May 16, 2003

United Church of Christ in the Philippines
North Eastern Leyte Conference

Message

I congratulate the administrative and staff of the Bethany Hospital who dedicate their lives in the healing ministry of the church on this 85th year anniversary celebration. I hope this time will reminds us for our calling for humbly servility, steadfastness in caring the needy and marginalized in this present age where service is tantamount to business and wherein immorality decimates not only the body but also the soul of our people.

For Eighty Five (85) years we manage to survive in honest service and of coursewith the guidance of the God of history. Let this celebration help us to rectify our indifference and shortcoming in the past a make us humble in pursuing the products of our gain and collective effort as a community of faith and as a christian institution.

May this occasion challenges us to move ahead full of vision as we hope for the reign of God to prevail in our midst as prophet Isaiah said, "They that hope the Lord shall renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." So let us journey with God through this ministry unselfishly and untiringly for His glory and for His people.

Rev. Edison C. Lapuz
Conference Minister