San Fernando Champions Community

Author: Tim Warden

  • SIGNS & WONDERS



    “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

    Testimonies are pouring in as the San Fernando Christian Community members are embracing the vision to honor God and deliver all His benefits.  God is on the move and as one allows himself to be used by God for the advancement of His kingdom, miracles happen.  Dada, a Primary leader under the mentorship of Pastor Tim,felt a prodding of the Holy Spirit to visit an old friend and invite him to church. She immediately obeyed and that weekend, her friend did attend the service and was able to hear God’s Word.  Later, Dada found out that that person was at the end of his rope and was planning to make desperate measures to make money. How wonderful that God intervenes and sends people to make a difference in our lives! 

    Another testimony was that of Rosey’s friend, a youth leader of SFCC. She invited a friend whom she just met to attend a service. And what are the chances that that guy was planning to end his life that same week because of a broken heart? Now that person has completely turned his life over to Jesus and was even baptized. He has completely forgiven the person who hurt him and has moved on with his new life with Jesus.

    Jingo, a budding leader, is bringing guests to the services almost every week. When asked why they accepted the invitation, they shared that they were amazed at the changes that God has done in the life of Jingo.  They got attracted to the ‘aroma of Christ’ that Jingo carries. 

    This is just the beginning of the growing list of testimonies of signs and wonders that God has promised in John 14:12:  “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (NIV) 

  • Stations of the Cross at SFCC

    This Holy Week, SFCC journeyed with Jesus in His sufferings & towards victory.  There were 3 journeys to choose from and to reflect on.  The first one is the journey of the 7 Benefits of the Cross. Here, one can reflect on the benefits that we get because Jesus died for us.  The 2nd journey is the 7 Last Words of Jesus.  Here, one can reflect on them and understand each of their meaning & significance. The 3rd option is the 7 Places Where Jesus Bled.  Here, one will understand what punishment Jesus took in order to buy us freedom from the chains brought about by sin. 
    The Stations of the Cross was a perfect opportunity to reflect on the awe-inspiring significance of what Jesus had to go through to restore our relationship with the Father. Personally, it helped strengthen my faith during this season of testing.  Jesus died for me.  That in itself should be a truth that will always bring great joy.  

    Start here.
    He shed blood in his feet when he was nailed to the cross. JESUS paid the price for our peace. You have this promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
    *Deuteronomy 31:6 ( NIV) “The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

    Notes of thanksgiving for what Jesus has done. 

    It’s always a great time to reflect on God’s unstoppable love.

  • 2-day Pre-encounter Sessions

    April 2-3, 2015



    The 2-day special Pre-encounter sessions was a success. Taking advantage of the special non-working and non-school  holidays paved the way for those with busy schedules to make time for a fulfilling 2-day preparation for an Encounter with God.  Working parents and young professionals took this opportunity for reviving their spirits as well as a respite from their tight schedules. 




  • Water Baptism (March 2015)

    “Gusto ko nang ipahayag sa lahat kung Kanino ako, kung para Kanino talaga ako, at kung Kanino ako nagsisilbi.” (I want the world to know Whom I belong to, Who I am for, and Who I serve.”) This is the bold statement of newly-baptized Sandelyn Nuesca.  She was near tears as she expressed that she wanted to grow deeper in God’s love and grace.  She wants to embrace her identity as an overcomer. Whatever comes her way, she is convinced that God will back her up.  

    She also shares that as she was being immersed in water, she felt like she was getting ‘married’ to Christ.  “He revealed to me that there are bigger things to come. I am excited and full of joy. Words cannot explain how I feel.” 

    Christopher Centino chose to be baptized because he wants a tighter, deeper kind of faith—one that can never be swayed.  “Gusto kong mabago (I want to change)”.  

    For TJ Apigo, it was not just a decision but more of a response to God’s calling. He discloses that one night, He was just worshiping God.  He found himself in tears and immediately called up his spiritual leader and said, “Sign me up!” 

    Indeed, water baptism is a public declaration  to walk with God.  To the newly-baptized, congratulations! 

  • SFCC JOINS THE PGLU STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

    23 March 2015 (Mon.) 

    Every month, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) holds a Staff Development Program. The employees come by batches according to their birth month.  So this batch consists of PGLU staff celebrating their birthdays this March.
     SFCC is thankful for the open door, having Timothy Warden invited as keynote speaker.  It was a chance to share the gospel of grace and to spread the news of how much God loves them. The response was very positive. The audience kept interacting as the message was being delivered, nodding at each revelation and sometimes verbally agreeing. Thank God that His Word does not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11).  
    This is just the beginning of the series of opportunities that will pave the way of spreading the Good News to the people of San Fernando City.  This is the year of the Lord’s favor (Isaiah 61:2). This is the time to maximize all resources to build God’s Kingdom. 

    It’s pretty simple: just receive! 

    The staff/ employees with birthdays this month (March 2015) listen intently to the message. 

    Miky Ortega shares the Word. 

    Many employees heeded the altar call for prayer and healing. 

  • JESUS FESTIVAL 2015

    Personally, I feel blessed to belong to a church with a heart to grow each disciple.  It is a privilege to undergo various training lessons, workshops, and seminars—all geared towards growing and developing the person not just spiritually but holistically.  
    Last March 13 & 14, the Jesus Festival was held at the SM Aura, Metro Manila. The long trip was worth it. The sessions were full of fresh revelation, and the worship was thick with the presence of God.  As a believer, I feel more encouraged, equipped, and empowered with the new knowledge imparted by each speaker.  What struck me the most was that whatever you do, whether leading a ministry or serving behind the scenes, everything should be Jesus focused.  Nothing is ever about us. 


  • This Is My Church, This Is My House ( Vol. 2)

    “This is my church! This is my house!”


    Such is the proud cry of those who found themselves radically changed by being planted in the church.  Church is not just about attending services.  It starts, of course, with the spiritual area of one’s life. And according to the scripture written in Matthew 6:33, if we seek God first, the rest will follow.  Listen as more testimonies lend to the truth that God is real, and that God is eager to move in your life—if you let Him. 

  • The Annual Christian Fellowship Night

    Sun, Mar. 7, 2015

    Every year, all the Christian churches all over San Fernando City converge at the City Plaza to celebrate God and have fellowship with one another. There were song and dance numbers. There was such a profusion of talents—all geared towards glorifying the One who gave these skills & abilities.  There was also an abundance of potluck food.  It was a night full of fun—everyone was in a relaxed mood, and everyone was reminded of God’s awesome goodness.  
    Till next year, folks! 

    All the Christian churches all over San Fernando City converge at the City Plaza to celebrate God and have fellowship with one another. 

    The SFCC crowd immensely enjoying every showcase of immense talent. 

    Young lives dedicated to honoring Jesus with their talents

    Singing in one accord
    Celebrating the Annual Christian Fellowship Night with a bang


  • Why Having Common Values is Important

    We all are shaped by our personal core values. It serves as our beacon in decision-making & goal-setting.  Intimacy with God results in quality lifestyle & quality relationships.  When we align our values with God’s values, abundance, victory, & favor will follow. On the other hand, conflicting values hinder intimacy—both with other people & with God.  
      
    In this testimony, a wife shares her ordeal about her not sharing the same faith and spiritual convictions as her husband.  On the upside, she holds on to God’s promise that her husband will one day know the Truth and that it is God’s job to change hearts.  

  • PEPSOL GRADUATION, March 1, 2015

    Sunday, March 1, 2015

    “Akala ko wala nang natitirang luha sa akin,” (“I thought I had no more tears left,”) quipped Napoleon Ramos, a participant of the latest Encounter God Retreat. When he was 7, he lost his dad. At that same time, his mom was battling stage 4 cancer.  It didn’t stop there. In a series of unexplained events, he lost his uncle, his grandfather, his aunt, and his nephew in rapid succession.  Clearly, he was deeply traumatized by this.  But during the “A Father’s Love” session in the Encounter Retreat, Naps felt the loving embrace of Jesus. “I realized that Jesus was there with me all throughout those ordeals. My hardened heart was softened. This time, my tears are free to flow as I cry out to God. He has healed my broken heart.” 

    “God has healed my broken heart.” Naps Ramos shares after the Encounter God Retreat
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    “Sa Post-encounter, natuto akong mag-S.O.A.P. ( a devotion which includes Scripture, Obeservation, Application, & Prayer). Doon na nag-uumpisa ang araw ko. Kapag nakabasa na ako ng Word Niya, buong-buo na ako na humarap sa tao, sa world.  May promise na Siya na ibinigay sa akin na panghuhugutan ko ng strength.” ( “I learned how to faithfully do S.O.A.P. during the Post-encounter sessions. This is my lifestyle now. This is how I start my day. Once I get a Word from Him, then I am ready to face people. I am ready to face the world.  I have His promise to stand on. I draw my strength on that promise.”) This is what Marites Godoy shares after the PEPSOL graduation ceremony.  She is a widow raising three kids single-handedly.  She used to walk with  a dark cloud above and about her.  But as she got to know who Jesus is through the various levels of PEPSOL training, she has victoriously overcome her depression.  She is happy to see more and more people getting enrolled. “Ang dami nila na nag-eenrol.  Naalala ko nung 1st day ko rin sa Pre-encounter.  Hesitant pa ako noon. Watching them, sabi ko, God, marami Ka na namang babaguhin na buhay gaya ng ginawa Mo sa akin. Binuo Mo ulit ako dahil sa pinaramdam Mo na love Mo sa akin.” ( ” I see a lot of PEPSOL enrollees. I remember my 1st day at Pre-encounter as a hesitant enrollee. Watching them, I said, God, here is the new batch of lives that You are about to change.  You will touch their lives just as You touched mine. You made me whole again because of Your great love.”) 

    Marites, a single mom whose life was turned around as she found the love she needed in Jesus. 



    The change continues as more and more people get to know who Jesus really is and how much He loves them. 

    Congratulations, graduates! 

    Free to worship—changed & redeemed individuals raise their hands in worship

    Start ’em young— little Denmark shares his testimony about how God touched his life during the Encounter Kids. 

    Everyone was in a celebratory mood as friends, relatives, and disciples march up the stage to share a testimony of God’s goodness in their lives. 

    Joseph Collado on fire as he accepts his award of excellence as one of the top finishers of the Post-encounter. 

    Tim Warden shares his heart to the PEPSOL graduates


    Proud and strong finishers all. Congratulations!!!