Word Circular 2017 - April

VOL.8 ISSUE NO.2

now What ?

WORDCOMM Word Community Church Board of trustees ∙

CHAIRMAN Jun Uy

∙

Ptr. Dave Darwin

Ptr. Woolim Ma

Eric Perdigon

Mike Velasco

Dolli Bustamante

Aikee Enciso

Ellen Perlado

Vicky Jose

staff Martin Sarmenta

∙

Kyleen Sayas

ADVISER Shiloah Matic-Ma

∙

contributors Ptr. Dave Darwin

Ptr. Woolim Ma

Eiamin del Corro

Manny Movido

Hannah Perdigon

Rachel Halili

Arianna Zamora

Bea Zamora

Special Thanks Kids' Church volunteer teachers Francis Mangahas of Velprint Corp.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF

Woolim Pastor Dave Darwin on Woolim Ma

is . ..

In my early years as a Campus Crusade for Christ missionary, we used to have a saying that shaped the way we did discipleship. “When you’re looking for disciples, look for FAT people”. By FAT, we meant Faithful, Available, and Teachable. There might be other qualities and abilities present in a potential disciple, but if the person wasn’t FAT then we were told, don’t

IF ANYONE COULD COAST

bother working with them. Over the years these three foundational qualities have been evident in people who have

ON WHAT

developed and grown into dynamic

HE DOES

leaders for Christ and His church.

NATURALLY, IT WOULD BE

When I think about Pastor Woolim, what I see is one FAT (but fit) fellow!

WOOLIM

PASTOR'S NOTE

3

(HIS) LEADERSHIP STYLE VALUES THE INPUTS & TALENTS OF OTHERS, MOTIVATES THEM THROUGH TEAMWORK & MODELING

FAITHFULNESS

When I consider the character quality of Faithfulness, I am not simply thinking of someone who gets the job done. I’m thinking of a person who understands his calling, his commitments, and his identity, and is committed to staying true to them no matter what the cost. Perhaps it was this quality in Pastor Woolim that first caught my attention and stirred my heart.

For Pastor Woolim, it has not been about looking good, or producing numbers, or accomplishing goals;

it has been about hearing God’s voice and staying faithful to God’s call. Constantly I hear two messages coming from his mouth: let us strive to do it in a spirit of excellence and let us strive to do it in complete

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dependence upon God who alone can change hearts and grow people. When I think of a faithful person, that is the sort of faithful leadership I am motivated to follow.

Availability

Availability can mean many things for a disciple. I suppose as a novice who is following his mentor, availability simply means being willing to make the time to be together. But when we think of availability as a character quality of a leader, we are thinking in terms of accessibility, being available to the people you are trying to lead. This is a relational quality that values people and wants to connect with them so that together they can accomplish God’s task for the church. Many pastors are more comfortable as CEO’s, leading through delegation and dictation but Jesus’ lead through relationships, teamwork and modeling.

He was available to his disciples so that they caught what he taught by both his words and his actions. It is this “available”, relational kind of leadership that I see in Pastor Woolim. It is a leadership style that values the input and talents of others and

Pastor's Note

5

motivates them through effective teamwork and modeling. That is the kind of leadership that was demonstrated by Jesus in the Gospels and that is the kind of leadership that I am motivated to follow in our church at WordComm.

Teachability

Over the past several years of working together, I have appreciated Woolim’s teachable heart. Woolim is a natural born leader and a gifted communicator.

In all my 23 years of teaching preaching at our seminary, I have only seen a handful of people with the raw communication skills and abilities of Pastor Woolim. If anyone could coast on what he does naturally, it would be Woolim. But he doesn’t do that. He is always trying to learn, to grow, to improve, and to be better at what he does, not just in his preaching, but in all areas of his leadership and ministry.

He is forever sending us, the pastoral team, new podcasts to watch, or new articles he has read, asking us for input and feedback.

So here’s to Pastor Woolim, one FAT pastor, who is God’s appointed leader to shepherd our church into the next decade of making disciples who can bring Christ to the world!

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Pastor's Note

Intimacy

Spiritual Challenge

BY WOOLIM MA Are you ready to push your spiritual muscles to the next level? Let’s work out!

These exercises will go well with the guides and principles that will be given during the sermons and followed up on our Facebook page. They are meant to push you along on your development of these disciplines as followers of Jesus. They are not only designed to be specific actions you can take, but to be as doable as possible.

READING SCRIPTURE • PRAYER LISTENING • SERVICE • GIVING

Let'sgo.

Readin g Scripture Begin by reading one chapter of the Book of John per day.

Give yourself around 30 minutes. Begin by asking God to speak to you directly through the chapter you are about to read. As you read, take note: What is the one verse that speaks to you? You may be tempted to choose more than one, but resist that temptation. It's important to choose only one because you'll be choosing another one tomorrow and the day after that. So keep it bite-sized.

Use the verse to journal your reflection via the SOAP (Scripture, Observe, Apply, Pray) method.

Prayer Let's focus on the way Jesus taught his disciples: The Lord's Prayer. Recite it from memory or read it once (Matthew 6:9-13). The second time around, begin to pray the lines that speak to you. For example, when it says ,"Hallowed be your name," pause and begin to praise God in your own way: for what he's done in your life, for your family, for who he simply is. Or genuinely ask for forgiveness when you get to that part of the prayer. Allow this to be a free-flowing time, guided by the flow of the Lord's Prayer.

As you pray, allow for dialogue between you and God to naturally occur. Prayer is both speaking and listening. Pay close attention to the things God may want you to hear or do during your prayer, pausing often to hear Him. Write those things in your journal.

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INTIMACY

Listenin g Give yourself 20 mins. of

After you have received an

uninterrupted time.

answer, you may note it

This is called a listening

down in your journal and

prayer. We begin by asking

share it with your small

a series of questions to God.

groups or friends.

1. Do you love me?

2. How much do you love me?

After you have done this a few times, you can

3. What game would

the begin to ask other

you like to play

questions. Here are some

with me?

suggestions:

Begin to recognize this gentle voice as the voice of your shepherd. It's not loud and booming but soft. You must listen for it amidst the noise of the world.

4. Is there a sin you need me to resolve?

5. Is there a relationship I need to work on?

6. Would you like me to serve in church or in the mission field? How?

Spiritual Disciplines

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Service Here are some specific needs of the church:

Kids’ Church assistant teachers Worship leaders and musicians Ushers and greeters Small group leaders Missions

Ask God if He would like you to serve in one of these areas.

When He answers, ask yourself if this is in line with your talents, giftings, and desire. If they are, fill out a volunteer form on Sunday and wait for a call, send a message to our Facebook page, or tell your small group leader! There are so many ways to tell someone you want to help out.

It's that simple!

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INTIMACY

Givin g Giving is not an obligation but a privilege. Everything comes from God. Even our ability and opportunity to work, and the very breath that keeps you alive. This is the most important starting point you need to know in your heart, because feeling obliged will take the joy out of it.

Thus, we give as a sign of thankfulness and also a sign of faith that He is the Lord of our lives. In other words, if you say and believe He is your Lord, then show it tangibly.

As a challenge, if you are not doing so, begin by setting aside 10% of your salary. But do this right when you get your salary, not at the end of the month or pay period. Don't wait to see if you'll have enough leftover. Give the Lord your best and first fruits. When you bring it on Sunday, then prayerfully offer it to the Lord. Thank him for blessing you and allowing you to be part of His work, because giving allows you to take part in His work.

Remember, when giving, as with all other things, it is all about the heart. So give cheerfully. Give generously. Give because it matters.

Spiritual Disciplines

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Community life groups ∙ Kids ∙ Youth

SERVING WORship TIME WORSHIP WEDNESDAYS

BY Wordcomm (WWW.COMM)

If you missed last Sunday’s service; if you’ve been wanting to bring a friend to a church service but are looking for one that's in a more neutral, CO NTAC T_ Has the Lord given you the gift of talent or time? We could sure use your help.

Contact Albert Salazar at alberticesalazar@yahoo.com

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un-threatening environment; or if you just happen to work near the Mandaluyong/Kapitolyo area and you want to do something substantial while waiting for traffic to subside, then WWW.COMMM was made for you.

Community

WWW.COMM is an acronym for Worship Wednesdays

by WordComm, not an incomplete URL. The midweek service is happening every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the D CUP coffee shop on the second floor of Pioneer Street Market (in the lot behind HMR).

A: We've done a lot of

We interviewed Albert Salazar, who is leading the small but dedicated team that will be running WWW.COMM.

How did the idea of a midweek service come about?

midweek ministry and similar initiatives in the past [that] cater to people outside the church. This time, we want to involve and encourage our church members themselves

Life Groups

13

to share and experience the Word outside our Sunday Service. We also like the idea of a midweek pit stop to allow people to recharge and take a breather from their busy schedule.

Who do you see coming to this midweek service?

We hope to see some familiar faces from our church with their friends and officemates within the area. And also guests and new friends living or working within the Kapitolyo and Ortigas area.

Is it going to be similar to or different from Wordcomm Sunday services?

It will be similar to our Sunday Service: we will have fellowship, worship, and the Word, but in a smaller and more casual set-up. Wednesday’s Word will be based on the message and theme that was shared during our Sunday service. The only difference is that we will have a short small

BREAKOUT SESSION

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Community

OUR GUESTS [CAN GET] TO SHARE...

AND GET A TASTE OF LIFE GROUP SESSION[S]

group or pairing session to share and discuss the Word afterwards. This will give our guests an opportunity to share their thoughts and learnings and [give] a taste of a life group session. But those who are not ready to share will not be forced. They can just drink the free coffee!

How different is this from other projects you’ve been part of?

Unlike our past initiatives (like Jesus in Blue Jeans, Kwento Kwento), this is more direct in bringing people closer to Christ, as well as in terms of the approach in sharing the Word and inviting people into our community. This will cater not only to people outside our church but also to WordComm members. It can be a catch-up service for our members as well as a venue where they can easily invite their family, friends and officemates. It's basically a midweek service over a cup of coffee.

LIFE GROUPS

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What does a place like D CUP offer?

BEYOND JUST

It's a very cozy venue conveniently

ON SUNDAYS,

located in the heart of Kapitolyo (Beside HMR and TV5 building).

Plus there's a wide variety of food selection within Pioneer St. Market while you enjoy your cup of coffee at D Cup.

LEARNING IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO APPLY & SHARE THE WORD

How are you seeing the Lord moving through this?

OUTSIDE AND CONNECT WITH PEOPLE

It is a call for us to extend ourselves beyond our comfort zone. Beyond just knowing and learning on Sundays, it's an opportunity for us to apply and share the Word outside and connect with people within Kapitolyo and Ortigas.

I see God transforming our people from Sunday Goers to Everyday Sharers.

HOW TO GET THERE_ FROM EDSA (NORTH BOUND) Exit to Madison. Go down the street and turn right onto Reliance Street (destintion will be on the right).

FROM C5 (SOUTH BOUND) Exit via Pasig Blvd. Stay at the left on Shaw Blvd. Turn left onto Pioneer Street. Turn right onto Reliance Street (destintion will be on the left).

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Community

Challenge Excitement: and

ALL IN A SUNDAY’S WORK What your children’s Kids’ Church Teachers would like you to know

Dear Parents, I am your child’s teacher at Kids’ Church.

Teaching your children is both an exciting and challenging ministry.

It is exciting because I get to learn more of the Bible and what God says before I teach the lesson to your children. There are verses and people that I get to meet again in fresh ways.

It is exciting because I discover such precious souls: your children. The children are different from each other. Some children come in talking as they enter the class…and keep on talking while in class. Some stare at you and will not say a word. Then, when she finally does say a word, it is bliss.

Some children seem to soak up everything about the lesson. Others could just be latching on to particular details of the lesson. Sometimes, you think they’re listening, but then when they raise their hand to answer a question, they say “You know Teacher, my favorite dinosaur is ….”

Kids

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Teaching your children is a challenging ministry, too. How you do explain to a preschooler who learns things concretely, about the seemingly invisible God who loves them? How do you answer the inquiry about why Jesus slept while he and his disciples were in the boat in the middle of a storm when the Bible says that God never slumbers or sleeps? It is challenging to answer the dilemma of a pre-teen who is confused about how God answers prayers. Please know that when your kids ask us a question we can not answer, we too will not be able to sleep that night. We will be thinking about that question the whole week long.

It is also challenging to balance our weekly jobs with preparing to teach on Sundays. We’re caught in traffic, but we use it as time to think about what we will answer your children when they ask if the dinosaurs got on Noah’s Ark. It is challenging to teach them crafts, too. Especially when they themselves find it challenging. So when they show it to you when they meet you after class, please take another minute to adore it. Your child and I both thought of you when we finished that little paper plate with the memory verse painted on it.

I am your children’s teacher at Kids’ Church. I find it both challenging and exciting. But I love it, because I love them.

Love, Teacher Dongdong 18

COMMUNITY

5 WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR KIDS’ CHURCH 1. Listen to and sing

Worship Songs on the way to Church.

2. Memorize her

classmates’ names so you have a more vivid picture of who they are when she tells you about them after class.

3. Ask her about last week’s lesson or memory verse.

4. Tell her stories

about what you and your spouse might have learned at “Big Church.”

5. When you bring

her to her classroom, greet her teacher as well. Let her know she’s in good hands that you trust, too.

Meet the Teachers DISCIPLING THE NEXT GENERATION

In a way, our Kids’ Church teachers are our children’s first small group leaders. They are among the first people who share about the love of God with our children, and make this love real through their dedication and care.

Among the things we found out was that one of our teachers is a chemical engineer, Noah’s Ark is a story teachers enjoy teaching, and that a lot of them don’t seem to think they have a special hidden talent. Hidden talent or not, though, they are all amazing. After all, a teacher is a combination of many things: artist, clown, preacher, and even first-aid responder. For these and all the amazing things you teachers are, thank you.

However, we often do not get to know these teachers beyond the classroom or get to see them beyond drop-off and pick-up time.

To help get to know them better, we asked them some questions, Slam Book style (If you don’t know what this is, ask those born in the 80s).

Here are some of the profiles of our amazing teachers.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/wordcommchurch

KIDS

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JADE GEBANA, 2-5 YEAR OLDS

WHAT’S YOUR COLLEGE COURSE?

Currently taking Business Administration, majoring in Business Management.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?

Anything Business, or Executive something. (LOL)

WHAT ARE YOUR WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES?

Attend org meetings, work for the student council, finish my papers..... sad sad college things.

HOW/WHY DID YOU JOIN KIDS’ CHURCH?

When I was younger, my favorite kind of role play was “teacher teacher,” so every day after school, I’d come home to my stuffed toys and teach them what I learned on that day. When I entered high school, I guess it just stuck with me and I volunteered to be a Sunday School teacher, para ma-practice naman yung pag ro-roleplay ko and tadaaaa! Teacher Jade.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING OUR KIDS?

Around four years now

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE STORY TO TEACH?

I loooove Noah’s Ark.

I can’t think of any WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? continued...

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COMMUNITY

continued...JADE GEBANA

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A KIDS’ CHURCH TEACHER?

What’s so fulfilling about it is that, after a whole week of being around people who are from your own age group or senior to you, it just feels so good to forget that for an hour and be around kids who are so full of energy. Its like a break from the madrama and stressful world. Thats why i love it!

Plus, hello, they’re just the cutest.

ELEN PERLADO, 10-12 YEAR OLDS

WHAT’S YOUR COLLEGE COURSE?

BS Chemical Engineering

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?

Before, it was to become a doctor. Now, I love what I do.

WHAT ARE YOUR WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES?

I manage my business, which is Industrial filtration.

I visit clients to provide them with solutions for their filtration needs.

HOW/WHY DID YOU JOIN KIDS’ CHURCH?

When there was a challenge in 1998.

They were asking for Sunday School volunteers.

So I volunteered. continued...

KIDS

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continued...ELEN PERLADO

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING OUR KIDS?

19 years!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE STORY TO TEACH?

None in particular.

I don’t think I have a hidden talent.

WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT BRINGS YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A KIDS’ CHURCH TEACHER?

Seeing my former students growing in their relationship with God and becoming future leaders themselves.

STEVIE UY, 6-9 YEAR OLDS

WHAT’S YOUR COLLEGE COURSE?

BS Communications Techonology Management

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?

I would like to someday run my own business venture. continued...

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Community

continued...STEVIE UY

WHAT ARE YOUR WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES?

I work for a flour milling company that manufactures flour for all kinds of applications.

HOW/WHY DID YOU JOIN KIDS’ CHURCH?

Teacher Dongdong came up to me quite randomly one Sunday and asked if I was interested to help teach kids. I was looking for a way to serve in church and this was one of the first opportunities that came, so I decided to help out at Kids’ Church.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING OUR KIDS?

Close to 8 years, I think.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE STORY TO TEACH?

I liked teaching “The Last Supper”. I brought wipes, bread, and juice to reenact all the scenes in the event. Kids love participating in things aside from just listening to a story, so I always look for ways to engage them somehow. I think it also somehow taught them the importance of humility and service, the way Jesus leads by serving.

I can whistle while smiling!

WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT BRINGS YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A KIDS’ CHURCH TEACHER?

Interacting with [the kids]. Sometimes, as adults, we become so closed-minded in the way we look at things and we forget that kids have a different way of seeing things. It brings me joy to see the kids participate in a discussion that’s brought up and how they share their input and insights.

Stay tuned for more on facebook.com/wordcommchurch

Kids

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Take a Stand Everyday, we’re bombarded with all sorts of information: news about war, scientific and technological advancements, different religious and political issues, etc. But on top of having access to all this information, we also have access to what millions of people think about them. For every single issue that we’re faced with, there seems to be an infinite number of perspectives to see things from, and sometimes, it’s difficult to see what’s right and what’s wrong. It’s very important, however, that for every issue that we are confronted with, we fight to know the truth and, ONCE WE FIND IT, TO STAND UP FOR IT.

Where do we find truth? And how do we stand up for it in a way that reflects Christ’s love and doesn’t encourage hate and divisiveness? How do we go from merely talking about our beliefs and opinions about different issues to actually making things better? These are the questions we want to ask at youth camp this summer. We hope that you will join us in exploring the truth and learning how to take a stand for Jesus, in the same way that he took a stand for us.

Youth

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Reasons 1

The food is great!

One of the reasons we have camp in the same place every year is because we don’t want to risk choosing a different venue that serves food that’s not as good. You’ll enjoy every meal, and maybe some snacks, too.

2

The venue is like a giant playground, and we’ve got some fun and intense games planned out.

Get ready to spend lots of time outdoors! You’ll find a lot of things to do during your free time (swim, play volleyball, frisbee, etc.). You might even find some cute dogs to play with.

3

It’s a chance to relax and recharge before school starts again.

School can get real stressfull real fast. Camp is an experience that can help us focus and be in tune with our selves in preparation for the busy months ahead!

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Community

Why You and Your Friends Should Go to Camp

BY ARIANNA AND BEA ZAMORA

4

You’ll meet lots of fun, crazy people, who may become some of your closest friends after just four days!

There are so many amazing friendships made during youth camp. It’s so nice to be a part of a group that shares the same spiritual goals as you do. Camp is a great time to branch out and make new friends!

5

You’ll have a chance to deepen your relationship with God.

Going to camp can help you see where you are in your walk with God. At camp, you will be able to connect with God through worship, quiet time, and conversations with other campers and your ates and kuyas. It’s the perfect time to reflect on confront the tough questions we have about our lives and our faith.

youth

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Influence

Discipling MISSION PARTNER: Philippine Challenge

nation

OUR COUNTRY NEEDS AN UPRISING OF FAITH. AS PART OF THE PHILIPPINE CHALLENGE MINISTRY, OUR BROTHER MANNY MOVIDO HELPS EMPOWER CHURCHES AND REACH BELIEVERS.

As an evangelical ministry,

mission? To plant at least one

Philippine Crusades (now

church in each barangay in the

Philippine Challenge) first

country, and to nurture them

started in 1953. During a

well.

week-long retreat in Angono, Rizal, in 1974, the organization invited the heads of top leaders of different Christian denominations and challenged them to plant churches. (The qualifications for participation: the church must be Trinitarian, Bible-believing, full gospel, and evangelical in nature.) Their

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On Bro. Manny Movido and his beginnings

Bro. Manny was an active leader in the Philippine Challenge at its advent.

He was seventeen years old when he first joined.

Joining at such a young age was not without its challenges.

INFLUENCE

On his very first mission trip to Bicol in 2007, his car drove off Bitukang Manok Road in an accident few would have survived. The rescuers sent in to pull him back up were so compassionate they could only be called angels.

Many would have walked away from ministry after such a life-threatening experience, but Manny held on to his purpose and belief. Shortly afterwards, he was blessed with a new Isuzu Crosswind as a gift from two US-based doctors who had heard of his efforts. To him, this was divine reassurance that he was on the right path, affirmation and confirmation he receives in different ways time and time again.

Through his work with Philippine Challenge, the number of barangays with churches grew from 5,000 in 1975 to 51,300 by 2000.

Mission Partner

PHILIPPINE CHALLENGE WWW.PHILCHAL.ORG

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On post-retirement

After his retirement as a journalist in 2007, Philippine Challenge reached out to him to rejoin their team. Thanks to his unique skill set and rigorous discipline developed during his years working as a journalist at the Manila Bulletin, Manny is able to drive to different parts of the Philippines, traveling up to 4,000 km in 3 weeks, jumping from RoRo to RoRo to reach his destinations. Together, he and his team train pastors and laypeople alike to plant churches, and more importantly, to sustain them.

On the Challenge today

Bro. Manny is an active volunteer in Philippine Challenge. He is turning seventy next January. He’s not a pastor, he doesn’t have any seminary training, but he has boundless faith. He is his own kind of missionary because he has a missional heart.

ANG GREENEST PASTURE KO AY KUNG SAAN AKO DALHIN NG PANGINOON

Today, out of roughly 42,000 barangays in the Philippines, 22,000 barangays have a Christian church to attend. That includes each barangay in Luzon, and most of Visayas. The team will soon begin on Mindanao, and into arguably more perilous territory.

In exchange for all this, he has only two requests from God—a plea for safety, and

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INFLUENCE

for enough financial support

Says Manny, “Ang greenest

for his family. The answers

pasture ko ay kung saan ako

to his prayers have exceeded

dalhin ng Panginoon. Hindi ako

his wildest expectations.

bida diyan. It's all for the glory

Even given the opportunity to

of God. All of these things—

migrate to the US to join his

they’re not because of me.

daughter, a Colorado attorney,

They are because

he chooses to stay and

of God.“

continue His good work.

W ORDS & PH OTO_ Hannah Perdigon

This space is reserved for your awesome work.

Our communications team is looking for graphic designers, writers, videographers, editors, social media content specialists, stand-up comedians, food suppliers —anything at all that you think you can contribute to better communications for our church.

Just send a message to 0977. 277. 3907 or on our facebook page facebook.com/wordcommchurch

Follow us on social media @wordcommunity @wordcommchurch @wordcommunitychurch

JOIN OUR SUNDAY GATHERINGS UNILAB Bayanihan Center Open Life Groups 09:00 - 10:20 Coffee Fellowship 10:15-10:30

am

am

Worship Service & Kids Church 10:30-12:00 Youth Service 10:30-12:00

pm

pm (every 2nd & 4th Sunday)

Community Site Churches WORDCOMM ORANBO 5:00-6:30 pm Kid’s Church 4:00-5:00 pm Rizal and Metro Manila Public School Teachers Association Inc., Center, Oranbo, Pasig City

WORDCOMM CAINTA 10:00-12:00 am Dahlia St., Greenland Subdivision, Cainta, Rizal

WORDCOMM OLONGAPO 5:00-7:00 pm 1395 Rizal Avenue Corner 14th St. West Tapinac, Olongapo City