Celebrating 10 years of service in the Lord
with Pas. Benjie and Jocelyn Bachoco
On 22 February 2004, Evangel Family Church Laua-an commemorated its 10th anniversary. Ten years of service and relying on the grace and mercy of God, had led them thus far. There were the years of barrenness and hopelessness, the eventual victories and breakthroughs. Yet, through it all they chose to remain…in His service. Here are the following excerpts from their experiences of the last ten years:
Q: How can you sum up the last ten years of your ministry?
A: Honestly, it had not been an easy ten years. It was only this year, after going on one month of full-fast that God is starting to bless our church. And we are starting to see the fruits of our labor. Prior to that it had been a struggle, we oftentimes thought we were fighting a losing battle. We ourselves were struggling spiritually and emotionally, and seeing the condition of the church only worsened matters. That’s why we ventured into the full fast, we were desperate for a breakthrough and a touch from God, and Praise God that He did just that.
Q: What were the difficulties you encountered as you pioneered in Laua-an?
A: This part of Antique is staunchly and predominantly Catholic. There were instances when they would stone our parsonage and church in the midst of the service. We even received death threats from furious parents after inviting their children to church. Not only would we encounter persecution, but rejection as well. As novices then, they would frontally insult and profane our faith, telling us to go back where we came from. Yet God’s grace was all the more sufficient when we needed it the most.
Q: What made you abide in the ministry despite all these difficiulties?
A: I specifically know for a fact, that God has called me to this specific place, in this specific time for a purpose. And no matter how difficult the situation, we continue in His call. That’s why we were so ministered by Pas. Toh Nee’s preaching a while ago, despite the hardships and trials that we go through, when we hang on, God eventually comforts us with His blessings. For me this message was a prophecy for our church, and for our lives.
Q: Through the many trials, I believe God manifested his favor and faithfulness upon your ministry and family, could you recall any of these instances?
A: There came a point when persecution against us was at its fiercest, and we were constantly tormented by those around us It had become most unbearable for us and our members as well. Because of this, the desire to have a permanent place where we can truly worship freely was activated within us. We remember the many nights we cried out to God, asking Him and believing that He will grant us our plea according to His will. True enough in 2001, through the effort of Rev. Toh Nee Lim, with the assistance of Rev Dr Robert Lim and Calvary Malaysia, our dreams became a reality, our prayers answered. God was faithful and good to us by answering our prayers.
Q: At present, what are the hopes and visions you hold for your church?
A: I just pray that God will continue to do the work of revival in our church. Since after the recently conducted fasting month, we have seen a tremendous work of the Holy Spirit in our congregation. Backsliders are being restored to the Lord and we are seeing fruits from our evangelistic efforts. Somehow a spirit of unity and zealousness for the Lord has come upon our church. We have this faith that God is beginning a new work in us, healing the many years of barrenness, healing our shame and reproach. It’s a new day for our church, and we aspire only to move up higher as he leads us.
Through the entire service there were many instances tears welled up in their eyes…tears of gratitude to God who called them and chose them, even in their ineptness and weaknesses. Giving Glory to God, for having stood by them these last ten years, never failing in His faithfulness and grace, at the same time looking to another 10 years of service in Christ, and another cause for celebration and victory.