ABOUT THE COVER
“ B l o od” pa i n t s t h e way t o t h e Pinnacle of the Rock of Ages, symbolizing sacrifice
that
of
the
only Son
by
the
can
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reach and survive the Holiness of God.
Staff ARLENE EVANGELISTA ANLEN CONDAT PAOLO GUICHO GO
Contributors ANDREA PHOEBE FELARCA CHARLENE BASSIG HANCEELY VILLA HENRY VILLA LULU LOPEZ MAFIA ESCASINAS NEOMI RUTH RIZO
CHRONICLES 2012 is available online. Please visit www.shekinah.com.ph for details.
FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART
Twenty-eight years and counting! And yes, growing still! One wonders as to what makes Shekinah tick? What has kept us going all these years, and with the fervor for service sustained and brightly burning for all to see? Why are we still at it? That is, with our “hands to the plough” and apparently never looking back in the task of “cultivating the soil” and “sowing the seed” of God’s Word everywhere? Over the years, we have never ceased to harp on the Divine element of Shekinah’s achievements and rightly so because it is only fitting that we primarily acknowledge God’s role in our all our endeavors. His bountiful grace, no doubt, has sustained us all along. He is our refuge and strength, a present help in times of need. In fact, we are all witnesses to His amazing work and that He isn’t the ‘Rock of Ages’ for nothing! He is the Source of all, the Fountain of our life and existence! But the other equally important element in the equation is the dedication of His faithful servants who have tirelessly labored in His vineyard. They are the men and women who have braved the perilous and oftentimes unforgiving elements of nature, surviving loneliness and extreme wants if only to carry out the task of fulfilling the Great Commission. Without regard to monetary gain or worldly accolades, these humble servants
Faithful God Faithful Servants
BY REV. MELCHOR C. GO
have unselfishly devoted themselves in reckless abandon to the Lord and His work. Most of them have been contented to work inconspicuously in the background, away from the glares of light and completely satisfied that they have secretly pleased their Master! It would therefore be the height of insensitivity if we fail to acknowledge their priceless contribution. For we could never have reached this point in our spiritual journey had it not been for His faithful servants who traveled with us the extra mile and made themselves of service in more ways than one. In the same way as we are to the Lord, we are all equally indebted to them as they made a good account of themselves in faithful service to the Master and His children. Therefore, it is only fitting that we personally recognize our dear pastors, missionaries, church planters, teachers, evangelists, workers and leaders for their faithful service to our community and the world. They have definitely touched our lives for the better. And while this may make them uncomfortable as they may argue that they are PAGE 3
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NEWS
(Continued from page 3) “simply doing their duty” to the Lord, such a gesture would affirm their worth and efforts. It will certainly encourage them all the more to greater heights of service. This is one way of telling them that their labor is not in vain! The Bible commands us to credit with “double honor” those who serve well among us for in so doing not only do we bless those who come to us in the name of the Lord, but we also succeed in blessing ourselves in return. Then we perpetuate the endless cycle of reciprocity! No wonder Shekinah has been enjoying His blessings all these 28 years! Let us all thank God for blessing us with the steady presence of His faithful servants! ▲
SCMI Youth convened its first Youth Conference BY CHARLENE BASSIG Last October 22, 2011, the SCMI Youth held its very first conference at the Chi Alpha Student Center in Sampaloc, Manila. The said event’s theme was ‘Obedience of a Christian Youth” and the principal verse was Luke 9:23 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” The conference was divided into two sessions, the morning and the afternoon sessions. The morning session started by dividing the youth into different groups. The purpose was for the participants to be familiarized with the young people from other churches. Praise and Worship was led by the SCC – UB Youth, Talita Koum. Afterwards, Ptr. Sunil Stephens took over and spoke on the topic “Obedience versus Sacrifice.” In the afternoon session, everyone had fun with
Rev. Melchor Go is the Senior Pastor of Shekinah Christian Church at the University Belt. He has been serving at Shekinah since its conception in 1984.
games facilitated by Charlene Bassig and Mafia Escasinas. To continue with the main message, our very own Ptr. Melchor Go took the floor with the topic “Obedience as a Command.” Before the event ended, each group was asked to create a poster on what they have learned from both speakers, and then was asked to explain their work afterwards. It was a wonderful event filled with fun and a great message. The SCMI Youth conference was a great success. ▲
Music, Dinner & Me BY PAOLO GUICHO GO As though it has been ingrained in us, we find our souls full of glee while listening to good music. We also find a similar joy in sharing a meal with friends and loved ones. Hence, it is not surprising that both of these have been wed countless of times to make truly lasting memories. The marriage between music and meal happened again last November 18th, 2011 on a truly memorable evening: an evening of music and food shared among friends— and for a good cause too. The event “Music, Dinner and Me” was organized by the University Belt’s Fund Raising Committee, and was spearheaded by Chito Guevara to benefit the Church Lot and Building Project. For almost three years now, the church has been involved in realizing its dream of building a new base for its ministries. Many fund raisers have been made to serve this purpose, and this year, the committee opted to go back to basics. Held at Tramway Buffet Plaza, Mandaluyong City, “Music, Dinner and Me” combined delectable dishes with nostalgic music performed by no less than Shekinah’s homegrown talents. Young and old alike were serenaded by a group performance of
Arlene Evangelista, Anlen Condat and Neomi Ruth Rizo who sang their own rendition of contemporary Christian songs. Nostalgia sank in when pastors Tony Hernandez and Lily Banis took on the stage, while the soulful sax performances of Daddy Ceto Portento captured the right tone for the mood of the evening. While the members of the committee went around during the performances to promote the project, Senior Pastor Melchor Go gave a talk about investing not just in the Church Lot & Building Project, but in the holy work of God. It is true that God uses many ways to further His kingdom on earth. One of these is through the support and generosity of His people. The pastor made the observation that investing in the work of God has eternal implications. The church lot and building may one day be gone, as these things are temporary, but the work of God shall remain steadfast. In any small way that we participate in it, we receive the tremendous honor of letting God use us to further His plans. Since we know for a fact that God’s plan shall never fail, we have the assurance of receiving the fruits of our investment by seeing the Gospel preached, individuals nurtured by the Word of God, and lives transformed by the grace of God. PAGE 5
CH RONICLE S 2012 (Continued from page 5) The event ended with a marked success and members of the committee were overwhelmed by the amount of support they received from their home church, as well as friends from other churches and organizations. In gratitude, the committee decided to give some of its earnings to the youth of the University Belt, in support to their upcoming Youth Camp in April of 2012, as well as to the pastors of Shekinah Christian Ministries International. The committee looks forward to many fund raisers that will not only build stone walls and foundations, but also rally the people of God together for His glory. ▲
Which One Are You? BY PAOLO GUICHO GO Previously in October, the church at the University Belt held its annual Missions Month, hosted by the Evangelism Team. The event itself could be qualified as a traditional practice in the church, but the one held that year introduced a twist of sorts. Usually, when one presents missions to the church, one presents it through the eyes of either the missionary or the unreached people. Last year, however, members of the Evangelism Team opted to include another perspective—the church’s. This innovation, so to speak, stems from the reality that everyone is called to assist in the work of evangelism and mission—no exceptions. When Jesus of Nazareth commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” He said it so to all his followers. That includes you, me, and the rest of His body. PAGE 6
Surely, not everyone is called to become a missionary, but still, the mission of the church remains the responsibility of all its members— from the first to the last. Everyone has a role to do in this collective work: some are to go, while others are to send. This dynamic was at the heart of the month-long event, further echoed by the month’s catch phrase, “get involved.” Primarily, pulpit preaching was used to address these issues. On weeks one and two, the sermons focused on the work of the “goer” or the missionary, including the call to cross cultures, the challenge and the price of answering that call. To highlight this, the film, “End of the Spear,” was shown. It tells the story of Jim Elliot’s team and their families as they ministered to the Waodani tribe of Ecuador. Their joys and hardships were recounted, culminating towards the team’s death at the hands of the very tribe they ministered to. However, the evangelistic work was continued by the team’s families and eventually, the tribe was won to Christ. Continuing on to week three, the preaching emphasized the contribution of the church, or the “sender”, in missions. Week four saw the challenge of the goer and sender working together towards a singular goal which was addressed on the last Sunday of the month, also marked by the first
ever Mass Tracts Distribution event. The event which was participated by a significant number of members served as an eye-opener for most that the work of evangelism is truly, the work of the whole church. ▲
Shekinah’s Got Talent BY ANDREA PHOEBE FELARCA Shekinah UB’s 2011 Christmas party was not the usual celebration since the year’s themed White Christmas Party featured the nine talented Shekinahns in the contest “Shekinah’s God Talent.” This talent search was hosted by Anlen Condat and her fellow MOB hosts Miko Go and Abi Gabriel. The contestants of different ages came to center stage to showcase their talents with hopes to win the votes of the three talented judges—Pastor Melchor Go, Ms. Emee Fortuno and Mr. Tony Lopez—and the Shekinah MOB. The music ministry team opened the curtain of the SGT center stage with their rendition of the broadway medley featuring the songs from the famous Broadway musicals like “Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent” and “Tarzan” to name a few. Nine Shekinahns shared the center stage afterwards with a given 5-minute time limit to show off their talents to the judges and the MOB. Dang Salcedo started the tone of the competition as she did a dramatic acting interpretation of the song “Sino ang Tunay na Baliw”. Samara Asiddao shared a short song with her mom. Mcoy Umadhay sang “Tomorrow” as accompanied by his father Mike. The Balic Balic Dance group of four beautiful ladies set the mood for dancing as they did their own version of the LA walk. Dindi Morales came in as a cute little angel serenading the judges with her
version of some Christmas songs. Naldy Garcia did a unique whistle song presentation. Ashleigh Mabalot did a solo pop dance to the medley of the famous pop songs of 2011. Pastora Mel Olmedo shared her Biblical declamation piece with full conviction. The Evangelista Kids—Paolo, Akira and Pauline—serenaded the judges with their song number. The Supah Beast Group of the SCCUB Youth kept the momentum of the contest high towards the end of the contest when they did a group dance performace to the tune of a medley of pop songs. Aside from the contest proper, one of the judges, Emee Fortuno, rendered a song number with the water bottle drum accompaniment of her brother Lito Bernardo. Dance guru and judge Tony Lopez together with Pastor Emman Olmedo, Gloria Go and Pastora Mel Olmedo also did a dance number as scores of the contestants were being tallied. After much deliberation from the judges, Naldy Garcia and Dang Salcedo came in together as their scores tied for the third place, the Evangelista kids got the second place and the Supah Beast bagged the first place. ▲
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Botolan Medical Mission PHOTOS BY MAFIA ESCASINAS
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NEWS
On February 18th, 2012, Shekinah Christian Ministries International initiated a church planting effort in Botolan, Zambales by conducting a medical mission, in cooperation with medical experts from Great Redeemer Christian Fellowship. â–˛
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Evangelism Update BY ARLENE EVANGELISTA
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Romans 10:1415
Over the past year, evangelism has been the main thrust of Shekinah UB. If we look back to our church’s history, we see that Shekinah started and grew because God used young people, both students and yuppies, who were passionate about sharing the gospel. Now our prayer is to have that same passion back. Two of Shekinah’s goals for evangelism are for all the members to see the beauty of the gospel, and for witnessing to be deeply ingrained in every Shekinahn’s spiritual DNA, so that it will become more of a lifestyle than a duty. This is continuously being realized as the gospel is preached in the pulpit, and the continuous effort to educate our members through our regular Sunday school Study in the Word. At the onset of the second quarter last year, the Evangelism Department spearheaded a seminar training conducted on biblical evangelism by Living Waters-Asia. This event was attended by over 80 Shekinahns, not just from the Belt but also from neighboring SCMI churches. PAGE 10
MINISTRY UPDATES
In October of last year, over 50 UB members participated in the first ever mass tracts distribution in Rizal Park. Shekinahns from different ministries and different age groups gave away tracts, did one on one evangelism, and even prayed for the people they spoke with. It was indeed a momentous event. A number of plans which include seminars and forums, medical missions and feeding programs to reach the Belt community have been set, and we are looking forward to a busy evangelistic year ahead of us. Let us pray as one for the Lord to bless those plans. We recognize that the result of our evangelistic work does not depend on human effort but on God’s sovereign will alone. So Shekinahns, let us all go out there and proclaim the good news with a fervent desire to win souls for the glory of God, and then let Him take care of the rest. ▲
Church Lot & Building Project BY HENRY VILLA
After celebrating Shekinah’s 25th anniversary in 2009, an ambitious yet realistic project was launched. It aims to raise funds for the construction of a more expanded and betterequipped church building in order to serve the church’s growing evangelical and ministry needs. PREFATORY
The goal of the project is to raise Php 50 million by year 2015. Specifically, it intends to purchase a 650 square-meter lot located along Espaňa, a main street at the heart of the University Belt, and accordingly construct a five-storey building on the said lot. Among others, the proposed building will house the church’s worship hall, Chi Alpha Student Center, education facilities, department offices, halfway homes & dormitories, and other evangelical and ministry related facilities. In order to ensure the success of this project, the church has decided to create a special committee that will spearhead its fund raising requirements. This committee is commonly known as the Church & Lot Building Project Committee [CLBPC] and is presently headed by Bro. Chito Guevara. As of this writing, the CLBPC has already raised the sum of Php 813,303. It has also collected USD 10,605 [approximately Php 450,712]. Admittedly, it may have had a slow start but with church-wide prayer and support, the CLBPC is confident that a leap in progress is ahead as its time line approaches. THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES From Paul’s letters we
see that “fund raising” is not only legitimate for the church, but it’s also a corporate undertaking. Paul says, “let everyone” contribute. Once a true need arises, it is part of every believer’s responsibility to help. Poverty does not exempt a believer from giving. As revealed by the poor widow who gave her two “insignificant” coins, it’s the heart that God is concerned about, not the amount [see Mark 12:40-44]. God doesn’t need anything from us. However, He helps us grow in spiritual maturity by inviting us to play a part in His plans and purposes through our giving. Indeed, giving involves planning and sacrifice; personal wants must be put aside. We give to God what is valuable, not what’s left after we have fulfilled our own wants and desires.
Furthermore, Paul adds that when money is involved, it is the congregation’s responsibility to “approve” of trustworthy men to be in charge of overseeing the funds. Acts 6:2-3 also highlights the importance of designating Godly men to oversee money collection in the church. A CALL FOR SUPPORT In light of the foregoing,
we seek to partner with you and every kindred believer to invest in this noble venture. Presently, we are focusing our main efforts on fund raising. We recognize that your generosity, along with those kindred individuals, is one step to making this shared dream a reality. Together let us pray and keep this vision to its fruition as we allowed our Lord to move and use us, His servants, all for His glory. With your help and everyone whom God called for this purpose, may the dream of Shekinah become reality, for the increase of our Lord’s fame.
You may help us in any of the following: 1. One time donation [any amount] 2. Monthly donation [any amount] 3. S ponsor of One Square Meter [equivalent to Php 36,000] 4. Kulit ‘en Kolek [for kids and children] 5. Participation in our prayer chains 6. O thers
For more information about our project, you may approach any member of the CLBPC. Together, let us build Shekinah’s dream. Indeed, it needs steadfast, resolved, wholehearted support, and shared cooperation to be able to realize our dream of constructing our own church building—a place we could proudly claim our own! ▲ PAGE 11
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Let Me Confide The In You Cross BY MAFIA ESCASINAS
Let me confide in You, oh my God For You are and will always be my refuge Let me hope in You all of my days For You are the light in my darken way Let me seek Your face— with feverish wanting—needing For You know my heart's desire Let me take refuge in the warmth of Your embrace For You could only soothe my restlessness Let me fall on my knees, my empty soul crying out For—it is only you— You, who have breathed life on me That could fill it whole My Lord God, How beautiful Your love is for me Be unto me a never ending grace Continuously amaze my fragile soul For You are everything Your cross, I will take Now and forever ▲ PAGE 12
LITERARY
BY NEOMI RUTH RIZO
Thank You for the life You gave Thank You for the price you paid You died on the cross for my shame Thank You for choosing me, and taking away my blame. Before I sleep at night I remember Your mercy And when I wake up in the morning, Your grace is set before me I always ask, “Lord, why?” But as I fully understand Your great love for me, I really can’t help but cry. I’m always amazed at how You saved me, What you did on the cross for someone unworthy like me. Salvation, I never chose it! But I am saved by grace through the work of Your Spirit. I am always humbled and amazed at what You did, On the cross where You always lead. Father, indeed it’s not about me! I am satisfied in You, so be glorified in me! ▲
Kay Buti-Buti Mo BY LULU LOPEZ
O Panginoong Hesus, tunay na kay buti-buti Mo Biyaya Mo nga’y sapat, ito’y lagi ng bago Silangan man at kanluran, lahat ay nagpupuri sa Iyo Wala na ngang sa Yo’y papantay, magunaw man itong mundo O kay buti ngang umawit ng mga papuri sa ating Diyos Pagkat ito sa pandinig Niya, ay ganap na naka lulugod Kung paanong tayo ay patuloy Niyang kinukupkop Ihayag natin araw-araw kadakilaan Niyang lubos Sabi ng Panginoon, “Anak, Ako sana ay pakinggan Sundin ang payo Ko na mapaayos ang pamumuhay Laging maging matalino at laging turo Ko ay dinggin mo Ng buhay ay sumagana at huwag lalauan ang mga ito.” “Ang makasumpong sa Akin ay nakasumpong nga ng buhay At kalooban nga ng Diyos ang kanyang laging kakamtan
Ang taong di Ako masumpungan sarili’y kanyang sinasaktan At ang napopoot sa Akin ang hanap ay kamatayan.” Sa tuwi ngang minamalas mga gawa ng ‘Yong kamay Tunay na namamangha sa ‘Yong angking kadakilaan Kung paanog inilagay sa ayos mga likha Mong kagandahan Maging mga ibon at bulaklak na may iba’t ibang kulay. Kaya nga si Yahweh ay papurihan sa araw-araw Mga salita Niya’y isagawa at sa tuwina’y ipamuhay Lumakad na may pagsunod, sundin ang Kanyang kalooban Pagpapala Niya’y lubos siksik, liglig, umaapaw. Panginoon, ang Iglesyang ito’y patuloy na magpapuri sa Iyo Kami ay lagi ng aawi at sasamba sa ngalan Mo Puspusin Mo nawa kami ng ‘Yong Santong Espiritu Hanggang sa Iyong pagbabalik at mamasdan ang mukha Mo. ▲
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Faithful BY HANCEELY VILLA
Timmy grew up in the countryside. He lived a happy and simple life with his father. Time came when he needed to go to the city to finish his studies. Although in the verge of tears, his father asked him to do well in school and to not forget about him. Timmy nodded and grinned at his father before boarding the train. The city turned out to be really beautiful. Its skylines were always bordered with lights at night. His eyes were full of curiosity as he made his way to his uncle’s home. His cousin, Bryan, was more than happy to have him live with them. The two of them were like brothers. Bryan introduced him to lots of things Timmy never saw in the countryside. And they never failed to amuse him. Bryan and Timmy slept in one room. Every night, as Bryan went to his father’s room, Timmy would call his father. He’d tell him all of the adventures and mishaps he’d gone though. When Bryan returned, Timmy would always bid farewell to his dad. “How is it in the countryside?” Bryan asked him. “Hmm… it’s different. But I like it here better.” Timmy grinned at him. “It must be very happy there. I wish I could go there.” Bryan said mostly to himself. The following night was different. Bryan came back with his eyes red. Timmy sprang up from his bed and went to his cousin. “What happened?” “Do you know why I’ve always wanted to go the countryside?” “No. You never told me.” “Dad hates me. Every night he would beat me. He says I’m worthless.”
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“Bryan, that’s impossible. How can you think that? He’s always giving you everything!” Timmy practically shouted. “He gives me these because he wanted everyone to see. But he never loved me. It’s different. Living here is like that. It only felt good at the start. I never felt contented. You’ll come to a time when you realize how wrong things were.” Timmy couldn’t believe his words. “That’s why I’ve always been jealous of you. I always hear you talking to your dad. He must really love you a lot.” “Of course! A father would always love his son.” “Do you think we could go to the countryside?” “Right now? I guess so. But you should tell your father first.” “He wouldn’t allow me. He said I should just stay here. How about we just go there secretly? I really want to meet your father. My dad never talked about his family.” Timmy was still hesitant but agreed when he saw how Bryan wanted to go to his home. The two of them packed their bags before leaving the room. They were as quiet as mice. As they were about to step out the door, they heard Bryan’s father. “What do you think you’re doing?!” Bryan’s father almost growled at them. Timmy stepped back. He’s too afraid as this is the first time he’s seen his uncle like that. “RUN!” Bryan pulled him. They rode the train back to the countryside together. Timmy’s father was surprised when he saw them. “My son!” He hugged his son tight. “Is he your cousin?” He asked while looking at Bryan. Timmy nodded. “Come here!” He also hugged Bryan. The new boy couldn’t help but smile. Before going to sleep, Timmy was called by his father. “Thank you, son, for not forgetting about me.” “Dad, I realized one thing. Nothing is better than being with you. Material things won’t make me happy for long. I’ve seen lots of things in the city. Honestly, I’ve almost wanted to stay there forever. They were cool but they never left my heart in peace.” “Of course. That’s how I love my son. Your father will be faithful to you… just like how God is faithful to us.” ▲
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“We exist to share God’s love to all people & make disciples of Jesus Christ in the context of a Christian community.” ~ Since 1984 ~
SCMI WORKER’S CONVENTION 2012 April 9th to 11th Tagaytay Retreat & Training Center, Tagaytay City Registration Fee is 2,300 php (inclusive of accommodations, meals and use of the function hall.)
SCMI YOUTH CAMP 2012 “Cross Encounter” April 22nd to 24th Rizal Re-creation Center, Laguna Registration Fee is 1,500 php
2ND FLOOR RBJ BUILDING 880 R. PAPA EXTENSION, SAMPALOC, MANILA 1008 735-5783, 493-4762, ub@shekinah.com.ph, www.shekinah.com.ph