PHILIPPINES—Thirty-one singles from the Philadelphia Church of God Angeles City congregation kicked up dust during a softball game in Clark, Pampanga on March 20.

Local Elders Broderick Tongco and Benedict Marquez, with the assistance of their wives, organized and officiated the game, a week after a group viewing of an online singles Bible study. Most of the players were first timers, so the activity started with a short briefing on the rules and basic principles of softball. Members learned how to bat, dive, tag, catch, pitch, and run like crazy.

“The softball match was a great opportunity to learn new things. Holding a bat and hitting a ball was quite challenging,” member Yvonny Bayeta said, “but the thrill of hitting it made the game exciting and fulfilling.”

“It was fun,” member Gilmer Onato said. “I learned patience, focus and teamwork: patience to wait for a good pitch, focus to catch the ball, and teamwork to connect every player as one.”

Team Adobo edged out Team Butido for a 22-19 win.