Get to Know FOCIM's Church Administrator - Sis. Marie Demafelis

The Church Administrator plays a vital role in ensuring that FOCIM is on track in reaching its ultimate goal as a church. Hence, we need to realize how blessed we are to have a God-loving, determined, hard-working, sincere, and passionate woman as FOCIM’s Church Administrator. Let us get to know more about our church administrator, Ms. Maria Tadeo Demafelis or as she is often called, Sis. Marie:

1.) Prior to being a key member of FOCIM, were you involved in other churches?

Yes, I was involved with other churches prior to joining FOCIM.

2.) Who invited you to FOCIM? When was the first FOCIM Worship Service you attended?

Bro. Bing Guerrero invited me to attend the church anniversary in 2016 and then in 2017. Then he invited me to attend the three-day Touching Heaven conference at the Folk Arts Theater in October 2017, which blessed and encouraged me. After that conference, Bro. Bing invited me

to attend the Sunday service where Bro. Don Crum was the speaker. He gave a prophetic message about FOCIM, which touched and spoke to me. During the Testimony Time before the service, Bro. Daniel shared his testimony about the Supreme Court case of a student from another religion. I was blessed by his humility and for his act of giving honor to God in his experience. And after that Sunday, I have been attending the Sunday Worship Service along with the Friday Prayer Meetings.

3.) What was your initial impression of FOCIM?

The Praise and Worship was really Spirit-filled. I found myself crying every time especially during the first few months that I was attending the Sunday service. There are still times, even during the online Sunday service, that I still find myself crying during the Praise and Worship.

The Sunday service speakers study and prepare their messages so they share the Word with confidence and with the power of the Holy Spirit. The testimonies shared during Testimony Time on Sundays and during Prayer Meetings demonstrate and witness to the presence, work, faithfulness and power of God in the lives of FOCIM leaders and members. The involvement and commitment of young people/young professionals in various ministries i.e. Praise and Worship, Gen-C, Adult Sunday School, Discipleship manual preparation, dissemination and training, show that there is a next generation of leaders that will continue God's work through FOCIM.

4.) What made you decide to become a member of FOCIM?

FOCIM is a Christ-centered church. I believe and support its vision, mission, core values and statement of faith. God used FOCIM to minister to me and help me grow in my faith and walk with the Lord. In FOCIM, I have a spiritual family and a home church that pray and care for not only for my spiritual life but for my well-being. I am part of a community of believers where there is fellowship, caring, sharing and growing together in the Word and in the love of the Lord so as to honor Him and be His witnesses to others. I am blessed by the spirituality, servant- leadership and integrity of the leadership under Pastor Diwa and Sis. Apple.

5.) Who encouraged you to assume the Church Administrator role for FOCIM?

Sis. Apple and Pastor Diwa encouraged me to take on the role of FOCIM’s Church Administrator.

6.) What finally made you decide to accept the role of FOCIM Church Administrator?

I believe that it is a calling from the Lord to serve Him in the church in this capacity at this point in time in my life. And if it is God who calls, it is He who prepares and equips me for the work He has called me to do. I am willing to be of help in whatever way I can, and the encouragement,

prayer and support of everyone, especially Sis. Apple, have given me the assurance that I can serve the Lord through this ministry.

7.) When did you become FOCIM’s Church Administrator?

I began my role as FOCIM’s Church Administrator in September 2019.

8.) What was your first project as FOCIM’s Church Administrator?

My very first project as FOCIM’s Church Administrator was the updating and monitoring of the pledge boxes for the “Project Sanctuary” lot and building fund.

9.) As FOCIM’s Church Administrator, what is your vision for FOCIM? What are the future projects that you would like to implement for FOCIM?

Our vision in FOCIM is to be fully mature, Christ-led followers of God equipped with spiritual gifts that are able to transform and unite lives, communities, and nations.

The year 2021’s theme is the Year of Completion. As Pastor Diwa stated in the FOCIM Vision 2020-2040 document, we are about to complete two out of the three mandates ("relocate, build and expand") upon our church from God. We are completing the Sanctuary this year. We are getting ready to expand, first the saints of God in FOCIM and second, the kingdom of God by taking dominion of the marketplace.

. Church Administration shall be a strategic support to those who preach the Word through efficient and effective stewardship of financial, human and technological resources entrusted by God to the church.

10.) Are there any members of the FOCIM Ministry Team that you look up to and would like to emulate? Who among them and why?

I look up to all the FOCIM Ministry Team members. I am inspired and I thank God for making them models of commitment to God and ministry. They all have their own strengths and gifts that they use to honor God in their lives and ministries. If you would like me to identify specific people, they are as follows:

Sis. Apple - For her love and concern not just as a sister in the Lord but a true sister in the real sense of the word. For her gifts of prophecy, discernment, wisdom and healing that she uses to honor God and bless others. For her strong prayer life, discipleship/mentoring of people, sensitivity and generosity to everyone.

Bro. Bing - For his faithfulness to God and always giving the glory to God for all the good that he does or is seen in him. For his deep faith in God and strong prayer life, for always being available to listen and pray for others. For his passion to evangelize and disciple others for Christ.

Pastor Diwa - for his deep faith and passion for God, knowledge and practice of the Word of God, strong prayer life, integrity, wisdom and leadership. He is an excellent communicator, verbally and in the written word. He is a gift from God to FOCIM and to our nation - To God be the glory!

For the lighter / informal questions:

1.) What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being able to take care of my sick mother till she passed away.

2.) What is your biggest fear?

Not being able to give my best to what God has called me to be and to do.

3.) What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be a good baker of pastries and to have my own pastry shop.

4.) What is your hidden talent?

Can it remain to be hidden? 😊

5.) What is your favorite hobby?

Reading and listening to music

6.) If you could choose to do anything for a day? What will it be? L

Listening and singing along to praise and worship songs.

7.) What is your favorite book?

The Bible

8.) What is your favorite movie?

Amazing Grace The Movie

9.) What is your favorite song?

Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

10.) If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I wish to live in Bohol