by Bong Magno
What an awesome 5 year journey with God! The adage that “Time flies when you’re having fun,” is so true for Good Shepherd Community Church. So many developments and events have happened which, if chronicled, would reveal the wonders of God’s amazing grace and plan for His people.
During the early years, this fledging church faced many trials and challenges. The Board of Elders would not have triumphed if not for the love and prayers of the members. One of the first ministries organized, the Friday Night Evening Watch was established to pray unceasingly and intercede for the leaders, members and activities of the church. To this day, this group of prayer warriors remains as a vital part of the church and is critical in discerning and following God’s plan for GSCC.
Another Ministry that has kept us through the years is the Praise and Worship Team. I recall one Sunday, when the team led the closing hymn “To God Be the Glory.” The members in such state of worship and was so moved by the song that tears welled in their eyes. I had no doubt that His Spirit filled the place at that moment, as I looked at my wife, she too had tears in her eyes. We both smiled at each other knowing that we had just felt God’s presence. God has blessed us with a Praise and Worship team which, since the beginning, has been at the forefront of bringing us closer to Him during Sunday service.
In the last five years, GSCC has sponsored occasions to bring members closer to Christ and invite others to come to Him. During these occasions, committed members quietly worked behind the scenes, voluntarily assuming needed tasks, generously sharing time and resources, praying for the success of the events. They have done and have been doing this without fanfare, without waiting for recognition but out of love. The spiritual growth we are experiencing through the years among our members shows God is at work in this church.
Every year, GSCC has celebrated Christmas and Easter with concert-play presentations where the GSCC Choir and the J-Youth Band have showcased and further honed their gifts of talents for God’s glory. They have likewise calendared special occasions such as Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and recently Grandparents Day, not only to honor parents and grandparents but to impress upon members, the youth in particular, the essence of a family united with God as center of their relationship. These occasions have also brought out the incredible talents of members such as the 18 Thoughts, a group of young girls who minister to their age group through music. In just recent months a new group of older adults has emerged, endearingly known as “Happy Hearts”. They have dedicated themselves to praying for the leaders of the church.
Since the beginning, church leadership has implemented strategies to carry out its mission. Sunday school, seminars and other trainings for the youth, young adults and adults have enhanced their knowledge of God’s word, preparing them for leadership in the ministries, and equipping them with skills in teaching the bible. Small Groups organized in different places are dedicated to the study of the bible and continue to promote love and unity among members.
Another event that takes place every year is the annual family camp. This a very special event, where members recharge, know each other intimately and find joy together at work, play and in Christian worship. In these family camps, God has worked miracles that have strengthened the foundation of the church, renewed family ties and lately primed the J-YA and J-Youth for GSCC’s larger mission in the future.
We may not know what God has in store for GSCC in the years to come. Yet as long as its leaders remain worthy shepherds and faithfully adhere to the leadership standards of the Good Shepherd in leading the flock, God will continue to partner with this church and use its members as His mouth, hands and feet in establishing His kingdom in the hearts of men . God bless.
