33 TO ETERNITY

Nov 06, 2022

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO METRO MANILA

After three years of not being together physically, October 23 became a special day for the whole ICOC Metro Manila as they celebrated their 33rd anniversary. It was a day full of fellowship, worship singing, praises and reminiscing of God’s faithfulness. The anniversary worship service was held in the PICC Plenary Hall, and as the disciples from all over the Philippines were gathering, hosts were interviewing disciples which showed a common denominator – everyone was excited to worship God all together. 

The anniversary service was led by the In Hymn worship team and the Enriles welcomed everyone with warmth and a reminder that whatever the status of the disciples' hearts, when God views what is going on– it is very good. Benevolence was preached by Rommel Casis (Teacher), and was about how God knows the sacrifices of everyone and that giving is an expression of faith. Before the sermunion message, 3 testimonies from Martin Caraan, Maria Lourdes Caraan and Erlinda Villanueva were delivered. 


Their testimony proved that God will be with us no matter what situation or struggle we will face. He will not leave nor forsake us. Martin, Malou and Erlinda showed in their testimony that it is better to struggle with God than without Him. 

After their heartfelt testimonies, the first point of sermunion was preached by Metro Manila’s elder, Bobby Montealegre. He specifically shared that the church needs to be built as a safe place for everyone, and this is achieved by being connected with God. He also gave practicals on how to build the church to be a safe place. First is to learn to listen, then learn to accept and validate people, and lastly is to respect people’s journey in life. Rolan Monje, one of Metro Manila’s teachers preached about reaching maturity in Christ. Manong Rolan pointed out that biblical unity is celebrating how different and how varied people are. He highlighted that there’s beautiful unity in diversity waiting to happen when we are one in Jesus. 


After the sermunion of Bobby and Manong Rolan, Ariel Lastrado, evangelist of Metro Manila, reminded everyone in the room about speaking the truth in love and gentleness with one another. He preached about seeing God’s love through our love for one another. He also shared the inaugural of two churches this year – the Tagum and Ticao churches. Despite the pandemic, God’s gospel is really moving which is evident with how He has blessed ICOC Philippines with 34 churches planted within 33 years, and currently, there are still 77 bible talks happening all over the Philippines.

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    Ariel Lastrado (Evangelist)

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    Rommel Casis (Teacher)

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    Koko and Faridah Enrile

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    Bobby Montealegre (Elder)

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    Tyrone Ty (Worship Ministry Leader)

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    Rolan Monje (Teacher)

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"The church needs to be a safe place for everyone. Biblical unity is celebrating how different and how varied people are."

The service was definitely full of good news sharing God’s faithfulness, but it didn’t just end there. We witnessed the APSOM (Asia Pacific School of Missions) graduates of 2022 march up the stage as D4G and In Hymn launched the newest single and music video of In Hymn titled ‘You Got Me’. The worship service ended with everyone singing and dancing while having fellowship with other disciples. 


The whole day was jam-packed with programs that catered from the ENVOLVE ministry to the Single’s ministry. Right after the service, preparations for the Single’s Mixer and ENVOLVE's CAAN began. 

BUNYI: CAMPUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS NIGHT

CAAN, or Campus Achievement Awards Night, was a ceremony to honor the campus students, also known as the ENVOLVE ministry. The program began with a performance from D4G and was followed by an inspiring message from Engr. Atty. Bendrick Maralit, who taught us that life is all about taking failures as stepping stones towards your dreams and success. From academics, to sports, to theater and performing arts – each disciple that excelled in these areas were awarded with medals and certificates. Not only that, but graduates from the past years were recognized, as well as those who passed the professional licensure examinations.

SINGLE'S MIXER

The Single’s ministry definitely made the most of their variety show themed mixer entitled, ‘Single’s Pinasaya, Party Yarn?’ They were able to win prizes through different games such as Matira Matibay which is played with a bingo card that eliminates those with the drawn numbers, and Pera o Bayong that challenges the players with trivia questions. 10 players were able to win as a whole. The program ended with a fun dance party that everyone surely enjoyed and definitely tired themselves out from the fellowship as well.


October 23 was a day that became possible only through God. From the morning service up until the CAAN that concluded the days’ events, God was truly glorified. It was a day that everyone longed for and waited for for years – to be together and to be able to worship together in one room. Surely, the disciples were encouraged and strengthened to make the church a safe place, not to give up on their dreams, and to trust God in our circumstances. Through the testimonies, lessons, and fellowship, each and every disciple that were there had their hearts full of encouragement and fire to go and make disciples of all nations.


To God be all the glory!

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