The History of COGWM-Lapu-Lapu City

          Church of God World Missions – Lapu-lapu City: Now on its 3^rd year of existence. The Church of God – Lapu-Lapu City progressively, impacting the neighbourhood and nurturing the lives of men and reconciled to God. It is a branch that has sprouted, grown and is now bearing fruit

          Its existence, too, can be traced:

          June 30, 2007 at 7:00 in the evening, a group of fifteen (15) believers praying together in a rented building with Bishop Cleto M. Anabo seeking for God’s guidance for Pastoral leadership. It was then that night the Lord spoke to Rev. Anabo to pastor to them. He then responded the call and shared it to the group of which the group confirmed it.

        July 1, 2007 (Sunday). Rev. Cleto Anabo announced his commitment to pastor them, and it would be named Church of God World Missions – Lapu-lapu City.

        October 2007, graciously relocated the COGWM-Lapu-Lapu from its rented place (Vano Bldg.) to  a purchased property through the help of Dr. Harold McLeod, Field Director of Far East and Oceania of the Church of God World Missions.

         It was then through the help of NEAT-Asia Director, Rev Martin Lee Studdard and his wife, to replace the roof and the ceiling of the Old House.

        Little by little with a few members of the local church the basketball court (Parking Area) and basement were developed. This early, we step further by sending two gifted young people, Sis. Liezel Augusto and Bro. Joseph Toring to Tung Ling Bible College (Singapore)for training. Afterwards, they came back and with due process and orientation became full  time Admin Staff in 2009.

          Pastor Joseph Toring, serves as  Pastor of the Outreach and Sunday (Mid-morning) congregation, while Pastor Liezel Augusto serves as an Office Administrator and Pastoring the 1^st Sunday Worship (Early Morning).

          COG Missionary Brenda Bosch came in May 2008 to help us launched the MIP Program and strengthen our Bible Students (1^st Batch) by her teaching skills

         August 2008. Bishop Anabo visited the Studdards in Texas and met the Head Pastor of N. Main Church of God Bishop Forrest Bass. It was a blessing meeting him. Through his initiative, the N. Main Church of God gave us the initial fund for the Children’s and Bible School Building (Cooker’s Memorial Building). Later, Rev. Bass came to the Philippines conducting revival meetings and crusades. He is such a blessing with the Bible School building project and winning souls

        Year 2008 with the partnership of NEAT-International/FOP/COSBT through Rev. Victor Ho, the Philippines was adopted as the mission field. The following ministries were launched: Visayas Bible College was established with 16 students (1^st batch graduates) and now (2010), we have 55 students, then Olango Outreach Planters Training Center (CPTC) was being launched and now with 18 active students.

        By faith, we step further,  just recently (June 15,2010), Arise Kinder School was opened with 43 pupils both Olango and Headquarters with 4 licensed teachers and 2 assistants.

       2009 another blessing came the livelihood project for Church Planting (water station – Aquabeersheba) begun to operate.

         Further looking back with our theme and the progress of the city of Lapu-lapu  as we pray and declare.

          March 2008 Bishop Anabo met his long time friend Dr. Ross Ceniza and agreed to establish a Prayer Partners as Dr. Ceniza shared his burden to pray for Lapu-Lapu City. It was a blessing, many concerns were being answered. Right then, they organized the prayer partners at the COG compound every Tuesday evening and many miracles taking place.

          July 2008, our 1^st Anniversary, ministries and the leadership of the Church Councils established over 30 members. With our theme:  Proclaiming Peace and Prosperity”, we do motorcade, prayer walk, distributing Bibles as we blessed the city. Amazingly, the Lord blessed the city and was proclaimed as Highly Urbanized.

         July 2009, our 2^nd Anniversary with a total of 68 members, with the theme, “Experiencing Seasons of New Beginnings”. With the prayer movement, we strategically do prayer walk and anointing of oil over eight pillars of the society. Along with the celebration, the city was declared as Lone District.

         Now on its 3^rd year, with a total membership of 110 with our theme: “Fulfilling Your God-Given Destiny. Along with this, the city has its own Representative in the house of Congress.

          Indeed, God is moving and confirming His word with power as declared. Glory to God.

         Church of God World Missions – Lapu-lapu City, the best is yet to  come!

        Let us together Arise....Fulfilling our God – given Destiny. Receive God’s best  for you today.

         To God be all the glory and honor! Praise the Lord!

COG - LLC turns three

             July 18, 2010 - 3rd Year Anniversary. Church of God - Lapu-lapu City emblazoned God's faithfulness for another year of heyday held at the COG Basketball Court with the theme “Fulfilling God-given Destiny”.

             Praise and worship  filled the Sunday ambience and attendees were buoyed as Pastor Cleto Anabo talked about  making investments while waiting for God’s perfect plan to take place in His perfect time. He emphasized much on the advancement of  daily Christian living as God continuously works on making His blueprints  possible.

             Highlights of the said event were  “Stop and Shop” for all attendees to avail of the clothes that were being  piled up;  raffle activity exclusive for church members for them to win various prizes such as appliances, kitchen utensils, and the like; and a sumptuous buffet of food. In addition, creative presentations by department  showcased the evening affair.

             The one-day activity was well-contributed by church leaders and members, and was drove  by Mrs. Leah Faith A. Marfil.

COG with the Global Challenge Team initiate feeding program

The Church of God Lapu-lapu partnered by the Global Challenge Team extended their love through feeding program to the less fortunate children situated in Barangay Duca, Kalawisan, Lapu-Lapu City last May 2010.

        The program's goal was to  share the love of God  not only to the children but to their respective parents and win their hearts for the Lord. Hundreds of children responded to the porridge provision and came to know the Lord Jesus Christ in special ways.

         The  half-day program which was excellently productive was led by seven GBT  African members and three COG-LLC outreach team members.



COG-LLC conducts salvation and healing crusade

           To spread the good news of salvation, the Church of God – Lapu-Lapu City reached out to the lost last November 2009 by conducting a series of crusade for Jesus which culminated at the Church of God Basketball Court, Lapu-lapu City.

           In connection with this, a team of ninety Singaporean citizens led by Pastor Daniel  took part in the event . The crusade was assiduously showcased with   musical presentations,  godly skit and the like, and exhortations exceptionally  executed  by the team. 

               Highlights of the event included the counselling flurry, clothing distribution and the  salvation and healing campaign. Approximately 150 respondents of God's free gift of salvation attended each event to see the work of His hands.

             It was a seven-day crusade but consecutively carried out in different locations which include Olango Island, Basak, Calawisan, and COG Headquarters.  

Campus Ministry of COG-LLC kicks off

           COG-LLC launched its Campus Ministry on November 2009. Steered by Pastor Joseph Andrew Toring,  the GEL Team of Singapore visited various secondary institutions in Lapu-Lapu City to promulgate God's love to younger souls in the community.

          An afternoon school room to room visitation was conducted at Gun-ob National School. Pastors Forrest Bass, Joseph Andrew Toring, and Joy Tuazon disclosed godly exhortation to students in small groups. They had surpassingly encouraged students to value education and revere God in their daily walks.

          The film showing featuring "Alpha and Omega' culminated the one-day event held at Gun-ob National High School Basketball Court. The three-hour crusade bared propitious presentations, and  exhortations by the GEL Team. In addition, it was warmly supported by Pastor J.A. Toring, Sis. Given Anabo, and Bro. Jun Bual.

          Campus Ministry outdoor activities were inclined to reach out and grace the lives of youngsters with God's indescribable love, mercy and the free gift  of salvation.

Living Word Christian Ministries hooks up with Church of God for medical mission

              Living Word Christian Ministries (LWCM) ties up with Church of God, Lapu-Lapu City  (COG-LLC) to proffer free medical assistance to Lapu-Lapu City  indigent citizens last September 27, 2009 at Basak Basketball Court.

             Prior to medical consultations, patients were arranged to undergo counselling sessions conducted by the COG Outreach Team which was composed of  Bro. Erro Bering, Sis. Joy Tuazon, Sis. Nally Umbayan, Sis. Dore Anabo and Sis. Given Anabo. The team was tasked to minister the spiritual and emotional needs of the beneficiaries, thus, educating the patients about God’s unconditional love, which extends, not only to those who are financially adequate, but more to those who are in need. Moreover, they  ensured that all recipients would come to know the sole Healer as their  personal Savior

            Subsequently, vital signs of the patients were gathered and documented led by Registered Nurse Cheryl Augusto and records were being forwarded to the LWCM Medical Mission team for methodical treatment. Free medicines sponsored by LWCM partners  were also  distributed  for medication.

           Approximately 150 beneficiaries took advantage of the program and were taken cared of by the LWCM Medical Mission  Team, spearheaded by Dr. Ross Ceniza. The team was composed of nine dentists, pediatricians, and medical practitioners.

Church of God - Lapu-lapu City celebrates its 2nd Anniversary

            To proclaim the glory of God’s goodness , COG-LLC commemorated its 2^nd anniversary on July 26, 2009 at the Church of God sanctuary.

         Pastor Cleto Anabo‘s sermon of “Experiencing Seasons of New Beginnings” in the morning commenced the festivities. He asserted that it’s time to take grounds of the whole city for Christ, and experience new beginnings for the expansion of His kingdom. He further challenged  the church to be channels of new adventure in Christ  not only in reaching out for lost souls in the community, but actively taking stand in  ministry involvements.

          Amusing games hosted by Pastor Joseph Andrew Toring jam-packed the whole afternoon in which members of all ages came in to participate.  In addition, the evening program featured  presentations from different ministries which include Men, Women, Youth, Children, and Music Ministries.

          On one hand, election of church councils also highlighted the event in which church members casted their votes in paper. It  was noted that tabulation of results followed thereafter wherein Rogen Marfil, Danny Manzano, and Rudy Bual turned out to be official councils. The new council debuted  during that night after Pastor Cleto Anabo prayed and inducted them into service.  Moreover, Pastors Joseph Andrew Toring, and Liezel Agusto were also  commissioned  as official pastors of Church of God Lapu-lapu City.

         To God be the glory!

Church of God lauds water baptism respondents

              Pastor Cleto Anabo administered water baptism to five new believers namely, James Diamante, Rhema Diamante, Soltero Pacada, John Christopher Toring, and Evan Estusos on June 2008 at Vano Beach, Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City.

COG - LLC holds 1st Family Day

         To   establish a strong tie among church members, Church of God - Lapu-lapu City threw off its 1st Family Day last April 2008 at Vano Beach, Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City.

          The event was highlighted with various kinds of games, and presentations  which were participated in by different ministerial groups. Exhortation and prayer  led by Pastor Cleto Anabo was tremendously encouraging to somehow strengthen every relationship that co-exists in the family and in church.

          The  fun-filled activity  which also aimed to promote recreation and relaxation was well-attended and hosted by regular church members and Pastor Joseph Andrew Toring, respectively.

We call it fun!