Isaiah 55: 1-3 Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not a bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live, I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David (NIV)
On May 29-31, 1997, a nightly crusade has been conducted in the area. The ordeal and challenges has been felt by the Ptr. Jun and Helen but they need to endure in order to pursue the cause – the cause of Jesus Christ
To pioneer a work is not easy. On September 20, 1997 the first worship took place having four adults attended and one of them was Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Lany Pladin. The first Christmas Party was held under the mango tree attended by more or less 100 individuals.
The house church in Villarisis family was moved to Manalo’s residence. The late Tatay Tonying, father of Sis Lany Pladin permitted to use the portion of lot to construct a modest structure made light materials. On the church dedication, Ptrs. Gie and Marissa Familara, Ptrs. Jeff and Jo Zuela, Ptrs. Caleb and Rachel Supetran, Ptr. Flor and Bro. Jimuel Supetran and Tomlinson Couple were among those who were invited ministers and guests to grace this simple accasion. The erected building was used for three and half years. Tatay Tonying, the grantees of lot has die and the couple was promted to vacate and moved into another place due to the family decided to subdivide the lot to the heirs.
The ordeal and challenges of ministry was felt by the couple. But the passion for the lost and the promise of God sustains and reinvigorate them in times they are laden. After numerous groaning in prayer to the Lord, He paved the way and provides the present lot. On August 2001, was the ground breaking of the present location of the church headed by Rev. Abrilito Escarilla and other church members and attendees having an estimated of fifty attendees. November 2001, the house of worship was built with only roof that would shade the attendees.
God used so many people to be the vessels of support in this ministry. To name few were the Church of the Hills in New Jersey, USA, headed by Ptr. Ron and Patty Marinara and represented by Bro. Mike and Cathy Trani’s Family, Sis Grace G. Gupana and other Church Members who doesn’t want to be identified.
As the times goes by, the glory of God continually felt in this ministry. More souls ushered to this church. From four souls to 120 regular attendees and more. The vision still lives on and the challenges are increasing and the road to hit the mark is getting broader. It was the promise of the a Gentlemen that sustains the heart of Pastor Jun and Helen to move on and reach the summit of this Great Commission.