It is my greatest honor and privelege to have served in my humble capacity as a Christian witness with the SOS Ministry here in California last June of 2007. SOS people are known to be bold, straighforward and uncompromising in their preaching and witnessing missions in the Streets of San Francisco and in the sorrounding Cities for decades now, and I learned a lot from them.

One time I was with them near Berkeley University to distribute tracts and to join the team in evangelism, I was given  bundles of 1000,000 dollar bills witnessing tract. It was so attractive that many you give this tract would take it, would read it, put it in their pockets or simply throw it.

That tract contains many questions that will lead them to think about their relationship with God and  some simple steps to make that relationship.

We went to a Chinese restaurant for Lunch, I gave my copy to the cashier ( he's a businessman), he laughed, he liked it and put it in his pocket (perhaps for Luck, I dont' know). He said, thank you though.

I was standing by the corner, it was about 4 pm, still handing out tracts. By this time a lot of tracts were on the streets. By the way, the road is just in front of the University  which is so busy. There are  many passersby, many stalls like "tiangge" along the streets. It is no surprise you see many dollar tracts scattered all over.

All of a sudden, I see something that catches my attention, among the many dollar bill tracts on the street, there is one that I like to take. "Malabo mata ko pero, pag pera medyo malinaw yata". No one seems to notice it, even the salesmen on the streets - so hurriedly, I took it and presto! its a genuine 50 bucks.

I don't know what  to say. Well, of course I thank Him for that! indeed, He is our Jehovah Jireh our great provider.(Remember this is my 1st week here with them).I have only few dollar bills in my pocket.

 I asked myself, what if the Lord performs another miracle on turning this tracts into genuine dollar bills? What will these guys do in order obtain them? Perhaps there will be multiitudes again here, to follow us and so that they can get money or personally experience paper transformation from look alike to a genuine one.

Of course, this is only superficial, had they really known the Lord, that will resolve all of men's yearning for something that will really satisfy. Just like the Apostles, where else shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life, material things, money comes secondary, or  for  His glory!

There are two things that came to my mind, that, God is concerned about our everyday needs, and that He is just as much as concerned with our spiritual needs as well. He is our great provider - sounds materialistic isn't it? But that is true. One's view of material things spells the big difference. A Christian's worldview encompasses all and it starts from the giver and all for His glory, this what matters.

I remember when I was starting a ministry in Las Pinas in early 80's. I was young and idealistic and I gave all my energy to what I am doing, rain or shine. One Sunday, me and my friend from our church is scheduled to go Las Pinas from Manila. I asked her are you going with me? she said yes! Okay let's go! But to tell you frankly I only have about P1.50 in my pocket,( I didnt tell her this) that will bring us only as far as Baclaran,(halfway), honestly, deep in my heart I don't think about consequences- I believe without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord will provide. How? I dont' know, but He is my Jehovah Jireh.

When we reached Baclaran, what's next?
OH!I left my bible in the bus, so hurriedly I run towards other side, which parallel to where we alighted, to catch the bus. So I got there just on time, got ya!  The conductor gave me the bible. When I got off, about some three steps away, I saw  P20 bill just in front me. I took and shouted Praise the Lord!.

Immediately after I went to my friend and told her the story as were travelling to our destination.We enjoy the worship, the fellowship, and of course, we have merienda and transportation back.

Here is where we started our 1st Church, which later became pioneer for new churches to start in Las Pinas and Cavite.

The Lord provides, He does. He is our Jehovah Jireh! Just go! (even without money on your purse - God's work is supported by God. He uses lots of means in order to fulfill His glorious purpose.) This sounds biblical isn't it? When the Lord sends his disciples, he said the same thing " when you go, do not bring your purse"... (please fill in the blanks). Surely, He never abandons His own who follows His marching orders. "Go into all the world and make disciples....lo! I am with you always. Matt. 28:19-20.

 

Have you ever tried fishing in a deep sea catching nothing? Of course, it could be a very, very frustrating day for some who are really serious about catch, I mean big catch, eventually to go back home emptyhanded.

 

It was summer of 2005, when a friend of mine, invited me to visit a friend who owns a sailboat, and to fellowship with him, for fun and for fish in San Diego Bay. It is an honor to be with guys who have great experience in fishing and in seas.

 

There are many sailboats along the bay near the naval base, and one of the favorite pastimes of these enthusiasts was sailing in the deep waters, and to catch different varieties of fish.

 

As we were sailing, we heard that the weather is not that good, it was windy and the waves very rough.  I was given an orientation on “catching fish”. We went as far as a place where an Island belonging Mexico almost within sight, but we did not proceed any further because of the rough weather.

 

So we headed back to San Diego bay almost tilted some 45* or less, could be in relation to the gravity or the waves. I thing I know for sure, I don’t stand perpendicular to the boat. We keep on moving here and there, upon the instructions of the Captain, we either move the boon, raise or lower the sails, tie the ropes and more. I don’t know anything about what I am doing but simply to follow instructions – of course we're safe.

 

When we reach a much better place (could be better than we’ve been earlier), we lowered the anchor and started to throw our lines and baits. We keep on waiting, waiting and waiting but to no avail. We almost spent the day without a catch, but of course we enjoy the fellowship and the food, but still we don’t have a catch. Until suddenly, I feel something heavy from underneath and so I give it a slack to ease a little and I asked my friends if a fish could have taken the bait. So, I pulled the lines in until the fish visible, and it was a snapper about a foot long.

 

When been laughing all day – it was really fun, it was funny. I asked myself, these guys with me have experience in fishing for quite a long time, but why in the world, this snapper took mine.

 

Looking back to this experience, the Lord is teaching us several things regarding witnessing or fishing for men.

1. That sharing the word of God is not only for the experts. On the contrary, even from the Bible, God uses ordinary men and women to bring about extraordinary results.” For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God, it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate. Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar?” I Cor.1:18-20
2. That even the professional fisherman like Peter was taught by the carpenter’s son where to find catch the biggest catch he had never seen all his life, so he did not count his experience necessary for the task ( which he normally do),he simply obeyed. John 21:1-14. Obedience is the key. Peter simply obeyed. 

I remember a statement made by Bill Bright when I was a beginner, from the CCC regarding witnessing; he said that, “Witnessing is simply sharing Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the result to God”.

 

It is important to bear in mind that, witnessing is not dependent on our strengtht or skills. This course, for sure no one can master, even how effective we are in this field, the Master of ocean and earth and skies is the one who alone has the authority and power to give us success. Our willingness is greatly appreciated, we must simply share Christ!

My normal habit every morning is to make a walk of not less than 3 miles (6 miles total)-just for daily exercise, for prayer walk and of singing of hymns, "beholding the beautiful spacious skies of amber waves of grain for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain".

This helps me a lot, I mean holistically, you know what I mean. I do this also during ministering hours in church and outreaches, walk, walk, walk.

During my walk breaks, I go to safeway or starbucks for a coffee or a meal. I was 3rd on the line some 4 days ago, when I noticed a beautiful blonde lady in her 40's looking at me. She was there standing just before me. I said, my usual courtesy Hi! She responded so sweetly. Of course, she was served first and went straight to the counter for some sugar perhaps and some cream.

When I was served. I also went to the counter smelling the hot steaming coffee of starbucks scents and  I found her still there, and with a sweet smile on her face, asked me, are you alone? I responded, politely, yup! am all by myself, but never alone.

(Thank God of course, that I have to return early for work). No time to miss. I bid adeu.

This is America, this is a real world, with real people and with multitudinous needs. In spite of your busy busy schedules, interacting with people literally 7 days week. You find yourself lost somewhere in the middle of nowhere, simply all by yourself.

All by myself, not really. I am sorrounded with people who love the Lord. I am being prayed for and the chains of prayer keeps going. All by myself, not really. He is right here to stay. He promised never to leave us alone.

Matt.28:19-20, Heb.13:5 etc....

Please find this Devotional Materials from Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life.com page helpful.

****************************
****************************

Today's Devotional *

Hi!

The Word of God encourages us to pray always "pray without ceasing"- and indeed to be fervent in our prayers.

This is a must for every born again child of God, something that we cannot do without, for without Him we can do nothing.

I encourage you friends, to put you prayer request here, so that we can at least connect with one another and to minister to one another through prayer. Prayer changes things, prayer can do  lots of wonders...

We are one in Him, we are never alone, never really apart in His presence. Try this one. God Bless!

2 Thessalonians 1 (New International Version)

2 Thessalonians 1

 1Paul, Silas^[a] and Timothy,
      To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

 2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

 5All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

 11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.^[b]

LCSBC Appeal To Help Brethren in Pangasinan

 

I just opened my email this morning, when I came across with the Convention’s appeal to help our suffering brethren in Pangasinan due to the very recent Super Typhoon that devastated Region 1, particularly Pangasinan.

 

We do not know exactly the extent and the effects of the damages in the lives of Pangasinense, but of course, we all know that in times of calamities like these, many lives lost, houses and structures are greatly damaged and it takes time to rehabilitate them.

 

My friend Jerry, also from Pangasinan, upon hearing the news that his church roof was completely blown and destroyed has volunteered to give and amount to substantially help in the rebuilding of his church in Binmaley.

 

On the other hand, our fellowship, the king of Kings International ministry, scheduled to Celebrate our 1^st Worship Service this end of Month, will also designate our collection to help in our Convention's abovementioned appeal. We may not have all the answers, but together we can make substantial efforts to alleviate their conditions.

 

This appeal is also made for the very reason that, we are knitted together with the common vision and purpose that of  spreading His love to everyone in need, much more, to our brethren.

 

If the Lord is leading you to help, you may send your donations through the Convention accounts as attached. You may contact us for more details thru this site or my email at virgiliolarraga@yahoo.com

 

The Lord Bless you abundantly!

 

 

Link
Well, I am thanking God for your initiative son, I hope and pray that those young people will continue to seek the Lord.

Keep up the good work son and let me know how I can be of help in the event you will sponsor one of tis kind or if you wish to make regular fellowship.

God Bless!

Pao

Such a joy to be here once again in this great country. Christians here are great too! They love the Lord, and, of course, they have great love and concern for missions here and abroad. They are praying for you all!

I enjoyed the fellowship of our great pastors as well. Life here is on fast mode, difficult but very rewarding. Their desire to serve the Lord, to see people saved is as good or perhaps may have surpassed the one they have back there in our country. However, it is obvious they desire to see more Filipinos come to the saving knowledge of Jesus both here and in our country as well.

When I attended the Evangelist Seminar at Pastor Macasero's church it was like, I was in Village Church, only they speak pure English here.But the activities, the seminar, the methodologies and their heart reach more for Christ, same perhaps greater.

T'was my joy to see young men ordained to the gospel ministry. At Village church, Pastors Soy, Macasero, Ytom etc. invited to join them in the ordination ceremony, I rather chose to be anonymous and be with the congregation that is full of joy witnessing the occassion. Same thing is also true in Long beach where Pastors Joe and Peol among others, led the ordination service in a church there.

It seems to me that Filipino churches here are alive and growing. Loving adults, growing young people and children, dynamic preachings, very inspiring music (Filipinos are music lovers and are talented- and musicians and singers too!)

Last but not the least, the warm summer fellowships and of course, the FOOD.

There is no dull and boring moments here. Depending where you spend them. Again, I exercise my freedom of choice and I choose to spend them with brothers and sisters who love the Lord, who really love to see others saved and to become part of His Family.

 

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:1-2:4

“In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth” Gen.1:1

That Settles All!

Many argue about the existence of God, much more to believe that God causes all things to come to being/existence, simply as a result of His Sovereign acts in creation.

Regardless of one’s belief or non-belief, a sensible Christian would go further in saying/affirming the “God is the reason why he lives”. He believes that without God he is nothing, that God is powerful to put everything in order, and that everything perfectly hold together. (John 15:5; Colossians 1:17)

A Christian therefore is assured of the fact that that God is totally trustworthy in all of many life’s complexities, even his personal relationship with Him bringing him salvation and true meaning in life.

My Cousin Luisa from California sent me this very challenging/enriching story:

Did God create everything that exists?

Does evil exist? Did God create evil?

A University professor at a well known institution of higher learning challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?"

A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"

"God created everything?" The professor asked.

"Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied.

The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil. And, since evil exists, & according to the principle that our works define who we are, then we can assume God is evil."

The student became quiet & did not respond to the professor's hypothetical definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the religious faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand & said, "May I ask you a question,
professor?"

"Of course," replied the professor.

The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"

"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists.

Have you never been cold?"

The other students snickered at the young man's question. The young man
replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics
what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Everybody or object
is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, & heat is what
makes a body or matter have or transmit energy Absolute zero (-460F) is the
& gt;total absence of heat; & all matter becomes inert & incapable of reaction at
that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe
how we feel if we have no heat."

The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"

The professor responded, "Of course it does.

The student replied , "Once again you are wrong, darkness does not exist
either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton 's prism to break white light into many colors & study the various wave lengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness & illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain
space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct?
Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"

Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said.
We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime & violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness & cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

The student's name--Albert Einstein
A true story.

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

“My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed, I trust the ever living one, His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.” William Kirkpatrick

“For where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them.” Matt.16:18

Church Planting has become a common by word among church people today. Mission agencies, Churches and the clergy, and the laity alike, share these common notions in their respective ministerial goals.

Methods in Church Planting vary. Practitioners of each method could testify of the effectiveness of the method used, learned or discovered that is important to the success in church planting.

However, these are simply variables, one could use, modify or invent another method in favor of other many unknown variables in the fields. In short, there is no perfect method in church planting nor could there be one to come. Methods just come and go – Church is constant and growing.

Church is made up of people. One or two who are gathered in His name, just the same, the Lord is there – same in hundreds or thousands of people. Church as a spiritual body is not made perfect by numbers just as 4 a perfect square. Mathematically speaking, a hundred does not diminish in value when distributed in ten tens or simply associated as a hundred. The church is a body of believers.

There is only one body of Christ, therefore there is only one Church, in spiritual sense. Where Christ is the head and the source of church ( people’s) life. Quantity therefore becomes immaterial in the spiritual sense, much more in the local sense. “ A church is church, when gathered, is also a church when scattered.”

A church planter must be aware of this simple truth. There is nothing wrong in conceiving mega church as a goal. Nothing wrong either into believing that for as long as there are people worshipping God in Spirit and Truth, be it two or three or more-it is a church, nonetheless.

Jesus said, the harvest indeed is plenteous, “church planters” are few (Italics for emphasis). A church planter always see the possibility of the ripened harvest. He must by all means conserve the fruit.

But in conserving the fruit, he must have the end in mind.(Borrowing Covey’s terminology) What would my church be like?( of course this is Christ church). Otherwise, he will only spoil some if not all.

There should be a willingness to begin to gather the fruit carefully as possible one step at a time. Which means to begin from the available resources at hand. Charles Brock may call it “ indigenous” materials.

Yes, it is important to count the cost first, before venturing into the fields, to ascertain what methods to use and the logistics. But allow me, if you may to simply start where the Lord the vineyard has planted us first, then he will tell us what to do next.

I just would like to enumerate some of my direct church planting experiences and sift through them some principles that may be of help:

1^st Chapter - in Vergonville, in Las Pinas City (Later became Shalom Baptist Church) in the early 80’s. When the Bartolome family transferred their residence from Sta.Ana Manila to Las Pinas. Our church in Manila sent me to lead a Bible study in order to start a mission point. We made a surveys in the area and we found two or three more Christian families there. We made our intention clear that we are going to start a work there, owing to the fact that the mother church is distant apart.

Members are very responsive ( I was that time inexperienced , and had no formal theological trainings yet) yet we are bound by a common vision of putting a new work there. We do evangelistic activities such partnership evangelistic activities with the foreign mission board, here Evangelist like Rev. Janz came ( there are about 3 movements of this kind during my terms), DVBS, home Bible studies, visitations etc.

In the span of five or so years, the new congregation, slowly but surely keeps on adding members and until such time that they are able to construct a church building. Prior to that of course, the group have been through exodus; from member’ s homes , garage, school building and rented facilities.

Shalom became the mother church of several churches in Las Pinas and Cavite areas.

2^nd Chapter – in Urbanville in 1997- Our kids are growing and we have to find work that will be enough to support our family and kids schooling. We move Soldier’s Hills 2 also in Las Pinas. After sometime, we visited old friends the Cruz family and the Catalan’s ( not really old – just same age) some 2 kms. away from our place. We told them about our intention to start a new work.

Since they are friends and are mature in the faith it is not hard to convince them. The fact that all of us have some pioneering experiences and have come from same religious backgrounds. We agreed to pioneer a work.

We started our 1^st worship service that Sunday in Urban Ville – we call it Urbanville Christian Fellowship ( in front of SM Mall). Urbanville is a close community of more or less 100-150 families. Our 1^st worship was attended by 3 families ( each with 3 kids). Our worship services went very well.

We do several evangelistic activities as Crusades, DBVS, film showing, camps and etc.

After 1 year, I asked the congregation to call their pastor because we are about to start a work in our own place in Soldiers Hills 2.

Only recently , I was invited again to preach (their 4^th pastor just left). I was amazed , to see how the worked improved greatly. There are two groups that rendered the special numbers the juniors and the young people. Men and Women are very energetic in leading the worship service that day.

I found out that the place they are now occupying inhibits them from growing. Given the potentials at hand. The three generations of believers the parents, the young and the children, made up this very promising church.

Urbanville is praying for a bigger place of worship.

3^rd Chapter (Present) – Soldiers Hills 2 – At first we started a as home Bible study in our place. Then we started a school ministry in Christianville . 1^st worship service in 1998 with 5 families attending in Christianville ( later moved to Soldiers Hills 2). In year’s time, we establish a Church and named it Grace Community Christian Church.

Soldiers Hills 2 has more or 400+ families in a close and guarded community. Religion is predominantly Catholics and the seat of Parochial influence even in more or less 3 barangays.

There are more or less 3 to 4 church planting activities in the area. All of them were able to gain following for quite sometime. None of them survived.

Grace Community is here because of God’s providence. We will be celebrating our 8^th Anniversary August of this year.

GCCC made several evangelistic activities like, home Bible studies, DVBS, Evangelistic Crusades, feeding programs and educational ministries. God had been very gracious to us that He continues to supply us all our needs.( we are only voluntary workers)

The members but their own chairs, we buy musical instruments, sound and equipments. We are also praying for our own church lot and building. With God nothing is impossible.

Just recently, we consecrated our stage, which our members for worship purposes. The church is meeting at the GCCA (school auditorium), has a maximum seating capacity of 80 persons. Our goal for this year is to make our sanctuary beautiful and conducive to worship and instructional needs of the people in the village.

Of course of work is not without its setback. When we transferred to Soldiers 2 – we literally lost 3 – families with few individuals. But this lost is not without its blessings as well. Here we started to encourage the family of Pastor Joe Maquiling to start a new work in Mary Homes, Molino Cavite. They started their Bible study in their own school premises. Right now they have their own building and the church is growing rather smooth and steady.

Presently, we are ministering to the following families: 2 Magluyans ( 2 families -one in CAA and one in Soldiers Hills), the Larraga’s , Arenas , San Miguels, Mahinay’s, the Floriano’s, Laurio’s, Luci’s and Ganhinhin’s and several individuals. Some families are big, some are small. More or less 70 to 80 in all including children. 40 % could be considered inactive because of distance – however, this situation may provide another opportunity for church planting.

To recap, let me just share some important elements present in the success of these church planting activities.

1. The willingness of the worker or church planter
   
2. The willingness of the people ( contacts, friends and others) who share the common vision with the church planter
3. The Timing, the place, the need.

Rev.Mike Janz Evangelistic Crusade 2006

Evaluation of the Crusade Events

CAA Crusade Facts

A. Average Attendance/meeting for

6 Consecutive Nights 250-300/night

B. Total PRC Decision

Prayed to Receive Christ 200+persons - does not include other decisions as dedication or recommitment.

C. Churches/Pastors that Participated in :

Bringing the Lost for Christ 10+churches

In the Programs/Activities 10+churches

D. School Classrooms Visited 7 classrooms and 1 Open Space

E. Total Number of Decisions 500 persons approximately

F. Budget (Shared depending on their Assignments)

F.1 – The Evangelist paid his way back and forth (from the US)

Paid some of his food while traveling and some transport –

F.2 – Grace Community Christian Church

Provided for Board and Lodging

Food are provided by members as sched.

Some transpo shared. And other incidental expenses

F.3 – The Firm Foundation Church – Did a lot of preparations and Practically majority of musical presentations i.e. bands etc.

F.4 – Other Churches in special numbers/bringing some of their members and mostly unsaved friends to attend the meeting.

G. Pastors activities – Dinner at KFC and Victory Celebration in a Restaurant in BF Resort, respectively.

Preliminary Statements

Seeing this event taking place, if given monetary value or estimates from its conception to it fruition may involve a lot of money. Seeing it however, from the voluntary support of every individuals concerned, the evangelist, the pastors and the people this not really a big deal.

Pastors are really cooperative, in spite of the fact, that they come from different Christian persuasions. Their overriding love for Jesus Christ and for the lost moved them not to count the cost or how much this would entail them or as a deterrent but rather as a challenge to obey the great commission. CAA Christian Churches, I should say is a micro model of genuine Christian unity and concern.

Having the right people, doing the right task,and Holy Spirit filled preaching of a true Evangelist makes success inevitable.

Evaluation:

In spite of our limitations, the willingness of everyone is remarkably the key to its success. Everyone doing his or her own share, just like in the book of Nehemiah, “everybody has the mind to work”.

By and Large, the crusade was successful on the following considerations:

1.Churches and Christians were mobilized

2. Hundreds of souls saved

3. The fellowship of pastors reinforced

4. Members from Different churches experienced a revival

5. There is an expressed willingness among pastors to repeat the event.God willing in the near future.

Pastor Ang for example, a pastor of a church in Pamplona, would bring more than 70 or 80 people at times in the series of rallies, said “that more than half of the people they are bringing are unsaved”. Most of them were not only given the opportunity to hear the word of God preached in the rallies but they according to her are “sure to find their way to their church life”

Rey (from GCCC) has brothers just near the crusade area. Who in turn brought with them their “barkada’s” or peer group.When invited came forward to receive the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Lord. A pastor of a church nearby with their young people/or adults invited them to a small group counseling and talked to them further about their decision.

      It is amazing how churches/counselors responded to those who gave their commitment to receive Christ. There were no decision left unattended.- thanks to Pastor Tommy.

Final words.

What brought the success of this event?. Of course, just like in the CCC, in its motto – “success in witnessing is simply sharing Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit and Leave the results to God”. This will not be possible if not for the willingness of those pastors/churches and individuals sharing the word of God, in this case, collectively.

I should say:

These efforts were deliberate, cooperative and borne out of a passion to bring Christ to the lost world.

Recommendation:

With the emergence of the so called church planting movements and other modern means of bringing the gospel to the lost and fallen world.I should say, that Crusades like this, as classic as it may seem, is still a very important and effective tool in evangelizing the lost for Christ.

For further info or questions may contact me in my email address: virgiliolarraga@yahoo.com

Rev Mike Janz Crusade 2006

CAA Covered Court, Las Pinas City

Coordinator’s Office -- Rev. Vigilio S. Larraga

Soldiers Hills 2, Las Pinas City Tel No. (632) 802-2369

Email address: virgiliolarraga@yahoo.com

Update

September

Coordinated the crusade activities with

Las Pinas Ministers Association of CAA

39 churches in all

Secured the use of Covered court through the

Barangay chairman

Pastor Tommy in-charge

October

Request for Mayor’s help of 3 streamers to hang along

three main thoroughfares in Las Pinas City.

Casimiro

Pulanglupa

CAA Basketball Court

And an invitation for the mayor to

Officially open the event submitted

Mrs. Zape – Mayor's Secretary in –charge

Upcoming Meetings

1. With Las Pinas Ministers Association by end of Month of October
2. With Maricris and San Mariano Pastors by end of the Month of October

Grace Community Christian Church Preparations

Families in charge for the evangelist food and housing/board

1. Nov. 19,2006 – Sunday – Welcome by all members (in church’s facilities)
2. Nov. 20,2006 –Monday – Larraga Family/Ganhinhin Family
3. Nov. 21,2006 –Tuesday – Floriano Family/Magluyan (1) Family in Soldiers 2
4. Nov.22,2006 – Wednesday – Mahinay family/Magluyan (2) Family in CAA
5. Nov. 23,2006 –Thursday – Arenas Family/San Miguel Family
6. Nov. 24,2006 –Friday – All families not mentioned and Von voyage by Grace CCT group.
7. Rev. Janz – will be housed in residential unit Soldiers hills 4 in Cavite

Prayer Concerns

1. Salvation of souls in CAA, Marcris and San Marino
2. For transportation expenses and/or car to use
3. For our evangelist’s safe travel and arrival
4. Churches cooperation/voluntary support
5. Pray for the Firm Foundation Church;s band in their musicial preparations a well as other churches participations.
6. Pray for all legworks - info dissimination and invitations
   

“ We are laborers together with God..”

I Corinthians 3:9a

Grace Community Christian Church (GCCC) had just started a joint venture with Center for Community Transformation (CCT) last Wednesday , September 20,2006at 9-12 AM, at the Floriano's residence in Golden Acres.

CCT project with GCCC has two parts:
1. Bless to be a blessing - For members only
2. Coopertive program - mixed groups

The purpose for venturing in this program is twofold:
1. To help uplift the socio-economic status of members and non-members through savings and loans program of CCT (Social - economic)
2. To foster among Filipinos values and attitudes necessary for change and personal relationship with God.(Social and Spiritual)

CCT has all the resources available to be able to help our kababayans who would like to make a difference in their small business enterpise/s. CCT provides the seminars, facilitates loan and other services needed to make/help them succeed in their small businesses. CCT is sponsored by Christian businessmen who provide the money when needed without interest.

Members are encouraged to save an amount every weekly fellowships. They are requried to attend seminars, weekly activities and fellowships. After three or four meetings they can avail of loans starting from four thousand pesos (4000.00php) and will eventully increase upon full payment of their outstanding loans.

While GCCC provides couching, and the spiritual aspects of this ministry.

Two or three Sundays ago, during the service, Sis Edith Arenas was challenged to give and to make herself available in the service of the Lord at Grace Community Christian Church. The congregation was also challenged to pray for her fulfill her calling.

Yesterday. Sis. Edith (Pstra.Edith), with Sisters Arelene, Jobelle and Nida led the first mixed group fellowship at the Floriano's residence, and was attended by more or less nine (9) nanays or mothers who loved to venture into small business project that will help their husbands augment family income.

The meeting was very encouraging, cordial and inspiring. Sis. Edith challenged them to give their lives to Jesus first and the Lord will be the one to bless all their undertakings. Just like Matt. 6:33 which says, "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these thngs shall be added unto you."

The fellowship was very warm. Everybody seems too open to share their experiences. Sis Nida, just shared her recent health developments,(she just came from a series of chemos due to cancer) praise the Lord! her recent CT scan says, she is already on "clearing" - Thanks be to God!

Please pray for this project. We will also open another venue with this partnership. Pray for :
1. The Manuela group (to open by next week)
2. Pray for our church workers
3. Pray for our supporters like CCT and members.

Please let me know that you are prayng for us through your replies.

Thanks and God Bless!]

Pastor Vir

Mote and Academic ?

or

Moat and Pandemic?

The Situation

The very recent incident in Shalom Baptist Church that led to the separation of majority group and its pastor, and eventually the obvious show of political power on the side of those that caused the dismemberment of the majority members could be considered mote and academic in the light of the history and existence of Shalom.

Moreover, the author cannot in his right judgment simply treat the subject in that light, not only for the sake of study, but also to awaken our church senses in the light of our beliefs which we hold dear to us; the democratic and congregational church polity common among Baptists, specifically the Southern Baptist Churches.

The church is a pure democracy, but some would say? Demoncrazy? Or is there really such thing? The subject at hand could not be considered mote and academic in a sense that for as long as the institution of this church is concerned, what it professes to believe also possesses its very existence.

Yes, it is also true that every local congregation is autonomous. Some may have profounded 3 self's and others five. It is never to be construed however, that any departure in any major tenets viz a viz democratic and congregational governance which is basic and normative among SBC churches is permissible. Those who say they are… but on the basis of their preferred styles invite Pandora all the more open wide her box.

In view of what has transpired very recently in Shalom a moat has been established and its pandemic influences now threatens or may already have swallowed its very foundation. The worst scenario would be, if there are other churches of like scenario and who can tell?

The Interim Involvement

Shalom at first, invited SOMMABCA to mediate in the ongoing factions between Pastor Arriola’s group and Carls’ ( Pastor Dante’s). Such gestures somewhat appeals to the basic democratic way of handling church disputes among SOMMABCA churches as provided for in their by-laws in settling church internal disputes among others.

Both parties asked for a mediation.and agreed to allow SOMMABCA to help them settle the issue. (From the onset there was already a deception, owing to the fact that Carl’s’ group was outnumbered- that they are really in dire need of help)

At first it was agreed that SOMMABCA will send preachers every Sunday to help them sort out the issues and come to terms or a solution. This has worked for quite sometime about a Month or so, until Pastor Arriola and Carl both signed an undertakings to vacate the parsonage (that they both occupy). This led to the separation. First in the opinions, and Secondly in split.

Opinion and Split

In opinion:

1. To Carl’s group it was a victory because they taught they already won the victory and was able to unseat their foe.

2. To Pastor Arriola it was only an agreement to vacate the parsonage which becomes (seemingly) the root of their conflicts but not church separation.

This development brought Atty. Tagoc to request the association to install Pastor Dante, which is scheduled in their timetable to come that Sunday to preach.

Violation number 1 – Their conflict is not yet fully resolved, and to ask for a pastor direct from SOMMABCA is not the normal nor the ideal practice. Besides, the majority officers are with Pastor Arriola’s group. About one or two were left with Carl/Atty's group. This makes their organization, sick, defunct and is needing some time to heal and to get organized.

In this situation the church must first ascertain their status and come up with a common decision as a group in search of a pastor. As a result, Atty Tagoc’s request was not granted, instead Pastor Larraga was designated by SOMMABCA and upon the request of another group inside Shalom.This group is not of Dante's/Carl's nor Arriola's . Pastor Vir to serve in the interim in order to assist Shalom until such time that they are one in their decision and able to look for a pastor.

The Interim Relationship

Pastor Larraga was well received by the congregation on the 1^st official Sunday he assumed his post as an interim pastor. From the onset, he laid down rules and parameters to guide the church in the process. All remaining elders and members were convened and signed the letter and instructions as circulated by the interim by the majority of them, so that they could begin the deliberations. (see letter and circular)

The following Sunday, he was welcomed by Atty Tagoc and was given a copy furnished of a letter addressed to the SOMMABCA Chairman, thanking SOMMABCA for the effort.

That same Sunday was very memorable because it was a joint Lord’s Supper celebration with some members from Grace Community and Maricris.

After the consecration song, the interim pastor announced that he does not recognize the letter as coming from the church and tore the letter instead in front of the congregation in Jesus name. So that they might understand in simple terms what it means to have a congregational decision in relation to pastoral call.

After that, he called for church’s decision to sign to call him as pastor , and he had majority of the members signatures. But this does not mean he does not make himself accountable with anybody such as SOMMABCA nor Shalom. .(see congregational letter as signed).

This they did also (Carl's group), but they are far below their numbers even when there are about 2 who double signed.(see the membership committees report on the actual membership after the split).

This incident was their Second vicious attempt to rid of any one who would stand in their way to seat Dante. In order to fortify their position they employ:

Intimidation

By calling the aid of Barangay tanods and policemen. They deployed 1 jeep from the Barangay and 2 patrol cars from the police. Atty. Tagoc and Carl conspired to control the pulpit. Until the time that they successfully installed Dante on their own even without congregational vote or decision.

SOMMABCA’S RESPONSE

Actually, there are members/people from Shalom and even from Pastor Arriola’s group who are clamoring for SOMMABCA to use their power to correct the wrong. Of course, SOMMABCA, or anyone aggrieved can resort to any legal means to address the issue.

An implication would be, in any given SB churches, for this matter, may practically replicate their strategies and live as freely as they choose. God forbid!

The writer admires SOMMABCA for their inaction (not actually inaction – SOMMABCA BOT did their best share and so do I and other SOMMABCA pastors). Inaction in pursing further actions. I for one, just rest my case here and leave the results to God, who in his infinite wisdom knows why things happen the way they happen. To use the arms of flesh means to fail.

End Statements

Who’s church is it? Who’s responsible? While there are many Southern Baptist local churches, in biblical sense, there is only one body. We all share the same blessings from the same source for the edification of the church. All Christian denominations are included and all are vital parts that make up the whole.

Moreover, within this body, ( or part ) that we are occupying – we occupy a very specific place i.e. right here in SOMMABCA or etc.

Yes, there is a need to reassess the mechanism how we deal with conflicts (of the same nature or may be different) when they arise. But we cannot simply shrugged off our shoulders and say it’s their problem, not our ’s or mine.

Yes, we are autonomous but what binds us together, should practically bind us all, otherwise, there is no bond existing.

Still I am optimistic for Shalom, in God’s time, it shall become greater even better than before. What happened in Shalom can also happen anywhere or maybe happening anywhere.

Therefore;

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

Grace Community Christian Academy

(A Ministry of grace Community with a Mission, Phil’s., Inc)

Blk.10 Lot 25 Gen Lim St. Soldiers Hills 2, Las Pinas City, Philippines 1742

Tel. No. 632-802-2369

VISION and MISSION

Vision

GCCA aims to become a premier Christian academy of learning in Las Piñas City, providing opportunities in the learners’ pursuit of academic excellence and values transformation that are essentials in community and eventually in national development.

It foresees the Gracean as young model citizen acquiring basic knowledge and skills towards higher academic disciplines to be used for serving God and his or her fellowmen.

Mission

We believe that education is the key to the success of a person, community and the nation. Education from its inception must address the basic needs of the whole person to be truly relevant. Relevant or quality education must be holistic in nature.

In Luke 2:52 it says: “…and Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and men.” The boy Jesus increased in basic aspects of holistic growth and development or normal transformation of life to its fullness in four dynamic areas:

1. Intellectual - “wisdom”

2. Physical - “in stature”

3. Spiritual - “in favor with God”

4. Social - “in favor with men”

In this manner, Grace Community Christian Academy commits itself to quality Christian Education reflected on its emphasis to Academic excellence and Values education that addresses the development of the total person.

To this end, we would like to see our pupils’ growth and development in terms of:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Acquiring basic academic knowledge, technology, skills and values that is morally consistent with day to day living.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->Appropriating experience through fruitful and productive participation in the context of the school, church and community.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]--> Appreciating the values of the love of God, country, self, family, community, nature and ecology, and the world.

A Gracean therefore is:

G – enerous

R – esponsible

A – ttentive

C – ourteous

E – xcellent

A – chieving

N –othing without God

GCCA 2996-2007

GCCA is now on its 7^th year of existence since 1999 and was able to minister to more than 300 students, majority of whom were exposed to the gospel before they graduate or transfer to other schools.

More than 50% (total) of our students are /were enjoying 100% scholarship privileges. It is our desire to provide quality Christian education to a many as possible and at the same time also provide generous scholarship to poor and deserving pupils.

This year’s enrolment dropped to 50% due to economic problems, besides, our transfer to Soldiers Hills 2 (which is more remote than the first school site). This did not however, hinder us from helping especially the needy ones.

If you may, please take a closer look to our recipients’ just like the Laurio sisters, Remalyn and Renalyn. They both enjoy 100% scholarship privileges and with book subsidies. Rene, the father of Renalyn and Remalyn is only an ordinary laborer whose salary is not even enough for their daily needs especially for food. Just recently, we allowed them to use our small piece of land of about 26 sgm in Grace Compound in Papaya Street, in Golden Acres Las Pinas for them to put a little structure in order to live temporarily.

Hereunder are our scholars for the School year 2006-2007. We hope and pray that the may touch hearts and lives of our brothers and sisters in the Lord so that we can help our less fortunate kababayans (fellow Filipinos).

Should you wish to sponsor a child’s schooling our school fees for this school year (at cost), is 15,000.00PhP or more or less 280USD including books and uniforms. You can send your gifts of whatever amount the Lord may be leading you through our address:

Grace Community Christian Academy

c/o Rev. Virgilio S. Larraga

Blk.10 Lot 25 Gen Lim St, Soldiers Hills 2, Las Pinas City , Phils 1742

Or you can contact me via email: virgiliolarraga@yahoo.com

“.., verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the lest of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matt. 25:40

The Following are the recipients of 2006-2007 Scholarship Privileges:

1. Renalyn T. Laurio Grade 2
2. Herald Mark Zape Grade 4
3. Remalyn T. Laurio Grade 5
4. Hazel Candel Grade 5
5. Carlo C. Cosca Grade 4
6. PJ Candel Grade 2
7. Ernest Zape Grade 1

Photos are available in the photo album.

For your help/donations write

email - virgiliolarraga@yahoo.com

Brethren:

Greetings!

I am doing my best to communicate and promote the November crusade. On the first note it is very challenging, because those I personally met are expressing their voluntary support. However, there is difficulty in communicating to all SOMMABCA churches (30 plus, yes but these are located in different cities southernparts of Manila.

SOMMABCA, even our Convention - are in great financial need nowadays – they are short in terms of salaries of their personnel and programs. I am thanking SOMMABCA for their open hearts to accommodate such event as this.

I also found out that out of these 30+churches , about 10% only may have an access to a computer, about 50 % do not have landlines, only 20% have cell phone records. Hence emailing is not a good way of communicating to them . There is therefore, a need to go around and talk to them one by one.

Pray that I will have the opportunity and logistics to follow through..

I am encouraged by the support the Las Pinas pastors are giving me – we all have access to each other and they all lend a hand to help this crusade in terms of musical bands, invitations for unsaved to come, the mayor and barangay permits to use public area.

Please Pray for the following – as of now I have 0 budget – except of course PR.

1. PaymentS for electric bills and tokens for the use of Covered courts (both in Las Pinas and Maricris) – More or less P2000/php for each for one full week.
2. God willing, I will be printing posters and streamers on. or before September – at least P5,000 is needed
3. Crusade paraphernalia as gospel tracts, decision cards etc. – 2,000.00
4. Gasoline per day of – P700 x 6 - more or less (Las Pinas Cavite, and schools)
5. Daily food for 3 (including the driver) P400/day for (at cost) x 6

A Total of – P17,600.00*

******************************

*Of course other items as enumerated could be adjusted – could be shared or optional such as posters. Others are non-negotiable such as venue, materials , gasoline, and food.

******************************
Dahil po dito, kayo po ay aking ipinamamanhk na makibalikat tungo sa kaligtasan ng maraming kaluluwa. Para sa kaluwalhatian ng Diyos.

Kung meron po kayong tulong ipagbigay alam lamang po inyong lingkod o sa SOMMABCA.

Kay Kristo
Pastor Vir Larraga

Mission Update

(Maricris Crusade venue #2)

Maricris Mission is now on its 2^nd month of worship services at the residence of Pastor Gako in Gen T