San Fernando Champions Community

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  • In His Presence, There is Power

    September 5, 2015
    Saturday

    “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV) 

    “He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3)”. And when His presence is there, power is there.  Every first Saturday of the month, San Fernando Christian Community holds a night of praise & worship. It’s called ‘Soaking’ because people literally soak in His majestic presence for 2 hours. There is singing, music playing, dancing, and victorious shouting. And why not? When there is light, darkness flees. Wounds and sicknesses are  healed. Anger and feelings of resentment are flushed out. Problems are given solutions. And peace takes residence in every heart.  

    Justin Miranda had been suffering from  intermittent high fever for a week. Add to that he was experiencing intense headaches and skin rashes, all symptomatic of the much-feared dengue.  In fact, on the afternoon before Soaking, he was bed-ridden, debilitated by his condition. But inspite of how bad he felt, he chose to go to the Soaking and while worshipping, he experienced instant healing. The headache, the rashes, and the fever just went away, and he was able to enjoy the rest of that evening worshipping and praising God.

    Truly, God is faithful. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. 
    Radical worshiper: Justin Miranda experienced radical healing during Soaking, a night of 
    praise & worship. 

    The cry of everyone’s heart: “Freedom!” 

    Tim Warden encourages the congregation to pray BIG prayers. 

    All hands were lifted up in surrender and adoration to the King of Kings. It was truly a remarkable worship experience! 





  • Water Baptism, Aug. 30, 2015

    August 30, 2015 (Sunday) 

    Water Baptism provides a wonderful opportunity to testify about God’s marvelous work in our lives. It is clearly for those who have entered a relationship with Jesus. 

    At the last weekend of the month, it being Baptism Sunday, there were 7 people who eagerly underwent the ceremony. Among them were bestfriends, Shalika and Chinky.  

    Shalika grew up in a dysfunctional home. This eventually led to the breakup of her parents.  Now,she lives alone but not lonely. “I fell in love with Jesus,” narrates Shalika. “I also fell in love with the church, with the people of SFCC.”  What really struck her when she first entered SFCC was the genuine warmth and love emanating from the people.  At SFCC, she found a new family. “But it is Jesus Who taught me to embrace and face life with Him, with genuine, well-meaning friends as bonus.”  Unmindful of her present situation, she continues to live with a new-found purpose, knowing that Jesus is with her. 


    Chinky never met her dad and her mom left her when she was two-weeks old. Left to fend for young Chinky, her mom went to work overseas.  Meanwhile, Chinky was raised by her loving grandparents. 

    Chinky decided to undergo baptism for 3 main reasons.  First, as a proof that her sins are washed away. Being submerged underwater physically reminded her that she has been made clean by the blood of Jesus.  “I am confident now that Jesus loves me no matter what.” Second, she wants her baptism to serve as a reminder that she has been fully forgiven, and that her sins are paid in full. And third, she considers it as her new beginning. “I have been reborn. I have been made new.”


    Changed lives, changes perspectives. This is what happens when Jesus becomes a part of one’s life. The situation may not change, but the outlook is different. It is just a matter of looking at things through the lens of the cross. 

    Saying a prayer before stepping out into the water.
    Overwhelmed: “It is Jesus Who taught me to embrace and face life with Him, with genuine, well-meaning friends as bonus,” exclaims Shalika. 
    Chinky shares her new found security in Jesus: “I am confident now that Jesus loves me no matter what.” 
    The happy group of newly-baptized people and their well-wishers. 





  • Encounter God Retreat (Aug. 21-22, 2015)

    “All the lonely people, where do they all come from?” 

    This is a line from an old song which points out that every person on earth is broken.  There may be different levels of brokenness, but broken just the same. Here are a few examples: 

    A wife left to fend for her two kids recently heard that her estranged husband is siring a child with another woman. 

    A middle child is hurting because she can’t seem to please her parents no matter how good she performs. 

    A young man is reeling from the effects of cyber-bullying.

    A young woman never saw her real father and was abandoned by her mother at a young age.

    A young woman who is struggling to forgive herself. 

    These are real people with varying degrees of hurts.  The pain is real. It cannot be erased, or so we think.  Thank God that He desires to heal us.  He wants us to realize that Jesus’ death on the cross was intended to restore, to heal, and to mend everything that is broken.  With Jesus, there is a change so great that the past becomes unrecognizable. 

    After the 2-day Encounter God Retreat,  almost all of the participants could not wait to stand up and testify about the breakthrough that they have experienced when they allowed God to move in their lives.  The once bitter tears were replaced by joyful ones. “Everything started to make sense,” shared Daryl, one of the participants.  

    The most striking revelation for them was the truth that they are already forgiven. Because of that, it became easy for them to forgive and let go of all the hurts, pain, and bitterness that had taken root in their hearts.  

    Anyone who encounters God will never be the same again. 

    Tim Warden never tires of sharing the love of Jesus to those who have yet to hear about it. 
    Sweetly broken
    His presence was palpable. There was not a dry eye in the room. 

    Jesus’ victory over death and sin will forever be celebrated. It is finished! 
    This batch of Encounter participants will never be the same again. 

  • FORMING GOOD AND GODLY HABITS

    Habits are things we learn through repetition and eventually do either unconsciously or with very little effort. First we form habits and then they form us. It says a lot about our character. We are what we repeatedly do.  Habits are not innate. We have a choice in the matter.  
    Sadulawit, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Metro San Fernando joined together to help the students of La Union National High School upgrade themselves in this area. They came up with a 3-hour program centering on developing good habits in the use of public bathrooms. It actually starts with the little things. With the little things, a whole world of difference can be made (see Luke 16:10). According to the “Keystone Habit“, forming just one (1) good habit can eliminate at least 6 (six) bad habits that one has.
    Romans 12:21 says to ‘overcome evil with good’. With this Biblical principle, the organizers are positive that good habits have the power to overcome bad habits.

    There was great excitement among the students even at the onset of the event. 

    The attendance was overwhelming. 

    The Rotary Club of Metro San Fernando 


    Vandalism is the behaviour attributed originally to the Vandals, by the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or venerable. It was heartbreaking to see that in less than a few weeks after the comfort rooms were built, the ceiling was smashed in for no apparent reason. 
    We are what we repeatedly do.  Habits are not innate. We have a choice in the matter. &
    nbsp;
    In this skit, the Sadulawit actors depicted that even a caveman can be taught good habits. The knowledge and information is there. The application is a choice.

    Joana composed a special song with the title, “C.R. Pag-ingatan”.  The refrain goes, “Sabi ng Diyos maging excellent, kung ano ang iyong gawa, YUN KA! Gawin mo sa iba kung ano ang gusto mong mangyari sa iyo.”
    The ribbon cutting signaling the turnover of the new comfort room donated by the Rotary Club & Sadulawit to the La Union National High School students. 
    Dedicating the new comfort rooms. 
    LUNHS Principal Madeleine Corpuz expresses her gratitude.

  • "NICE TO MEET ME"

    Last week, a powerful message was delivered.  Eyes were opened, minds were transformed, and breakthroughs took place as everyone heard the Good News about their real identity in Christ.  After the services, people were still talking about it.  Here is a video that you can play to remind yourself of who you really are.  This is the real YOU.  Meet the real YOU and say, “Nice to meet ME.” 

  • Leaders' Appreciation Night

    July 26, 2015 (Sun.) 

    At SFCC,  all wins (big or small ) are celebrated in a big way. To mark the end of half a year,  Pastor Tim and his wife, Bambi surprised the Primary and the 144-level leaders with a fun get-together.  The event was riddled with fun and games, testimonies and affirmations.  There were also surprise tokens for networks and individuals who worked hard at winning souls since the beginning of the year.  It became a celebration of the great harvest that God has promised.  Suffice it to say that the food was also overflowing.  What transpired that night was not just a party.  It was a recharging of the soul and a much-needed affirmation that working for the Lord is never in vain.  Pastor shared his heart and assured everyone that above all, he will back each one with prayers, be everyone’s number one cheerleader, and friend.  Expect the leaders to be all fired up and ready to take on new challenges.  
    Here’s to a more bountiful harvest for the 2nd half of 2015! 

    Tim Warden shares his heart and appreciation to the leaders.


    Surprise tokens were given to those who ran the vision.

    Words of affirmation were overflowing that night.  Needless to say, the leaders were recharged. 

    Hair down and laughing their hearts out.  

    Pray for one another.  Build each other up.

    So hip to be square: capping the night off was a square dance for all.

  • On Board the Logos Hope

    Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, has docked on San Fernando City shores once again.  In a sleepy town where things like these rarely happen, it created quite a stir.  Folks, both local and from nearby towns, queued up to get a chance to be on board.  

    Their publicly accessible deck showcases a bookstore featuring over 5,000 different titles of educational and Christian books.  The International Cafe offers snacks and drinks.  There is also a visual presentation called “The Journey of Life” which is based on the story of “The Prodigal Son”.  

    San Fernando Christian Community‘s participation falls under the Logos Hope Ambassador Program or LHAP.  The LHAP  provides a platform for local churches to come on board, reach out, and share the Gospel to local people. SFCC sent 59 ambassadors. Everyday, people who troop to the Logos Hope ship get a chance to hear the Gospel and know Jesus on a more personal level.  

    With souls listed as one of SFCC’s primary core values, it is already innate for members to fulfill what is said on Matthew 28:19 to “go and make disciples of all the nations”.  For each day that the Logos Hope is here, and as long as there are willing hearts to go out of their way to share the Gospel,  there will be souls saved.  

    God is not interested in your performance or your achievements.  He is simply interested in you.  At the end of the day, all that matters is you—that precious life that has been salvaged from imminent destruction.  One soul saved is worth more than all the gold in the world.  That is why the Bible says, “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7) 
    Therefore, grab every open door to share His love.  

    Joseph Collado is one of the young, cool kids who never really took His walk with God seriously until He encountered God through an Encounter God Retreat.  Now he has this to say: “I never really expected my life to be like this. I never expected “ME” sharing the Word of God. Before I thought it was ‘baduy’  (unhip or uncool),  but when you experience the  love of God, you can’t help but to share it to everybody. You love because you feel loved, and when you feel loved, you give. That’s why I joined the Ambassador Program. It was nerve-wracking having to speak to people you just met.   But there is  great joy in sharing that the Lord is not angry at us.  Instead, He is patiently & lovingly waiting for us to come to Him.”

    Souls is one of the main core values of SFCC.
    Irhea takes the Logos Hope visitors on a meaningful tour of “The Journey of Life” 

    Joseph leads a couple into a prayer of acceptance.

    Representing Jesus
    Let the little children come unto Him. Even children understand the depth of God’s love. 

    Using the handy, no fuss hand signals, Vikki and Saem shared the Good News to a mother and daughter. 

    God’s love pacifies even the most restless of young souls. 

    Communicating God’s love in every way

  • Building With Excellence: Building Solid Foundations

    Because of the growing number of church attenders, there is also a growing demand not only for space but for facilities. Of late, the SFCC Building & Facilities Team is putting up a bigger comfort room to accommodate everyone’s pressing needs.   The structure is about 60% done. It still needs a lot of work, and more importantly, it still needs a lot of materials like tiles, extra toilets, plumbing, and electrical wirings.  
    Over at the Kids’ Pavilion, the flooring needs to be finished especially now that the rainy season is here.  Bricks and other materials are needed.  
    The Overflow Hall also needs more covering.  Last weekend (July 5, 2015), the hall was wet due to strong winds blowing in the rain.  
    Looking at the bulk of the work list can be a bit overwhelming, but SFCC builds its trust on He who began a good work in us (see Philippians 1:6). He will carry it on to completion.  

    Extending the roof of the new SFCC comfort rooms

    The Building & Facilities Team relentlessly work around the clock despite the heat & rain.

    There used to be just one stall each for male & female. 

    The plumbing requires more materials, and more intricate work. Next comes the electrical wirings. 

    A sneak preview of the female bathroom. There will be 4 cubicles instead of just 1. No more long lines and holding it in. 

  • He Is King Over the Flood / Typhoon Egay

    05 July 2015 (Sunday) 

    It was an unexpected storm that hit San Fernando City last Sunday.  Going to the center at an early hour due to an early call time as a volunteer worker has its perks.  But it was noticeable that the roads were already devoid of public utility vehicles and, of course, commuters.  Still, the people who made it to the Sunday services were blessed with such timely teaching.  Whatever it takes, the service must go on—howling winds and deafening, torrential rain notwithstanding.  Add to that, the power went out several times.  But God’s Word, as the scripture says, stands (see Isaiah 40:8).  
    After the services, news about the Cabaroan/ Negro bridge  has reached us. It was no longer passable.  To cut the story short, the SFCC members were stranded for the night.  But all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). God allows such things to display His glory. It became a time for bonding, relaxing, and having fellowship with each other. God also sent a ‘good samaritan’ who braved the rains and took several detours to the center to provide the stranded members with piping hot dinner and drinking water.  
    Storms, floods, and other disasters will be a part of our earthly life. But take heart! Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). 
    To date, everyone went home safe and dry the next day.   No storm can dampen the spirits of those who keep their eyes on Jesus.  He is King over the flood.  

    The water level started rising early in the morning.


    Most roads and bridges became impassable due to torrential rains.

    Rescue trucks and boats were deployed to help both the stranded and evacuating residents.


    Seeking shelter at SFCC.  

    The SFCC courtyard, for once, is unoccupied save for fallen leaves, branches, and other debris.

    The stranded SFCC members, workers, and volunteers.  They opted to stay the night instead of braving the floods. 

    Bonding while doing the dishes together after a sumptuous hot meal brought by a guy with a big heart. 

    Pastor and his family also stayed for the night.  It’s a wise choice to remain safe. 

    Fellowship takes place during meals shared together. 


  • Sharing the Good News

    27 June 2015 (Tue.) 

    “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15) 

    That is what God wants us to do.  As a believer who has experienced the overwhelming love of God, it is but natural to want to share that experience.  At San Fernando Christian Community, every disciple’s heart is to spread the Word and to share God’s love to everyone.  To enhance the skills and creativity in sharing the Gospel, an Evangelism Training session was held.  And since a disciple is a willing learner, everyone got excited at the thought of gaining new knowledge.  Rizze Panit, a radical evangelist, headed the training, which was attended by 52 participants.  Armed and ready, the group trooped to the City Plaza to apply what they have recently learned.  Right then and there, in a span of less than an hour, 75 people received Jesus in their hearts.  I can just imagine the heavens rejoicing.


    Watch out for more Evangelism Training sessions. Let’s go into all the world! 

    Rizze headed the training.  Her heart is for the lost. 

    New creative styles for sharing the Good News

    The disciples trying out the new technique

    The hand signal is a creative way of sharing God’s love to anyone.

    Prayer of acceptance