follower, it is yet to be tested because this relationship

commitment also entails countless responsibilities. The price of following Christ is very co

He said, If any one follows me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me, (Mat16:24). This would mean a denial of ones comfort, wealth, ambition, desire, will, hu

relationships, and even ones life for the cause of his Master and the advancement oKingdom. It means giving up anything should the Master demands and asks for it. It incl

our complete surrender and obedience. We must be willing to take these responsibilitiesbe decided to stand firm to these convictions, no matter what the costs maybe. It is what

declares, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, (Philippians 1:21).

Third, this Declaration inspires our Consolation in Christ. I am a CHRISTIAN expre

great rejoicing. Yes, the cost of following Christ maybe too high, but following Him is rewarding and fulfilling. It gives us complete joy, peace which surpasses understanding,

lasting contentment in life as what Paul had experienced throughout his ministry (Philipp

4:4-13). To be in Christ, is to enjoy the riches of His grace, not only in this life, but for eteOh, what great commitment it is to be Christs followers. What strong conviction we must

to fulfill that commitment. And yet, through all these, what an ultimate consolation, privand rejoicing that we have as Christians to be serving the King of kings, and the Lord of lo

What a great declaration to proclaim - I AM A CHRISTIAN. May this declaration be true an

proven in our lives.

From the Director:

Our Christian DeclarationThe dry summer heat and the regular dailybrownouts at Buenos Aires MountainResort did not dampen the spirit of the

conferees as they hear one biblical

preaching after another. By Gods grace,the SMO National Youth Conference (SMO-

NYC) held in Bacolod on April 6-10, 2010was a success if measured by the quality

of messages preached and the impact it

gave in the lives of student leaders, pastors,and missionaries.

Focusing on the theme Declaration: I am

a Christian the nightly messages were

preached by main speakers, XerwinCeballos, SMO Board Chair, Dennis Cortes,

a practicing lawyer, Ruben Supan, amedical doctor, and Jun Oguilla, an

associate pastor and theology teacher. Thetitle of their messages were: The Person

in our Declaration, The Principles in our

Declaration, The Purpose in ourDeclaration, and The Passion in our

Declaration, respectively. A call forconsecration and dedication was made on

the last night.

The morning sessions were divided into

two: A mini-lecture and workshop onSpiritual Disciplines shared by Mr. Ceballos

and a lecture and open forum on Christian

Worldview given by invited speakers.

Mr. Ceballos gave a light lecture with hispersonal testimonies on Spiritual

SMO Holds National

Youth Conference 2010

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Journaling and Using Bible Reading in

Personal Devotions. Each of his lectures

was followed by conferees spending timeto do related assignments. Prayer groups

were formed to share ministry-related prayer

request, this was also a time for confereesto get to know each other better.

In-depth lectures and discussions followed

during a series on Christian Worldview.Different popular worldviews such as

secularism, humanism, naturalism,materialism, relativism, and pragmatism

were compared to the Christian Worldview.

Lecturers were Atty. Cortes, Pastor JosephSamuel, and Dr. Ruben Supan, MD.

Separate sessions for students and pastors/

missionaries were held in the afternoon. For

students, preaching messages on Holiness

and Personal Purity were given by Pastor

Aeron Caldeo, one of the SMO Bible Training

Institute (SMO-BTI) lecturers, and PastorOguilla. The students also heard messages

on Doing Youth Ministry by Pastor Elmer

Genol, SMO Bacolod Coordinator,Discipleship by Pastor Rodney Necesito,SMO Metro Manila Worker, and Evangelism

by Pastor Reuel Ben Seijo, a BTI lecturer.

The pastors and missionaries listened to

preaching on Doing Gods Ministry by PastorRenato del Mundo, SMO National Director,

Doing Gods Ministry in Gods Way by Pastor

Necesito, and Doing Gods Ministry in GodsWay for Gods Glory by Mr. Ceballos.

Young professionals and alumni had a special

two-part session with Pastor Samuel and

Aeron Caldeo on the topics The Christian in

the Workplace and The Christian You

Professional and his Role in Christ

Ministries.

Ministry-partner Afterglow Ministr

prepared a 9-song musical presentatentitled Indescribable on the last nightthe conference.

The SMO-NYC 2010 so far is the moregionally represented conference to d

with delegates coming from the provincof Cagayan, Mountain Province, Bengu

Bicol, Rizal, Palawan and Metro Manila

the Luzon area; Iloilo and Negros Occidenin the Visayas area; and, Misam

Occidental, South Cotabato, and SultKudarat in the Mindanao area. There w

a total of 160 delegates.

SMO Holds National Youth Conference 2010

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My name is Marco Aguda of

Cagayan Valley. For the past 19

years, I have been living with mymother and grandparents. I never

experience what it was like to have

a father in our home. Could my lifebeen better and with a sense of

direction if my father could havebeen around? Maybe.

My spirituality was largely influenced

by my mother. I journeyed with herin search for truth. From being a

Roman Catholic to Methodist to Baptist, truth seemed elusive. Religion

y itself did not save me from my worsening spiritual condition broughtbout me being hooked on vices.

Upon my high school graduation, I requested my mother to invite to

ur home Pastor Joseph Samuel, a missionary who has been

requenting our schools for Bible studies. During his school visits, Ieveloped an admiration and respect for him because of his love for

God and his dedication in Christian service.

Pastor Samuel heeded our invitation. The first thing he talked about

ocused on the subject on salvation. He taught to us clearly the Gospel.was convicted by it and soon enough prayed and surrendered my life

o Jesus Christ.

and my mother became regular attendees of Pastor Samuels church.n the process of knowing more about God, the enemy provided a

ounterpart. I was lured back to my worldly ways. As a consequence, I

made wrong judgments in choosing my career. Time and money haseen wasted because of moving from one college course to another.

Before dropping out from my second course, I have been involved inhe campus ministry of SMO. It was during this time that an invitation

or me to attend the National Youth Conference in Bacolod was

xtended.

Sitting and listening throughout the conference, I know that God iseading me somewhere. The recurring theme in all the messages was

o make a bold declaration of the Christian faith. This has spiritually

mpacted me and I praise God for His moving.

n the course of the conference, I met Andro Paul Semaa, an incomingophomore student of SMO Bible Training Institute. He shared to me

bout Gods will in his life to be in the institute and about the traininge got from the school. I pondered and prayed whether for me to study

t BTI would be a good thing or not. When I returned to our hometown,his has been my prayer request. I sought counsel from my mother,Pastor Samuel, and godly men about the decision I am going to make.

oday, I am on my second month as a freshman student of BTI. Each

ay here, God is teaching me a lesson and is shaping my character

owards Christ-likeness. I pray that I could endure, persevere, andlways seek Gods guidance as I move on to a new chapter in my life.

never dreamed to be a pastor someday, but who knows, Gods thoughtsnd ways are higher than my ways. I just keep thanking Him each day

or His sustaining grace.

My name is Sheryl Quillopas of Bicol Province. I used to be an active

member of Iglesia ni Kristo (INK), a religion founded by a local minister

which refutes the deity of Jesus Christ. I and my family were made toe believe that salvation can only be found by being an INK member.

Making the MoveTestimonies of a Change Life in Jesus

One day I attended a youth fellowship of First Pilgrims Baptist Chwhere I listened to the Bible being preached in a different way.

after, I started questioning the belief I grew up in. Pastor Pedro (Batalla was diligent enough to spend time with me, helping me an

my questions and teaching me the Word of God. I began to unders

the meaning of John 3:16, how Jesus Christ (God incarnate) shedblood on the cross as a final and complete payment of my sins. Salv

is free, its Gods grace, and receiving this gift has given me a stassurance about my eternal destiny and my relationship with

through Jesus Christ.

The 18th World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churc(ICCC) will be held on October 11-15, 2010 at the Philippine ColumbAssociation in Manila and on October 12-14, 2010 at the Bacolod Paviin Bacolod City. Together with the World Congress, the 17 th GeneAssembly of the Far East Council of Christian Churches (FECCC) will abe held during the Congress. With the theme Be Thou Faithful unto Deathe international gathering hopes to gather Christians in variodenomination but of like-minded faith to this important event.

Pastor Renato del Mundo, SMO National Director, is one of the membof the organizing committee. For its part, SMO will work hand-in-hand wother local churches and Christian organizations in making sure that international gathering will be a success. SMO is part of the ICCC and hparticipated in previous congresses. Last May, 2009, SMO worked wother churches and groups in putting up the Philippine Council of Christ

Churches Conference in Bacolod City.

SMO Prepares for World Congress

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he new SMO Fellowship Hall is packed with 250 youths and guestsuring an inter-church fellowship dubbed as One Gospel. One Team.

eld on July 4, 2010. Local churches sent their youths in support forSMOs effort of encouraging students to be active in campus ministry in

heir respective schools. The students are frontliners in introducing the

Gospel to their schoolmates; SMO sees the importance of mobilizinghem in evangelization and discipleship in campuses.

he event which also turned out to be an afternoon of music gathered

alents from several churches and groups. Among those who offered

ongs were Afterglow Ministries, His Voice Singing Ministry, YoungSinging Pastors, and Karrel Gallenero, a voice student of Moody Bible

nstitute.

Pastor Renato del Mundo gave the days challenge while Pastor RenatoBravo and Pastor Aeron Caldeo led prayers for the students.

n a related development, Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), onef the biggest public schools in the province, once again opened its

oors to SMO as school Principal Mario S. Amaca approved the ministrysequest to conduct Bible studies in the said school. In addition, the school

lso accredited SMO as an official club for students. For many years,

NOHS students has always been ministered to by SMO youth workers;his brought about many of them committing their lives to Jesus and

ave become responsible individuals in their community. The currentdvisers of SMO Club in the school are Merlin Aguienia, Corazon Mesaya,

nd Lourdes Catalan.

The SMO Youth Center in Bacolod which houses the NationaBacolod offices and the Bible Training Institute had new bui

improvements. The once makeshift hall made of wood and nmaterials and could conveniently gather 60 people was torn down

summer to give way for the construction of the new Fellowship Ha

could seat 150 people. The new hall which was completed last Jhas a higher ceiling, wider space, and is made of solid materials.

In addition, a repainting job was done for the roof and external pa

the house. The canteen was also renovated and a small makeshiwas built to serve as an eatery place for students who come to the Y

Center for lunch. The canteen staff prepares food and sell it a

affordable price to students, the ministrys other way of reaching ostudents. The facility is also used for small group Bible studies

fellowship. SMO is renting the property of the Salas family for afive years now with a renewable two-year contract.

In the meantime, SMO continues to pray and scout for an ideal property in the Negros Occidental province where the ministry c

relocate the National Office and Bible Training Center, and at the stime use the land for income generating projects like organic far

and develop a Christian youth camp and conference site to servic

only the ministry but other churches and Christian organizations as

One Gospel. One Team.SMO Sponsors Inter-Church Fellowship

New Fellowship Hall Opens

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CAGAYAN VALLEYPastor Jeffrey Olivar is doing evangelism and

iscipleship training to students of CagayanState University. Plans to also start a ministry

or out-of-school youths is underway.

MOUNTAIN PROVINCEAn SMO work in Baguio City opens soon with

he able partnership of Pastor Bong Ocampo.National Director, Pastor Renato del Mundo

met with Pastor Ocampo this month and to

nalized the team-up.

The mayor of Lepanto has officially mandatedhe giving of religious instructions in schools.

This is a welcome development for SMO andwe praise God for this.

NEGROS OCCIDENTALSMO Bacolod Coordinator Pastor Elmer

Genol is now ably assisted in Bible studies

y Pastor Reuel Ben Seijo in the college levelnd Pastor Reno Sayon in the high school

evel. Praise God for the schools that have

llowed us to conduct Bible studies to their

tudents again, particularly, that of NegrosOccidental High School (NOHS), which for

ears have closed its doors for SMO to enter.The new school principal Mario Amaca have

welcomed SMO again, this time as an official

chool club.

00 high school students attend regular Bibletudies in the towns of Isabela and Moises

Padilla under the supervision of PastorRomeo Salomon and Pastor Dennis

Castellano. Bible studies are also held in LaCarlota City and Hinobaan town throughPastor Nap Cajeda and Pastor Villasis

Buenaflor, respectively.

Bible study sessions are now open at Dona

Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School inSilay City. Ministry partner, Pastor Aeron

Caldeo of Calvary Baptist Church

pearheads the work in the said school.

look what God is doing across the country

Praise God for newly baptized Bacolod

SMOers, Jhun Paul Alacre, Marian Nicavera,Joam Mir Pianera, Daniel Therb Alvarado,

and Ma. Cris Canete. They were baptized last

May, 2010 and are now members ofLifespring Fundamental Baptist Church.

GEN. SANTOS CITYFour students were baptized last May, 2010

by Pastor Ener Gamolo, SMO Worker andpastor of Fundamental Baptist Church. Praise

God for the active partnership of Christian

teachers Soldierly Barieses and JocelynEsparagoza to the SMO work in their schools.Bible studies have also started in two more

additional schools, Fatima Elementary

School and Buayan National High School.

Pastor Jonathan Sungcal have volunteered

to assist Pastor Gamolo in the Bible studiesthere.

And a total of 12 schools are being visitedregularly by Pastor Elmer Polo and Pastor

Bienvenido Flores for Bible studies. A numberof youths are being trained to be Christianleaders in their respective schools.

PALAWANPastor Ludivino Cabildos church partners

with SMO Bible Training Institute inwelcoming 3rd year BTI student Saskia

Antiquenio as intern this year. She, along with

former BTI student Michael John Agno

now takes up a college course, are togin doing Bible studies in two schooSalvacion town.

OZAMIZ CITYPastor Joemarie Peduhan and R

Mendoza, two of SMOs student leadeBacolod during their school days,

teamed up in pastoring Ozamiz Bethel Ba

Church. Their church, which is schools,have led them to use the facilia Youth Center. Every once-a-week, stud

from two universities and two high sch

visit the center for fellowship, Bible stuand watch Christian films. SMO B

Training Institute intern, Ryan Montero, the work in Ozamiz for training.

Please pray Gods healing and provisioPastor Peduhans two-month old bHanniel Grace, who is diagnosed to ha

congenital heart condition.

SULTAN KUDARAT

Pastor Samuel Salomon have been sufffrom kidney problem. He has undergoneoperations years ago for kidney s

removal, but recently he has experie

persistent pain which caused him tosleepless nights. His doctor advised h

undergo a costly shockwave treatment fo

kidney. Praise God that there are conceChristians abroad who will be extending

help to Pastor Salomon through ChristiaMission. Please pray for Gods healing

ILOILO CITYPastor George Totica is doing follow-up

studies to 50 young people in his area

some of them taking formal theolotraining in a a Bible institute there. Praisefor spiritual growth among members o

church and a new place for constructio

their new church facility. Praise God to

ongoing Bible studies in schools there.

METRO MANILA AREAive Metro Manila churches praticipated in the

SMO Inter-Church Youth Rally on July 18,010, held at Community Life Ministries in

Cainta, Rizal. Pastor Luis Faller, pastor of CLM

pened their facilities to 150 youths whooined. Pastor Renato del Mundo invited the

ouths to be actively involved in campusministry, while Pastor Renato Bravo gave the

message.

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he 6th Commencement Exercises of SMO Bible Training InstituteSMO-BTI) was held on March 29, 2010 at SMO Youth Center in Bacolod

City. Four students graduated in a four-year Bachelor of Theology in

Church and Youth Ministry course and four others in a three-year YouthWorkers Certificate course.

hose who graduated in Church and Youth Ministry were Raffy dela

Pena, Jay Pee Erespe, Nocel Pateno, and Regie Tibulan. All graduatesre currently working as volunteer staff of SMO in Bacolod with two of

hem already working in churches.

or the Youth Workers Certificate, those who graduated were Michael

ohn Agno, Michael Jade Asplico, Jeric Otordos, and Jake Quinosa.Otordos and Quinosa have decided to pursue a Bachelor degree this

chool year.

SMO Board Chair Xerwin Ceballos gave the message.

SMO-BTI was established with the purpose of training young men and

women to be actively involved in campus ministry. The school is also a

raining ground for future youth workers of SMO or of other localhurches.

Here are brief testimonies of the graduates:

Personally, I am happy and blessed to be a part of SMO-BTI. My four-

ear training in the Institution taught me a lot especially in the area ofme discipline, when it comes to my personal study habits, devotion,

rayer, preaching, and message preparation. I have learned a lot inandling big and small group bible studies, doing campus work, and

eveloping my leadership skills. Praise God for using our teacherswho patiently taught and show us the truth both in their words and in

heir lives. At present, I am serving the Lord as one of the SMO staff,

nd at the same time, ministering at a small Church in Cadiz, NegrosOccidental. As a young Pastor, I draw my strength and wisdom from

he Lord, as I apply the principles I have learned from the school indministering and caring for Gods people. - Jay Pee Erespe

4 Graduates at SMO Institute

My four years at SMO-BTI were filled with several trials on my intelleand physical capabilities, spiritual discipline, and inter-relat

struggle. I praise and thank God that through all these tests, Godproven Himself Faithful who sustained me by giving me wisdom

strength to overcome every challenge I encountered through tdifficult years. And now, as I completed my four-year training, I

God all the glory for choosing me to be one of His servant. I a

present serving the Lord through SMO and as the Pastor foChildrens Ministry to my home Church at Lifespring Fundam

Baptist Church. - Raffy dela Pena

To God be the glory for the fruitful years I spent at SMO-BTI. As I lo

back, there was no regret that I spent my four year training inInstitution. It was here that I understand better about God, His

purpose, and working in the lives of His people. It was also thrthis institution that I learned the value of being trained for godli

which had prepared and equipped me for the work and ministry o

Lord. Right after my graduation last march 2010, I committed mysserving God as minister at a Christian Church in Pulupandan, Ne

Occidental, and as one of the Staff of SMO. - Regie Tibulan

CONNECT WITH US

STUDENT MISSIONARY OUTREACH

15 Lizares Avenue6100 Bacolod CityPhilippines

Tel. No.: (+63)34.4336923

smoworld.wordpress.com

Pastor Renato S. del MundoNational Directorsmodirector@yahoo.com

For your love gifts and donation:

In the UNITED STATES

Address your check to:Christian Aid Mission

(for Student Missionary Outreach)Send it to:

Christian Aid Mission1201 5th St.

Extension, Charlottesville

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(for Student Missionary Outreach)

Send it to:Intercede International

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ON L2A 3N8, Canada

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Account No.: 0820247065