batangas

#TaalRelief: A Volunteer Story

January 23, 2020

The Taal Volcano eruption has left thousands of families in Batangas and nearby provinces displaced, distraught, and disheartened. But as the volcano’s strong internal unrest continues, an outpouring of help and support overflows from different individuals and volunteer groups—in spite of challenging situations.

Volunteering is not easy. It requires physical effort and a great deal of emotional strength. It takes a lot of resolve and courage to actually go out there and help affected families find hope and see God’s hand at work in the midst of pain and suffering.

But it takes an even greater strength from God to help and do what we can—even while facing loss ourselves.

Morris, one of our volunteers from Victory Lemery, has been going out of his way since last week to bring relief goods to affected families in Bauan and other nearby towns. But unknown to many, Morris himself is facing a heartbreaking tragedy.

Morris’s and his wife’s families in Bauan and Taal have also been affected by the calamity. But more than the devastating effects of the eruption, it was the recent passing of his wife that really took a toll on him and broke his heart. He has been silently dealing with the pain while taking part in our relief efforts in Batangas.

An old photo of Morris with his late wife and two daughters.

Morris’s wife, Katherine, passed away a few days before Taal’s eruption; she was buried a day before it all happened. Though mourning and still in pain, Morris braves the heartache knowing that God’s grace will always be sufficient.

Morris is now left with his two daughters and a two-month-old son. While still grappling with the loss of his wife, Morris believes that it shouldn’t stop him from reaching out. He is in faith that God will continue enabling him to help those who also lost a big part of their lives.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

As we monitor the situation in Taal, may we be inspired and encouraged to be God’s hands and feet no matter our circumstance. Let us rely on His grace and peace to calm our hearts as we continue to be in faith and believe for the best.

Like Morris and the rest of the volunteers from our South Luzon churches, you can also help affected communities in Batangas. Visit victory.org.ph/taalrelief to know more.

We are now in Lemery, Batangas!

December 12, 2017

We continue to honor God and make disciples in South Luzon as we officially launch Victory Lemery in Lemery, Batangas on Sunday, December 17! This municipality, known to be the gateway to the west region of Batangas province, has a thriving community of businesses and universities, including Batangas State University and Lemery Colleges.

The ministry in Lemery started with students from Batangas State University attending Victory groups in restaurants around their campus. More and more people were coming to know Christ. Eventually, we found a place where we could hold worship services. For the past four weeks, we have been holding Sunday services on the second floor of the LDMC building in Illustre Avenue.

In less than a month, many people responded to the message of salvation. In fact, a family that attends our worship services in Malate decided to return to their province recently to invite their relatives to our worship service in Lemery. Around 20 people from their family attended and came to know Christ! We continue to thank God for opening doors for us in Lemery. We believe this is just the beginning of His work in this municipality.

You are welcome to join us as we officially launch our 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. services on December 17, Sunday, at the 2nd floor of LDMC building in Illustre avenue. We hope to see you there with your family and friends!

Our Provincial Churches Are Ready To Charge!

May 13, 2016

Last month, thousands of Victory Group leaders and interns converged in our churches in Central Luzon, One Cebu Hub, and Batangas Hub for our annual Discipleship Conference. Following the theme, “Charge!” the conference aimed to empower our leaders to rely on the Holy Spirit as they go and make disciples. Nearly 3,000 current and upcoming Victory group leaders were equipped and empowered to make disciples and build foundations.

For Central Luzon, our churches in Angeles, Aurora, Balanga, Baliwag, Cabanatuan, City of San Fernando, Clark, Dinalupihan, Gapan, Malolos, Meycauayan, Olongapo, Plaridel, Subic, and Tarlac held their Discipleship Conference last April 23 at the Fontana Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. All leaders present, including 130 volunteers from different centers who served during the event, were charged to impact their cities when they return home. From last year’s 1,300 attendees, there was a total of 2,000 participants at this year’s conference, making that a 53% increase for 2016.

For our Batangas Hub, a total of 614 participants from our churches in Batangas, Lipa, Tanauan, and Sto. Tomas converged in Victory Lipa, Batangas, last April 9. The conference served to change the mindset of our Victory group leaders and interns, giving them confidence to engage and empower disciples, knowing the Holy Spirit would give them power to do it because When they got back to their respective areas, these leaders started raising other leaders, and some of our interns started leading their own Victory groups.

For our One Cebu Hub, our churches in Cebu and Talisay conducted their Discipleship Conference last April 30, at the J Centre Mall in Mandaue City, Cebu. A total of 345 leaders and interns were refreshed as they reviewed the previous discipleship conferences, which had the themes, GO!, NEXT, and Now! — and then connected them to this year’s, “Charge!” They were empowered by the message of Pastor Zab, who talked about being “Charged by the Holy Spirit” and Pastor Raymund, who taught them “How to Share the Gospel.”

The conference was also an opportune time for our leaders in our two congregations to fellowship and enjoy each other’s company after the event by taking photos at the photo booth, sharing snacks and exchanging stories over drinks. At the end of the event, our leaders and interns were able to take home their complimentary 21-day devotionals, as they go back to their respective communities motivated and emboldened to share the gospel.