Author: Tim Warden

12 November 2014

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him.” (Psalm 127:3)

Over the years, the number of  attendees at San Fernando Christian Community has increased considerably. Even the Champion Kids have imbibed the ‘inviting culture’ of the church, bringing their parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and more kids to attend the services. It is the vision of SFCC to see families worshiping together and growing in God’s love.  Along with the Champion Kids’ population increase comes the need for a bigger venue to contain them.  Right now, the Champion Kids’ Hall is under renovation.  One room (formerly called the David’s Room) and one bathroom was torn down to create a bigger space for worship and other activities. An airconditioning unit is added since one unit can no longer suffice.  The Building and Facilities Team are working round-the-clock to finish the project so that the children will enjoy services and Fun Sundays in a roomier, more comfortable, safer place. Many have already contributed to make this plan come to fruition. Some have contributed materials, additional funds, and manpower. 
You, too, can help in whatever way you can. 

It’s a good problem: the old Champion Kids’ Hall—usually crowded due to an unexpected increase in attendees.

He makes all things new: the Champion Kids’ Hall on its way to a newer, better, roomier facility.

FREEDOM ENCOUNTER, OCT. 31-NOV. 1, 2014

The last Encounter God Retreat for the year 2014 is yet another victorious event. When God moves, breakthroughs are bound to happen. 

One significant breakthrough happened between a mother and her son.  For five years, Tess suffered from extreme depression due to the loss of her husband. The tragedy happened on Christmas day in 2009.  It had been a  struggle to keep her head together while raising the three kids left behind by their father.  Often, she would have crying bouts. During attacks of extreme depression, she would hole herself in her room and just cry for hours.  Her eyes had this faraway look. The sadness in them would not disappear even when she smiled. 

Her first-born son, Marwyn, took the loss of his father the hardest among the three siblings.  He was acting out all throughout his growing up years. His grief manifested through violent outbursts and  skipping classes. Which was why they moved from Nueva Vizcaya to San Fernando City.  All things do work together for good. It was the hand of God that brought them here.  Marwyn met a friend at school. This friend invited him to attend a service at SFCC. It was a pivotal moment for the Godoy family. Marwyn became actively involved in the church activities, volunteering for the Multimedia team.  He invited his mother to church and pretty soon, both were encouraged to attend the Pre-encounter sessions. It was evident that both were in dire need of healing from the wounds brought about by the loss of a loved one. 

At the Encounter God Retreat, mother and son had experienced the goodness of God. He showed Tess the root of her depression—where and how it began. And as she submitted all her pain and bitterness at the foot of the cross, God uprooted these and replaced it with the peace and joy that she had been longing for all those lost years.  

Now, Tess feels lighter and free. The sadness that once clouded her eyes are replaced by sparkles of joy. In her testimony, she narrated that she is amazed by her son’s transformation. No longer quick-tempered and irritable, he now showers his mom with hugs and kisses. Their relationship is renewed as God becomes their binding factor. As a parting shot, she happily quipped, ” My status is now changed. I am now IN A RELATIONSHIP (with God) .” 

Left behind but not forgotten.  The Godoy family is being radically restored by God.

Free to worship: Encountering God changes one’s perspective on things.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 19:14)

The qualities of a child—pure, simple, obedient.  This childlike faith that God requires of us does not demand an age bracket, but an attitude.  The reason why He He says “of such” and not “of these” is that He is referring to  the disposition and character, and not the age.  

Like children we ought to be—harmless, free from malice and delusions, free from pride and self-conceit.  With pure, trusting hearts, let us rest in His love just like these children. They know their place in God’s heart. 

San Fernando Christian Community is a safe, positive, and encouraging environment.  These little children just lying down on the Worship Hall tile floors while worship is going on is a testament to that.

 
     As Jesus said to his disciples, “Go out into the deep for a catch,” six of SFCC’s leaders went into the DEEP, that is the Logos Hope’s Port Volunteer program.  DEEP is an acronym for MV Logos Hope’s volunteer program for local churches (D-iscipleship, E-xposure to missions, E-xpression of love, P-ractical Work).

     For two weeks, these SFCC leaders worked in various departments of the ship (Book Fair, International Cafe, Galley/Pantry, and Accomodation Services) where they learned to serve Christ and serve people by doing practical work such as stacking books, serving ice cream, preparing lunch, cleaning toilets, and more.

     Part of the DEEP program is a training on missions which was facilitated by officers from Operation Mobilisation, the missions arm of MV Logos Hope and other crew members of the ship.  Aside from doing practical work, they were challenged and equipped through ministry opportunities, interaction with crew members, and by making new friends.

     The Connecting Day or C-Day which was a day allotted for the volunteers to connect with the local people in the Book Fair and International Cafe was one of the program highlights.  In the C-Day, they had a chance to share the gospel to people in the Journey of Life which is a pictorial representation of the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible.  They also did one-on-one evangelism using varied evangelistic tools they learned from the crew members, staging dramas with life-changing messages in the mini theater, and by using other strategies and methods.

     Through their participation in the DEEP program, the SFCC leaders had a taste of ship life and missions where they were able to meet and make friends with the crew representing 60 countries.  Most of all, these SFCC leaders had a deeper experience in winning souls for Christ while working alongside with an international crew as they honor God and deliver His benefits.