By: Rev. Annaliza Novero
Seasoned and young Evangelites gathered last month in response to the challenge of discipling the nation and planting more churches.
JECPP Luzon held its 3rd Regional Retreat with the theme NextGen(To empower the Next Generation) in Making Disciples and Planting Churches at Teachers Camp Baguio City.
The three-day retreat was attended by Evangel Family Churches (EFC) in Quezon City, Mindoro, Palawan, Batangas, La Union, Candon, and Ifugao. The event aimed to teach and challenge participants in the rigors and principles of church ministry through a team of anointed speakers.
Speaker Rev. Greta Tamayor from EFC-Palawan taught about a blessing principle through the life of Jabez. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez, a person whose name means pain cried out for God’s intervention for his destiny. A name is believed to define a person’s future, but Jabez had faith in God’s wonderful and great plan for each of His children. Despite his negative and hopeless reputation, he boldly asked God for a complete detour from a ruined future to an abundant life in God. Jabez, therefore, overcame his limitations by submitting his life to God’s mercy and greatness. Like Jabez who prayed that God would enlarge his territory, church planters can pray too for an increase of God’s glory in their lives.
At the evening session, Rev. Jessie Yu, JECPP Luzon Regional Director shared about the topic “Who am I” that tells about Peter’s discovery of himself through his personal journey with Jesus Christ. As Christians, our identity doesn’t depend on our achievements or status. Our true identity is who God says we are. Peter knew that only Jesus has the complete control and salvation for his creation. He also knew that the joy of serving Jesus was worth all a Christian has to suffer in this world. So, like Peter, we need to possess the truth. We need to know who we are in Christ.
Other important messages were “Intercessory Prayer” shared Rev. Eddie Falla, JECPP Core Leader in Mindoro and “Genuine Commitment” delivered by Batangas Core Leader Rev. Domingo Galagata. Rev. Jetro Novero, Core Leader in La Union, shared the message “The Crossing Over” of the Jordan River by the Israelites which relates to the modern time Christian’s step of obedience so we too can experience the blessing of making disciple and planting churches.
Finally, Rev. Jessie Yu wrapped up all these messages into one action summary “Let’s Go”. This message led to the moment of reflecting on each individual’s calling to serve God no matter what. The commitment to lay our lives for Him has been shaken time and time again. Praise be to God who knows all our weakness. When light is dimming in us, we can come to Him and be refueled so our light will keep on shinning
After being refreshed and healed by the Holy Spirit, the participants also enjoyed Baguio City’s amazing sights. The last day of the retreat was a tour to PMA, Mines View, The Mansion, and Strawberry Farm.
