THE CALL
“A light to reveal Your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel” - Luke 2:32
It took a nervous breakdown to make the couple Mr. Louie and Mrs. Norma Santos to seek one true God. Mr. Santos was a businessman, fanatic, devout Catholic believer yet a persecutor of Born Again Christians. Pastor Antonio Gallemit of “Apostolic Christian Fellowship” was sent by God to bring the gospel of salvation to them. Their conversion rescued them from spiritual and physical death and the Holy Spirit remarkably transformed their lives. These testimonies will bring glory to God . . . you as witnesses.
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God choose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong… Therefore, as it is writte: ‘Let him who boasts, boasts in the Lord.’” - I Coringthians 1:26-31
God knew Mr. Santos’ potential, then referred to as Bro. Louie and patiently brought him to his higher calling of service. God equipped him with a year of formal bible school education. He hasn’t considered becoming a Pastor until Pastor Gallemit’s prophecy of his leadership. (His bible study members in Blumentritt, Tondo and Marikina in a suggestion of an independent church supported it.) Although Bro. Louie was aware of the vital nature of such task, without hesitation he responded to God’s calling with the assurance given to him on Psalm 118.
THE DAWNING OF THE CHURCH
Upon God’s blessing, “Jesus Christ to God be the Glory Church” started as an independent church on December 8, 1985. It was held at 170 Calamba St, Cor. Don Pepe Sts. Sta Mesa Heights, Quezon City a former residence of the Santos family, now known as the Mission House. Attendees ranged from 120 to 200. The Holy Spirit fuelled the church with the energy of faith according to Acts Chapter 2 enabling them to conquer souls in every place God has led them.
Every decision of the young church was made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. An ordered structure has been defined by God’s given ability of leadership to Pastor Louie. Matters such as worship procedures, leadership standards, administration, etc., has also been set. The church’s discipline was likely to be noticed.
The church at a young age had to combat various deceptions of Satan contrast with the truth revealed by God. In the Old Testament, God’s people (Israel) battles tend to be a racial struggle, the most vicious bloody war (Holy War). When the Messiah finally emerged, instead of conquering armies His disciples were commanded to go as “bearer of the Good News". By that time, persecutions broke out against the early church. Nowadays such kind of harassment is a little percentage of Satan’s league against the children of God. He will let you live, taking advantage of human weaknesses by twisting the truth. But God patiently teaches and gives wisdom for every threat of evil.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
| 1986 | On the 1st Anniversary of the church, Bro. Louie was ordained as Pastor |
| 1987 | Sunday Service was moved from their garments factory to a neighbor’s vacant lot where 200 regular members attended. |
| 1988 | The first extension church was established in Bulacan headed by Pastor Ron Ege. The first concert was held at Trinity College Gym. |
| 1989 | From 500, attendees reached 2,000. Sundary Service was held at the Trinity College Gym. |
| 1990 | The Radio Program “Friends Again” was aired at DWOO. |
| 1993 | Business operations of the garments factory totally ceased. The place became the Mission House that serves as the church’s main office and where full-time workers reside. |
| 1994 | Friends Again was telecast at IBC Channel 13. |
| January 1995 | Sunday Service was held along Calamba Street |
| 1995 | Two (2) consecutive services were conducted at Star Mall in Mandaluyong (formerly Manuela Mall). |
| October 1995 | Sunday Service was moved to Balete Drive, Quezon City. |
| August 1996 | Sunday Service was again moved to Quezon Memorial Circle, also in Quezon City. |
| May 2001 | Sunday Worship Service was conducted at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. |
Twenty years have gone by and still the power of God hasn’t changed. Before a 7,000 congregation, 30 believers started. Before a mighty warrior came, a wounded warrior fought. Before an amazing grace, suffering to the cross was endured. And before everlasting life, our own earthly life died for our Lord Jesus Christ. The short remaining time is our role to play, let’s make the rest a history of success giving all the glory to God and God alone!
