San Fernando Champions Community

Author: Tim Warden

  • Baptism Sunday, January 26, 2014

    Sunday, January 26, 2014



    Baptism Sunday, held every last Sunday of the month, saw 6 new creations go under and emerge out of water to proclaim their decision to follow Jesus all the days of their lives.   Pastor Jeremiah Kingshipp gladly joined the ceremony. It truly was a celebratory event.  

     Aleene Narte decided to be baptized because she heard from God.  She believes that from this day on, Jesus will use her mightily, and that He will cause things to happen in her life that is according to His will. 

     Diana Calucer heard a Word from God to totally surrender her life and allow herself to be used.  She states that she is ready.  “Handa na ako sa bagong ako,” she declares. 

    We are all excited for you, guys. We are confident that “He Who began His good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” (Philippians 1:6)

    Congratulations! 



  • A Very Fruitful and Eventful January

    We are off to a good start.  By the grace of God, January proved to be an eventful month.  The last weekend of January ended with a special guest speaker all the way from Pennsylvania, U.S.A.—Jeremiah Kingshipp, a missionary pastor.  Working for Mission Imprint, a Christian-based disaster-relief, non-profit organization, Jeremiah visited the Philippines to deliver water systems to villages and orphanages.  Mission Imprint’s mission is to provide the hope of Jesus Christ during hard times and to do it in ways that are lasting, relational, and that have eternal impact. .Assisiting him is 20-year old Vito de Carlo .  Together they visited the Yolanda victims.  They also graciously donated one water filter  to San Fernando Christian Community.  This center is sort of an oasis for people 24/7.  Neighboring kids and passers-by know that they could always come here to get a free drink of clean water any time of the day.  It is our joy to quench both the spiritual and the physical thirst.  And God has answered our prayers. Through this, the center will be able to reach out to more people. 

    The water filtration lid signed by the students of Park Forest Middle School.  

    Jeremiah preached  Ephesians 5:2  during the 3 weekend services (Extreme Saturday Jam at 10 am, and the 2 Sunday services—8:30 and 10 am) about “Walking In Love”.  It was such a powerful and encouraging message.  If you missed it, listen to the full message here.   

    In the afternoon, both missionaries joined the Sunday Mission sa Hapon.  Both reported during the post-mission huddle that they were blessed by the hearts and enthusiasm of the volunteer missionaries.  

    Jeremiah praying for the congregation

    Standing underneath the waterfall of God’s love

    Jeremiah and Vito share their wins and victories after the Sunday Mission sa Hapon

    Post-mission huddle


    They also lent a hand in assembling the McDonald’s playground.  Their stay here has been truly maximized.  It really was a fruitful, eventful, and amazing weekend.  God has blessed us richly through these people.  Here’s looking forward to their next visit. 




  • Zion Lee Turns 3

    Last Saturday, Jan. 18, was a big day for our dear little Zion Lee as he turned three. Everyone—young, old, and in-between came to join the party.  It was not the usual kid’s party with just clowns, balloons, and ice cream.  More than that, there was the sharing of the Word, and the blessing of Zion by his Abba Daddy.  Everyone, not just Zion, was blessed by this out-of-the-ordinary celebration.  This event is a reminder for all of us that there is always a reason to celebrate—not just birthdays or anniversaries.  We celebrate because we know that Jesus has already won the victory for us. All we have to do is to believe and receive  it.   

    Well-wishers—it IS more fun in SFCC!
    Thar he blows! Zion having a blast with his Mommy and Abba Daddy.

    The Kids’ Ministry volunteers have prepared a special production number for Zion.
    Overflowing food for everybody


    Abba Daddy pronouncing special blessings to the precious birthday celebrant.


    Abba Daddy leads while everyone agrees in prayer. 

  • Living in the F.O.G. (Favor of God)

    22 January 2014 (Wed.)

    We are living in the F.O.G. (favor of God). The first few weeks of the year has already proven eventful and fruitful. 

    The Pre-encounter Class is on its last week.  It is like a preparation class before the Encounter which will be held on the 31st of January.  Already, the excitement is a-brewing.  Testimonies are being birthed as the participants attend and listen to a new and exciting topic every week. Abi Balanon shared that she suddenly found herself reacting differently to adversities in the workplace.  She used to fight back but recently, she was surprised that instead of her usual negative reaction, she started praying for those who hurt her.  She knew it was not her, but God moving in her life.  She shared that it actually felt a lot better than getting even.  She feels freer now that her focus is on God.  Charm Nisperos shared that she also started praying for peace in her work place and has since developed a better attitude when conflicts arise.  They both testify that they could not have done it by themselves.  It was only by God’s grace and power that internal changes have started manifesting in their lives.   They are thankful for the eye-opener—the Truth that they have learned all throughout the Pre-encounter sessions.  

    These are just a few of the many testimonies.  There will be more as we go up the ladder of learning—the PEPSOL Academy.   There is no turning back.  Once you have encountered God, there is no other way to live but to follow Him.  And what a way to live under His wing and His protection!
    Abi Balanon (center) during the post-discussion session.  She herself was surprised when she found herself praying for those who hurt her instead of fighting back.

    Charm Nisperos has never felt free
    r when she found the secret to avoiding adversity in any environment she is in.  She simply prays and trusts God for the results.



  • The Year of Break Outs

    11 January 2014 

    Welcome 2014! 


    This is the year of break outs and breakthroughs.  The speed of acceleration is so contagious that everyone can’t help but catch the blaze and join the ascent.  There is a shift coming.  






    The Wardens have come home to join SFCC for the New Year.   The last Praise and Prayer Night held on the 31st of December (the last Tuesday of 2013) was a night filled with revelations and promises from the Lord. 


    The first Saturday of 2014 was a triumph as the first Soaking Night of 2014 was jam-packed with worshipers and first-time guests.  Worship reached a feverish pitch as hearts got drenched by His presence.  Indeed, the Lord is moving,  and how! 


    Already, January has been abuzz with activities.  The new batch of Pre-encounter participants are on their 4th week.  Post-encounter sessions have resumed after the New Year and pretty soon, it will be Graduation Day.  At the end of this month, the 31st of January, another batch of Encounter participants will understand what it means to really encounter God.  Next month, the first batch of School of Leaders participants will begin their training.  Everyone is willing to grow in the knowledge of God, thus enabling them to be real champions in life.

     Building the new courtyard has resumed.  More generous hearts began the New Year with a contribution.  

    Julie’s heart was to be the first person to contribute this 2014 and she promptly did so.  She is acting out her faith that God will increase the center in terms of population and accommodation.  She says SFCC is her home and she wants to be a part of its expansion in every way. 

    Vikki found herself jumping up and down with joy as soon as she made her contribution. She says,  “It didn’t  feel like I lost money. It felt like I gained more! It really felt good to be a part of upgrading the church—even if it is just one square meter of bricks. ” 


    For Kiko, it is his love for SFCC that moved  him to give. “I love seeing God move through this place as a venue where lives are changed and people connect with each other. I give because I want to honor God with the finances He has entrusted to me. This project is so important because we need the space to accommodate more guests, and I want to be a part of that.”  There is joy in giving if one recognizes that everything came from Him.  

    These are just a few of the contributors.  The list is growing and pretty soon,  the expansion will be finished.  There is still more work and upgrades to be done.   But we stand on His promise that the Lord will
    fulfill His purpose for us (Ps. 138:8).  


    Here’s to an exciting, purpose-filled journey into 2014.  This is the Lord’s year. Are you ready?

  • 2013-The Year That Was

    It is only by grace that 2013 has proven itself fruitful.  Riding on the wings of pure grace, we breezed through the 12 eventful months without even realizing that another year is about to end.  What do we have to show for it, you ask. Is that really necessary? We do not work for personal gain nor for recognition. We cannot add to His finished work.  We have learned to work for the audience of One. Not that we aim to please in order to earn His favor.  What we have done for the past year, what we are still doing, and what we are about to do—we do it all for the glory of the One who came to redeem us from a doomed future.  And speaking of the future, we look forward to the incoming year with hopes of more blessings, more favor, and more revelation of Who He really is in our lives. Let’s make 2014 all about Him—“forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14)”.  Onward, faithful servant! 

    Christmas at SFCC is always an important event. It is not about the food, nor about the presents.  The celebration is all about the Reason for the Season—Jesus.  There is always a reason to rejoice because of what He has done for us.  

     Everyone received a warm, welcoming smile.

     Awesome worship to the One who sits upon the throne

     One of the Christmas presentations pointing out the real meaning of Christmas

     Happy birthday, Jesus! =)

     The Food and Beverage Team—always ready to serve with a smile


    The Courtyard was utilized for the overflow of attendees

  • Expanding Territory

    San Fernando Christian Community, also popularly known as the Champions Center, is currently undergoing an expansion of its grounds.  This is  to make room for the increasing number of attendees who come during the various services scattered throughout the week.  Aside from the services, another well-attended activity is the fellowship with one another. This is usually held at the courtyard. 

    The jam-packed courtyard before and after the service

    After the services, members and guests get to know more about one another and simply talk. This is  the time where people share with each other how God has been victoriously moving in their lives.  The center is considered as everyone’s second home.  Everyone is well-accommodated, accepted, and loved. It is a comfortable atmosphere that is safe, positive, and encouraging.  It truly is a body where Christ is the head. 

    Free snacks and free fellowship after the service

    Is it in your heart to help complete the courtyard expansion? It doesn’t take much.  All you have to do is to  buy 1 square meter or more of bricks. 40 bricks/sq.m= P400. Be part of the vision of the house. Be counted. We still need 5,683 bricks. If you wish to donate, just go to the Admin Office or look for Kristine Balcita 09092839530.
    It takes 40 of these to fill a square meter.

    Roseann Gallardo donated one square meter and has this to say:  “This is my home. I’m so blessed to see what  God  has done for me through SFCC.  God moved me to donate.  He wants me  to be a part of the fulfillment of His purpose. I just willingly obeyed. Imagine how happy the church would be if the courtyard expansion is finished. I can’t wait to see kids running. I can’t wait to see people having fellowship everywhere. They would come early and stay late because they feel safe and comfortable. There is no other place like SFCC.  This is a family.  We invest now for the generations to come.” 

    Kristine Balcita quickly set aside a part of her allowance for a square meter of bricks.  She shares: “Ang nag-inspire sa akin to give is love. I love the house! I love SFCC!  SFCC is my family, SFCC is where I live. Joining sa “team of givers” gives me another great privilege and an awesome experience of God’s love and blessing. I love the joy na naramdaman  sa pagbibigay. I’m so excited seeing the expansion ng courtyard, na makikita ko ang people enjoying the fellowship hours using the expansion ng courtyard, and seeing them get blessed and feel loved.   “

    Kuya Rodel laying the bricks for the new courtyard
    Step by step, bit by bit, stone by stone, brick by brick. 
    Looking good. Let’s help build it! 








  • Soaking Night—Ushering Us Into the Presence of God

    Saturday, 02 November 2013
    Soaking Night 

    Every first Saturday of every month is Soaking Night—a night we dedicate to praising and communing with the Father.  It is a night packed with singing worship songs and just focusing on God’s goodness and majesty.  When we worship, we become aware of God’s presence.  All focus on our problems, on our excess baggage, and on ourselves just melt away.  It was a meaningful and eventful night.  So many first-timers responded to the altar call and readily accepted Christ in their hearts.  Luke 15:7 states that  “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

    Truly, it was a night of great rejoicing. 

    “Let us come before him with thanksgiving

        and extol Him with music and song.” (Psalm 95:2) 

    “He put a new song in my mouth,

        a hymn of praise to our God.

    Many will see and fear the LORD

        and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 40:3)

      So many first-timers responded to the altar call and readily accepted Christ in their hearts. 

     Fellowship after the service.  No one was in a hurry to go home.  

  • Water Baptism: A Public Declaration

    Sunday, October 27, 2013 

    Water baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus.  It is acknowledging the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood over our sins. In the  process of going down into and up out of the water, the believer identifies with Christs’s death, burial, and resurrection.  

    On Baptism Sunday, ten believers underwent  water baptism.  Most of the participants have just recently undergone the Encounter God Weekend.  They were more than eager to proclaim their new-found faith in Jesus. All were excited to make an outward expression of the inward miracle.  

    Janet Gallardo, a mother of two, states that through her baptism, “Nakabaon na yung dating ako.  Isa na akong bagong nilalang!”

    Janine Urbi, a young working adult, says, “Yun na lang kasi yung kulang.” She has undergone the Pre-encounter  and Encounter God Weekend, and she feels that she wants to publicly confirm that, “Isa na akong Christian—that I received Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. ” 

    Glenda Escosio, another young working adult sees as her baptism as her marriage with Jesus. “Gusto kong i-broadcast sa buong mundo that I’m with God and God is with me!”  

    Happening every last Sunday of every month,  Water Baptism is always a joyous and momentous occasion. 

    The excited participants on their way to the venue. 


    Pastor Tim prays for the baptism participants. 
    Mommy Janet victoriously emerges  out of the water. 

    Janine Urbi: “Isa na akong Christian—I received Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.”

     Glenda Escosio: “Ang nag-udyok sa akin para magpa-baptize ay ‘yung katotohanang love ako ni God.”

     When we are raised out of the water, we are symbolically resurrected—raised to our new life in Christ and to be with Him forever, born into the family of our loving God (Romans 8:16). 

    (Special thanks to Joey Dominique Ducusin for the photos.) 


  • PEPSOL Graduation—Reaching New Heights

    Sun., Oct. 27, 2013
    4 p.m. 

    It was a momentous occasion.  Excitement was in the air.  Everyone was in their Sunday best.  The participants of the Pre-encounter, Encounter, and Post-encounter were about to be given recognition for successfully finishing their respective sessions.  It was an authentic celebration, with the Post-encounter graduates wearing togas and diplomas being awarded to the graduates.  Certificates for excellence were also awarded to those who finished the course with flying colors.  But  the awards, the frills, and the fanfare—those were not as important as the outcome that was achieved through the PEPSOL sessions.  What was really celebrated was the breakthroughs, the brokenness, the changed lives.  John Mark Gallano and Emiric Lubian, both abandoned by their fathers, stood up and boldly shared their testimonies about how they were able to release forgiveness to their fathers.  The shackles have been broken.  Now they are free to bring their relationship with Jesus to newer heights.  

    Congratulations, graduates!  On to the next level! 

     The excitement could not be contained. Lots of photo ops for posterity.
     The men of covenant—all graduates through determination, God’s grace, and taho.

    Budding women after God’s heart

    Not to be outdone—the women of courage. Learning has no age barriers. 

    Waiting in line. Preparing for the victory march.

    The Primary leaders

    Ces Myra and her network

     Encounter graduates. You can tell by their smiles. 

    Defying generation gaps.  Mother and daughter, both graduates. This calls for a double celebration. =)

    Tim and Bambi Warden, Senior Pastor and PEPSOL Training Coordinator respectively