The Panay Island Churches of Christ Evangelizing Association (PICCEA) held a convention at the Banate Church of Christ on
April 6 – 9. Juanito Magbanua established the PICCEA to promote unity and cooperation among the Panay Island churches. They have sponsored conventions, youth conferences, and seminars for many years. The 18th convention held this year was a great success with 387 in attendance from churches throughout Panay and Guimaras islands.
Months of preparation went into the convention. A temporary shelter was erected to house the general sessions using bamboo poles and tarps as the Banate church building is too small to contain the crowd. Temporary sleeping quarters and other meeting places were also constructed. The attendees paid a 20 peso (36 US cents) registration fee for ID tags. In addition to meals for the four days, they were blessed with times of praise and worship, lectures on various topics, activities and programs for all ages, and great fellowship. Among the activities were drama, musical contests, bible quiz competitions, games, and sporting contests.
Juanito spoke at three of the main sessions and two of the lectures. Numerous speakers and musicians contributed to the main sessions, lectures, and classes.
Nine people committed their lives to Christ and were baptized on Saturday afternoon. Numerous others made a commitment to Christ with plans to be baptized at their home churches.
PICCEA plans to sponsor a youth conference in July and another convention next year.
