Not only did a simple idea reach numbers of organizations, it caught the attention to fill a greater influx of donations within the SJBCI Witness Ministry, who have taken over administration responsibilities, and thus naming October’s project, “Operation Manila.” 

Operation Manila is now responsible for communicating with other organizations/ individuals on how to efficiently transport donations immediately for distribution to the affected areas. 

Oct.3, members of the Witness Mins., WMU, and Young Believers gathered to help collect, sort, and store all the donated items.  The heart-willed work was efficient and joyful, not even chore-like.  Indeed, it was a really blessed time, despite the long day.  We’re really thankful, not only for those that donated material goods, but also those who responded to physically toil for this relief effort.  What we go through to help is nothing compared to the victims who suffered great loss.  The partnership with those who generously donated was a humbling experience and encouragement.

Truly, “greater things have yet to come and greater things have yet to be done” in Manila.  God’s work continues to shake the hearts of the people, to change their hearts to His, and help.  Despite the calamity, God is still with His people.  We are His hands, and we hope people will continue to be moved to help. 

We are praying for you, Philippines.

We praise God for the feeding of the homeless and bible track distribution in the 69Th station
Upper Darby.

We were able to distribute more than 500 bible tracks in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
We provided food such as ice tea,ravioli,cookies and sandwiches, not only to the homeless but anybody who are hungry or thirsty.

Eight women (including three children) and 3 men were involved in this ministry. We will do this again on May 17 if anyone is interested to join.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

[pictures are available for viewing in the www.SJBCI.org Photo Gallery.]

Saturday, March 14, 2009, was a very memorable day. With an abundance of touching prayers, there were teardrops, testimonies, and praise and worship.  Maila and Hannah sang very appropriate songs for the gathering. “In Times Like These,” sang by one of the guests, really made people appreciate the song, conveying that “in times like these we need a Savior, in times like these we need a bible, and make sure your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.”

There was a misconception of why we were having this prayer rally. Some thought that were trying to bring revival that very day, but it simply doesn’t happen overnight. Revival is God sent. We were simply trying to accomplish seeking His face and praying that God will send revival to us in our present generation or the generation to come.  Pastor Serna mentioned praying for eleven months for the cleansing of his church, and God responded to his prayers. That brings me back to my readings regarding revival; C.H. Spurgeon had 700 people praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit before the service started and he called them the “church heating plant.” Also, D.L. Moody came to London in 1872 because of an invalid lady had been praying for two years for him to come to her church. Revival lasted 10 days, resulting in the conversion of 400 people.

I firmly believe there is power in praying.  If God responded to your prayers right away, you are blessed by His sovereign power. If God didn’t responded to your prayer, continue to pray and ask God to strengthen the level of our determination to pray not for your own salvation, but for the salvation of the multitude.  Remember, God always answers prayers. He may not respond when we want Him to, but He is always right on time.

We invited other churches to join us in our prayer rally, and because of that united prayer, we can ask God to move from the comfort of His throne. Hopefully, He’s watching us and whispering to our ears at this very moment as if He is saying, “okay, you got Me listening, pray more and make me a believer in your heart.” Cry for revival. And let not us forget God called us to pray, which is our higher calling.

** For the complete album, visit our Photo Gallery under RESOURCES, or click here.