God has called us to not just to go forth and make disciples, but also to take the next step by teaching and having fellowship. To break bread together and pray together. It may be difficult to start a new life group or a ministry, but with God, nothing is impossible.
This is the same call that our brothers and sisters from the Philippines answered to. Alvir and Jel were previously leading the Ablaze group in Hope Cabuyao. But soon, both of them were challenged by their pastor and leader, Ps Henry and Hani Sevilleno to rise up and lead one of their daughter churches in the city of Muntinlupa. Embracing the Great Commission, the two of them joyfully accepted the challenge.
Hope Muntinlupa is located in the southern part of Metro Manila. Most of the community there are part of the working and family group, making attending the usual morning service difficult. With that in mind, they continued with the afternoon service and by God’s grace, the church began to grow! There are now 40 regular members, including Hope Kids and even four regular life groups.
But God’s plan did not stop with just this one pioneering story. Maricel Baustista was already a believer back when she was in the Philippines, but her walk with Christ led her to Hope Haugesund in Norway, led by Ps Steve Mondala. When her visa expired in Norway, Maricel made the move to Madrid, hoping to be able to earn and save some money.
It was at this time that God began to put the conviction in her heart to plant a church. Two pastors from Hope approached her about pioneering something in Madrid, but she still wasn’t sure if she could do it. So Maricel turned to God, asking if this is truly His will, and if it is, to give her signs. The more she talked and wrestled with God about this idea, the more God was giving her signs, reassuring her of the calling He had for her.
One of the signs that God gave Maricel was during a conference in Germany, where Ps Lai Ling was talking about church planting. Pastor’s words stayed with her as she was reminded of what was happening in Madrid just a few years ago. Another sign came when God reminded her of the words of a preacher from her childhood, saying that there will be pastors and preachers amongst them.
With all these signs coming to her in Madrid, Maricel realised that God has been speaking to her and preparing her for a few years. God also strengthened her by saying that He will be with her just like how he was with Moses. With that in mind, Maricel took the first step and started a life group. The group started with only five in attendance, done once a month. But slowly it became more frequent as the group began to gather twice a month and eventually met every Sunday for a year. And God has been faithful in leading this group as they have been gathering every week for seven years in Madrid!
However, every pioneering story has its challenges. Alvir and Jel travel for almost two hours, with four public transport transfers just to serve in Hope Muntinlupa as they are both living and working several cities away. Even though this is physically taxing, God has been sustaining this couple with His strength and grace.
One of the biggest challenges Alvir and Jel are facing now is for a church venue. The people in the Philippines still subscribe to the idea of the church being a physical building, and this has created some hesitation when inviting people to come to church. But with the assurance from God, both Alvir and Jel fast and pray every Friday, surrendering their worries to God and to trust Him more. They strongly believe that prayer is the key for people to be touched by God, to really move in faith and grow their hearts unto the Lord. And the change can be seen in their monthly Evangelistic Sunday, where the members have been inspired to be more intentional and creative in inviting their friends and families to church. And more people are now availing themselves to join in the Praise and Worship and Hope Kids ministries.
This is the same goodness of God that Hope Madrid is tasting. God has been sustaining the needs of the church, in terms of workers and even a place to worship. Leaders are being raised in Hope Madrid itself, as they continue to grow. Currently, there are new international attendees from America and Spain, who just started joining weekly because they felt God’s presence in their service.
There are so many more testimonies that we can hear from both Hope Muntinlupa and Hope Madrid, for God has been blessing those who answered his call. Let us all keep them in our prayers, for God to continue guiding them with His strength and wisdom for the glory of His Kingdom. We would like to request for prayer support for Hope Muntinlupa as they are now looking for a church venue, hoping to find one that will have a Sunday only rate instead of a monthly rate.
And just like these stories, we are excited to hear your story. Is God putting the desire in your hearts to go forth and plant a church? Do you see a field where the harvest is plenty but the workers are few? We are all called to win souls, make disciples and plant churches, each and every one of us. If you are in the midst of pioneering, we as HIM family pray that God will continue to sustain you in everything you need, and we hope to hear your testimony soon!
