Chronicles
M M X I V
Editorial Staff Arlene Evangelista Anlen Condat Paolo Guicho Go Rev. Melchor Go Ptra. Paz Tarray ADVISERS
Contributors Rev. Jowie Acetre BATAAN
Ptra. Lida Andaya Diadem Andaya NAGTAHAN
Rev. Bernie Quiñones BALACBACAN
Ptra. Lily Banis PARAÑAQUE
Ptra. Glowy Sunega BOTOLAN
Ptr. Tony Hernandez CAVITE
Becky Mesinas DALANDANAN
Icha Escasinas Ptra. Janice Go-Soco Lulu Lopez Rev. Melchor Go Neomi Ruth Rizo Paolo Guicho Go UNIVERSITY B E LT
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reetings from all of us here at Harbor Church to our friends and partners in ministry in the Philippines. You all have been in our prayers over these last several months as we look to see how God will bless you through the tragedies of the recent storms. Melchor, congratulations over these last thirty years of God’s service. You have shared much of those years with Harbor Church and Pastor Bob. We look forward to many more years of partnership; and a vision for the Philippines will always be fresh here at Harbor Church because of your ministry. Our prayers are that God unleashes a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in the Philippines, and that the fruit spread throughout Asia and into the United States. It is our joy to be your partners in ministry and especially there in the Philippines where Harbor Church has years of ministry investment. We are excited to see what God is going to do and how we can be a part of it. God bless you!
Rev. Phil Burgess SENIOR PASTOR, HARBOR CHURCH CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART
SEIZE THE NEW SEASON OF HARVEST
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his year marks the 30th anniversary of Shekinah. Church anniversaries are always great moments for reflections, appropriate occasions for grateful remembering! They provide us with opportunities to reminisce the gracious deeds of God over the years. They serve as teaching objects to guide us in our faith journey. They also strengthen our faith or issue timely warnings in order prevent us from committing the repetitious mistakes of history. No wonder God instructed His people in the Bible to commemorate special events in their colorful history such as their deliverance from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea and subsequent conquest of Canaan, among others, in order to remind them of God’s loving acts for His children. Remembering God during special occasions such as anniversaries, or prayer times and rituals, in effect, also affirms that God himself is faithful in being mindful of His people. He is the God who remembers His covenant promises to his children. We read
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in the Bible on numerous occasions that God remembers his covenant with the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). He remembers His plans of peace for his children. The memory of God’s gracious deeds guarantees that He is the unchanging God who constantly watches over his children as the One who neither sleeps nor slumbers. We can never thank God enough for all His gracious deeds for Shekinah these past three decades. We are all witnesses to his power and provisions even in the face of seeming insurmountable difficulties. In fact, with the advantage of hindsight, we can truthfully acknowledge that He has always been with us all along, even through unfavorable circumstances, unaware of the fact that He has been carrying us in His loving arms, tiding us over our perilous journeys, if only to affirm his undying love that will accompany us to our final collective destination. As a fitting response, we resolve to seize this new season of harvest. Our clear mandate
is to gather the yields of the Gospel and usher in the rule of God both for our nation and the world. He wants all men and women to come to the saving knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. He desires to bring about the spiritual and social transformation of our nation, and that of the whole world. He intends that we eventually reflect His love, justice and mercy to our fellow men and women, and consequently make the world a better habitation for all! May Shekinah remain committed to this vision and task! May God continue to grant us mercy in order that we are found faithful to the very end! Happy Anniversary! Season of Harvest! ď‚˜
And
Happy
New
Rev. Melchor Go, who founded Shekinah Christian Church in 1984, is currently the Senior Pastor of Shekinah Christian Church University Belt.
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Lulu Lopez, University Belt Lahat ay binabati sa tanging araw na ito Dahil sa pagsapit na muli ng ating ika-30 na anibersaryo Kay bilis nga ng panahon ng araw at mga taon Tatlong dekada na ang lumipas sa paglilingkod sa Panginoon. Sa ating pastor na sa ati’y nangunguna Kasama ng mga full-time worker at mga misyonaryo Sa lahat ng gawain tayo nga’y magsama-sama At huwag nating lilimutin na ang Dios ang ating pag-asa. Mga kapatid, bagamat marami nang mga pagsubok ang dumaan sa atin Manatili lamang na nagtatapat sa ating mga tungkulin Bilang isang Kristiano huwag magsawang manalangin At ang ating Iglesia’y suportahan sa lahat ng gawain. Mahaba-haba na rin namang panahon ang ating nilakbay ‘Di nga natin napapansin tatlong dekada na pala ang nagdaan Subalit ang Dios kailanma’y ‘di tayo pinabayaan Basta’t panghawakan lang nating lagi ang Kanyang katapatan.
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Kapatid, ang banal Niyang salita ay ang lagi nating maaasahan Umaraw man o bumagyo ito’y nananatiling buhay Nasa Kanyang aklat ang banal na katotohanan Tayo’y Kanyang nilikha upang Siya ay papurihan. Kaya’t ating ipagpatuloy ang nasimulang gawain Hanggang sa wakas ay huwag tayong bibitiw ‘Pagkat Dios nga ang liwanag sa madilim na landasin Pag-iingat at patnubay Niya’y palagi nating hilingin Dios lamang ang ating pag-asa sa lahat ng binabalak Lalo na sa ating plano sa darating na hinaharap Magkaroon ng isang Iglesiang magiging tahanan ng lahat Patuloy nga tayong umasa ‘pagkat biyaya ng Dios ay lagi ng sapat. Sa araw ngang ito Dios ay papurihan Siya ang dahilan kung bakit tayo’y nagdiriwang Siya ang Alpha at Omega ng walang hangganan Ikaw nga ang itinataas Panginoon sa aming kalagitnaan.
IN RETROSPECT
THE BEGINNINGS OF SHEKINAH Rev. Melchor Go, University Belt. This article is lifted from his Doctor of Ministry dissertation entitled, “The Empowered Laity in Church Planting: The Shekinah Christian Church Model,” at the Union Theological Seminary.
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n the summer of 1975 I was sent out on a short-term missions trip along with three other Chi-Alpha Student Center workers to the provinces of Batangas, Mindoro, and Romblon. Surviving the long and arduous trip, not to mention navigating through treacherous waters of Tablas straits, our team hopped from one island to another, teaching and preaching the Gospel in the far flung and deserted places. While it was apparent that most, if not all, of the places our team visited had already received preachers and missionaries prior to their arrival, none of the earlier Gospel workers have stayed long enough to attend to the spiritual needs of their young converts. Sadly, local believers got to see a pastor or local missionary only once or twice in a year that usually coincided with the local church anniversaries and special events. It became obvious to me that the scarcity of Gospel workers was, and in fact still is in many
places, a major problem in the field. There were not enough workers who can sacrificially work among the local believers on the long haul. This lack of adequate pastoral care was one likely reason that slowed the spiritual and organizational growth of the churches the team visited. Many such churches needed revival, and a few even have to disband or cease from meeting. So many of the latter needed, our team felt, a healthy closure, what some with good humor would consider the equivalent of a decent burial! It was in this context that I felt a great heaviness or ‘burden’ in my heart enough to commit myself to meet the challenge of addressing the issue of shortage. Being relatively young in age at the time and having only graduated from high school a few weeks prior to the trip, I took the matter to heart and vowed to myself to do something concrete in response to this glaring need. Thus, I made a commitment to God to marshal my meager resources in pursuit of a vision of challenging, recruiting, training, and deploying Gospel 7
workers who can start and shepherd churches in the field. At the very core of this vision were the training and empowerment of the lay men and women of the church in order that they can become useful instruments for the Gospel. In turn, these people should be able to train others also so that the process is perpetuated. This became the motivation for my serious ministry involvement after completing the twomonth missions exposure trip with the team. I buckled down to work and underwent training in student ministry, particularly in the area of evangelism, disciple-making, and leadership. This resolve eventually paid off that in 1978 when I was appointed by OMC as the director for Chi-Alpha Student Center. The appointment opened a new chapter in my spiritual journey as a young campus minister. And while the primary subject of my ministry was the University Belt students, my earlier vision of helping train and send lay gospel workers and ministers to various places in the country who need them became clearer. At this time, I also realized that I needed help to fulfill the vision in harmony with the interests of the larger Body of Christ. Under my watch, Chi-Alpha considerably grew in number as hundreds of students from all walks of life joined it, thanks to its zeal in evangelism and disciple-making. Radical transformation of lives became commonplace as we saw changed lives even among those from the underside of the city such as those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, 8
the Chi-Alpha facility needed to expand to accommodate the increase in members and converts. As an immediate solution, Chi-Alpha decentralized its student ministry by taking its activities of Bible studies, prayers, and disciple-training, to the local school campuses. The wisdom of this move became evident in terms of further successes in reaching out to students. The fast changing context of the discipling ministry led to further reflections about the more fitting approach to such ministry. My team and I ventured into territories beyond the student ministry. Most of these developed as we kept in step with developments. We came to face the emerging context and opportunities for ministry as specific realities required apt response. Paying close attention to such emerging scene resulted in the reshaping of the ministry forms and structures. Some of the students under my care eventually graduated from university and moved up to their new professional status. A good number of these graduates eventually went back to their home provinces to practice their profession, while others remained in the city to pursue their own career paths. Many of the professionals have changed their status from ‘single’ to ‘married,’ with most of their spouses belonging also to the Chi-Alpha community. Thus it did not take long before we began to see babies carried by doting parents to the weekly spiritual nurture gatherings and worship celebrations. Soon toddlers and kids were running along hallways and playing in the classrooms of Chi-Alpha.
Slowly, the focus and face of my ministry shifted. The new professionals earlier trained in student ministry started sharing the Gospel in their new work environment, particularly with their officemates and employers. There ensued a great need for spiritual nurture. Hence, the Chi-Alpha Office Outreach began. Several Bible studies and prayer groups were started in different government and private offices. Also, graduates who returned to their respective provinces brought with them their passion for evangelism in hopes of getting their relatives and friends converted to the faith. This led to the Provincial Outreach of Chi-Alpha. In fact at least two churches were started in the ChiAlpha, pre-Shekinah Christian Church days.
initially learning there much of the foundational skills of ministering the word among real and diverse personalities. Those skills were great ministerial capital, which at this stage would further be invested in a ministry with professionals and their families in more diverse settings and based in churches. From being a student ministry leader, I was to launch into a ministerial career as a pastor. Starting a viable church was the way to go to conserve all the encouraging outcomes of the recent ministry under his care.
The mode of exploration in those days also led to interest in community outreach and service. Thus started the creation of neighborhood Bible study groups in the different communities in Metro Manila. Prison and hospital visitations became part of its holistic ministry to the socially disadvantaged in society. In other words, the complexion of ministry has really taken a major turn from the original focus on student outreach to focus on professionals and families who would in turn help in reaching out with the gospel to the greater community and doing some holistic ministry.
A seeming counterpoint to this way of looking at these developments was the differing view taken by OMC at this time. The diversification in the ministries of Chi-Alpha happened gradually within the previous five years of its ministry to that time. The OMC was ambiguous about such expansion of ChiAlpha’s ministry beyond its student focus. It was concerned about issues of sustainability in the long run. From such point of view, OMC’s foreign missionary leaders understandably wanted Chi-Alpha to stay within the limits of its original vision for students. They preferred to endorse the fruits of its various expansions to legitimate churches. What I had earlier hoped, which was the expansion to which the ministry led, could not then be accommodated at ChiAlpha.
It became increasingly clear that a new direction for the ministry was leading me, requiring a major transition in my spiritual journey. I felt permanently grateful to the encouraging start in the student ministry,
This crossroad in 1984 lead me to resign from OMC as its director for Chi-Alpha and started what is now known as the Shekinah Christian Church. The sympathetic OMC gave its blessings on my new venture and pledged 9
to support my new church both financially and spiritually. OMC faithfully fulfilled its pledge as it reckoned that this new church would be worth their partnership. In April 8 of the same year, a little over one hundred people turned out in its maiden worship service which was held at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) auditorium along Padre Faura Street, corner Taft Avenue, Manila. Composed mainly of young professionals, young couples, and a sizeable group of young people, the new church celebrated its birth and was optimistic of the future. The positive mood proved to be apt, as Shekinah was to do healthy ministry in the succeeding years.
The level of commitment of its memberattenders was relatively high as gauged by their increasingly faithful giving, consistent attendance in services and meetings, as well as their willingness to train and serve in any of the various ministries of the church. In fact, increased attendance appeared to be accompanied by increased giving, enabling them to meet the financial costs of growth, as well as financially assisting others inside and outside the church. Regular gifts were also made to missions and ministries outside the church’s own. Financial contributions were usually received through regular church offerings, tithes, and pledges.
Founded as an independent PentecostalEvangelical congregation, Shekinah is not affiliated with any denomination since it was perceived at least in theory that becoming denominational might create a negative effect on its evangelistic strategy as it could raise a barrier for the gospel to a predominantly Roman Catholic society. Also there were some concern then that a denominational identity might invite stereotypes and prejudices. Hence I, its pioneer pastor, chose the path of least resistance, i.e., the non-denominational path. Consistent with this step, the church chose a “neutral” place for its sanctuary—the auditorium of GSP. It has also been perceived that a traditional church building could hinder evangelism and growth. Although a church building may be helpful, it was never a high priority until perhaps recent times.
A feature of the Shekinah organizational life was regular planning and review meetings composed of myself and the leaders of the church. Periodic agenda included setting church growth goals and formulating strategies and design programs for implementation within scheduled time. Though the meetings have a business character to it, its Pentecostal heritage lend it great adaptability. The leaders avoided being bound to the letter of their own program and they remained prayerfully open to the Holy Spirit is leading and counter-guiding along the way. Further, the concentration was more on serving and building people, with them as the end of the ministry rather than them simply being stepping stones.
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The church growth concern was an effect of such ministry and as such merely allowed its own natural course.
BATAAN
Rev. Jowie Acetre
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joined SHEKINAH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL on December 2005. It has been more than eight years, and all I need is another year and nine months, and I will be in SCMI and SCC-Bataan for a decade. While I wait for wonderful things to happen, the Lord teaches me many things through Shekinah. He uses a wide spectrum of experiences from people and situations within the organization. They truly help and benefit me in enhancing and developing the necessary skills, attitude, and perspective to minister better.
Like many organizations, SCMI has its own challenges, obstacles and problems. There are many things in my mind that need reconciliation; things I observe and witness inside SCMI and SCC Churches. Nevertheless, I am satisfied, happy, content and resolute. As I look back on the decision I made more than eight years ago I can say it is worthwhile, meaningful and right. We are now 30 years and counting. It is a great opportunity for all of us Shekinans to admire the greatness of God; His wonderful deeds, faithfulness, care and providence. Let us hoist our sail with God. ď‚˜
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BALACBACAN
Rev. Bernie Quiñones
S
hekinah Balacbacan started on April 1991 with 100 members.
CHURCH BUILDING. This is the old church building of Shekinah Balacbacan. For the past nineteen years, ginamit po natin ang gusaling ito as our school, worship service and for other activities like cell group and prayer meetings. The leadership of Shekinah Batangas planned to expand the church building, but since hindi sa atin ang lote, minabuti nating umalis na lang at maghanap ng panibagong lote. In fact, pinapaalis na kami ng nakabili tayo ng lote na may sukat na 500 square meters. Now we have a new building na kung saan ay tinulungan tayo ng mga kaibigan nating Koreano sa pagpapatayo ng school and church building. WORSHIP SERVICE. Makikita sa mga pictures ang ating gawain tuwing Linggo, na kung saan ay patuloy na kumikilos ang Panginoon at ipinapadama Niya ang Kanyang presensya sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu. Higit sa lahat, patuloy ding nadaragdagan ang bilang ng mga dumadalo tuwing Lingo.
FEEDING PROGRAM. We have a feeding program every two months for the church, school and community. This is one way wherein we can share God’s Word. SCHOOL MINISTRY. Ang ating preschool ay patuloy na dinaragsa ng mga karatig na barangay na kung saan ay marami ang nagpapa-enroll, lalo na ng malaman nila na ang ating school ay laging nananalo sa Regional and National Competition na isinasagawa taun-taon. Ang iba pang gawain na Shekinah Batangas ay ang mga sumusunod: Prayer Meeting every Friday, Discipleship Meeting every Tuesday, Bible Study every Wednesday, Men’s Fellowship every Thursday, and monthly meetings with Council of Leaders. To God be the glory!
YOUTH MINISTRY. Every Saturday, we have a youth gathering. Please pray for them because some are not active.
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CAVITE
Ptr. Tony Hernandez
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hekinah Cavite greets SHEKINAH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL for faithfully obeying God’s mandate to proclaiming the Gospel of Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and making faithful followers of Him. With fresh anointing and enablement by the Holy Spirit we envision for SCMI more decades of harvest of souls and be occupied till He comes. HISTORY OF SHEKINAH CAVITE. Shekinah Cavite is now on its 10th year. The church started as a cell group spearheaded by Sis. Hazel Bauzon. It has gone through the process of growth pains by a couple of transitions and leadership
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change. Currently we have four members in the leadership namely, Sis. Lyn Mendoza (Finance). Sis. Myla Franche (Secretary/Worship), Bro. Elmenser Mendoza (Youth/Music), and Sis. Rowena Alba (Worship). By the grace of God and with the members’ commitment to support the ministry, we take the challenge to continue to obey and gather to proclaim God, fellowship and edify one another, pray and fast, observe the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday, and receive instruction from the Word of God regularly. God is truly faithful!
UNIVERSITY BELT
Ptra. Janice Go-Soco
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ow, we’re 30 years young & still growing! It sure is a blessing to be part of SHEKINAH CHRISTIAN CHURCH all these years! It is not by coincidence or mere choice alone that brings people to a church. I believe when the Lord brings us to the church, He wants us to be part of it and grow there. We grow where God plants us! Shekinah has contributed significantly to whom I have become. I’m grateful to the people in this church whom the Lord has used in making my relationship with Him better and in shaping my spiritual life.
I have been away on Foreign Missions for 20 years now under Shekinah’s covering. Amazing how much God has used me in many different ways. I’m grateful to the Lord for this church. It’s not a mega church but Shekinah is a gift to the universal body of Christ. Live on Shekinah! The Lord is with you! Continue to be used by the Lord of the Harvest in these end times! Raise more leaders! Do more exploits for the Kingdom of God! Let the glory of the Lord rise up within you!
Shekinah’s New Beginnings Study Class, seminars & trainings, Bible studies, preaching of the Word, etc. helped build my Bible knowledge. I remember having some of those classes & meetings at a cemetery, a park, GSP, YMCA, Sct. Chuatoco, PSBA, among others. They were fun times! Being part of a cell group, ministries (campus, MIS), an outreach, mission trips, etc. helped mold my character & attitude. Here I experienced Body-life, built strong friendships, discovered what God has gifted me with & many more. We were very active people! We would do exploits for the Lord!
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BOTOLAN
Ptra. Glowy Sunega
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od wants us to know beyond a shadow of doubt that He chose us. He knows all about our destinies and our callings. He will be faithful to each one of us and give us hope in our final outcome.
We face struggles and challenges that test our faith, but God is really good and great. He has given us His word that it’s not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. With this verse, we continue to move.
On February 18, 2012, a Dental and Medical mission was done in Brgy. Tampo, Botolan, Zambales. This event was sponsored by SHEKINAH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL, in cooperation with Great Redeemer Christian Fellowship. Two weeks later, in February 27, 2012, two sets of lovely feet set out to Botolan to plant a church. They are Sis. Dory Suba and myself.
We started our first Bible study under the mango tree inside the property with only 3 attenders, ages 52, 55 and 74. As days went by, the Lord added people to His kingdom. We had our formal Sunday Worship celebration on June 24, 2012.
It was through Vikki Ditona-Rael whom Ptr. Mel Go during his visit to the USA. She allowed the property she inherited from her late parents to be used by God. The lot & building now house a Shekinah Church in Botolan, Zambales. As first timers in church planting, we didn’t know which things to do first. A lot of things came to my mind like applying what I’ve learned from the various trainings I’ve attended in the Middle East. I thought of these various trainings but what I learned from them were just not enough. All we needed was a total dependency on the Living God. 16
We have one barangay council member (Bro. FerJohn Domacena) who attends regularly and brings youth to the church so that they can hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus. To date we have 20 regular attenders every Sunday. We hold Bible studies in 3 different houses: Wednesday evenings at Sis. Erna’s house, Thursdays at Mayo’s Compound, and Fridays at Sis. Neng Macaraig’s house. Most of the attenders of these Bible studies are regular church members. We also have our Monday night intercessory prayer meeting, and youth Bible study every Tuesday. Saturday is reserved for Sunday Worship celebration music practice for the Sunday service.
We celebrated our 1st Anniversary last June 23, 2013. One of the highlights of the celebration was the first water baptism. Seventeen numbers were baptized by Ptr. Jun Gabriel, with our very own Rev. Mel Go as the speaker. Attenders continued to increase, and on February 9, 2014, we turned over the church to Sis. Liz Ditona – Dolojan. She is the sister of Vikki Ditona-Rael. She joined last May 2013 (a month before our 1st church anniversary) and volunteered herself as her response to God’s call to handle and take over the church ministry. The turn over ceremony was officiated
by our dear Ptra. Guia Corpus, Vice Chairman of SCMI. Sis Liz Ditona-Dolojan, sister of Sis. Vikki Ditona-Rael now shepherds of the flock of Shekinah Church - Botolan. Sis. Dory and I will set out to another place to plant a new church. Let us show our love to God by obeying His command to “make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” All glory and praise to God!
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DALANDANAN
Becky Mesina
D
alandanan Christian Fellowship started its ministry on June 1984. Dr. George Alvarez, an Orthodontist by profession, and an active member of the mother church, SHEKINAH CHRISTIAN CHURCH was used by God to hold some Bible Study meetings at the Mesina residence. The pioneer attendees were very few: just the Mesina family and a few relatives. Weeks later, some other relatives joined the B.S meetings followed by some friends and neighbors in the community. When the attendees were growing in number, Kuya George and the council of leaders decided to build a bigger fellowship center at the Mesinas’ vacant lot, just at the back of their house. The first water baptism was held at a nearby resort in Karuhatan, and Kuya George was assisted by Pastor Tony Hernandez. There were about 15 members baptized. Attendees increased as the years went by until the time when the pioneer members migrated for abroad some other relocated. Kuya George had served in the ministry for many years until he decided to go abroad and pursued practicing his profession. His assistant then, Kuya Bernie Sakay, an Engineer by profession, took his place to handle the ministry for about 2 years. 18
Later, Ptr. Elvin Gamlaga took over to handle the church for some time until he went back to his hometown in Guimaras Island. Since the church no assigned pastor then, Ptr. Tito Almadin became the temporary pastor until he assigned Ptr. Alvin Jimenez to take over. Ptr. Alvin was able to serve the ministry for about 3 years until his resignation in 1997. Ptr. Albert Nagales, then took the reins for a while until he chose Ptr. Chap de Guzman to be the resident pastor from 1997 up to 2006. Then the elder or leaders (Ptr. Badim Mesina, Bro. Jess Valin, Sis. Grace de Jesus, Sis. Doyet Mesina, Sis. Becky Mesina, and Ptr. Kristian dela Cruz) took charge with the help of Bible School students Ptr. Ron Absalon and Bro. Benny Pingul from 2007 to 2010. Ptr. Jun Gabriel also helped in pastoring the church from 2010 to 2012. Now the Lord is using Ptr. Badim Mesina and Ptr. Kristian dela Cruz in pastoring the church and continuing the ministry of the Lord, with the help of Teacher Grace and Teacher Melly as Sunday School teachers.
The following are the regular church ministry. Sunday Service: 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM; Prayer Meeting: Every Thursday, 7:30 to 8:30 PM; Children’s Ministry: Every Saturday, 4:30 to 5:30 PM; Visit our Facebook group: @shekinah dalandanan ď‚˜
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NAGTAHAN
Ptra. Lida & Diadem Andaya
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Young and old will hear of Your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever.”
believers were taught to trust and have faith in the true Giver and the source of all things. They have started to set their eyes on the Lord.
A clustered neighborhood close to Pasig River in Manila is witness to this passage in Psalm 98. The residents belong to marginal status, where violence, poverty and hubbub were some of the conditions among the dwellers. And from this unimportant and powerless society in the eyes of men, a body of Bible-believing Christians was born.
Since YWAM is a parachurch, Nagtahan Christian Fellowship was turned over to Shekinah after 5 years. Due to this transition, the name was changed from Nagtahan Christian Church to Shekinah Christian Church-Nagtahan. Under the care of Shekinah Christian Church, the flock was carefully cared for by Ptr. Noel Cunanan. Other pastors took turns to nurture, mold and hone the flock by providing trainings, seminars, and teachings. These strengthen the believers’ faith and service for God’s greater glory.
The assemblage of transformed lives was birthed when a group of missionaries from Youth With A Mission (YWAM), under the servanthood of Kevin Darrough, pioneered a mission work and shared the love of Jesus to the community. Finally, on July 1983, the first fellowship was celebrated under the Nagtahan Bridge. YWAM reached out to the needy through different ministries. They started with a mercy ministry wherein a free clinic began operation. A had a daycare center for children, a feeding program for the families enrolled, and also evangelism and discipleship. In 1985, Nagtahan Christian Fellowship was born under the pastoral leadership of Robert Gonzales, a YWAM Missionary. Little by little, 20
The church was also privileged to be under the care of Ptr. Manuel “Embong” Bagalawis and Bro. Bienvenido Garcia. Then in 1997, Sis. Guia A. Corpus was commissioned to oversee the church. Following her ordination, Rev. Guia A. Corpus became the pastor of Shekinah Christian Church in Nagtahan in the year 2000 to the present. “Ate Guia,” as she is fondly called, spearheaded the Yeshua Foundational Learning Center in 1991; a pre-school where she served as the principal for more than two decades. It is the pilot ministry in reaching out to the community. She caught the vision to continue the Day-Care Center which YWAM had started.
The standard of education has been upgraded, enabling every graduate of the preschool to become competent and quick-witted. In obedience to God’s call, God’s tent was extended. Ate Guia also serves as the principal/ consultant of Yeshua Foundational Learning Center in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City and Yeshua Foundational Learning Center in Aklan. She has been a National Trainer of Institute for Foundational Learning (IFL) from 1993 to the present. She travels all over the country to train teachers and help carry out the vision and mission of IFL. All these years, from the ministries started by YWAM, Pastora Guia steadfastly and faithfully undertakes God’s calling. God’s territories were enlarged and the ministries had been multiplied, from Pre-School to Bible studies in neighboring barangays: 3 groups in Quintina, De Dios, Loreto and Bagong Silang in Caloocan City that Pastora Leonor Amante is overseeing. Ate Guia had the privilege to tap the church to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to facilitate seminars and educate the members of 4 P’s (Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program) in upgrading social status of the lessprivileged constituents. Through this program of DSWD, Ate Guia and other elders of the church were able to minister to the families under this program. Bible Studies were conducted in their homes.
During the summer, the church conducts regular Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS to different places like Omlangco Building in Sampaloc, Manila and Barangays Loreto, Quintina, D. Ampil, D. Dios, Legarda, Nagtahan and Bagong Silang in Caloocan City. An Annual Sambang Gabi on the 16th to 24th of December, Pabasa and Seven Saying of Jesus on the Cross during Holy Week are celebrated to commemorate the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But most of all, strengthening the Youth, Men’s, Children and Women’s group in the church is her noble vision. With fervent and earnest prayers, labors of love, and the commitment of God’s wonderful people, God multiplied and blessed every ministry of Shekinah Christian Church in Nagtahan. The church has 170 regular attendees and God is continually touching lives as we obey the great commission and plan of salvation to every man. Truly, all through these years, God has really been faithful and gracious to us. His faithfulness, love and grace left a strong mark in every one’s heart. To God be all the glory, the honor and praises!
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PARAÑAQUE
Ptra. Lily Banis
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s I surrendered my life and my business to Jesus in 1984, a miracle happened in the country of the rising sun, Japan. It happened one morning at around 5 am. A voice called me to do something, and it said, “Ipagsabi mo, magsisi at magbalik loob sa Akin.” At first I was so afraid, and stared at the sun, I noticed it was God speaking to me. Though I did not know what to do, I answered “yes”. The Lord commanded me to spread this message. I called all my relatives to a gathering, and my recruited talents also came their families. We had a celebration. Pastor Mel Go and his disciples also joined us in the opening of our Bible study in our office. I started the Children’s Ministry in Parañaque where we live, and until now God is using me for His mighty purpose and plan. The families of the kids in our children’s ministry also came, and we became a growing church. Souls were added every week. God is great and so good to me and my family that he promoted me to handle P.A.S.T.O.R. (Pastors Alliance Serving Truly with Obedience and Reverence) Ministry International Inc. The ministry was born from the heart of God to show love and unity in the church for His name and glory. As it is written 22
in Romans 12:9-10, “Don’t just pretend that you love others, really love them. Hate what is wrong, Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” We should always wear love and be ready to lay down our lives for our brethren (Colossians 3:14; 1 John 3:16). Love is our basic, all-purpose garment. We should never be without it. God bless us all and let us move for the expansion of God’s kingdom. Happy 30th anniversary Shekinah!
BALIWAG
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NUEVA ECIJA
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ROMBLON
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SCMI YOUTH REPORT
TEN YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS Neomi Ruth Rizo, SCMI Youth President
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n celebration of the 10th year anniversary of the SCMI Youth I made a research on how it started and who were the people behind it. With the help of Kuya David Felarca who was the Vice President then, he shared to me the important details in the history of the SCMI Youth. Let’s look back and see God’s Faithfulness from then and now. The birth of the SCMI Youth began when Ptr. Emman Olmedo of SCC- UB obeyed God’s call to him. His vision and goal were to unite all youth of SHEKINAH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL and to instill in their hearts the calling of God to be used for His Kingdom. In May of 2004 the SCMI Youth was established. Ptr. Emman, with his camp staff, organized and headed the first SCMI Youth camp that was held at Mt. Hermon Prayer Garden from May 24-27. In May 26, 2004 they formed the first batch of officers: President, Sis. Genesis CorpusSerraon of SCC Nagtahan; Vice-PresidentBro. David Felarca of SCC UB; Secretary, Sis.
Julie Ann Angeles of SCC Baliuag; Treasurer, Bro. Eric Layno of SCC Bataan; P.R.O., Bro. Ryan Layno of SCC Bataan and Sis. Lorraine Ramirez of SCC Baliuag; and the first SCMI Youth Adviser was Ptra. Guia Corpus of SCC Nagtahan. The three guiding principles or pillars were formed: EVANGELISM, DISCIPLESHIP & UNITY. These pillars motivated the officers to reach out to the other youths of SCMI. As years went by, God brought and raised new leaders for the SCMI Youth. With Ptr. Jowie Acetre of SCC Bataan as the adviser, Sis. Tina Gaza-Morales of SCC Bataan was elected as the second president from 2006 to 2009. Bro. Howell Tungol, also from SCC Bataan, was the third elected president from 2009 to 2011 with Ptra. Paz Tarray of SCC UB as the adviser. As I’m writing this article, I cannot contain the gratitude I have for God. Indeed, His faithfulness never ceased and will never cease to amaze me. In May of 2011 the fourth batch of officers was formed. By God’s grace and
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mercy I was elected as the new president of the SCMI Youth with the following people as my first batch of co-officers: Sis. Hannah of Bataan as Vice President, Sis. Marife Escasinas of SCC UB as Secretary, Sis. Mariela Sazon of SCC Bataan as Treasurer and Sis. Selene Abella of SCC Nagtahan as Head of Directors.
camps back then because the campers slept in tents.
Our passion to make changes and improvements and to create a variety of activities for the SCMI Youth held us closer and even brought our knees to God. But the first few months of handling the ministry was never that easy. Questions were raised and doubts began to overwhelm us. However, God never left us. And who would have thought that though we struggled, the problems didn’t stop us from pushing through the very first SCMI Youth Conference in October 2011 which was participated by no less than 80 young people from different SCMI churches.
With my second batch co-officers: Vice President, Grace Jorge (SCC BATAAN); Secretary, Marife Escasinas (SCC UB); Treasurer, Charlie Calagos (SCC NAGTAHAN); P.R.O., Leonard “Renren” Hipolito (SCC BALIUAG); the different representatives of the SCMI Youth; and our advisers Ptr. Patricio “Jhun” Gabriel and Ptr. Robert Reyno and I would like to express our gratitude to all SCMI Churches, Pastors, Leaders, GCM, Former Officers of SCMI Youth and Ptr. Emman Olmedo for your prayers and help.
From the first youth conference, SCMI Youth became more active and continued to hold successful events. We had our Christmas Party in December of 2011. Then on April 2012, our 3 day camp entitled “Cross Encounter” was held at Rizal Recreation Center. In October or the same year, we had our 2nd SCMI Youth Conference at SCC Bataan. In February of 2013, the SCMI Youth had its first fund raising play entitled “What If?” The different talents and skills given by God to the youth were seen in the performance. And in April 2013, the SCMI Youth had its 4 days camp entitled “Regeneration” at Falcon Crest, Norzagaray, Bulacan. It was totally different from the other 28
Many lives have already been transformed in the SCMI Youth. Praise be to the God who began His good work to the youth. He will never change and will surely remain the same.
To our Lord Jesus Christ who brought us all here, we thank You for the ten years of unending faithfulness and grace we receive from You. To our beloved SCMI Youth, Happy 10th Year Anniversary to us! To our dearest SCMI, Happy 30th Anniversary to all of us! Soli Deo Gloria!
Icha Escasinas, University Belt
Isaiah 40:7-8 ESV From Generation to Generation The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 7
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 8
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REFLECTION / DEVOTIONAL
KNOW & GIVE THANKS Paolo Guicho Go, University Belt
Psalm 100 ESV A Psalm for giving thanks. 1
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 3
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts wit h praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 4
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. 5
OTHER PASSAGES FOR STUDY. Psalm 23; John 10:1-21
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hy do we thank others? Isn’t it that we thank them because of the good that they’ve done for us? Gratitude is usually a response after experiencing kindness. We don’t normally thank anyone without having experienced anything good from them, do we? The Psalmist expresses this sentiment as well when he said, “know,” in verse 3. And how do we usually know or perceive anything? It is through our experience. In his own experience, the Psalmist had personally encountered God’s faithful caring for His people in a way a shepherd cares for his sheep.
His kindness in the future? The Psalmist calls us to worship and serve the LORD with joy and thanksgiving! In fact, let our very lives be an expression of gratitude for we know. Therefore let our actions speak for what we know—and thank God. PRAYER. Our Father, You are holy forever. We thank You for all the things that You’ve done, and all the blessings that we’ve received. As we continue in the light of Your grace, may we be faithful witnesses to your kindness, mercy and holiness. Amen.
On the other hand, don’t we also thank people in advance even before experiencing kindness from them? Have you a habit of thanking people in advance? Why do you do it? In my experience, the people I thank in advance are those whom I’ve already found in the past to be dependable and trustworthy. Even before they deliver, I know that they would, and so I thank them in advance. In the same way, the Psalmist knows that the goodness of the LORD has been constant despite the people’s shortcomings—all the more reason to thank Him. He knows and trusts that God’s love and kindness will be a shared experience by all in God’s community forever. His kindness is part of His character—and God never changes. So how do we thank God after experiencing His kindness in the past, and the assurance of 31
Shekinah Christian M inistries I nternational Shekinah Christian Church University Belt 2ND FLOOR, RBJ BUILDING, R. PAPA EXTENSION, SAMPALOC, MANILA, PHILIPPINES 1008 P.O. BOX 213 GREENHILLS, SAN JUAN, 1502 +63 2 735 5783, +63 2 493 4762, MAIL@SHEKINAH.COM.PH