Two Big Leaps Forward: JIL Tanjay and Manjuyod CES Launched

"If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3:29  

By: Jamil Publico

It was a bright, sunny day. Cars were speeding down the road, and there were no clouds in sight. "Well, Lord, I know it'll be a long day today and tomorrow," I muttered as I approached the sweating Bro. Ricardo (Ding), who was carrying a large number of plastic bags containing the ingredients for our pancit. "Jam! I forgot the key inside the car," Bro. Ding exclaimed, and my eyes widened as I realized the journey to seize the promised land had only just begun. 

Tanjay City and Manjuyod Cluster Extension Services were launched on September 18 and 19, 2021, respectively. I had the opportunity to assist in coordinating the two events. 

Tanjay City's CES preparations began early in the afternoon of September 18 at Ate Pedrita's house: cooking the pancit, mixing the refreshment, and doing the decorations. Decorating a blessedly tiny space, with only 3 curtains, 1 tarp, and a few balloons, was difficult. However, God did not let us down, and we were satisfied with the outcome. 

Most of the invitees had already come when the program began. So at 3:00 PM, Bro. Ding stood in front and announced that we would start. It rained fiercely about halfway through, but it didn't affect us at all. From planning to opening prayer to preaching to ushering and closing prayer, the KKBs and few adults experienced what it was like to run a worship service. 

That night, Bro. Ding and I parted ways, both exhausted but glad for the 36 people who attended the service and expectant of what the Lord would do the next day.

The next day, we traveled to Manjuyod. This is my favorite part of doing missions; I get to travel and experience new places. God knows how much I enjoy adventures. Onboard a yellow van with Bro. Ding and Bro. Andrew, it took us more than an hour to arrive at our destination, in the heart of Manjuyod. 

Almost everything was already set up when we came, mainly through the efforts of Sis. Eliza and Sis. Elma, the Manjuyod contact person, and life group leader. The service began at 3:30 PM with Sis. Elma welcoming everyone, followed by praise and worship led by Bro. Andrew. 

Seeing new faces made us even more on fire. It also rained around halfway through, as expected, but it didn't stop God's move through Bro. Ding's preaching. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Sis. Jenelyn Baldado for allowing her home to be used as the event's venue and for providing shelter for the 62 people who attended that day. 

The two CES openings were made much more gratifying when relief goods were handed to families and children through the initiative of JIL Negros Oriental's iCare program. Their thanksgiving to God was evident for the modest blessing. Even though it was little, it filled their hearts. 

Days before the events, I asked Bro. Ding what his vision was for the people of JIL Tanjay and Manjuyod. Like what Ptra. Mardy often said, he told me that he wanted them to serve the Lord in various ways, wherever God would place them. His hope was that the Word he preached to them would grow into a powerful seed that would cause them to be forever sold out to Jesus.

 Let us all pray for District 1! Jesus is Lord over District 1! To God be the glory.

John Harvey Maypa: The Negros Oriental KKB President

By: John Harvey Maypa

True life started when I came to know Christ. I knew nothing about having Christ before. For me, it did not make sense before. “Is there any significant thing about Christianity?” was always in my mind. I knew God existed, but what now? I could not relate to people who were passionate about God. For me, it was just a waste of time and boring and a joy-killer and disgusting. I knew nothing about God! I knew nothing about having Christ not until I encountered Him. 

It was eight years ago when my sister, Klex, introduced me to a group of people who knew Christ and endorsed me to one of the leaders who helped me in my Christian faith. There was what they called an Encounter with God Retreat, and I joined. I was so jealous of other delegates that they experienced much, and here was me; I hardened my heart. What I experience there was not extraordinary except for one miracle that my eyes saw, and God started to spark faith in my heart. I knew deep inside me that it was from the Lord and it was the Lord’s doing. 

Those pieces of God’s evidence became my source of faith and helped me believe in God more and overcome my weaknesses and temptations. After the Encounter, the battle went on. Knowing God did not make me exempted from challenges, problems, and temptations. I struggled to battle against my concept of repentance. It was like I regretted knowing Christ because I had not experienced the world's pleasures before I knew the truth. I was hoping that God would let me do my sins, for I will just repent anyway. My conscience was speaking so loudly, and I could not be silent. 

God’s conviction was so firm, and His truth rang throughout my head day and night. I realized that His Grace and truth conquered my rebellion. My thoughts on being worldly could make me a man came to nothing. I was reduced into ashes. Indeed, Jesus won my heart. The Lord changed my heart and my perspective regarding the way I viewed Christianity. I used to think Christianity was boring and nonsense. But, it was the opposite. There was a lot more about Christianity. 

It was so significant that I became so inspired to grow more and to serve God more. I learned that millennial pastors existed, and they were so amazing. My heart leaped for joy and dreamed of becoming like them one day - preaching God’s word with such power even though they were still young. In my childish thought before, I was discouraged from serving God because I thought when I would become one, I would be wearing white long sleeves and straight cut pants and holding a large Bible then walk along paths wherever I wish. But, not until I learned that I did not have to. I do not need to. I can express Christ in my version.

There were times when I experienced economic hardship. I slept in the boulevard, took my bath at school, borrowed underwear from my classmates, and slept in my friend’s house. By God’s grace, I was able to surpass them all. Those tests and trials prepared me to receive what great things God prepared for me. I was given the privilege to take the leadership in KKB and became its president. I never thought of that. I was not dreaming about such privilege. I just heard Pastora Mardy saying that the leaders in NORSU will graduate, and who will take the next lead? 

Filled with God’s fire, God’s vision for KKB’s captured me. I had this in my heart that KKB would do great things in school and become known to the administration as a dynamic Christian Organization. Indeed it happened! In 2017, I was elected as Vice President of the League of Student Organization and, next year, the president of the same student body. It was such a great victory for the KKBs that we could take a rightful place and be involved in student affairs. KKB became a leading organization in NORSU. The sweetest thing we heard from the Vice President of academic affairs was, “I look forward that the KKB will become a leading organization in NORSU.” And, it was so: The KKB gained the trust of the administration. It became history.

From school and academic institutions, the KKB is now expanding and extending its boundary to the community and all other NORSU Satellite Campuses like NORSU Bayawan Campus, Siaton Campus, and even to some cities and municipalities like Tanjay, Manjuyod, Valencia, Sibulan, Zamboanguita, Dauin, and Mabinay. By the grace of God, through the collaborative effort of the leadership, KKB has now become Province-wide. 

Quoting our very own Leader and National Chairman of KKB, the former Secretary-General of TESDA, Senator Joel Villanueva, “The Youth are the Franchise Holder of the future.” The KKB was challenged to impact diverse cultures and become God’s representatives to the eight pillars of society. It keeps on mobilizing the youth for community transformation and impact all social institutions. I believe in my heart that God will continually use the KKB mightily. Professional youths will surrender their lives and profession to God as an avenue for Him to carry out His good plan. To all students, they will become student-leaders and heads in their schools as God promised. You are not the tail but the head. The KKB will fulfill its mission and vision to inspire the youth to live for Christ and offer the prime years of their lives in service to God and Country and bring forth transformation to young people worldwide through the full gospel of Christ. 

This letter may end here, but God’s Kingdom will endure forever. The KKB, who fear no one but God and hates nothing but sin, will live forever in the hands of God. No matter what, KKB will always proclaim Jesus as the central figure of this movement. To God be all the glory. 

Amethyst D. Clemente: A KKB Groundbreaker at Silliman University

By: Amethyst D. Clemente

I remember, years ago, I was in a very dark place in my life back then. It began in Grade 6 when we learned our father had an affair and spent all my parents' money to pay off her mistress' debts. Then, in High School, I was taken advantage of while asleep in our own home. Entering college, I was forced to take up a course I loathed to fulfill my mother's wish to have a nurse in the family. I felt like Job, all consumed by grief, hurt, and loss from one problem to another. I then started having depressive thoughts and was suicidal. On my third attempt to end my life, I gave God an ultimatum, if He still had a purpose for my life, He must show up. And so He did. I gave my life back to Him and promised to walk rightly from that point on. 

Then, God brought me to the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Dumaguete through KKB (Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan) gatherings. I was attracted to their passion and praise and worship of God, but I did not know how to be as they were. Praising God freely was different from what I was used to, but my spirit yearned so much. It was very awkward singing and dancing to praise songs at first until I learned to tear down the walls of pride into submission to God in worship and adoration. To be honest, it was the start of being genuine and authentic in God's presence among His children. 

The leadership of Ptra. Mardy and Kuya Edgar also inspired me as I saw how they had moved and changed the lives of a lot of youth in Dumaguete City. I joined KKB and was discipled by Bem Rubia and also by Ptra. Mardy Manguinimba. I went through a journey of healing and restoring, and they guided me through. Their availability in counseling sessions and the lessons I learned during Cell Group (called cell group back then but now called Life Groups) meetings contributed to my personal and spiritual growth. The one that impacted me greatly was the Encounter Retreat. I left that retreat a different person! It allowed me to re-evaluate myself and navigate myself back to God. 

During this time, I began serving the Student Government at Silliman University. I served as the head of the Religious Committee. God showed me the opportunity to make available God's truth and His word to the student body. Every month, we had events for students to participate in. My desire was for others to encounter God as I did through that one event or just win one soul in that event. 

JIL Dumaguete was key to the dawnwatch prayers in the Silliman campus we began at that time. The irony was that students attending the dawnwatch prayer at first were students from other schools praying for Silliman University and its student body. Eventually, as time passed, we had students in Silliman joining us in prayer. It was very powerful seeing students praying for the school and fellow students. It was a blessing to hear and see the atmosphere change as the few of us were singing worship to God. You could feel the acacia trees and the empty spaces of the amphitheater echo and lift up the songs of praise toward heaven. 

Looking back, JIL Dumaguete was really used by God for me to step out of my comfort zone and equip me for what was ahead of me. It was with my Ka-KKBs I learned humility. It was through Ptra. Mardy that I learned submission. It was at the JIL Dumaguete I had family in the church. 

God did not waste every detail of my life-of my past. From the parts of my life I was very ashamed of, He healed me, and I found freedom and grace in Him. Now, I learned that part of fully understanding my story is sharing it with others. As I share my story, I witness another soul being free. 

You see, my confession to God about my sins has led to my forgiveness. My confession to the people who hurt me and I hurt has led to reconciliation. And my confession to others on my testimony has led to freedom. 

God brought me from JIL Dumaguete to JIL Christchurch, New Zealand! I had to graduate BSEd in English to serve as National Secretary of JIL New Zealand. I had to go through depression and suicidal ideation to equip me as a Mental Health Support Worker. I am now working with people with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, trauma, abuse, schizophrenia, etc. I used to feel filthy and doubtful of love, but God changed my heart, mind and I am now turning 3 years married to a God-revering man; with our 2 sons. I used to feel very insecure that I felt I needed to keep proving my worth, but God renewed my mind, and I now know my true identity in Him! 

Indeed, there is a reason for my past season. God has always been very purposeful with my pathway, and I know He still is. 

My story may have begun in a dark place, but He met me and brought me to His marvelous light. I pray that you will learn to submit to God's will for your life, too, because His will is always the best-- He is never late. He is always in control. He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turns it for good!

Maranatha M. Manginsay: Pioneering KKB Disciple at Silliman University

By: Maranatha M. Manginsay

Being in an unfamiliar city for the first time to spend time in college can be overwhelming. Apart from learning in school, there were new places to explore, a new set of people to get acquainted with, and even a new language to learn. That is why the first thing I did was to find a church to help me grow spiritually and soothe my homesickness.

God really answers prayers. A classmate invited me to attend their church (JIL Church Dumaguete) because they had this KKB gathering. "That sounds fun," I thought and cordially took the invitation. I became a member from 2004 to 2008.

The Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB) really had a huge impact during my college years, which I’m going to bring for the rest of my life. The important values KKB has taught me are to be selfless and cultivate Christ-like attributes. It has taught me to be “a person who is willing to carry his own cross and follow Jesus.” “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it" (Matthew 16:25). We develop them as we journey our living faith with God. 

Back then, I was a volunteer, taking pictures during KKB events and gatherings. I was glad to work behind the scenes because it served as an eye-opener for me to be exposed to different environments like the feeding and outreach programs held outside Dumaguete City. Indeed, there really was a need to preach the Gospel in cities and in provinces. The Gospel says, “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him" (Psalms 22:27).

KKB has imbibed into our hearts and thoughts that it is God’s plan that His message would go out to places. Moreover, being a part of a youth group is not a hindrance to sharing his Word but rather an opportunity to preach and be bold with one’s faith in the Lord. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

I praise God for the lives of Ptra. Mardy Manguinimba and Ptr. Edgar Manguinimba, whose godly leadership and fervent prayers led to a fruitful ministry. Their profound service is immeasurable, and now, the church is experiencing the fruit of their labors.

It is such a joy knowing that most of the KKB members during my time are still active members and have also become church leaders of JIL Church Negros Oriental. Their passion for serving God and the hunger in knowing Him more just keep on growing. I have to meet them yet because I moved out after graduation. Social media is the only communication we have now. 

However, let us continue encouraging one another to advance God’s Kingdom. As the Word of God says, 

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Bro. Roel Paz: 1st KKB Disciple Among CVPC Working Scholars

By: Dan Jerome Barrera

Bro. Roel Paz was the first KKB disciple among the working scholars at the Negros Oriental State University (formerly Central Visayas Polytechnic College). Through His life, God has won leaders and more souls for His Kingdom. 

He has been a well-traveled man but has found God anywhere He went. He could not escape God and neither his calling. 

In 2001, he was a 2nd Year Diploma in Technology student at CVPC. One noon, a KKB leader, Melanie Valiente,  shared with him the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  The message captivated his heart. From that point, he actively attended KKB gatherings during Wednesdays.

After about a year, he witnessed a great miracle. Ptra. Mardy Manguinimba prayed over his sick supervisor, a faculty member, and God healed him. From then on, he regularly attended the church's Sunday services at San Jose Ext., Dumaguete City. He became Ptra. Mardy's first disciple among the working scholars at NORSU. 

After graduation, he found himself in different places but also found God anywhere he went. In 2003, he went to Cebu for work but did not lose his passion for serving God. He found refuge at the JIL Cebu. In 2004, he returned to Negros Oriental and continued serving at the JIL Dumaguete. He then left the country and worked in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 2006 to 2011, but also found God there and served at the JIL Abu Dhabi. 

In 2011, he returned to the Philippines and started a fruitful discipleship journey at the JIL Dumaguete. He actively shared God's word even to strangers. Bros. Arnold Diocos and Jasper Tecson became two of his victorious disciples after sharing the gospel and teaching them the way they should go. Bro. Arnold became the church coordinator of JIL Zamboanguita and Bro. Jasper became the JIL Bayawan church coordinator. 

In 2015, Bro. Roel married Marialou and bore Yeshua. Together, they continue to serve God at the JIL Dumaguete and share the joy from serving Him even amid trials and hardships in life.

Sis. Klex Maypa: 1st Female KKB President in Negros Oriental

By Klex Maypa

My experience as NORSU KKB chairman (2008-2012) was, without doubt, the most remarkable one. It brought about a great life turnaround for me. 

It started all the positive changes for me. It built up a strong foundation useful for life beyond anything I could learn from school and other sources. 

Being part of the organization alone was already a blessing. Without a family by my side, I got a bigger one through its members and Ptra. Mardy Manguinimba. They cared, guided, and encouraged me to go beyond who I was - a broken, helpless, low self-esteemed, no direction, and reluctant person - and be a leader. The process wasn’t at all easy, but it turned out really awesome and so worth it. 

At first, I thought I would just meet other youths and get the chance to learn drums when my friend invited me. I remembered having a lot of fun. The KKB provided niches for my talents and interests, many of which I just discovered and enhanced through this organization. 

The first visit got followed by another and became a weekly thing. I was drawn up, seeing these people talk and do things that really make sense. 

This was when I also encountered God, got to know myself more, and understand other people better. 

Knowing Him let me experience overwhelming love and joy that gave me a brighter perspective. It brought me unexplainable excitement to life and a drive to share Christ with others. I saw it as the only solution to the various life issues, taking a cue from my experience as someone who came from a very complicated background. 

I never thought that that invitation would become the greatest and most important invitation I could ever receive in my life. 

Being the NORSU KKB president convinced me that God is not looking at our past and current state but by what He can do to us and through us. I’m thankful for the people He used to see the potentials than the obvious weak version of me. 

I remembered KKB excelling in things, from consistently winning the NORSU booth competition even with the smallest budget to being recognized as Top Organization. 

KKB was also known to have dynamic youths who were passionate and willing to serve not only in church affairs but also in the community and the Philippines. When there is an opportunity to serve and proclaim Jesus, the team would actively march out to do it. Whooo!! This flashback stirs up that KKB spirit in me, and it has always been a great experience and feeling to remember and share. 

I saw KKB lived out its mission, seriously inspiring and teaching the youth to live for Christ and the country. 

I saw young people, including me, being transformed through the group to live better or even best lives and help others achieve it, too. 

Until now, its energy is not dying down but instead getting better at conquering campuses, cities, and towns. 

It was indeed the most radical and productive years of my life. 

Thank you so much, KKB Dumaguete! I am forever grateful for being part of the family.  

Bro. Carl Matthew P. Garcia: 1st KKB NORSU LSO President & 1st Himamat Organizer

By: Carl Matthew P. Garcia

Sunder. 

Stalemate.

Shift.

Promotion. 

One leads to the other. 

Breakthrough!

Let’s start our journey with a little bit of backstory. 

Who was he?

From an upsetting episode of dallying from one school to another, this brazen character arrived in Dumaguete with nothing but a traveling bag and pocket change. He pursued school enrolment with no documents. But through a high score during admission (and a whole lot of God’s favor), our not so likely character was now a NORSUnian!

Immersed in the epicenter of campus evangelism and public dialogue, his passion for the youth suddenly had an avenue. A second chance, perhaps. He embraced his newfound direction with a warm heart. Campus ministries became his path towards fulfilling his own personal journey with the Lord. His distinct restoration. 

What happened next?

Wearing shorts, slippers, and a loud personality, he swiftly became the LSO President. Now with influence and a visceral desire towards young people, he organized the first-ever HIMAMAT. He focused entirely on providing a platform for all the youth from different beliefs, ideologies, and denominations to come together as one for Christ Jesus. HIMAMAT became the breakthrough from the longstanding stalemate in his personal struggle with his calling! 

Finally! 

HIMAMAT means ‘contact.’ It became the contact point through which hundreds of young people received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. 

The shift of incidents that lead towards this breakthrough was never done through typical circumstances. Every heartbreak, every hurdle, and every encompassing pressure of irrelevance in life would eventually lead to our own personal contact, ‘himamat,’ with God’s amazing grace.

Even though his journey in Dumaguete was short-lived, his contact with the Lord became his legacy.

Anyone can and will become God’s general. All you’ll ever need is to be ready (and stay ready) until your once-in-a-lifetime event, YOUR HIMAMAT with the Lord, will take place!

Kudos, Generals of God's Army!

HIMAMAT lives on! 

Ptr. Edgar Manguinimba: 1st President, Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan - Dgte (1999-2000)

By: Clief Richard Burgos  

Who would have thought?   

A simple boy from the far-flung mountains of Butuan became the first president of the KKB Dumaguete chapter from 1999-2000. Never had been in his wildest imagination came the thought of becoming a leader of numerous city people. He knew nothing about the city culture. His journey began when, as a son of a Manobo Tribe leader, he rolled his sleeves and took the challenge of taking his venture to college. He started in Cebu, where he met a good friend who introduced him to the Jesus Is Lord Church, where he joined and was trained. Being part of the church's office personnel, he received tasks that molded him with principles that became useful in his destiny. 

Destined to be a leader?  

It was a question he gradually answered. A shy sojourner came to Dumaguete at last! He started his first semester as a scholar until he focused on studying with his family's full support. Taking the nautical course in college, he made many friends. He initiated a spiritual gathering inside a classroom at the Central Visayas Polytechnic College, the predecessor of Negros Oriental State University. The bubbly young man realized his potential and eventually became the KKB president. Standing on his favorite verse, Numbers 13:30, he quieted the doubt and led the KKB in conquests.  

Where is he now?  

The servant-leader chose the destiny to fulfill his calling rather than pursuing his personal ambitions. He became the husband of Ptra. Mardy P. Mangunimba and is gifted with beautiful twins. He pastors the JIL Bethel Church in Dumaguete and is very known for his servant spirit, teaching his disciples the ways of Jesus Christ described in Matthew 20:28 that “we are here to serve, not to be served." 

JIL NegOr Publishes iConnect Newsletter

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”- Deuteronomy 4:9 

By: Jolly Fernandez 

 

The JIL Negros Oriental, led by Ptra. Mardy Manguinimba, aims to publish and record its milestones by publishing a newsletter. Dan Jerome Barrera, the newsletter’s chief editor, successfully headed the newsletter launching on January 31, 2021, during the Sunday Morning Service at the JIL Dumaguete Office, Bagacay, Dumaguete City. 

 

The publication's goal is to remind the JIL people of the church’s milestones and make them known from generation to generation. It is a medium that answers the ministry's yearning for an easy way to glimpse the victories from the past that will surely bring forth inspiration to the present. 

 

Proverbs 24:6 suggests that battles can be won through many counselors. Indeed, the success of the launching was made possible through the combined efforts and prayers from the members of the Writers for Jesus. The 1st Writers for Jesus Writeshop was conducted on January 17, 2021, at the JIL Office to equip the writers. The chief editor served as the facilitator, aiming to provide the participants with relevant knowledge in newsletter drafting. The training focused on technical writing techniques, allowing aspiring writers to improve their writing style. 

 

"The newsletter would be a memorial of God's faithfulness, miracles, and wonders that the church has received," says Elizamae Garnado, one of the witnesses of God's changing power as He orchestrated and extended the JIL’s tent from north to south of the province.

 

The newsletter serves its purpose of making the readers informed, blessed, and be amazed by what God has allowed the ministry to experience and eventually become the avenue for faith to grow. The iCONNECT team members work hand in hand by faith, spreading the good news, and leaving a healthy and good spiritual legacy.

WRITERS FOR JESUS

Legie Mae Baldomar

Dan Jerome Barrera

Clief Richard Burgos 

Glenda Dagoy

Irish B. Espinosa

Jean Jimenez

Mira P. Poyaoan

Mary Blanch Sumoguid

JIL NegOr Starts 2021 Aright

“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!