EFC CDO partners with Red Cross to save lives
When you give blood, you do one amazing act of saving a life.
EFC CDO celebrates Singapore @ 50
By Rosella S. Abenio
August 9, 1965 marked the day that Singapore became an independent republic after it separated from Malaysia due to some social conflict and disputes. If Rome wasn’t built in a day, so was Singapore.
Singapore withstood severe crises in their early beginnings. Crunches on unemployment and housing arose. Life wasn’t easy for every Singaporean back then. However, that was fifty years ago. Singapore skyrocketed from the third world to the first. And that is just one of the reasons why Singapore @ 50 (SG50) was worth celebrating.
SG50 was a special day for all Singaporeans, naturally capping the day’s activities with sharing and merrymaking. It wasn’t just celebrated in Singapore but the whole world rejoiced with them too. “I will bless you…and so you shall be a blessing…and in you, all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3) God chose to bless Singapore, and now it has been a blessing to the Philippines particularly to JECPP.
Thus, with much gratitude, Evangel Family Church Cagayan de Oro celebrated SG50 during their Hearts on Fire Fellowship on August 9, 2015. The whole event dubbed a highly-spirited fellowship of more than 130 young people. It was an expression of gratitude towards God and to Singapore for allowing Evangel Family Church-Singapore to send missionaries to the Philippines. Likewise, it gave EFC CDO an opportunity to be appreciative to Pastor Andrew Kwong, Pastor Rowena Kwong and their daughter, Kristy, for leading the church and serving God faithfully.
“We have come to know God’s saving grace and experienced His love, all because someone was willing to follow God’s will and chose to be a blessing for others!,” said the young people.
The event kicked off with a dynamic and heart-moving praise and worship led by the Hearts on Fire music team. Thereafter, Pastor Vic Pacaña preached an encouraging message that stirred the hearts of the young people. He stressed Genesis 12:2-3 in his preaching,” I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Through history, God uses His people to build His Kingdom to do what needs to be done. We not only see His involvement in the lives of many Christians but also in Singapore as well.It’s amazing how God’s favor had been working to shape Singapore’s history. It served as a living testimony- a challenge for all Christians to believe in God’s power and favor to work in their lives too. It is really evident that the burden that God graciously placed in the hearts of EFC Singapore and all JECPP spiritual leaders is very much alive. And the church’s response as recipients of God’s goodness is to continue the work and courageously fulfill it with His grace.
After the preaching, everyone was up for the next surprise. Since it was Singapore’s day, two video presentations were prepared that was inspired by Singaporean short films. These videos portrayed the turning point and transformation of a student’s life, and how he found true purpose and meaning in life. After that, a short game was held where everybody was given the chance to participate.
Nearing the end, pictures of Pastor Andrew and Pastora Rowena’s missionary works in Cagayan de Oro were shown while a group of young people sang their version of Katina’s “Thank You.” Indeed, EFC CDO couldn’t thank God enough for the exemplary lives of their spiritual leaders. They were more than willing to obey God’s will and call to serve Him in the Philippines.
Pastor Rowena rewarded the two groups for their inspiring video presentations. Similarly, Pastor Andrew expressed his great joy upon witnessing the entire presentations and even commended the worship team and the staffs’ labor for preparing the delicious food and decorations to make SG50 a wonderful celebration.
Looking back 50 years ago, life wasn’t easy for every Singaporean and for Evangel Family Church CDO too. But by allowing God to shape and mold them, by having faith and courage to do His will, they can look forward to another 50 years of victories and breakthroughs.
The years ahead hold a great prospect and promise for Singapore and JECPP! To God be the glory!
Crusade goes on despite faulty connection fire
By: Jeanelle Lorilla and Raphy Villanueva Abang
Surrender. New Cebu residents accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their lives.
Burning electrical wires have threatened the healing and concert crusade of EFC-Kidapawan at Brgy. New Cebu, President Roxas, North Cotabato this month. While the crusade team, was on stage preparing to launch, faulty wiring inside a barangay office caused sparks, much to the fright of onlookers especially that local officials supposed to be monitoring the event were not present.
The fire incident was the height of a rather disappointing reception EFC-Kidapawan team got from barangay officials on the night of the crusade. Before the concert, the barangay assured the provision of facilities such as lights and chairs for the concert, as requested by the church. However, on the night of the crusade, the team was surprised to arrive to a dark basketball court, the crusade’s venue, with no chairs at all.
As they started to set-up their instruments, electrical wires suddenly sparked and burned in a barangay office. Since the office was empty and closed, some of team members ran to look and inform the officials. The officials responded later than expected.
However, EFC-Kidapawan saw how God intervened that night. After the fire incident, the local officials suddenly gave them special attention by providing ample lighting and security for the crusade. The earlier fire commotion probably attracted more people to the venue. An estimated hundred people in the site received Jesus Christ. There were also those who watched and listened in their homes near the basketball court. From the stage, these people can be seen joining the worship right at their balconies.
Heavenly Sound. EFC Kidapawan Music Team rendered songs of redemption to the people of New Cebu.
The bad weather also could not ruin that night’s program. As the crusade started, so did the rain. However, EFC Kidapawan did not falter in its purpose that night. All leaders and members simply united in prayer, and God stopped the rain. The Fire Band (EFC Kidapawan Music Team) heated up the night when they began playing. The night became hotter and hotter with the presence of Holy Spirit each time the music team sang to the Lord. The HOF Dance Crew and tambourine dancers energized the worship.
“We are not bringing religion, but we bring Jesus.”-Pastor Tony J. Angelias sharing the message of salvation.
Rev. Tony J. Angelias talked about salvation. He emphasized that he is not bringing religion but he is bringing Jesus to New Cebu. “Money, work and government officials cannot save us, not even religion. It’s only Jesus who can save us. We need to believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and personal savior,” Pastor Tony said.
He even shared his life before He met Jesus to encourage the people that they still have hope and chance to change. Pastor Tony then called the residents of New Cebu to accept Jesus. He said that they are not coming to him, but they are coming to Jesus. Pastor Tony declared healing as he prayed over the persons who are emotionally hurt or stressed, having heart failures, difficulty in breathing, and suffering from physical pain or spiritually thirst. “Open your heart; let God enter and move in your life,” he added. The leaders assisted Pastor Tony as he laid his hands and prayed for the people who responded. The crusade continued and ended with testimonies of people who miraculously experienced physical healing.
Meeting the need: A back to school project
By: Francis Jhun T. Macalam
Children expressed their thanks by writing a letter
The act of true giving is rather pleasing to the heart of every believer. In truth, God’s generosity has been bestowed to us through our salvation and to those who received Him. Our heart should be willing to give to the Lord and His Church and to the communities who are in need.
Last June 6, 2015, EFC-Ganghaan, one of the outstation churches in Northern Mindanao conducted a back-to-school program in its community. It was spearheaded by Mia Cynthia Adlaon, a volunteer church planter in EFC Cagayan de Oro. Together with the upbeat Xavier Heights outstation workers, they successfully conducted their Back-to-School community outreach through giving of school supplies which aims to uplift the lives of underprivileged children through education empowerment.
“We choose to meet this need because we observe that the families of our kids are having financial difficulties, and since it’s the beginning of class, this will be a great opportunity to bless them and to encourage the kids to passionately pursue their education,” shared Mia.
One of the goals of this project is to encourage the young teens in the outstation to get involved in organizing the said event. The leaders were tasked to list down all the names of the faithful members and their siblings. The lists should be specific as to the age, grade, gender and appropriate notebooks. The program built their collaboration skills as they kept up with each other to ensure the details are correct. School supplies and cash donations were given by the kind- hearted members of EFC Cagayan de Oro. The day before the event, some young people and kids helped in packing the school supplies.
There were twenty-two (22) children in all. Thirteen (13) girls and fourteen (14) boys benefited in the said project. The highlight of the program was the sharing of God’s Word on Giving. Mia, as the team leader, reminded them that the way to be blessed is to give.
As the young people stepped up in their faith by meeting the needs of the community, they experienced deeper commitment to the ministry.
“They need not worry if they cannot give big amount financially. Spending their time, lending their ears and participating in the lesson is also considered generosity, and that means a lot to God. We cast a vision onto them that one day they will be the people who will be empowered to give. “Mia said. Giving is about sowing and reaping. Indeed, these children are privileged to have been chosen as recipients, but they also touched the hearts of the young outstation workers. Before the program came to an end, they all personally made thank you cards to show their utmost gratitude to their benefactors. As the workers saw the smile of every child, a realization hit them, “It is all worth it. Truly, it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Sowing in good ground
By Maricel Ibanez
Pas. Gregorio Simpas
A rich harvest requires two important elements: a wise farmer and a fertile soil. To ensure that harvest laborers understand these keys in sowing and reaping, a Church Planting Movement (CPM) seminar was conducted at EFC- Mati City on June 25 and 26.
A total of 31 participants from the host church, EFC-Mati, and its outstation churches were taught by Reverends Gregorio and Rosario Simpas, the seminar speakers.
According to Pastor Gregorio, CPM started because of a man who built 200 churches in three months, and in one year, more than 53 thousand people were baptized in those churches. What was his strategy for such exponential church growth?
The man’s church planting strategy was not a secret grand new idea. It all started back to Jesus and his 12 apostles. These 12 were so keen in following their Master’s footsteps that thousands could be saved in just one sermon, as exemplified by Apostle Peter.
Pastor Gregorio carefully expounded each ingredient for such abundant harvest: TRAINING, PASSION, CO-LABORERS, ACCOUNTABILITY, and SKILLS. Without these, the opposite- CONFUSION, ANXIETY, FRUSTRATION, MIXED RESULTS and SLOW PROGRESS result.
Pastor Rosario, for her part, talked about “Discipleship Revolution”. This topic centers on the Art of Evangelism which focuses on the enjoyment of relating with new believers. Pastor Rosario encouraged the pastors and workers to have the fire of preaching and sharing the love of God. If the servants of God now have fire in their hearts in what they do, then the next generation follows, Pastor Rosario said.
When we invest, we can surely claim results. Pastor Rosario emphasized that “the harvest is plentiful” now, so there is no reason for God’s people to sit back and said, “Not yet Lord! I’m not ready” to win souls. We are living before the rapture, a time full of love and grace, therefore many hearts convicted by the Spirit of love and grace would respond to our message, said Pastor Rosario.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus Christ talks about a “good ground” which receives the seeds and brings forth great harvest. This kind of ground symbolizes the “Person of Peace”. The second day of the seminar was devoted to the topic of finding and meeting this person. Pastor Gregorio said that, “finding a person of peace can help us plant new churches”. This person is the one prepared by the Holy Spirit with a heart so hungry for God’s words. He is the person who will open his life and even his home and direct his family, relatives, and neighbors or friends to the saving knowledge of God’s Word.
It is important for every church planter to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead him or her to this key person. The Christian must be courageous, confident and prepared to share the convicting message of the Gospel to everyone. Anyone we talk to could be this Person of Peace just waiting for us, said Pastor Rosario.
On the other hand, if this person doesn’t immediately show up, the Christian has other powerful means of evangelism. The first is the Presence which means God’s light illuminating in our own lives. This is God’s anointing in us which draws people to God’s love. The second is Power which is the gift of the Holy Spirit such as healing to those physically or emotionally sick. The third is Proclamation or the continuous preaching of the Gospel so that faith will come to those who keep hearing it. Proclamation is also simply talking about His words to anyone at any time.
According to Proverbs 10:4,“lazy hands make a man poor but diligent hands bring wealth”. This verse reminds every Christian that laziness makes our life miserable, but a man who is busy investing his time in God’s will and work deserves wealth that comes from heaven.
Isaiah 6:8-9 say, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and Isaiah said “Here am I. Send me!”
As Pastor Rosario said, may we be the Isaiah of our generation.
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- Worship Team lead by Pas. Danilo R. Concon
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- Discussion by Pas. Gregorio Simpas
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- Interaction among participants
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- Discussion by Pas. Rosario Simpas
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- Discussion by Pas. Rosario Simpas
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- The participants of the CPM Seminar
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Northern Mindanao music teams learned worship language
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
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 2nd 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
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!