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2 0 1 1

The Torch

Greetingsfrom our Pastor

The Theme: CASTINGNETS, basedontheGospel of Lk 5:1-11 presents the untiringcommitmentof SJBCI tothe LORD of menfishing, theLordJesusChrist.Hecommandedustobe fishersofman. Thus, werealize, thatwearenowalivingmetaphorofHistruth.These last twenty three years, the Almighty

God has enabled SJBCI to keep thatmetaphoralive.Wemaybeinasmallpondbutwe paddle tootherpartsofthepondinorderto fish.We cast our nets here and there andspread our "fishermen" tooaswejourney oninourobediencetothegreatcommission.

Today,we rejoice inthe Lord, forHenotonlyhad us as a catch for Himself, but told usto"..launchout into the deepandletdown yournetsfora catch." Weareinforagreatercatchstill.

I cannot help but pray on behalf of thechurch, "Lord, howlarge isyoursea, andhowsmallisourboat.. pleaseenlargeourboat."GodBlessus all . Thankyouforblessing usin your prayers andbid us good haul in ourfishing. Anchorsaweigh.

PastorDingS. GuevarraJr.

Happy 23rdAnniversary

SJBCITo God be the glory

A South Jersey Bible Church International Publication

amily Retreat 2011

A recap of the FamilyRetreat from this year,pecifically themed

Redeeming theamily. The focus waso save the family fromhe discouragingtatistics to Godsaving grace, andhallenge our families toecommit to His will.age 2

We Have Our Savior

A look into this yearsChristmas Cantatawhich is scheduled for

December 17, Saturday.Presented by our SJBCIchoir...Page 3

Ministries

An update of eventsfrom the four mainministries, Word,

Worship, Work, andWitness, WMU,Baptist Men, YoungBelievers...Page 3, 4

The First

Thoughts and praisesfor the 1st Mother-Daughter ChurchesLabor Day Picnic...Page 4

CMS Conference 2011

Our SJBCI Praise Teamwas fully sponsoredthrough the WMU to

attend this years CMSconference in Buffalo,NY. A full page recapof the event and how itcontinues to resonatePsalm 66:1-2...Page 5

Youth Lock In

Recap of the first LIn held in the SJBCbuilding. teaching challenging our yo

for evangelism...Page 6

An Annual Newsletter October 20

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F A M I L Y R E T R E A T 2 0 1 1

SJBCI FamilyRetreat 2011byTessGuevarra

SJBCIs Annual Family Retreat

is one of the churchs most

anticipated event. Coinciding inthe middle of summer, families

take time off from work and

other commitments tojoin other

families in a gathering that

spirituallyrefreshes and inspires,

provides time and recreational

activities that offer relaxation

andfun, andcreatestrongerbond

among the entire membership.

Structured activities were

designed to achieve these

objectives.

Thisyearsmain speaker isRev.

J. AllenHill, aformermissionary

tothe Philippines whoservedin

the Mass Media Ministry as

Director and subsequently as

Mission Administrator of the

PhilippineBaptistMission, SBC.

He and hiswifeEmilywere also

involved withstudent work with

the Baptist Student Union in

Manila. They are now based in

Atlanta, GA.

Facilitators included: Dr. Fred

Saure, PresidentEmeritusof the

Philippine Baptist Seminary and

currentlybasedinMaryland; Rev.

Nardito Manalang, Pastor of

Philippine International Bible

Church also in Maryland; Rev.

RommelPenarranda (for college

youth and young professionals),

Pastor of a church in Maryland;

and Tess Guevarra for High

SchoolandMiddle School. Other

PastorslikeRev. JamesMartinez

of Agape Baptist Church in

WashingtonDC, Rev. JoeBulaon

of International Christian

Church, and Rev. Rudy

Talampas of TCGS-South

Philadelphia were also present

and ministered in the nightly

flowofdecisions.

At the openingnight, the church

was confronted by appalling

statisticsthatpaintagrimportrait

of the family in todays modern

society. A powerpoint

presentation focused on the rate

of divorce; number of children

growing with single parents or

children who very seldom see

their fathers; number of children

growing with a mixed families

other than their own; the

lingeringeffectofpainandanger

among young children of

divorced parents an d

consequentlyfindingexpress

of these negative emotions

crimesandothersocialmalad

Againstthisbackdrop, thisye

retreat theme REDEEMI

THE FAMILY found

relevance. On this theme hin

the nightly messages and

breakout sessions on the sec

day. RedeemingtheFamilyis

posture of the church spread

the message of hope in J

Christforhurtingfamilies.

Sports and parlor games, led

Tom Zackey, added ano

dimension of fun during

retreat.

Two days of fellowship

worship

seemingly

were

enough, butoffweallwenth

from a mountain top experie

and with much anticipation

nextyearsexcitement.

This early, ground works h

commenced for the 2012 Fam

Retreat. Plantobethere!

Redeeming the Family is the posture of the church spreadingthe message of hope in Jesus Christ for the hurting families.

Redeeming the Family"

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M I N I S T R I E S

VBS 2012: Kids are

Connected to GOD

and to One AnotheryTessGuevarra

ummer is always loaded with fun and

ctivities for children. In church, we make

his essence of fun purposeful with a

weeklong Vacation Bible School. VBS is

erhaps the largest children mission andvangelistic workof any evangelicalchurch.

Here, childrenareconnectedtoGodandthey

reconnectedwith one anotheraswell. Itis

lways a week of learning new knowledge,

ettingtoknowJesusandwhatHe hasdone

or our salvation, while building their faith

ndmakingfriends.

This years theme setting was THE BIG

APPLE ADVENTURE. Kids were taxied

rom different classes: Bible studies, music,

rafts, missions and playground recreation,

earning about connecting in Faith,onnecting in Love, connecting in Trust,

onnectingwith Othersandconnectingwith

Life.

Today, themajority ofSJBCIsgenerationof

outh were products of Vacation Bible

chool, and most of them currently take

esponsibilities of leadership. This year,

arah Sabado and Jaspher Cosico took the

elm of leadership. It is our hope that we

avemoreofthemyearafteryear.

Feeding the HomelessMinistrybyHannahJardinico

Ligaya Ordonez began this ministry in

Camden, NJ. The Young Believers were

blessedbyherheartandbecame involvedin

serving food and cleaning up. With Gods

presenceclearlythere, ithasbeenoneof the

biggest impacts on our lives this summer.

Volunteeringatsoupkitchensopenyourmindtorealizehowblessedyouare,andhowmuch

helpandlovethisworldreallyneeds.

Iwasinspiredwiththeboldnessandinitiative

fromtwoofthegirlsofouryouthgroupwho,

one day, evangelized to different people,

responding because they saw a need and

opportunity. Seeinghowsomeofthesepeople

live is soheartbreaking. Forme, personally,

itmakesmewant to share theTruth. I speak

formyyouthgroupwhenIsaywewantother

people tofeelwhatGodhasdone inourlives,

andwhatHehasinstore forus. OurpurposeistofollowwhatJesussaidinMark, Weare

notcalledforthehealthybutforthesick.

Even though school has begun, Feeding the

Homeless is still open for volunteers who

would like togoonce amonth. Or you can

donate winter clothes to the same

organizationwhereFeedingof the Homeless

isheld. Were collectingjackets, pants, hats,

coats, gloved, scarfsetc. thatwouldbe very

usefultomanypeopleinCamdenthiswinter.

We Have Our Saviorby Marchesa F. Ababa

Every year, the excitement starts aro

everyJuly, whenImonthehuntforthe

piece for our always anticipated Christ

Cantata. Lastyear, theSJBCIChoirtook

in singing All Bow Down for Christ

having been the first time sharing the s

withOneHopeInChristChoirforoneo

mostpowerfulsongsweveeverdone. Tfor Easter, we performed Because

Believe, a concert that included very

gospelsongsdeartomyheart, reminding

oftheoldGaitherGatheringsIusedtow

onvideo.

This December 17, we have the sin

pleasure in inviting everyone to a nigh

Christmasmusic, in celebration of the b

of our Savior, Jesus. Every year, our c

getssoexcitedtosharetheblessingscar

in these songs, the message of Love

hope, andtheinfectiousjoyinourhearts

beat because the Light of the world

come.

We Have Our Savior is carefully cra

and arranged by David Moffit and C

Duren, including familiar songs with

seasonal modern worship songs

songwriters like Laura Story, Jonathan

CarlCarteeandRonnieFreeman.

Every year, thatprevalentjoy is incred

Wehopeyoucanmake the trip to celeb

andshareitwithus.

WMUInthepast, the Ladieshavebeeninvolvedinnumerousprojectsthatserve the churchand itsmissions. Lastyear, we initiated the install

of our $7,000 sign board. We have also raised $5,000 for the victimsof theOndoyFlood. We have alsobeen responsible for various ch

beautification projects. Our events this 2011 reflects ourcommitmenttofundraising. Wehave established three goalsfor thisyearand

yoursupportweve beenable tomeettheobjectiveswithsuccess: thesupportthe activitiesofourPraiseTeam inattendingthisyearsC

Conference, supporting Pastor Ding Guevarra with his November revival mission to the Philippines, and some of the ongoing ch

improvementprojects.

Thankyouforallthesupportthisyear!! We hopethatyouwillcontinuetosupportusinthiswonderfulcause. AndwithGodonourside are optimistic thatwecanattainourgoals. Beingconfidentofthisverything, thathewhichhathbegunagoodwo youwillperformituntilthedayofJesusChrist. Philippians 1:6-MindaJardinico | SJBCIWMUPresid

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M I N I S T R I E S

TH E F I R S T

Howbeautiful it isfor brethren to dwell together in

nity(Ps. 133:1). Thisvictoriousdeclarationmagnifies

whatunitycreatesbeauty.

The first Mother-daughter

ChurchesPicnic Fellowship of

South Jersey Bible Church

International and her daughterchurches was held last Labor

DayatWashingtonLake Park.

t generated an amazing camaraderie among church

eadersandpeople thatLabor Daywhichturnedoutto

e a Favor Day from the Lord. We received a

remendous amountof encouragement and inspiration

rom the preaching of the Word given by Dr. Robert

Turner and the presence of Gods people from One

Hope In Christ Church (Atlantic City), Philadelphia

Bible ChurchInternational (NorthPhilly), The Church

fTheGoodShepherd-CherryHill, TheChurchofThe

GoodShepherd-SouthPhilly, andInternationalBaptist

Church (UpperDarby).

How amazing toobserve theimmediacyofconnection

mong Gods people, despite the limited number of

nter-fellowship in a given year. The greetings and

mbraces were spontaneous and gracious.

Conversationswere hilariousyetcourteous. Therewas

oprogramofactivities, yetpeopleseemtoknowwhat

o do next. They are natural in their ways, loose and

ree. Dancing was childlike, but not childish, a lot of

igglingandlaughing, butcleanandfunny. Allofthese

nd more created a beauty to behold . I am glad we

rieditandgazedatthebeautyofthebrethrendwelling

ogetherinunity. UnityismarvelousinHissight.

Now we can move from fellowship to greater

ollaboration of work. Next year, who can tell what

ther outcomes has came out of this first Mother-

aughterchurchesfellowship.

thank the Lord for the leadership and presence of

astorswholedtheir people tocome tomake thatday

f gathering a memorable one. Thank You so much

PastorsGipitulan, Manao, Nable, Talampas, andYanes.

You were the hidden hands behind this gathering.

Thankyou for putting up a united front for the Lordnd Head of the Church, The Lord Jesus Christ. I am

ratefulforyourkindredspirit.

ThankYouforthisfirst.

Needless to say, this is the beginning of yearly

atheringsof our churches to savor the beautyof the

LordinthemidstofHispeople.

TillNext, PastorDing

------------------------------------------------

Young Believersby Sarah Sabado

Only God, alone, is able to make whatthis past year reflected. Every time I

look back and sort of number my

days, I consistently see the Power of

God. God is

faithful and if

you take the

t i m e t o

approach any

of the youth, I

am sure you

can get a

sense of what

I have witnessed throughout the year

while serving the Youth Ministry. Still

today, Iwonderandstand inawe inthe

way God has etched my love for the

youth. Being a part of SJBCI, God has

shownme how He canuse me toreach

and teachand guide a group of people

that others may not necessarily know

howtorelatewith.

First, to SJBCI, thank God for another

year thatreflected HisLove. Godistoo

great

for

us

to

keep

within

ourselves.

There are people whostilldonotknow

HimandIpraythatyoustepouttogreat

lengths and allow yourselves to be put

in situations that will test your Faith.

God should not be kept within the

corners of our church. Praise God for

another year that has past, but let us

continue tofixour eyesonGodthatwe

maybeusedforGodsKingdom.

To theyouth, I loveyou guys! I always

hearyouallreminisceaboutthesum

and the things that God allowed

experience and do. God was s

responsible for allthat and more!

Faith is the reality ofwhat ishop

theproofofwhatisnotseen (Heb

11:1). Continue to believe. Lear

obey. Trustin Him always. Godw

crazy things through you guys; on

you let Him. When you guys spethispast year, 2011, focus on what

did. Then, look forward and fix

eyes on God. Therefore since we

have such a large cloud of witn

surrounding us, let us lay aside

weight and the sin that so e

ensnaresus, andrunwithenduranc

race thatliesbeforeus, keepingour

onJesus, thesourceandperfectero

faith, whoforthejoythatlaybefore

enduredacrossanddespisedthe sh

and has sat down at the right ha

Gods throne (Hebrews 12:1-2). I k

because God put it in my heart

promised me, you, the youth, wi

thingsof Gods agenda. Therefore

notrun likeonewho runsaimless

boxlikeonewhobeatstheair. Inste

discipline my body and bring it u

strictcontrol, so thatafterpreachi

others, I myself will not

disqualified(1 Corinthians 9:26-27)

willrevealHisplan, andHe will

youabletobringGlorytoHisname

ToGodbetheGloryandletHimbe

Glorified!

-------------------------------------------

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Y O U T H L O C K I N

A Generation RisingyFitzgeraldSeggay

This past August, the youth of SJBCI

rganized and hosted a lock-in, which was

ttended by not only the SJBCI youth, but

outh groups from Cherry Hill and OHIC.

The whole purpose of the lock-in, whichwasmeant for high-school and college students,

was to train and equip all those who

articipated to basically step out of their

omfort zone and evangelize. The whole

vent took place in the span of two days,

where the first dayconsisted of teaching the

tudents the concept of evangelism and how

o evangelize, and the second day consisting

ftakingthestudentstotheshoresothatthey

ouldapplywhattheylearned.

A guest speaker, a Rutgers student by the

ame ofSantei, came togiveashortmessage

nd testimony, teaching the students that

vangelism wasnt some small request by

God, butanecessarycommand. Thestudents

lso learned thatevangelizing is essentiallya

ifficult task, because it requires you to step

utofyoucomfortzone. However, they were

uicktorealize thatalthoughthetaskishard,

othingisimpossiblewhenyourelyonGod.After the testimony and message, the kids

were then broken off to three groups, each

with a teacher. The students learned the

different types of evangelism and their

methods and tools. The basic tool that the

teachersusedwasa small, simplebookcalled

Knowing God Personally, or KGP, which

basicallyoutlinesthe gospelandcondenses it

tofour basic points. Bylearninghowto use

theKGP, thestudentswere able to learnhow

toevangelize ina moresimplistic manner, so

that they didnt have to worry about

presentingthegospelin acomplexandfancy

way. Afterthe groupsessionsended, thekids

cappedoffthenightwithfellowshipandfun.

On the second day, the youth headed to the

shore toapplyandpracticewhattheylearned.

Everyone was divided into two groups, one

covering the boardwalk andonecovering the

beach. I had the blessed opportunity to lead

thelatter. Thatwhole daycouldbesum upin

one word: glorious. There is noquestion

on thatday, the Lordswill was done. T

kids, withjustone dayofpreparation, sho

more courage andboldnessthan I didat

age, asif theyunderstoodtheconcepttha

by relying on God, everything else wil

intoplace; affirmingthatifour God isfo

who canever stop us? I was truly bless

see a generation rising up, proclaiming

gospelandour LordJesusChristrightb

myowneyes.

Overall, I personally believe that the lo

wasahugesuccess. Toseethese youngcelebrate in joy because they realized

theirGod isrealandthattheirGodwilln

leave them to do a difficult task,

evangelizing, istrulyablessing. Whats

more of a blessing is that after Iasked

of them how the felt after they evangel

some of them responded with silence,they knew thatwhatthey didthat dayw

done through them or their ownstrength

through God and His awesome grace.

somerespondeditbest: toGodbetheglo

I was truly blessed to see a generationrising up proclaiming the gospel and ourlord Jesus Christ right before my own

eyes.

I see a generation Rising up to take theirplace...

...With selfless faith.With selfless faith.

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S E Q U O I A C L U B

www.SJBCI.org

ody & Soul: SAT

One of WMUs project isBody & Soul Fitnessaturdays ladiesellowship (Men, youreree to join too!). If you areree every Saturday

morning, please come toJBCI @ 9 am. Feel free toring your friends. Theseaturdays, Body & Soul isetting into ZUMBA,ancing to contagiouseats to get fit. No sign-ps; just come dressed toance.

ible Study follows eachxercise session. If you

want to get involved,ontact Sis. Juvie.

Winter Clothing Drive

In association with ourFeeding of the HomelessMinistry, were collectingwinter clothing for thehomeless. Donations will

be delivered every otherTuesday, so please seeSis.Hannah or Sis.Ligayafor any donations. Anygently used clothingwould greatly benefitthose less fortunate as thecold weather is slowlyapproaching.

Be blessed, be a blessing.

Kingdom Agenda: NOV

Youre invited to"Kingdom Agenda Fall2011" That is scheduled onNov. 19 at Washingtonlake park. SJBCI ispartnering with a churchin Maryland to promotethis free event for fun andfellowship. Open tocollege students andyoung professionals.

For more info, contact :

Genesis

guevarragen@hotmail.com

Sarahsarahgrace90@gmail.com

YB Thanksgiving: NOV

Every year, our YoungBelievers looks forward totheir annualThanksgiving Dinner.The invitation for aprepared dinner andprogram is open to ourfriends, family,surrounding churchesand their youth groups.

The date is still beingfinalized and will beduring Thanksgivingweek, so please keep

updated by visiting ourwww.SJBCI.org Youthpage. We hope to see youthis November for someTurkey!

Scheduled Activities

Prayer MeetingsWednesdays 6:30pmSJBCI building

Young BelieversSundays 1pm

Young Pro Bible StudySundays, 9am @ SJBCI

Choir PracticeEvery Sunday 1pm

Feeding the HomelessEvery Last Monday of Month

Book ClubWednesdays @ DeptforMall 12pm

Baptist Men Prayer ViEvery 3rd Friday of mo7-9pm

Praise & Worship PracSaturdays 10:30am

-SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 10, 2012Our WMU celebrates Valentines Day every year with a themed dinner, a night filled with Gods Word on LOVE, foofellowship, games, and dancing. 2012 Valentines Banquet presents Movie Characters. Please save the date and continueget updates through our website and/or SJBCI via Facebook.

How to Receive the Gift of Salvation

1. Acknowledge that YOUR are a sinner(Rom: 2:23)2. Repent and Confess your sin to God(Matt: 4:17)3. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and Submit to

His Lordship (Rom.10:9-10)

How to Become a Member of SJBCI

1. We will ask you about your salvation experience(regenerate membership).2. We will ask you about your Baptism ofrepentance (immersion).3. We will ask you to go through our 12-Lessons

classes called C.O.M.E.4. We will present you to the church forcongregational affirmation.5. We will ask you to sign a Membership covenant.

How to Get Involved In Our Ministries

1. Know your ministry gifting (covered in 12lessons Classes).2. Approach the Pastor and/or Elders of theChurch and share your burden and leading.3. You shall undergo some kind of Discipleshi

Training assigned by the Pastor for mentoring.4. You will be asked to sign a Ministry Covena

http://www.sjbci.org/http://www.sjbci.org/mailto:sarahgrace90@gmail.commailto:sarahgrace90@gmail.commailto:guevarragen@hotmail.comSarahmailto:guevarragen@hotmail.comSarahmailto:guevarragen@hotmail.comSarahmailto:guevarragen@hotmail.comSarah