By Michael Chad Visca

The CROSSLinC Ministry Team, ICS’ youth ministry leaders, came together on October 24 and 25 to play, learn and plan for the coming months of youth ministry ahead. The nine of us set off for the Gomez residence for an overnighter. We arrived around 7pm and enjoyed a sumptuous meal prepared by our gracious hosts. After that it was game time! We played “Guess who?”, which challenged the players to guess the various members and leaders of CROSSLinC based on given clues.

Then I shared about God’s choice to work with men and teams to accomplish His purpose on earth based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17. The team was encouraged to continue growing together as individuals and as a family in ministering to the youth.

We spent some time honoring each other verbally by telling one another what each person meant to us. It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Many were surprised by how others saw them and the impression they had made on them. In response we prayed for one another and gave praise and thanks to God for the encouragement we had all given and received. The remainder of the night was spent in the Gomezes’ swimming pool, goofing off and having fun.

The next day we drove back to ICS for a whole day of planning. We started at 11:00am with an exhortation from Ptr. Jesse Dedel. His teaching was entitled “iDisiciple”, after our retreat’s theme, and based on Matthew 11:28. He asked us, “Who are we following?”, and “Who is following us?” We took time to evaluate the hindrances to be effective disciple-makers and spent some time in prayer and reflection.

After lunch we learned about how to plan, execute and evaluate activities and events. The Core Ministry Team of CROSSLinC, namely Reah Bunsoy, Dra. Antonette Cadimas and myself, conducted the teaching session. This was followed by dividing the participants into two groups to plan two upcoming events. We then presented our proposal and opened them for suggestions. We ended our 2-day retreat by polishing the proposed events and a recapping the 24 hours we had spent together.

We look forward with excitement as the results of this retreat begin to bear fruit. Do pray and partner with us as we endeavor together to win, build and send the youth to fulfill the Great Commission!

CROSSLinC is the youth ministry of ICS to the 12-to-20-something crowd. We meet weekly at 2:30pm at the ICS Worship Center. CROSSLinC Ministry Team is comprised of Chum Balbuena, William Bribon, Reah Bunsoy, Reno Bunsoy, Antonette Cadimas, Hanilette Castillo, Paula Fuentes, Daniel Gomez, Chester Lema , Jay Mendoza and Joseph Vicencio. I am the CMT Youth Pastor.

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By Michael Chad Visca

ICS’ gates were still closed as the early arrivers started coming. It was 6:15am, Monday, October 29 and school’s out. They were there for the one-day CROSSLinC youth outing to 8 Waves Water Resort in Bulacan. Some opted to sleep at Ptr. Chad’s residence to make sure they weren’t left behind. It was semester break and we were going to make sure we took a break!

The rest of the gang trickled in before 7:00am. After checking attendance and praying, we were off. Two AUV’s were filled with twenty people, with their daypacks on their laps. We weren’t sure how long the trip would take since it was new territory for us. Noisy chatter filled the packed cars as we zoomed through EDSA and onto the North Luzon Express Way (NLEX). Traffic was light since it was a national holiday. Exiting at Sta. Rita, we passed by three towns, namely, Plaridel, Pulilan and Baliuag until finally reaching San Rafael where the resort was. The highway was sandwiched by rice paddies that we actually missed the resort by a few meters.

The parking lot was almost empty which told us either of two things - the resort was closed or it wasn’t that good. We found out neither was true. We were the first group to enter. After securing our cottage, no time was wasted as everyone dashed to change into his or her wet gear. Some dove straight into the water while others chose to explore the rest of the resort.

The most popular pool had to be the wave pool. Others included the kiddies’ pool with a Noah’s Ark, a water slide pool and a bubbles pool, to name a few. Food wasn’t allowed from outside but tables were available in the parking lot for those who did bring their own. Otherwise, a reasonably priced budget meal could be bought from the food-court. There was even a Pancake House^® franchise in the resort’s hotel.

The group stayed together most of the time, enjoying each other’s company through the various corners of the resort. The Mercados (kuya Mar, ate Emily and their daughter Donna) arrived around lunchtime and enjoyed the day with us.

By 4:00pm, we were on the way back to the city. Many opted to ride in the church’s L300. Mas masaya kapag madami at sama-sama. All in all the day filled us with joy and served as a good break from the school routine everyone was used to. We arrived at ICS by 6pm, as promised. Praise God for His protection and the joy we had together! Many reported diving straight to bed after getting home. You can probably guess by the skin tones of those who came and enjoyed the breaker at 8 waves! =D

www.crosslinc.ics.org.ph

www.8waveswaterpark.com.ph

Trivia: 8 Waves waterpark has been called “8 Waves” for two (2) reasons: (1) the Owner has 8 children, and, (2) the Main Attraction - The Wave Pool - creates “8 Kinds of Waves” namely:

• Diamond Waves
• Vertical Waves
• Single Rolling Waves
• Double Rolling Waves
• Inverted Waves
• V-Waves
• Right Diagonal Waves
• Left Diagonal Waves

CROSSLinC, ICS’ youth ministry, met together for an afternoon of prayer and intercession last September 16. The Holy Spirit-filled event marked the beginning of “Intercession to the Max” ( “iMax” for short), ICS youth’s regular prayer gathering, to be held every 3rd Sunday of the month henceforth.

The youth of ICS came together and prayed for their family and friends, as well as for their personal needs.  iMax was initiated by CROSSLinC in their desire to “pray without ceasing”, in line with the apostle Paul’s scriptural admonition.

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Every 3rd Sunday of the month
APTS Room @ the ICS Worship Center

July 22 saw about 70 young people and leaders converged at Gardenway Assembly of God, Pasig from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a joint mini-rally. It was standing room only.

The event was initiated by the Pasig 1 st AoG Youth, in partnership with the Area 3 churches, which includes ICS, Gardenway AoG and Ugong 1 st AoG. Area 3 covers Mandaluyong, Pasig and Pateros. This is part of a larger body within the jurisdiction of Section 3 of the Southern Tagalog District Council of the Assemblies of God ( That was a mouthful! - CV). The purpose of the gathering was to strengthen the working relationships between the youths of area 3 and to encourage future joint endeavors.

Rev. Alvin Tud, Sr. Pastor of Bethel Christian Assembly in Montalban, Rizal and STDC District Youth Director was the featured speaker. Rev. Tud powerfully challenged the youth be a witness on campus and wherever else God has placed them.

Future joint events are slated for September and a Section 3 youth camp in December is in the works as well. We’ll keep you posted!

CROSSLinC meets every Sunday afternoon at the APTS Rooms. Interested parties may contact Pastor Chad Visca at 09193999113 for more information.

CROSSLinC lead the icebreaker during the event.

For more pics, kindly visit : Rachel Fuentes’ Multiply Site

CROSSLinC finally has its own home!