San Fernando Champions Community

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  • Pre-encounter, March -April 2014


    Pre-encounter is an event prior to an Encounter God Retreat.  It is like a “taste test” to those who are seeking a deeper level of relationship with God.  It is giving the participants a meaty preview of what they will experience at the retreat.  The common driving force is wanting to know God in a deeper way. 

    Aurelia Baniqued, a mother of two, is one of the Pre-encounter participants.  She shares that she feels less lonely since she has been living apart from her husband who is working overseas.  She says she used to just stay in the house taking care of her two children.  But attending the services and the Pre-encounter sessions paved the way for her to meet new friends that she could relate to.  More than that, she is happy to know more about God and how He would love to be involved in her life and in the lives of her family.  Her husband is also happy about this.  He is very supportive and is excited to come home so they could all attend the services together as a family.  

    Aurelia Baniqued, a mother of two, realizes that she is not alone. 



    Rizza Cariaga, an education student of Union Christian College, has always had this desire to know God deeper.  She has been a Christian for a long time and her craving for a closer, more intimate relationship with God has been answered when she joined the Pre-encounter.  She found a second family in SFCC.  She loves staying at the center a bit longer after the sessions enjoying the ‘safe, positive, and encouraging’ environment.  She claims she is always ‘hungry for more’ and is never in a hurry to go home.

    Rizza listens intently as her guide leads the post-lesson discussion
    Rizza Cariaga (left) with her Care Group leader.  She has always desired a deeper relationship with her Father.


    As mentioned, this is just the tip of the iceberg and the best is yet to come.  It is only the 2nd  week but everyone is already excited for the Encounter God Retreat  this April 17 & 18 (Thu. & Fri.) at the new venue—the All Christians Pavilion and Retreat Center at Poblacion, Santol, La Union.  (see photos here )  

    It is an experience that should not be missed.  

    Scenes from last weekend’s Pre-encounter sessions. It gets more and more intense as the Encounter Weekend comes near.










  • Jail Ministry 2014

    God orchestrates divine appointments in our lives. The endpoint? To display His endless love and glory. 

    San Fernando Christian Community is blessed to be connected to links which open doors of opportunity for sharing His love. One such opportunity is the Jail Missions every Monday.  Willing and enthusiastic volunteers gather at the center to prepare and pray before embarking on the mission. 
    Everything begins with a prayer. Willing volunteers pray before embarking on the jail mission.
    There are various activities such as ice breakers (which the inmates absolutely love), worship, film viewing, breakout sessions, group discussions, prayer, and free merienda during fellowship.  

    The usual human response in punishing a wrongdoer is to eliminate him from society by isolating them.  This is to prevent them from causing more harm to others.  As believers and followers of Christ, we are challenged to operate on the gospel of grace and offer the Good News to all sinners—that there is forgiveness, acceptance instead of condemnation, and restoration.  Jesus said, “I was in prison and you visited me.” To which his hearers responded, “When was it that we saw you in prison and visited you?” And Jesus replied, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” 
    (Matthew 25: 36–40 NRSV).Everyone is called to continue what Jesus has started.  It is a privilege to do so.  

    Jhessa, one of the volunteers, was hesitant at first. “Nung una po, ung idea pa lang ng pagpunta sa jail, takot na ang na-feel ko. Hesitant akong maki-join kasi  mga preso.  Feeling ko hindi sila receptive at hindi kami tatanggapin lalo na pag magsasalita kami about God.  Feeling ko ku-question-in kami at sisisihin Siya sa sinapit nila. Pero nagulat naman ako nung may small group discussion na. Yung mga nakasama ko talagang sila pa yung ganadong  mag-discuss tungkol kay God.  I was so  overwhelmed  at natuwa. Hindi nila sinisisi si  God sa nangyari. They look at it in a positive way na habang nakakulong daw  sila, opportunity daw  yun na mapalapit  kay God. May purpose daw  kung bakit nandoon sila.

    Janine Urbi shares that she saw how the inmates longed to be back in the arms of their families and to freely move in the outside world again. ” I realized that I am blessed and have taken my freedom for granted.  I know now that the best way to enjoy freedom is to move according to His will.” 

    The inmates also revealed that they enjoy having someone visit them during their stay.  They view the SFCC visits as their opportunity to reflect on their lives and to realign their focus.  They look forward to the day that they would be free again physically.  But for now, they are contented to be be free in their spirits—free from anger, free from self-condemnation, and  free from their past.  

    Viewing short films usually geared toward moral recovery.

    Sir Luke leading the inmates in prayer.


    Breakout sessions. After the film viewing, the inmates are given a voice to freely discuss their opinions.
    Spiritually free

  • Christian Fellowship Night, March 9, 2014

    It was a chilly night as the various Christian churches of San Fernando City converged at the City Plaza for a night of fellowship, fun, and camaraderie.  Each church prepared a presentation in the form of songs, dances, and other production numbers.  San Fernando Christian Community’s Champion Worshipers rendered a medley of worship songs accompanied by the SFCC dancers. 

    There were so many talents displayed and used for God’s glory. Spectators, participants, and organizers alike were blessed.  Dinner was potluck, and everybody had their fill as the night wore on.  The last dregs of the cold season blew on the open-air auditorium, but  hearts were warmed as everyone reveled in the goodness and wonders of the One, true Maker. He was the real reason that drew everyone together, but not just on that night.  It is that one faith that binds people together wherever one goes.  


    Shepherds all. The pastors sing, “As the Deer” 

    We are created to declare His praise (Is. 43:21) 



    Servants behind the scenes. The SFCC Multimedia Team provides great sounds.

    Let’s celebrate His infinite goodness! =)





  • Always a Privilege to Serve

    CSO Night at the City Plaza
    07 March 2014, Friday


    It’s a privilege to serve.


    There is joy in serving and allowing ourselves to be used in whatever way for God’s kingdom.  It does not necessarily require  extreme actions.  It can start with little things such as giving out a warm, sincere smile, a friendly welcome, an affectionate touch, or a firm handshake.  It does not take much to demonstrate God’s love to everyone.  The Bible is full with admonitions of hospitality and servant-hood. Galatians 5:13 says, “through love serve one another.”  

    And with this in mind, a group of SFCC volunteers trooped to the City Of San Fernando Plaza to lend a hand during the CSO (Civil Society Organizations) Night. The Guest Relations team helped with the receiving of guests, aided in the registration process, and ushered the various CSO groups to their respective tables.  Their smiles, amiable demeanor, and on-the-ready attitude contributed to the celebratory atmosphere of the night.  
    Arriving early at the venue

    A warm touch says a lot.

    Aiding in the registration

    All people smile in the same language. 


    Dancing the night away

  • Complete the Courtyard Challenge, etc.

    San Fernando Christian Community is gearing up for improvements and expansion. Projects are ongoing simultaneously and by God’s grace, provision has been pouring in. The driving force is the desire to give the utmost comfort and ample space for everyone who comes to the center. Needs are being met in order to create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. 

    Last anniversary, the ‘Complete the Courtyard Challenge’ was a huge success. Everyone from kids to young adults to professionals pitched in and were able to complete quite a number of square meters for the courtyard extension.  Indeed, a little goes a long, long way.  
    One heart—a family adds more bricks to the soon-to-be completed courtyard

    Young ones who make a difference

    The miniature scale model of the courtyard
    A little goes a long way. Every peso contribution adds another brick to the courtyard extension.

    (See more photos here.) 

  • The San Fernando Christian Community Weekend Anniversary Celebration

    March 2-3, 2014 (Sat. & Sun.) 

    What a blast! The San Fernando Christian Community Weekend Anniversary Celebration had throngs of people attending the various activities held at the center.  It started with the Anniversary Saturday Jam where the youth witnessed special numbers rendered by  various talented people.  

    (for more photos, go to this link.) 

    In the evening, a special ‘Free’ Concert was held at the Worship Hall.  There were so many attendees that the hall could not contain all of them.  Good thing the overflow hall/ courtyard extension was prepared complete with a huge projector which simultaneously broadcast what was happening upstairs. Everyone went home revived and rejuvenated in the spirit. Everyone  literally soaked in His presence.  

    (for more photos, go to this link.) 


    During the special anniversary Sunday services, more people came. The main event, of course, were the two services.  In between, the Grand Opening of the Champions’ Playpark was held.  So many excited kids with their parents in tow attended the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Add to that, there was a food fair and bazaars scattered all over the main courtyard and the courtyard extension.  Fellowship, good conversation, and good, clean fun was punctuated with healthy bites of delicious food and refreshments.  Small-time and big-time entrepreneurs sold their wares at affordable prices.  Every reveler went home with smiles on their faces. Most of them opted to stay and wanted to savor the last remaining hours of the anniversary bash. It cannot be helped.  The center is a haven for a lot of people. It makes them feel safe. It is a  surrounding of positive energy.   Encouragement can be garnered from all sides and from all the people in it.  

    (for more photos, go to this link.) 



    But the celebration does not end here. Everyday, we celebrate God’s goodness and mercy for they are new every morning.  He continues to do something good in our lives, and it does not need an anniversary date to remember that. 

    Nevertheless, Happy Anniversary SFCC! Thank you, everyone,  for being a part of such glorious history! 

  • Philippine National Police Team Building

    Paradiso Resort, Aringay, La Union

    Last  February 17, 2014, Monday, the San Fernando Christian Community facilitated the People Puzzle Workshop with the PNP Regional officers as participants. Fun team-building games led by R-jay dela Cruz served as ice breakers.  After that, practical and relevant leadership sessions ensued.  Rhudalyn Bumachi discussed the maximization of strengths and minimization of  weaknesses.   Kris Eryk Bartolome facilitated the people puzzle survey and presented the different strengths and weaknesses of each personality type.  Timothy Warden discussed how to adjust with the different personality styles.  Add to that, He presented the leadership style of Jesus and how he was able to relate with all types of people.  

    Inspector Apollo states that the workshop gave him helpful tips on how to adjust not just to the people he commands but also to the people he interacts with daily.  He claims it has equipped him with self-control as he tries to understand and adjust to the unique personality of each person.

    Police Chief Inspector Cabanayan admits he has a temper and expects everyone to heed his commands—from his wife down to his work subordinates.  But upon learning useful facts from the People Puzzle Workshop, he believes that it will be to his advantage if he applies them.  He states that it will not only benefit him but also the people around him.  He also aims to be a good influence as a leader and teach those under him to make a difference and be willing to rectify wrong thinking about leadership. 



    It always helps to break the ice.  Everyone loves good, clean fun.

    Another team-building game.  Different personalities surface when put under a challenge. 

    Tim Warden presented the best leadership style of all—that of Jesus. 

    Kris Eryk Bartolome facilitated the people puzzle survey.


  • Singles' Valentine's Party





    Valentine’s Day is not just for couples.  No one should be pressured to be in a relationship if the time is not right.  Hence, San Fernando Christian Community celebrated Valentine’s Day outside the box.  Everyone got dressed and dolled up and celebrated the benefits of enjoying one’s youth and waiting on God’s perfect timing.  Tim and Bambi Warden shared their wonderful testimony about waiting on Him and together, they blessed the young ones and declared bright  futures for each of them.  

    Waiting is much rewarding! Be patient and be blessed!

    Tim and Bambi share their wonderful testimony on waiting for God’s perfect timing.
    ‘He’s the One 2014’ 

    Through the years—Tito Danny and  Tita Annette share a  tender moment. 
    All dressed up—the young ones enjoying a scrumptious dinner

  • True Love Waits at DMMMSU-MLUC and SLC

    It was another activity-filled week as San Fernando Christian Community brought the True Love Waits campaign to the DMMMSU-MLUC Engineering Department and to Saint Louis College. The team shared their hearts and the bible-based principles about waiting for the right time and preserving one’s sexual purity.  It was such a blessing to receive such warm and positive  response from the students.  Even in a world where media holds the biggest influence on the young generation, the Truth still prevails. 

    Dhang Bumachi puts emphasis on the Truth that God and love can never be separated, since He is the True Source.

    “Everything” by Lifehouse

    The DMMMSU-MLUC Engineering students 

    Francis Munar leads the audience in prayer

    Bright future ahead—as long as we wait on Him.

    The Saint Louis College students were greatly touched by the message brought by the campaign.

    Mark Henry Munar advises the young crowd through a song, “Wag Na Muna”. 

  • Open Doors, Open Hearts

    11 February 2014 ( Tue.)

    We are thanking God for continually opening doors of opportunity to share His Good News.  This year, God opened the doors to more campuses. The first True Love Waits campaign for 2014 was held at the Union Christian College.  More than 300+ students consisting of high school juniors & seniors, and college freshmen converged at the Hartland Review Center.  By God’s grace, we were able to share the true meaning of love, and that  waiting is much rewarding.  We thank God for the open hearts and minds that received the Truth. 

    One college freshman, Rizza Cariaga, shares that the True Love Waits has given her more conviction to wait for the right time. “Nagkaroon po ako ng lakas ng loob na maghintay, huwag magmadali, at higit sa lahat, mahalin muna ang Diyos, at maniwala na si God ang gagawa ng pundasyon para sa akin at sa magiging partner ko.”  ( “I was encouraged to wait, to not rush love, and more importantly, to make God my first love, and to believe that God will be the foundation for me and my future partner.”)

    Rizza Cariaga, college freshman, believes that True Love Waits



    We left the campus confident that God made a significant difference in these young lives.  

    The Union Christian College opened their doors for us and we thank God for it.

    More than 300+ students consisting of high school juniors & seniors, and college freshmen converged at the Hartland Review Center.

    Rizze shares the Good News. 

    We thank God for the receptive hearts that were ready to receive Him. 

    The presentation, “Everything” by Lifehouse

    “…they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony,” (Rev. 12:11)  The volunteers shared their own testimony on how waiting on God pays off 

    Rhudalyn Bumachi shares the truth on marriage and real commitment.

    Post-huddle  Another fruitful day of serving the Lord. His Word will not return void. (Is. 55:11)