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Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A Day of Days
There are some days that pass by and, while you enjoy the day, there are no lasting memories. The majority of our lives are filled with fairly normal routine days ... but some days are pure dead magic! Some days fill the future with wonderful memories. Yesterday was one of those days for me. A day when three really great things happened.
First, I met a lady who should have died 5 years ago but who today is alive, kicking and beautiful! Some of you know her story but for those who don't, here's the basics!
Pastora Julie has ministered many years in the mountains of Jones, around 30 mins from here. She is a remarkable woman who has shown amazing courage in the face of many threats from the NPA (Communist Guerrillas). In 2006, she felt sick and after going to Bagiou for checks she was found to have a huge tumour in her stomach. She underwent chemo for 2 months but it was too late. She was sent home 'to die, so she would not waste any more money." Here she was back then.
When I heard this, the gift of faith rose up within me and I told Pastor Nemi, "bring her to Sefton, we must pray for her." They carried her in and she was bald, weak and could not speak. As we prayed we rebuked the spirit of death. Something happened! For 3 months we prayed and she became stronger and stronger. Her hair began to grow and her appetite returned! She went home alright ... but not to heaven! - to her family.
And yesterday I saw her for the first time for years. She was beautiful, smiling and full of joy. She has planted some more churches and still wants to go where very few would dare! Amazing. Isn't God just amazing? There is never a lost cause for Him. It's never too late. Here she is today!
Second, it was the first official day of ministry at Cornerstone of Architect/Pastor Bong Lagmay! Bong is a dear friend and we worked together to build the Fire Centre. he's one of these guys that can do everything! He helped us when we started Cornerstone but in 2006 he went to Dubai to work for a British company as an architect. In Dubai he also became one of the Pastors in the Filipino Church. God has been preparing him!
In October he was suddenly told that his job was finished and he had to return to the Philippines immediately! A shock! But God's timing is perfect. We have been praying for a Manager at Cornerstone for a number of months - someone who could oversee the ministry of our new building (Cornerstone Centre Point) as well as manage and organise our Pastors and Office. I kept on thinking, "If only Bong was here!" And God heard my cry!
So after a few meetings and a few words from God to Bong and his wife Margie...he's started! He brings so much enthusiasm and excitement to us all and I know he is a significant key for the future of Cornerstone. Love that guy! Welcome aboard Bong!
Thirdly, I was sitting in my car thanking God for the first two things when I was sent a text asking me to out in 1143 AM on my radio. Yesterday was the first day of test broadcasting of FEBC Radio live from Sefton Village! As I listened to the music, I began to weep and thank God for HIS faithfulness. A dream delayed is NOT a dream denied!
God showed me in a very clear vision in June 1999 that one day we would have a Radio Station at Sefton. It seemed impossible ... but with God ALL things are possible! It is called DZMR and the MR doesn't stand for Mark Ritchie but Missionary Radio! The whole purpose of this station is to win the lost and reach the different tribes for Christ! I think they are aiming to reach around 15 people groups and languages to begin with ... exactly what God showed me in the vision!
Good things DO come in threes ... sometimes!
By Pastor Mark
First, I met a lady who should have died 5 years ago but who today is alive, kicking and beautiful! Some of you know her story but for those who don't, here's the basics!
Pastora Julie has ministered many years in the mountains of Jones, around 30 mins from here. She is a remarkable woman who has shown amazing courage in the face of many threats from the NPA (Communist Guerrillas). In 2006, she felt sick and after going to Bagiou for checks she was found to have a huge tumour in her stomach. She underwent chemo for 2 months but it was too late. She was sent home 'to die, so she would not waste any more money." Here she was back then.
When I heard this, the gift of faith rose up within me and I told Pastor Nemi, "bring her to Sefton, we must pray for her." They carried her in and she was bald, weak and could not speak. As we prayed we rebuked the spirit of death. Something happened! For 3 months we prayed and she became stronger and stronger. Her hair began to grow and her appetite returned! She went home alright ... but not to heaven! - to her family.
And yesterday I saw her for the first time for years. She was beautiful, smiling and full of joy. She has planted some more churches and still wants to go where very few would dare! Amazing. Isn't God just amazing? There is never a lost cause for Him. It's never too late. Here she is today!
Second, it was the first official day of ministry at Cornerstone of Architect/Pastor Bong Lagmay! Bong is a dear friend and we worked together to build the Fire Centre. he's one of these guys that can do everything! He helped us when we started Cornerstone but in 2006 he went to Dubai to work for a British company as an architect. In Dubai he also became one of the Pastors in the Filipino Church. God has been preparing him!
In October he was suddenly told that his job was finished and he had to return to the Philippines immediately! A shock! But God's timing is perfect. We have been praying for a Manager at Cornerstone for a number of months - someone who could oversee the ministry of our new building (Cornerstone Centre Point) as well as manage and organise our Pastors and Office. I kept on thinking, "If only Bong was here!" And God heard my cry!
So after a few meetings and a few words from God to Bong and his wife Margie...he's started! He brings so much enthusiasm and excitement to us all and I know he is a significant key for the future of Cornerstone. Love that guy! Welcome aboard Bong!
Thirdly, I was sitting in my car thanking God for the first two things when I was sent a text asking me to out in 1143 AM on my radio. Yesterday was the first day of test broadcasting of FEBC Radio live from Sefton Village! As I listened to the music, I began to weep and thank God for HIS faithfulness. A dream delayed is NOT a dream denied!
God showed me in a very clear vision in June 1999 that one day we would have a Radio Station at Sefton. It seemed impossible ... but with God ALL things are possible! It is called DZMR and the MR doesn't stand for Mark Ritchie but Missionary Radio! The whole purpose of this station is to win the lost and reach the different tribes for Christ! I think they are aiming to reach around 15 people groups and languages to begin with ... exactly what God showed me in the vision!
Good things DO come in threes ... sometimes!By Pastor Mark
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Christmas from the Heart: Reaching People, Touching Lives
December 30, 2010 – The men and women’s ministries of CFFC San Isidro, St. James and Sta. Monica jointly conducted a Christmas gift-giving activity titled “Christmas from the Heart: Reaching People, Touching Lives”. It is a carolling activity but instead of waiting for a peso after the songs, the group will be giving a Christmas package.
The group assembled at the church building and packed at least 30 christmas packages to be given away. The packages contain noodles, canned goods, notebooks, manna packs, rice and used clothes. The women sorted the used clothes for children, young ones and for the older ones. Some members donated a box of noodles, canned goods, cavan of rice and clothes for the purpose.
After the preparation, the group ate together for lunch. The group prayed together and asked God to bless every family that will be reached to proclaim God’s goodness. The first place that was visited was Sta. Monica, Echague, Isabela where one of our daughter churches is found. Different reactions from the visited families were seen. Of the ten families visited, there were four mothers that are pregnant. It was a very touching moment when one of the pregnant mothers cried and sobbed. She really felt God’s presence when she was being prayed by the group. She realized that God loves her so much and she was never been forgotten.
At Gomez,
In Rizal East,
As we ended the day’s activity, we really felt God’s unconditional love and compassion to all people. It’s a great opportunity serving God through giving and telling others about His love and His gift of salvation ready for those who wanted to accept Him. We know from our hearts that as a missions-minded church, we are expecting more to come, because…it’s only the beginning! Happy New Year everyone!
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” - Isaiah 52:7
Posted by: Pastor Alexander F. Ritua, CFFC-San Isidro
Double Celebration at CFFC - San Isidro
The CFFC San Isidro Men's Ministry (MM) and Women's Ministry (WM) members had a double celebration during their 2010 year-end joint fellowship held at the church building in the afternoon of December 28, 2010. The activity was organized to celebrate the 17th Wedding Anniversary of Pastor Adonis and Sister Mariebel Manango and the 37th Birthday of Pastor Alexander Ritua. There was no particular program during the activity since it was done in an impromptu mode.
The activity was uplifting and unforgettable that most of the attendees were teary-eyed during the giving of prayers and wishes for the celebrators. Some members shared and reminisced the times where the celebrators touched and impacted their lives. Interestingly, one of the women rose up teary-eyed also telling everyone that it was also their wedding anniversary. But she sad sadly that if only her husband is with the group, surely they will be happier. She is longing and praying that her husband will be attending soon.
The leaders and members prayed for the celebrators – that God will bless them more and will always be faithful in serving the Lord. A simple snack was served before the activity ended.
Posted by: Pastor Alexander F. Ritua, CFFC-San Isidro, Isabela
“We Are the Reason” Concert
As part of the festivities, the youth ministry spearheaded a mini-concert dubbed as “We Are the Reason” in the evening of December 19, 2011. It was the very first time that a mini-concert was held at the CFFC – 
A month before the activity, the youth leaders and members brainstormed and decided to come-up with a mini-concert activity that would also become a venue for evangelism – reaching out other people. Preparations were done for at least three weeks only. The final repertoire of the songs was finalized when the singers and musicians perfected the songs during the practice. The stage was set in a concert mood after the church’s Christmas service during the day.
In the evening, Pastors Jonathan Winter and Adonis Manango inspired the audience to continue singing for the Lord declaring that
The audience were so blessed on the songs rendered by the band. They have proven that some church members have hidden talents from singing to playing musical instruments. They were also amazed when the band members took turns in singing and playing different musical instruments which gave an added attraction.
Pastor Alexander Ritua rendered his treasured composition titled “Throughout Eternity” arranged by the band. The song noted that each of us should aim to be with the Lord throughout eternity, that we should be faithful at all times, no matter what happens…The final song “Hesus” introduced who Jesus is – encouraging everyone to accept Him as their personal Savior and Lord. An altar call was done after the song and many responded raising their hands on their sits.
Before the activity ended, Pastor James Bastian encouraged the audience to support our Agta brothers and sisters (three of them were present). He thanked CFFC-San Isidro for supporting the Agta Missions.
The activity inspired all the members to carry out another concert in the future that will also participated in by men, women, youth and children’s ministries. As a challenge, the band will also serve as a part of the CFFC Evangelistic Team getting ready for future evangelistic crusades. The mini concert gave birth to the band called “The Psalmists of God.” To God be the glory!!!
Posted by: Pastor Alexander F. Ritua, CFFC-San Isidro, Isabela
CFFC’s 2010 Christmas Celebration
Last December 19, 2010, the Cornerstone Family Fellowship Centers of San Isidro , St. James (Batal, Santiago City
Pastor Adonis Manango warmly welcomed all brothers and sisters. The praise and worship was so heart-warming adoring the King of kings and Lord of lords. The hall was filled with awe and laughter during the different department presentations. The children and youth groups presented song numbers. The women’s ministry presented the song ”Give Love on Christmas Day” with a dance number to the tune of “Felis Navidad”. The men’s ministry presented an all-men cast depicting the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in the manger! The audience were laughing upon knowing that the cast were all men…(including “Mary”)!
the men depicting the "nativity scene"
Pastor Adonis Manango warmly welcomed all brothers and sisters. The praise and worship was so heart-warming adoring the King of kings and Lord of lords. The hall was filled with awe and laughter during the different department presentations. The children and youth groups presented song numbers. The women’s ministry presented the song ”Give Love on Christmas Day” with a dance number to the tune of “Felis Navidad”. The men’s ministry presented an all-men cast depicting the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in the manger! The audience were laughing upon knowing that the cast were all men…(including “Mary”)!
the men depicting the "nativity scene"
Sister Vivien Sutherland gave her encouragement. Sister Jenny Morgan also graced the occasion. Sister Mary Ritchie delivered her Christmas message. As a speaker, she enthused the congregation the reasons why God the Father sent Jesus, i.e., love, to change our lives and give hope for everyone. After the message, the children, youth, women, men including the birthday celebrators of December were prayed for by Bro. Rony, Sis. Vivien, Sis. Mary and Sis. Jenny, respectively.
After the service, the congregation shared the Christmas “salo-salo” together for everyone. Each family brought delicious food. After eating, parlour games were introduced as part of the merry-making.
Indeed, the day’s activity reminded everyone about God’s love to all mankind – which Jesus Christ came to save and redeem His people. He is the only reason to celebrate, for without Him, Christmas would be nothing at all.
Posted by: Pastor Alexander F. Ritua, CFFC-San Isidro, Isabela
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