By: Hella Nimes
The original place is sweeter the second time around. This is what EFC-Iloilo learned after God settled them to a better and bigger location- the same spot they left two and a half years ago.
EFC-Iloilo, formerly known as EFC-Jaro, was planted in 1994 at Brgy. Quartero, Jaro, Iloilo City. Road widening and floods during rainy season caused much hassle to the church that it finally decided to transfer after 20 years in Jaro. The church moved to a building space at Ortiz Street, Iloilo City. The new place was comfortable but not spacious enough to hold more people. The water system was another inconvenience. For the next two and a half years, the church prayed and waited for God’s next move.
Surprisingly, the next location was on the same spot where the church was formerly located. In the two and a half years that EFC Iloilo was in Ortiz Street, Victor Yu, the owner of the lot where EFC Jaro was planted in 1994, built a two-story commercial building on this location. He then offered a commercial space on the 2nd floor as a place of worship for EFC- Iloilo.
The new sanctuary is a clear reminder on how God orders the steps of His people. He knows exactly where and when to plant them and make them bloom. On July 18, 2017, this new and better place was dedicated to the Lord. It was a privilege for EFC-Iloilo to have Rev. Dr. Robert Lim as Guest Speaker. Pastor Lim delivered a message titled “Your Identity, Your Authority.” The essence of the message helped everyone understand the authority they have in Christ, and how that authority enables them to overcome the works of Satan. He also added that many Christians live defeated lives because they have an identity crisis. He strongly encouraged all Evangelites to know their real identity as children of God and use their authority in the mighty name of Jesus.
The dedication service was very special indeed as all JECPP Spiritual Leaders, all Western Visayas Core Leaders and other church planters came to celebrate with EFC-Iloilo congregation. The event also saw the installation of Rev. Benjamin Chavez as the new JECPP Chair and Rev. Jay Bautista as Vice-Chair.
Pastor Lim, with the rest of the Spiritual Leaders and the congregation prayed for Pastor Melanie Igles and her husband Isagani Igles as leaders of EFC-Iloilo.
The dedication service ended with an enjoyable special dance number from the youth. EFC-Iloilo, now back in Jaro, stronger and more blessed than ever, sincerely thanks the JECPP family for helping establish God’s church in Iloilo City. To God be the glory and honor.
