Author: Tim Warden

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
(Isaiah 61:1) 

Being a captive is not just in the physical. It is one thing to be held behind prison bars. It is another thing to be imprisoned emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  Either way, you are being captured, taken hold of, bound, and in shackles against your will.

In visiting with the inmates of the La Union Provincial Jail, my heart personally melted and broke in several pieces. I did not see people who were restricted from the outside world. I saw broken men and women in need of the Truth. Here are people who have not seen their loved ones for a long time. Here are people who are experiencing self-condemnation because of wrong choices. Here are people who feel rejected and judged and have little hope of having a second chance.

The Good News, which San Fernando Christian Community is bringing to them, is that there is Hope. Jesus said He came to set the captives free. He is saying that anyone who put their faith in Him will experience and know a God who can forgive their sins and call them His own. Their sins, no matter how grave, would be wiped clean. 

The people I met had different stories to share. And as I talked to them, I saw no difference between them and those outside who are deemed ‘physically free’. We were all in captivity until salvation came to us in the person of Jesus Christ.  And after the songs had been sung, after the Message has been delivered, and after the prayers have been said, I went home with a heart full of hope that despite their situation, they now have a new understanding of the word ‘free’. 

An enclosed life

We are free to worship no matter where we are.

Leading them into prayer

The hands that used to steal and hurt are now joined together in prayer.

Homemade taho treats for the inmates after the program

Enjoying fellowship with them and making them feel how much they are loved, especially by Jesus.

Despite their situation, they now have a new understanding of the word ‘free’.

Every first Saturday of every month is a much-anticipated, momentous day.  At 6 pm, a 2 hour non-stop praise and worship ensues. To a spectator, it may seem just like a silly shindig with people jumping and dancing around or raising their hands with their eyes closed. But to someone who happens to be there and just surrenders to the worship, they will see and know that there is more to it than meets the eye.  

Worship is a powerful thing—so powerful that it sparks a series of events. When we worship, we enter into His presence, and there, we see and experience Who God really is. Our misconception that He is a severe, stern ruler will be erased and replaced by the truth.  We encounter a loving Father Who is happy to see us and is eager to bless us. When we worship, we find God freely moving in, around, and behind the scenes of our lives. We experience an epiphany: HE REALLY DOES LOVE US. 

Now you ask why this is how this is the preferred choice for spending Saturday night. It’s plain and simple, yet unfathomable: Nothing is as precious as basking and being enveloped in His presence and His love.

Till the next first Saturday! 

20 July 2014
Post-encounter Graduation
Batch 4

“Out of darkness into light. Let my life be a flame that burns for You. Putting all my past behind. Out of darkness into Your great light.”—Out of Darkness Into Light by Drew Ley

This season’s latest batch of Post-encounter graduates have every reason to celebrate. After 10 weeks of meaty discussions, relevant teachings, and  challenging applications—the Post-encounter graduates have finished strong! It was a blessing to witness a diverse age group  of graduates ranging from 12 to 60. Nevertheless, age was never a deterrent for higher learning. In fact, most of those who finished with excellent standing were of the senior age group, and one of them was even hailed valedictorian of said batch. 

Two of the graduates were husband and wife. Both shared their respective testimonies of how God has made a radical change in their married and in their family life.  Francis Munar, Sr. underwent severe depression after an unfortunate incident at work. It affected the way he treated his family and for years, their family suffered. Thanks to PEPSOL, the couple found restoration in Jesus, and as Mrs. Munar would say, “Muling naibalik ang tamis ng pag-ibig.”  (“Our love was restored.”)  

Indeed, there is endless victory and joy as we put our lives in Jesus’ hands. He takes us out of darkness into His great light. There is no other way to live. 

Strong finishers all! Congratulations, Batch 4 Post-encounter graduates! =)

Every Saturday at 10, young people troop to  San Fernando Christian Community to attend the Extreme Saturday Jam. The youth service is open to all young ones and the young at heart.  It usually starts with people pouring in early so that they have time to catch up with one another and share breakfast or snacks. There are other courtyard activities, too, which cater to the various interests of the youth. 


At 10, the Jam usually starts with an ice breaker. This is followed by praise and worship. The highlight, of course, is the new teaching every week which offers guidance and practical tips to young people. 

Sat. & Sun. 
July 5 & 6, 2014

San Fernando Christian Community is blessed to have a special friend to speak and share a Word over the weekend. The congregation was altogether enlightened, blessed, and encouraged by the topic, “The Prize of Sacrifice is 100X Happiness”.  

Pastor Noel Nabua who came all the way from Corona, California is one of the pioneers of SFCC. Despite the distance, he has maintained close relations with his roots.  He has faithfully supported the church in terms of ideas for scripts, sermon spices, games, etc.  Truly, friends are friends forever if the Lord is the binding factor. 

Till next we meet, Pastor Noel! It was lovely having you! 

Pastor Noel Nabua: “Be willing to let Jesus cut away your undesirable habits, traits, and your excess baggage. Allow Him to shape and mold you.”

“Receive God’s love EVERYDAY!”

Water baptism is not a requirement, but it is a decision. It is a public confession—a confirmation that one has decided to follow Jesus and receive Him into his life as his personal Lord and Savior.  It is a stand that one has come out of one life (the old life) and resurrected into another (new life). Every last Sunday of the month at San Fernando Christian Community is a joyous occasion. This is when Fun Sunday and Water Baptism Sunday is being held. This July, there were thirteen (!) people who made the decision to turn their lives over to Jesus.  
Being baptized is equivalent to making a public statement of change—change of authority, change of lifestyle and old habits, change of mindset.  It is turning away from the old life and allowing Christ to lead you into becoming a new creation.  Baptism is like a wedding vow. We become His bride. We are proclaiming that we no longer permit sin to have dominion over us.  

Tim Warden orients the 13 people about to be baptized. ” The Holy Spirit will move inside of you.  Doon Siya titira.  He will move as a permanent resident inside your heart.”

Rosemarie Pilon: “Para akong nahugasan.  Nakipag-isa na ako kay Christ.  Dati, wala akong kilalang Jesus. Ngayon, alam kong nasa akin na Siya.”  (“I feel cleansed. I am already one with Christ. Before, I did not know Jesus, but now, I know that He is in me.” )

Jenny Mayo: “Dati, ang lamya-lamya ko. Ang lungkot-lungkot ko.  Pero ngayon nabuhayan ako dahil kay Lord.  Magpapatuloy ako sa Kaniya.” (“Before, I was sad and I did not have the drive. But because of God, I feel alive.  I will continue living for Him.”)

29 July 2014 (Sun.)

San Fernando Christian Community was greatly blessed last weekend. Special guest speaker and friend, Pastor Noel Nabua from Hosanna Life Church, Corona, CA spoke to the primary and 144 leaders of the church.  He introduced the “Keystone Habit” which will greatly improve the culture and the lifestyle of an individual.  Keystone habits are habits that create a chain reaction. Picture a still, small pond. Throw a pebble in the middle and watch the ripple move from the center radiating outward.  

Small wins have enormous power. If you plan to wake up early and start the day with devotions, you will find that your habit of waking up at 5 am has developed another habit—that of going to bed early. And going to bed early requires eliminating late night movies or going online till you fall asleep.  Before you know it, you have already developed a healthy habit of going to bed early, getting enough sleep, and getting rid of unhealthy habits (late night TV & browsing the net mindlessly) and developing more productive ones (spending time getting to know your Maker, never missing breakfast, and getting to work on time). 
One keystone habit will develop the rest of your habits. After the talk, everyone wrote the keystone habit that they plan to develop. Everyone is determined to stick with this new plan and within a month’s time, at the next gathering, there is the anticipation of reports of wins and small victories.  

The Primary & the 144 leaders bless and pray for Pastor Noel.

28 June 2014 ( Sat)
SFCC

 San Fernando Christian Community hosted the Youth Forum On the Rights of Children and Other Related Laws conducted by the Commission on Human Rights. Youth ages 13 and above  were introduced to the Basic Rights of Children and Other Related Laws.  The seminar attendees  were surprised  that they were not aware of most of their rights. They expressed their gratitude that their awareness and knowledge have been greatly enhanced.  Julie Madriaga, one of the participants, said that the thing that struck her most was this: “Ang bawat karapatan ay may kalakip na responibilidad.” (“Every right has a corresponding responsibility.”) 

Knowing that their rights are protected and that they do have a voice that can be heard has greatly empowered this budding young generation.

Let’s hear it for tomorrow’s leaders! 

Danilo Balino conducted the seminar: “Ang bawat karapatan ay may kalakip na responsibilidad.”

Many were pleasantly surprised that their rights matter. Their faces show how much these youth are affirmed.