By: Rev. Albert Polino
The men in our churches may be few, but their potential impact is vast. When these men are empowered by God through His Word, they can profoundly influence their churches, families, and communities. This belief sparked a call to gather and strengthen the men within our churches, and on August 26, 2024, that call was answered. Thirty-three men from the JECPP Soccsksargen Section came together for the first JECPP Soccsksargen Section Men’s Fellowship, marking the beginning of a powerful movement.
The fellowship began in a spirit of unity and faith, with prayers and inspiring testimonies from the participants. Each testimony was a powerful narrative of transformation—stories of how they came to know Christ, how God changed their lives, and how they became part of the Evangel Family Church. One man shared how he had been lost in a world of gambling, alcohol, and vices until a missionary reached out to him. That encounter changed his life, leading him away from his old ways and into a faithful walk with Jesus.
Another testimony spoke of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. This participant had endured the loss of a son to kidney disease, a wife to cancer, a daughter to a heart condition, and the mental illness of his youngest son. His youngest daughter experienced a broken marriage, and he himself lost his left foot in an accident. Despite these trials, he continued to serve Jesus faithfully, drawing strength from the story of Job and remaining thankful to God in both good times and bad.
Following these powerful testimonies, the men immersed themselves in a time of praise and worship, led by EFC Polomolok. The presence of God was tangible as voices lifted in song, hearts opened in worship, and spirits were renewed. Rev. Willy Pontillas, the speaker for the day, shared a compelling message on “The Influence of a Godly Father,” drawing from Deuteronomy 6:5. He emphasized that fathers hold a unique and powerful influence within their families—greater even than mothers in some aspects. He shared sobering statistics: 66% of families come to know Jesus if the father leads, yet 71% of high school dropouts, 90% of runaways, 85% of children with behavioral problems, and 65% of suicides occur in families where the father is absent.
Rev. Pontillas urged the men to leave a legacy of godliness, one that will ripple through generations. A godly father, he explained, must love God intensely, for when fathers love God deeply, everything else will fall into place. This legacy of faith and love is the greatest gift they can offer their families.
After lunch, the fellowship continued with a time of camaraderie on the basketball court. The game was intense, filled with energy and enthusiasm, with EFC Koronadal emerging as the champion. Despite some challenges, including a brownout and vehicle troubles, the Men’s Fellowship was a resounding success. The day concluded with gratitude—thanks to EFC Polomolok for hosting the event and to Pastor Peter and Christine Wee for their financial support, which helped make the day possible.
This fellowship was more than just an event; it was a spark—a beginning. As these men return to their families and communities, empowered by the Word of God and the fellowship they shared, their influence will be felt far and wide. The smallest group in our churches may soon become one of the most powerful forces for good, as these men live out their faith with strength, love, and godliness.
