San Fernando Champions Community

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  • Amazing G-Race: Finish Strong

    May 15-17, 2014 


    San Fernando Christian Community continues to reach out and change lives one person at a time. At the recently concluded “Amazing G-Race: Finish Strong”, characters were radically shaped and molded into God’s original plan.  The 3-day, activity-filled event was instrumental in touching the lives of each of the G-Racers as well as the volunteers and workers. 

  • SFCC Joins Brigada Eskwela 2014

    The beginning of another school year draws near. In preparation, the San Fernando Christian Community volunteers gathered at the La Union National High School for a 2-day clean-up drive. The  drive is geared towards creating an environment that is conducive to learning.  
    Louvie Magat: happy to serve
     
    Louvie Magat, a volunteer and a father enthuses that he is happy to work for God. “Ang Diyos ay gumagawa rin para sa atin, kaya masaya ako na maglingkod din sa Kaniya,” he adds. (“God works in our lives and I am happy to work for Him, too.”)

    Ma’am Banao, an Araling Panlipunan teacher, explains the purpose of cleaning up the school prior to the opening of classes. “Kung maayos ang atmosphere, kung maayos ang silid-aralan, maayos din ang takbo ng isip ng mga mag-aaral.” (“If we  have an atmosphere conducive to learning, the students will think more clearly.”) “We want to create an impression that learning is fun!”

    Roxanne Fontanilla (left) wants to make God famous through her service.


    Roxanne Fontanilla, another Sadulawit volunteer shares that her purpose in helping out is to campaign for Jesus—to save souls and make disciples.  She could not help but be encouraged by the resident teachers’ various comments about the team’s “Go,go, go!” attitude.  She is happy that the people witnessed the DNA of SFCC which is the DNA of Jesus.  “Pagod, pero andun yung saya. (Despite being physically tired, the joy is there.)  Through Brigada Eskwela 2014, we are able to give God the glory.”

     More of our happy helpers:

  • Palawan Conquest 2014: G12 Mentoring

    It was a fruitful and  eventful trip to Palawan.  There were 26 delegates who attended the Palawan Conquest 2014.  It is said that a true disciple loves and welcomes every opportunity to learn and grow.  Pastor Ancho Buenaventura stated that, “Training is our happy hour.” Everyone cheerfully agreed.  Indeed, the primary and the 144 level leaders of San Fernando Christian Community were blessed to have the privilege to upgrade and acquire more wisdom to expand their territory, their knowledge, and their skills.   To whom much is given, much is required. As shepherds leading their flocks, they have the responsibility to equip themselves to become more effective as leaders.  
    Anointed speakers. Pastor Raffy Panlilio, Pastor Ancho Buenaventura,  and  Bishop Oriel Ballano took turns teaching and speaking to the crowd of thousands who came from all over the different Philippine islands. There were so many nuggets of wisdom and revelations from God.  Each participant could not wait to go home and share what they have learned from this trip.  

    Awesome worship at the City Coliseum, Palawan

    Pasto Ancho Buenaventura : “Training hour is happy hour!”

    Pasto Raffy Panlilio: “Be a multiplier!” 

    The San Fernando Christian Community participants haveing a great time while listening to the teachings. 

    The thousands who attended  the Palawan Conquest 2014


    The San Fernando Christian Community participants—all smiles and refreshed after the 2-day mentoring


  • Moving Forward and Upward

    The first batch of PEPSOL students celebrated a victorious finish  from the School of Leaders 1.  The School of Leaders 1 lessons are more on application of the things learned.  Participants are learning to not just embrace but to run with the vision of the church.  At the culminating activity, the participants had fun reminiscing about the exciting and challenging parts of the journey.  Most were challenged by the weekly book reports. Not everyone is used to reading one to two chapters per week but the sweet part was realizing that they have finished a whole book! 

    Ces Myra Mabalot, well-known as a woman with a strong personality, confessed that she may be fearless and outspoken in most areas  but has reservations when it comes to evangelizing and sharing her faith.  Thanks to SOL 1, she has overcome that fear—and how! She finished as the batch salutatorian. Truly, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength! (Phil. 4:13) 

    Ces Myra Mabalot finally overcomes her fear, thanks to the SOL 1 training.


    Lolit Basilio, a SOL 1 student who is in her early 50s almost gave up during the early part of the SOL 1 sessions.  She found it too difficult to read and turn in book reports week after week.  But she realized that she should not keep her focus on her weakness. She chose to rely  on God’s strength and as she was about to do the processional march, she could not help but be overwhelmed.  

    Lolit Basilio (center) focused on the goal and finished strong.



    Rizze Panit, a graduating student during the duration of the SOL sessions,  had to juggle her time between accomplishing her school requirements and her SOL requirements.  Looking back, she could not imagine how she managed to do it.  It was all because of the desire planted in her heart to run with the vision whatever it takes. To her fellow graduates, she has this message: “Es tu turno!”  (“It’s your  time to shine!”) 

    Rizze Panit: “Es tu turno!” (“It’s your time to shine!” )



    Vikki Buendia, a church worker,  had to budget her time between her work load and the rigorous SOL training.  She claimed that she would not have done it without God’s grace. She believes not in grace under pressure but grace  above pressure.  

    Grace above pressure


    Roseann Gallardo, the batch valedictorian, invited everyone to expand their vision and to reach their maximum potential. “Let’s expand our territories. Let’s bring the nation to salvation. Let’s live by grace, let’s heal the sick, pray without ceasing, walk in love and in truth. Let’s reign in life!  And don’t miss every miracle that God is doing in your life.”

    The class valedictorian advises the crowd:  “Don’t miss every miracle that God is doing in your life.”
    Tim & Bambi Warden congratulate the graduates.

    Strong finishers. Congratulations, champions! 

    Indeed, God is at work and cares about every detail of our lives. He wants us to reign, to maximize our potential, and to enjoy the benefits that Jesus paid for us on the cross. It is a gift. All we have to do is to receive it. 


  • 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