San Fernando Champions Community

Author: Tim Warden

  • Wayne Wasem Dinner Seminar

    Tue, 29 April 2014


    Never miss an opportunity to upgrade and grow. 


    Hundreds of people trooped to the San Fernando Christian Community Worship Hall where a free dinner seminar was held.   World missionary Wayne Wasem from Kamiah, Idaho was the special guest speaker.  This was his 2nd time this year to conduct a seminar at SFCC. This time, he talked about “Grace That Empowers for a Victorious Life.”   It was a fruitful discussion filled with fresh revelations. Everyone had their fill of spiritual food. After the service, there was fellowship and the people could not stop talking about the wonders of grace. 

    Regine Balcita was particularly struck by the  message that grace empowers you not to sin.  It helped her get out of being condemnation-minded to being grace-minded.  “Dati mahirap mag-move on at parati kong naaalala yung mga maling nagawa ko.  Pero ngayon, may confidence na ako na panghawakan ang grace ni God.  Gaya ng sinabi ni Jesus sa adulterous woman, ang grace Niya ang nagmo-motivate sa akin to go and sin no more.”  (“I used to suffer from self-condemnation every time I make a mistake. It was hard for me to accept forgiveness and move on.  But now, upon hearing the grace message, I now have the confidence to stand on God’s grace.  Just like what Jesus said to the adulterous woman, His grace is what motivates me to sin no more. “)

    Eager for an upgrade. Hunger for the Word led these people to attend the Wayne Wasem seminar.

    Many were visibly moved by the message conveyed. Grace revolutionizes lives. 


  • Amazing G-Race: Kingdom Quest

    Wed-Fri, Apr. 23-25, 2014




    The much-awaited kids’ summer camp this year is dubbed ‘The Amazing G-Race: Kingdom Quest’. The theme revolves around Matthew 6:33which instructs us to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need”.

    The 3-day affair involved Extreme Challenge games, internship teachings, arts & crafts, singing, dancing, exercise, devotion time & star-gazing.  The jam-packed, fun-filled event is something that a ‘quester’ will never forget.   Primarily, the Kingdom Quest’s goal is to teach the principle of putting God first in one’s life above anything else.  If we do so, everything—His favor, provision, and blessings will follow. 

    Angenico Perez, a volunteer guide ( or ‘cavalier’, in line with the theme of the event) states that it is such a privilege to serve in the Kingdom Quest. “Kung ano yung love na ibinibigay ni God, naishe-share ko.  Kung ano yung talent na galing kay God, naishe-share ko sa kanila. Lahat ng nanggagaling kay God—yung overflowing love, care, at pagiging gentle sa mga bata, shine-share ko  sa kanila. ”     (“I am able to share God’s overflowing love, care, & gentleness.  I am also using my God-given talents to minister to these kids”).  Angenico is flourishing and leading a victorious life and is currently serving in the SFCC Champion Kids’ Ministry.  He has come a long way from being a shy, timid church member to an active one. 
    Angenico Perez instructing the kids questers during arts & crafts time.


    Israel  Lagon,  a father of one of the questers, Jeddy Lee,  admits that the event was life-changing.  “It’s a wonderful thing that these kids are aware that  God loves  them. Through the Kingdom Quest, these kids realize at a young age  how Jesus works in their lives.” He admits that he has already witnessed transformed lives from the first time he attended a service at  SFCC. “I see how these kids treasure the love of God. I appreciate the knowledge being taught to them.”
    Israel, doting father to Jeddy Lee with his wife. 

    Jomil, a ‘quester’, has learned how to read the Bible. Start ’em young and start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Prov. 22:6) 
     Fitz Hugene Mikitpikit has learned how to listen to God.  Fitz is  a precocious 10-year old who actively attends all church events and services. 
    Fitz Hugene obediently following his guide on how to do S.O.A.P/devotion. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) 


    For the kids, Angenico has this to say: “This is just the beginning.  Finish strong and fight the good fight of faith. Go, go, go!”

    The questers listen to Master Rizze as she teaches about “The 4 Wonderful Opportunities” 

    Cavalier Vikki (guide) prays for each of  the questers under her wing. 

    Productive and creative: Arts & Crafts time is one of the questers’ favorite activities. 
    Early birds: the questers rise and shine to the beat of  uplifting music.  

    Finishing strong! Graduation Day with much fanfare. The parents who attended the culminating activity couldn’t have been prouder. Go, Champion Kids! 

  • Encounter God Retreat, April 17-18, 2014

    All Christians Pavilion and Retreat Center at Poblacion Santol, La Union


    Another batch of Encounter participants excitedly hied off to the All Christians Pavilion Retreat 

    Center at Poblacion Santol, La Union.  After 5 weeks of Pre-encounter sessions, the 

    participants were eager for more.  And they did get more out of the 2-day Encounter God 

    Retreat. In fact, they got so much more.  So many lives were radically changed—hearts were 

    softened, minds were altered, and there was forgiveness all around.  Even the guides, 

    volunteers, and workers experienced a ‘re-encounter’ with God. So many tears were shed as 

    pent-up anger, grudges, hurts, and sadness were released and left at the foot of the cross.  

    Everyone left the retreat venue with hearts emptied of excess baggage and filled with the Holy 

    Spirit.  



    Arriving at Santol

    S.O.A.P. Time (S-cripture, O=bservation, A-pplication, P-rayer) 
    Encounter sessions—emotion and spirit-filled

    Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out…

    Refreshed, redeemed, set free! Congratulations, new creations! 


  • Finishing Strong!

    “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7) 



    Congratulations to the latest batch of Pre-encounter participants for finishing strong! Last Sunday, April 13, 2014 was the culminating activity.  There was an informal graduation ceremony. The event was punctuated with celebratory cheers and applause. The participants ranged from ages 10 to 70. That in itself is proof that age is not a deterrent for growth.  

    This is just the beginning. The next level is the Encounter God Retreat this April 17-18 (Thu-Fri).  Learning just doesn’t come. Desire to get it.  San Fernando Christian Community’s vision is that every member, a leader.  So keep running with the vision and finish the race with grace. 

    The last session: milking every last drop of new knowledge. 
    Breakout sessions

    Caring enough to minister and to pray for others
    And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! 

    Rejoicing with those who rejoice

    Proud recipients of the Pre-encounter diploma


  • A Step of Faith

    Water baptism is practically a step of faith. It is a public declaration that one has declared oneness with God in all areas of his life. His identity is with Christ.  It’s not about ‘doing’ something. It’s about ‘receiving’ something—God’s gift. It is free.  

    Last Sunday, April 6, 2014, was another momentous occasion. There is much rejoicing as people continue to deepen their walk with Christ.  

    Jhessa Curie Pitagan and Irish Idio declared to all the world that they are dead to their old life and are living out their new lives in Christ.  “Gusto kong i-declare sa kaaway na hindi niya ako pwedeng mahila kagaya ng napapanaginipan ko.  Gusto kong i-declare that I am one with Christ na. I also want to experience the benefits, to enjoy the gifts of the Holy Spirit as I walk through my Christian life, ( I want the enemy to know that he can’t pull me away from Jesus.  I declare that I am one with Christ. I also want to experience the benefits, to enjoy the gifts of the Holy Spirit as I walk through my Christian life.)” Jhessa revealed.  

    Irish added that, she really wants change in her life. “Before, alanganin yung heart ko.  May 1/8 resistance. Pero kanina, pag-ahon ko sa tubig, iba yung feeling ko. Ngayon, full-hearted na ako.”  (Before, I was not ready to commit. There was at least 1/8 resistance.  But when I rose out of the water, it was a different feeling.  Now I know that I am full-hearted in my commitment.) 

    She also wants to experience the benefits that come with accepting God’s gifts. She welcomes peace that passes all understanding, and to face her problems not on her own. “Gusto kong tumayo against my problems this time with God.  Alam ko na kaya ko ‘to with God. Basta kasama ko si God.”  (I want to face my problems this time with God beside me. I know I can do this as long as God is with me.) 

    Baptism was a part of every conversion experience ever recorded in the Book of Acts.  It is a confirmation that he is Lord of our lives, as well as Savior. It is actually saying, “I’m no longer the boss of my life. Jesus is. (Gal. 2:20).” 

    (Jhessa Curie Pitagan) ” I want the enemy to know that he can’t pull me away from Jesus.  I declare that I am one with Christ. I also want to experience the benefits, to enjoy the gifts of the Holy Spirit as I walk through my Christian life.”

    (Irish Idio) “Before, alanganin yung heart ko.  May 1/8 resistance. Pero kanina, pag-ahon ko sa tubig, iba yung feeling ko. Ngayon, full-hearted na ako.” 

  • Bound Together By Love

    Families are held together not by blood but by love.  And there is just one True Source—Jesus.  The Scripture simplifies it: God is love (1 John 4:7-8). He is the one and only factor that binds us together.  Therefore, as one body, we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). 


    Losing someone dear and near to our hearts warrants a grieving process.  It is but natural to miss that someone’s presence.  But on the other hand, we rejoice over the fact that death is not the end.  It is actually the ultimate healing. 

    It is the absence of that someone that causes us pain. But looking at the bigger picture, we are comforted by the fact that that someone is now basking in eternal rest with the Father.  

    There is nothing we can do to prepare us for the loss of someone. But we rest on the truth that in death, there is no more pain but endless joy forever. 

    You shall be missed. See you in my Father’s house. 




    Sharing comfort and encouragement to the grieving hearts

    Praying for the bereaved


  • Pre-encounter, March -April 2014


    Pre-encounter is an event prior to an Encounter God Retreat.  It is like a “taste test” to those who are seeking a deeper level of relationship with God.  It is giving the participants a meaty preview of what they will experience at the retreat.  The common driving force is wanting to know God in a deeper way. 

    Aurelia Baniqued, a mother of two, is one of the Pre-encounter participants.  She shares that she feels less lonely since she has been living apart from her husband who is working overseas.  She says she used to just stay in the house taking care of her two children.  But attending the services and the Pre-encounter sessions paved the way for her to meet new friends that she could relate to.  More than that, she is happy to know more about God and how He would love to be involved in her life and in the lives of her family.  Her husband is also happy about this.  He is very supportive and is excited to come home so they could all attend the services together as a family.  

    Aurelia Baniqued, a mother of two, realizes that she is not alone. 



    Rizza Cariaga, an education student of Union Christian College, has always had this desire to know God deeper.  She has been a Christian for a long time and her craving for a closer, more intimate relationship with God has been answered when she joined the Pre-encounter.  She found a second family in SFCC.  She loves staying at the center a bit longer after the sessions enjoying the ‘safe, positive, and encouraging’ environment.  She claims she is always ‘hungry for more’ and is never in a hurry to go home.

    Rizza listens intently as her guide leads the post-lesson discussion
    Rizza Cariaga (left) with her Care Group leader.  She has always desired a deeper relationship with her Father.


    As mentioned, this is just the tip of the iceberg and the best is yet to come.  It is only the 2nd  week but everyone is already excited for the Encounter God Retreat  this April 17 & 18 (Thu. & Fri.) at the new venue—the All Christians Pavilion and Retreat Center at Poblacion, Santol, La Union.  (see photos here )  

    It is an experience that should not be missed.  

    Scenes from last weekend’s Pre-encounter sessions. It gets more and more intense as the Encounter Weekend comes near.










  • Jail Ministry 2014

    God orchestrates divine appointments in our lives. The endpoint? To display His endless love and glory. 

    San Fernando Christian Community is blessed to be connected to links which open doors of opportunity for sharing His love. One such opportunity is the Jail Missions every Monday.  Willing and enthusiastic volunteers gather at the center to prepare and pray before embarking on the mission. 
    Everything begins with a prayer. Willing volunteers pray before embarking on the jail mission.
    There are various activities such as ice breakers (which the inmates absolutely love), worship, film viewing, breakout sessions, group discussions, prayer, and free merienda during fellowship.  

    The usual human response in punishing a wrongdoer is to eliminate him from society by isolating them.  This is to prevent them from causing more harm to others.  As believers and followers of Christ, we are challenged to operate on the gospel of grace and offer the Good News to all sinners—that there is forgiveness, acceptance instead of condemnation, and restoration.  Jesus said, “I was in prison and you visited me.” To which his hearers responded, “When was it that we saw you in prison and visited you?” And Jesus replied, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” 
    (Matthew 25: 36–40 NRSV).Everyone is called to continue what Jesus has started.  It is a privilege to do so.  

    Jhessa, one of the volunteers, was hesitant at first. “Nung una po, ung idea pa lang ng pagpunta sa jail, takot na ang na-feel ko. Hesitant akong maki-join kasi  mga preso.  Feeling ko hindi sila receptive at hindi kami tatanggapin lalo na pag magsasalita kami about God.  Feeling ko ku-question-in kami at sisisihin Siya sa sinapit nila. Pero nagulat naman ako nung may small group discussion na. Yung mga nakasama ko talagang sila pa yung ganadong  mag-discuss tungkol kay God.  I was so  overwhelmed  at natuwa. Hindi nila sinisisi si  God sa nangyari. They look at it in a positive way na habang nakakulong daw  sila, opportunity daw  yun na mapalapit  kay God. May purpose daw  kung bakit nandoon sila.

    Janine Urbi shares that she saw how the inmates longed to be back in the arms of their families and to freely move in the outside world again. ” I realized that I am blessed and have taken my freedom for granted.  I know now that the best way to enjoy freedom is to move according to His will.” 

    The inmates also revealed that they enjoy having someone visit them during their stay.  They view the SFCC visits as their opportunity to reflect on their lives and to realign their focus.  They look forward to the day that they would be free again physically.  But for now, they are contented to be be free in their spirits—free from anger, free from self-condemnation, and  free from their past.  

    Viewing short films usually geared toward moral recovery.

    Sir Luke leading the inmates in prayer.


    Breakout sessions. After the film viewing, the inmates are given a voice to freely discuss their opinions.
    Spiritually free

  • Christian Fellowship Night, March 9, 2014

    It was a chilly night as the various Christian churches of San Fernando City converged at the City Plaza for a night of fellowship, fun, and camaraderie.  Each church prepared a presentation in the form of songs, dances, and other production numbers.  San Fernando Christian Community’s Champion Worshipers rendered a medley of worship songs accompanied by the SFCC dancers. 

    There were so many talents displayed and used for God’s glory. Spectators, participants, and organizers alike were blessed.  Dinner was potluck, and everybody had their fill as the night wore on.  The last dregs of the cold season blew on the open-air auditorium, but  hearts were warmed as everyone reveled in the goodness and wonders of the One, true Maker. He was the real reason that drew everyone together, but not just on that night.  It is that one faith that binds people together wherever one goes.  


    Shepherds all. The pastors sing, “As the Deer” 

    We are created to declare His praise (Is. 43:21) 



    Servants behind the scenes. The SFCC Multimedia Team provides great sounds.

    Let’s celebrate His infinite goodness! =)





  • Always a Privilege to Serve

    CSO Night at the City Plaza
    07 March 2014, Friday


    It’s a privilege to serve.


    There is joy in serving and allowing ourselves to be used in whatever way for God’s kingdom.  It does not necessarily require  extreme actions.  It can start with little things such as giving out a warm, sincere smile, a friendly welcome, an affectionate touch, or a firm handshake.  It does not take much to demonstrate God’s love to everyone.  The Bible is full with admonitions of hospitality and servant-hood. Galatians 5:13 says, “through love serve one another.”  

    And with this in mind, a group of SFCC volunteers trooped to the City Of San Fernando Plaza to lend a hand during the CSO (Civil Society Organizations) Night. The Guest Relations team helped with the receiving of guests, aided in the registration process, and ushered the various CSO groups to their respective tables.  Their smiles, amiable demeanor, and on-the-ready attitude contributed to the celebratory atmosphere of the night.  
    Arriving early at the venue

    A warm touch says a lot.

    Aiding in the registration

    All people smile in the same language. 


    Dancing the night away