JIL British Columbia 24th Anniversary

Article by Sis. Luisa Locsin
Photos by Bro. Arex Ramos
Videos by Allan Avendaño


Read article, view photos and watch videos from Jesus Is Lord Church British Columbia's 24th Anniversary

JIL BC 24th Anniversary

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
- Hebrews 1:9

The people stood still at Massey Theatre as the countdown comes to 3…2…1….  
And the revolution begins. 

At exactly an hour past noon, flags and streamers hailing glory, honor, power and praise to the King and Lord Jesus Christ with the music of ‘Adonai’ conquers the stage with the JIL Vancouver TEAM led by Melody Nuay Baez. The succeeding presentations displayed the group rendition of the song “Gantimpala Ko” by the JIL Surrey church singers, the inspiring dance interpretation of “Mercy Seat” of JIL Burnaby dancers followed by the contemporary dance mix of CYAMs from JIL Victoria & Nanaimo Island church. The pre-program culminated with the wondrous song and dance by selected children and CYN’s from JIL North Vancouver church.
 
The theatre was nearly filled up when the program proper set off as the national anthems of Canada and the Philippines were heard. Pastor Myra Paguntalan opened the celebration with a prayer of thanksgiving and adoration, seconded by a slideshow presentation highlighting the accomplishments that the Lord has made possible through the years in the lives of the members of Jesus Is Lord church in British Columbia.  Tracing back its initiation unto the 24 years stretch, the great commission by which JIL Church is rooted remains, that is, “to bring all peoples to the kingdom of the Living God regardless of race, status, belief, and religious affiliation through the saving, healing, and delivering knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 
 
In congruence to the same mission, the production number entitled “Revolution of Righteousness” was center-staged. It depicted God’s master plan for mankind from the time of creation unto the downfall of man and the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ towards every man’s salvation. 
 
This dramatic portrayal by the joint efforts of CYN from the varied JIL churches in BC paved the way for everyone to arise and pay tribute to God in blasts of praises and worship.  The JIL BC Band led the congregation with the music  “Turn It Up”, “All That We Are”, and “God is Here” as flags, tambourine and Triune danced alongside. The band also ushered the people to worship with the songs “Victor’s Crown”, “You Are Holy” and “The Anthem”.  To make way for the preaching of the Word of God, Rev. Nicanor ‘Bong’ Gonzales, Director of JIL North American Hemisphere (JIL NOAH) introduced the occasion’s guest speaker, Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, the Spiritual Director and International President of JIL Church Worldwide. Focusing on God’s offer of salvation and call for righteousness, he urged the congregation to live in the light of God’s Word and promise of freedom, joy and peace of being God’s chosen people.
 
Victory chant resounded within the four walls of the theatre as the Praise and Worship Team led the victory proclamation with the songs “Endless Praise”, “Put Your Hands Up” and “I Am Free”. 
 
A special number rendered by the CYN BC, all the more, created a festive atmosphere. It was a mini musical play that magnifies the unconditional love and abounding grace of God in the life of the youth.

An estimated 800 people occupied the theatre to celebrate the occasion comprising of JIL members and guests/visitors. The Philippine Consulate Office in Vancouver, represented by Vice Consul Ms. Melanie Diano, graced the celebration and expressed her gratitude to the continued support of JIL church to Filipino community events such as Philippine Independence Day, Pinoy Fiesta and Unang Hirit sa Tag-init. Likewise, Rev. Dory J. Villanueva also made her congratulatory remarks to JIL BC churches. She encouraged the same with words of wisdom and called for enduring faith in God who makes all things possible.
 
Acknowledgements to the whole production team and constituents who helped make the event feasible were recognized by Pastor Jovi Villanueva-Binalla, CYN International Director. She commended the hard work from the time of the anniversary’s inception in June 2014 until its final staging.  Finally, closing remarks was given by Pastor Gody Binalla and rekindled the call to continue with the mission of reaching the world with God’s Word of Truth and pursue the calling as a church born from the heart of God.
 
As the event ended at almost nearly 6pm, JIL BC churches carry on the joy of a victorious event, the hope of greater things yet to come, the faith to face the challenges as it looks forward to its silver year.
 
Let all glory, honor, power and praise be unto the Living God as it is continuously proclaimed that JESUS IS LORD over British Columbia.