- Special Issue -
Operation Jabez 2018
WORD CIRCULAR Vol. 9 Issue 1
WORDCOMM Word Community Church
How it works
QR CODES
BOARD of TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN Jun Uy Ptr. Dave Darwin
Ptr. Woolim Ma
Eric Perdigon
Mike Velasco
Ellen Perlado
Aikee Enciso
Liz Padolina
Albert Salazar
Some pages feature QR Codes. Each code is unique and leads to a specific URL. Scan them using your phone's Facebook app, and your browser will open the link .
STAFF Martin Sarmenta
Kyleen Sayas
Go to the SETTINGS page on your phone's Facebook app. Then drop down the SEE MORE tab and click on QR CODE.
ADVISER Shiloah Matic-Ma
CONTRIBUTORS Ptr. Zaldy Lanuza
Ptr. Jireh de Oca
Marichu Arenas
Jayjay Antonio
Mary Gil Bobis
Amy Canseco
Elaine de Oca
Efi Fermin
Ellen Fermin
Patricia Fermin
Eve Lanuza
Rjoy Lanuza
Carol Marin
Oliver Marin
Verna Marin
Abel Raule
Tettet Sayas
Special Thanks Everyone who supported OJ Velprint Corp.
2
DISCALIMER: You'll need to download the Facebook App on your mobile device.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF
a tale churches FEB RUARY 4, 2018: A COU PLE OF MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS WER E H IG H LIT TH IS PARTICU L AR SUNDAY, INVITING EVERYONE TO SIGN - U P FOR T WO B IG EVENTS: OU R 21ST ANNIVERSARY AC TIVITI ES AND OU R 1ST WEEKLONG MISSION TR I P. BOTH TOOK A LONG TIME COMING AND IN A WAY, TH E Y FOR ESHADOW A FUTU R E THAT'S FAST APPROACH ING.
A Tale of Two Churches
3
- PA R T 1 : WO R D CO M M -
I remember two years ago, Bro. Efi Fermin and I dreamt for WordComm to experience and be involved in Operation Jabez (OJ), a week long short term mission trip that involves training a partner church in a region with the Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ (PCCC or CCC) staff Ptr. Zaldy Lanuza Missions Director
and Christian volunteers from Metro Manila. It is inspired by the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10.
OJ is an activity that promotes evangelism and discipleship. This was one opportunity to become more and more of a ‘missional’ church. During that time, WordComm was adjusting under the direction of a new leadership team. We agreed to pray for God’s timing in our preparation for this because we both know how beneficial it would be for our church. Last December 2017, I asked Bro. Efi regarding CCC’s OJ plan. He shared the vision of church planting in the Visayas region through OJ to jumpstart and augment church planting in a region considered to be one of the unchurched areas in the Philippines. I considered this an answered prayer for our congregation to experience firsthand mission work in an area outside of our comfort zones. God slowly unraveled His plan
4
A Tale of Two Churches
for the trip. We prayed for the people who would join the team, the specific area in Visayas
THIS [IS] AN ANSWERED
where we would minister (now
PRAYER
we know it as Ptr. Ji’s father’s
FOR OUR
church, Concepcion Fellowship Baptist Church or FBCC), and the financial aspect of the trip (such as the amount needed to be raised individually by the participants and how they would raise it). There were many more discussions as to what the team would do to help support the local partner church in the area.
Part 1: WordComm
CONGREGATION TO EXPERIENCE FIRSTHAND MISSION WORK IN AN AREA OUTSIDE OF OUR COMORT ZONES.
5
It’s already a highlight for me that God put together the team and His plan is an answered prayer for us—to experience Him at work in the mission field by consistently drawing people to Himself. All we had to do was go and introduce the Gospel to them. I saw how God used the individuality (gifts, skills, talents and passion) of each volunteer, plus the willingness of both WordComm and FBCC to learn and serve as we made Him known to the different communities we went to. Thank you, WordComm, for giving to the Lord by sending us as your missionaries. More than that, your support was a concrete answer to the prayers of a church who has been similarly praying to be equipped in becoming God’s heart and hands in their communities.
6
A Tale of Two Churches
THE LORD SAID, “THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL , BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. THEREFORE , PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST.”
Will you be His harvest hands? Watch out and pray for mission opportunities this year and the next OJ.
Part 1: WordComm
7
- PA R T 2 : CO N C E P C I O N F B C -
In behalf of my father, Ptr. Joel de Oca, I would like to thank you, WordComm, for sending us to bless his church, Fellowship Baptist Church, in Brgy. Concepcion, Talisay City, Negros Occidental. It’s been a privilege to witness the work of God, and to work hand-in-hand with my father during Operation Jabez. Ptr. Jireh de Oca Project Director
Even before I approached my father about the short term summer mission trip, his heart’s desire is to see every member of their church engaged in the work of the Lord where they are. He wanted to start a church in Sta. Rita, a nearby town, and see every member get involved. He believes that all Christians are called to do the work of the ministry, as established in Ephesians 4:10-13. That means, you and I are called to do the ministry; that’s how God designed all of us to be. While my father knows that his role is to equip his members for the work of the ministry, his knowledge and
8
A Tale of Two Churches
capacity were limited. When he learned about the Operation Jabez, he was very excited! He knew it was the answer to his prayers. Thank God for our trainers from PCCC: The National Director, our very own, Bro. Efi &, Sis. Ellen Fermin, together with Joy Bobis, his Executive Secretary, and of course, the volunteers and supporters from WordComm. From those of us who prepared, to those who went, and all who joyfully and sacrificially gave—we were all answers to my father’s prayer and many others’. His heart was filled with joy from seeing the members actively and joyfully engaged, working hand in hand with our people, and sharing their faith in their community made him come alive. He was energized! He said, “This is the kind of church I desired Concepcion FBC to be: A church filled with people engaged in the ministry and passionate to make God known in their community.” He knew this is going to
Part 2: Concepcion FBC
9
[PASTOR JOEL]
be the start of something greater, one which God had prepared in advance.
KNEW THIS IS GOING TO BE THE START OF SOMETHING GREATER, ONE WHICH GOD HAD PREPARED IN ADVANCE .
Definitely, he was inspired by how we ministered to them. He was so touched by our kindness, our generosity, and our sacrifices— to go out of our way, leave our comfort zones, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. He was even more joyful, energized, and inspired after seeing the fruit of our labor on the last Sunday culminating our activities when a group of people
came to the church for the very first time! They were the ones whom we shared the gospel with in Habitat Homes, one of the two communities we visited. He felt so much joy from witnessing people come to Christ, and are thirsty to get to know their Lord and Savior.
10
A Tale of two Churches
Experiencing all these makes me so thankful to God that I crave for more endeavors like this. The joy my father showed because of our presence melted my heart. Hearing him say that seeing me, his beloved son, serve God and become involved in the ministry makes him so proud and fulfilled as a father and as a pastor. Even more, seeing his grandson, Elijah (the youngest missionary in the team), take part in Operation Jabez. He plays a very crucial role in the team, you know? He takes away our stress and tiredness! On a final note, I would like to say that our obedience to God, our sacrifices, our generosity, became the key that God used to unleash the potential of Concepcion Fellowship Baptist Church. And because seeds were planted, fruits will be reaped. That’s why right after we left, my father rallied his members to continue what we’ve started. They went back to Sta. Rita, and officially started an outreach ministry— targeting kids who eventually would be the keys to reaching their parents. In due time, churches will be planted.
Part 2: Concepcion FBC
11
I HOPE AND PRAY THAT WE , AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS, WILL NEVER GROW TIRED NOR WEARY
12
A Tale of two Churches
IN FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION, THROUGH WHATEVER WAY WE CAN.
Part 2: Concepcion FBC
13
sight - A Leader's Perspective I am grateful that members of our home church can experience something like this! I am thankful that they were able to go through the Multiplying Churches and Communities Bro. Efi Fermin
training twice. More importantly,
National Director, PCCC
sharing the gospel.
most volunteers experienced
I am hopeful that all have caught the vision for the Great Commission and have been greatly encouraged by what they have seen and heard. I am glad to have experienced being part of an OJ team that is non-Campus Crusade for Christ. I am happy that our teammates witnessed how our presence impacted Fellowship Baptist Church and heard how thankful the church is for our coming.
14
Oversight
- Field Results At Habitat Homes & Sta. Rita, Talisay March 27 - 29, 2018
104
E X P O S E D TO J E S U S F I LM
25
I am grateful that Ellen and I chose to join Word Community Church. It is gratifying to see the fruit of our partnership. I remember when Pastor Woolim met with different mission organizations one Sunday
HOUSE TO - H O U S E E VA N G E LI S M
morning at Starbucks. Then, our
85
enhance our partnership.
P R AY E D TO RECEIVE CHRIST
69
B I B LE S T U DY / FO LLOW - U P
team leaders met with him during the NLC to explore how we can
The experience also strengthened our relationships as Word Community Church. Our devotional and debriefing times have been meaningful and enjoyable. Serving Jesus and reaching out together for a week has solidified our relationships. The partnership between Word Community Church, Fellowship Baptist Church, and Campus Crusade for Christ is a pattern to follow, study, and improve.
15
- Field Results Overall OJ 2018 Visayas WIN
6,060 PERSONAL E VA N G E L I S M
4,610
PRC PE RSONAL E VA N G E L I S M
13,396 E X P O S E D TO JESUS FILM
BUILD
5,639 I N D I C AT E D INTE REST IN F O L LOW - U P
1,126
B E G A N FO L LOW U P D U R I N G OJ
212
BAPTIZE D D U R I N G OJ
6,680
SEND
78
OJ T E A M S S E N T
638
D E L E G AT E S
1,449 CHURCH MEMBERS TRAINE D D U R I N G OJ
1,010
PRC FROM JESUS FILM
CHURCH MEMBERS WHO SHARE D THE GOSPEL
3,725
27
OT H E R M A S S E VA N G E L I S M
CHURCHES PLANTE D D U R I N G OJ
2,506
P R C TO OT H E R MASS E VA N G E L I S M
16
23,191 13,796
TOTA L OJ E VA N G E L I S M TOTA L OJ P R C
* PRC : Prayed to Receive
- Volunteers' Perspective WE ASKED TH E VO LUNTEERS A FEW QU ESTIONS TO ENCAPSU L ATE TH E H IG H LIG HTS OF TH EI R OJ TR I P. FROM VETER ANS TO FI RST-TIME EVANG E LISTS, LET'S R EAD WHAT TH E Y HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HOW TH E Y EXPER I ENCED GOD AND TH E NEXT STEPS.
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
experience, as wonderful as His love (and plan) for man is. I was so overwhelmed. Our
MARICHU ARENAS
My OJ experience was always about God’s presence, in my life and in others’. Doing 4SL (Four Spiritual Laws) in Talisay is God’s greatest commission to man. That means He will be there as we share His Good News and disciple His people. In my experience, things have been orchestrated perfectly according to His plans, as we knocked on doors at Sta. Rita and Habitat community. Finding the lost and being saved is a wonderful
devotions, sharing, Jesus Film showings, feeding, exercises for the study, and going doorto-door in the communities in Talisay were surely an answer to prayers. I have always wanted to experience Jesus’ presence, talk about Him, know about Him, and let people know how much receiving Jesus as personal Lord and Savior makes me happy.
What lessons did you learn?
Reflections
17
The most valuable lesson
also stop merely claiming I
I’ve learned is to have every
am a Christian, but instead
listener read to themselves
take big steps. I will continue
what the 4SL booklet
participating in multiplying
contains, and sincerely pray
churches through follow-up
to receive Jesus as their
sessions; after all, moving
personal Lord and Savior.
to see a bold generation of
I also learned to claim it in
Christians emerge is what
my heart again and again.
MC2 (Multiplying Churches
This compels me to do this
& Communities Training) is
more because the feeling
all about. I will bravely and
of winning souls for Christ is
courageously share the
complete happiness! Them
teachings of CCC to people
receiving Jesus also makes
whom I can read the 4SL with.
our Sovereign Lord happy. Thank you, WordComm,
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
for allowing me to grow by
I will continue to walk
experiencing 4SL is indeed
conscious of Jesus’ presence with me as I share the 4SL to many more people. I will
18
knowing God more through this experience. At my age, a gift! It’s like starting a new journey in life by walking the talk of being more Christcentered.
Marichu Arenas
* * how God changes the
weather from extremely hot to just the right temperature that we could enjoy riding at the trunk of the pick up truck; * * how God sustained us
physically that even
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
though most of us got
ELAINE DE OCA
illness;
colds and pains, we never experienced any major
I experienced God through His
* * how God softened our
provision in everything:
hearts to be humble and
* * How God touched the
low so that we will be His
hearts of many to support
channel of blessing to
financially—starting from
others; and lastly,
our fare back and forth, to the stomachs of about a hundred children that we were able to feed;
* * how God allowed us to
enjoy and participate in the works of His ministry through OJ.
Elaine de OCa
19
What lessons did you learn?
for more missionaries. I will also continue to pray for the workers in the field
I learned the following: * * Service to others is an act
of humility. When you serve you are becoming selfless because you become
for strength, guidance, comfort, wisdom as they share the Gospel. I will stop making excuses.
sensitive to the need of others. * * You are serving God when
you serve others with the purpose of bringing glory to Him and not to yourself. * * Participating with God in
His ministry of winning souls doesn’t necessarily mean going to the
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
frontlines (evangelizing, preaching, teaching).
EFI FERMIN
We can participate in
I experienced God as the
so many ways (sending,
God who answers prayers.
praying, etc.) according to
His presence, protection,
our gifts and talents that
and power accompanied not
God gave us.
only our team but also every other team that went to the
What will you start, stop, continue doing? I will start to pray for people whom I can share God, and
20
Visayas. He heard the prayers of Pastor Joel and the church leaders of Fellowship Baptist Church as well as those back home in Word Community Church. I also experienced
Elaine de Oca
God as the One who enables
I will start using the 3/3rds
and strengthens. He is truly
process in my teaching
our Provider. In a short time,
and discipleship. I will start
God provided abundantly for
reaching out to a particular
our financial needs for OJ.
target area to win, build, and send multiplying disciples. I
What lessons did you learn?
will start promoting Multiplying
My understanding and
I will stop not giving priority
appreciation of Multiplying
to the local church. I will
Churches and Communities
continue to mobilize churches
deepened as I taught parts of
to partner with other churches
it and heard others teach it.
in planting new multiplying
I learned the 3/3rds Process
churches.
Churches and Communities to denominations and churches.
as I taught it. I think I finally caught the emphasis on multiplying.
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
Efi Fermin
21
our understanding: He healed me and we were able to raise even more than the required amount! All we had to do was to trust, have a willing heart to obey, to be used, and to GO! The Lord showed how each
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
volunteer in OJ had a role
EVE LANUZA
baby Elijah was used by
Truly God's faithfulness and
God to be our stress relief,
love was visible before and
and his presence served as
during OJ. Before we went
our joy. I experienced the
to Negros, I was excited and
love and unity of one family
wondered how I could raise
working together in same
the big amount of money
spirit. We started every day
needed since there were
with excitement. Day in and
three of us in the family
day out, God's presence was
going, and most of us were
palpable. From our morning
raising within WordComm.
devotions, He gave words of
Also, four days before the
wisdom that strengthened
flight I got sick. But God does
me for the whole day and
in handling the small things up to the bigger ones—like
immeasurable things beyond
22
Eve Lanuza
reminded me to be a good, humbled servant of God. Indeed God's protection, provision, and guidance was with us as we took part in His Great Commision to share His word.
What lessons did you learn? I learned the importance of willingness to be used and obedience to the will of God— nothing is impossible to God! I remember a line from the song " The Mission," that says, “To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of a Mission.” It also says, “Proclaim the Word in Jesus Name!”
How did you experience Go d during OJ? RJOY LANUZA
I experienced the Lord through the church members of FBC. The overflowing desire and passion that was brought out during the time of our stay there was intense and amazing to see. It's always good to see lives being changed by the Lord.
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
I learned that God never looks at the age of a person. No
I will continue to share God's love and forgiveness to every one in need of Christ. I’ll also teach them to share to others.
matter how old you are, the Lord can and will use you for His kingdom—the same is true for having different talents and skills. Big or small the Lord can use it to bless others or even change their view in life.
Rjoy Lanuza
23
I will stop comparing my
our individual schedules to be
capabilities and talents to
there, and it is evident how
other people. The Lord uses
he prepared the hearts of the
us in different ways, in ways
team, the church of Talisay
that we are more effective
and everyone that heard the
and able to do. I will also
4SL. Too many miracles, even
share the lessons I learned
the weather God took care of!
to my friends who are fellow believers.
What lessons did you learn? I learned that in fellowshipping with the OJ team and with the church of Talisay, we both grew in strength and in faith. But my biggest learning is to swallow my ‘hiya’ and allow God to use me in sharing the gospel to save souls. After all,
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
what can be more important than that!!!
VERNA MARIN
It’s amazing how God arranged my schedule and
24
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
Verna MArin
I shall START a conscious effort to ask “Who do you want me to share the gospel to this week, Lord?� I will STOP making excuses just do it. And, I will CONTINUE to beg for the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I am also sharing these
* * how He touched a member
lessons with my kids and
of Concepcion FBC to lend
sharing my faith with the list
a pick up so we will have
God has placed in my heart.
extra transportation; * * how the members
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
volunteered to cook for our lunch & dinner; * * how each member of OJ
ABEL RAULE
cared & worked as a team;
In all these I cannot deny I did experience His presence during OJ:
* * how He gave a cool
weather whenever we went out to evange; and lastly,
* * How God provided a big
house for the team;
Abel Raule
25
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
* * how God has removed
my fears and gave me boldness instead to share
I will stop ignoring the
the 4SLs.
leading of the Holy Spirit
What lessons did you learn?
when prompted to share the gospel, and be reminded that it is not about me—it is all
I learned obedience to the
about God.
leading of the Holy Spirit, and surrender everything to God. Apart from Him, we cannot achieve anything. To quote what was written in the training manual, “Success in witnessing is taking the initiative to share Christ in the
Lastly, as Thomas Fuller said, “Charity begins at home but should not end there,” and so I will share the lessons learned to my family & relatives then to my circle of friends.
power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”
“SUCCESS IN WITNESSING IS TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO SHARE CHRIST IN THE POWE R OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND LEAVING THE RESULTS TO GOD.”
26
Abel Raule
Gospel. I was so surprised at how smoothly she steered the conversation to a meaningful sharing. I felt embarrassed a bit, because I wasn’t even thinking of doing that. But the Lord opened my eyes at that very moment to see how that
How did you experience Go d during OJ?
was supposed to lead into, to
TETTET SAYAS
that leads to sharing Jesus.
what we were being trained to do: finding an opening
For me, everything about
May I also acknowledge how
the OJ journey is worthy
the Lord provided for me by
of a highlight since it’s my first time. But one instance that stood out to me was
women who voluntarily gave money for the sponsorship
when Ellen & I were in the
without me asking them.
market buying food for the team’s breakfast. I was talking casually to a lady selling melon, and I was
What lessons did you learn? I learned that when God
teasing her that made her laugh a little. Then the lady asked where we were from, to which Ellen started to tell her who we were, where we were staying, and why we were there. She smoothly shifted the conversation from an inconsequential topic to Jesus and our activities that centered on sharing the
touching the hearts of some
invites you or presents you with an opportunity to work with Him—even when you’re filled with thoughts of inadequacy, full of fear, or when you lack the courage— JUST GO. Go just as you are. Because at the point of need, He will give you the grace that enables you to do what
t e t t e t S aya s
27
"NOT BY NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWE R, BUT BY MY SPIRIT,' SAYS THE LORD.”
- Zechariah 4:6 -
needs to be done. It’s like God saying, “It’s not about you; it’s
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
all about me. I am God, and I will cause my plan to come
I will start asking the Lord to
to pass.” He is the Almighty
make me alert and sensitive
God; He is the sovereign God;
to the opportunities He sends
and He makes things happen
me in sharing the Gospel. I
according to His plan and
will stop being timid, and be
purpose. All He wants from us
brave instead / be intentional
is our willingness to be used
in sharing.
by Him, to be a willing vessel for God’s kingdom works.
I will also share with other
So just go & leave thes rest
believers what I have
to Him, just as the scriptures
learned, and persuade if not
says in Zechariah 4:6, “'Not
encourage them to try and
by might, nor by power, but
join, too.
by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.”
28
T e t t e t S aya s
How did you experience Go d during OJ? KYLEEN SAYAS
I've experienced God in OJ through documenting the most significant moments of the trip. From the onset of me being assigned to lead
I was having doubts at first
that 'department', I already
because the material felt a bit
knew that I wouldn't be able
rigid, but there was a reason
to experience evangelizing
why this has worked for
as much as the others.
decades and decades—it's the
Despite the long days which
Holy Spirit who draws people
are anything but sedentary,
in, regardless of language
the Lord strengthened me
and cultural barriers. I actually
in spirit and in action. To
had an alarming experience
my surprise, the photos and
after OJ, but because we
footages I took turned out
were trained well (inspite of
okay. But more than that, the
my excuses and distractions),
stories I was able to witness
I knew that I can use the 4SL
from a macro view point are
to lead a family member to
definitely going to touch more
Christ.
people beyond us.
What lessons did you learn?
What will you start, stop, continue doing?
I learned the commitment
I will start practicing, and actually having faith in the
required in servanthood. While I may not have an epic story of my own to share, I was humbled by the way the Lord excited every one we trained with.
Lord who moves rather than my ability to deliver, and continue to participate in ministry, not just in the arts, but also in discipleship.
K y l e e n S aya s
29
More photos
via Dropbox For participants, feel free to view and download more high resolution photos via Dropbox. This link is only available for 60 days.
JAB EZ CR I ED OUT TO TH E GOD OF ISR AE L , “OH THAT YOU WOU LD B LESS ME AND EN L ARG E MY TER R ITORY! LET YOU R HAND B E WITH ME , AND KEEP ME FROM HARM SO THAT I WI LL B E FR EE FROM PAIN.” AND GOD G R ANTED H IS R EQU EST.
- 1 Chronicles 4:10 -