Mindanao – Page 14

Northern Mindanao music teams learned worship language

May 12, 2015/in EFC CDO, Regions/by judith kintanar

By: Deljane Balagtas

It is widely known that music is the language of the soul, and that it plays a great role in church services. Praise and worship is a time when people express their devotion unto God through songs, and well-arranged music helps people tune in to the spiritual realm.

Training is therefore crucial for all musicians and singers so they can effectively minister in worship services. In line with this, a music workshop was held at Evangel Family Church Cagayan de Oro last April 28 to 29 to equip and improve music teams from different Evangel Family Churches all over Northern Mindanao.

Music teams from Malaybalay, Balingasag, Lala and Manticao came in the morning of the first day. In the afternoon, the workshop was opened with a prayer by Pastor Rowena Kwong followed by a short praise and worship and orientation of participants.

The workshop was divided into three sub-groups: Song Leading led by Pastor Rowena Kwong and Philip Salinas, Guitar & Keyboard led by Neil Gregory Simpas, and Drums led by Jefferson Ouano.

Song leading participants were given an overview on the basics of song lineups for different church services and events, proper ways of song leading, keys and timing, and hand signals. The participants were also given a chance to examine themselves on what area they must improve for better song leading. The guitar and keyboard participants where taught the necessities on playing instrument as well as enhancement of hearing and listening skills which are very important in learning new songs. Drum participants, on the other hand, were taught beats and rolling in drums.

After the first session, all groups were given assignments. For song leading, each one must prepare a line-up according to a chosen theme. For the guitar and keyboard participants, they must learn one song by ear. Drum participants were asked to demonstrate the beats taught to them. The participants also gathered for prayer meeting in the evening. A short message reminded and inspired the singers and musicians to always clothe themselves with God’s anointing.

The morning session of the second day started with a praise and worship led by one of the participants in song leading. Workshop groups resumed and got even more exciting after the announcement of a praise and worship in the afternoon to be led by one from each group of participants. Facilitators of each group chose one participant for the final praise and worship as the culmination of the entire activity.

The participants also got a chance to learn teaching skills because they were invited to a meeting of Sunday School teachers right after the music workshop. In this gathering, EFC Cagayan de Oro and outreach teachers underwent guidance in lesson plans, creative visual aids and songs. An open-forum on classroom management and teaching strategies was also conducted.

After a hectic day, participants were treated at Mang Inasal for a hearty meal. The evening continued sweetly at JCO for doughnut dessert. After the good food experience, the best ending of the whole music experience was again another round of praise and worship that night.

The Road to Prosperity for Professionals

May 12, 2015/in EFC Tagum, Regions/by judith kintanar

by Micah Simpas

Most professionals believe that hard work is a sure track of the money trail. But true divine prosperity is more than just seeing labor and cash flow.

The 2^nd Professionals’ seminar called “The Rocky Road to Prosperity” was held last April 24, 2015 at Evangel Family Church-Tagum with speakers Engineer Dave and Godeth Domingo from Evangel Family Church-Davao. The seminar showed a Biblical understanding of wealth that transcends material abundance. Such prosperity also draws us closer to God instead of making us too busy making money. In fact, Bro. Dave warned us of an overwhelming desire for financial gain that would leave us spiritually bleeding. Therefore, prosperity is a spiritual battle that has a winning or a losing end.

In order to win, Bro. Dave taught us the principles of supply, support, sow, surplus, storehouse and sacrifice. These values are forged in love and generosity, and they can be shown in three ways. First, we are encouraged to help or give in any way we can to God’s kingdom because the Lord rewards faithfully. Second, we must love and support generously our pastors and others who labor for God, and third and most importantly, we must give back what belongs to God in tithes and offering.

As an entrepreneur himself, Bro. Dave shared his personal testimony of how these principles steered his steps in the rocky road of business venture. Aside from teaching us how to prosper, he also cautioned us with attitudes that indicate love of money. Bro. Dave capped his talk with a warning to “remember Him always all the days of our lives especially when we are prosperous.”

Many of the participants said that this seminar is unique and relevant to the needs of the people. Rev. Greg Simpas of EFC-Tagum testified that he was teary-eyed when listening, and he would have wanted to move the seminar on a Sunday service so more people could hear and be blessed. We thank God for using Engr. Dave and Sis. Godeth as living examples of God’s overflowing blessings, and we thank them both for sharing to us how to win and prosper.

EFC-Marahan trained Sunday School Tribal Teachers

May 12, 2015/in EFC Marahan, Regions/by judith kintanar

By La Donna Yap

Sunday School teachers of the Matigsalog tribe at Marilog District, Davao City underwent training to effectively win tribal children to Christ last April 29.

Sixteen eager teachers and EFC-Marahan pastors Rev. Patricio and wife Rev. Mivelyn Margate warmly welcomed training facilitators Cecille Gacasan and La Donna Yap who are experienced Sunday School teachers of EFC-Davao. The facilitators’ passion was equaled by the trainees’ enthusiasm and openness. The anointing and joy of the Holy Spirit, the Great Teacher, spurred the whole day event.

Teacher Cecille taught the participants new action songs and games for children. She used team work and cooperative learning as strategies for student-centered Sunday School classes. As opposed to traditional teaching where a teacher does everything, a student-centered class promotes age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities to all learners. Teacher Cecille also taught the tribal teachers how to start training little ones in prayer, games and worship leading.

Teacher La Donna, for her part, taught techniques in memory verses. The techniques are very helpful in sustaining the interest and short attention of children. She also demonstrated how to accurately explain and creatively communicate Bible verses to kids.

The highlight of the training was the sharing of the Gospel to little children. The trainers introduced The Wordless Book and the Bridge Method to help children grasp salvation.

The Wordless Book is a colorful illustration to help children understand spiritual truths, such as the black first page indicating sin, and the red second page signifying the blood of Jesus that washes away our sins. The Bridge Method is based on John 14:6 which hails Jesus as the only way to salvation. The Bridge Method also identifies different futile ways of man trying to save himself. An example is the story of the Tower of Babel where man unsuccessfully tried to connect to God through great knowledge or magnificent deed.

With these simple presentations, not only the teachers but also the young children can share the gospel of salvation to family, friends and neighbors.

At the end of the day, the Name of the Lord is praised. The participants went home blessed and ready to spread love to the children whose tender hearts and great faith amazed Jesus Himself!

Shoes and songs in Kidapawan Campus Ministry

April 21, 2015/in EFC Kidapawan, Regions/by judith kintanar

by Jeanelle Grace Lorilla

“Whenever the presence of God comes, favors are unstoppable. It is like deserts turned into springs.”

We stand upon these words proven true when we saw the blessing of God poured out in the lives of the students as they received for the first time brand new shoes for graduation. It was distributed the same day when the Youth Shakers Campus Ministry conducted a concert crusade at Amas National High School, Amas, Kidapawan City last March 22, 2015.

Amas National High School is a field white for harvest. When EFC-Kidapawan asked permission to hold a Christian concert on the month of March, one of the busiest months in high school calendars, the Principal Mrs. Vilma Belotindos agreed. In fact, they rescheduled some of their closing month activities, even their final examination day, just to give way to this event. All the teachers were also very accommodating to us when we arrived that day for the concert.

And God blessed their responsive hearts. Early in the morning of that concert day, the school received a memorandum from the North Cotabato provincial government regarding the distribution of shoes as gifts to the graduates. Recognizing God’s provision to the graduating classes, Mrs. Belotindos said she did not regret her decision of inviting our youth group to minister to the students that day.

Then God continued to shower His grace to the school as the day progressed. A crowd of approximately 250 students, faculty and staff were not just entertained but blessed through the various presentations. There were dance numbers by the Hearts on Fire Dance Crew. Students were amused and surprised to learn that God is the Lord of the dance. The song numbers led by Fire Band touched them to sing with the performers. They clapped their hands and gave joyful noise to God. A drama skit was also shown. The song “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns and the actions of the casts portrayed the honor God gave us to be called His child. We saw some students with teary eyes as they realized God’s unfailing love communicated in songs.

It was amazing to witness that they attentively listened to the Lord’s message delivered by Rev. Tony J. Angelias. They lifted up their hands and surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ as Pastor Tony and some of the church leaders prayed for them.

After the event, we fellowshipped with the students. They were encouraged to join the campus ministry next school year and continue their journey in growing their relationship with God. We will keep on praying that more students will be closer to Jesus through this ministry. We, as a church, were also encouraged to keep working and reaching out souls in other schools and universities. We pray that we will “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9-10).

Southern Mindanao Youth Challenged to walk the NexGen path

April 16, 2015/in EFC Davao, Regions/by judith kintanar

By Michael Lyco J. Barrera

A teenager is bombarded with crises and pressures from all sides of life as he or she goes through growth, maturity and development. Psychosocial development as theorized by famous psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, states that we need to overcome crises on particular stages in our lives in order to become “whole” persons. A teenager, for instance, must overcome role confusion to establish and secure his or her identity.

Without the word of God, a teenager seeking for directions gets entangled with unbiblical ideologies and wanders on a lost path. Jesus knows the pain and restlessness of a drifter, and so he calls the lost sheep into his fold that it may lie down on green pastures. This fold is the church which welcomes all weary travelers, introduces them to the Savior, and equips and releases them to help others who are still astray.

This summer, the JECPP Southern Mindanao region once again fulfilled its deep calling of training young people inside the fold to love and serve God with all their hearts and strength. More than 200 youth from Evangel Family churches all over Southern Mindanao gathered in Jones Beach Resort, Talomo, Davao City for the 2^nd NexGen Southern Mindanao Regional Youth Conference last April 1-4.

The event was an ideal summer spree for energetic teens and young adults where they were nourished and revived with compelling messages, physical activities, fellowships, music, prayer, and creative expressions of talents.

Every day in the camp was a feast of the Word served by anointed speakers. These messages were meant to transform and renew their minds so they could make sound decisions and actions as exemplary Christian youth. Reverend Peter Wee marked the first night with a highlight on the favored life of Lot because he walked with blessed Abraham. Unfortunately, Lot decided to walk on his own, forsaking the Godly legacy of Abraham and embracing the culture of his time. Pastor Wee quoted Oliver W. Homes who said, “it matters not where you are, but rather in what direction you are heading” for where you are looking, there you will also go.

Expounding the idea of “walking with those who are blessed”, Pastor Wee reminded the participants of another lover and follower of God in the person of Joshua. “Joshua loved the Presence of God” (Exodus 17:9) and “Joshua loved God`s House” (Exodus 33:11). Like Joshua, young people need to learn to love the presence of God above all and to be in the house of the Lord rather than to be in other places.

Other speakers in the morning and evening services were Rev. Albert Polino, Jr., Rev. Delia Miguel, Rev. Tony Angelias, Rev. Gregorio and Rev. Rosario Simpas, Rev. Judith Kintanar and Rev. Christine Wee. These speakers addressed various issues that the young people relate and struggle with.

An all-time pressing issue among young people is undoubtedly romance. So, “striking while the iron is hot”, one afternoon in the camp was devoted solely to the topic of love and courtship delivered by Pastor Judith Kintanar. The eager young people raised questions, and were satisfied with wise counsel from their leaders. Pastor Wee and Pastor Christine helped answer the questions and candidly shared their own love story to the delight and enlightenment of the listeners.

Another worthwhile engagement in the camp was the creative balloons and table skirting workshop headed by Sis. Cecille Gacasan, Bro. Jonathan Lariosa and Sis. Lourdes Bargoso. Since the church is a venue of gatherings, celebrations and parties, the young people can serve using their aesthetic skills in decorating and designing. The young people were of course motivated to learn as they could use this skill not only in the church but even in their own parties such as debuts and graduation.

The entire camp was mentally and physically challenging, so after dinner on the last night of the conference, the leaders chilled to a “pastors just wanna have fun” session. Selected pastors from the Southern Mindanao region showcased their talents. As a result, many hidden talents such as song composition, dancing, and wildly-spirited laughter were all discovered. We believe God will release our young people to serve God with greater measure.

“Next Generation” equipping in Northern Mindanao Summer Youth Conference

April 14, 2015/in EFC CDO, Regions/by judith kintanar

By Pastor Vic Louie Pacaña.

…And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ … Ephesians 4:11-16

Last March 30 – April 2, 2015, JECPP held its annual summer youth conference at Coconut Bay Resort in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City with a theme “ Equipping and Releasing” participated by youths from different Evangel Family Church sections all over Northern Mindanao including Lala, Naawan, Manticao, Balingasag, Mambayaan and Malaybalay. It was facilitated by Pastor Rowena Kwong, and administered by Pastor Andrew Kwong, Pastor Roberto Padinit, and Pastor Vic Louie Pacaña.

The four-day and three-night conference was full-packed with encouraging sermons from pastors and fun-filled activities that showcased God-given talents of young people: singing, playing instruments, narrating and acting. Noticeable also in this year’s camp was the increased number of younger participants.

The event started on March 30, 2015 with the arrival of the participants, an orientation and groupings of youth for the activities. The event was opened with a praise and worship jam in the evening and a heart-warming message of encouragement by Rev. Andrew Kwong. In his message, he reminded all young people to remember the source of eternal life. He said, “To whom shall we go? You [Lord] have the words of eternal life”.

“A biblical foundation must be built in the lives and hearts of the next generation. They must be fully equipped in doing God’s work. ” With this message from Pastor Andrew, he capped the day and set the course of the entire event!

The second day of the camp started exceedingly great when Pastora Lourdes Ello, from EFC Malaybalay, shared an eye-opening devotional. After breakfast, the morning service began with a praise and worship lead by Lala team followed by a message from Pastor Vic Pacana of EFC Cagayan de Oro. Camper Paul John Cornel of EFC Lala was the one leading the worship team. At his very young age, God enabled Him to do his ministries. Though he was very young, he took the responsibility in leading the praise and worship. What a great joy to see young ones willing to be trained and be used mightily by God.

The highlight of the day was the Battle of the Bands in the afternoon where praise and worship teams from the different sections, Lala, Malaybalay, Naawan, Manticao, and Balingasag, gave out songs that brought people to an experience of anointed praise and worship.

In the afternoon of the second day, all teams prepared for the competition. Here they would be able to express their talents and abilities in singing and playing music. Through this, each team would be able to encourage and challenge others to give their best in whatever things God has entrusted on them. As the first team began to play, I noticed how expressive they were in singing their songs to God. They had given their very best; a magnanimous heart was evident as they worshipped through music. Others, as they waited for their turn, were also motivated. In this event, Pastor Rowena Kwong introduced Bro. Jefferson Ouano as the sole judge for the competition. He was also giving feedbacks, recommendations and commends every team that performed. All of them had distinct ways of playing their songs; all were commendable. To God be the glory! Among the teams who participated, Naawan won the Battle of the Bands.

I remembered last year that it was Pastor Andrew Kwong who proposed this Battle of the Band for all the outstation churches. We were all enthused with the idea that through this, we would grow, challenge, help, and polish one another’s music skills.

After which we proceeded to the evening service. Before the preaching of the Word, an hour was spent for prayer asking the power of the Holy Spirit and anointing of God throughout the service. It helped us to be prepared spiritually. Pastor Andrew Kwong shared about “Seeing the Unseen God”. It was Moses’ faith that prodded him to leave Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger, and he persevered because he saw him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27). On one hand, he fled to save his life, but it was not because he feared the anger of the king. Rather, he fled in surrender to God’s timing. He was waiting when exactly God would deliver Israel. That long, discouraging wait was possible only because Moses saw the unseen God. I believe that God can do the same to all the young people in this conference. May they learn to believe in God and choose to stand firmly in His side though they cannot see Him.

When the evening service was over, everyone was busy meeting together for their practices. They carefully planned and put all their efforts to come up with the best presentation for the next day. It was a great time of fellowship and bonding. It gave me a joyful heart to see them sacrificing and devoting their time at night to practice and work things out in their groups. It was a place and time of encouragement, mentoring and understanding one another in spite of many differences. Praise be to God for His abounding grace to them.

On the morning devotion of the third day, young people were all alive as Pastor Reynaldo Cornel of EFC Lala shared the message of being bold and unashamed of the gospel. The morning service started with a Cebuano praise and worship led by EFC Balingasag team followed by a message “Serve like Jesus” by Pastor Robert Padinit of EFC Cagayan de Oro.

Then came the most awaited part of the day; the room exploded into a big cheer as five groups showcased their acting skills and teamwork in the drama and cheering competitions. Teams Ephesians and Corinthians won the competition.

The evening service was also a blast with a jam-packed praise and worship led by CDO praise and worship team. The event was closed with a message “Dare to Be Different” by Pastor Andrew Kwong. He exemplified the life of Daniel and other three men as they stood out for the Lord, did what was right, and trusted God for the results, no matter what. In this case, God caused Daniel to excel than all the other youths.

Those words are remarkably insightful specifically spoken for the young people to take a leap of faith and be courageous in doing God’s will. With willing and humble hearts, we have responded to the Word of God. God graciously poured out His Holy Spirit to the congregation. As shared by Pastor Andrew Kwong, the lives of these men are worth emulating. Once more, the young people were challenged to do likewise.

The night ended with great assurance of hope. Many questions were answered. Doubts that clouded our minds were cleared, and the Holy Spirit moved in our midst.

The last day was spent for swimming, picture-taking, eating and fellowships allowing young people from different section to mingle and bond with their teammates and new friends to share experiences that would surely inspire them to serve the Lord enthusiastically. This years’ youth conference played a vital role in strengthening and equipping the faith of the next generation. As they travelled home, they brought with them a touch of the Holy Spirit, the fun experiences, and encouraging messages that prepared them to be released in God’s work in their various places.

God made many wonderful things and revelations during the camp. It was a remarkably successful and anointed youth conference. All of the young people and outstation church Pastors were really grateful for this experience and for the vision that JECPP imparted to us.

The challenge did not end in the conference. We now have a journey set before for us. We are now equipped, and we will never be afraid because God will always provide the skills, ability, direction and resources we need to carry out His will.

We are already looking forward to next year’s camp!

Christmas Party on the street of Nazareth

January 13, 2015/in EFC CDO, Regions/by judith kintanar

(Written by: Ms. Risa Labis)

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity—hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory.” – J.I. Parker

Evangel Family Church CDO is blessed to have embarked on its first outdoor Christmas Party on a community outreach in Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro dubbed as “Christmas at Nazareth”. “Christmas at Nazareth” was a striking departure from the Christmas parties we used to have inside the four corners of our church where we enjoyed the fun and the fellowship of fellow believers and of course, feasted on a variety of delicious food.

The church, under the guidance of Pastor Andrew Kwong and Pastora Rowena Kwong, felt that Christmas should be a time where we can showcase God’s generosity because on that first Christmas night, God gave the most precious thing He has, and that is His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. So instead of lavishing ourselves with gifts and toys and all that, we decided to go out to the community and spend Christmas with them. Interestingly, a barangay in Cagayan de Oro named after our Messiah’s hometown was fittingly chosen for the event.

It was a warm afternoon of 21st of December 2014 when about 500 children from Barangay Nazareth were gathered together in a gymnasium. It was an uncomfortably humid day, yet the kids did not mind because they were very excited on what were in stored for them during that day.

The active and dynamic TKK (The Kingdom Kids) teachers started the program on “Christmas at Nazareth” with a Praise and Worship led by the Music Team. Kids were attentive to hear the sharing about Christmas, and Jesus being the center of the celebration. Moreover, Burglar, a mascot brought fun to all the kids when he started playing with them. Teachers also entertained the kids with various games and fun activities.

Moments later, grandparents, parents, and more adults started coming in. The second part of the program was dedicated for them. Everyone enjoyed worshiping and praising the Lord. Everybody raised their hands as they all sung joyous Christmas songs. Evangelites continued on by having more surprises through various games and activities.

The day will not be complete without hearing a word of encouragement from beloved Rev. Andrew Kwong. He gave a very uplifting word of Hope. Also, a brother in Christ, Jeff Ouano and his band presented songs about his life experiences in encountering the Lord during the darkest moments of his life.

After all the games and giving out of prizes, four families were surprised with gifts given by Evangel Family Church. They were thankful and indeed surprised.

The fellowship with an estimated 900 adults and kids ended with a night of shared happiness and so much laughter over the warm and simple foods prepared by Evangel Family Church’s Staff and members.

By going into Nazareth, which happens to be the name of Jesus’ hometown, we meant to be a blessing to others as the Lord wants us to be. We shared material things that we could manage to buy to give to others so they would be happy on Christmas. We did this to let people know God is a generous God. But little did we realize that we in turn were also blessed to share the message of God’s relentless love with the people most in need of it – the destitute, the downtrodden, the hopeless and the restless. Indeed, the true message of Christmas is His undying love for everyone.

A small thing can carry great love

November 27, 2014/in EFC Davao, Regions/by judith kintanar

By Pastor Jordan Kintanar

Mother Theresa said, “In this life, we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love”.

Last November 8, volunteers from Evangel Family Church- Davao visited Co Su Gian Home for the Aged, a temporary shelter for indigent and abandoned old persons. Sick with flu that day, I wonder how much I can do to help and inspire them. Because of my condition, I could not even go near the indigent and abandoned elderly folks.

We came to know of this place through a friend, Dr. Rizaldo Gonzales and his wife who committed themselves to help the JECPP yearly medical mission in Marilog District. The shelter, used to be called Day Center for the Elderly, served as haven for socialization and relaxation for senior citizens. Here they exchanged views and experiences, play guitar and chess, and do other productive activities. After few years of operation, the center was turned over to the City Government of Davao, and became a temporary shelter that serve poor and neglected old people.

I remember EFC Davao first visited this place last Christmas. Our Sunday school kids sang and recited poems for the residents. This year, twelve of us from Evangel Family Church Davao came to clean and decorate the place in time for Christmas again.

Our day started with a drive to Buhangin district, Davao City in the warm morning of November 8. When we reached the place, we were moved, touched and at the same time amused of how they welcomed us. There were three elderlies present in the receiving hall when we arrived. One met us with a smile and hello while the other sat on a corner staring at us like a little kid. His expression looked as if he had been scolded or had quarreled with someone. The third one was busy chopping firewood to cook their meals.

We were divided into groups. My group spent the whole day energetically wiping windows, railings and the surrounding of the Center while the second group climbed ladder and hang decors personally made by the EFC staff. After we embellish the dining and receiving areas with our ornaments, the Christmas mood stirred in.

After our tasks, everyone assembled in the receiving area. I did not go close to the elderly folks, however, due to my flu. Though wanting to help, I just stood at a safe distance watching a lovely scene unfold at the receiving area where the residents assembled. The volunteers were now distributing to each grandpa and grandma personalized Christmas mug, toothbrush, toothpaste and colorful face towel. We also gave personalized Christmas mugs to the volunteer social workers and nurses there.

I just kept watching from afar as the Center staff prepared the residents’ lunch. I felt quite hungry myself and still weak with my bout of flu. I just managed to stand up from my sick bed that morning because I wanted to experience the therapeutic joy and satisfaction of sharing love to these precious folks even for just a short time before the Lord takes them home.

A few minutes later, refreshment was served. One elderly man said a prayer of thanks for the food. For me, his simple prayer is the best part of our visit here. It almost brought me to tears. “Lord, thank you for the lives of these people that are here cleaning today that you might bless them, keep them healthy, and keep them safe when they leave this place,” the old man prayed.

I was dumbfounded. I was thinking that we were there to bless these old abandoned fellows, but I realized only then that God has a gift waiting for us there. That gift is His love expressed in affirming words. “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

As I am writing this article, I’m still having goose bumps recalling that prayer of blessing coming from the most unlikely place. The Center has nothing spectacular for inspiration, rather a chilling reminder that life is short, and that one day, we too might end up in the same place.

If we desire to become a blessing to others, God will in turn bless us in the most unexpected way. My sick body really needed that boost from God that day. I left that place strong and encouraged in my spirit. It’s not how much we do that counts, but even in our weakness, we can touch and bless others through the abundance of God’s love in our lives.

I again remember Mother Theresa’s words. “To show great love for God and our neighbors, we do not do great things. It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.”

EFC-Davao celebrates 25 years of marriage

October 23, 2014/in EFC Davao, Regions/by judith kintanar

By La Donna Yap

Five proud grooms stood in the altar seeing the women they have loved for all these years walk down the aisle. Looking as beautiful as ever, the brides reminisced how they have been together for better or for worse. With tears falling down their cheeks, they walked to the front, with eyes only to their husbands. Once again, they met at the altar, and with so much pride delivered the anticipated sweet “I DO.”

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person”, as the saying goes. In this light, the Married Couples Fellowship of Evangel Family Church – Davao recognizes the importance of building a successful marriage relationship. Reaching the milestone of 25 years in marriage is not an easy achievement. For varied reasons, many couples have not even reached a decade. To rejoice over a lasting union, the event dubbed as Celebrating 25 years & beyond was birthed.

On September 26, 2014, family, friends and members of Evangel Family Church-Davao gathered together to witness the solemn and meaningful Renewal of Vows Ceremony of the five triumphant couples, namely: Engr. Avelino and Mrs. Nelly Domingo, married for 47 years; Engr. Jonadab and Mrs. Nenfa Sepulveda, married for 43 years; Mr. Felix and Mrs. Becilda Morcillos, married for 40 years; Mr. Valentino and Mrs. Minda Tamayo, married for 32 years; and Mr. Roland and Mrs. Rowena Jumawan, married for 26 years.

During the course of the preparation, it has been known that most of these couples were not wed in church. According to them, this event is a dream comes true. These couples represent the many wives who wished that they were able to walk down the aisle on their wedding day as well as the many husbands who wished that they were able to fulfill their wives’ dream. By the grace of God, the Married Couples Fellowship became an instrument to carry out the answers to these prayers.

Rev. Peter Wee, officiated the ceremony and inspired the couples and everyone with the message “MARRIAGE IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT. ” He shared that married couples rely on the wrong source of love to sustain their relationship when God is the only source of love, a love that can overcome any problem in marriage. Only God can meet our deepest need and only God can love us

perfectly, permanently and powerfully. Couples who build their marriages on the Love of God will certainly cross the finish line with great success.

It was such a tender moment to see the children of these five couples taking turns to pay tribute to their parents and honoring them with various gifts, AVPs, beautifully crafted poems and touching words of appreciations. What a delightful way to end the night’s celebration with a sumptuous buffet dinner and warm fellowship with loved ones and friends. This event would certainly be a memory to keep and the fulfilled couples were a sight to behold for a lifetime.

JECPP expands missions mandate among tribes

September 11, 2014/in EFC Davao, Regions/by judith kintanar

By Mayme F. Olegario

A new batch of tribal workers is now ready to set out in the mountain region of Mindanao to conserve and enhance indigenous cultures through the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Four men and five women compose the third batch of Tribal Workers Intensive Training (TWIT) which culminated last August 30, 2014 at JECPP Evangel Tribal Training Center (ETTC) in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato.

JECPP has partnered with the Tribal Missions Foundation International (TMFI) in the mandate of salvation to all nations. “Language, territory and culture constitute a nation. Tribal communities posses all three, and therefore, the ethnic culture is a focal part of this redemptive plan of God,” says Sherelle Cotecson, Program Manager for Culture and Development of TMFI.

The TWIT program includes Bible and Mission, Culture and Development, Sustainable Agriculture and Indigenous Education.

In his welcome address to the graduates and guests, Southern Mindanao Regional Director, Rev. Peter Wee, announced that the Tribal Ministry which started in Mindanao has now extended to “the Ifugaos” in Banawe and “the Mangyans” in Mindoro. Through the efforts of Rev. Jessie Yu, Regional Director of Luzon, JECPP tribal churches have already been planted in these places. Pastor Wee also shared his desire of a coming together of all JECPP indigenous churches all over the Philippines for a convention.

The church can be a holistic tool for culture development. One of the graduates, Bernie Tumanding, son of a Tinananon tribe Datu (chieftain) believes that the church can effectively promote this advocacy more than other organizations. He observed that though many NGO’s come to their places to promote the welfare of the tribes, they could cause division instead.

Sister Sherelle explained that due to the different advocacies of NGOs, prejudice or bias can be directed at specific groups of people. “This practice works against the integrated nature of the indigenous culture,” she said.

On the other hand, Bernie believes that a “development-focused and culturally-sensitive” church has the power to preserve and unite the ethnic society. Eager to impart his training, he wants to teach literacy to his folks at Sitio Pundok. He particularly observes that during election, some tribal people can be tricked into voting someone simply because they cannot read and write.

TWIT graduates are expected to impart their knowledge and skill to their Bible study groups and discipleship outreaches. “More than half of our trainers now are from our first batch of graduates,” says TMFI Managing Director Ma. Elena “Beng” Bicaldo, who was the Speaker in TWIT’s 3^rd Graduation ceremony. Sister Beng reminded the graduates that the end of their missions training is only the beginning of a miraculous journey with Jesus. She quoted Mark 6:45-51 where the faithful disciples encountered amazing miracles as they obeyed God’s call through impossible situations and problems.

What hindrance did the disciples face? One hindrance was their being physically and emotionally drained. Sister Beng pointed out that after a tiring day of ministering to a big crowd, Jesus instructed them to immediately cross the sea instead of resting. Since the waves were strong, they strained rowing all night. They felt very afraid and alone in the middle of a cold, dark sea. Jesus did not go with them because as they crossed the sea, he departed to the mountain to pray.

What is your response when you reach this difficult point? Sister Beng encouraged the graduates to wait on Jesus who promises to give rest for the weary. When the disciples could have thought that Jesus had abandoned them, He had not. He was actually praying for them, as He is continually doing for us today.

The 6^th chapter of Mark reminds us about knowing God by obeying Him even if we do not understand His ways. Jesus commanded the disciples to feed five thousand when they themselves had nothing to eat. They also wondered about the “ghost” who walked on the water towards their boat. Sister Beng said that as long as we are here on earth, we will always be disciples so we do not stop learning and knowing Him. This is why God said we can ask of Him for wisdom in our lack.

Among the nine graduates, two were from the One-Way Outreach denomination who joined this year’s training. Wearing their colorful ethnic attire, the graduates gave a spectacular dance and song numbers in Obo Manobo language. They also gave their testimonies and much appreciation for the training. A very sumptuous and delicious lunch prepared by the volunteers follow the closing of the graduation ceremony.