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Joby Bang-as is an educator—a high school English teacher from a local private school. He is also a long-time believer. He received Jesus into his life when he was still a high school student.  Since then, he became an active youth worker, serving in the worship ministry as a talented musician.   
When introduced with the concept of undergoing training to further deepen and widen his faith and his knowledge of the Lord, he felt he no longer needed it.  It took him a while to finally enrol.  And when he did, he finished at the top of his class/ batch.  
The teacher became a student, with God as his Mentor.  He humbly admits that he was wrong to think that he already knew everything. Joby now commits to becoming a life-long-learner.  He says finishing the Post-encounter lessons gave him a clearer idea of God’s plans for his life. He testifies that he has all the foundation he needs to pass the tests of life.    

Steve Pegg is a missionary from England. He often visits the Philippines at least once a year.  He used to live here in the Philippines where he and his lovely wife, Joy, run a prayer room for those who need quiet time with the Lord.  They became members of San Fernando Christian Community during that time.  “My wife and I  found such a sincere welcome not just from Pastor Tim & his wife, Bambi, but also from the congregation.” 

Now based in England (their hometown—Tewkesbury) due to health & family reasons, Steve comes a-visiting whenever he can.  He holds a huge respect for what Tim and Bambi are doing for the church.  “When I come, I come under their authority.  I do whatever I can to serve them.” 

When asked what motivates him to touch base with SFCC, he answers seeing so many people on fire for God.  “I see so many people having their lives changed,” he says.  “I see lives transformed by the grace of God and people becoming living witnesses for Jesus.” 

He claims that God’s movement is very evident in this church.  “When God is moving, it doesn’t really matter what the church structure is or the denomination. I see people volunteer & give themselves fully to the work. Over the time that I’ve been coming, I have seen not just the growth of individuals. I have seen them transition from college to successfully getting employment.  Another indication of God’s movement is seeing many new people coming in.  The training programs have more & more people being discipled and just basically seeing the people focused on Jesus.” 

“The strength of SFCC,” he claims, “lies on the absolute dependence on God’s grace.”  He also shares that he has rarely met people who have given so much of themselves to see the church grow than Tim & Bambi. “They have literally laid down their lives.” He comes back from time to time and he sees the change, the growth, and the positive developments.

The church’s unique feature is the huge and diverse patrons from working adults to college age to high school students to even very small children.  “The church touches those who have very little chance in life.  They come, they hear the Gospel, they learn to live a lifestyle of worship, and they begin to see that there is hope—a future for them.” 

“It is also impossible to understand how many lives have been & are impacted.  I compare it to sands on the seashore, to the stars in the sky.”

Steve chose to minister to this church. He finds himself drawn to come back. “I’m sure I gain more than what I give,” he says. “To be where God is moving is to benefit from all that He is doing.” He loves being in a church where grace is not just taught but caught. He sees grace lived out in everyday lives—in school, at work, at home, and for the kids, at play.

He also believes in the vision of having a bigger facility and is fervently praying with us.  “It’s not just for the glory of having a big church, but it’s for the benefit of the whole community. I think that’s something that touches God’s heart.” He will be absolutely thrilled to see it happen, “even if it means coming to see it with a walking stick,” he laughs.

When he comes for a visit, he rarely comes with a set agenda.  “I’m simply your brother, your servant. As much as possible, I will do whatever I am asked to do.  I don’t mind painting or doing a little carpentry, guest speaking at cell group meetings, or praying & ministering to individuals.”

As a parting word, he has this to say: “God has one church expressed in different ways in different countries. We are all a part of that one church.  We all need to do our part to reap during the harvest, whatever the cost.”

Steve is leaving again to attend to family back in his hometown but really, his spirit and the impact  of the nuggets of wisdom he has shared will be imprinted on everyone’s hearts.

Steve as guest speaker during a cell group meeting

Steve share s his heart during Praise & Prayer held every Tuesday night at 7:15 pm

Helping put the pieces together: putting up the Champion Kids’ McDonald’s playground

Steve and his SFCC Family

Everyone wants an audience with Steve because of his positive viewpoints and his servant heart.

San Fernando Christian Community recently held a Youth Sports Festival.  The main purpose is to build relationships, and to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship.  In the course of the 2-day event, the participants received the message of salvation and many received Jesus in their hearts.  Most of the youth reveled at the warmth and genuine reception at SFCC. They felt right at home the moment they stepped into the center’s threshold.  

Another school year is about to start. Brigada Eskwela has mobilized a simultaneous nationwide cleanup of schools.  Sadulawit, Inc. volunteers organized their team  to help out at the La Union National High School here in San Fernando City.  The team contributed their time, effort, and resources to ensure that said school will be prepared in time for the school opening. Their selfless giving has contributed  a huge difference in the future enrollees’ comfort and convenience as they tackle another year of learning new things.  

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10) 

God’s Word rings true. All over the world, children are being given importance & worth.  At SFCC, these children are being given a Lifeline that will never fail them. The hope based on the Truth that is planted in their hearts will be carried throughout their lives.  

In teaching them to share their faith at such a tender age, they will get real experiences that will deepen their faith in Jesus.  This will equip them with tools they can use in their lifetime. This will also strengthen and mature their understanding of grace & redemption.  Their spiritual foundation will be solidified further, never shaken by circumstances.  

Yesterday (May 21, 2015), the Champion Kids together with the Kids Ministry team trooped to the streets of San Fernando all fired up and ready to share the love of God. Amidst the hustle & bustle of the city’s rush hour, people were presented with the gift of salvation. Praise God, more than 40 people received Jesus as their personal Lord & Savior! What a harvest! 

Anyone can make a difference if he is willing to be an instrument—even a young child. In Matthew 21, the children were heard shouting praises to Jesus inside the temple.  The leaders were indignant, but Jesus replied, “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.”  (Mt. 21:16) 

Prepping them before leaving for the evangelistic mission

Bambi praying and anointing the kids before they leave.

In full swing: Marvie shares the Good News

The old listens to the young. Little Xhenna boldly shares to a woman thrice her age.  God uses those who are available and makes them able.

What a di fference a child can make! This woman will never be the same again. Little Jenny led her to say a prayer accepting Jesus as her personal Lord & Savior.

In rapt attention: God’s Word will never return to Him empty. ( Isaiah 55:11) Alanah Mae finds it a privilege to help share the Gospel.

Grace sowing seed that will produce fruit.

Two are better than one (Eph. 4:9).  Alanah & Jenny team up to win souls for Jesus.

After this, that boy will carry a treasure that lasts forever.

Isaac, like David who was undaunted by size, boldly shares the power of the cross.