Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines---Bacolod /ˌbɒˈkoʊləd/ (Spanish: Ciudad de Bacólod) is a city in the Philippines. It is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental.
Our fellow disciples and friends trooped down the metropolis on the 12th of January, 2014 for the 18th Anniversary of Metro Bacolod Christian Church. This International Church of Christ was planted way back in 1996.
Our fellow disciples and friends trooped down the metropolis on the 12th of January, 2014 for the 18th Anniversary of Metro Bacolod Christian Church. This International Church of Christ was planted way back in 1996. This city, the "Sugar City in the Philippines," is one of the most progressive and elite cities in the country. Bacolod was derived from the Ilonggo (an Austronesian language spoken in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines) word bakolod, meaning stone hill, since the settlement was founded in 1770 on a stone hill area. It is notable for its Masskara Festival held during the third week of October. Known for being a relatively friendly city, it is also dubbed as the City of Smiles. One reason why the city was called City of Smiles is that its people hid their worries, fear and doubt in an economic crisis in the sugar industry in the earlier times and till now they still try their best to put up their smiles. That's another story how the local Masskara Festival was created with the concept of Happy Bacolodnons in dark times, often the Filipinos of the other island perceive Bacolodnons as people who speak with sweet words.
The anniversary theme was based from Matthew 14:27, "But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." It is great to know how often has he to speak this word of encouragement, even to his own. It was almost always when they are brought suddenly, or in an unusual way, face to face with Him. It is I. Literally, I am. The same language used by Jesus in Jerusalem, for which the Pharisees would have stoned him, and in the Old Testament to designate Jehovah.
The main charge was delivered by no less than our brother Dr. John Oakes. John was born and raised in Connecticut. In 1984, he earned his PhD in chemical physics. He has served as a minister and a professor of Chemistry and Physics. He is also an author of several books. John and his wife, Jan, along with their children, Ben, Elizabeth, and Kathryn, make their home in southern California.
It is indeed the Lord who truly peppered the event with so many encouragements. We are so thrilled to this episode spearheaded by the core group who is currently leading the church. The Bacolodnons (also Bacoleños or Negrenses) are dauntless and are bold in their faith in the Lord.
Let’s us all take courage disciples! To God be all the glory.