A total of two hundred forty one (241) patients came to seek free consultations from volunteer doctors specializing on different medical fields such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Ophthalmology. In addition, dentists were also available for the necessary tooth extractions. While waiting for their turns, patients were able to benefit from a short talk conducted by the doctors on steps to proper hand washing as the key to preventing the spread of many common infections. Health professionals from our very own Bethesdan Team actively participated in this project by being stationed to take vital signs (recording of Body temperature, Pulse rate and Respiratory rate) and to take charge in discriminately distributing the medicines based on the doctors’ prescriptions. These medicines and vitamins were handed out to patients at no cost. Adults and children alike went home blessed and relieved.

It was a meaningful experience for the organizers. This project served as another worthwhile opportunity to reach out to our Christian brethren by means of healthcare services. We would like to commend all volunteers who gave time and shared their skills to help. They would surely agree that words are not enough to express how satisfying it is to put smiles across the beautiful faces God has made. It was so addicting that the medical mission for 2010 is considered not yet accomplished because Yuppers and Bethesdans won’t stop here as they have decided to step out and do on-site medical missions to various depressed areas scheduled throughout the remainder of the year.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Brgy. Captain Richard Yu, Ms. Wilma Amoranto-Sarino and Philippine Eaglecom Society who selflessly supported this outreach project. Just as equally, the Church Administration and organizers would like to acknowledge all sponsors and cash donors who generously shared their blessings for the good of our underprivileged brethren:

CASH DONORS:

• Bishop Luis R. Santos and family
• Sis. Marlyn Ong
• Sis. Rosa Ladaran
• Sis. Cynthia Yumang
• Bro. Edsel & Sis. Debbie Rimando
• Bro. David & Sis. Baby Tan
• The Philippine Star
• Bro. Gary & Sis. Liza Sta. Rosa
• Sis. Norma Flores
• Bro. Sison & Sis. Josie Fabro
• Faces Team
• Achievers-Young at Heart

MEDICAL SUPPLY SPONSORS:

• Sis. Lae-Anne Uy
• Sis. Frances Uy
• Sis. Mina Suan
• Sis. Fatima Tejano
• Sis. Rochelle Santos
• Sis. Shenna Dalusung (Mead Johnson)
• Bro. Totie & Sis. Edith Alindogan (MCLA Marketing)
• Sis. Zeny Quiros (Zencure Inc.)
• Sis. Rose Garinga (AD Drugstell)
• Pharmatech Lab c/o Bro. Peter of Bethesdan Team

VOLUNTEER PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS:

• Dr. RJ Quiazon
• Dr. Imelda Lim
• Dr. Vilma Babaran
• Dr. Olalia & Dr. Villaroman (c/o Sis. Jinky Villanueva)

SUPPORT GROUP:

• Service Operations Group (Bethesdan, Faces, Gideon, Mums & Pops)
• Technical Production Group
• Yupper Organizing Committee
• Elders and Full-time workers
• Philippine Eaglecom Society (Major Paul Fudotan & Major Raphael Ronas-Pres)
• Barangay Captain Richard Yu
• Ms. Wilma Amoranto-Sarino

For more information visit: www.ido4online.com

To continue reading, click here…

Ten months after its groundbreaking ceremony, the Church Center is now officially on its feet.  The Church Center’s launching, dedication and thanksgiving ceremony was held last February 1, 2010 and the meat of the program was conducted at the Church Center’s Gilgal room.  The attendees were the Ambassadors for Christ, Church Senior Pastors, leaders and full-time workers.  Invited guests to witness the event were Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Barangay Chairman Richard Yu and Philippine National Red Cross Governor, Ms. Wilma Sarino.

The dedication began with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the main entrance, followed by a short but meaningful program.  Ribbon cutting on the various areas of the Church Center was extraordinarily done as Bishop Luis R. Santos led offertory prayers per area to ensure God’s protection and preservation.  The roster for the ribbon cutting ceremony includes Bishop Luis R. Santos, Pastora Norma Santos, Administrator Leslie Santos, Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Ms. Wilma Sarino, Barangay Chairman Richard Yu, Sis. Marlyn Ong, Bro. Edsel and Sis. Debbie Rimando, Sis. Rosa Ladaran, Bro. Rudy Yumang and Bro. Bob Kholoma.  The program was sealed off with a thanksgiving dinner buffet prepared at the rooftop where guests enjoyed the luscious food while live acoustic music filled the air.

An embellishment to look forward to in our Church Center is the St. Louie’s Park Café-Restaurant which will commence construction on May, 2010.  Series of trainings and seminars for the Service and Operations Group are now lined-up to be held at the Café for the succeeding months.

Photos from the Church Center Dedication

The Church Center, ready for its grand opening.

Main Gate Ribbon Cutting (left to right): Bishop Luis R. Santos, Ms. Wilma Sarino and Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista

Gilgal Ribbon Cutting: Administrator Leslie Santos and Sis. Rosa Ladaran

Church Office Ribbon Cutting: Pastora Norma Santos and Brgy Chairman Richard Yu

Mission House Ribbon Cutting: Bro. Edsel and Sis. Debbie Rimando

Rooftop Ribbon Cutting: Bro. Bob Kholoma and Bro. Rudy Yumang

The family who started it all (left to right): Sis. Weily Santos, Admin. Leslie Santos, Ptra. Norma Santos, Bishop Luis R. Santos, Bro. Wiglie Santos, Sis. Racquel Santos and Bro. Ludwig Santos

The Ambassadors for Christ

Pastor Ricky Mata, Pastor Jong Cancio and Pastor Edong Inigo

Full-time Workers

Church Administration Staff and Administration Support

A Sneak Peek of the Church Center

Building Profile

Hallway towards kitchen and stairwell to Rooftop

Gilgal: heart and soul of the church center

Function Rooms 1 and 2: cozy venues for group gatherings and small group meetings.

Church Office: houses the various departments such as HR section, Satellite Churches Admin., IT, Purchasing and Accounting.

Spiritual Care Department: office of the Elders and District Coordinators

Human Resources Department: centralizing the 785 workforce of part-time and full-time workers

Church Administration Office

Bishop’s Office

Mission House: home of the full-time workers

Mission House Recreational Room

Baptismal Room

(Click link below to watch Church Center Launching AVP)

Church Center Launching

]]> http://gccote.org/2010/05/up-now-our-very-own-church-center/feed/ 2 http://gccote.org/2010/02/christmas-in-october/ http://gccote.org/2010/02/christmas-in-october/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:35:24 +0000 gccote http://www.gccote.org/?p=305 “Everyday should be Christmas.”

“May the Spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts.”

How often do we come across those lines?  Even as kids, we have been made aware on the true meaning of Christmas.  We were made to understand why giving is a norm during the Christmas season.  It is because Christmas is the occasion when we celebrate the act of God giving His own Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world.  This He did out of love, and as Christians, we should follow His example.

A tradition was established at Jesus Christ to God Be the Glory Church International (JCTGBTG) in which every year, a Christmas Sunday Service Special is being held and themed: “Pasko Sa Atin”.  At which time, each family is given the chance to share their blessings to our less fortunate brethren.  Grocery items like canned goods, rice, noodles, bread, etc. are packed into bags and distributed so that our brothers and sisters in faith can have something on their tables to partake on Christmas Eve.

Last October 25, 2009, the lines we hear were put into action without waiting for the Christmas season to start.  Due to the recent typhoon “Ondoy”, JCTGBTG held a Sunday Service Special in Cuneta Astrodome meant for the victims of the typhoon. This was an extension of Operation Tulong to reach out to more people not only through material blessings but to care for their spiritual needs as well.  Both Gospel and relief goods were given to them.  Two Sundays before the event, Bishop Luis R. Santos enjoined church members to donate grocery items and reusable clothes.  It was an overwhelming surprise how the church members heeded to the simple instruction and has resulted into overflowing bags containing grocery items and clothes.  It was a picture reminiscent of an early “Pasko Sa Atin” celebration. More than three hundred (300) visitors came and were blessed.  The distribution of goods was done after the Sunday Service and the blessings shared by the members of JCTGBTG were sufficient for all our visitors.

Basic necessities and Salvation – enough to put the smiles on their faces.

Above: Bishop Luis R. Santos during the Altar Call.

Above: The stage overflowing with relief goods donated by church members for the typhoon victims.

Above: Faces, Comrades and Security teams took charge in the distribution of goods to the visitors.

September 26, 2009 — the day that Metro Manila, including 23 other provinces was declared under a state of calamity after being battered by the strong typhoon “Ondoy”.

The heavy rains which lasted for six hours brought an intense flood submerging roads, houses and big establishments in Metro Manila and nearby areas.  Even places that have never been flooded before were affected. Motorists and commuters were stranded because of the flooded streets. Many residents were trapped on their rooftops waiting for the flood to subside without food. Others had to wait until the following day for rescue teams to arrive.  Some tried to swim amidst strong currents. The flood caused thousands of people to be homeless, their properties damaged and worse, lives were lost.

The tragic result of the calamity made way for Operation Tulong to serve its purpose in reaching out to our fellow church members who were victims of the typhoon. Jesus Christ to God Be the Glory Church members including extension churches responded and joined together to generate donations in the form of cash, grocery items and clothing.

Bishop Luis R. Santos and Pastora Norma Santos along with the Elders immediately visited our brethrens living in Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City and Cainta – places which were greatly affected by the typhoon.  Cash donations as much as P1,500.00 per family were given.  Meantime, the Achievers, Yuppers and Nugen Teams and district leaders were busy preparing for the relief operations.

The church administration initiated the organization for the deployment of relief goods.  The first relief operation was held on October 2, 2009 targeted to reach out to the victims residing in Bagong Silanganan, Quezon City. This was conducted by the Nugen Team led by Sis. Weily Santos.  “It was a heartbreaking experience seeing what our brethren had gone through. But I think we are still fortunate because despite all these, God was still merciful.  He just wants everyone to know that there’s nothing we can do without Him,” said Sis. Weily. “I thank God for giving me an opportunity to help those who are in need,” she continued.  Sis. Leslie Santos, the coordinator of the “Ondoy” Relief Operations, was overwhelmed with joy as she witnessed how the relief operations helped not only the church members but the non-members as well.  They got their share coming from the goods generated by the church and as a result, they have recognized and appreciated our church as an institution not only dedicated in conveying the Word of God through conducting Bible Studies but also through good works.

The second relief operation was conducted in Marikina which was one of the hardly-hit areas.  This time, it was the Yuppers Team led by Bro. Ludwig Santos who did the leg work on October 5, 2009.  According to Bro. Ludwig, the roads were still covered with mud and this made entering the area difficult.  Because they were determined to distribute the goods, the mud did not stop them from doing so.  They utilized a pedicab to transport the goods from the van to the Bible Cells.  What caught his attention was a church member shoveling mud out of his home where one Bible Study is being held.  “I was deeply moved because I’ve seen their courage and faith in the Lord despite the situation they are facing.  It was a tiring day, but seeing them happy and appreciative of our help made all the efforts worth it,” said Bro. Ludwig.

On October 9, 2009, the third relief operation was conducted in Quezon City. The operation was led by the Achievers Team, represented by Bro. Edsel and Sis. Debbie Rimando, together with Sis. Jo Quiazon. Joining this operation were Bishop Luis, Pastora Norma, Sis. Leslie and the Elders. They have visited more than ten (10) Bible Study Cells and distributed hundreds of relief packages.  According to Sis. Debbie, two weeks had already passed since the typhoon but our brethren were still in need during that time because most of their personal belongings were wiped out by the typhoon. On the other hand, one of our brethren showed her gratefulness to God without hesitation after receiving the goods. “They were all blessed and encouraged because they felt love and deep affection from the church,” said Sis. Debbie “I am blessed to be a part of the relief operation. It became easy under the sun because I felt the loving spirit of God in my heart. The feeling was unexplainable, incomparable & immeasurable,” she added.

The church teams have witnessed the conditions of our fellow church members during the series of relief operations.  To date, many of our brethren are still in the process of recovering from the tragedy. But regardless of the situation, each of us has showed our faith and love to God.  We have proven that we can stand against any hardship and can overcome trials by carrying each other’s burden.

“And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 (Rev. Std. Ver.)

On-going Relief Operations for “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” victims:

The church continues to extend its hand to our brethrens who are still in need of assistance.  Donations in cash or in kind are still being accepted. For more information, please send email to project-gccote@jctgbtg.com or call our mission house through phone no. 711-3698 and look for Bro. Sherwin Naculangga.  Relief operations are scheduled weekly to cover possibly all affected areas.

Heartfelt Thank You’s:

Through the relief operations, we have been able to generate sufficient cash donations and goods enough to alleviate the hardships of our brethren. We want to thank the people who contributed and gave their donations for this operation. Your generosity had markedly helped many lives of both church members and non-members. We also thank the church volunteers who participated in the leg work to distribute the goods. Our appreciation also goes to our church workers and members for the prayers and endless support. Let us continue to pray and help rebuild the lives of our fellow brethren.

On Record:

Just to give you a glimpse on the success of our Relief Operations, we would like to share the following partial data on record:

I.   Cash Donations – Bible Cells and Extension Churches List of Recipients:

• Quezon City

Sto. Domingo Cell

Parkway Cell

Riverside Cell

Hunters Cell

Road 7 Cell

Tendido Cell                                                                           

Mauban Cell

Katuparan Cell

Araneta A Cell

Odelco Cell

Kapiligan Cell

Talayan Cell

Santolan Cell

Tagumpay Cell with Country Homes

Oburn Cell/SSS Cell/Sitio Ruby Cell

Maria Clara Cell

Sto. Domingo Cell

Florentino Cell

Tatalon Cell

Araneta Cell

Mayon Cell

Manunggal Cell

• Cainta

Marick Cainta Cell

Brookside Cell

DM-5 Cell

Parola Cell

• Marikina

Vergara Cell

Majesty Cell

Balubad A Cell

• PASAY

Leveriza Cell

Malibay Cell

• Manila

Quiricada Cell

Tondo Cell

Sampaloc Cell

• Bulacan

Sta. Maria Bulacan Cell

Pandayan Cell

Bulacan Cell

Balubad B Cell

• Pasig

Santolan Pasig Cell

Pasig Cell

• Others

Arkong Bato Cell, Valenzuela

Muzon/Catmon Cell, Malabon

Caloocan Cell

Caloocan B Cell

Paranaque Cell

Taguig Cell

Tanay Extension Church

Bicol Church

Malabon

Batangas Church

Tuguegarao Church

San Juan Cell

Modesta Cell

Luzon Cell

Malanday Cell

Tagumpay Cell

Baguio Extension Church Cell

Baseco Cell

La Paz Extension Church Cell

Total No. of families: 226 families

Total amount of cash given: P475,650.00

II.   Relief Goods – Dates and Locations of Recipients:

• OCTOBER 2, 2009 – BAGONG SILANGANAN, QUEZON CITY

Various Bible Study Cells and Households of Non-members

• OCTOBER 5, 2009 – MARIKINA

Vergara Cell

Far East Cell

Balubad A and B Cells

Molave Cell

Ulandes Cell

• OCTOBER 9, 2009 – QUEZON CITY

Araneta A & B Cells

Kapiligan  A & B Cells

Villa Espana Cell

Bolanos Cell

Tatalon Cell

Riverside Cell

Talayan Cell

P. Florentino Cell

Ma. Clara Cell

Sto. Domingo Cell

• OCTOBER 13, 2009 –VALENZUELA, MALABON, NAVOTAS

Arkong Bato Cell

Santolan A Cell

Santolan B Cell

Pandayan Cell

Malanday Cell

Dagat-Dagatan A Cell

Dagat-Dagatan B Cell

Longos Cell

Imelda Cell

D. Hari Cell

Salmon Cell

Muzon Cell

Catmon Cell

• OCTOBER 28, 2009 – CAINTA, PASIG, RIZAL

Marick Cell

P. Burgos Cell

Parola Cell

DM-5 Cell

Brookside Cell

Manggahan Cell

Santolan Cell

De La Paz Cell

Buenas Cell

Total No. of families: 776 families

YOUR DONATIONS MAY BE DEPOSITED TO:

After two years of planning, the most awaited construction of the church center has finally begun.

To formally start the construction, a Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on March 24, 2009 led by Bishop Luis R. Santos, Head Pastor of the church, and was witnessed by Ambassadors for Christ who helped financially support the project. A prayer was offered to bless the church construction and to ensure the safety of the workers. Bishop Luis R. Santos was so overwhelmed as he said: “This is such a great accomplishment. I believe that this will allow the church workers, members and extension churches to benefit from an enhanced church center. The church will surely have better means now to spread the Gospel throughout the world.”

“The construction started last March 28 this year to be exact,” said Pastor Boy Navarro who is the main contractor of the church center. He wholeheartedly exerted effort and dedicated his time to oversee the construction. “This responsibility is just a privilege that God has given me. I am delighted to become a part of this huge process.” According to Pastor Boy, the remaining tasks are painting, tiling and installation of electrical and plumb lines. So far, no cause of delay has been mentioned except for some heavy rains.

The two-level center will include a baptistry area, a multi-purpose hall and three function rooms that will accommodate church functions such as prayer assemblies, meetings, worship team rehearsal, contemporary dances, theater plays and workshops. It will also include an improved and spacious office for the church administration to strongly support every detail of the operations. Sis. Leslie Santos, the church administrator and ID04 worship leader said, “Now that the construction is nearing its completion, I feel extremely excited because finally, we will have function rooms where all practices of different teams will be held in preparation for the concert. We used to rent different venues every year for rehearsals due to area limitation in the old mission house, but now we are assured that in 2 months time, we are out of this predicament.”

The center will also have rooms to accommodate the full-time church personnel. And of course, everybody is excited to hang out at the St. Louis Park Café & Restaurant situated at the roof deck where anyone can chill while spending time with friends.

“I feel privileged to be used by the Lord Almighty in spearheading this particular project – our church centre,” Sis. Leslie added. “I am so thankful to all the wonderful people who supported Project GCCOTE and likewise grateful to those who still support this endeavor to the very end. Our gracious God, the Rewarder of good deeds, acknowledges our ministry of financial support whether big or small. He has appointed that “pay back” time to recompense our noble works. Rest assured that Philippians 4:19 — ‘And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus’, stands true and firm in our lives.”

To Bishop Luis R. Santos, the appreciation to all church workers, members and extension churches that supported this project comes as “a proof that we can unite together and achieve this dream despite the economic crisis the country is facing”.

The construction of the church center is expected to be finished this coming October. There may be a significant change in the façade of the center but its purpose and mission will remain the same.

Demolition of the old Mission House.

Left: Groundbreaking Ceremony held on March 24, 2009 at 10:30 am in Calamba St. where a prayer was led by Bishop Luis R. Santos to formally commence the construction.

Middle: Bishop Luis R. Santos and Pastora Norma with family, Elders, Ambassadors for Christ and other church members signed up as witnesses of the ceremony.

Right: Bishop Luis R. Santos and Pastora Norma (right) with Pastor Boy Navarro (left) implanting the capsule underground. The capsule contains the church center floor plan signed by the witnesses.

Photos of the church center’s construction which officially started on March 28, 2009. Taken last May, 2009.

The church center, at its fourth month of construction. “It is 80% completed” according to Pastor Boy.

Ground floor: (left) Multi-purpose Hall, formerly the Gilgal, (right) function rooms.

Second Floor: church office where all transactions will soon take place.

The Roof Deck: soon to be St. Louis Park Café and Restaurant.

The construction of the church center is still on-going; your donations for PROJECT G-CCOTE are most welcome. For inquiries, please send email to: project-gccote@jc-tgbtg.com.