Daily messages echoed this year’s theme, “Looking Forward to the Kingdom of God,” which was also a sermon given by visiting minister and Council of Elders member Aaron Dean. We also heard from Luzon elder Adolfo Remo and pastor Epifanio Rey Evasco, as well as Visayas elder Jose Campos. We were also able to hear the recorded festival sermon by Church president Victor Kubik. The messages all filled the spiritual aspect of the Feast, feeding the 112 attendees. Services were scheduled as the first thing in each day’s activities to emphasize God’s special place in everyone’s life being at the top of everything. Songs performed by the festival choir each day added to the atmosphere of worship of and awe for the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Meals and activities were planned to enhance and strengthen the bonds between families and brethren as well as promote spiritual growth among God’s people. Among the highlights were the family day and local delicacy day, youth and singles day, senior socials and sports day. Different congregations also prepared for the variety show that was held halfway through the Feast.

Special skills were also shared by volunteer members during the livelihood workshop activities, such as processing salted eggs, making leche flan and making graham balls. These added knowledge and technical know-how for those interested. Fora and seminars were conducted for parents and young adults in the Church, and were aimed towards educating and re-educating God’s people on certain biblical principles.

This year’s Feast of Tabernacles in the Visayas was a great success, and it ended with everyone looking forward not just to next year’s Feast, but above all to its fulfillment—the establishment of God’s Kingdom here on earth with Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, reigning with His saints for a thousand years.

Jose T. Campos