VIRTUES SMALL GROUPS. Last week of June 2010, we mobilized and involved every person of Emmaus Church into a small groups. These include church members, parents of compassion children, EBI staff and students and outreaches. This is to become good steward of all the people that God has entrusted to our care. To make a disciple of every believer. To have deeper relationship with people whom we are ministering in the true meaning of fellowship (koinonia) or one anothering (sharing, praying, helping…one another). Because, it is very difficult to do it in every church services. Small group would serve as a small church – where there is worship of God, singing, prayer, study of God’s Word, sharing of testimony, prayer requests, learning new songs and counseling. In fact, just yesterday (Aug 12th) in my small group (Joy Small Goup), I was blessed to listen to the prayer of one lady (Sis Rowena) which I assigned to lead the prayer, as it was her first time (being new in Bible study). We named our small group VIRTUES SMALL GROUPS (VSG) as groups been named as Love Small Goups…Gentleness SG…Patience… Perseverance…Humility… Faith…Hope… and many others… 13 groups in all. Each group has 3 leaders or facilitators, being assigned in one area. Presently, number of people in small group ranging from 7 to 15; scheduled at people’s convenience. For example, in my group (Joy Small Group), I have Oliver and Liezel (EBI students) with me. This is modeling or coaching (How to do it) too. Our site is at Sitio Sirangan Guinlajon. Our host is Bro Lito and Helen Jaylo. Number of people in our group is 16 adults. Our schedule is Thursday 3 to 4 pm. Now, we are using the audio-Bible (Proclaimer) in our Bible study. We’ll play one chapter, then everyone will have his/her insight or question; we could play 2 chapters to the most. The principle of Faith comes by hearing (Rom.10:17). But everyone has Bible too to read on as they listen. Then, sharing of prayer requests which we found very touching because of each struggles in life. One BS (Marilyn Lacsa) has just operated on (goiter) and diagnosed to be cancerous. We oftentimes prayed in tears because of the many and varied trials that each one is facing.
Then, we schedule for a monthly meeting for each small group leader for coaching, mentoring, encouragement and prayer: focusing on Highpoints, Lowpoints, Turnout, additional new members or groups to form.
Sis Ofel and her team are very excited about their group (Patience SG) because of many answered prayer like healing and finding job for their members. And they have new attendees every week. Their schedule is Thurdsday 4 to 5pm at Sitio Madarag. Most of their attendees become active church goers too at Emmaus Church services. There are great things that God is doing in every group that I would share in my next letters.