ECPM January 2021 Update

2020 was a year of adjustments, reflections, and tons of learning. We felt at first that doing modules, coaching and mentoring online would be very hard. Hard not just for us but even for our church planters with little, if any at all, access to internet connections. We also felt sad not being able to visit and have sharing time with the church planting teams. We were the ones who missed their friendship, laughter and stories.

But praise be to God for all the encouragement and inspiration from you, our mission partners and even from the church planters who never stopped sharing God's love for everyone through active service in the community, gathering in small groups, visits, and prayer times.

Thank you for blessing us with friendship, prayers and support. We rejoice and praise our God for faithful partners like you.

Reflections from ECPM Team Members

Marwin Pesuelo 

The old saying in Filipino "kapag may isinuksok, may madudukot" (when you save some, you'll get some when in need) is true for me and it is very important to save not just for myself but also so I can help others. 2020 strengthened my belief that the gospel be proclaimed in any situation and prayers are not just for loved ones but for all government workers and frontliners. I was also able to stretch my ability to wait and trust God's plans.

I am excited for 2021 hoping I can once again have fellowship with our church planters and see what else is in store for ECPM. I am truly excited to go back to church seeing new believers. Of course I am excited to eventually not wear a face mask and face shields aside from seeing all my plants grow more this year.  

Vic Enriquez (PHI10)

Even when things did not work out as we planned this 2020, I placed my trust in God because I knew he had greater plans. I held on to this. I knew I just needed to keep trusting and wait.

I am excited to see our church planters and share 2020 stories with them hopefully this 2021. 

Ella Abigail Santos Aramburo (PHI04)

The year 2020 gave me the heart for quality friendship, deeper relationships (especially when my father died) and to extend help in any form. I am reminded daily to turn my eyes on Jesus especially when I feel down. 2020 made me value true simplicity and self-care realizing that stripped of everything, only the Lord will matter the most. I enjoyed special quiet times with HIM despite uncertainties.

I am excited for a simpler yet brighter and meaningful 2021 still reminding myself to focus my eyes on Jesus in all that I do. Hebrew 12:2

Church Planting Team

Legazpi Team - Bicol, Albay (Supported by BHW)

Team Members: Nathanael Ortiz, Mary Joy Mandane, Marizon Perez
Partner Church: Ranao Ranao Christian Church
Time period: June 2019 to May 2021

Reflecting through the events of the year, we had a lot of challenges. We started in 2019 each of us handling specific groups. I, Nathanael, was handling WiPRO (Winning Professionals) as an evangelistic strategy for professionals and businessmen while Marizon handled a Students’ Bible Study Group and Mary Joy handled a Tuesday gathering for all Bible study contacts.

Early 2020 we were ready to rent a student center for our gatherings but the pandemic hindered it and we had to rethink our plans and strategies. We took advantage of technology and created an online group (Legazpi Life Group) to maintain communication with our contacts. This was made to maintain communication with our contacts and slowly move to a Zoom fellowship. By the end of 2020 we were all handling our bible studies through Zoom and Facebook.

As we got comfortable with technology, typhoons and electrical interruptions made it very challenging for us to connect through internet. We still struggle with this so please pray for us.

Since the local government is now slowly adapting to a new normal and opening more possibilities to meet with strict health protocols, we will try to resume our physical cell groups little by little.

Prayer and Praise Points

1) It is still our goal to have a student center hopefully this year. This would be a great help in the ministry here in Legazpi.

2) For health and safety and authentic salvation for all our contacts and that more will come to the Lord through our fellowships. 

We always thank the Lord for partners in the ministry like you!

God bless

Marwin & Vida Pesuelo
Vic & Arlene Enriquez
Ephraim & Ella Abigail Aramburo
ECPM Staff & Our Families