VOL.8 ISSUE NO.3
WORDCOMM Word Community Church BOARD of TRUSTEES ∙ CHAIRMAN Jun Uy ∙ Ptr. Dave Darwin
Ptr. Woolim Ma
Eric Perdigon
Mike Velasco
Ellen Perlado
Aikee Enciso
Liz Padolina
Albert Salazar
STAFF Martin Sarmenta
Kyleen Sayas
∙ ADVISER Shiloah Matic-Ma ∙
CONTRIBUTORS Ptr. Woolim Ma
Ptr. Leo Armas
Ptr. Leo Armas
Hannah Perdigon
Micah Robles
Special Thanks Joanne Gebaña Ates and Kuyas at Youth Camp 2017 All the courteous SMS and Facebook respondents Velprint Corp.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF
a few FROM WOOLIM MA
I believe that our lives have seasons. As I discern the current season our church, I am overcome with a sense of hope. I have hope for our ministries, for the growth of our members, and for what is to come. Here is how I define HOPE: a joyful expectation for things to come, even though we can not see them yet. As the people of God, we can be joyful
I AM OVERCOME WITH A SENSE OF HOPE FOR WHAT IS TO COME.
even for the things we cannot see because God holds our future. He holds us individually, our families, our church, our nation, and the world. In this current season, we can be hopeful because God is orchestrating the life of our church.
PASTOR'S NOTE
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THE NEX T STEP IN DISCIPLESHIP,
First, I am excited for our next series. For the past several months we have been looking at what it means to be a follower.
HOWEVER,
The next step in discipleship,
REQUIRES
however, requires us to work,
A TREMENDOUS
for becoming Christ-like also
EFFORT
requires a tremendous effort on our part. For the next several
ON OUR
months we will be looking at the
PART.
various areas we must grow in in order to become disciples.
Second, our short-term mission trip is also gearing up to travel to Benguet, where for three days they will minister and experience the Lord in a different context. What an awesome opportunity for us to serve others in the name of Jesus! Please be in prayer for them.
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But the real source of my hope is prayer. As a church, we must place prayer at the very center, for Jesus said that His house will be one of prayer. If you wish to pray with us, please join us before service at 9:45. This will be a time to intercede for our church, our nation, and our world. It will be a time to simply seek the Lord, Himself. If you are new to Word Community Church, we want to welcome you. We are so glad you decided to drop by and we hope that in some way you will be encouraged and that you will encounter God and His amazing love for you. Love, Woolim
FAITH
+
AR E YOU R E ADY T O U PGR ADE ?
Pastor's Note
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Ellie, 3 Jesus, the Cross, the Sword and Judas
show tell When we tell our kids the stories from the Bible, we are passing on to them a legacy of Faith. Even though we sometimes think they might be too young, these stories are already making an impact in their minds and hearts. To show us all how true that is, here are their responses when they were asked, “What is your favorite story from the Bible?�
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Kids' Church
Gavin, 8 David and Goliath Community
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Mika, 12 Noah's Ark 8
Kids' Church
Ella, 4 Moses and the parting of the Red Sea
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
Ad
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MORE PHOTOS AT:
https://tinyurl.com/TheStandPhotos 10
Youth
Last June 1-4, the Youth group had a fun and powerful experience from their camp, “THE STAND.� Two first-timers share their experience: Pat Concepcion, a first-time camp organizer, and Matthew Marasigan, a first-time camper. They share their hesitations, feelings, and eventual joy in coming to the camp.
Stand
The
Community
YO U T H
CA M P 2
017
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PAT CONCEPCION
When Dani (Tiangco) asked me to join the Youth Camp as one of its organizers, I wanted to say “yes” instantly, but I was hesitant because I had a different kind of faith background. But I listened to my heart that had always wanted to influence and lead young people. That is, after all, why I ended up being a football coach and even teacher for a short while. I decided to follow my heart. That’s why when Dani asked
I LISTENED TO MY HEART THAT HAD
me a second time, I said “yes.” I was welcomed with open arms by all the leaders. I
ALWAYS
felt at home and it definitely
WANTED
reassured me of my decision to
TO INFLUENCE
join them. When camp came, I felt I was also a camper. The message of the camp became
YOUNG
clear to me and I knew that I
PEOPLE
too had to take a stand. I ended up learning new things and gaining new friends. The most important message I got from the camp is the answer to why I hesitated to join. I learned that...
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Youth
“IT IS ABOUT FOLLOWING A PERSON AND NOT JUST A RELIGION. THAT PERSON IS OUR SAVIOR, JESUS .” For those who feel apprehensive or hesitant of joining the youth, my advice to you is this: Many of us tend to dip our toes or fingers first into the pool before we take the plunge. Free your mind, open your heart and take a leap of faith and just jump. There will always be a dry towel waiting for you out of the pool when you feel that things don’t go your way, anyway So take that leap into the pool and trust in the Lord.
Community
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MATTHEW MARASIGAN
Before I went to the camp, I was worrying about probably not making any friends or not having anyone to talk to, but the people there opened up almost immediately, and I felt very welcome. The activities were teamoriented and very enjoyable,
I REALLY GOT
allowing for a lot of bonding
A LOT MORE
between us campers and even the facilitators. I really
THAN WHAT I
got a lot more than what
WAS SCARED OF
I was scared of missing—
MISSING:
companionship.
COMPANIONSHIP
I want to tell anyone who was hesitant about joining this youth camp, that there was really nothing to worry about. In fact, honestly, if they did not join, they just missed out on a great opportunity to spend time with the Lord and experience the company and fellowship of some really warm-hearted and fun people.
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Youth
AD
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called BY HANNAH PERDIGON
Here’s a closer look at two people who lead us in our worship of God through music. Despite their difference in age, Emil and Rjoy both show us how God orchestrates the songs that are their lives. Using lyrics to some of our favorite worship songs, we get to know more about their story and the forces that drive them.
EMIL TORRES the band’s resident bassist
THE MUSIC TEAM IS
Ten thousand years and
ALREADY IN
we’ve just begun
THE FOURTH
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been playing with the band. I can’t count the years
GENERATION, WITH STILL MORE TO
anymore!
COME.
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Worship
I live to bring Him praise I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and to play music with the praise and worship team. My passion in playing music always gives me happiness every time I play with the team. Unending love, amazing grace I want to thank the team from the bottom of my heart and let them know how grateful and thankful I am to be a part of the team. God bless them all! Here I am, all of me I’ve played bass all throughout these years, and other instruments as well, with different generations of musicians. If I’m not mistaken, the music team is already in the fourth generation, with still more to come. Sunday school pa lang yung iba noon, tumutugtog na ako! All of my life in every season Word For The World Greenhills pa lang, part na ako ng praise and worship team with Manny Gonzales [of the band’s tech team]. Pwede kong sabihin na kasama kami sa pioneers ng Wordcomm sa tagal na namin!
Feature
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RJOY LANUZA – backup vocals and guitar
Take my voice and let me sing I've been attending WordComm since I was 4 years old. I don't really play an instrument in the band, but I have been backing up for almost four years now. I just recently started playing the guitar for Worship Wednesdays.
THE TEAM IS WHAT KEPT ME IN THE
The Word in the beginning When I was three or four my mom bought me a mini cassette player with a mini mic. I would usually
WORSHIP
put on a kids’ praise tape and sing
MINISTRY.
along to it, and that's how I started singing!
You called me out upon the waters I just always had this urge to join and serve in this ministry. Also, I wanted to use and share the talents that the Lord has given me by serving him through the worship team. Teach my song to rise to you The team is what kept me being a part of [the worship ministry]. They are all really nice and even though I'm one of the young ones I felt that they helped me grow not only musically but also spiritually. Praise God from whom all blessings flow I guess the team would like them to know that we are there to help them be more closer to God through the songs, and that we love seeing them connected with God during worship. 18
Worship
golden We asked those of us who are more advanced in years and wisdom, “If you could go back in time to 20 years ag,o and you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?” Their answers not only give us insights into their lives, but also help those of us who are younger to live a bit better.
MARIE GUERRERO
DENNIS ZAMORA
Think first before you do
I would tell my 1997 self not
something, to not just be
to stress out and trust that
reactive to the situations
God is in control. Accept
around you, to control your
Christ and live each day in
emotions especially your
faith. If I will meet myself 20
anger and to allow God
years from now (in 2037) I
to move rather than you
will tell myself to continue
deciding. If you do it by
trusting God and still live
yourself, everything will
each day in faith praying
surely come down crashing.
that I inspired others that
Also, pray first and allow
they may also accept Christ
God to solve your problem.
into their lives.
Think first if what you will do will glorify God.
EMELIE GONZALES
TETTET SAYAS
your health!
Be more conscious about
I would remind myself of this verse: “Return to me and I would return to you.” Return to Jesus. 50 & above
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MISSION PARTNER: COMPANION WITH THE POOR
finding
PAYATAS BY PASTOR LEO ARMAS
PASTOR LEO TELLS THE STORY OF HOW MEETING CHRIST TR ANSFORMED THE LIFE OF THIS COCKPIT ARENA BET COLLECTOR.
11 years ago in Payatas,
shared with him. God,
a missionary from
however, had a different
Companion With The Poor
plan for his life.
met a young man named Godjell.
That day in June, 2006, Godjell heard the Gospel.
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Godjell was then 23 years
He accepted Christ in his
old. He was from a poor
life as his Lord and Savior,
hometown in Southern
with much joy. His life
Leyte. He came to the
transformed dramatically.
city to fulfill his dream of
He was then a “kristo,”
becoming a policeman,
someone who works in the
a dream his parents also
cockpit arena accepting
Mission Partner
Second from the left is Pastor Godjell. He is smiling here with other team members, two of whom are also now assigned to Cebu.
the gamblers’ bets. He had a very sharp memory as he had to remember everyone’s bets and winnings amidst the frenzy. With the real “Kristo” as his personal Lord and Savior, Godjell became eager to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus in his life. He was like a sponge that tried to absorb as much water as he could. He spent less time in the cockpit arenas and more time studying the Word through Bible Study and Discipleship sessions. He became absorbed in the Lord’s work as he helped the missionaries plant churches. He was also exposed to the various facets of ministry.
Influence
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But things were not easy for Godjell. When he told his parents about his newfound life in Christ, and about his desire to join church planting work, they were disappointed. They gave him a choice: pursue his dream of becoming a policeman, or else they will no longer take him as their son. It was a painful decision, but Godjell chose to follow Christ. A few years later, his mother told Godjell that
HE SPENT LESS TIME IN THE
her cervical cancer of 15 years had advanced, but even this eventually became a way for her to give her life to Christ.
COCKPIT ARENAS AND MORE TIME STUDYING THE WORD.
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In 2011, Godjell became one of the CWTP missionaries and reached out to those in the slums. He led the feeding program that helped out a local church, reached out to
Mission Partner
teenagers and discipled
cities. God even made a
them as part of following
way for the team to be
the key strategies of
invited to Cebu City. Two
planting churches. By
weeks ago, our CWTP
then, he and his wife, with
team commissioned 3
a team of CWTP workers
missionaries along with
was assigned to Montalban,
their wives and children
Rizal.
who were going to be sent to do the Lord’s work in
A year ago, God placed a
Brgy. Buhisan, Cebu City.
dream in the heart of the
Godjell, a young man who
CWTP community. The
was once a “kristo” in a
desire was to take a step
cockpit, is leading that
of faith and move outside
team to bring the love of
Metro Manila, to reach
the real “Kristo” to the poor.
the urban poor in other
FOR MORE INFO VISIT:
www.companionwiththepoor.org
Leo Armas and the CWTP executive leadership praying over the Cebu Team, with their wives and children.
Influence
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