By Marilyn Frivaldo
Not even a pandemic was able to stop the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW) from holding its 42nd anniversary last October 25.
Despite being unable to congregate in Luneta, Rizal Park, JIL members from different regions and time zones gathered simultaneously as the face-to-face celebration in JIL Prayer Garden was broadcast live via Zoom, Facebook, YouTube, Light TV – God’s Channel of Blessings, and ZOE Channel 20.
The JILCW President and Spiritual Director, also current Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, addressed the attendees and online viewers on the event’s theme “Prepare for Eternity,” which he believes to be an urgent wake-up call to the entire human race in such a time as this.
Bro. Eddie delivered an all-inclusive sermon on the Rapture and Second Coming of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and urged all to avoid committing the warning of the Holy Spirit detailed in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and to live holy lives for without it no one can see God as stated in Hebrews 12:14 and Ephesians 5:27.
He also commended the Education and Discipleship Department led by Rev. Renato Bernardo, Executive Director, for completing and distributing to pastors copies of a comprehensive video teaching on the study of Eschatology.
The newly installed Vice President Ptr. Jovi Villanueva-Binalla joyfully exclaimed in her greetings, “It’s a grander celebration even if it’s not held in Luneta Grandstand for we are celebrating the JIL 42nd Anniversary in different parts of the world altogether!”
Dr. Mike McKinney, Founder of the World for Jesus International Christian Center and Ministry, expressed his video greetings of love and support to JIL whom he lauded for their work to reach the world in the end-time hour.
The leaders of the Body of Christ represented by Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) National President Bishop Leo Alconga honored the JILCW for overcoming adversities and awarded it with a commendation plaque highlighting the Bible verses it upholds.
Bro. Eddie’s firstborn, Mayor Jonjon Villanueva, sent his video greetings testifying to the truth that only Jesus can save sinners, and as believers prepare for eternity, he said, “We Christians must be alert and vigilant. We must be ready when the trumpet sounds.”
Senator Joel Villanueva, who made headlines recently for the passage of the bill “Doktor para sa Bayan,” congratulated the JIL people for standing firm and for always abounding in the work of the Lord in the last 42 years.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in his video greetings, “We thank each one of you for making not only our country but also the world a better place for this generation and the generations to come through teaching, preaching and living out the full gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Sen. Joel afterward read the Senate Resolution No. 69 awarded to JIL, which says it “recognize(s) and congratulate(s) the Jesus Is Lord Church for celebrating its 42nd anniversary on October 25, 2020, for its continuous contribution to the country’s moral recovery and for its vibrant work in community development and nation building.”
The newly seated Speaker of the House of Representatives Lord Allan Velasco also greeted in video, citing that the JIL’s strength and unity is brought about by love and sincere care of its leaders to the members, and this is really commendable.
CIBAC Rep. Domingo Rivera afterward read the House Resolution No. 1291 awarded to JIL, which gave honor to Bro. Eddie and the JIL for their continuing social and humanitarian programs that benefit not only its members, but the country as a whole.
They recognized Villanueva as the “conscience” of the House of Representatives who fearlessly speaks out against major issues that tend to erode the moral fiber of the country. The congress sent its collective commendation and congratulatory greetings to the leaders and members of the JIL Church who were physically and virtually present in the celebration of their 42nd anniversary.
Kapamilya artists also sent their video greetings to JIL Family, i.e. Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Angel Locsin, Coco Martin and Ang Probinsiyano Cast, Kim Chiu, Edward Barber, Vice Ganda, to name a few.
Meanwhile, a special segment giving honor and tribute to its two beloved leaders who recently passed away, the late JILCW Executive Director and Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Eleanor “Joni” J. Villanueva-Tugna, and the late JILCW Vice President Dr. Adoracion “Dory” J. Villanueva, was presented by the Executive Management Board, with their legacy remembered, and their presence terribly missed.
Mayor Joni’s children Eleana Doreen, Joaquin Eduardo, Elia Grace and Lexi Joy, with their cousins Gwyn and Zeke, rendered songs which were her favorites. ZOE Broadcasting Network President and CEO Sherwin Tugna, Mayor Joni’s husband, received the Legacy Award given in her memory.
As part of honoring the legacy of Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna, Ptr. Sam Binalla announced the Musikatha re-launch. Interested parties can download the songs He is Lord, Let Me Fly, and Jesus is Lord on www.jilworldwide.org.
In recognition of Dr. Dory’s legacy, the JIL Prayer Garden was dedicated in her honor, highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative marker in front of JIL PG. JIL chapters also prepared their own tribute for their mother in faith, which was shown in JIL PG via Zoom.
Bro. Eddie, with Sen. Joel Villanueva and Ptr. Jovi Binalla received the Legacy Award for the late Dr. Dory.
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