More prayer, more power.

Call to me and I will answer you. (Jer. 33:3)

"Less prayer, less power; more prayer, more power." That’s what a pastor friend said, and it rings true to us. This January, we started with our Saturday PrayerWatch to cry out to God for our church and its ministries. One hour of pure all-out prayer. Because of this, our worship services have never been the same – I felt power and God’s nearness like never before. More visitors were coming. One Sunday, we had a record high of 97 persons including children.

The PrayerWatch made me realize again, this is Christ’s church, not mine, and He promised to build it. That made me more relaxed and restful in the Spirit’s power. In times of weakness, I know I have a reservoir of God’s grace to draw from in doing this overwhelming ministry.

When it rains, it pours!

Picking goodies in a box from PCF LA

The year 2007 opens with a bang of blessings. From various donors, God has blessed PCF Nova with so much, I almost wonder what He’s up to. Somehow it made me think, to whom much is given, much is required. It feels like God would ask for something in return from us. But then I remembered, it's just an evidence that we worship a sweet, gracious God!

Large amounts of money, a brand-new 21-inch television set, a DVD player, and a balikbayan box of goodies flowed in generously. These have made a lot of improvements in the worship center and lifted the spirits of the members. What a way from our dear Father in heaven to affirm us that we are truly His beloved.

Youth Overnight Retreat

Small group discussion

This February, we made a bold move to conduct an overnight retreat for the “True Love Waits” program. Around 35 youth had some fun and, of course, deep convictions on sexual purity.

Pledging for purity to their parents

This retreat has pushed us beyond our limits. Some fathers rushed the construction/renovation of two comfort rooms and borrowed bed mats from Lingap-Kapwa to lessen the inconvenience of the delegates. Dear parents cooked and served the food, and even brought in their own super-kalans and cooking utensils. Some of them stayed up to midnight, and came back early morning to prepare breakfast. A couple helped to conduct one lesson - their first experience to do so, and the wife was even not feeling well. Love has made this retreat possible, and I know, love never fails.