Their first step into Philippine soil elicited no instantaneous applauses, nor hurrahs! “Kids…” the Philippine A/G District Superintendent amusingly muttered under his breath as he circumspectly surveyed the four would-be missionaries: Pastor Toh Nee Lim, Lily Ang, Andrew Kwong and Jerry Tan, all of whom were commissioned by Evangel Singapore to spearhead its first mission church in Iloilo City, Philippines. This initial response however, did not dampen the zeal for God’s call upon their lives. But much like King David, they gave God their youth and allegiance…not counting the costs!

Uprooted from their homeland, they would plunge headlong into a nation and culture totally unfamiliar to them. Yet God’s love poured out upon their hearts, would eventually lead them to embrace this foreign land, it’s people and heritage. In time, they would learn to speak the local vernacular “Ilonggo,” complete with Singaporean accent. As well as develop a keen fondness for native Filipino dishes such as “adobo” and “pinakbet.” They not only came…but became one with the Filipinos!

THE INITIAL YEARS
For their first service at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, they had an initial attendance of five. Nonetheless, zeal for God’s house would urge them to tirelessly witness and gain souls for the Lord. Along the main thoroughfare of the city, they boldly proclaimed God’s salvation to anyone who would grant them a listening ear. Souls would be added to their church, and God did multiply this burgeoning church plentifully. In time, certain re-assignments…and a blossoming romance between Pastor Toh Nee Lim and Lily Ang would bring about certain changes in leadership. After tying the knot on June 4, 1988, Pastor Toh Nee and Lily Lim were then officially appointed to pastor Evangel Iloilo. Out of this union came forth two adorable daughters, in the persons of Joy and Jan Lim.

In the subsequent years, however, they would endure a great testing of their faith. Discord brought about by critical and insubmissive leaders of the church, would bring about a division that caused many others to stumble and leave Evangel Iloilo. Marred by bitterness and discouragement, they found their only solace in God. They emerged out of this dark episode by God’s grace, equipped with valuable insight on leadership that would prove useful in their future ministry.

By 1992, as the church steadily grew, the necessity for a larger place of worship could no longer be delayed. It was a major step of faith, yet they believed God…and the providence came. And truly God honored their faith, by leading and directing them, to a spacious place of worship within the city’s vicinity, located at the 3rd flr., of the Lucky Plaza Bldg, Quezon St. And here Evangel Iloilo would dwell for the next 12 years.

HIGHER GROUND
In these twelve years, God would prune and refine the church. For Rev. Toh Nee and Lily Lim, trials and challenges dogged them every step of the way. Yet as the Potter’s hand continued to break, mold and shape them… He was preparing them for an even far greater task. By 1999, God would envision Rev. Lily Lim, with the burden for a great harvest of souls from this city. Thus consecrating herself to the Lord, she would engage in a one week full fast, subsisting on water and fruit juice alone. In desperate prayer she bombarded heaven with the pleas for the salvation of this city, and claiming the many souls therein as inheritance. By year end, the church would have indeed grown from 300 to 500.

The beginning of 2000, saw a fresh wave of faith and vision sweep over the church. Seeking a far greater harvest of souls for God’s kingdom. God inspired Rev. Lily Lim with a new innovation in evangelism, which later came to be established as the G12. Similarly patterned after Jesus Christ’s method of discipleship. It involved one head, overseeing 12 potential contacts, nurturing and instructing them in the ways of the Lord. Furthermore, the quality of the leadership base was the most essential factor in this strategy. Thus, key leaders were screened and chosen, basing on their track record of commitment and spirituality. As one entity, the entire church would indeed arise for the occasion, united in one heart and mind, with one mission…SOULS!

Presently, the total G12 workforce comprises of 113 leaders and workers, involved in the task of evangelism and discipleship. And since the introduction of this strategy the church has steadily expanded from 500 to 1,200 in the succeeding years. Yet, it is to God that we humbly give all the glory and honor!

The advent of the G12, brought in a steady influx of youth and teens into the church. Rev. Toh Nee and Lily Lim, seeing the vast potential in this group of people wasted no time in reinvented the youth and teens department. Drawing them to the salvation knowledge of Christ through even radical methods. Nonetheless, no matter how revolutionary the tactics… the core still centered around Christ’s saving love and grace. Now, from this generation we see God raising up for Himself, a holy people…zealous for God. Percentage wise, they make up majority of the G12 leadership, and are actively involved in it’s creative department, where music, dance and drama are involved…could they be far behind? Yet beyond their many antics, and nonsense at times, they have become the life of the church. After all, deep down their hip façade…beats a heart for God!

Soon enough, even little boys and girls were found to be of profit to God’s kingdom. The values of commitment and spirituality would similarly be ingrained in their young minds and hearts. Some as young as 7 and 8, have taken the solemn step of water baptism, desiring nothing but to commit their lives to Jesus. They would actively participate in the elaborate Christmas and Parent’s Nite presentation, staying up even in the wee hours of the night as they practiced, with nary a complaint. Presently, they too are being trained in the rigors of evangelism…and if they bring one to Christ…then they are entitled to a pet fish, bird or rabbit, as reward for their evangelistic efforts. These are our future G12 leaders in the making. And it is heartwarming to see that young as they are…they too could bless God’s heart, in their own special way.

NEW VISION, NEW LAND
In the last 17 years, God would faithfully lead Evangel Iloilo from one phase to the next. Presently, He is directing this church to a higher dimension of faith. Last year, God revealed to Rev. Toh Nee Lim, the vision for a permanent place of worship, and a center for revival in the city of Iloilo. Such an enormous task…was countered by enormous faith, as the entire church caught the vision. God’s divine intervention would distinctively be evident each step of the way, from the purchasing of a 3,000 sq. mtr. land, to the building of it’s walls. Many perils were encountered during the initial stages of construction; lawsuits, death and bomb threats summarily issued by the surrounding community. Yet, it was Jan Lim’s tragic vehicular accident, which prompted the entire church to take up the cudgels…to fight the fight of faith, and see Him work a wonder.

  
Sunday Service at Evangel Family Church, Iloilo City

And as God leads us to this new land, through unfamiliar terrain and unknown dangers. Yet, by faith we shall abide with the vision, moving in step with God, choosing to follow where he leads us. Choosing to remain His humble servants, now and evermore.