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It cannot be refuted. God Himself said it. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10) 
Prema Barnachea is a quiet, soft-spoken senior taking up education courses at the local university. She lost her mother when she was still in high school.  This brought her closer to her dad who runs a tiny sari-sari store to provide for the family. Prema was cooperative when it came to helping conserve the family resources to make ends meet. However, she was not immune to the pressures brought about by her peers and what society dictates. Secretly, she wished to have a smart phone just like everyone else. However, that lack did not discourage her from giving back to God. She faithfully offered ten percent of whatever she had. She would always declare in faith that, “It’s all about You, Abba Daddy! I serve and love You because you first loved me.” 
One day to her surprise, her aunt gave her a new smart phone. She recognizes that God used her aunt to bless her.  In gratitude, Prema  intends to use that blessing to serve God and the church.

Leaders are learners. And the true manifestation of learning is in the application. Pastor Tim could not be more emphatic about living an offense-free life. And as forerunners, the leaders should be the first to let offense slide at the onset of an attack. At the recently concluded Primary & 144 Gathering, the leaders were downloaded with a deeper vision on how to let go of offense. They were asked to examine their hearts and to get rid of past hurts. There were hugs, words of affirmation, and happy tears. Truly, God restores.

 

The Lorma College of Nursing tapped the assistance of SFCC for their annual recollection. The participants were mostly juniors of the said college.  Kudos to the SFCC team of volunteers who were more than willing to lend a hand to bring heaven on earth to these young hopefuls. The students were taught the importance of knowing their true identity in Christ.  They were also empowered  to focus on things of eternal value.
It was not pure lecture. There were also production numbers via live performances and video presentations.  Students claim that the Word they heard was good. Indeed, it was.

We are born to worship the One who created us. Colossians 1:16 says, “… all things have been created through Him and for Him.”  
At SFCC, worship is a way of life. Singing, dancing, and all forms of expressing love for Abba is like second skin. How can we not worship and pay homage to His goodness? We simply cannot stop singing and proclaiming how great our Abba Daddy is!
At the recently concluded Soaking last August 6, more than 300 people arrived at the SFCC Worship Hall with just one purpose—to worship God. And my, how we worshiped! The walls reverberated with praises to the One true King of Kings. Add to that, special friends Digi Antonio and the Ahava Band jammed with the SFCC Champion Worship Team.  It was, indeed, an unforgettable night of soaking in His presence that will go down in the SFCC history books.
It was a multi-purpose visit that happened. The Ahava Band conducted a workshop to further equip the resident worship & multimedia team. And since they love worship as much as we do, they led worship at all the weekend events including Saturday Jam, Soaking, and the Sunday services.
Jeff Labutap, the Ahava Band’s bass player says he never expected such a response to worship especially from the youth.  “Sobrang mainit ang lahat sa pagpuri kay Lord (“Everyone is passionate about worshiping the Lord”), he observed. He added, “Sobrang nakakataba ng puso at na-recharge ako. At yung nakita kong pagiging servant ng bawat isa sa mga taga-SFCC, grabe!  Nag-rereflect sa inyong lahat kung gaano niyo kamahal si God, si Pastor Tim, at ang bawat isa. (” My heart swelled and I was recharged.  I was overwhelmed by the servant hearts displayed by everyone in SFCC.  It reflects how much you love God, your pastor, and each other.”).  ”Every time I think about you & your church,” he added as an afterthought, “I am always reminded to be a better servant.”
Jeffrey Arce, the Ahava Band’s lead guitarist comments,”Everybody has one thing in common—passion and love for our Lord Jesus. It’s very evident in everyone. I felt this immensely not only because of your warm hospitality to us but we saw the way you worship God.” 
“Your hospitality is overflowing,” adds drummer Philip Costales. “Your service for God is all out, especially Pastor Tim. Your actions and attitude are very inspiring.”
Allan Avila, Ahava’s photographer & videographer shares that he was “super blessed” especially with the church leaders.  “Sobrang laki ng puso nila sa paglilingkod sa Panginoong Hesus” (“They have such big hearts  in serving Jesus”). He likened his stay at SFCC to a soldier resting from the war zone. “SFCC is a great resting place before going back to the war.” 
“Maganda yung Soaking.  Basang-basa talaga ako noon kaya pala Soaking ang tawag (“The Soaking event was awesome. I was literally soaked”),  Ben Whitford, the Ahava Multimedia head, jokingly adds.  “But kidding aside it was a great event. The musicians were on point and the technical/media team did a great job. The building was literally shaking from the energy and presence of everyone worshiping together.”
Ahava keyboardist, Jonathan Garcia saw real servant hood when he witnessed Pastor Tim clean the tables at the courtyard after the event so that people can use them.  “Astig yun!” (“That was one of a kind!”), he quips. “It opened my eyes to the true meaning of serving.” Never mind that he is senior pastor of SFCC. His heart is to serve and we thank God for the DNA that he has been passing on to us.
“I was sooo encouraged and blessed! From the stories that I’ve heard and and what I am witnessing right now the Lord is definitely working. That night at Soaking, I’ve witnessed an international gathering of God’s people from at least two different ethnic groups. It was a wonderful reminder to me that God one day will gather his people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping the Lamb. That night was just a taste of it. I praise the Lord for Pastor Tim for his leadership, servitude and especially his faithfulness in heralding the gospel. I am looking forward to see what the Lord will do in the coming years.” exclaimed guest pastor Alvin Litonjua from Redeemer Church, Dubai.

Change is coming! The Champions Academy, a totally new and improved model of Christian-based quality education, will soon be open this August 15.
Ever since SFCC was planted, there has always been a hovering idea about putting up a school. Because nothing is ever pursued in this church without a clear go signal from God (He knows all things, remember?) it was put on hold. It wasn’t until after 24 years into the church growth that Pastor Tim heard a distinct, still, small voice say, “It’s time.”
If it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill. Coincidence is never credited because we believe that everything is orchestrated by God. Beams for the roofing has been supplied for free. Purchasing them per piece would have drained the church’s resources drastically. But because God is our provider, we got them for free! God will never stop doing good to His children.
The roof beams have already been put up and most of the floor tiles have been put in place. As the parts are slowly being put together, it gives everyone hope for the future of the children who will soon be running up and down the school hall—the pitter-patter of their tiny feet music to our ears. God’s will on their lives will prevail.
Design by: Mr. Jefferson Arcenal
 
 

 

San Fernando Christian Community is all about passing on the passion for God, for souls, and for living the life of a true disciple.  Inviting people to the services or other events has become a culture. That way, God’s love, not intended to be exclusive, is being passed on. It is because of this inviting culture that this batch of Pre-encounter participants has  the biggest turnout & retention so far. Over 90+ participants turned up for the 2nd session. Indeed, ‘ nourishment comes from doing the will of God’ (John 4:34). Obeying what God has called us to do will cause us to leave a legacy worth more than money and other material things.

Over 90 participants filled the SFCC Worship Hall during the 2nd session of Pre-encounter.

During the breakout session, the guides pray for the participants.

A true disciple cares for his sheep just like Jesus

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.” 

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.