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Stories of Faith

Welcoming New Pastors

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rev. dr. bener agtarap

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​Moving Forward: Embracing Our Mission and Building a Legacy for the Next Generation By Bener Baysa Agtarap, Ph. D

 

As we gather for this pivotal moment in the life of our church, we are reminded that our decisions today will shape the future of the faith we hold dear. The task before us is not only to elect episcopal leaders and address pressing issues but to ensure that we leave a lasting legacy—a healthy, vibrant church for the next generation. With hearts grounded in prayer and minds focused on our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, let us embrace the responsibility to lead with courage, humility, unity, and a vision that will inspire those who come after us.

 

Let us encourage each other to carry within our hearts the prayerful discernment that has brought us to this historic moment in the life of our beloved United Methodist Church in the Philippines and its worldwide connection.

 

In this holy conferencing, I urge you to consider these guiding principles, anchored in the teachings of John Wesley, Scripture, and reflection, as you go about your sacred responsibility:

 

1. Seek Unity in Diversity: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3).

 

This passage from Ephesians urges us to make every effort—because unity in diversity does not come without intention. It requires us to actively pursue peace in our conversations, decisions, and relationships, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us. Unity does not mean erasing differences, but allowing the love of Christ to be the binding force that holds us together despite them.

 

John Wesley’s wisdom resonates deeply with us today: “Though we may not think alike, may we not love alike?” These words remind us that, as Methodists, we are no strangers to differences in opinions, theology, and traditions. Yet, Wesley’s vision underscores that what ultimately binds us together is not uniformity of thought, but our shared love for Christ and one another. The world around us is watching. Our ability to honor diversity while maintaining unity will not only strengthen our community but will also serve as a powerful testimony to those who seek Christ through our witness.

 

As we gather at this Conference, each of us brings unique experiences, convictions, and ideas to the table. Some of these differences may feel challenging or uncomfortable. However, let us view these as opportunities to grow in grace and to deepen our commitment to mutual love. We are not called to abandon our convictions, but rather to learn from one another in humility and respect. True unity is not found in the absence of disagreement, but in our willingness to love through it, to listen deeply, and to seek Christ above all else.

Reflection Question:

How can we intentionally foster unity amid our diversity so that Christ’s love is visible in all our actions and decisions?

 

  •     What practices can we adopt in our daily interactions with one another to cultivate an environment          where diverse voices feel heard and valued?

 

  •    How can we ensure that even in moments of strong disagreement, the way we treat one another     reflects Christ's sacrificial love?

 

  •    What steps can we take to create a culture where differences are not merely tolerated but embraced as  part of the richness of our faith community?

 

2. The Heart of a Servant: “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)

 

Jesus’ words in Matthew remind us that greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by titles or accolades, but by the depth of one’s humility and service. The leaders we elect must be those who embody Christ’s example—willing to humble themselves, to walk alongside those they lead, and to put the needs of others above their own. The greatest leaders are those who see themselves not as rulers, but as servants of all.

 

John Wesley’s profound understanding of leadership was rooted in the belief that to lead is first to serve. He embodied this principle in both his ministry and his teachings, urging believers to live out their faith through acts of love and humility. His famous words echo this: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can.”

 

As we gather in this Conference to elect new bishops, let us reflect deeply on this truth. The role of a bishop is not one of privilege, but of responsibility. The mantle of leadership is heavy, but when borne with a servant’s heart, it becomes a blessing to the church and to the world. We are called to seek leaders who do not aspire to greatness for themselves, but who desire to uplift others, to strengthen the body of Christ, and to bring God’s grace into every corner of their ministry.

 

As you discern the qualities we seek in our episcopacy, consider their heart for service. Do they demonstrate a Christ-like humility that is evident in their actions? Do they have a proven track record of serving without seeking recognition or power? Are they willing to listen, to learn, and to lead by example rather than by command?

 

Reflection Question: What qualities of humility and service should we prioritize in our candidates to ensure they lead with Christ-like servant hearts?

 

• How can we discern a candidate’s commitment to servant leadership, especially in how they have led in the past?

• What concrete examples of humility and selfless service should we look for as we consider potential leaders?

 

• How can we ensure that our leaders remain accountable to the ideal of servant leadership, even after they are elected?

 

John Wesley understood that true leadership does not stem from a desire for power or recognition, but from a deep-seated commitment to serve others in the name of Christ.

 

3. Address Key Issues: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

(Amos 5:24)

 

The words of the prophet Amos serve as a rallying cry for the church. Our decisions should reflect the justice and righteousness of God—an unwavering commitment to fairness, compassion, and mercy. In a world where injustice and division often prevail, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, working to bring justice and peace wherever there is brokenness. The church is not just a place of worship, but a beacon of hope and transformation in society.

 

John Wesley’s legacy as a reformer and advocate for social justice calls us to address the pressing issues of our time with courage and conviction. He once declared, “The world is my parish,” reminding us that our responsibility as Christians extends far beyond the walls of our churches. Wesley didn’t shy away from engaging with the complex social issues of his day—whether it was poverty, education, or inequality. He believed that the gospel of Christ compels us to not only preach love but to live it out in tangible ways by advocating for justice, inclusion, and peace.

 

In this Conference, as we face dicicult decisions about the future of our church, let us follow Wesley’s example. The issues before us—whether they concern social justice, inclusion, church governance, or the future of our mission—are opportunities for us to demonstrate the love of Christ in action. We must not shrink back from dicicult conversations or uncomfortable topics. Instead, we are called to be bold and courageous, trusting that when we are rooted in the radical love of Christ, we can speak truth to power and stand up for those on the margins of society.

 

As we deliberate on key issues, we must remember that the mission of the church is to embody Christ’s love for all people—especially the marginalized, the oppressed, and the voiceless. Are our decisions advancing that mission? Are we standing on the side of justice and righteousness, or are we allowing fear, tradition, or self-interest to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit?

Reflection Question:

What steps can we take to ensure that our decisions reflect the justice, inclusion, and mercy of Christ in the issues facing our church today?

 

• How can we ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard and valued in our decision-making processes?

 

• What practices can we adopt to continually hold ourselves accountable to the principles of justice, inclusion, and mercy?

 

• Are there areas in our church where we need to repent of past injustices or exclusion, and how can we take concrete steps to make amends?

 

This is no small task, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can rise to meet the challenges before us, bringing light into the darkest corners of our world.

 

4. Commit to Prayer and Listening: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

 

The promise of James 1:5 reminds us that God is generous in giving wisdom to those who ask. Our human wisdom is limited, but God’s wisdom is infinite. As we deliberate and discern the future of the church, we must humbly recognize our own limitations and turn to God for clarity. Prayer opens us to the wisdom that transcends our understanding, and it is through this divine insight that we can make decisions that honor God and serve the needs of the church and the world.

 

John Wesley’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to prayer. He believed deeply in its power, once saying, “God does nothing but in answer to prayer.” This conviction wasn’t just an ideal but a lived reality for Wesley. He encouraged all believers to ground their lives and decisions in continual conversation with God, trusting that through prayer, we align ourselves with God’s will. As we gather for this Conference, we must remember that no decision, no matter how small, should be made without first seeking God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer.

 

In the hustle and pressure of decision-making, it is easy to rely solely on our intellect, experience, or opinions. However, Wesley’s example calls us to a higher standard: to quiet our hearts and listen for God’s “still small voice.” It is in these moments of prayerful reflection and listening that we open ourselves to the Spirit’s wisdom, allowing God to guide our steps and shape our choices.

 

Prayer should not be a mere formality or an afterthought, but the foundation of every discussion, debate, and decision in this Conference. Before we speak, let us first listen to God. Before we act, let us first pause in prayer, asking for wisdom, grace, and discernment.

Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God, recognizing that it is only by God’s leading that we can faithfully navigate the complex issues before us.

 

Reflection Question:

How can we build a spirit of prayer and active listening into every part of our discussions and decisions during this Conference?

 

• How can we create intentional pauses for prayer throughout our deliberations, allowing space for reflection and discernment?

 

• What practices of active listening—to God and to one another—can we implement to ensure that our conversations are grounded in respect and openness to the Spirit’s leading?

 

• How can we cultivate a culture of prayer, where every participant feels encouraged to seek God’s wisdom and ocer their voice in humility and faith? When we center our hearts in prayer, we open ourselves to God’s grace, and it is through this posture of humility that we will find the wisdom we seek.

 

5. Moving Forward in Advancing the Mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is the foundation of our mission. Jesus’ command to make disciples is not a suggestion—it is the very essence of our calling as a church. Everything we do must be aligned with this mandate.

 

John Wesley’s life was defined by a relentless focus on one central goal: making disciples of Jesus Christ. His famous charge, “You have nothing to do but to save souls,” reminds us that our mission as a church is not just a task but a sacred calling. It is the heartbeat of who we are and what we do. As we gather to perform our sacred duties, we must never lose sight of this shared mission: making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

 

In a time of rapid change and uncertainty, it can be tempting to focus on internal matters— on governance, policies, and institutional survival. While these are important, they must always serve the greater purpose: advancing the mission of Christ. Wesley’s example calls us to be both faithful and innovative, to move forward with passion and creativity, ensuring that our church remains not only grounded in the gospel but also responsive to the needs of a changing world.

 

In our deliberations, decisions, and actions, we must ask: Are we equipping and empowering others to follow Christ? Are we extending the reach of the gospel, not only to those within our walls but to all people, especially those who have not yet encountered Christ’s transforming love? Reflection Question: How can we ensure that the mission of making disciples and transforming the world remains central in all that we decide and do in this gathering? • How can we create a culture within our churches that prioritizes disciple-making as the primary focus of all our ministries and activities? • What innovative strategies can we explore to reach new people with the gospel in today’s rapidly changing world? • How can we ensure that our discussions and decisions are evaluated based on their impact on our ability to make disciples and transform the world, rather than on institutional concerns alone?

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Wesley’s vision of the church was not one that looked inward but one that reached out to the world with urgency and compassion. In the same way, we must remain mission-driven, never losing sight of our calling to make disciples and transform the world. This requires not only faithfulness to the gospel but also boldness in exploring new ways to share Christ’s love with a world in need.

 

6. Build a Healthy Church for the Next Generation: “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”(Psalm 145:4)

 

Psalm 145:4 captures the importance of passing on our faith from one generation to the next. The vitality of the church lies in its ability to tell God’s story in ways that inspire future generations to take up the mantle of faith. Our goal is not simply to preserve the church as it is, but to nurture it in such a way that it thrives, adapts, and grows, continuing to bear witness to God’s mighty works in the world. The choices we make today will either open doors for the next generation or close them.

 

John Wesley’s vision was always forward-looking, rooted in faith that God’s providence would sustain the church for generations to come. His reassuring words, “The best of all is, God is with us,” remind us that as we build for the future, we do so with confidence in God’s unfailing presence. The legacy we create today will shape the church of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we are leaving behind a church that is spiritually healthy, missionally engaged, and relevant to future generations.

 

In an age of rapid societal shifts, it is easy to focus on immediate challenges and lose sight of long-term goals. But Wesley’s example calls us to think deeply and deliberately about the future, asking ourselves how we can cultivate a church that remains vibrant and faithful for years to come. This involves not just maintaining our traditions, but also innovating in ways that will resonate with new generations of believers. The next generation faces unique challenges—cultural, technological, and spiritual—and the church must be ready to meet them where they are, ocering the timeless message of Christ in ways that speak to their lives.

 

Reflection Question:

 

  • What steps can we take today to ensure that our church remains vibrant, faithful, and missionally ecective for the next generation of believers.

  •  How can we cultivate a spiritually healthy church that nurtures discipleship, prayer, and deep engagement with God’s Word, particularly for younger generations?

  •  What strategies can we employ to engage young people in leadership, ministry, and mission, ensuring that their voices and gifts are valued and utilized? 

  • How can we adapt our ministries and outreach ecorts to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world, without compromising the core message of the gospel?

 

Building a church for the next generation requires intentionality, creativity, and a deep commitment to both the past and the future. We honor the legacy of those who have come before us by ensuring that the church remains a place where new generations can encounter the living God. The decisions we make at this Conference must reflect this longterm vision, ensuring that we hand over to the next generation a church that is thriving and ready for the future.

 

7. Cultivate Resilience and Hope: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

 

In an era marked by rapid societal shifts, economic challenges, and shifting cultural norms, the church often finds itself navigating turbulent waters. The passage from 2 Corinthians reminds us that while we may face hardships, our foundation in Christ allows us to endure and rise above adversity. Resilience in the life of faith is essential—not just as individuals, but as a collective body of Christ. We must remain anchored in the promises of God, knowing that His grace is sucicient to sustain us through every storm.

 

John Wesley embodied resilience throughout his ministry. Facing both personal struggles and societal opposition, he never wavered in his commitment to preaching, serving, and leading. His resilience was not born of self-reliance, but of a deep trust in God’s faithfulness. As Wesley once wrote, “Do not worry about what you cannot change, but place all your trust in the unchanging God.”

 

The resilience we cultivate must be deeply rooted in hope. Without hope, resilience can become mere survival. Hope is the fuel that propels us forward when the path seems unclear. It is the confident expectation that God is at work, bringing about transformation even in situations that seem dire. This kind of hope is not grounded in wishful thinking, but in the solid reality of Christ’s resurrection. If God can bring life out of death, then no situation is beyond His redemptive power.

 

As we cultivate resilience, we must also be diligent in fostering hope within our congregations. This involves proclaiming a message that is both realistic about the struggles we face, but also grounded in the deep conviction that “the best of all is, God is with us” (John Wesley). With hope, we can face our challenges not with fear, but with the assurance that God will see us through.

 

Reflection Questions:

 

  • How can we encourage resilience and hope in our communities during times of challenge and uncertainty?

  • What practices can we adopt to remind ourselves and our congregations that God’s grace sustains us, even in adversity?

  •  How can we ensure that our ministries reflect a hopeful vision of the future, inspiring others to persevere and trust in God's promises? •

  • How can we better engage with younger generations, equipping them to carry forward the church's mission with resilience and hope?

 

The church should also ocer tangible expressions of hope. Through outreach, service, and acts of kindness, we demonstrate that we are bearers of Christ’s light in a world that desperately needs it. By standing alongside those who are sucering, we reflect the heart of a resilient church that is not only surviving but actively engaged in bringing hope to the world.

 

Shaping Our Future Together

 

As we cultivate resilience and hope, it is important to keep our eyes on the future. Resilience is not just about weathering the present moment but preparing for what lies ahead. This is especially important for the next generation. Younger generations are growing up in a world of rapid change and uncertainty. If we can model resilience and hope for them, we will equip them to face their own challenges with faith and perseverance. Our legacy will not be one of defeat or despair, but of hope-filled endurance and faithfulness to Christ’s mission.

 

Today, we face our own set of challenges—whether it be the complexities of modern life, declining membership, or societal divisions. In such times, the church is called not only to survive but to thrive. Resilience allows us to remain steadfast in our mission, while hope empowers us to envision a brighter future, even in the face of uncertainty

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In this historic gathering, may you remain steadfast in your faith, unwavering in your dedication, and always mindful of the greater mission that lies before us: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

 

May God’s peace, wisdom, and strength guide us as we move forward together in mission and faith.

 

Sincerely in Christ,

 

Bener Baysa Agtarap Bener Baysa Agtarap, Ph D.,

 

is an elder in the United Methodist Church of over 40 years, a full-member of the California-Nevada Annual Conference, and currently serves as the executive director of Path1 at Discipleship Ministries. Rev. Agtarap is an author, trainer, certified coach, and an adjunct professor and thesis advisor at Wesley Divinity School at the Wesleyan University – Philippines. He and his lovely wife, Talits, live in West Sacramento, CA. Website at https://beneragtarap.com/about-bener

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Southern California Deaconess Association and Friends

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Rev. Edna R. Andres

​I was in my office in the Silicon Valley, on the eve of September 11, 2001. The vice president came to see me and asked that I joined him in a meeting in the conference room. It was there that I was told I was being laid off because of the effects of industry recession. I thanked everyone and packed my things. I was not worried because I know I could find another job in no time. Then, 9-11 came. Everything changed not only for me, but also for the entire country and the world.
 

It took me nine months to find a job. When God wants to give us a message, He uses a messenger. And he used the rector of an Episcopal Church in Fremont, CA to give me a chance. I worked as the church secretary, and one of my tasks was to prepare a simple fellowship for the mid-week church worshippers. The other task which I know prepared for me for a bigger mission was to manage the food pantry for the homeless in the community. I became a friend of the homeless single mother, and the elderly man whose only family died. Suddenly, I found myself praying for those who came to the mid-week service and the homeless who came to fill their bags with groceries and bread.
 

The Superintendent of San Jose District, Cal-Nevada Conference heard about my employment with the Episcopal Church, and how I was making new waves for the church. He called me one day and said that I should come see him soon before I move to the Episcopal church. By then, I just completed the Conference Lay Ministry training, and was about to be commissioned by the Bishop. I went to the District office and met with the DS and the pastor of a local UMC. The two of them offered me a position in the local church – Assistant of the Pastor. I would be handling the pastoral care ministry of the church. That meeting was the beginning of the few chapters in my life.

 

The Senior Pastor discerned my call to the ministry and suggested that I check out Pacific School of Religion that coming summer. I told him that I would not be accepted because my college degree was chemical engineering and would not be a qualification for seminary education. He told to just try. And I did send my application, without any expectation at all. Then the letter from PSR came saying I was admitted to the Master of Divinity program. I called my husband, Joshua, who was travelling at that time with a singing group. When I told him the good news, he said, “That is really great! Congratulations! But where will we get the money?” I will not forget my response to him, “God will provide”. And God did provide. Several scholarships sustained my study and I graduated without a student debt.
 

However, it was not an easy road to travel; deciding to follow God’s leading came with various challenges that seemed to be following me ever since the Senior Pastor who discerned my call was transferred somewhere else. It was during this trying period that I discovered that I could give my setbacks to God, and time and time again God gave me his strength. I was ordained as an elder in full connection and God showed me different avenues of ministry. When I was called to minister to a dying member of the church, I witnessed how during death, God used this event to open my heart to the
Other Ministry: that of being a Chaplain. I completed several units of Clinical Pastoral Education. I took clergy coaching courses and became accredited with the International Coaching Federation. I had mentors who took me under their wings and did not diminish me for the choices I made.

 

Working as a chaplain of a Life Plan Community, doing the work of a pastor, preacher, counselor, spiritual director, teacher, guide, and advocate for those who are not able to speak up for themselves do not seem to be enough. God has been giving me gifts and graces and I utilize them to reach people in need. I worked as a hospice chaplain for seven years, and had the privilege of knowing many patients, families, and colleagues. To this date, I am confident that God is pleased with the work that I am doing. For eleven years now, the Terraces at Los Altos in Los Altos, California has been my special appointment from the Central Luzon Annual Conference. Every year, my special appointment is read, and I have God to thank.
 

I never stop learning. I took a course in Grief Education, and now I am a Certified Grief Educator. I created a program that supports people who are experiencing loss, grief, and in despair of ways to fix their brokenness. In a few years, I may retire but I plan to continue to use God’s whispers of wisdom to serve those in need of God’s love, compassion and understanding.

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Pastor R. John C. Santillan

​In February 2007, I migrated to Canada under the family reunification program. While adopting the Canadian culture, I met fellow Filipinos who are likewise members of the United Methodist sharing the same passion, commitment, and dedication to the ministry to make disciples of all nations. Three (3) families including mine started its first ever Sunday Worship service at a park in Red Deer, Alberta last June 2, 2024 which eventually known as Alberta United Methodist Fellowship (A Ministry of the the United Methodist Church) with an average of eleven (11) members every Sunday.
 
Our Mission Field Goal is to reach out the Filipino community and make them deeply committed Christians and be the hands and feet of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
As our way of commitment to our church, my wife Jean and 3 children namely: AJ, Love and Andrew undergo a four-hour drive from our home in Brookside to Red Deer and vice versa every Sunday. 
 
As member of the United Methodist, we believe and we quote, “The World is Our Parish.” 
 
We fervently hope and pray that The United Methodist Church in USA and First United
Methodist of Canada, will set forth their blessings in this Ministry.

Alberta United Methodist Fellowship

Pastor Johan Lhoyd Ferrer

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Currently, Johan is involved in a radio ministry at a local station in Viroqua, where he shares daily devotionals, offering spiritual encouragement and guidance to the community.

Hello, I’m Pastor Johann Ferrer, and I’m excited to share my journey with you. My path has led me from the beautiful islands of the Philippines to the serene town of Viola, Wisconsin, and it’s been a journey of faith, growth, and deep connection. For 20 years, I served as an Elder in the Pampango Philippines Annual Conference. My ministry there was vibrant and varied, working with people from all walks of life. This experience equipped me to connect with diverse communities and understand the nuances of different cultural backgrounds. I felt that this experience could be of great value here in the United States.

 

When the opportunity arose to move to the U.S., I saw it as a chance to contribute something meaningful. I believe that my diverse cultural perspective and extensive experience in ministering across different age groups can offer a unique and enriching dimension to the spiritual community here. That’s why I’m now serving at a United Methodist Church in Viola, a small town that has warmly embraced me and my mission. In Viola, my ministry has a special focus on our elderly members. Many of them are in their golden years, and I am committed to providing support and spiritual nourishment tailored to their needs. My background in the Philippines has taught me the importance of connecting deeply with each individual, and I strive to bring that same level of care and understanding to my current congregation.​

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I envision a ministry that not only welcomes diversity, but celebrates it, fostering a sense of unity and compassion among all members. My dream is to build a ministry that truly connects with every individual, meeting their spiritual needs and enriching their faith journey. One of my greatest passions in ministry is to create a space where everyone—regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or cultural background—feels included and valued.

 

Looking to the future, I see myself continuing to make a meaningful impact in Viola. My goal is to establish a robust and responsive ministry that can effectively address the evolving needs of our community. To achieve this, ongoing learning and professional development are essential. I am grateful for the support from organizations like the North American Federation of Asian United Methodists (NAFAUM). Their seminars, workshops, and training sessions are invaluable resources that help me and others like me to enhance our ministry and better serve our diverse congregations.

 

I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to share my story and to contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of my community here in Viola. My journey from the Philippines to the United States has been one of profound learning and growth, and I am excited to continue this path, fostering unity and nurturing faith in every generation. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story. May we all find ways to bridge divides and build connections that enrich our shared spiritual journey.

First Fil-Am Church of Greater Dayton

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First Fil-AM Church of Greater Dayton livestreams a nightly devotion via Facebook. Visit their Facebook page HERE.

We are a new Christian church in the Greater Dayton, Ohio area on fire for our Lord Jesus! To proclaim the Good News of Christ to ALL, live the truth of the Father’s love, and partner with the Holy Spirit in the healing and transformation of the world is our mission. For the good news of salvation to reach the ends of the earth, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and that every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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We offer a blended Filipino-American worship service. Ours is a “family worship” where the family worships together. Our worship services are followed by a “fiesta,” a festive fellowship meal where people get to bond as they share a table. By the Father’s grace, and the Holy Spirit’s guiding under the banner of Christ our Lord, the church presses on in making a difference in the lives of hundreds in the city and millions around the world through its work of worship, discipleship, and evangelism.

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In the spring of 2014, as he was having his regular Sabbath with the Lord at the Five Rivers Metropark, the Lord gave Pastor Nitos Suarez Dobles a vision-mission to minister to people in the US with a mission to bring souls of all colors to Him, Jesus Christ our Savior. On fire for the Lord, and with intense intentionality, he and his wife, Apple (Layug-Isip) reached out to Filipinos in the city and brought them to Christ through Bible studies and house worships.

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On October 7, 2018, World Communion Sunday, was held the historic first-ever Filipino worship service at Fort McKinley UMC in the city of Dayton, thus founding the very first Filipino worshiping congregation, the First Fil-Am Fellowship. Come celebrate with us our 6th founding anniversary this October!

Pursuing the vision God gave Pastor Nitos, he and his co-church planter, his beloved wife Apple, partnered with Fil-Ams in Dayton, Christ Church Kettering, and Mosaic Church, and worked with the Miami Valley District (now Greater Miami River) and the West Ohio Conference for the fellowship to be adopted as by the UMC.

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On June 28, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, God made a miracle in birthing in the heart of the metropolis, the First Fil-Am Church of Greater Dayton: the very first Filipino-American Church in the city and the first Filipino UMC Church in the state of Ohio. The First Fil-Am Church is proud and very blessed to be one of the five (5) campuses of our big church family composed of Christ Church, Mosaic, The Point, Refresh, and us, First Fil-Am.

We had our Inaugural Worship Service as a UMC on August 2, 2020 at Christ Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd, Kettering, OH 45429. One hundred two (102) adults and young people and eleven (11) children attended the monumental service, reaching 13,000 souls online.

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The church serves the community through its Mothers on Mission and Service (M.o.M.S.), D.a.D.S., and C.A.R.E., a weekly visitation ministry where we share Panera Bread, flowers, small gifts, and homemade food in the community, covering a 50-70-mile radius from the church. 500+ families/homes have been blessed with bread through our CARE ministries (Indianapolis to Columbus, Lima to Cincinnati).

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We have a vibrant children’s ministry. Kids take an active part in our worship services. They are taught to play the piano (for free) by our volunteer Worship and Music Director, Apple Dobles, through our thrice-weekly Music Ministry and who are now offering their talent to the Lord on Sundays.

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Yearly, we have benefit concerts and talent shows. Twice yearly, we do mission work in the Philippines. In 2023-2025, 2,500 students in the Philippines were fed and blessed with slippers and school supplies. We have weekly prayer meetings, Bible studies, learning Tagalog as a second language, annual retreats and camps, sports fests, and a twice-weekly badminton ministry.

 

Nightly, without fail, since March 2020, we have our Family Devotions streamed live via Facebook. On July 4, 2020, our volunteer music director, Apple, began a weekly Music Devotion with “What A Friend We Have In Jesus!” Since then, our online devotions have become our flagship ministries.

 

In 2023, 135 MILLION+ people in 244 countries and dependent territories (“the ends of the earth”) were reached by the good news of Jesus through our online platforms. We celebrated our 1,000th Family Devotion on December 27, 2023. We have our Family Devos at our small apartment... or wherever 9 pm will find us... happy to serve... to praise... to pray... to comfort... to sing... to celebrate... to love... to gather all people to sit at Jesus’ feet... to rest... to be fed... to hear His word, the Gospel... to be satisfied... to encounter Christ, to be transformed... to be His witnesses here to the earth’s ends!

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We are a growing congregation, “as the Lord keeps adding to our number those who are being saved.” (Acts 2:47). Our most fervent desire is to bring our Kababayans to Jesus Christ our Lord, and for us to love with His love, grow in His likeness, and serve cheerfully together. Since our inception as a Church up to August 2024, the Lord has blessed us with 112 Baptisms, Affirmations/Professions of faith, and we were received into the Church as Members. We give praise and thanks to God for all that He has done in and through us!

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National Association of Filipino American united Methodists

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