ZAMBOANGA CITY IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP INC.

Brief history of JAMA’A ALMASIHIN Now, ZAMBOANGA CITY IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, INC. The history of Jama’a Almasihin, Inc. goes back to the beginnings of a church in after the dispersion of Christian believers of Sulu and Tawi-tawi as a result of the armed conflict in Jolo. It was from this “Christian Diaspora” that an increasing number of believers, both young and old were looking for some nostaligictics and fellowship in Sulu. At once, the idea of “Student Center” in a strategic part of cityemerged as an attractive projects for those hoping to begin something meaningful in their search for Christian Fellowship and Outreach. Immediately involved in the renewed commitment to evangelism and fellowship were several Christian families and friends already established in Zamboanga City. Prominent among them were Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo J. Valdez, Sr., Rev. & Mrs. Jorge Que, and others from the old congregation in Siasi. In 1988, Rev. Florentino de Jesus, Sr., put up a Student Center on the ground floor of a rented two story “Antillan” house of the Valdezes on Rizal Street where they operated a small refreshment parlor. But the center failed and resulted in the establishment of the Parhimpunan Almasihin. The prospect for evangelism and other ministries especially among the Muslims from the Tausug, Sama, and Yakan communities inspired by Rev. Florentino de Jesus, Sr. and his staff led by no less that his own immediate family to make use of the “Love Your Neighbor” as an excellent vehicle for the Parhimpunan Almasihin. In the forefront of the growth of the CHURCH were Ricardo and Lilian Valdez who devoted time, effort, and resources to the various ministries of the Church. Very often, their commitments were done at the sacrifice of their own interest without any material reward or remuneration. Although the city had several Protestant congregation bearing names and identities as evangelical churches, Church of Christ, Christian fellowship or gospel center of ministry, Parhimpunan Almasihin attracted the old members of Sulu and Tawi-tawi to be part of the new congregation. In a sense, the new name given to the growing church on Rizal Street starting point for a successful ministry among the Christian Diaspora. It was not long before growth became evident in increasing membership and material resources. Providing dynamic leadership by personal example and support were the De Jesus, Valdez and late Que families. That the Lord blessing the “Diaspora” church was obvious not only from increase in quality memberships, but also, in financial resources enabling Parhimpunan to expand ministries. But as had been the case of churches since apostolic times inevitably the vulnerability of the human side of the Christian ministry to ferment would lead to irritations in interpersonal relations. As human relation created misunderstanding, whispers of separatist alternative became louder as the solution to internal conflict. The majority decision of Parhimpunan, which consisted largely of the LYN devotees and friends, eventually led to the establishment of Parhimpunan Almasihin in a more ideal location in the city. A minority of about ten core members opted to begin a pioneering work with the vision to put up a church of its own after the transfer of Parhimpunan to new place near Veterans Avenue. The pioneering group decided to remain on 24 Rizal street. What remained at Rizal Street was the old nucleus of believers led by the Valdezes, their close associates and friend with nothing to begin with but the same old devotion to Christian faith, ministry, and fellowship they shared and enjoyed together before the formation of Parhimpunan. Only the old ambience the church on Rizal Street reminded them of the spirit of faith, hope, and love that bound them together. They took upon themselves the remaking of the a new congregations they called “Jama’a Almasihin, Inc.,” which means Christian Congregations distinguished from Parhimpunan. The historic day that marked the birth of the pioneering Church was April 19, 1992. The founding of Jama’a Almasihin, Inc. (JAI) was not based on any doctrinal differences, but rather, on ethical and moral principles and disagreements essentially related to the exercise and conduct of Christian leadership. The theological and doctrinal teaching of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, as preserved in the creed, dogmas, and teachings of the CAMACOP, have remained the shared heritage of Jama’a and Parhimpunan provided by the ad IIoc committee headed by Ricardo J. Valdez Sr., Pastor Jorge T. Que, and subsequently Pastor Greg Hapalla, Rev, Nicanor Fernandez, Jr., and other Christian workers. But special recognition should be given to Rev. Jorge T. Que, for providing spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching and personal services even beyond the call of duty. In 1992, the main problem facing Jama’a was the lack of financial and material resources to restart the basic process of work and worship and other amenities of the Christian life. With only faith in God’s promise of “help in times of trouble” and the determination of about ten members to continue the work, Jama’a efforts saw in its first worship service on April 19, 1992 which happened to be Easter Sunday, the manifestation of hope in the risen Lord and what lay ahead. Despite lack of resources and workers, the congregation increased in membership from seventeen who worshipped in 1992 to a the regular average attendance from week to week of 80 to 100, creating the urgent need for a bigger place. In addition, more activities to serve various age levels had to be initiated through vital linkages with institution, people and ministries capable of extending the much-needed assistance. Consequently, inter church linkages led to series of seminars on the Christian life and evangelism. Soon Jama’as outreach beyond the expectations. The Executive Board in 2004 opted to change the name of the group from Jama’a Almasihin to Z.C. Immanuel Christian Fellowship under S.E.C. registration. In April 19, 2007, The Lord blessed Zaamboanga City Immanuel Christian fellowship with a new building under the leadership of Mr. Ricardo J. Valdez as Chairman of the Board and with spiritual leadership of Rev. Danilo A. Balisi as Pastor. The Z.C. Emmanuel Christian Fellowship new sanctuary is located at the back of Doctor’s Hospital and beside Alta Mall at Alfaro St. Tetuan, Zamboanga City. Today, the membership of the church is increasing and we pray that the Lord will continue to bless his ministry through ZC Immanuel Christian Fellowship.