JIL
Victoria CYN had a successful concert entitled: "God's Love and
Grace" last June 1, 2013!
What
was initially thought of as a pre-anniversary event and as an activity to support the delegates to the CYN Summit in Italy, turned out to be
an evangelism activity and a show-case of JIL Victoria CYN's God-given talents
that brought God the praise due Him.
Around 20 first-timers attended and accepted Christ.
“You multiplied their children as the stars of heaven, and you brought them into the land that you had told their fathers to enter and possess.”
-Nehemiah 9:23 (ESV)
‘Not by might nor
by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
-Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
It was not long ago, when the God of Jacob, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac blessed the JIL Toronto people with their first owned property church building called JIL Church Toronto in Glencairn. In here, as God’s people continue to lift up the Name of Jesus, He continues to bring people unto Him! This building became so small because of the growing number of attendees. With the leadership’s common ground in fulfilling the JIL Mission, Vision and Core Values, many churches were opened in different cities of Metro Toronto and nearby provinces. With the desire to serve the community continuously in Glencairn and nearby areas, the JIL Toronto Leadership hold several meetings on planning of major renovation, expansion of the place. Many proposals were laid down, until the decision to tear it down. But it was already a year and a half waiting, but no approval or permit came. We continue in prayers, and begun to ask God that in times like this, We know God wants us to do another thing like what happened on the JIL Church acquisition of a campsite, the JIL Praise Valley Campsite in Oaklake, Ontario.
The growth of the JIL Church membership in Toronto is unstoppable! Glory to God!
There came a revelation of the thoughts of purchasing a bigger facility like the place of UCC (Ukrainian Community Centre, which we used as Miracle Service. It was just a plain talk, conversation, talking it one time when Pastor Bong Gonzales said, “what if we buy this place?” It may not be a dream, but it is just a “what if” and “why not” He is a man of Vision and Mission! To him nothing is difficult to say, because to his God, nothing is impossible to do! Amen!
On July 10, 2011 after the JIL International Congress in Vancouver, we hold our service at UCC with Sis. Soc Garcia and Ptr. Bobot Bernardo as our guests. While Mam Soc was greeting the JIL people, a power outage happened. The same day, we found out that the UCC is for sale! This is the work of God! Glory to God!
The following year, sometime in April 2012 the EMB (Executive Management Board) came to visit Ontario, Canada. It was with great joy and blessing to have them visit the place UCC. In the same year, in September, our very own Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva stepped upon the place, laid hands and prayed. In God’s faithfulness, the time has come in a year of prayers, negotiation and with both the blessings of the Executive Bishop and the EMB; it all came into fulfillment. God is Amazing!
Psalm 40:5 (NIV) Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 111:6 (NIV) He has shown his people the power of His works,giving them the lands of other nations.Thank you, Lord for the marvelous works You have done!
April 3, 2013 marked one of the most amazing and uplifting events in the lives of the Pastors, Church Coordinators and Staff of the NOAH2 (Ontario) - The “keys” was handed to Pastor Bong Gonzales together with some of the Church leaders and staff. The keys to open every door of UCC-the new acquired property of the JIL Church in Toronto! Which will be called JILMPC (JIL Multipurpose center). The place is so huge! Many room potential for not only for church activities but also for community services like Day-Care, English Courses, Women’s Association, Sport’s clinic, Feed the Hungry, the JIL Christian School, Printing Press, Media and Studio, and many more! The JILMPC will impact the neighborhood and nearby cities! All for the glory of God!
The JILMPC will hold its first Sunday Worship Service as official on April 14, 2013. And very soon, the launching of the ‘I Care Foundation International’ and the ‘CYN Worship Service’! Our God is alive!
We have seen remarkable miracles happened in the JIL Church and in the JIL Family! One thing for sure, God is seeing! God is hearing! God is working! He is the Great Provider! Halleluiah! The JILMPC is the first ever acquired by the JIL Church in Canada, or I say in Noah (North America Hemisphere) that set everyone’s heart and hopes with more greater faith for God`s great glory! Our Faith comes by hearing God and His Word, the more you confess that promises with your mouth, the more faith you are building. Continue to have this ‘faith’ in our eyes, in our ears, in our hearts and confess with our mouth – God wants everyone not only to be consistent but also persistent. Praise God!
The Year of 2013 is the Year of the Lord’s Favour! Congratulations to everyone! God bless! All Glory belongs to God! God said, “I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.” – Leviticus 26:9
by Sis. Mylene Padua Originally posted on March 25, 2013
It's time for the great harvest!
Fifty four (54) life group leaders (LGLs) from Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Grande Prairie responded to God's call for fruitfulness in the concluded LGL Summit last March 2, 2013.
It was a whole day of learning, equipping, empowering and fellow shipping among the called generals of God in Alberta.
Because this summit was also a meeting of minds, Pastora Ana Marie Anada, Area2 Pastor, opened the event with a report on Alberta JIL churches statuses from last year to present as well as its strengths and opportunities to multiply. Everyone was just amazed by the moving and working power of God during the difficult times of the ministry. Despite the "storm" that the ministry experienced, there were mighty men and women who stood up and continued the vision of JIL.Pastor Bong Gonzales, NOAH Director for International Operations, with his lovely wife Pastora Rose, also extended their hearts to Alberta LGLs for their commitment and dedication to God's ministry.
Pastor Bong, being the guest speaker of the said summit, emphasized the importance of carrying the vision for fruitfulness in every life groups. The vision covers planting the right seed and choosing the right soil or the place to use one's calling. As Pastor Bong said, "Fruitfulness is for people who don't depend on their own ability but on what God can do to their lives."
With the showing of a documentary entitled The Harvest, Pastor Bong also shared the relevance of preparing before the great harvest comes. A line from the documentary, which is a reminder for everyone, said, "When the harvest is ready, we also need to be ready for us not to lose the whole crop." With that, total preparation for God's workers and leaders is necessary. That includes having the heart willing to obey, hand willing to work, head willing to learn, knee willing to pray and the feet willing to go.
There's no doubt that the presence of the Holy Spirit covered the entire summit from beginning to end as Pastor Bong anointed the LGL's with oil. Heaven came down as the generals, on their knees, poured out their hearts to God. Signs, wonders and miracles happened at that time. There were healing within, restoration of faith, and recommitting of lives among the LGLs.
Pastor Bong said, "Investing for life is investing for something worth living." Indeed, there's nothing more blessed than to be used by God especially in this season of great harvest. Now, LGLs are ready, everything's set and they are going towards the vision of fruitfulness for God and His people.
JIL Surrey recently held a successful pre - Valentine’s Couples’ Night last February 9, 2013 at Stefanos Restaurant in New Westminster, British Columbia. It was truly an evening to remember for the couples & singles who showed up as they were treated to a feast of sumptuous Mediterranean food & live music provided by a band of Filipino musicians.
It was also an opportunity to invite friends from outside the church as part of JIL’s evangelism activities. This was evidenced by the Obsanga couple who invited their officemates Lucy & Sanchu to enjoy the evening with them.
Furthermore, the event served as a sort of welcoming for new immigrants like Sis. Jannie’s parents & Bro Ephraim’s wife & family who waited for years for their papers to be processed & for them to be reunited.
Finally, for those who attended, it was a time for bonding, relaxation & even some dancing! A much needed break from the course of their busy lives. For the Word of God says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether we eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
The fundamental message we can glean from this celebration is nurturing the love we have for each other, whether as a couple, single or a whole family with Jesus Christ in the center of it all.
For in JIL, we are after all, a part of one big happy family.
by Elsa Maiquez Originally posted on February 23, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013 was undeniably a night to remember for the 250 couples that attended the Couple’s Date Night at Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
It was a night where the couples got to flaunt their black, white, or red attire, along with their best smiles, which complimented the beautiful decorations surrounding the hall.
The highlight of the program was a message of inspiration from our very own Rev. Bong Gonzales centered around the verse that is found in Proverbs 18:22: He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
The message was a genuine reminder for every spouse to continue rekindling their love for their better half in celebration of what God has joined together in Holy Matrimony.
The couples were also able to enjoy a night filled with great food (thanks to Chef George), dancing, mingling, and fun games.
Because of the red carpet, photo booth, and limousine pictures, the couples that attended the event were given somewhat of a taste as to what it may be like to attend the Grammy Awards. Although it was quite snowy outside, the couples were more than ecstatic to take pictures in front, and inside of the limousine. Considering the fact that there were no children around, the wives were finally able to focus their full attention on their husband and vice versa.
As soon as couples heard the tune of the well-known “cha cha”, no one hesitated to rush towards the dance floor; the dance floor was never left empty. Some even came to realize that the last time they had danced with their spouse was on their wedding day, even after being married for quite some time. There was never a dull moment during the night as time flew by so quickly.
Couple’s night was unquestionably a great reminder to cherish your spouse, bearing in mind that a successful marriage is a result of God’s great favor upon those who find what is good as mentioned in Proverbs 18:22.
by Jhimboe Suson Originally posted on January 31, 2013
No question JIL church is a worshipping church be it in Asia, Europe, Middle East and even North America and yes even in British Columbia, Canada; a church that is united in giving God all the glory and praise that is due only to him. And without a doubt, the JIL church in BC is indeed a praying church. The JIL people value prayer not only because JIL people know that prayer works, they also know that the one answering their prayer is the one true Supreme Authority, Jesus Christ. This praying church was very evident during the JIL BC WIN Summit held last Jan 25-26 at the JIL Vancouver Worship Centre. From the very moment the event started with a praise and worship through the very minute it ended with a prayer, no one left the building without realizing that God is indeed alive and listens to the very cry of His people.
The teachings were very biblical and that the very Word of God was properly exposed. The congregation were fed with biblical meat about prayers. The exposition of the Word of God regarding prayer kept everyone on the edge of their seats wanting more. Not only did we learn what prayer is all about, we were taught how to pray the biblical way and the importance of holding on to the very promises of God in His Word.
Prayer does work not because of the people who are praying but because of the One who is answering the prayer. Soli Deo Gloria.
Written by +Cleo Ferolin Originally posted on January 25, 2013
In recognition to active leaders of JIL Eastern Canada, a conference of leaders is done every year. This enhances further the knowledge and ability of the Life Group leaders (LGL). This stirs up passion for God and compassion for souls. It reminds every one of the church’s MVV and the commitment & trust on GOD for His lead on the current and the coming years.
In addition to the spiritual favors God gives through this event, attendees were also blessed to have fellowship with one another once again. What a joy it is to have unity in the body of Christ!
Being once in the corporate world, attending a conference of leaders was a challenging experience wherein you will formulate strategies on how to further pursue the business on zeroing out rejects and keeping the quality at its best to pass the International standards, doing it right the first time, etc. This was dealing with machines and people. Maximizing machines and getting the people perform the highest efficiency.
This Life Group Leaders conference is very unique in its context wherein it does not only deal with people nearby but with everyone reached through prayers where the Holy Spirit gets to work with every individual. The event was attended by about 300 Life Group leaders in JIL Ontario and as far as JIL Quebec. We have been favored and blessed to have visited by our Pastors from Eastern USA, Western USA and Western Canada.
Through the Works of God’s Spirit, every delegates were filled, ministered and have been empowered of the MVV. Words of encouragement by GOD’s servant, Pastor Bong Gonzales, discussed the vision of fruitfulness and planting the right seed, and the relevance of right seed and soil.
One of the relevant topics was conveyed by the man of God from JIL – USA, Pastor Jess Maghacot, “The Parable of the Talent”. In this particular topic, participants should make their choice on how to use God – given talents knowing that all the attendees are cream among the crops in the vineyard of our LORD Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, Pastor Robert Aquino also discussed the relevance of the church “Being faithful in the smallest things is the way to gain, maintain and demonstrate the strength needed to accomplish something great”.
Pastor Crisanto Jose elaborated the Cost of being fruitful. To become fruitful, one has to be planted and to be planted the seed must die, the seed is weak and useless but when it is planted it dies and becomes fruitful. There is both the beauty and bounty when a seed dies and fulfill its purpose so that the new creation will grow…
Being a leader in the Christ world is not maximizing efficiency of the manpower but maximizing your God – given talent. Henceforth GOD will increase you – as you put yourself lower, GOD will lift you up. Being in the Christ – centered world is not zeroing out rejects but zoning out souls for Christ. Being in the Christ – centered world is not gathering rewards and trophies but gaining crowns and the grand event is when GOD tells you, “Well done my good and faithful servant”….
A celebration of banquet dinner night was also held where appreciation and awarding were given .It was truly an encouragement, though undeserving yet highly favored because of HIS grace and mercy.
Thank God for the heavenly favors to have rained on this event.
May God lead us and make us the kind of servant He wants us to be.
JIL Oakville is the youngest among the churches in Region 2- Area1 of JIL West Ontario. It was established from the prayer of God’s people which is why we believe that it was born from the heart of God using its mother church, JIL Mississauga.
In January 2010, JIL Oakville moved to its temporary place of worship, the Oakville Arena. With enthusiasm in the hearts of its workers, leaders and members, all instruments and materials needed for our worship service are packed and unpacked every Sunday.
We began claiming God’s promise to King David in 2 Sam.7:10-11, “And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. “‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you” (NIV)
Aware of this word from the Lord, huge trials came our way that seem to shake our hope that God would grant us our prayer of a new place of worship. Yet, God’s faithfulness is displayed through the men and women who stood on their faith and raised their hands in prayer. Putting our trust in the Lord, He gave us this promise:
15 “Although you have been forsaken and hated, with no one traveling through, I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations. 16 You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts. Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, and the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler. 18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
-Isaiah 60:15-18 (NIV)
The very heart of JIL Oakville is to lift up the name of Jesus alone. It’s been a prayer of JIL Oakville to have our own place since 2010.
God is faithful to His promises now he’s given us a place where we can worship Him in spirit and in truth. In this place he settled his people with peace and joy.
