Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines

PREACH THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL

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PREACH THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL

Foursquare we stand for the living word, For the word of God
Telling to all the story of Jesus, stem of Jesse’s rod
Man of sorrow and of grief, dying on the tree
Mighty Redeemer glorious Saviour, Jesus of Calvary

Preach the Foursquare Gospel, The Foursquare Gospel
Clear let the Foursquare message ring (Let it ring)
Jesus only Saviour, Baptizer and Healer, Jesus the coming King

Unfurl your banners and forward go, Oh ye ransomed host
Trusting in Jesus Mighty Baptizer, With the Holy Ghost
Lion of Judah, King of kings, Lord of lords is he
Clothing His Church with power to witness, Leading to Victory

Catch up your shield oh ye living Church, Christ of Galilee
Bore all our sickness, carried our sorrows, Set the prisoners free
Lift the fallen, help the faint, dry the weeping eyes,
Come bring your sickness To thy physician, for He’s passing-by

Lift your eyes, then unto the hills. Lift your voice and sing
The cloud of heavens aflame with glory, greet the coming King
Swift as wings of eagle’s flight, Shall He come again
Clad in His glory, and robbed in honor, And with his saints shall reign.

Preach the Foursquare Gospel, The Foursquare Gospel
Clear let the Foursquare message ring (Let it ring)
Jesus only Saviour, Baptizer and Healer, Jesus the coming King

NORPHIL FOURSQUARE BIBLE COLLEGE

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NORPHIL FOURSQUARE BIBLE COLLEGE

Address: 392 Tacay Road, Pinsao, 2600 Baguio City

Foursquare Connection 2012 Schedule

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DAY 1 – Monday, May 30 Schedule

8:00 am - 8:00 pm		Registration
2:15 pm - 4:30 pm		Executive Council Meeting
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm		Exhibits
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm		Free Time & Dinner on your own
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm		Monday Evening Session
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm		Exhibits

DAY 2 – Tuesday, May 31 Schedule

8:00 am - 12:00 pm		Registration
8:15 am - 10:45 am		Tuesday Morning Session
10:30 am - 1:00 pm		Exhibits
11:00 am - 12:30 pm		Business Meeting
12:30 pm - 2:15 pm		Lunch on your own
1:45 pm - 5:00 pm		Exhibits
2:15 pm - 4:30 pm		Business Meeting
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm		Free Time & Dinner on your own
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		Registration
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm		Exhibits
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm		Tuesday Evening Session
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm		Exhibits

DAY 3 – Wednesday, June 1 Schedule

8:00 am - 12:00 pm		Registration
8:15 am - 9:45 am		Wednesday Morning Session
10:30 am - 1:00 pm		Exhibits
10:00 am - 12:30 pm		Collaborative Learning Tracks
1:45 pm - 5:00 pm		Exhibits
2:15 pm - 4:30 pm		Collaborative Learning Tracks
4:30 pm - 7:00 pm		Free Time & Dinner on your own
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm		Exhibits
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		Registration
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm		Wednesday Evening Session
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm		Exhibits

DAY 4 – Thursday, June 2 Schedule

8:15 am - 9:45 am		Business Meeting
9:00 am - 11:00 am		Registration
10:00 am - 12:30 pm		Thursday Morning Session

Source:
http://www.foursquare.org/convention_2011/speakers

Foursquare Connection 2012 Worship Leaders

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Aaron Keyes

Aaron Keyes is the worship pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Lawrenceville, Ga., where he leads worship and mentors younger worship leaders. He has been leading worship since 1998, when he and a few friends began a weekly late-night worship service called Underground at a Christian camp in California. The meetings convened for two years and attracted hundreds of college students from across the state. His passion is to see the body of Christ come together in biblical praise. Between church life, traveling and songwriting, Aaron and his wife, Megan, are loving their lives with their three young boys and are excited about their next season of life, love and music. Aaron’s latest album is Not Guilty Anymore.

Website:
www.aaronkeyes.com

Karen Ricketts and the Sanctuary Singers

The Sanctuary Singers are serious about worshiping God—and they want to lead you into a life-changing encounter with Him. Under the leadership of Worship Pastor Karen Ricketts, a gifted musician and leader, this group uniquely blends worship music and the Word to create an atmosphere that welcomes the presence and power of God. You will not want to miss a single moment of the Sanctuary Singers’ anointed ministry.
Karen Ricketts serves as worship pastor and administrator for Family Life Fellowship in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. With more than 20 years of experience in ministry, she brings a wealth of biblical knowledge and visionary leadership to the ministries she serves. A frequent guest speaker at women’s conferences, Karen boldly empowers women to pursue their divine destinies. She also trains worship ministers, exemplifying the power of prophetic worship through the arts. Through her gifts of song and teaching the Word, she deposits what God has entrusted to her wherever she ministers across New England, the U.S. and internationally.

Twitter:
@aaronkeyes

Source:
http://www.foursquare.org/convention_2011/speakers/worship

Foursquare Connection 2012 Main Speakers

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Glenn Burris, Jr.

President Glenn Burris Jr. graduated from Mount Vernon Bible College in 1976. He served as youth pastor in Concord, N.C., for a year and, in 1977, became a senior pastor in Macon, Ga. He later pastored the Foursquare church in Cornelius, N.C., and has served as a divisional superintendent, a member of the cabinet, and a member of the board of directors where he currently serves on the Building Committee, Bylaw Committee, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, and the Pastoral Formation, Education, and Nurture Committee.

In 1992, Glenn was appointed district supervisor of the Southeast District; in 2002, he was appointed general supervisor of the U.S. national church. In September 2008, Glenn began leading The Foursquare Church as interim president for a 13-month term. He was then appointed president by the convention voting body, and began serving a five year term on Oct. 1, 2010. His passions are planting churches and caring for pastors.

Appearances:
Tuesday Morning Session

Ed Stetzer

Ed Stetzer has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia and has transitioned declining churches in Indiana and Georgia. He has trained pastors on five continents, holds two masters degrees and two doctorates, and is on the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ed's primary role is president of LifeWay Research and LifeWay's Missiologist in Residence.

Appearances:
Wednesday Morning Session

Website:
www.edstetzer.com

Twitter:
@edstetzer

Mike Kai

Mike Kai describes himself as "a regular guy aspiring to God’s greatest goals." You might see him playing a pick-up game of basketball or cheering for his kids from the sidelines, but he also is the senior pastor of a thriving church in Hawaii, Hope Chapel West Oahu (HCWO). Mike replanted an existing church in 2001 to reach the 110,000 people who live within a three-mile radius of HCWO. Previously he was youth pastor at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay, serving under pastor Ralph Moore. A native of the Big Island of Hawaii, Mike also speaks frequently on the West Coast to youth and young adults, acting on his passion to make disciples. Mike and his wife, Lisa, have three beautiful daughters.

Appearances:
Thursday Morning Session

Website:
www.hopechapel-westoahu.org

Twitter:
@Mike_Kai

Daniel Prieto

Daniel Prieto leads The Visión Alcance 2020 of Compañerismo Cristiano and the Hispanic ministry of the Gateway District of The Foursquare Church. He is also the founder and president of Conexión Pastoral, a ministry that aids, equips and cares for pastors, their families and their ministries by providing companionship, assistance, resources and training. In 2007 he began Compañerismo Cristiano church in San Antonio, and for 17 years, beginning in 1991, he pastored Compañerismo Cristiano Foursquare Church in Downey, Calif. Under Daniel's leadership and ministry, the Downey church grew to more than 1,000 members and planted churches in California, Arizona and Texas. Daniel is an author and holds several academic degrees, including a master’s in religion from Azusa Pacific University.

Appearances:
Thursday Morning Session

Jon Tyson

Jon Tyson is the lead pastor of Trinity Grace Church, which has five churches in New York City. Originally from Australia, Jon moved to the United States fourteen years ago with a passion to understand and help work out the future of the Western Church. He lives, works, and serves in one of the largest cultural and missionary contexts of the world—the global city. Jon is also on the board of City Collective, a network of incarnational churches committed to multiplying missional church networks in the urban centers of the world. Jon lives in Manhattan with his wife, Christy, and their two children. You can see more about their church at www.trinitygracechurch.com and the network at www.citycollective.org.

Appearances:
Monday Evening Session

Website:
trinitygracechurch.com

Twitter:
@JonTyson

Leslie Keegel

Leslie Keegel is the National Leader of The Foursquare Church Sri Lanka and founder-president of Colombo, Sri Lanka's LIFE Bible Institute, which has more than 1,000 students in training. Under his leadership, the number of Foursquare churches in Sri Lanka grew from two in 1983 to more than 1,700 meeting places today, and Foursquare Sri Lanka has become a missionary-sending organization to India, the Middle East, Europe and other locations. Leslie is also the chairman of the Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches, a fellowship in the Asia-Pacific Region that covers more than 30 nations and represents 26,000 churches. Leslie and his wife, Belen, have three daughters and pastor Living Way Church in Colombo, the headquarters of The Foursquare Church in Sri Lanka.

Appearances:
Tuesday Evening Session

Ted Vail

Ted Vail is the Foursquare Missions International regional coordinator for North America and the Caribbean. He also has served as senior pastor of Summit Foursquare Church in Longmont, Colo., since 2005. Prior to the district consolidation in 2009, he was the superintendent of Hispanic churches for the Rocky Mountain District. Ted has a Master of Arts degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Dawn, have three children.

Appearances:
Thursday Morning Session

Rick Bezet

Rick Bezet is the founder and lead pastor of New Life Church in Conway, Arkansas. A former professional golfer, Rick set aside his career in golf to move his family and follow God's call to start the church in 2001. Today, New Life is a growing church with seven campuses and 18 services. Rick is one of the founding pastors of the Association of Related Churches, or ARC, an organization designed to plant churches and impact the world through missions. Currently ARC has planted almost 100 churches. Its DNA is relationship, and Rick speaks across the country and internationally, sharing his passion and vision for church planting and leadership. He and his wife, Michelle, have four teenage children.

Appearances:
Wednesday Evening Session

Website:
www.newlifechurch.tv

Twitter:
@rick_bezet

Kelly Tshibaka

Kelly Tshibaka co-planted and co-pastors Mount Vernon Foursquare Fellowship near Washington, D.C., with her husband, Niki. She is co-author of The Problem With the Problem With Women in Ministry Leadership and serves as co-director of the Women in Ministry Leadership team for the Mid-Atlantic District. With her husband, she leads Kingdom Ways & Means Conferences for emerging Foursquare leaders, seeking to identify, mobilize, equip and send out harvest laborers. Her passion for discipleship and leadership development is especially related to church multiplication and women in ministry. Kelly has a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and also works full time as an attorney. The couple have four children, including one who is in heaven.

Appearances:
Thursday Morning Session

Website:
www.mountvernonfoursquare.org

A.J. Swoboda

A.J. Swoboda, with his wife, Quinn, serves Theophilus, a Foursquare church they planted in the Hawthorne district of Portland, Oregon. A.J. is also a professor of biblical studies, theology and church history at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Life Pacific College (also known as LIFE Bible College), Canby Bible College, Eternity Bible College and Concordia University. His doctorate is on the never-ending relationship between the Holy Spirit and ecology. This fall his new book, Spirit Over Chaos: Finding God in the Mess of Christianity, is scheduled to release from Kregel. A.J. writes, wails on the guitar, runs (on treadmills), plays Risk, reads and relishes movies with Kevin Spacey.

Appearances:
Tuesday Morning Session

Twitter:
@mrajswoboda

Source:

http://www.foursquare.org/convention_2011/speakers

The Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Sri Lanka

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PRESENT LEADERSHIP

President:	Rev. Dr. Leslie W. Keegel
Vice President / General Supervisor:	Rev.S.George Niranjan
Provincial Supervisors
Western:	Rev.D.Kumarawansa
North Western & North Central:	Rev.Sumith Pinto
Uva:	Rev.M.Rajalingam
Central:	Rev.D.G.W.Jayalath
Southern:	Rev.Harim Peiris
Sabaragamuwa:	Rev.G.Jesurasa

MISSIONARIES

1. Surekha & Chrishani Hulugalla - London ,United KIngdom
2. Theo & Manju Nayagam - New Zealand

3. Robin & Rebecca John - New Zealand

4. Lanil & Ingrid Gunasekara - Sydney Australia

5. Asanka & Shermi Hewawasam - Melbourn ,Australia

6. Segar & Premila Nathen - Madras, India

Indian Mission:There are more than 180,000 Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu, South India. This mission began in June 2008 among the refugees when the Foursquare Church sent Rev.Segar & his wife as missionaries to this displaced Sri Lankans. . Currently Rev.Segar had started 11 meeting places in 6 districts out of 30 districts in Tamil Nadu state, with 250 people accepting the Lord, & training 7 for the ministry.

Erode District	Bawani Sagar, Arachaloor
Madurai District	Manamadurai
Madras District	Pandicheri, Valasarawakkam
Thirunellveli District	Kalliyakavalli, Maruthandam, Nagar Kovil, Thirunellveli
Kanniyakumari District	Kanniyakumari
Vellore District	Amboor
Coiyambatroe District	Thirumoorthimala

STATUS OF THE CHURCH

No. of churches & Meeting Places	15021
Memebrship	17200
No. of Workers	452
Bible Institute	1
Extention Institiutes	40
No of Missionaries Sent	6 (Australia 3, New Zealand 1 ,England 1, India 1)
Projects:- Orphananges - 4 ( Wattala, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Vavuniya) Transit Home for widows - 1 ( Valaichenai) School for Children with special Needs - 1 ( Vavuniya) Elders Home - 1 (Wattala) Foster Parenting - currently supporting 600 Tsunami & war affected Children

HISTORY OF THE FOURSQUARE CHURCH, SRI LANKA

Richard and Betty Kiser came to Sri Lanka from a Foursquare Church in Indiana, USA, during the mid 1970’s. Their original plan was to live in India and oversee their bookshop in Orissa. However, as they were refused visas to live in India they decided to live in Sri Lanka by securing a guest residence visa. They made friends fairly quickly with Christians and churches as they moved around from church to church. During this time, they met Leslie Keegel a young man who was pioneering a church in Kelaniya and training to be an accountant. The Kisers developed a closer relationship with this young man, who was to have a great impact on the Foursquare Church in Sri Lanka. Several weeks later, while having dinner with the Kisers at their home, Leslie was drawn to this couple’s bookshelf. As he scanned through the titles one book particularly caught his attention because of its odd title,This is That. The woman on the cover – Aimee Semple McPherson – and the talk about a Foursquare Church intrigued the young pastor so he borrowed the book. After reading it from cover to cover five times Leslie said to himself, “One day I must become a part of the Foursquare Church.”

After associating with the Kisers for 4 years 1974 – 1978, Leslie went to Bangalore for training in an Assembly of God Bible College. Just as Leslie was leaving for Bible College Richard Kiser told him that if Leslie would decide to join a Foursquare Bible College someday, he would most gladly recommend him to a Bible College in the Philippines. In September of 1978, God through a vision spoke to Leslie, that He is calling him to be trained in a Foursquare Bible College, and he eventually would establish Foursquare Churches in Sri Lanka. He therefore immediately contacted Richard Kiser and requested him to send him the address of a Foursquare Bible College in the Philippines. Upon receipt of this address Leslie wrote to Rev. Philip Starr who was the General Supervisor of the Foursquare churches in the Philippines. On the recommendation of the Kisers, Foursquare Missions International accepted Leslie as a pastor in training and sent him to the Philippines in May 1979. In the meantime the Kisers were asked to serve as Foursquare Missionaries in Sri Lanka. The Kisers returned to the United States to be ordained at the International Convention in April 1979. Then, after a brief exposure to the successful work in the Philippines, the Kisers returned to Sri Lanka in October 1979 and the Foursquare Ministry was officially started. For the next three and a half years the Kisers led the work establishing three churches and gathering together nineteen workers.

In 1981 Leslie Keegel returned to Sri Lanka from the Philippines with a Bachelor's Degree from the Foursquare Bible College and a new bride, Belen. Although better opportunities were offered, the Keegels began to pioneer in the slums of Colombo.

For one week Leslie made prayer walks through this area teaming with Prostitutes, drug addicts and Pickpockets. During the second week he took some Gospel tracts and looked for people to give them to - people who wouldn't get angry at him for giving a tract.

At one point a man approached him and said, "Pastor, do you remember me?" Leslie replied that he didn't and so the man explained, "Remember that I came to your house five years ago with my Auntie? I was totally deaf and dumb but you prayed for me and when I went home I was instantly healed. " The man had never returned to Leslie because at the time of the healing he had no interest in becoming a Christian. Now, after hearing that Leslie was planting a church, the man eagerly asked, "Can I be your first member?" After this the two met together daily under a lamppost where Pas tor Leslie read the Bible to this illiterate man and they discussed the ways of the Lord. Instead of leaving for a job in the Middle East the man chose to stay, ex plaining. "It is more important for me to stay and learn the Bible and start the church with you."

God's hand was on the ministry and many miracles took place. On one occasion Leslie's friend woke him as the pastor slept on a Saturday morning. "Can you come to pray for a child who is dying?" After walking and riding the buses to where the child was, the two came to a house full of people. Not know ing what was happening, Pastor Leslie walked over to the child, picked it up and began to pray for it. The child then sneezed and started crying. Leslie was up set that he had made the child cry and started to apolo gize to the parents. The wide-eyed parents exclaimed, "What are you talking about? The Child was dead!”

When the Kisers returned to the U.S.A. in March 1981. Leslie Keegel was appointed as the Na tional President of the fledgling Foursquare Gospel Church in Sri Lanka.

DENOMINATIONAL ROOTS

The story of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Sri Lanka begins with the life of a woman born in Ontario, Canada in 1890 and the founding of the In ternational Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Aimee Semple McPherson was a woman anointed by God with a powerful ministry of healing and evangelism. Thousands would attend her crusade meetings at a time in history when women preachers were frowned upon. While preaching in 1922 Aimee came up with the term, "Foursquare Gospel" to describe the Gospel of Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and Soon Coming King.

As the ministry flourished, many pressed Aimee to start a denomination but she resisted this because her heart and passion were set on evange lism. However, in 1923 a huge dome-shaped church called Angelus Temple was built in Los Angeles for Aimee's meetings. LIFE Bible College was founded and those who had been trained began planting churches in southern California and up the coast of the United States. These churches wanted to unite together as a community of believers and so the In ternational Church of the Foursquare Gospel was established. Today this church family reaches into ……… Nations worldwide and has over ….. million members and adherents.

ESTABLISHING HEADQUARTERS

Even though many people came to the Lord and were baptized during the Keegel's church planted in the Colombo slums, few remained in the church. As a result the average congregation was only about eight people and the pastors monthly salary from the church was only forty-five rupees. Although sometimes de pressed and tempted to return to secular employment, Leslie remained faithful to his calling. As his house lease was about to expire, the pastor prayed and be gan to sense that God was calling him to a ministry in Nugegoda. Shortly afterwards an old classmate invited him to come to his home and begin a Bible Study - in Nugegoda. Knowing that Leslie was becoming des perate for a place to move, the friend told of a house and piece of property that was available for lease. So, on September I, 1985 they went to see the property in Nugegoda. Immediately Pastor Leslie liked the prop erty and felt that this was the place to be; the owner said, "Why don't you give us three hundred thousand rupees and we can have a long lease?" But Pastor Leslie replied that he wasn’t interested in leasing, he wanted to buy it ! The landlord offered a price of 2.5 million and Leslie countered with 1.2 million. No agreement was made but three days later the owner called for another meeting. This time the two agreed to a price of 1.7 million rupees and entered into a sale agree ment, which was to he paid by September 30.

Once at home Pastor Leslie realized what he had done -- that he had only one thousand rupees in his account -- and he began to think that he was an absolute fool. Under pressure from the deadline at the end of the month he began to fast and pray, "God, you have told me not to ask for money but to rely on you. I feel that you want this for us and so I'm trusting you to provide for us." Four days later Pastor Leslie was exhausted after a late night deliverance session and feeling terribly hungry from his fast, so he had some dinner and went to bed. The next morning during break fast a knock came at the door and the pastor became annoyed. "'These people, even on my day off they don't want to let me be." He told Latha - the woman staying with them - to answer the door and to send the person away. But when Latha answered the door a tall for eigner stood there. She shut the door and hurried back to pastor Leslie, "Pastor, Pastor, a very tall white man has come. He says he knows you and wants to talk with you." When Leslie came to the door he was shocked to see Paul Kisser, a Foursquare Pastor who is now the President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

INCORPORATION

Many had suggested that the Foursquare work in Sri Lanka should go on for at least ten years before trying to be incorporated as a denomination in Sri Lanka. However, the National President, Leslie Keegel, had strong conviction that the church should be incorporated as soon as possible. This was considered impossible by some who had declared that without a great deal of money and influence that incorporation would never happen. The first lawyer who looked at the papers saw the name of the church and laughed, "Foursquare! You are making a monkey out of the Gospel. This will never work here. Parliament will have a good laugh and throw the application away."

In spite of this opposition Leslie pressed on. Gathering copies of incorporation papers from the other churches he managed to collect enough information to come up with something that would be both Sri Lankan and Foursquare. He took his work to a lawyer who looked over the papers and said, "This is perfect, you have the legal terms and you have all of the information. I don't have to do anything." Then he charged Leslie, six hundred rupees and sent him on his way.

Next a government minister was needed to process the incorporation papers. The first minister who was approached said that he would have to consult his bishop before he would do this.

Pastor Leslie countered that he didn't consult the bishop before voting for this minister. Still the man wouldn't budge and Leslie knew that the bishop would never approve -- so he walked off. At a Bible study this matter was brought up by Pastor Leslie as a prayer need. A lady at the study told him to come with her the next day and she would take him to a minister. The minister turned out to be a Muslim man, who looked at the papers and exclaimed, "So, you think we are heathen!" Leslie didn't know what to say so he began to explain that this term wasn't meant to put anyone down, that it was just terminology used by the Americans. The minister laughed and said, "Don't worry Reverend, I was just joking. Don't call me to remind me about this matter. Give me your number and I'll call you when it is done. "Within a few months this man had completed the work and only charged the church three hundred rupees - and this money went towards the state fee for printing the papers. The minister said that he didn't want any gifts, any favours or any money. Pastor Leslie was so happy that God had led him to an honest man. The Holy Spirit moved in his heart prompted Leslie to prophesy that the minister would get a promotion. Although the minister felt that he was too young to get a promotion, four months later he was made the Deputy Minister of Finance. As a result of God opening these doors, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Sri Lanka was incorporated in 1986.

DISTRICT EXPANSION

Nuwara Eliya: In 1989,the original worker who was to be sent to Nuwara Eliya died before he was able to go. The need was desperate and so Leslie Keegel challenged for someone who would volunteer to go, at the Thanksgiving Service of the worker who died. Brother Jasonraj came forward. He went and started a ministry and brought Ganeshalingam, later the ministry grew under Ganeshalingam’s Leadership.

Kalutara: In 1988 a sister from Kalutara who was present at a meeting held at Torrington opened her house at "Lomand Estate" and the first Foursquare church in this area was planted. This work was built up by the students from our Bible School. In 1991 Rev. Kumarawansa was appointed Supervisor. Now Pastor Anjelo Pinto oversees the area.

Matale: The work started at Wattagoda Estate in 1984 by Bro. Rajamony and was later passed on to Chandranathan, who also served as Supervisor. There are 2 workers and 6 ministries now.

Trincomalee : In November 1979 Richard Kiser went to this district with the help of pastor Freeman they planted a church at Anpuvalipuram. Later Rev. D.G. Somasundram -- who was led to the Lord through the ministry of Bro. Bertram Carinader -- founded a church at Sampur area. In 1981 this work continued through Rev. T. I. Inpanathan. In 1983 Rev. Leslie held crusades and through that ministry the Palathoppur church came into being. From Palathoppur a family went over to live in Kantalai and we were able to start the Kantalai church. In Trincomalee churches were established in Trincomalee Town, Aubuidipruran, Sangamaim and China Bay. Rev. D.G. Somasundram is now serving as Regional Supervisor of the Eastern Region while Rev. T. I. Inpanathran has established himself as a full time.worker at the LIFE Bible Institute. Workers from this Province who graduated from Bible School are working in various parts of the Island.

Badulla District : In 1983 Rev. G. Jesurasa opened a ministry here. Several who were lame and a maniac received divine healing. Currently there are 44 meetings places with 16 workers and 3 volunteers with Rev. Rajalingam serving as the Regional Supervisor. From this area 5 workers have been sent to other districts.

PHENOMENAL GROWTH

During a church history research in 1989, Ranjith De Silva (former principal of Lanka Bible College) stated that the Foursquare Gospel Church was the fastest growing church in Sri Lanka. In fact, in the history of Sri Lanka no church has ever experienced the rapid rate of growth that this church has. Within twenty-five years it has grown to include: 205 pastors and workers; 432 meeting places; 8.861 members; and churches within 24 of the 25 districts of the nation.

By the time Leslie Keegel took over as the National President of the church there were 3 Foursquare Gospel Churches in Sri Lanka. In 1983, in the midst of a tense political atmosphere and rioting, Foursquare grew from 3 to 10 churches. Each year from 1983 to 1990 the number of churches doubled. This growth then stabilized for a few years as attention was focused on expanding the leadership base and solving some internal problems. In 1996, following a time of self-evaluation, fasting and prayer the growth picked up again.

One of the keys to the growth of the church has been the strategy of planting house churches. This strategy enables churches to be planted quickly because they are not dependent on finding or funding a traditional church building.

The churches are also able to meet in communities that may be resistant to a church building in their midst. Another key to growth has been God's grace in confirming the word with signs following. Each district and many of the churches have been opened as the result of someone being healed or delivered of a demon. In fact, sixty percent of the churches planted have been initiated by lay people who have often witnessed or experienced a miracle themselves. It is only later that a pastor is called to develop the work.

Because the Foursquare Gospel Church is only twenty-five years old and has grown so fast, most of the pastors and workers are quite young. Of the 205 pastors and workers, only about 15 are over forty years of age. The vast majority are in their twenties and thirties. Some may think that Foursquare must have taken many workers from other churches in order to provide leadership for so many new churches. However, about 97% of the pastors and workers are first generation Christians who have been saved and trained within the Foursquare denomination.

Although the majority of Foursquare Gospel churches in Sri Lanka serve people living in rural areas and tea plantations, ministry to a new section of society began to develop in 1989. During a flight the previous year Pastor Leslie Keegel had a dream in which three men came to talk to him. The men were well-dressed businessmen who asked, "Why haven't you come to us? Why have you only gone to the poor? We need the Gospel as well." Then in November 1989 Pastor Jack Hayford came to Sri Lanka and blessed many at a teaching seminar. One effect of this time was that the recently established Foursquare work gained credibility by being associated with such a prominent Foursquare leader. As Pastor Jack was about to leave Sri Lanka he prophesied over Leslie Keegel saying. "What does the number twelve mean to you?" Leslie replied that it was exactly 12 years since he had been called by God into ministry. Pastor Jack continued, "After twelve years you will pass a milestone in your ministry and from this point on you will see a continual rise in fruitfulness and blessing. The Foursquare movement is going to take a turn and things are going to explode in growth." The next Sunday the English congregation of eight in Nugegoda grew to forty. This congregation has now grown to become the Living Way Church -- a church which ministers to many in the business community. Because of the growth of this church and the generosity of its members, the bulk of the Foursquare work in Sri Lanka is now being raised within the nation.

Source: The Official Website of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Sri Lanka

***END HERE***

Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches

2011-12-01T12:58:00.000+08:00

The information contain in this page was taken from the official website of the Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches.

In a desire to unite the Foursquare Family in the Asia-Pacific region, a founding consultation was initiated by Foursquare Missions International in 1979 in Hong Kong led by Dr. Leland B. Edwards, then serving as ICFG Director of Foreign Missions. the small group of leaders launched the Eastern Council of Foursquare Missions, later changed to Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches. The founding member-nations were Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The Council was established "to provide for exchange of information such as leadership development, counsel and strategy; the coordination of evangelistic and missions strategy among member countries in relation to the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; the encouragement of ministry among Foursquare fields in Asia and the Pacific, and the establishing of new ministries in the region."

The following are member-countries of ECFC:

Australia
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Cambodia
Fiji
Guam
Hawaii
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
New Zealand
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Western Samoa
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Vanuata
Vietnam

Two countries are honorary members: United States of America and Canada.

Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches Conference 2012

2011-11-30T12:58:00.001+08:00

The National Flag of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

The 2012 Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches (ECFC) Conference will be held on October 2012 at Colombo City, the capital city of Sri Lanka.

The host is The Foursquare Church Sri Lanka for this conference.

National Leadership Strategy, Conference, and Retreat 2012

2011-11-29T12:55:00.000+08:00

This activity is being attended by all leaders in the national level of The Foursquare Church in the Philippines. It will be held at Ecotech Center in Lahug, Cebu City on January 25-27, 2012.

Upcoming Activities of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines for 2012

2011-11-28T12:53:00.000+08:00

Here is a list of upcoming activities for 2012 of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines as stated in the CFGC website.

1. National Leadership Strategy, Conference, and Retreat

This activity is being attended by all leaders in the national level of The Foursquare Church in the Philippines. It will be held at Ecotech Center in Lahug, Cebu City on January 25-27, 2012.

2. GFF National Convergence

GFF stands for Generation Full Force, a new name that formally replaced the old name for the youth organization of CFGP, the FCY or Foursquare Crusaders Youth. The 4-day activity will be conducted on April 10-13, 2012 at Davao City Foursquare Gospel Church in Davao City.

3. UFM National Convention
UFM stands for United Foursquare Men, an organization of adult men within each local church.

The convention will be held in Lingayen, Pangasinan on October 31-November 2, 2012.

Month of November each year designated as Ministers' Appreciation Month

2011-11-24T15:23:00.000+08:00

The Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, through the leadership of Rev. Valentin Chavez, designates the month of November each year as Ministers' Appreciation Month. In a letter posted in the Church Website dated November 8, 2011, Pastor Val encouraged all churches, districts, and Bible colleges to create a program that would honor the local pastors, district supervisors, and Bible college directors together with their respective families.

Pastor Val enumerated three things that each member can bless their leaders as reflected in the Scriptures. First is by blessing them with resources. Second is by giving them utmost respect.And third, by responding to
the call of God in their lives to obey the leaders.

There are 2,452 credentialed pastors and workers of The Foursquare Church in the Philippines and it is so amazing that despite of the challenges they are facing, they are standing foursquare to proclaim the Gospel, take care the flock that God has entrusted to them, and faithfully serving in their respective communities. What a great opportunity to bless our pastors!

UFW National Convention 2012

2011-11-15T17:42:00.000+08:00

The United Foursquare Women (UFW) of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines will be holding its National Convention on April 24-27, 2012 at Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City.

For further information, please contact your local church or the National Office of CFGP.

Two respected and faithful ministers of the Foursquare Philippines passed away

2011-11-05T21:17:00.000+08:00

The following article was taken from http://foursquare.org.ph/news.php?detailarticleid=105, the official website of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines.

I don't know Rev. Pedro B. Quiliope. I wonder what his relationship is with Revs. Herme and Ruth Quiliope, pastors of Living Waters Foursquare Gospel Church in Tacloban City where I used to fellowship when I was in college.

Rev. Flor Godito was such a woman of power and wit. I once attended a seminar on JCLAMS in Marikina City and she was the speaker. I couldn't help myself but to laugh during the seminar because the way Pastora Godito delivered her message. In fact, there was no dull moments during the seminar and all were active because of Pastora Godito's effective way of preaching.

I salute these two ministers of God. For sure, God is pleased with them.

-------------------------

REV. PEDRO B. QUILIOPE, an active retired minister went home to be with the Lord last Sept. 8, 2011 due to gum cancer. He pastored Cebu City Church for many years, Director of Cebu Foursquare Bible College, Superintendent and a very good Cebu Bible translator. He is one of our best Foursquare ministers. He is survived by his wife, Norma S. Quiliope, children: Rexie, Eunice and Jimmy Valde, Sandra Jean and Happy Pathik and one granddaughter, Kharisma.

REV. FLOR B. GODITO, also graduated to glory last Sept. 19, 2011. Ma’am Flor graduated from Halls of Life Bible College in Davao City, taught at Thompson Christian School, Academic Dean and taught at Foursquare Bible College in Quezon City. She was appointed as the Director of DACE (Department of Christian Education) for many years. She alsoserved as Board member of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines for 2 terms. She lived her life well – serving God and serving people. She died at the age of 64 of cardiac arrest. She is survived by his dear husband, Pastor Bert Godito and children: Juville-Jenny, Jethro- Iyah and Jemimah and her 1 granddaughter Coleen and grandson JJ.

We thank God for the lives of these faithful servants of God. It had been great working with them in expanding the kingdom of God. They were heroes of faith. We know that they are now with their Maker- and one day we will see them forever in the presence of God Almighty.

-----------------------

UFM National Convention 2012

2011-11-03T12:56:00.000+08:00

UFM stands for United Foursquare Men, an organization of adult men within each local church.

The convention will be held in Lingayen, Pangasinan on October 31-November 2, 2012.

GFF National Convergence

2011-11-01T12:55:00.000+08:00

Southwest Luzon District (SWLD) GFF Camp 2011

2011-05-30T14:49:00.001+08:00

2011 CFGP Convention Ends Successfully

2011-05-28T15:39:00.000+08:00

One of the services during the 2011 Convention of The Foursquare Church in the Philippines, Cebu City

We thank the Lord for pouring out His Mighty Spirit and Presence to us during the 4 - day gathering at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu City last April 12 - 15, 2011. Each day was marked with countless blessings from God's Word through Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Burris, President - International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, USA and Dr. Barry Buzza, President - Church of the Foursquare Gospel, Canada. Our very own pastors - Dr. Felipe Ferrez, Dr. Val Chaves, Rev. Delfin Corona, Pastora Marilou Consing, Rev. Dan Feleo together with Bishop Edgar Bantigue of Christ Faith Fellowship, and Ptr. Sat Gadingan likewise ministered God's word to us in such a powerful yet sweet way. It was a glorious celebration of God's faithfulness and goodness. Around 1,700 delegates feasted on God's Word and rich fellowship. During the convention, the Mizpah Quartet ministered through songs that made us reminisce the sublimity of old-time favorites. Then we witnessed the awarding of ministers who serve for 25 and 50 years respectively as well as the ordaining of 46 faithful pastors as ministers of the Foursquare Gospel. The convention was highlighted with the conferment of Divinitatis Doctor ( Doctor of Divinity ) to Rev. Bishop Val Chaves, our president last April 14, 2011 by LIFE Pacific of Canada. What an honor to have this given to him. We give God all the glory! The convention was ended with a communion and there was great celebration of praise and worship for the great things God has done. We were all blessed, encouraged, strengthened and empowered as a family. The Psalmist's declaration "Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity" rings true, loud and clear in our lives. Praise and worship filled the hall as our worship leaders led us into the throne room of God. Our special thanks to Ptr. Ed Reyes, Jeng Maghirang and Miriam Mahusay for their superb ministry together with our great musicians. you really did a powerful worship with the family. Together, we will be one in finishing the task. We will plant churches in the highways of every key city and town in the transnational and transnavigational highways from Aparri to Mindanao. Let us believe God for resources and pastors who really have the heart to plant a church and transform communities. Together, we can do it. This is our vision, and by God's grace, we can accomplish this for this is His will. It was announced by our president that our 44th National Convention will be held in Mindanao on April, 2013. That will surely give us enough time to pray and save for this great gathering again. Again, thank you for all your support and prayers. Truly, God is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering
God! We thank You Father for the works You did in our lives!!!

Source: http://www.foursquare.org.ph/news.php?detailarticleid=91#

Profile of Dr. Glenn Burris, Jr.

2011-01-02T14:20:00.000+08:00

In 1992, Glenn was appointed district supervisor of the Southeast District; in 2002, he was appointed general supervisor of the U.S. national church. In September 2008, Glenn began leading The Foursquare Church as interim president for a 13-month term. His passions are planting churches and caring for pastors.

Source: www.foursquare.org

Profile of Dr. Paul Risser

2010-12-26T17:13:00.001+08:00

Dr. Paul C. Risser, President

Until his selection as president, Dr. Paul Risser served as the Senior Pastor of the Florence Avenue Foursquare Church, in Santa Fe Springs, California. Son of veteran Foursquare ministers, Paul graduated from LIFE Bible College in 1959. From 1959 - 1962, Paul and his wife, Marilee, served as Minister of Youth at the Lynwood, California Foursquare Church. In 1962, the Rissers moved to Brownfield, Texas, to serve as pastors. In 1972, Paul and Marilee were asked to assume the pastorate of the Florence Avenue Church, where they served until July 19, 1998. Under their leadership, the church has became one of the most dynamic congregations in the Foursquare movement.

At various times, covering a period of 25 years, Paul served on the denomination's Board of Directors. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees, LIFE Bible College, Incorporated; the Foursquare Cabinet; and Chairman of the Foursquare Missions Council. The Rissers have three married sons, Brad, Mike and Terry, and seven grandchildren.

Source: http://thesanctuarychurch.com/believe_structureb.aspx

Profile of Dr. Jack W. Fayford

2010-12-05T21:49:00.000+08:00

Dr. Jack W. Hayford

President, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel

Dr. Jack W. Hayford serves as president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (The Foursquare Church) and as chancellor of The King’s College and Seminary in Los Angeles, which he founded in 1997. Best known as “Pastor Jack,” he is also the founding pastor of The Church on the Way (TCOTW), the First Foursquare Church of Van Nuys, Calif., where he served as pastor for more than three decades and saw the congregation grow to more than 10,000 active members.

Pastor Jack continues to be actively involved in hands-on ministry, equipping pastors of many church affiliations who serve diverse communities around the world, and nurturing Spirit-empowered leaders for the church and the community. In addition to providing leadership at The King’s College and Seminary, he also mentors other spiritual leaders during an intensive five-day consultation in a small-group setting of 35 to 45 senior pastors through The Jack W. Hayford School of Pastoral Nurture, a leadership advancement program.

Pastor Jack has been widely recognized for his leadership role in ministry, having been named among the “Ten Most Influential Preachers for the Past 50 Years” in Christianity Today magazine in 2006. He also received the William Booth Award for Christian Leadership from the Salvation Army in 1999.

A prolific and best-selling author, Pastor Jack has penned more than 52 books and composed 600 hymns and choruses, including the internationally known and widely recorded “Majesty.” Two of his books, the Spirit-Filled Study Guides (Thomas Nelson) and Blessing Your Children (Regal Books) received the Gold Medallion award from the Evangelical Publishers Association. Along with other songwriters, he received a Dove Award by the Gospel Music Association for the album God With Us (Integrity Music). He was also the general editor of the Spirit-Filled Life Bible (Thomas Nelson).

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Oakland, California, he has been married since 1954 to Anna Hayford. The couple has four children, 11 grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren.

Source:
http://www.foursquare.org/bios/display.sd?iid=1&loc=show&catid=4

Foursquare Worldwide Statistics 2009

2010-10-25T17:15:00.005+08:00

Total Salvations 3,548,602
U.S. Salvations 128,511
Non-U.S. Salvations 2,575,015
Foursquare Foundation Salvations 845,000
Water Baptisms 702,143
Holy Spirit Baptisms 831,041
Members and Adherents 8,729,566
Churches and Meeting Places 66,154
Ministers 82,588
Non-U.S. Countries with Foursquare Works 140

Profile of Dr. Felipe Ferrez

2010-04-16T16:49:00.002+08:00

Dr. Felipe Ferrez

After serving as President of Foursquare Philippines for over two decades, Dr. Felipe “Jun” Ferrez continues in his role as Senior Pastor of Capitol City Foursquare Church, a position he has filled since 1978 with his wife, Amelia (‘Mimie’) who passed away in 1998. Other denominational ministries included service as Chairman of the Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches (Asia-Pacific), also for over two decades, and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Pentecostal World Fellowship. As a theological educator, Dr. Ferrez has served as Director both of the Halls of Life Bible College in Davao City and of Foursquare Bible College in Quezon City.

Transdenominationally, he served multiple terms as Chairman of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), Philippine Association of Bible and Theological Schools (PABATS), Asian Theological Seminary (ATS), and the Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS). As a pastor-teacher and resource speaker, Dr. Ferrez has travelled to over fifty countries as part of an extensive network of conferences and training sessions worldwide. He is also a columnist for The Evangelicals Today.

Trained in Bible, theology and journalism, Pastor Ferrez was ordained in 1969 by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and conferred the honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in 1988.

Profile of Dr. John R. Holland

2010-03-16T17:03:00.000+08:00

Dr. Holland was born and reared in Texas and was converted in the Foursquare church in Hamlin, Texas. Following his graduation from high school, he traveled to Los Angeles to attend Life Pacific College (formerly called LIFE Bible College). While in college he met and married Doris Hines, and, after their graduation from Bible college in 1953, they began their ministry, which would span more than five decades.

For 11 years the Hollands pastored Foursquare churches in Idaho, Washington and Oregon; they moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where they pastored the Kingsway church for 10 years. During that period, Dr. Holland also served for five years as the district supervisor of Western Canada. In 1974 the Hollands returned to Los Angeles and assumed the pastorate of Angelus Temple. Following two years in that position, Dr. Holland became the supervisor of the Southwest District, a role he continued until his selection as president of The Foursquare Church in 1988.

Dr. Holland was the third president of The Foursquare Church, and he served in that role for nine years. He followed Dr. Rolf K. McPherson, who retired after serving for 44 years as president. Having been a pastor for more than two decades, in addition to having served in supervisory roles for more than 15 years, Dr. Holland was uniquely graced with the qualities needed to assume the role of serving as president at that particular time in the life of The Foursquare Church. His keen administrative skills, combined with the heart of a true shepherd, enabled him to lead the church into a period of both expansion and maturity.

After resigning from the presidency in 1997, Dr. Holland remained active in ministry even during “retirement.” In addition to very extensive and successful ministry within The Foursquare Church, the Hollands also had effective ministry in wider sectors of the kingdom, particularly with Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship, Victory Outreach and New Destiny Fellowship.

Source: http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/former_president_john_r_holland_with_the_lord

Information on Housing and Accomodation for April 2010 National Youth Convention

2010-02-26T10:46:00.000+08:00

This information is taken from the Facebook page of Gen FullForce.

CONTACT PERSON: Orland Villegas 09206629240

SCHOOL CLASSROOMS at BAGUIO CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

* accommodates 300 delegates. with 4 CRs for men and 4 CRs for ladies
• 200 meters distance from convention center
• P400 /person for the entire convention period. (beddings included)

LIST OF HOTELS

Golden Pine Hotel (074) 444 9965 to 72 P 2300/day for 2 persons
Legarda Road 09175061623
15 mins,to convention 09197130874

Venus Park View Hotel (074)442 5597 P1650/day for 2 persons
19 Kisad Road 4426452
Burnham Park

Ina Mansion (074)6192373 P1250/day for 2 persons
Kisad Road (074)444 9405
10 mins to convention

Burnham Suites (074)4242211 to 18 P4270/day for 3 persons
6 Kisad Road
12 mins to convention

Baguio Palace Hotel (074)442 7734 P1500/day for 2 persons
Legarda Road (074)443 5716
5 mins to convention

Mountain Lodge Hotel (074)442 4544 P1800/day for 2 persons
27 Leonard Wood Road
12 mins to convention

Prince Plaza Hotel (074) 442 5082 P1900/day for 2 persons
17 Legarda Road
15 mins to convention

City Light Hotel (074)444 7544 to 47 P900/day for 2 persons
245 Upper Gen. Luna
15 mins to convention

City Travel Hotel (074)445 0456 P2400/day for 2 persons
15 Kisad Road (o74)447 0480
12 mins to convention

Holiday Park Hotel (074)619 2807 to 09 P2000/day for 2 persons
129 Abanao Ext
15 mins to convention

Prime Hotel (074)442 7066 P2000/day for 2 persons
Session Road (074)442 8363
15 mins to convention (074)442 8644 to 45

Villa Princess Theresa Inn (074)442 6946 P1800/day for 2 persons
22 Upper Session Road 09177909270
15 mins to convention 09175062564

West Inn (074)442 2221 P1400/day for 2 persons
24 Kisad Road
12 mins to convention
Hotel Supreme (074)443 2011 to 18 P2500/day for 2 persons
Magsaysay Ave. (074)889 4540
20 mins to convention

WALKING DISTANCE TO CONVENTION CENTER

Bloomfield Hotel (074)446 9112 to 15 P2000/day for 2 persons
3 Leonard Wood Road
10 mins walk to convention

Hotel 45 (074)446 6306 P1300/day for 2 persons
Bagumbayan St. (074)304 2963
Bgy. Salud Mitra
12 mins walk to convention

Starwood Hotel (074)446 5830 to 33 P2000/day for 2 persons
Kisad cor. Marcos Hiway
10 mins walk to convention

Microtel Inn & Suites (074)619 3333 P3300/day for 2 persons
Upper Session Road
10 mins walk to convention

El Cielito Inn (074)443 5272 P2295/day for 2 persons
50 North Drive (074)443 2134
Engineer’s Hill

LIST OF APARTELLES/PENSION HOUSE

Brentwood Apartelle (074)442 9440 P1500/day for 2 persons
Bentwood Village 444 7297
M. Roxas St. 424 1080 2500/day for 6 persons
12 mins to convention

St. Veronica Apartelle (074) 442 9440 P1200/day for 2 persons
Brentwood Village
M. Roxas St. P2000/day for 6 persons

Peredo’s Lodging House (074)442 5091
5 C.M. Recto St.
20 mins to convention

Gonzales Inn (074)446 7388
3 C.M. Recto St.
20 mins to convention

Daus Pension House (074)442 3125
Valenzuela St. 09163409297
10 mins to convention

Brentwood Townhouse (074)442 5387 P6500/day for 10 persons
Brentwood Village 0926705 8220
12 mins to convention

Brentwood Townhouse 09189385579 P6500/day for 12 persons
Brentwood Village

Vistro Pension House (074)442 2235 P1500/day for 4
119 Villalon St 446 3913 2000/day for5
Enginner’s Hill 09067835477
10 mins walk to convention

TRANSIENT HOUSES

Greenwater Village 2 bedrooms for 6 persons P250/day/person
(074)443 9265 3 bedrooms for 9 persons 250/day/person

Legarda Road Ruty Buendia 09205473311
30 c. Gen. Lim Burnham st

Cabinet Hill Beth Santos (074)423 1023

4 Brentwood Village MJ (02)482 0860 / 09173810463

Camp 7 P1500/day for 4 persons Nanay Pe 09269680550

Amparo Heights 3 bedrooms house P5000/day 09282954589

M. Roxas St. (074)444 5403

Green house 14 M.Roxas St. Lower Brookside (074)443 3033

Sleep Right 6 M.Roxas St. Lower Brookside (074)424 2225/09212897373

Note: Rates may change

Divine Healing Sermons Part 2

2010-02-15T17:24:00.001+08:00

DIVINE HEALING SERMONS

PART 2

By Aimee Semple McPherson

Is Jesus Christ The Great "I Am" Or Is He The Great "I Was?"

Shut in my closet of prayer today, with my Bible and the Spirit, my Guide, I muse a while o'er its pages, then pray for the world with its throngs who, in teeming millions, walk through this life in need of "The Great I AM."

As I ponder and pray Jn the stillness, I dream as a dreamer of dreams. A steepled church stands before me a church with open doors. Within it I see the preacher stand; hear his voice in earnest call. But 'tis the throng that flows through the street outside that holds my anxious gaze.

"Pit-a-pat! Pit-a-Pat!" say the hundreds and thousands of feet, surging by the church doors of our land.

" Pat ! Pat ! Pi t-a-p at!' 'hurrying multitudes, on business and pleasure bent.

From out the church door floats the voice of Pastor and Evangelist in an effort to halt the down-rushing throng in their headlong race toward destruction and attract their attention to the Christ.

"Stop! Stop! Giddy throng, surging by like a river, take your eyes from the bright lights of the gilded way," they cry. "Leave the paths of death, enter our open door and listen while we tell you the sweet though ancient story of 'The Great I WAS.'

"Eloquently, instructively, we will tell you of the wonderful power Christ 'used' to have, the miracles He 'used' to perform, the sick He 'used' to heal. 'Tis a graphic and blessed history of those things which Jesus did almost 1900 years before you were born. They happened far, far away across a sea which you have never sailed, in a country which you have never seen, among people you have never known.

"Wonderful, marvelous, was the power that 'used" to flow from 'The Great I WAS.' He 'used' to open the blind eyes, unstop the deaf ears, and make the lame to walk. He 'used' to show forth such mighty works, and even manifest them through His followers that the attention of the multitudes was arrested and gripped in such an irresistible way that thousands were brought storming at His door of mercy, to receive blessing and healing at His hand.

'Of course, these mighty works Christ 'used' to do are done no longer, for some reason. Perhaps Jesus is too far away, or is too busy making intercession at the Father's throne to be bothered with such little things as the physical infirmities of His children, else His ear may have grown heavy or His arm be short, or maybe these mighty works were only done to convince the doubters in that day, and since we have no doubters (?) in this civilized day and age, the miraculous has passed away and is no longer necessary.

"At any rate the fact remains that the signs and wonders which He once declared should accompany His preached Word (Mark 16) are seen no longer. The power He once displayed, till the glory of His majesty and love in coming to destroy the works of the devil, flashed and played through the gloom like the lightnings around Mount Sinai, is now dark, cold, dead. And, as for the visible manifestation of His power, we are left desolate as though the light which once shone in the darkness had gone out. "Come, come to this attractive feast, unheeding sinners. /Turn now from your Sunday golf, fishing, theatres and novels.! Come enter our doors that I may tell you the story of l The Great I WAS, ' and the power that 'used" to be." But

"Pit-a-pat! Pit-a-pat!" On go the thousands of feet ; on to the movie and on to the dance ; on to the office, the club and the bank.

"Pat! Pat! Pit-a-pat!" "Why don't you stop your wayward feet ? Do, you not know that you are headed for sorrow? Why is it that the theatre is o 'er-flowing whilst our pews are empty and bare 1 ' '

"Pat! Pat! Pat! Pit-a-pat!" "Oh, stop a moment, the maddening, ceaseless, pattering of multitudinous feet and tell me why you take such interest in the world about you and show such lethargy, carelessness and lack of active interest in my story of 'The Great I WAS/ and the power He 'used' to have
and the deeds He 'used' to do? Why is it that people grow enthusiastic over the ball-game, the boxing- ring, the movies and the dance, while we see no revival of interest or turning to the Christ ? ' '

On and on they go, paying no heed, neither turning their eyes from the glittering baubles beyond. "Why is it, dear Spirit of God," I ask, "they do not listen to that dear Brother's call? They do not seem interested in the power Christ 'used' to have. In a steady stream they pass by the church and on into the world of grim realities and the problems which they must face.

"Pat! Pat! Pit-a-pat ! ' 'there are young feet, old feet, light feet, heavy feet, glad feet, sad feet; joyous feet, tired, discouraged feet ; tripping feet, lonely, groping feet; straight feet, sick and crippled feet; eager, searching feet; disillusioned, disappointed feet; and, as they pass, a message is somehow tangled up in their pattering, which rises from the cobble-stones like a mighty throbbing from the heart of the world.

" 'Tis not so much what Christ used to do for the world in answer to prayer in bygone days," they seem to say, "but where is His power NOW? And what can He do TODAY ?"

"Ah yes! 7 ' sigh the crippled feet from the pavement, "we are not so vitally interested in the sick He 'used* to heal, the limbs He 'used" to make straight and strong. (Of course, we are glad to know that somewhere, sometime, in the distant past Christ healed the sick in far off lands). But we live in the great today and Ah me ! ! We are very worn and weary ! We yearn for healing, hope and strength today. We stand in need of succor NOW. But you say these mighty provisions for the healing of the body, (as well as the soul), which Christ promised in Psalms 103, Isaiah 53; Matt. 8; Mark. 16; Jas. 5were not at all lasting, but were mainly for the Jews who lived in other days. And in reality your teaching says Christ's healing of the sick, when He walked this earth, was not so much for the demonstration of the tender Saviour's love and sake of relieving the sufferers' pain and a pity for the sick themselves, as to build up His own cause and make the world believe and, accomplishing this, He withdrew the life line of hope and coiled it up again. So, as the church cannot supply my need, I must pass on in further search of help from another source."