ECPM

2009-05-07T23:19:00.021+08:00

People would always think of sunsets as a signal that ends the day. And usually, everyone would look forward to the beauty of what sunrise brings. I think otherwise. Sunsets for me mean the start of something new it doesn’t always mean the end. It signals that after a period of rest, a new day will come that brings new challenges, new opportunities and a reminder of hope and God’s deliverance through the night.

It is summertime in the Philippines, and it is when the sun shines the hottest. It usually begins in the month of March each year, which is also the end of academic calendars in major educational institutions in the country – thus graduation happens.

Linao Team Graduates. Incidentally, the church planting team in Linao just graduated and ending their two-year church planting training with ECPM was a recognition ceremony held together with CTC graduation in Brooke’s Point Palawan last May 1. This may be a time of moving up or going forward for the new congregation in Linao, it has shown the wonders the Lord has done in this area. We in ECPM are more in awe seeing right before our very eyes how despite struggles, health problems and other trials, the Lord is really keen in watching and carrying the team making everything possible for them. Ronnie had his last module last February though he was still grieving because of the demise of the former member of the team, Vivencia Amoto. He is contemplating on whether to stay in Linao after the training. (Read more on how God is guiding the team in Linao)

Aborlan Campus Ministry Recognition. After a year of campus training, the Aborlan (Palawan) Youth Campus Leaders also had their recognition day alongside the graduation of Linao church planting team last May 1. This is a different campus ministry since this is the strategy in the approach of church planting of the Aborlan Church Planting Team. We at ECPM and those in Palawan are amazed of God’s wonderful ways for this team. During the Christian Training Center Camp graduation at Brooke’s Point, we witnessed new believers testify of how the Lord changed their lives through the campus ministry in Aborlan. What we all did to put this together is n-o-t-h-i-n-g compared to how the Lord transform the lives of young people and make them feel His great love. We are truly in awe! (Read more about the transformed lives of young people in Aborlan)

Bentat Cariz’ (Bintat Cariz) Tribal School. Named Bintat Karis Iskula’t Palawan, teacher’s Anna Pearl and Analisa uses the ACE curriculum for education and were able to hold their first recognition day last March. 18 students ranging from 5-14 years old expressed during that day what they all dream to be when they grow up. It gave hope to their parents who were as well impressed by how these kids are starting to read and write. Through this tribal school in bintat kariz not only did Job & Anna, Jacob & Analisa discover more about the Palawano culture in this area but they saw God’s way of empowering them to contextualize the lessons that the kids up this mountain may very well understand. (read more of God’s provision through “Jacob’s well” in Bintat)

Ibaan Team’s New Church – the structure & the people. The team had finally started building their bamboo-structured chapel in Panghayaan where they hold their worship services and most of their fellowships and other activities. The couple (Allan & Cora) reported what God is doing in Panghayaan after their 5th module at the ECPM office last February 20 – 21. The Lord has used them through their bible studies where many neighbors and friends were able to hear the gospel and with the community school recognizing them doing as such. The team has helped the community in relationship issues and has held a valentines fellowship where they showed a Christian film about husbands & wives. As a result, two live-in couples are scheduled to be married this May. They were able to establish four cell groups and each of them holds individual Bible Studies, and it is wonderful to know that last April 20 new believers were baptized and what’s more is that God has entrusted upon them even more persons to disciple. (read more about people coming to the Lord in Panghayaan)

Guinsorongan Team’s Going go! go! The team praises the Lord for giving them more people to minister to. The number of children who attended their Bible class is increasing as well as those attending the youth fellowship. Their high school student contacts are also inviting friends to join their regular fellowship. They have full-pack regular Bible Studies and they don’t only reach out to the young people but the Lord has been guiding them as they reach out too to couples and families. They are now planning to reach more families in the area not just for establishing values but to help them have a meaningful relationship with the Lord. The Lord is truly gracious with all these and He has blessed the team as well with supporting seminars that can help them more in contextualizing their approach for the community in Guinsorongan by addressing their needs. They were even allowed by the Barangay Captain to hold computer tutorials and the team sees this as a very great opportunity to bring more people to Christ. (read more about God’s blessing upon the team and their Bible Study schedules)

Himamaylan Team jumps up through the hurdles. The couple praises the Lord for sustaining them in the ministry in spite of the many problems and challenges that they’ve faced. During the regular visit of ECPM staff, Brother Vic was able to identify other important areas that the couple needs to be enhanced with, yet he saw their commitment and willingness to be trained more to be able to help in the kingdom building and help in bringing more souls to the Lord. Pray for the couple that they experience joy in serving and that their passion in the ministry increase. (read more on how God can use you to pray for the Himamaylan team)

2008-06-10T12:44:00.005+08:00

These past few months ECPM have been busy visiting church planting sites all over the Philippines. Even YMC staff has been very helpful in providing care and counsel for the teams aside from conducting their regular training modules. One of the major areas the training team would like to enhance is the pastoral care program for the church planters.

Visiting them, as testified by the team has proved to be really helpful in encouraging them as they do their mission work. There are pressures, there are technical stuff to do and there are objectives and time lines to beat, but behind all this, the personal lives and daily journeys of the church planters are also needed to be given attention. After all, their well being is still a valuable part of the whole process of church planting.

Our visit, together with the training module of the Himamaylan team held in Iloilo, was a great time for sharing visions and talking about areas where the team needs help. The module being held away from their church planting site was a breather for them in some way. (read more)

The visit to the Salipsip team gave opportunity to ECPM & YMC staff join them in their bible study groups and listen to the stories of the team, and hearing how we can pray for their objectives, in a way relaxing them a bit from the many tasks they are to accomplish. (read more)

Meriam, a church planter in Catbalogan was very pleased during the visit being the only woman in the team together with her husband. She said that the mere fact that there are pastoral care persons that will listen to their stories and spend time with them have encouraged them a lot as they go through their day to day lives. (read more)

There are more doors opening for ECPM but we don’t consider it as our own effort but the product of God’s grace and power. We don’t have anything to boast but we are very grateful for the partnership people around the world and in the Philippines have shared with ECPM. As our partners, please continue to pray for us in all aspects. We may never be perfect servants but we are assured of God’s continuous moulding in our lives and in how we do our ministry. Please do read our director’s prayer letter so you may be more updated on how you can pray more for us.
Thank You dear partners for keeping us in prayer and that the Lord may truly uphold us as we continue the journey the He has called us to do.

Posted by:

Ella Abigail Santos for ECPM - YMC

Welcoming the New Year...

2008-01-04T20:10:00.000+08:00

2007, and all that happened that year is now in the past. Yet the Lord uses each past, each event, each trial, each stumbling block, even mistakes to create new learning and realizations that will keep us growing, and developing enabling us to strive harder to live up to ECPM’s vision. Yet, all we could do is sow, but the harvest still belongs to the Lord.

2007 ended with a bang for YMC… the first ever mission congress proved to be ONE BIG STEP for YMC. Delegates from different churches all over the Philippines, said that this is one learning event they will never forget. And the YMC staff see more opportunities looming in the corners as a product of this activity. All praises from ECPM-YMC team is for GOD ALONE!

The Campus work being done by YMC also ended with a very special EVANGELISTIC GATHERING prepared by the Tarlac Team. Despite natural disasters and other trials during that day… God showed His great power and might!

2007 ended with a new church planting team being entrusted by the Lord. We are always humbled with how He shows us that indeed the advancement of the Gospel should not be delayed… We may never know how or when, He just simply gives it in His own due time…

ECPM Board also ended the year with a change of name, refining of vision, and new reflections for the staff and the training personnel. Nothing is perfect, but we see God’s hand pick us up each time and make things new… and by His grace, better.

2007 ended with great promises from the Lord…

2008 begins with much much more…

The year started with a first module for the new church planting team – Catbalogan Team, this Jan 3 -5 hosted by Capitol Hills Christian Church (CHCC). God indeed answers prayers! When ECPM started praying for the EAST or the Samar Regions of the Philippines, with much prodding from GLO-Australia, God never failed to open opportunities for us.

Also, at the start of the ECPM Executive Director Elvin Buenviaje, with ECPM Admin Staff are praying to create a series of seminars and trainings that will be given to those who are seeking to learn and know more but aren’t reached. This feat started with a parenting seminar by Elvin B. held at the Morong National High School last December. We see this also as a way, not only to empower Christians but also to reach those in the community.

Church Planting Cycles and Trainings will be developed as we further see the needs of each team per Church Planting Site.

YMC Ministries will also be developing this year. Campus Trainings will continually be modified to cater to the contextualized needs per campus area. YMC Staff are also praying to be able to hold a fundraising event for YMC Camps.

ECPM is hopeful this coming year. Each year proves to be as amazing as the other, trials and joys altogether. Through it all, only GOD can make this possible for ECPM and YMC. Only God could turn untoward circumstances into good ones and only God could give us reflections through our ECPM’s journey.

Take time to read our executive director’s PRAYER LETTER to see more how you could pray for ECMP & YMC.

Thank you dear partner, selfless supporter, and prayer warrior. You have played a big part and have allowed the Lord to use you for us in so many ways. Through you ECPM & YMC have grown and will continue to learn along the way.

Hailing From the South...

2007-09-24T16:35:00.000+08:00

ECPM teams are on the move right now down South. And not far away is the new church planting team at Ibaan, Batangas. Located at the CALABARZON* region of the Philippines, the area boasts of good Lomi(egg noodles - you should try this when you go to Lipa or Ibaan!), friendly people & there’s more to find in Batangas. It’s barely 2 months since the team started and they’ve gone out of their way to get to know the community. Their skills in business, teaching, reflexology & knowledge in herbal plants are being used as their tools in getting to know the people. Sounds interesting eh? …(Ibaan Team Profile)

Elvin, Wilson & Vic Enriquez (of Taytay Christian Church), recently had a trip to Himamaylan, Negros Occidental. Located at the WESTERN VISAYAS region of the Philippines, one food you must try is the Piyaya. This is very famous in the area. The team just had their first module last Sept. 17-21. Let’s start praying for this land soon to be conquered by the Lord. (Himamaylan Team Profile)

Read about a miracle story in the lives of church planters Nilo & Homer of Polillo Island together with Pastor Gerry from the partnering church. See how your prayer works for them in any instance of trials & troubles... (read Saved in Bordeos)

“Pag sira na ang toothbrush at walang pera pambili ng bago, paano na?” (if your toothbrush is worn out and you have no money to buy a new one, what will you do?) This was a question posed during the Health Seminar in Linao Community in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.(MIMAROPA REGION*) The Espinola family carefully taught a very practical way in answering this question. They even taught an alternative for toothpaste. That is very helpful with the situation of the community in Linao. The community raised very interesting question about the topics in the health seminar and it helped them understand some hygiene issues especially about toxic wastes. (read Linao health seminar)

But a day before that, it was a very interesting night for a film showing. Classic films like peace child & “hinugot sa dilim” opened the eyes of the natives who attended. Some parts of the hinugot sa dilim film were applicable because of the some practices in the area. Brother Job Lagrada, a missionary in Palawan, and knows the Palawanos very well gave a short explanation after the movie and Brother Popoy, a church planter in Bentat, gave a message in between films.

We have more than praises and thanks for how the Lord is guiding the campus ministry team in Palawan. They have had 5 fellowships, held every Sunday afternoon just before their worship service in Puerto Prinsesa. The 6 Youth Campus Leaders, together with their 8 Core Group Leaders, are now gathering their contacts – students and board mates- establishing relationship with them as the team starts to plan for their Evangelistic Gathering this coming November. (See Pictures)

The first ever Youth Missions Congress 2007 is just less than three months away and we are calling Church Youth Leaders or Sunday School Teachers to attend this event. This is your opportunity to see the calling for mission for your whole congregation by starting to inculcate the passion in your youth curriculum. This will also help you channel the passion to your church leaders. Be challenged… to MOVE! WITH THE BODY!

notes:

* CALABARZON - Region IVa - CAvite,LAguna, BAtangas, Rizal, QueZON

* MIMAROPA - Region IVb - MIndoro, MArinduque, ROmblon, PAlawan

Empowered Christians in Partnership & Ministries (ECPM)

2007-08-24T13:25:00.000+08:00

Through all these years, God has geared ECPM to different heights. There were things we have to learn along the way and we saw areas for development and change. But what is amazing is how the Lord continued to give us opportunities of being key players in the kingdom building.

Our New Name: More from God!

ECPM has a new name… though trials and obstacles come along the way, we saw the Lord entrusting more areas of ministries for us. ECPM started focusing in Church Planting ministry through partnership with the local churches in the Philippines. But some years later, we saw the need for training not just in church planting but evangelism in the church (E-Train), Community Development (integrated curriculum for church training modules), Youth’s part as Mission Movers (YMC) and in the campus or university as well (Campus Ministry). All of which are now being done with the main thrust of PARTNERSHIP still in the center. Though church planting is still the main ministry of ECPM, we saw the need to do more. This led the ECPM team to improve our name… and for us, it is not just another technical thing of changing the name but a very meaningful step of committing more for God’s glory. It didn’t happen overnight but it was days, and years of realizations and passion of stepping up and taking more of our crosses just to follow Christ.

Our New Logo: Moving up!

Our new logo signifies ECPM’s core value of Partnership and dependence on God in everything. Partnership with other churches, and of course with the Lord, that we may preach together the glory of His name. The different colors of the weaves represent the varied ministries ECPM is and will be acting upon. The upward direction of the weaves shows the building movement. Still focusing on church planting, the logo represents the idea of the development and growth of churches.

Elvin’s Prayer Letter…

Thanks so much for being our partners in praying for the health of the ECPM staff specially brother Elvin (ECPM’s Exec. Director). An update about him could be read in our PRAYER LIST please take time to read it.

NEW CHURCH PLANTING SITES!

God entrusted two new church planting sites for ECPM.
* Ibaan, Batangas
* Negros Occidental

The team in Ibaan, Batangas has started their first module last Aug. 7 – 10 with Wilson Tayaban & Dado Alcala. This coming Sept. 14, they will be having their on-site module with Elvin, Ellen & Ella.

Please pray for the new church planting sites and the other sites ECPM has been praying for.

HEALTH EDUCATION IN LINAO!
This coming Sept.3, Espinola Family from Sumapa Christian Church will be going to Linao Church Planting Site to help the team in the community. This family of nurses will be teaching the community practical steps in hygiene and sanitation and other health precautions adaptable to their culture, availability of resources and others.

Please pray for Espinola family, the community in Linao, ECPM and our partners in Palawan for this feat. May we all help the community in one way or another.

CAMPUS UPDATES!

Please pray for the campus ministry teams in Palawan and Tarlac. They are both handling fellowships with their possible Core Group Leaders (CGLs) and building relationships with possible contacts in the campus. Soon, they will be starting their planning for their evangelistic gathering.

Thank you very much for always including us

in your prayers... God bless you more!

Different Battlefields...

2007-07-06T10:29:00.000+08:00

Mission is not confined to the concept of Christians going to unreached places within a country or where oppression is prevalent or going out and going cross-cultural. The campus is also a mission field. It could also be an unreached place. It is a place where peer pressure and oppression could also be seen. It is a place where the enemy strikes in different aspects luring each student to his side. And Christians studying in the campus are all considered prime movers in the campus as well. Some youth leaders were called to stand out and act within this battlefield.

ECPM –YMC presently have two campus ministry teams. One down southwest, in Puerto Prinsesa Palawan, and the other up North, in Tarlac. Both teams are seen to have the zealousness to minister in their battlefields… the campus. It is amazing to see young people offering their time and energy for this cause despite the requirements they have in school. They are individuals who in their own way wanted to take part in the building of God’s kingdom. (read more...)

A Prayer Request

Please do pray for Palawan Campus Ministry Team for they will have their first fellowship with the possible core group leaders this coming sunday. Entitled Kita Kits! they pray to establish a good relationship with other christians in the campus.

Church Planting Teams...

The community as well is a mission field. How you create an impact within the community you’re in is part of sharing the word of God. Sometimes we see their needs and we never do anything. As Christians, without directly speaking, our actions in society manifest the love of Christ in us. And this is one way of creating a transformation within the community.

The church planting team in Linao, Ipilan Brooke’s Point in Palawan, is currently praying to act in their community. They have expressed the most urgent needs in the area and ECPM, with the help of Christians supporting them, is in the process of helping the team respond to these in any way they could. (read more)

The Polillo Team also just had their fourth module. Please pray for them because they have goals set this July until September. They will be doing big steps for the bible studies that will bring the contacts to a new level of relationship with God. (read more)

Watch out for HARVEST: ECPM Newsletter! If you are not in the mailing list and would want to receive the newsletter in print, please do send us through e-mail your interest of receiving one including your mailing details. HARVEST is sent out for free.

Thanks so much for all your support, time and love. God bless you!!!

_____________________________________________________

"For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

"But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great."

(Luke 6:42-45, 49 NASB)

New Heights for the Last Frontier!

2007-05-28T16:46:00.000+08:00

Last May 6, 2007, 1:30 pm, amidst raindrops, churches in Palawan and the ECPM staff witnessed another amazing product of God’s power. The church planting team in Bentat Cariz graduated after two years of committing their selves in ministering to the palawano tribes in Bentat Cariz, Rizal, Palawan.(read more…)

After the graduation, Elvin & Wilson went on to Ipilan for the 2nd training Module of the Linao Team. It was held in Maasin, Ipilan.(read more…)

While Ellen & Ella headed to the campsite in Labog to join a team of young people, specifically the members of the YMC Campus Ministry Team for a missionary expedition up the mountains of Palawan visiting tribal churches. It was a good team activity which will be beneficial for the Campus Ministry Team’s relationship with each other and with the coordinator, Ella. After their descent from the mountains, still with strength, they had their first training module at Brooke’s Point.(read more…)

We are thanking the Lord for the continuous recovery of ECPM Director, Elvin Buenviaje. It taught us how to depend more on God than on ourselves and we saw all the more the unity, love and togetherness the Lord gave to ECPM staff and board members. Read more from Brother Elvin in our Prayer List. (Read more…)

Wilson is presently in Polillo Island for pastoral care of the Polillo team and at the same time visit the Vacation Bible School being held in Salipsip. It was initiated by the young people from Floodway Christian Church in Rizal, and they also served as teachers. Please help us pray as they reach out for the kids and eventually the parents in Salipsip, both for evangelism and discipleship.

In all these things, we have the Lord to thank. Everything is because of HIS great power and love. We have had our trials, tears and joy through it all, but if not for the Lord, nothing will be possible. All glory and honor to our Lord!

New Church Planting Site in Palawan!

2007-04-26T17:47:00.000+08:00

God has given us a new church planting site in Linao, Ipilan Brooke's Point Palawan. A team of four are currently establishing their home bases in Linao. Please join us in prayer as they will be having their second module on May 7. Please Visit our Links to know more about them.

Also on May 6, the team in Benta't Cariz, Palawan will be graduating. Two years of hard work and grace from God! Please pray for the

new congregation.(visit Church Planting Sites Link)

Not only in church planting is the Lord blessing us but in the youth area as well. We thank God for the many christians all over the world who supported the campus ministry in University of Morong System, Morong, Rizal. The school year ended with the team able to gather new contacts in the university.(visit YMC Link)

God is gracious for giving us a new campus ministry team in Palawan. Brothers and sisters, we need your prayers.

We are so thankful to the Lord as well for brother Elvin's continuous recovery and He is now able to travel. Much gratitude also for how the Lord is taking care of the ECPM staff in all aspect.Please read our updates and continue upholding us in prayers, love and support.

May God bless you more!

Welcome - Mabuhay!

2007-04-24T11:32:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Emmaus Church Planting Ministry's Web blog!

we will be posting here updates and other important items...

we are currently under construction... we are sorry for the inconvenience.

for the meantime please visit www.ecpmymc.blogspot.com

GOD BLESS