Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide school maintenance program enjoining all the public schools and community to contribute their time, efforts, and resources to ensure the schools’ physical and conducive-to-learning environment.
Sadulawit Inc., recognizing the need, gathered 52 members and volunteers distributed in teams to extend help into 2 secondary schools — La Union National High School (LUNHS) and North Central School. Add to that, there were 2 primary schools — Catbangen Central School and Santiago Elementary School. Led by Sadulawit alumni R-jay dela Cruz, Sadulawit gave 1 gallon of paint, 3 paintbrushes, repair materials (nails, wires, etc.) and cleaning materials (20 broomsticks and 12 soft brooms).
The teachers were happy to accommodate the volunteer teams. The work involved classroom general repair and cleaning to outside beautification. The team exuded enthusiasm in cleaning. Ceilings, walls, tables, chairs, windows, and doors were repaired, cleaned, and repainted. On the school grounds there was landscaping and rehabilitating of the school garden (weeding and replanting).
The volunteers starting the endeavor with a prayer huddle.
Rjay dela Cruz, a Sadulawit alumni, took the lead in signing up at the La Union National High School and North Central School endorsing the teams to the 4 different schools.
Sheryl Medina, Julie Orosco, and Carlo Metila (Sadulawit members) didn’t waste the opportunity to be involved. They were former students of the school.
Roseann Andaya (woman in black) led the team in helping out at her former school. Her former teachers recognize her as an asset being a youth leader with a different perspective.
Till the next school year. We serve because Jesus first served us!
(Blogged by Miss Roseann Gallardo, Sadulawit Coordinator)
Author: Tim Warden
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When ‘We’ is Greater Than ‘Me’
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Summer Internship Graduation 2016
“I am watching to see that My word is fulfilled.” Jeremiah 1:12
God is faithful & He will do what He says He will do. As we seek to do His will, God supplies the manpower, the strength, & the resources along the way. If it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.
Last Saturday, May 28 at 5 pm, the Summer Internship Training participants marched victoriously towards the finish line. After six eventful, fruitful, and purpose-filled weeks, SFCC witnessed the graduation of 38 interns. The parents were in full force & many testified to the changes that God has done in each of their children. Jerico’s parents admit that their son is happy being planted in SFCC. Diane’s mom is surprised to see her child active & performing onstage. “Mahiyain yan dati,” she says. But now, Diane is seen acting, strumming the guitar & wowing the crowd with her God-given voice. Jazha’s mom attests to the radical changes in her daughter. “Maaga siyang gumigising ngayon. Bago siya pumunta sa internship training, ipinagluluto muna niya kami. (She wakes up early now. She cooks food for us before she leaves for the internship training.) She used to be dependent on me a lot.” It wasn’t surprising that Jazsha got the the ‘Metamorphosis Award’ among the female interns.
“Matigas ang ulo (hard-headed), puro tablet at computer lang ang hinaharap (he is always in front of the computer),” was the old description for Paulo, another intern. But ever since God moved in Paulo’s life, he is now giving advice to his mom. He would say, “Pag may problema ka, Mama, pray ka lang. Andiyan si God (If you have a problem, just approach God. He is near)”.
Congratulations, interns! This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey ahead!
A glorious finish: the Summer Interns march proudly with their parents
Jerico’s parents noticed that he has never been happier ever since he joined the Summer Internship Training.
From no confidence to God-fidence: Diane shines for Jesus as she performs onstage
Jazsha cries as her mom affirms her. Jazsha received the Metamorphosis Award and rightly so. God is a radical changer.
Proud mom boasts about her son’s positive changes brought about by the Summer Internship Training. After a long, strained relationship, Paulo is now closer to his mom and is even giving her wise advice. Truly, God is a God of restoration!
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More Summer Internship Training Testimonies
What a privilege it is to be a part of the change happening in a person’s life! SFCC is thankful that God is using the church to reach out to individuals and become an instrument to deliver His benefits.
Apreal Kyle Cartel confesses to being ultra-shy and nervous around people. But then, she is thankful that someone invited her to SFCC. “Na-build and ugnayan namin ni God ( My relationship with God was built.) “ Because of this, she has grown confident and has developed the skill to entertain guests who are here for the first time. She is grateful for the training she acquired from the Summer Internship. But most of all, she is happy that she got to know God on a much deeper level.
Who is Paulo Timbal before he met Jesus? He compares himself to still waters. He is quiet on the surface, but he rages underneath. He admits to being overcome by pride. But when he met Jesus, he noticed the changes. “Binabago Niya ako araw-araw. Yung Paulo na sobrang yabang ay nawala na at napalitan ng Paulo na mapagpasensiya at mapagpakumbaba. (“God is changing me everyday. The old, prideful Paulo is now replaced by a new, patient, and humble Paulo.”) The new Paulo knows Whom to give credit to. “I thank Jesus for dying for me.”
Emz Salle is a victim of ‘maling akala’ (‘wrong perception’). She had so many misconceptions about God which resulted to her non-relationship with Him. When she heard the Good News about grace (undeserved favor), she quickly understood & embraced it. She has experienced freedom to lift up her hands in worship. “Ang purpose ko sa pagsali sa internship ay para di ako ma-bore sa bahay. Pero ngayon, ang purpose ko na ay para lalo kong makilala si God.” (“My original purpose for joining the internship is to relieve boredom. But now, my real purpose is to know God more.”) To this she adds, “I believe that it’s not a coincidence that I got invited to SFCC. I know that God used SFCC as an instrument for me to know Him. to serve Him, and to be His disciple.” -
Change Is Coming!
This summer 2016 is proving to be a remarkable, memorable year for SFCC. After a 2-year long hiatus, the Summer Internship Training was re-launched. God’s ‘kairos’ (perfect timing) has blessed us with receptive young people who are willing to be trained to become champions in life.
Part of the program is the care group session. This is where the interns get to open their hearts and share the wonderful experiences of having a new-found relationship with Jesus. Kim Aldrin reveals that ever since he joined the training, he has developed closer relations with his mom and sister. John Aezer has made God his best friend and talks to Him on a regular basis. “I feel closer to God because of the internship. Babad ako sa Salita ng Diyos (I soak in God’s Word)”, shares Den Mark. Leonel makes it a point to seek God’s counsel before making a move.
Kiko, their care group leader, shares that they are already comfortable when it comes to sharing what they are going through. They also could not wait to share how their lives are being changed. “There are subtle changes in their home lives as well; and they recognize that it’s because they started praying for their respective families. They are already applying what they learned here.”
Kiko (middle) facilitates a care group session during the Summer Internship Training.
Kim Aldrin (holding a guitar) has blossomed not just at the Summer Internship but at home where he is building a stronger relationship with his family.
John Aezer found his real ‘BFF’ (Best Friends Forever) in Jesus.
“I feel closer to God because of the internship. Babad ako sa Salita ng Diyos (I soak in God’s Word)”, shares Den Mark.
“They are already applying what they learned here,” shares Kiko.
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Mother's Day at SFCC
Our mothers are demonstrations of Who God is. Moms are very caring. 1 Kings 3:16-28 does not only display the wisdom of Solomon but the love of a true mother. Just like Jesus, moms are compassionate towards their children.
On this special day, we bestowed honor and appreciation for their endless love and sacrifice. At SFCC, we celebrate the mothers not just on Mother’s Day but everyday.
Specially-handcrafted roses for the mommies
Roses were presented to the mommies while a special guest serenaded them.
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Internship Hour is Happy Hour
This year’s batch of interns are very privileged. They are having the best kind of training and it has only been two weeks. The second week was filled with surprises. Our good friend Pastor Rey from Lifechurch, Palawan was surprise guest speaker. Known for his unique brand of humor, the interns enjoyed interacting with him. “Nakuha niya ang kiliti namin”, Joyce (an intern) commented. Pastor Rey encouraged the young interns to utilize their potential and enjoy the benefits of the greater life that God has planned for them.
During the weekends, the interns were taken on field trips—first, a PPMC-partnered tour of the local airport, the famous Thunderbird Resort, and the recently-launched Poro Point Baywalk. The following week, the interns were brought to the Films and Prints Studio. They were taught not just the basics of photography but they also experienced the behind-the-scenes preparations as well. They also experienced being the subjects.
Summer Internship Training is a 6-week intensive hands-on training for high potential youth leaders. The training is all-encompassing and covers development from the spiritual to the social, mental, and basic life skills.
“Aim for the greater life—the best life! Lahat ng itinuturo dito sa Internship ay may pakinabang!” (“Everything that is being taught here will be useful.”)
A trip to the lighthouse (a partnership with PPMC—Poro Point Management Corporation)
Young and full of hope—growing up to become champions in life
Week 2 field trip at the Films & Prints studio. Peter Nang takes the time to teach the young ones basic photography.
Learning the principles of modelling
They did not only get to be behind-the-scenes but they got to become subjects themselves. -
A New Community: A Volunteer's Testimony
April 26, 2016 (Tue.)
Every single person matters to God. Zephaniah 3:17 says, “He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Ray Cornell came to the Philippines all the way from Oregon because, “It sounded like a good place to retire.” He has been staying here for over 4 years now. In looking for a church, he hopped from one to another until he found the church he knows God has assigned to him. 2 years after regularly attending the SFCC services, he made a decision. Knowing that the church could use a lot of help in the various activities and events, he decided to lend a hand. He became an asset, helping out in the Food and Beverage Team during the Encounter God Retreat, the regular ‘bayanihan’/ clean up drive, and now at the 6-week long Summer Internship Training. It is such a blessing seeing that he doesn’t mind washing countless dishes and cutlery, heaving heavy objects, and breaking into a sweat. As a result, he has gained friends as he became a constant figure at every event.
Ray Cornell has gained confidence & security in God’s love and is actively playing for the ‘we’ team. He recognizes that ‘we’ is greater than ‘me’ and that no one becomes a champion alone . Working behind the scenes, he gets blessed as he blesses others.
Happily serving food at the Encounter God Retreat where he gained a lot of facebook and real time friends.
At the SFCC bayanihan
It’s not everyday that you see a big burly figure bent over dirty dishes and cutlery. The 6-week Summer Internship Training participants are blessed!
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Summer Internship Training: Week 1
April 18, 2016
Summer Internship Training is a 6-week intensive hands-on training for high potential youth leaders . The offer is available to the young ones ages 12 to 20. The summer heat notwithstanding, excited participants showed up bright and early on Day 1. Eager volunteers from all ages and sizes blessed the interns with their availability. There were teachers, servers, administrative staff, overseers, cooks, maintenance teams, and other support teams. God is good. It has been a smooth start and already, the youth are starting to blossom into their full potential.
This is just the beginning. Pray with us that the 6-week training will be fruitful and serve its purpose, and that God’s will be done in their lives.
The arrival of the interns Batch 10 marks the start of something new & amazing.
Full of fun and fellowship—there is never a dull moment at the Summer Internship Training
Teaching worship as a lifestyle of champions in life
Behind-the-scenes—every support counts.
A tender moment with their Savior
Doing whatever it takes to impart Truth to the youth
Help comes in all shapes and ages.
Everyone considers SFCC home. -
Totally Surrendered: A Testimony
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Allister is a 20-something fresh graduate pursuing a career as a college instructor at a local private school here in San Fernando City. Growing up, he was forced to rely on his coping mechanisms when both his parents left him under the care of his doting grandma. He was just an infant then. A product of a broken family, Allister learned to be detached and seemingly unaffected by outside circumstances. He intermittently felt the emptiness brought about by his absentee parents during school affairs and every time he sees a happy family. He would cave in and give in to bouts of crying in the privacy of his bedroom and would go back to wearing his mask when he was done. He constantly craved for his parents’ presence whenever he needed someone to open up to.
Life went on as usual for Allister until one day, he got invited to attend one of the services at SFCC. And there, he readily received what he had been looking for all along—Jesus. Allister became a consistent attender and volunteered in various ministries—among them the Guest Relations Team, and as English translator for attending internationals. Wanting to have a deeper relationship with Jesus, he attended the 5-week Pre-encounter sessions at SFCC. It was the right preparation for him to have an encounter with God. His needy, clingy heart found the love he was looking for. It was, indeed, a breakthrough. “Hearing the Word of God is life-changing,” he professes. “I have been through a lot and I realized that I did not need to go through them alone. God has been reaching out to me all along.”
Totally surrendered to His Redeemer, he declares, “My life is no longer my story, but His story.”
Allister and his guide do S.O.A.P. (S-cripture, O-bservation, A-pplication, P-rayer) / devotionals.
Receiving the Father’s love was a pivotal moment in Allister’s life.
“Hearing the Word of God is life-changing,” he says.
Surrendering all -
Encounter God Retreat (March 24-25, 2016)
It was a long weekend put to good use as the finishers of the Pre-encounter sessions hied off to DMMMSU Sapilang to have an encounter with God. It’s true that SFCC has held countless Encounter God Retreats but none of them is similar to another. God is a personal God and every encounter He orchestrates with each individual is customized and unique. Suffice it to say that meeting God and experiencing Him never gets old. His grace is fresh and new every morning!
Each of the participants proclaim a 180-degree life-changing experience. When God takes over as one surrenders his life, radical changes take place. Long-standing grudges, past hurts, traumatic experiences, irrational fears, and emptiness are all washed away and replaced by God’s overflowing love.
Like Saul who became Paul when He had a Damascus experience, every participant went home with a renewed heart—never to be the same again.
To God be the glory!
Tim Warden never tires of sharing God’s love and His message of grace.
The participants and their guides paying full attention to the Good News
Real men pray and worship God.
Overjoyed and overwhelmed
They will never be the same again.