A Short History
An Open Door
The humble fellowship of the Living Word Church began as
Bible Study on the 3rd floor of Manuela Complex in Crossing,
Mandaluyong City. Ned Ogad, the Area Manager of CAP Phil. called Ptr. Franco
Togonon of Bulihan, Silang, Cavite after his radio broadcast, aired every
Sunday afternoon. The preaching of the Word caught his attention, which
prompted him to request for a Bible Study. The Bible Study was held in his
office in the Manuela Shopping Complex. It was to become one of the fruits of
the ministry.
Hungry Souls
When the Bible Study was established, listeners of the
broadcast were immediately informed. Attendees and listeners flocked the
office of Bro. Ned as they came to hear the Word personally. At the same, people
in the shopping center who were also on the look out for a Bible Study came
in and sat to listen to the exposition of the Message of God.
Near Manuela Complex was Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in which a
brother from Quiapo Church by the name of Cernan Banagan. Here Bro. Cernan
was also sharing the Word to some of his officemates. As their interest grew
they were brought into Ptr. Franco�s Bible Study.
Many of these listeners continued in the study of the Word
and were later baptized. Soon the number of believers grew we needed to move
to another place in the same building in order to accommodate the attendees.
First Sunday Service
The Bible Study group held their first Sunday worship
service on the first Sunday of May 1995. We rented a function room to
accommodate the growing number of attendees. For more than a year Ptr. Franco
traveled between Cavite and Mandaluyong City to feed the newborn eagles the
Food they need. He left his flock on Sundays for months to his associate
minister and oldest son Jonathan.
New Pastor
In the meanwhile, God was already working in the life of
Bro. Jonathan, who was to become their pastor. The oldest son of Ptr. Franco,
Bro. Jonathan has been in the ministry since he was 18 years old. He has also
caught the inspiration of preaching the Word of God. From the time God spoke
to his heart in a Rainforest Camp Meeting he has continuously dedicated his
time in study and leading a youth group. The people of God in Bulihan were
the witnesses to this young man�s growth in the Word and dedication to the
work of the Lord.
In 1997 Ptr. Franco realized he couldn�t handle two flocks
at the same time. As if by providence, his son Jonathan, who by now is
recognized minister, got married in December of 1996 to a sister from
Word-Bride Church in Pasig, Joy Caytuna. Their marriage was very much
welcomed by many believers and friends. Right after their marriage Bro
Jonathan concentrated on the Manuela flock. On June 12 1997 Ptr. Franco
formally delegated the leadership and care of the believers to Bro. Jonathan.
Right after, a Board of Deacons and a Board of Trustees
were formed and spiritual men were chosen from among the brothers. The newly
formed congregation was aptly named Living Word Church.
Hardships and Trial
Establishing a congregation in the heart of a city proved
to be no easy task. The first problem encountered by the LWC was finding an
affordable place for worship and other activities. In the space of 3 years
the small church has moved into 4 places already. But God has always provided
the means to cover the expenses.
The Present
Today, the Living Word Church is located at the corner of
15th Avenue and P. Tuazon Ave in Murphy, Quezon City. Although the
place is still temporary, and a bit smaller for us to move comfortably, the
Church continues to grow spiritually and physically.
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