Friday, 1 November 2024
7th CUTTING EDGE CONF in HONGKONG INFO PACK #3
ACCESS 2
7th CUTTING EDGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2024 in HONGKONG .... may I have more info , pls! (Letters & Info Packs)
Dear ITP Eagles and Friends,
In a little over a month, we will see each other in the beautiful bustling city of HONGKONG. Our 7th Cutting Edge Conference was held here last year. We are so excited to be back for this gathering and we look forward to walking the streets of Hongkong with you again. Here are additional information to add to the earlier info packs…
A. CONFERENCE THEME: “SEND ME!”
B. REGISTRATION: Official conference registration is on NOVEMBER 27 from 10 am to 12 pm. Conference materials will be handed out to all participants. Registration area will be on the 8th floor where the conference hall is. Our HongKong team led by Ptrs. Tony and Diosy Mendoza will be around to welcome you on registration day. During the registration, we will also be doing a photo and video shoot.
C. CUTTING EDGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PROGRAM
CONFERENCE. PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY
(10am to 6pm)
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
(10am – 12pm segment)
MEET & GREET
REGISTRATION and DISTRIBUTION of Conference Materials
PHOTO SHOOT and VIDEO SESSIONS
START OF CONFERENCE
(1pm - 6pm segment)
WELCOME CELEBRATION
OFFICIAL OPENING
OPENING PRAYER
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
CONCEPT PRESENTATION: CUTTING EDGE LEADERSHIP
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
MESSAGE 1: LEAD TO INSPIRE
SPECIAL DANCE NUMBER:
MESSAGE 2: RAISING UP THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
PRAISE AND WORSHIP CELEBRATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS & HK INSTRUCTIONS
FELLOWSHIP
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 28 THURSDAY
(9 am to 12 pm segment)
CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING PRAYER
PRAISE & WORSHIP
TESTIMONY: LEADERSHIP IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION
SONG OF RESPONSE
CE Snippet # 1 CAPACITY BUILDING (Leadership Dev’t. / A Sense of Purpose)
SONG NUMBER
MESSAGE 3: RISK-TAKING LEADERSHIP FOR THE GOSPEL
PRAISE & WORSHIP
CORPORATE PRAYER
>> LUNCH BREAK <<
(1pm to 6pm segment)
PRAISE & WORSHIP
CE Snippet # 2 ORGANIZATION DEV’T (Church Strengthening /Embracing Identity)
SONG NUMBER
MESSAGE 4: STAYING COMMITTED TO YOUR GOALS
SONG OF RESPONSE
MESSAGE 5: RAISING THE BAR ON LEADERSHIP.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
AWARDING CEREMONIES (Awarding of Free Plane Tickets + Faith Game Winners & Honorariums)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
CLOSING PRAISE CELEBRATION (
GROUP PICTURE
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 29 FRIDAY
(9am to 12 pm segment)
CALL TO WORSHIP.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
MESSAGE 6: THE HEART FOR MISSION OF A WORSHIP LEADER
SPECIAL SONG NUMBER
CE Snippet # 3 CAPITAL MOBILIZATION (Fund Generation)
PRAYER for Provisions & Blessings
MESSAGE 7: MAKING A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE
SONG OF RESPONSE
CORPORATE PRAYER
>> LUNCH BREAK <<
(1pm to 6pm segment)
PRAISE & WORSHIP
CE Snippet # 4 VOLUNTEER MGMT (Church Mobilization)
PRESENTATION OF GMC LEADERS
SPECIAL MISSION SONG NUMBERS
MESSAGE 8: NO HOLDING BACK!
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
MESSAGE 9: SEND ME!
LORD’S SUPPER
SONG OF RESPONSE: “I Believe I Can Fly!”
CLOSING SONG; “We Will Bless the World!”
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CORPORATE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
CLOSING PRAISE CELEBRATION
--- END OF CONFERENCE ---
D. INVITATION LETTERS * OTHER DOCUMENTS
Those who are joining the conference coming from countries required to secure an entry visa, may request for an official letter of invitation from our office. The document will be sent online. We just need to get the email address of the person requesting the document. Sis. Kathy Merencillo will assist you on the matter.
A set of travel documents, certifications, documentary proof of the conference event in Hongkong, etc. will be sent to all conference participants. We advise that each document be printed out or saved on your mobile phone folders to ensure that you have them in your possession at all times. You must have it ready when demanded by the immigration officers and use it as a reference guide on your stay in HongKong and Macau. . Each set of document will be explained during your Pre departure briefings.
E. LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES
1. Language: We will provide English translations of Tagalog (Filipino) messages. (Vietnamese, Chinese and Bahasa (Indonesia & Malaysia) translations of Tagalog/ English messages will depend entirely on the availability of translators.)
The translators will only be able to provide the gist, or the substance /essence of the message being conveyed and not a word for word translation. The translators will not be standing up on the stage with the speakers. They will be at the back of the posts portion of the hall and will speak thru a wireless translation equipment to talk to the non- Tagalog/Filipino participants.
2. Translators: We have a team of missionaries who are assigned to take turns in providing the translation service. The lead translator is: Ptr. Jules Ostan . He will be assisted by the following: Hannah Deborah Abuan, Ptr. Tony Mendoza, Sis Ana Tuquero, Ning Insauriga, and Dr. John Duong. For the Vietnamese participants, Dr. john Duong will provide the translation.. Sis Ning Insauriga will oversee the translation services for Bahasa speaking participants.
3. Designated Area: The last rows at the back, close to the posts, will seat all foreign nationals who will need translation service, since it will be the closest to the translator and will offer less audio signal distortion. Headphones and receiving devices will be entrusted to each one and must be returned immediately to the translator after use. Our wireless transmitters are limited and we can only serve 30 individuals at a time.
4. Wireless Equipment: A wireless headset will be provided per individual. Our wireless equipment setup can serve only 30 individuals at a time. Please look for Kathy Merencillo or Jerald Sinsay if you know anyone who would be needing this service, please inform and assist them to the designated staff.
F. ACCOMODATIONS IN HONGKONG
Conference participants are responsible for their own lodging. For this conference we could choose our own accommodation based on our budget and preference. We have also requested our Hongkong team to look around for possible free hosting accommodations to help those who are financially challenged. As soon as we get confirmation from them, we will inform all of you right away. Those who have church networks here in HongKong are requested to help others with their accommodation needs. So far, our HongKong host have offered his church for free on a bunk style accommodation but for a very limited number. Our office staff will be coordinating with your GMC leaders as soon as they receive news or accommodation status updates .
The hotels near the venue don’t come cheap. The cheaper hotels are mostly in the downtown area. There are literally hundreds of lodging options available for you to choose from ranging from backpackers type of accommodation to starred hotels. A big number of missionaries who visited HongKong last year are somewhat familiar already with good and budget friendly accommodation options. You may consult them directly. We will announce the names of those who could assist in searching for the best place to stay in the area. Since our conference will be held in the Kwun Tong area, please use this as your reference in choosing the hotel you’ll stay on. The Tsim Sha Tsui , Nathan Road and Northpoint areas have budget hotels options though travel time to the venue may take around half an hour by train or 10 minutes by taxi. If you choose a hotel because of its cheap price but is more than an hour’s travel to the conference venue, then you’ll probably wind up spending more and be more stressed.
There are budget hotels that offer dormitory style rooms (6 beds per room) that offer better priced accommodations and are ideally located in places you will be visiting. If you are coming as a group, this could be a really good cheap option.
Prices would range from P800 + to P1400 per days stay. Booking sites that offer backpackers and dormitory style rooms will appear when you inquire from Google “Dormitory style accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui or Northpoint Hongkong” Hostelworld.com is the preferred booking site for budget, backpackers, dorm type style accommodations. If you prefer to stay in private rooms, there are hundreds of hotels available to choose from in booking sites like Agoda.com or Booking.com with a wide range of prices depending on the category of the hotel.
You may want to check first in the map the proximity of the hotel to our actual conference venue. We advise that you evaluate each hotel at their respective websites before you make your decision. Go to Google and simply type the name of the hotel and you will be directed to their sites. Room bookings can be done online directly at their websites or at hotel booking sites like Booking.Com, Agoda.Com, TripAdvisor.com, Hostelworld.com, etc …
If you’ll still have a difficult time locating a place to stay in during the conference, you may join your GMC group that will be assisted by our office team. We are still asking around for rented (AirBnb) apartments or homes where we could have groups stay in the same place. Our HongKong team is still on the lookout for additional church and dormitory options.
We will still provide accommodation updates on our next Info Pack.
G. ACCESS 2 TRAINING
1. ACCESS 2 DATES : November 30 to December 4, 2024
2. VENUES & ACTIVITIES – a. Nov 30, Dec 2 & Dec 4 trainings will be held in the same conference venue – The Wave.
b. December 1 Sunday was designated for Sunday worship, church visitations and outdoor ministry activities.
c.. December 3 is for a whole day mission exposure trip to MACAU and a ministry visit to our team there.
3. ACCESS 2 BRIEFINGS: Meeting schedule will be announced in the GMC/Conference group chat. It is important for all Access 2 participants to join the briefing so they would know their group assignments and be informed of the Access 2 program and itinerary.
4. TRANSPORTATION FROM HONGKONG TO MACAU. We are chartering several buses to bring all participants from our conference venue to the famous Ruins of St Paul’s in Macau. Departure from Hong Kong to Macau will be on December 3. Those who are not part of the Access 2 group but would like to join the trip to Macau need to inform Sis Kathy Merencillo for seat reservation.
H. PRE & POST CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
We will be discussing on our next Info Pack the Pre and Post Conference activities – with ministry opportunities and optional tours to special sites. Missionaries in Training who signed up for Access 2 will follow an itinerary set by our Access 2 Evaluators Team.. The rest will have their options open to any trips or activities in HongKong as well as those who will joining the Macau and /or Mainland China trip. We will be presenting suggestions on good places to go to and activities to do on our next posting.
That’s it for now !! Another info pack, the fourth, will be posted a few days from now.
Looking forward to seeing you in HongKong!
Blessings,
Ptr Gani Sison
7th CUTTING EDGE CONF in HONGKONG INFO PACK #4
ACCESS 2
7th CUTTING EDGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2024 in HONGKONG .... may I have more info , pls! (Letters & Info Packs)
Dear ITP Eagles and Friends,
In a month’s time, we will see each other in the beautiful bustling city of Hongkong. We are so excited for this gathering and we look forward to our beautiful time of fellowship.
Here are additional information to add to the first three info packs …
A. HONGKONG CITY CENTER TRAVEL
It would be helpful to visualize Hongkong in four (4) compartments. Hong Kong can be divided into four parts: HONG KONG Island, the KOWLOON peninsula, the NEW TERRITORIES and the numerous outlying islands (inc. Lantau Island). Our conference venue is located in the Kowloon Peninsula.
There are free tourist maps of Hongkong available on the airport or in the hotels. A map of the MTR METRO TRAINS will be really helpful as you navigate your way around Hongkong. We advise that you get one and carry it with you always to provide you with a good view of the various locations where you plan to go and visit or download the map and store in your Smartphone. We also have a smaller street map and MTR Train Lines printed in the conference manual.
Google map and Waze works also in Hongkong. There is no separate apps to download. What you are using in your country will work automatically there.
A. GOING AROUND HONGKONG
Getting around Hongkong is easy: Most of the locations that you plan to go to probably have an MTR station close by. Most routes are covered by the MTR and those that aren’t can be reached by BUS, MINIBUS, TRAM or TAXIS. Payments for all of the transport options can be made by using the prepaid OCTOPUS CARD. (Please refer to INFO PACK # 2 on this item.)
1. HONGKONG MTR TRAINS:
The best way to get around HONGKONG is to use the MTR–Mass Transit Railways system.
a. ROUTES: Eleven (11) major routes/ lines will bring you to almost all the locations and attractions in HongKong. The trains here are efficient and punctual. Waiting periods per train can range from as little as 2 minutes during peak times to as much as 15 minutes during off-peak times/ later at night.
b. SCHEDULE: Trains on all lines start between 5:30 a.m. to 6:10 a.m., and stop between 12:50 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
c. FARES: The MTR fare starts from HK$3.5 (Php 25) and increases along with the distance traveled to one’s final destination.
d. DIRECTIONS: There are MRT maps posted on the walls in each stations to help you figure out the line colors that will go to the station of your destination.
e. ONLINE TRIP PLANNER: Download the MTR Mobile app
(https://www.mtr.com.hk/mtrmobile/en/) to plan your trip using your smartphone. Use the trip planner on the official MTR website to plan your trips, find out the cost, and read up on real time updates that might affect your ride.
2. HONGKONG BUSES:
If you’re in for a little adventure and a wonderful experience, take the DOUBLE DECKER BUS to get around Hongkong.. You may need to be assisted in the beginning for you to get the hang of travelling around the city by bus, We will ask some of our seasoned missionaries who frequently travel to Hong Kong, to brief you on how to go from point to point by bus.
Pointers in riding the bus: Fares range from HK$2.70 (Php 20) to a higher fare depending on the length of the route. Buses don’t give back the change. If you have a bigger bill have it changed first at the convenience store before you get on the bus. Or even easier, just use an OCTOPUS Card.
Bus services start from before 6 a.m. and run till 1:00 a.m. A smaller number of night buses run from midnight to 6 a.m.
3. HONGKONG MINIBUSES:
MINIBUSES are smaller “buses” that seat a maximum of 19 passengers and serve shorter routes. There are two types of minibus, categorized by color – RED and GREEN MINIBUS.
Green minibuses operate on fixed routes and set fares just like their double-decker buses. Passengers pay using their Octopus Card.
Red minibuses only have a set start and end point, and can take the fastest route to get from A to Z. These type of travel system is very much like the POINT to POINT Bus services in Metro Manila.
4. HONGKONG TRAMS:
This is a must ride! A special Hongkong tour experience for the price of an ordinary bus fare. These old-fashioned, no air-conditioning, open-air & wooden bench seating trams operate only on a single, 12.5 kilometers east-west route., on a cruising speed of no more than 40 kms per hour.
To pay for a ride, get on whenever Here you want, and simply swipe your Octopus Card when you disembark The flat fare is HK$2.60 (Php 20) , using either the exact amount in coins or an Octopus card. Use the turnstiles at the back of the trams to get on, then pay at the front when you get off. \
5. HONGKONG FERRIES:
Never leave Hongkong without riding the Star ferry that cruises from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon (and back again!) at the cost of a cheap cup of coffee. Cost per trip is HK$2.20. (Php 16)
The travel is slow and may take ten (10) minutes to reach your destination but with an amazing view of the famous Hongkong skyline, both daytime and nighttime. This will be one of the best photo op views of your trip in Hongkong.
There are many more ferry services that can bring you to the other outlying islands of Hongkong.
6. HONGKONG TAXIS:
Taxi services in Hongkong are quite expensive. Meter flag down starts at HK$27 (Pesos 200) for the first 2km and HK$1.90 (Php14) per 200 meters. If you are travelling as a group or are just under time pressure, taxi is an option to use in going around Hongkong.
Taxi’s that are available in downtown Central Hongkong are colored red. Green Taxis serve the New Territories and Blue taxis are for Lantau Island.
Most taxi’s would only accept Cash payments.
7. UBER TAXI SERVICE:
Uber continues to operate in Hongkong. The Uber app that you used before it ceased to operate in Manila will work the same as it does before.
Grab Car does not operate in Hongkong.
B. HONGKONG TOUR OPTIONS
Here is a short list of recommended places to go to in Hongkong specially if you only have a few hours to go around the city . It will only take a day for you to see these famous important sites.
Type the name of the places listed below in Google and you will. be directed to images of the tour location and information on how to go there...
BUDGET TOURS (... it is FREE to roam, shopping is up to you)
1. AVENUE OF STARS .. Two thumbs up selfie opportunities with sculptures of Hong Kong legends such as martial arts master Bruce Lee etc.. Wonderful place for a stroll with an amazing view of Kowloon skyline
2. CAUSEWAY BAY one of the most crowded and central areas in Hong Kong. The area contains many shops, malls, restaurants, and special places to visit. it is also known in Hong Kong as a popular social spot for young people.
3. VICTORIAS PEAK The high point on Hong Kong Island, offering the best views of the city stretching from the skyscrapers and towers of the city center to the mountains in the New Territories
4. TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET Open air night market that is flocked by many , with stalls selling wide range of products. Market activities start at around 7pm and is crowded and festive by 8pm onwards.
5. STANLEY MARKET One of the most visited open street market selling a wide assortment of products, bric-bracs, clothes, gifts, etc... Just a walk all over the market is a wonderful experience oin its own.
6, HONGKONG OBSERVATION WHEEL - Similar to our very own Mall of Asia Ferris wheel. Provides an amazing view of Hong Kong.
7. CAT STREET Flea market with stores selling mostly antiques and vintage products.
8. STAR FERRY TRIP A less-than-five-minute leisure journey from shore to shore, offering spectacular views of Hongkong's skylines. One of the best and cheapest photo ops and tour experience in Hongkong.
9.TSIM SHA TSUI CLOCK TOWER. A historic clock tower makes for a fantastic photo-op with Victoria Barbour at the background.
There are train stations close to all these go to places making it easy for anyone to tour Hongkong in a day or two. If you have extra days to spend then visits to theme parks below would be a wonderful treat..
ENTRANCE TICKETS REQUIRED … BUT WORTH IT!
10. NGONG PING 360 CABLE CAR
11 .OCEAN PARK HONGKONG
12. HONGKONG DISNEYLAND
There are many more places to visit. All in all, Hongkong is a city that has so much to offer for visitors like us. And all it takes is for us to get to know how to move around the city via the MTR. A lot more exciting and beautiful places to visit outside the city will be presented at the conference.
C. WEATHER SITUATION
Hong Kong has four seasons –warm and humid SPRING, hot and rainy SUMMER, sunny and pleasant AUTUMN and, cold and dry WINTER. Our conference dates (Nov 27-29) fall on the late Autumn season in HongKong.
The month of November is considered as the best time of the year in Hong Kong for going around . This is because the month offers clear and pleasant weather with an average high temperature of around 24C and a low of 19C. We can expect temperature to drop though since December signals the start of Winter season in Hongkong and the time when cooler temperature starts to be experienced there. Better expect for a cooler weather and come prepared with light jackets at least.
D. SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES
On November 30 a big delegation of conference participants will remain for their Access 2 Training. They will spend the following day attending church services assigned to them by the trainers.
The rest who are not part of the training, may opt to attend worship services of their preferred church in Hongkong .
Here’s a short list of churches to choose from :
A. LAST YEARS CONFERENCE VENUE
1 INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY in the North Point area. Pls refer to the MTR Map for the station closest to the church.
B. OUR HK HOST’S CHURCH:
1. ECI FAMILY CHURCH ,Coordinator: Ptrs. Tony & Diosy Mendoza
Directions: To get there, go to Lai Chi Kok MTR (TRAIN) Station. Go out of Exit C (there's a Body Shop inside the Station). After you exit, walk to the right until you reach the first block called Castle Peak Road. Take a left on that Road. Along that Road, on your right, you will see the greenish black building (as pictured above) on your right. Go inside the building, and walk to the left. Take the first elevator to your left, and press 1. Get out of the elevator, and go right until you see SPACE DEVELOPMENT. Ring the doorbell. It's best to be there by 10 am
C. OTHER FILIPINO CHURCHES:
1. Word for the World Hongkong 1/F Hong Kong & Macau Bldg. 156 - 7 Connaught Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong , Coordinators: Sis Ana Tuquero
2. Wesleyan Fellowship of Hongkong Connaught Road West Sheung Wan, Hongkong, Coordinator: Ptr Lester Tangunan
3. His Sanctuary Hongkong #46 Jordan Road, 1/F Kowloon, Hongkong, Coordinator., Ptr. Dicky Jamero
4. Gospel Praise Assembly. Flat 2317, 23/F, Block 3, Hei Tin House, Yan Tin Estate, TsZ Tin Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Coordinator: Ptr. Lito Estilong
We might add to the list a few more churches. We are still gathering information on our missionaries who have church affiliations in Hongkong and would love to invite some conference participants to their worship service.
E. MINISTRIES IN HONGKONG TO EXPERIENCE
1. PRAYER JOURNEY AROUND HONGKONG
Our Global Intercessors team will conduct PRE, DURING and POST conference prayer activities. These will include prayer walks all over Hongkong and prayer covering for the conference. Anyone interested in joining these prayer and intercession activities are very much welcome. All you need to do is inform our Global Intercessors leader, Ptra Rose Sadogio of your desire to take part in their activities. She will include you in her team and brief you in their itinerary and prayer program. You may contact her in her FB Messenger account under the same name.
2. HEART SEARCH IN THE PARK
On Nov 26 Sunday, many will be heading for Macau in the morning and will join a church anniversary in the afternoon. The rest who will be staying behind will attend a church of their choice. We do recommend that you allot time to go to the “PARK” .
One thing that you’ll notice right away in the Filipino church where you will be attending worship service, is that the congregation is majority Female. Some churches may not even have a single male present. Most would have one or two males, one being the pastor of the church and the other his assistant.. Why are the Filipino churches female dominated? The Philippines is a major provider of female OFW (Overseas Foreign Workers) mostly domestic helpers (household help, nanny’s etc..) employed by Chinese families in Hongkong. There are thousands of Filipina domestic helpers working in Hongkong and Sundays are allotted to them as their day off or free time. They all look forward to it and come Sunday they go to their respective churches. Some of the Filipina believers stay in church for their Sunday church activities but most go out to the park. They head to the Central District Area in Hongkong Statue Square to spend the whole day with their fellow overseas workers. The “park” for them is not like the park that we all know, rather it is a gathering place in the business and commercial area surrounded by skyscrapers, where every Filipina workers go to mingle with fellow workers. They bring an abundance of packed foods to share, set up make shift shelters using cardboards, bring board games and cards, and spend a lot of time talking about the latest gossips and news on events in the Philippines. Some spiritual groups will be singing and praying together and will be enjoying their time of fellowship with fellow believers.
Ministry here is not on what you can do right away to them but what you will receive in your time with them. Get to know some of them. Empathize as you listen to their outpouring of their hearts, feel their struggles and pain and share with their joy as well. Most importantly, pray to the Lord for a revelation as to why you are there in that moment in time. Let the PARK open a flood gate of understanding about your life’s purpose and your essence for living.
F. PRAYERS and INTERCESSION:
Please always include the conference and the organizing staffs in your prayers. Pray also for GOD’s provision for all those who will be attending the conference.
We’ll this is it for now! I’m excited and looking forward to another great leadership conference.
See you soon … many blessings!
Ptr Gani Sison
Selection of Heavenly Songs
Open your heart and sing! LYRICS: PRAISE THE EXALTED HOLY GOD [Doxa Ston Ipsisto Agio Theo] MAKER OF ALL THE EARTH AND THE SKY [Afton Pu Eftiaxe Yi Ki Urano HOLY HOLY [Ayios Ayios ] KING OF GLORY [Ise Kirios] PRAISE THE EXALTED HOLY GOD [Doxa Ston Kirio Ton Iisou Hristo] GLORY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL RISE [Doxa Kai Sto Pnevma To Agio] YOU DESERVE ALL THE HONOR [Oli E Doxa Su Aneke] YOU'RE THE ONE WE CALL THE TRUE ALMIGHTY GOD
English Version
Original Greek
Churches Should not Participate in Halloween
Churches Must not Participate in Halloween
Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday in Western cultures, marked by costumes, decorations, and traditions that have grown increasingly commercialized. However, its origins are steeped in pagan and occult practices that are incompatible with a Christian lifestyle devoted to purity, righteousness, and the avoidance of idolatry. This article explores Halloween’s roots, its association with the occult, and provides biblical support explaining why Christians should refrain from engaging in its festivities.
1. The Pagan Roots of Halloween
Halloween's origins trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), celebrated over 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time associated with darkness and death. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead weakened, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To appease these spirits, people would make sacrifices, light bonfires, and wear costumes to ward off harmful spirits.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day to honor saints and martyrs. The day before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which later evolved into Halloween. However, many of the original customs associated with Samhain remained, and even grew in association with fear, death, and occult symbolism.
2. Halloween’s Satanic Associations
Through the centuries, Halloween developed into a night heavily associated with the supernatural, occultism, and even satanic practices. Many of today’s Halloween symbols—ghosts, skeletons, witches, and bats—represent death, fear, and darkness, all elements contrary to the teachings of Christ. Some occult organizations and satanic groups even recognize Halloween as a significant date for rituals, taking advantage of the openness to engage with the supernatural on this night.
Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, considered Halloween one of the most important nights for those practicing Satanism. In his own writings, LaVey stated, “After one's own birthday, the two major Satanic holidays are Walpurgisnacht and Halloween” (LaVey, The Satanic Bible). His statement underscores the darkness behind this holiday, revealing that it is a night when the occult world is celebrated and even glorified.
3. Biblical Reasons to Avoid Halloween
The Bible clearly teaches that believers in Christ should abstain from practices that glorify evil, death, or darkness. Halloween, with its emphasis on these themes, is contradictory to the call to live in the light of Christ and pursue righteousness. Below are several key scriptures that emphasize the importance of separating from darkness:
- Ephesians 5:11-12: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”Paul’s instruction here is clear: believers should not associate with practices rooted in darkness and should instead expose them. Halloween, with its glorification of darkness and themes of death, is fundamentally opposed to this teaching.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”Even if Halloween seems harmless to some as “just fun,” its origins and the images associated with it have a deeper spiritual connotation. Christians are called to be cautious, abstaining even from the appearance of evil to remain pure and blameless.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD.”Halloween encourages activities and costumes that celebrate occult practices like witchcraft, sorcery, and communicating with the dead. God strictly forbids His people from participating in such activities, as they are detestable in His sight.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? … Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”Halloween celebrates themes that are inherently dark and ungodly. Christians are called to separate themselves from any practice or association that aligns them with unrighteousness or the ungodly.
4. Halloween as a Gateway to the Occult
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the occult, with people being more curious and accepting of tarot cards, crystal healing, and other practices rooted in paganism and mysticism. Halloween often serves as an entry point for these interests, as people seek “spooky” or supernatural experiences for fun. For many, it’s the beginning of curiosity that can lead to more dangerous practices, as interest in the occult and witchcraft is on the rise.
The Bible cautions against all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, and divination, warning that they open doors to spiritual darkness that can lead to deception and destruction. In 1 Peter 5:8, Christians are warned to be vigilant against the enemy: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Halloween creates an environment where fear and curiosity about the occult can lead people, especially young ones, down a spiritually harmful path.
5. What Christians Can Do Instead
While rejecting Halloween, Christians can use the day as an opportunity for outreach and reflection, drawing closer to the truth of God’s Word and sharing His light with others. Churches can host alternatives, such as fall festivals or “light parties,” where the focus is on celebrating the beauty of God’s creation and the gift of fellowship.
Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to set their minds on pure, holy, and praiseworthy things: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” By engaging in wholesome activities that glorify God, believers can stand as lights in the world, rejecting the darkness associated with Halloween and instead focusing on what is pleasing to God.
Conclusion
Halloween’s history and associations with darkness, death, and occultism reveal a celebration contrary to the call of a Christian. Its pagan roots and modern-day association with the supernatural and satanic practices conflict with a life that is to be holy and set apart for God. Through awareness of its origins and obedience to biblical principles, Christians can make a stand against Halloween, choosing instead to celebrate and honor what aligns with God’s holiness.
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