“These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred and the greatest a thousand.” - 1 Chronicles 12:14
By: Mary Blanch Sumoguid
“2021 - The Year of God’s Favor and Permanence!” – a fiery and hopeful cry of every JIL people in Negros Oriental. We may have welcomed this year unconventionally because of the pandemic. Still, we were able to possess the gates of time, giving glory to the living God. He has allowed the JIL Negros Oriental to experience every ounce of victory. In January 2021, the church underwent several breakthroughs on top of regularly holding church services in Dumaguete, Bayawan, Zamboanguita, and Valencia.
On January 3, 2021, Ptra. Mardy, P. Manguinimba boldly preached the prophetic Word from 1 Chronicles 12:14, “These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred and the greatest a thousand.” She challenged the church to increase in faith and contend for the fulfillment of God’s promises, preparing it for the outpouring of a thousand-fold harvest this year. Family Dedication was also done as a prophetic gesture for God’s favor to abound in every JIL Negros Oriental family.
On the same day, the church held a Non-Stop Praise and Worship. It was able to pour out worship and thanksgiving to the King of kings and the Lord of lords, with no holds barred. As part of the full-blast implementation of the Life Development Training Blended Approach (LDTBA), an Encounter with God Retreat (EGR) successfully transpired on January 9, 2021, attended by eighty-three (83) physical and online delegates. All hearts were fired up and refreshed by the Holy Spirit, making them commit their lives to God and in service to His will.
Moreover, Ptr. Edgar B. Manguinimba, on January 10, 2021, shared a timely word about giving the best portion of our produce to God. In response to the Word, the congregation sowed their “First Fruit” offering, declaring that 2021 is the year that God will open the storehouse of His bounty. The church claimed that God will send rain on our land in season and bless all our hands' works.
The JIL Church Worldwide celebrated January as a month of consecration. Ptra. Mardy rallied all leaders to have a three-day (January 15-17, 2021) prayer and fasting - a privilege to be immersed and soaked in the presence of God and His Word. A Night of Power also set the mood of intercession among all leaders on January 15, 2021. It ignited and empowered all hearts with the fresh anointing of the Holy Ghost.
On January 17 and 24, 2021, all Coordinators, Tribe Group Leaders, Tribe Leaders, Potential Leaders, Lifegroup Leaders, and Ministry Heads were anointed with oil as a symbol of sanctification act of faith commissioning them to their respective mission and harvest fields. On January 21, 2021, Pastora Mardy participated in the Regional Performance Operation Review (POR), wherein she was tasked to share a revelation from the Lord.
All leaders observed another chain prayer and fasting to prepare for the Encounter God Retreats in the different cities and towns in Negros Oriental. The Outreach Coordinators and Tribe Group Leaders initiated this activity.
Thirty-two (32) delegates experienced the transforming power of the Lord when they joined the encounter retreat in Bagacay, Dumaguete City, on January 16, 2021. The church also held encounter retreats in Dauin, Negros Oriental, on January 23, 2021, and Valencia, Negros Oriental on January 26, 2021, with eighteen (18) and ten (10) delegates, respectively.
Moreover, the church held two Encounter God Retreats simultaneously on January 30, 2021, in the towns of Mabinay (34 delegates) and Manjuyod (16 delegates). Through this series of retreats, people experienced the insurmountable and overwhelming love of God that gave them liberty from sin and freedom from the enemy's oppression.
The church was honored to hear precious and powerful teaching from a seasoned servant of God, Sis. Isan Gesmundo, during the Leadership Training and Vision Casting on January 23, 2021. Ptra. Mardy also emphasized the need for intercession, especially in conquering territories and possessing Godly inheritance. She also discussed the calendar of activities for the first quarter and shared strategies on extending the church's boundaries in the context of God’s favor.
On January 25, 2021, Ptra. Mardy was allowed to connect to the mainstream, the JIL Prayer Garden, by being a vessel of God’s Word during their Daily Dawnwatch. She shared the attitude of having a grateful heart. The Couples and Adults Ministry victoriously held a virtual gathering on January 29, 2021.
January 31, 2021, marked a victorious day for the church. Another Clustered Extension Service was born in Mabinay with Sis. Julien Vilas as coordinator. The church also launched the first-ever iConnect Newsletter, led by Dr. Dan Jerome Barrera.
God has immensely blessed the ministry with victories and triumphs. He did it in January. He will undoubtedly do the same in the coming months. JIL Negros Oriental is ready to be the godly pacesetter in today's generation. The church is convinced that nothing can thwart the move of God. To God be all the highest glory and honor!
