TO BE JESUS’ HANDS: Reflection of a Medical Mission Volunteer
acts of kindness will forever be remembered.
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!
Shoes and songs in Kidapawan Campus Ministry
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
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 2nd 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.
A small thing can carry great love
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
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
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 3rd 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 6th 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.
Investment beats money woes
By Mayme F. Olegario and Ptr. Liza Angelias
After the summer holiday, the month of June is a bustling back-to-school season in the Philippines. School expenses become top budget priority. However, for most parents, the answer to the question of where to get extra money for school fees is always hard to pin down.
As a church family, finance is a shared affair. A pastor’s aspiration is always for the welfare of his flock. This concern is not only limited to spiritual fulfillment but also to material success in order to live a truly blessed life.
To help members enjoy financial freedom and increase, the Southern Mindanao Region held a seminar in three churches from June to August, a refreshing and timely discussion as financially draining school year kicked in. The seminar aimed to energize breadwinners, new and seasoned professionals and aspiring and established businesspersons with the reminder that God is the one who gives us the ability to produce wealth.
EFC-Davao, EFC-Kidapawan and EFC-Tagum were the host churches of the seminar “A Divine Purpose on Investment” with speakers Eng. Dave Domingo and Godeth Domingo from EFC-Davao. About 200 professionals and entrepreneurs were thrilled and motivated with moneywise principles shared by the husband-and-wife team.
Bro. Dave started his talk with an animated video presentation of two men making a living by carrying pails of water from the river to the village houses and stores that pay them for their service. One of the men wakes up early every morning and does the same thing every day for the rest of his working years. The other one named Bruno, however, is a visionary. He has a big dream for his life and the society. He works hard, plans every move, and sacrifices his time for pleasures until he is able to attain his dream. Bruno’s dream is to create technology that will bring water faster into the village. He invests two years of hard work, and his income gets bigger and bigger as his accomplished water system brings improvement in the community. Everything he sacrificed pays off. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” Foresight and knowledge are indeed steps that usher vision fulfillment.
The speaker continued by discussing the various sources of income such as being an employee, self-employed, business owner and investor. He said whatever our source of income is, investment and savings are a must. The attendees were coached how and where to invest their financial resources and were taught the 7 Simple Steps to Save Money. The attendees, some of them engaged in small businesses, were all eager to apply the knowledge learned and were even asking for a part two of the seminar. Asked for a reflection, one EFC-Kidapawan youth who is currently employed as teacher in the government realized that he should find another source of income and not just depend on his monthly salary so he could give more and be a blessing.
Bro. Dave also warned that fear and laziness are enemies in wealth production. Fear can paralyze and eventually make us unproductive. Laziness, on the other hand, is a likened to a robber. As Proverbs 6:10-11 states, “ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man”.
Another convicting point is the “Law of Use” which states that “What you don’t use, you will lose”. This is a reminder to all that we are accountable to what the Lord deposited in us. Whether in ministry, business or daily activity, God is looking for faithful stewards in small and big things.
Finally, Bro Dave concluded the topic with tithing as a divine investment. He shared his own testimony on how God flourished his business with so many favors since they started to pay their tithes faithfully. He encouraged everyone to pay tithes honestly despite bills to pay and daily expenses. It’s heartwarming to hear some participants, who are still struggling with tithes, say “I will surely give my tithes from now on”.
By understanding and applying the divine purpose on investment, may we truly think of ourselves as not just mere employees or workers , but wise investors and owners in the kingdom (with contributions from Ptr. Judith Kintanar and Micah Simpas).
JECPP teachers brush up competence
By La Donna Yap
Children’s Ministry plays a significant role in setting the foundations of faith in a child’s life. It could be the first place where a child encounters Jesus Christ. While parents remain as the most important faith influencers in their children’s life, Children’s Ministry comes alongside to help them rear their precious ones in the Kingdom of God.
In this light, JECPP empowers the Children’s Church teachers of EFC in Marilog District, Davao City on May 22, 2014 and in EFC-Kidapawan (with Del Sur, South Cotabato and SOCCSKSARGEN Regions) on May 29, 2014 by giving them a Seminar-Workshop on Teaching Children. A total of 57 teachers joined the said training from 23 Southern Mindanao EFC churches.
The one day seminar-workshop was designed and facilitated by Sis. Cecille Gacasan and Sis. La Donna Yap, experienced Children’s Church teachers of EFC-Davao. Both facilitators emphasized that Bible Teaching doesn’t have to be dull and drab. Teachers do not have to get stuck in ruts. They demonstrated the methodology in teaching children, such as drawing and crafts, demonstration, dramatization, question and answer, drills and games, music and action songs and storytelling.
Moreover, teachers were also taught to outline or plan their bible lessons effectively. The objectives are to help the students remember the details of the story (e.g. names and characters, places, etc.); understand the conditions in the story; apply the details in real life situations that students can relate to; analyze the word of God and how the message affects the child’s everyday life; evaluate the circumstances of the characters in the story and make connections with students’ experiences and create their personal reflections or conclusion of the story. Explaining the bible verses before asking the students to memorize it was emphasized as well.
Aside from equipping the teachers with the knowledge and skills in teaching effectively, they were also given time to share their testimonies, struggles and burden in their respective ministry. These gave them the chance to relate to each other and to encourage each other. All of them shared that the training is a refreshment for them and that it put springs on their steps to teach their classes in the coming Sundays.
Indeed, teaching children is not easy, and success is not immediate, but the rewards are sure and eternal as Jesus said in Matt. 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”