FOCIM Immerse: Water Baptism Finally Held in 2022
After more than two years, FOCIM was able to finally hold a Water Baptism session for the ever-growing number of FOCIM new members eager to take a significant step in their faith journey. Through God’s favor amidst the pandemic, FOCIM was able to organize two Water Baptism sessions. The first session was held last March 5 at the North Susana Executive Village Clubhouse and was conducted by FOCIM Senior Pastor Diwa C. Guinigundo. The first batch had a total of seventeen candidates, namely:
1. Rodel A. Bercero
2. Dan Issachar G. Borile
3. Jay Rafael G. Borile
4. Gabriel B. Bulaso
5. Dominic Raphael I. Distor
6. Elmer B. Lumbres
7. Janice S. Lumbres
8. Emmanuel Johnast C. Marcelo
9. Joefred Allan G. Marcelo
10. Maria Luisa C. Marcelo
11. Amelia P. Nalayog
12. Angelita A. Reyes
13. Ann Mary Michelle B. Ruallo
14. Jennie D. Sofronio
15. Mariz Adrianne Z. Sombiro
16. Norman B. Superales
17. Ma. Luisa R. Yuro
The second Water Baptism session was held last March 13 at the Marcelo residence in Valenzuela city. Bro. Diwa Guinigundo conducted the Baptism via online while FOCIM Ministry team member Bro. Nasty Marcelo facilitated the actual water immersion for every candidate. There was a total of twelve candidates for this particular session:
1. Shiela Marie O. Caburnay
2. Miles J. Canlas
3. Maria Socorro P. Duran
4. Angelika C. Epil
5. Anna Marie C. Epil
6. Arturo P. Epil
7. Benessa C. Epil
8. Nashel Jirah G. Marcelo
9. Sherwin Rex G. Marcelo
10. Nico M. Mil
11. Berne L. Timonel
12. Eliza Mae N. Villasenor
Prior to the Water Baptism, all candidates were mandated to attend an online zoom orientation seminar to enlighten them about the truths regarding Baptism, its significance and the process of Baptism through FOCIM Immerse. Highlights of the dedicated seminar are as follows:
1. Water Baptism, by immersion, is an act of publicly professing one’s salvation.
2. FOCIM believes that there are two kinds of baptism that a believer must undergo – water baptism and baptism of the Holy Spirit.
3. While it may be a symbolic act, it is far more than a ritual or a religious exercise. It is intended to be an essential part of the spiritual foundation of all Christians, as it outwardly affirms every person’s inward commitment made to Jesus Christ as the Lord of his/her life.
4. It should be made clear however that baptism does not save and is not “necessary” for salvation. While baptism is an act demonstrating God’s sanctifying grace, it is not saving grace. Salvation is a gift given through the grace of God through grace, and not through good works. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Without diminishing the value of baptism, those who desire to undergo baptism must be reminded that salvation is not dependent upon baptism, as salvation by grace alone through one’s faith.
5. In FOCIM, the process of baptism, or FOCIM Immerse, is a part of a FOCIM disciple’s journey in forming and maturing his/her faith.
With a total of twenty-nine candidates for the two sessions, this year’s Water Baptism makes it the biggest batch by far. We now look forward to next year’s Water Baptism and expect the number of candidates to be bigger as it is to be held in the new FOCIM Sanctuary in Mayon Street, Mandaluyong.
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