Mission Impossible: FOCIM Celebrates 36 Years of God’s Faithfulness

"Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time." 2 Chronicles 7:15-16

After more than two years of missing the warmth, comfort, and love of each other’s physical presence, FOCIM members were finally able to come together and celebrate the Church’s 36th founding anniversary. Through God’s favor and faithfulness to His children, FOCIM was able to hold its first face-to-face worship service for the first time in the midst of the pandemic. FOCIM’s 36th Anniversary celebration was held last October 9 2022 at the new Sanctuary located in 36 Mayon Street, Barangay Malamig Mandaluyong City. More than 160 members and guests attended the long-awaited event. For those who still preferred to join the celebration online, the event was live-streamed via Facebook Live.

The 36th Anniversary Celebration started with the dedication of the Lampstand. FOCIM’s Word Ministry Head Sis. Apple Guinigundo read FOCIM’s declaration of Thanksgiving to the Lord. This was followed by the dedication and anointing of the Lampstand led by FOCIM Senior Pastor Rev. Diwa C. Guinigundo. During the dedication, Bro. Diwa shared that the building of the new Sanctuary reflects the lessons learned from the Bible characters David and Solomon. FOCIM remained faithful to God’s covenant and built the sanctuary in the time of pandemic, just like Kind David purposed in his heart to build the temple of the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, King Solomon reminds us that we need clean hands and pure hearts in order to build the sanctuary. In 2 Chronicles 7: 15 – 16, King Solomon declares that anyone who steps in the Lord’s Sanctuary will receive healing, prosperity, and experience miracles, signs, and wonders. For the Sanctuary’s anointing, each FOCIM member was asked to step out and enter the Sanctuary with oil in their hands. Each member went around the Sanctuary and anointed its walls with oil while saying their prayers.

The second part of the event was the 36th Anniversary celebration hosted by the young and energetic FOCIM members Sis. Cielo Elipse and Bro. Mynard Buletche. It started with Praise and Worship by the amazing FOCIM Worship Team. FOCIM resident pastor Sis. Hilda Lactao welcomed all the home church representatives coming from different cities such as Mandaluyong and Quezon City. FOCIM’s administrator Sis. Marie Demafelis presented the history and timeline in building the Lampstand and shared how it was nothing short of a miracle given the odds and struggles it went through. An AVP showing the testimonials followed. The first testimony was given by Bro. Elso Cabangon, who shared the Lord’s powerful healing that manifested in the victorious kidney transplant operation of his wife Sis. Vicky Cabangon. Sis. Loida Gascon was featured in the second testimony as she shared God’s faithfulness as evidenced in the miracle healing and recovery of her husband from stage 3 cancer. The congregation was further blessed by the special number of FOCIM QC member Sis. Ashley Faith Jabonillo, who performed an amazing rendition of the beautiful tagalog worship song “Walang Katulad”. FOCIM Senior Pastor Rev. Diwa Guinigundo delivered the Anniversary message entitled “Mission Impossible: Expanding the Kingdom of God”. Through the powerful message, Bro. Diwa affirmed that God gave us a kingdom that is firm, steadfast, and cannot be shaken. Furthermore, the Kingdom of God is His will and dominion exercised on earth as it is in heaven. When the Kingdom of God reigns, there is power, righteousness, peace, and joy. Bro. Diwa encouraged the congregation to strive for spiritual luminosity as we are the light of the world.

After the Anniversary message, the Commissioning of select members to the Ministry took place. The following candidates were presented, anointed and commissioned to their respective ministries:

· Bro. Milton Amayun

· Bro. Elso U. Cabangon

· Bro. Reuel S. Cuello

· Bro. Dan Abraham G. Guinigundo

· Sis. Mariela Reyes

· Sis. Anna Pamela U. Young

· Bro. Woodrow Wilson C. Young

Afterwards, the following member were ordained in accordance with the call of God:

· Ptr. Robert Lee L. Guerrero

· Ptr. Sophia M. Guerrero

· Sis. Maria T. Demafelis

· Bro. Angelito V. Dionisio

· Sis. Susan C. Dionisio

· Bro. Daniel Alberto G. Guinigundo

· Sis. Katrin Jessica D. Guinigundo

· Bro. Broderick C. Santos

· Sis. Roanna Lynn G. Santos

The Worship team ended the victorious and unforgettable celebration with powerful songs of victory.

Two years ago, it would be difficult to imagine that at this time FOCIM is already celebrating and worshipping face-to-face especially in the new Sanctuary. However, in line with the 36th Anniversary’s overlying theme “Mission Impossible”, nothing is impossible with the Lord. The children of FOCIM persevered through prayer and purposed in their hearts that the Sanctuary will be built. Now the FOCIM family is basking in the warmth of each other’s presence while worshipping the Lord in the newly built Sanctuary. God is great indeed! We now look forward to early next year when the Sanctuary is finally completed and weekly face-to-face worship service will finally be held. Praise the Lord!