“TYPHOON PABLO” DISASTER RELIEF OPERATION

/in , , /by

In Matthew 25:40, the King says “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.

These are the words of the Lord Jesus put into practice as Evangel Family Church in coordination with JECPP held its “Typhoon Pablo Disaster Relief Operation” in the Municipality of Boston and Barangay Carmen in Davao Oriental Region last December 18, 2012.

The activity was spearheaded by none other than our Founding Chairman, Rev. Dr. Robert Lim. Pastor Wee, together with some members, surveyed the area and coordinated with the Barangay Officials and the Police Department for systematic distribution as well as for the safety of our team.

Typhoon Pablo first made landfall in Davao Oriental, particularly in the towns Baganga, Boston and Cateel last December 4, 2012 and affected thousands of lives, young and old. Hundreds were buried alive who, up to now have not yet been recovered. The intensity and magnitude of typhoon Pablo has exceeded that of typhoon Sendong. It was tagged as the strongest tropical storm, PAG-ASA labelled super typhoon, to hit the country this year specifically in Southern Mindanao. As described by Pastor Lim, it was 700 kilometer wide like a lawn-mover and vacuum cleaner combined, blowing up and sucking up the whole Davao Oriental area. Typhoon Pablo caused widespread destruction resulting to destroyed properties, disrupted communication lines, cut-off power, flooding, landslides and uprooted trees and thousands of homeless families. Pastor Chua said that compared to the Visayas, the impact of the typhoon was so great in Mindanao. He described it as mind-boggling as he himself saw the devastation. This was indeed very rare that a typhoon will be passing this area; its devastation can leave one speechless.

Moved by the sight, Pastor Lim thought of how to help and took a greater leap of faith to raise funds for this relief operation. A close Malaysian friend of Pastor Lim, who was so generous, gave a certain amount of money on time, which was used to purchase the goods. A total of 1500 bundles containing rice, canned goods, noodles and loaf bread were packed. Aside from that, 105 bottles of 6-liter and 100 pieces of 21- liter water from Crystal Clear, goodies for the children and clothes coming from donations of our church members and EFC-Singapore were distributed. With the help of some of the church members, who voluntarily offered their time and effort, the packing of the goods lasted for a week from December 10-15 under the guidance of Pastor Christine. They were grateful to God for sparing Davao City from the destruction and in doing so; they have become a part of God’s work towards the victims of the typhoon. They gladly and enthusiastically did it in service to God and man.

On December 17, 2012, we started to load the goods to the two trucks. Thanks to Brother PJ Pascua, who initiated and offered a closed Elf truck where we can stack half of the goods. The other half was placed in a Forward truck that was rented. Some members came to load the goods onto the two trucks. Pastor Christine together with Bro Sam Simpas and Bro Michael Barrera left in advance with the trucks at 12 midnight reaching Boston area at around 7:00 am to finalize and coordinate with the Barangay and Military officials who will aid us during the distribution. Another team left Davao City on December 18 at 4:00 am and met up with a separate team in Tagum City. Along the way, the rain was pouring so heavily. In our hearts, we thought the operation might not push through but God was awesome and merciful that by the time we reached the place at around 9:00 am, the sun shone through every dark cloud to put a smile on every face. Pastor Lim shared to us that he texted Pastor Marion to uphold us in prayer because of the rain. Pastor Marion reminded him that as God was in the storm with Elijah, then God is also with us in the rain. How great was the impact of her words to put our trust in our God earnestly.

Upon reaching the place, we could see people already lining up inside a church to avail of the relief goods. We waited for about an hour because another truck was set ahead to bring down their goods from another company. Nearly 11:00 am, we started to hand out the goods. At first, we had a difficulty managing the crowd because they were so desperate that they started pushing towards the distributors. Thanks to our military officers who were there to supervise. Some team members even went up the truck while the military officers collected the green cards which the residents used to acknowledge that they have received their portion. A total of 1, 010 residents were served in the Municipality of Boston.

Then, we headed towards Barangay Carmen and distributed about 490 packs to the residents there. In this area which is along the highway, we saw the immense wreckage of the typhoon. Most the houses don’t have roofs anymore, and some even tumbled down. The people were so thankful for what they have received. In their own language, they said “salamatay” to us. We could see happy faces when we left. The remaining goods were sent off to a small barangay called Linggi, which was very difficult for the truck to manoeuvre through the small lanes. Kagawad Altizo offered to carry the clothes and goods to them.

The team left Carmen at about 3:00 pm. And just as we began driving off, we suddenly noticed a brilliant, beautiful rainbow above the sky, reminding us there is always hope after the storm. After a four-hour travel, we reached Tagum City for our dinner. Following that sumptuous meal, we bade goodbye to the Tagum team and headed home to Davao. The testimonies I could hear from my companions were so heart-warming that they put aside every complaint of tiredness. Their hearts were filled with joyful sentiments of extending help to strangers by giving food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and clothes to the needy. As we do these things to them, we do the same to our God. Our stories were full of gladness.

Finally, Pastor Lim shared his words to all of us during the appreciation dinner, that one thing he admired of the Filipinos is that they can smile amidst devastation, and they can handle any disaster. His heart goes to the old and the babies who are suffering the most. He further pointed out that this activity is just short term and that we are going to believe that God will touch people for resources to come in to help families. He also mentioned about a desire to plant a little church there. And through this we can share God’s love to them and the hope that we have in Christ Jesus which is lasting and eternal. He added that there’s hope for the living, and their hope is Jesus.

We are very thankful to Almighty God for keeping us safe during our travel, for giving us healthy bodies to do His work and the joy to serve Him. We are also grateful to Him for giving us such leaders who were willing to go and support us in this very challenging task. Together as we join hands, we can do much more for the long term assistance of the victims. Thank you for all your prayers, and may God continually bless us to be a blessing to others.

Rev. Virgilio Fabales

/in /by

Deputy Regional Director (Western Visayas)

 

Pastor Fabales was among the first batch of JECPP’s Evangel Missions School graduates. He has been with JECPP for over 25 years and is the Senior Pastor of Evangel Family Church Dao, passionately serving in the barangays of Antique. He is happily married to Pastor Lilibeth, and is the devoted father of their children, Krystle Joy, Matthew Brian and Kate.

Rev. Jetro M. Novero

/in /by

Regional Director (Luzon)

 

Pastor Jetro is a graduate of Bachelor of Theology at Mount Apo Alliance Bible College in Makilala, North Cotabato. Now working with JECPP, Pastor Jetro and his wife, Rev. Annaliza Gaisen Novero, and son, Raeuelle Ken, are working steadfastly in Evangel Family Church Bauang, San Fernando City, reaching out particularly in the Cordillera Region and neighboring towns.

Lachman Mathani

/in /by

6

I am sharing my testimony of how I was changed for the better when I encountered the Lord Jesus Christ. I like to thank Pastor Lim, Pastor Wee and Pastor Christine for this chance to share in the HOF, Davao. I am an army personnel, married, with one daughter and a son.

To begin with, I did not finish my education because it’s too expensive for my parents to send me and my sister to school. I completed only primary school. Both my parents were gamblers who quarreled and squabbled over money everyday. Doing my childhood days, I could only taste chicken during Chinese New Year. My grandma would give me a juicy drumstick, and I would sit at a corner relishing each bite.

As a teenager, I turned rebellious and started to join gangs to seek companions. I picked up all the wrong habits of my friends. My life was messed up. I joined all kinds of pagan worships, going into trance but never had peace to calm my soul. I just turned wild.

At 18, I enlisted into the army seeking a place to hide from the law. Back then, I was already convicted with some offenses, so it was ironic that I joined the army to escape my sentence. I signed on immediately so I could have a pay and a place to stay. During that time, I was invited to church. I agreed because I wanted to look at beautiful girls in the church. In a way, I was trying to look for a girlfriend. Then, I came to know a Christian girl. To please her, I followed her to church, and I accepted Christ in my life without commitment. We were going out for a month, and under one moonlit night, she asked me this question: “Do you love God or me?” Of course I said I love her. Then she told me to go and read Matthew 6:33. And that was the last meeting we had! I was so disgusted and confused.

Meanwhile, I was progressing in the army service. I was fully in control of my life with all the activities I enjoyed. Not long after that, I met my wife, got married and had two children. But my old habits were clinging to me like leech. I drank more often than I was at home with my family. Until one day, I got heavy losses in investments and gambling. I was fully in debts up to my nose. This time the devil came to “help” me. In my mind, he tried to make a deal with me. He clearly told me that he would pour in money and that I would strike big enough to carry me thru my losses. But in return, he said he wants the lives of my wife and two children. I sweat cold, and I said NO to the devil.

I managed to salvage my problem through the help of some close friends. But I turned more frustrated with my life. In my working place, I saw Christians reading the Bible in their room. That just made me more frustrated. I asked them all kinds of stupid question against their faith. I made them report to my office and enjoyed harassing them for period of time. One day, I summoned the four of them to my office. While they were standing in front of my desk, I flipped the Bible beneath my drawer to Deuteronomy and Leviticus. I started shooting them with chapters and verses and asked them to recite the words. I was mocking and laughing at them. Seeing their confused expressions really amused me. Then I was serious and asked them this question, “Do you pray for me?”

They all replied “Yes.” The first one said that he’s praying that I will be posted out of this place. The prayer of the second was that I will not come to work at all, and the third replied that he was praying to be posted out of this place in order not to meet me. But the fourth one replied that his prayer is for me to turn to God and attend church. Wow! This one really soothed me inside. But outwardly, I acted harsh. I shouted at him “You! Confined!”

Then came Wednesday morning. That fourth guy came to my office and invited me for special evening service in his church. I got so angry that I hollered at his gut to invite me. That morning onward, I was very troubled in spirit. So I puffed and drank all I could to control my nerves. By evening time, I went home early from work trying to overcome this feeling. But I could not, so I told myself, “Alright, I will go.” I changed and told my wife I am going to a church service. To my surprise, she laughed and laughed all the way saying, “Do you have a better excuse to go out with your friends than that?”

I went to SLF building where the service was held. I told myself that I am there just to get rid of that troubled feeling inside. I was ushered to a corner seat. I sat with my arms folded, determined not to give in to whatever may happen there. When the message was over, the altar call was given, and my body started to tremble. I was fighting within myself not to go down the altar. But, I could not contain my body. I went and fell flat on the floor.

When I woke up, I felt different. I felt great peace and comfort within my spirit. Something changed inside. But then, I returned to my normal self and started looking for the nearest exit, so I would not face my colleague that invited me there. Next day, I did not go to work. I was ashamed to face those I had harassed. Nevertheless, the next day, I met them and apologized. I began to treat them as my brothers in Christ.

Since then, in Sep 1995, I started to attend Evangel Family Church. My life began to change. I disengaged from my bad habits and wrong doings. I found the joy and happiness with my family. Throughout those times, my daughter came to know the Lord. She was followed by my wife, who was watching and checking whether I was real! All glory to God for His grace and mercy. We, as one family, are serving Evangel Family Church until now.

My brothers and sisters, tonight you have heard my testimony. I encourage you to grab the opportunity to serve God when it comes your way. Bring your friends and relatives and get involved in Church. 1 Tim 4 says let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Thank you and God Bless.

Rev. Roberto Padinit

/in /by

JECPP Secretary, Board of Trustees

Deputy Regional Director (Northern Mindanao)

 

Pastor Roberto finished his course in Civil Engineering Technology at Mindanao Polytechnic State College in 1996 and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Cagayan De Oro College in 1999. He is currently the Senior Assistant Pastor in Evangel Family Church CDO and the Deputy Regional Director of Northern Mindanao. He resides at Cagayan de Oro City with his wife Juvy and daughters Hannah Faith and Mikaela Eunice.

CO-VICE CHAIRMAN/REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Rev. Bejamin Chavez

/in /by

JECPP Chairman

Regional Director (Western Visayas)

 

Pastor Benjamin Chavez went through formal training in Evangel Missions School in 1993. He is the Senior Pastor of Evangel Family Church Ajuy for 24 years with his wife Pastor Lina Chavez. They have two children, BL John and Keziah.

Rev. Peter Wee

/in /by

JECPP Co-Senior President

Regional Director (Southern Mindanao)

 

Rev. Peter Wee served as assistant pastor to Rev. Dr. Robert & Marion Lim in Evangel Family Church, Singapore for 12 years before receiving the ‘Call of God’ to become a missionary to the Philippines.

Pastor Peter began pioneering Evangel Family Church in Davao City in 1993. Together with his wife, Christine, they are overseeing the 5 regions of Southern Mindanao. Their only daughter, Ena, who has returned to Singapore since 2010, is now married to Benedict Chan.

Rev. Andrew Kwong

/in /by

JECPP Co-Senior President

Regional Director (Northern Mindanao)

Missions Director

 

Pastor Andrew began his ministry in the pioneering of Evangel Family Church, Iloilo City in 1986 as an Assistant Pastor. By 1988-1992, he went on to pioneer Evangel Family Church, Cebu City. As the organization progressed to raising local leadership, he was offered the role as Principal of JECPP’s Bible-training school, Evangel Missions School from 1992-1994. Then on December 31, 1994, Pastor Andrew and his family were led by the Lord to pioneer another new work in Evangel Family Church, Cagayan de Oro City.  Together with his wife, Rowena, they are still presently the pastors of the church in Cagayan de Oro City and overseeing the churches in the 6 sections of Northern Mindanao. Their only daughter, Kristy, is currently pursuing her post-graduate studies in medical research.

 

 

Rev. Dr. Robert Lim

/in /by

JECPP Founding Chairman

Rev. Dr. Robert Lim graduated with a diploma in Theology at the Bible Institute of Malaya in 1966. In October 1989, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Bethesda School of Theology (California, USA) by Dr. David Yonggi Cho. He is also the founding Pastor of Evangel Family Church, Singapore. He is happily married to Rev. Dr. Marion Lim. They have three children, Dale (married to Chui Chui) Lead Pastors of EFC Singapore, Kirk (married to Jasmine), and Dayna (married to Jeremy), and has 2 grandchildren, Joseph and Jada.