Sunday, July 26, 2009

YOUR DECISION DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY





Dt 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

The Bible is clear about two fundamental truths. First, God is sovereign. He reigns providentially over the earth and its history. Second, He has allowed us to choose whether we cooperate with Him or not.

What we reap is what we sow!

The decision we make as Children of God must be focus on these 3 aspects:
1. Prioritize God’s people
2. Pursue God’s glory
3. Perceive God’s purpose

“ Great people are ordinary people who chooses makes extra ordinary decisions”

TESTIMONY OF PASTORA JO PERALTA



I never dreamed before of becoming a teacher in whatever areas of studies even during my early years in my Christian life. I took up engineering course, finished B.S. Electrical engineering just to get rid of educational courses because I only had two choices that time, to take up Engineering or education. I took the risk of studying the first one and by God’s grace I was able to finish it and even passed the licensure board exam.

Years had passed, I got married and had 3 kids when one day my housemaid asked if I would permit her to study in AGSOM in Sapang Palay once a week. I answered; “It’s ok, go on”. Then I added; “what about me, can I study too in AGSOM at my age (34)?” I thought AGSOM was just a title of their seminar or just a series of their studies. But before that I was handling a Christian school in our subdivision and one time, I visited one of our teachers in their classroom. I happen to read that verse posted in her door: Philippians 1:6 “ He who began a work in you will bring it to completion until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ”. From that day on, that verse became stronger to me. Ifelt so thirsty and hunger to God’s Word. I felt no longer satisfied with just Sunday sermons and even with my personal Bible studies. I wanted more..more and more so I went to AGSOM with my neighbor who was 10 years older than me. To my surpise as Reverend Joel Sanoy, I whispered to ate Emma’; “This is a Bible school”. We were both laughing because we thought it was just a name of a seminar. We did not stop filling up those forms but we finished it rather with excitement.

I thank god that I was accepted in AGSOM, I enjoyed so much though I felt everything my teachers teachings were all designed for me, as if they knew everything in my life, my present situation and even my dreams. Unfortunately, my housemaid who enrolled first did not continue her studies because they needed to transfer to bicol. Again, I said to my self, AGSOM was made for me. My business and busyness (my husband was in Taiwan at that time) did not stop me from studying until my calling was confirmed again when I attended the foundation day @ AGSOM main school. Dr Eli Javier was the speaker that time and I heard him clearly said “ God is not calling lazy person but a busy person” . so I said “Ok, God..now I know”

One time my husband and I were with Ptr. Joel and his wife we call Mommy luth, I asked him how AGSOM started. Before he answered me, the Lord spoke in my heart and said; “ Before I gave AGSOM to Ptr, you are already part of My plans. “ I can’t forget that day and the message of God, I can’t forget that day and the message of god, I can’t believe how He arrange all this things just for me, feeling His Love to me.

In my third year, I was surprised that when Ptr Edgar Salcedo asked what are our personal vision in the next five years. I wrote my hearts desire which is to teach in a Bible School to be like them and wanted to be come a teacher my Master Jesus Christ.


Pastora Jo Peralta
Sinagaral Recipient

TESTIMONY OF PASTOR MELANIE N. RAMIREZ



Shalom...God is Great!!!

I am Ptra. Melanie N. Ramirez, one of Assemblies of God Pastors in Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Palmera, CSJDM, Bulacan, Philippines. And been assigned last June 2008 to be a resident Pastor of VCF daughter church in Sapang Lamig, Towerville, CSJDM. At the same time as Director of Christian Education Dept. I am in charge to facilitate leadership training within VCF.

It was a great blessings from God through the Lord Jesus Christ as He provided everything that I need to finish my studies. I graduated my Pastoral Leadership last 2005 in AGSOM (Assemblies of God School of MInistry), Bulacan Ext. through a scholarship extended by Sinagaral Foundation.

This education helped me personally with my spiritual walk and it also opened opportunities for ministry. I was then involved in the Christian Education in my home church VCF and in STDC (Southern Tagalog District Council of Assemblies of God).

Last 2007 another door of blessing was received as I passed the admission for the Masteral Degree in Intercultural Studies at Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Off Campus-Manila. I finished the course last March 2009 and was so privilege to be in Bandung, Indonesia last February to do a one month internship mission with the Sunda village. This was made possible upon compliance of the amount required from MAICS graduating class in which Sinagaral heartily shared their financial blessings to this need.

Far from my dreams on the 29th of March, the day after my graduation I take my journey to Malaysia for a one month mission trip under Global Partners Mission. My heart was touched by the goodness of God as my mission host allowed me to be in Melaka to be with my sinagaral sponsors. This meetings also opened another blessing for my daughter Maja Grace who is currently enrolled in AGSOM. I thanked and praised God for the blessings that was shared by Ptr. James Krishnan, Senior Pastor of my Sinagaral sponsors in Malaysia.

I believed that it was God's way for me to be in Indonesia and Malaysia to serve His purpose. As God said in His words:"And we know that god causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them" (Ro. 8:28 NLT).

Praised God for everything...May He continue to touch people's heart for Sinagaral compassions in supporting AGSOM students. They may be empowered to be a part for the expansion of God's Kingdom here on earth.

I also thanked God for the life of Bro. Bob and Sis Flora Ignacio who served as an instrum ents for the birth of Sinagaral Foundation.

Blessings in Christ,

Ptra. Melanie

Monday, July 20, 2009



TESTIMONY OF PASTOR NAP
Pastor Spirit of Philadelphia Church


First and foremost, I would like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ, for making me part of Assemblies of God School of Ministry as Sinag-Aral Foundation Student. He used his own people to be instruments to bless others like me.

I am Pastor Napoleon L. Pacheco, 42 years old, residing in Barangay Assumption, City of San Jose Delmonte, Bulacan, Philippines. I have been a pastor of a small Church for 8 years now, previously I was a pastor of another fellowship for 20 years which was Anit-Bible school.

By the grace of God, I met Rev. Joel G. Sanoy in one of our Pastoral gathering and evangelistic meeting with our Town Mayor Eduardo Roquero. Rev Joel gave the exhortation and after that He shared that there is a Bible school open for those who would like to have a Pastoral Ministry education.

My heart was stirred, I approach Him for my willingness to join in the school. But there was a problem. I am the only breadwinner in my family, and I got 9 children whom are all studying. Pastor erased all my worries and told me that I will be apart as Sinag-Aral Foundation Student.

I enrolled since June 2006 and this year a candidate for graduation in AGSOM, there is a big difference in my ministry after studying, acquiring the right Godly principles, administration and Biblical guideline as worker in His Kingdom. Through these, our small churched grew and we’ve just planted up 3 more daughter Churches. As the flagship of AGSOM “ Learn and Apply” – To God be the Glory!

This opportunity is truly God sent, a blessing for my family and our brethren. Again I thank the Lord Jesus for Pastor Joel and Sinag-aral Foundation sponsors. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A Student's Testimony

A TESTIMONY OF A STUDENT OF AGSOM
( Under Sinag-Aral sponsorship)
I am a Pastor of a Church in Taiwan – THE CHOSEN ONES AG. I know that I need more training and equipping as a servant of God using particular in a Bible school. I was praying then that God would lead me where I have to study.
In April, 2008, I came back to the Philippines and was able to attend the STDC Women’s Ministry convention. There I met Ptra. Luth Sanoy and the WM Leader’s of Faith In Christ Assembly of God Church in one of our fellowship, I shared my desire to them to enter Bible School probably in the Philippines. Ptra. Luth mentioned that they have a Bible School in their church – AGSOM Bulacan Extension. Something struck my heart that this might be the bible school.
We have visited the place with my Mother-in –law and there we met Pastor Joel Sanoy and again his wife Ptra. Luth and inquired the possibility of enrolling in the school. At first Ptr. Joel discourage me due to distance from manila where I will stay. The Lord spoke to me that this was the Bible School where I will study. When I told that to Ptr. Joel he readily told me to prepare for June 16, 2008 the enrollment of the school.
I returned back to Taiwan, then came back to Philippines and enrolled at AGSOM Bulacan in June 16, 2008. I have rented a small apartment owned by a Christian with a minimal rental.
The first day in school, I felt tense and pressured but these feeling all gone as the classes went on the teachings and knowledge I have received from the school cannot be compensated with material things. The equipping and training imparted to us by our teachers for sure will benefit my church in Taiwan. I was even elected as Study Body Organization secretary.
The third trimester is almost finished meaning I have to leave the school because my plan was to study only for one year then continues it through ICI Correspondence School. I will just leave everything to God’s direction.
But one thing before I will leave, I believe that a church will be planted at Barangay Assumption, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan wherein I became a part of the school mission and evangelism project. It became a burden to me those families we have met in our house to house outreach very particular the cama and __________ families. This coming February 22, 2008 we will start the WORSHIP and BIBLE STUDY in the place.
My personal thanks to my teachers Ptr. Joel Sanoy, Ptr. Edwin And one, Ptra. Mila Garcia, Ptr. Dong Dotosme, Ptra. Ephraline Sanoy and to m y friends Ptra. Luth, Sis. Ruthie,Ptra. Jo, Sis. Belinda and others, to my co-officers at SBO Ptr. Mark, Ptr. Dindo, Sis. Belinda, Sis. Judy, Ptra. Ding. I will miss you all. But my prayers will always be with you . “The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds through our Lord Jesus Christ. “ Phil. 4:7
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

From: Ptra. Teresita Tan

Monday, April 20, 2009

Make a difference in the Kingdom of God

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest fields." Luke 10:2

The Lord of the Harvest is now presenting you with the workers who are willing to go forth into His harvest field. But to walk through the wolves they need trainings and equiping to strengthen their resolve in their appointed Missions in the kingdom.

Make a difference and be apart of this!
Sinag-Aral Foundation is now opening opportunities for new partners to be apart on supporting the workers equiping in the Bible School, through student-partner sponsorship.

The Student fee for 1 semester : 2,500 Pesos
This fully covers the school fee and other requirements.

You can join in as an individual or a group as sponsor for student/s.
Just email me at sinagaral@gmail.com for more information

To make contributions:
1. via bank transfer
METRO BANK
Sta. Maria Branch
Account name : Sanoy and Nac
Account No. : 156-3-15622590-9

2. For Door to door
Rev Joel sanoy/Ptr Luthgarda sanoy
Sinagaral C/C Assembly of God
Faith in Christ Church,
San Roque St, Fatima V, Area E,
San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan,
Philippines


Please bear in mind that you will be supporting a harvester that will be affecting numerous lives in the Kingdom.

STUDENT ENROLEES OF AGSOM - BULACAN
School Year 2008 -2009, THIRD TRIMESTER

NAME MINISTRY CHURCH

1 ALCANTARA, Ruthie Church Worker Word of Faith
2 ALOVERA, Mike Pastor TOWERVILLE FOUR SQUARE
3 ALTAMEA, Rodolfo Pastor Vineyard Christian Assembly (Palmera)
4 ASUNCION, Marina Sunday School Supt., Teacher Hill of the Living Faith AG
5 AZUELA, Ma. Teresa Church Worker Jesus the River of Life AG
6 BESAGAR, Robert Assistant Pastor Bethel Temple (Area F)
7 BUNAO, Phebe Youth and Music Leader Faith in Christ AG Church
8 CANGAYO, Ryan Youth Pastor Church of God (San Jose del Monte)
9 CAPINIG, Moan Youth and Music Leader Temple of God
10 CUERBO, Danilo Pastor Word of Life (Palmera)
11 CarIAGA, Michael Church Elder Bethel Temple (Area D)
12 DEDICATORIA, Judy Church Worker, Music Leader Jesus the River of Life AG
13 ENGALETRA, Rowena SBO, PRO, Sunday School Supt. and Cell Learder Faith in Christ AG Church

14 FERIOLS, Rosemarie Church Worker Bethel Temple (Area D)
15 GOMEZ, Bolet Youth and Music Leader GOD'S Warriors Christian Ministry
16 HERRERA, Merlita Church Deacon Faith in Christ AG Church
17 JACOBA, Daniel Teacher and Cell Leader Faith in Christ AG Church
18 JIMENEZ, Teresa Church Worker and Teacher Lord Reigns Ministry
19 LAYSON, Luzviminda Pastor's Wife and Teacher The Living Christ Community Church
20 LAYSON, Sonny Pastor The Living Christ Community Church
21 MORONIA, Romualds Pastor Assembly of God Church (Lawa Obando)
22 NAZARREA, Mark Ivan Sr. Pastor, SBO President Christian Missionary Int'l.
23 OSDAÑA, Belinda Director Prayer Dept., Cell Leader, SBO Leader Faith in Christ AG Church

24 PACHECO, Napoleon Pastor Spirit of Philadelphia Church
25 RAMIREZ, Maja Grace Youth and Music Leader Vineyard Christian Assembly
26 ROMANO, Rozano Youth Pastor Seeds of Jesus AG
27 SARMIENTO, Edgar Sr. Pastor Lord Reigns Ministry
28 SANTIAGO, Teresa Youth Leader and Church Worker Lord Reigns Ministry
29 TABAYOYONG, Mario Jr. Pastor FVR AG Church
30 TAN, Teresita Pastor and SBO Secretary The Chosen Ones AG Church, Taiwan
31 GAYARES, Jerry Church Elder and Worker Jesus the River of Life AG


CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION
School Year 2008 - 2009

NAME MINISTRY CHURCH

1. ALTAMEA, Rodolfo Pastor Vineyard Christian Assembly
2. CAYETANO, Jose Church Worker & Cell Leader Word Of Faith Assembly of God
3. TOLENTINO, Guillermo Sr. Pastor Vineyard Christian Assembly


Others being considered depending on the needed requirements submissions
1. BESAGAN, Robert
2. ASUNCION, Marina
BASIJAN, Ireno

Sunday, April 19, 2009

LIST OF GRADUATES SPONSORED BY SINAGARAL

LIST OF STUDENTS
AGSOM – BULACAN EXTENSION
GRADUATES FROM 2000-2008


Name Ministry
1. Andone, Edwin Senior Pastor, Bethel Temple Church, Area D, SJDM City, Bul.
Faculty, AGSOM-Bulacan
2. Auxtero, Marciano Itinerant Pastor (not so active in the ministry-age 78)
3. Bautista, Consolacion Pastor, Towerville AG, SJDM City, Bulacan
4. Bernales, Jose Tomas Pastor, IRM Church (Gazelle) SJDM City, Bulacan
5. Caniban, Ma. Elena Pastor, Christ the Rock AG Church, SJDM City, Bulacan
6. Cajuday, Rosalinda Pastor, Jesus Christi the Cornerstone AG, Novaliches, Quezon City
7. Dedasi, Victor Pastor, JCSIA AG Church, Tungko, SJDM City, Bulacan
8. Dotosme, Robert Pastor, God Almighty AG Church, SJDM City, Bulacan
9. Etchon, Jeanie Went home to the promise (no report of her ministry)
10. Francisco, Noel Pastor, Lord of the Harvest Global Ministry, Las Pinas City
11. Fuentes, Emma Church worker, Vineyard Christian AG, SJDM City, Bulacan
12. Glaban, Edna Attender, Bethel Temple AG Church, Area D, SJDM City, Bulacan
Minister to her family
13. Garcia, Policarpio, Jr. Pastor, Bethel Temple Church , Area F, SJDM City, Bulacan
14. Garcia, Mila
(nee Nacionales) Pastor, Catmon AG, Sta. Maria, Bulacan
Faculty, AGSOM-Bulacan
15. Gaspar, Rosalinda Church Worker, FVR AG Church, Norzagaray, Bulacan
16. Ignacio, Lucena Working abroad (OFW)
17. Mendoza, Moises Associate Pastor, Bethel Temple (main) SJDM City, Bulacan
Class Graduation Speaker
18. Naing, Lea Youth Pastor, FVR AG Church, Norzagaray, Bulacan
19. Peralta, Jocelyn Incoming Pastor, Faith in Christ AG, Area C, SJDM City, Bulacan
STDC-WM Coordinator
Faculty, AGSOM Bulacan
20. Ramirez, Melanie Associate Pastor, Vineyard Christian AG, SJDM City, Bulacan
21. Ramos, Rolando Pastor, Bethel Temple (Road 2) SJDM City, Bulacan
22. Saloma, Leticia Pastor, Jesus the River of Life AG, SJDM City, Bulacan
23. Sanoy, Luthgarda Registrar, AGSOM-Bulacan
STDC-Women’s Ministry Director
24. Santos, Rodolfo Itinerant Preacher
25. Tayanguna, Edgardo Pastor, JCSIA AG (Ebenezer) SJDM City, Bulacan
Class Graduation Speaker
26. Yap, Esther Pastor, Jesus First AG Church, SJDM City, Bulacan
27. Zuñiga, Ariel Pastor, Word of Faith AG, SJDM City, Bulacan
SINAG - ARAL

The term “sinag” is a Filipino word translated as ray, ray of the sun means “sinag ng araw.” It can be used to describe a blinding light that is also used to describe the glory of God. “Aral” means to study. Therefore, “sinag-aral” means studying for the glory of God.

Another reason why its is called “Sinag-aral” is when I sat in the Bible class with my wife, whenever it was 3pm in the afternoon the students will re-arrange their seats so they could clearly see the blackboard by avoiding the sun’s rays coming from the window.

I was inspired when I joined in the class. I took some classes in a theological school in Singapore, it was more hi-tech compared to them. But the humbleness of the class moved me because of their enthusiasm and joy. There were about 12 of them in the class ranging from 16 to 70 years old. I felt sad after learning that the extension school may be closed by the following year due to low students’ intake due to financial constraints. Also, my wife was taking energy from the classes and the students to withstand her sickness.

I fueled my inspiration by asking God what can I do for them. Then I realized that I could ask support from my cell group mates in Singapore and help them financially. I approached the school head, Rev. Joel Sanoy about my idea and he was glad and prayed that it will be successful.

It took me some time to gather my courage to approach my cell group mates. Because there was money involved, it was very hard to introduce my idea.

I grew up with my younger sisters handling the budget, my father and mother were in the middle east together. During the Gulf War in 1991, my parents’ financial support were delayed a few month so I had to approach others for financial help and it was a very agonizing experience.

We prayed hard so that God will touch their hearts and to lead me on what I need to say to encourage them to support. But praise God for what He did. All of them responded immediately and I even heard through them the words that I should be telling them. These were some of the phrases I heard:
“Good seed in good soil”
“A chance of being a part of God’s plan”
“Being able to help with the right hand without the left hand knowing it”
“Small token from God’s providence”
“Being a part for the glory of his kingdom”
“A way of having personal outreach ministry”
“I already felt joy in the idea”
“Opportunity to give and make a difference in the kingdom”
“A step of faithfulness”
“Investment in heaven”

After the students found out that someone will help them with their studies, they were overcame with joy and thanksgiving to the Lord. Some claimed it as an act of God to their struggles.


Today, we have witnessed what God has done in so many believers in Christ. New churches were formed and more sponsors joined in, not only in Singapore but in other countries including the Philippines. Most of the early students sponsored by Sinag-aral Foundations are working for the school.

The Sinag-aral group headed by my faithful brother in Christ, Ruel de la Cruz, is still strong and most of the co-founders were blessed in many ways. Some of them no longer work in Singapore. Some were sent by God in other places like the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Israel. By God’s grace Sinag-aral will grow in those places as well.

The intake of the school grows more than twice every year, of students of different Christian denominations. The number of new enrollees has surpassed that of the main school.

The school no longer is an extension school but was promoted as a branch school. A plan is in motion to offer more subjects and diploma courses for theological studies.



God is Able

Even up to now, my wife and I are overwhelmed on what God has done through us and we took it in our heart to continue this purpose that He started.

God has a task for His people individually to do something beyond our understanding and capabilities. He will equip us with the necessary gifts and talents so that we can be productive to complement with others in the kingdom.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit in you.

To be honest, we didn’t do much, we just hold on and play our part to His plans. We kept our faith and love for the students.
One of the reasons why we are striving to finish this book is for the foundation and the students.


“A small act of favor from a godly heart of one, can be a blessing miracle revealed to some.”




SINAG-ARAL

Signs and miracles will be come useless and in vain
If you will take the glory for your self to gain
Never do that or you will be punished immensely
Allow God to receive and gather all the glory
God will surely bless you beyond expectation

Acknowledge His grace and joy will be set in motion
Reflect His goodness so others will be inspired
All will be blessed, encourage and Spirit on fire
Let living up to His purpose be your only desire