MAY 26 PRAYER DAY

Last month, Mila Pascual was assigned by the Board to be our Alumni Liaison and Communication Specialist (ALCS). Let us praise God for all her hard work reaching out to 700 alumni from IVCF database as well as current members. Another major thing that Mila accomplished in a month is researching an Internet-based software solution for alumni outreach, donor management, and fundraising. It has the following features:

- Accessible from any location and computer that will grow with our organization
- Easily creates and sends eNewsletters directly from the database and report on click-through stats, deliverability, and “forward to a friend” emails
- Has the ability to “reach everyone as much as we can!”
- Encourages alumni to become members and gives general and/or specified donations by implementing an online giving and membership page
- Saves time and data by eliminating the risk of losing data and the burden of manual entry
- Tracks movement of contacts through National Change of Address (NCOA) to make outreach efforts more effective

Let us pray for the Board as we decide on buying this program. The fees for the first year total around $2100 and $420 every year thereafter. Praise God for $1000 that has been donated by an individual and pray for God’s provision for the rest of the fees ($1100 for this year). It would be great to have this system up and running before our July 2nd conference in Boston.

“Therefore, do not be anxious…your heavenly Father knows that you need them all…But seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)”

BY: Lilia Salazar-Nigro, on behalf of the Board

Just want to share the following ‘YouTube’ connections to give you a flavor of Boston’s Grand July 4th Fireworks event. As I shared earlier, it is always a big deal here.

These are links from last year’s that are sure to win your hearts.

Sweet Caroline Sing-Along with None Other than Neil Diamond:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tuRx98wIh4

Boston Pops Orchestra Playing Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op6e5BcmqV0

The GRAND FINALE of BOSTON’S July 4th FIREWORKS:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoltJkxHgl8&feature=related

Crowds actually begin “tenting” at the Esplanade around 4:00 am that day.

Average is about 50,000 folks attending. So for those who are planning to see it after the conference, we just encourage you to consider these. There will be strategic locations to see the fireworks outside of the Esplanade (though you won’t hear the music background). We will be happy to give you tips at the conference.

Alrightee – just one of the many, MANY features that this year’s Balikatan Conference venue offers you.

Blessings!

Dear Balikatan Family and Friends,

Less than 2 months! You’re going to be in Massachusetts in less than 2 months!

Whooo-hooo! We can’t wait to welcome you all to Balikatan 2010!

Some of you have asked for “Things to Do” and “Sights to See” in Boston (or Massachusetts or New England) before or after the conference. Before or After the conference, correct? Not During, hmmmm?! Alrightee then, if yes, then we have a deal.

Please check out the pride of Massachusetts and beyond:

1) The pdf  ”Area Guide“, [download here] courtesy of Gordon College, is a collection of hot-picked eating places and area attractions in the North Shore (and in Boston). “North Shore” is the nickname of the general region above Boston City Proper, and where the College Campus is located (immediate vicinity). Please check it out.

2) Independence Day, July 4th – the Closing Day of the Conference Proper is always a big deal for Boston. As you know, Massachusetts is a State saturated with historical and patriotic significance (Commonwealth some would argue by history). This after all is the location of the famous “Midnight Ride” of Paul Revere! So celebrating July 4th is no exception! The Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by the renowned Keith Lockhart, always throws a SPECTACULAR CONCERT at the Esplanade (in Boston), capped by THE GRANDIOSE FIREWORKS Display that is coordinated with the Orchestra’s playing of the “1812 Overture”.

Check out http://www.july4th.org/concert.htm for more details, especially of how to get there, parking and best spots to be for viewing the fireworks.

3)     http://www.massvacation.com/ and http://www.visitingnewengland.com/ are the websites to check for all other events, areas to visit and places to eat in Massachusetts and beyond. They’re the most comprehensive listings of what you can do in this beautiful corner of the US. If they don’t satisfy your curiosity of Massachusetts and New England, we’re not really sure what will.

In closing, let us entice you by saying “WE HAVE EVERYTHING IN MASSACHUSETTS!” Whale Watching, Six Flags for the kids, Historic Plymouth Plantation and the Sturbridge Village, Museum of Fine Arts, Cape Cod Beaches, Arnold Arboretum, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Berkshires, lighthouse galore, sports arenas, golf courses, the Franklin Park Zoo, antique shops and glamorous department stores & outlet malls

(huh!huh!huh!) to eat your shopping heart out!

SOOOO PLEASE COME TO BALIKATAN 2010!

You’ll not only be Spiritually Fed and Renewed By God’s Presence and His Holy Word. You’ll also be tickled pink by the profound beauty and richly diverse culture that is uniquely…and gloriously…”Massachusetts!”

Blessings,

Boston Balikatan Family

Click to download [Download not found]  here.