Church of God Fellowship Manila

“So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” -Acts 18.3

Difficulties in establishing livelihood are a constant feature in the lives of brethren in the Manila fellowship. But even more constant are the miracles and wonders that happen to those who choose to follow God, and wait upon Him, even as they continue to sharpen their skills and work with what they already have. We find that those whose hearts are truly dedicated to serving God, yet also have their own trade, are less likely to compromise truth than those who depend solely on church employment for a living. This year, brethren in the fellowship shared their resources to try various ways to promote their livelihood, be it services like reflexology, or craftmanship, or products like organic fruits and vegetables, herbal soaps, essential oils, while at the same time gaining opportunities to preach the Gospel and set an example of healthy living.

“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more, that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” -I Thessalonians 4.10b-12

Immediately after she resigned from a corporate job, Estrellita Corpuz took up Soapmaking. She experimented, studied, tested several batches by hand until she produced soap combinations that are both cleansing and healing. It is handmilled and aged to just the right scent. She and Brenda Coria, a young mother who also recently resigned from a banking job, to be a full-time wife and mother, manage this enterprise, called Soapware. Soap variations include Coffee, Orange, Aloe Vera Cinnamon, Guava Citronella,
They sell their products from home, but recently tried out two weekend markets. In addition to the Soapware line, they added preserves, spiced anchovies, baked products made of whole wheat, like challah bread, nut bread with molasses, carrot bread, all of which tasted wonderful even when eaten by itself! (Admin Note: As of 2004, the Corias and Lita Corpuz no longer attend with the Fellowship, but they used to make real good walnut bread!)

"Our grandfather was a very successful farmer. When we were children, there were always fresh fruits and vegetables in our house, that it seemed more like a barn. We children would see this enormous harvest as normal, not knowing that a time would come when we would miss everything that our grandfather had produced and developed. He died before he could pass the full knowledge to us.
So here we are, the third generation, trying to recapture the values and the little knowledge handed down by our grandfather, combined with my sister's agricultural education, and knowledge according to God's principles." –Gina Constantino

Recently, they started a regular stall at the AANI weekend market, selling their farm's produce, especially their organically-grown Batangas Coffee.

"Only recently, I began to pay attention to calls for help, needs, finding jobs. I prayed "O Lord, I want to help people in their livelihood. But I have nothing to give them. All of that will come from You."

Then the treasurer of the compound where I live asked "Reggie, I thought you said you knew some people who could work?" I had told her that if they needed manpower, there were people I could refer.

At last I could be of help to someone! They needed a gardener, so I passed on one resume a gentleman in the fellowship had given me. Right there, the treasurer said "Okay! When can he start? I can see here he has so many skills, and being senior, could make some good changes around here." So I contacted that man, and he was able to start work right away.

I kept on the lookout for more opportunities. All the time praying for direction and provision, acknowledging that I did not have the strength of my own to do this. "O Lord. Show me how." Later, the treasurer said they needed security personnel. Wow. I contacted another person I knew needed better work, and once again, he brought his papers, and was able to start the next day. I was so happy! –Maria Regina Buendia

“Hello, Auntie Pres. I’m okay now. This is a big challenge. Life here in Saudi Arabia is really different from the Philippines. Here everyone has to be smart and on the move, in order to survive. I always have to be advanced in my knowledge, can’t do any sloppy work. I didn’t sleep on the plane on the way here. I really thank God that I was able to talk to a fellow Filipino on board. He had been back and forth to Saudi for 10 years, so I asked if I could have his seat, which was by the window. For the rest of the flight, I just stared and stared out the window. And really, God’s creation is so awesome and beautiful from up there, we really have to experience it ourselves. I remembered everything we talked about, even saw that part where day turned to night, and I was so happy.
“I miss you all very much. Honeyleen told me all about the Sabbath sharing. I’m learning something new every day. I’ll just have to save up enough and gain experience before returning home. Thank you for your mail and your prayers. They inspire me deeply."
(Admin Note: Michael Verango came home in February 2005, and is now engaged to Honeyleen Pioquinto)

“I couldn't afford bead curtains. That drove me to create my own. A friend of my brother saw what I was doing and asked "why don't you sell them at a bazaar?" It sounded exciting but I wasn't sure it would sell. After several sundays of sweating it out at the wholesale market, I eventually put up a booth at a village bazaar. I ended up selling ladies' accessories, scented candles, chimes, peasant blouses, soaps, coffee, As for my bead curtains, I found that after so many nights of working, they sold so quickly, I didn’t even have time to look at them!” –Blessie Grace Pioquinto

“Last year, with the help of some brethren, I tried to start a sari-sari store, but it’s tricky to sell food in our place because much of the food gets eaten before it can be sold. So I had been praying to the Father for a way to start a good livelihood. One day, I had an idea when I saw some vendors in the marketplace selling baby products at a much lower price. I asked where they got their stock, but they just gave vague replies, "there." For days I prayed for direction, and asked around, taking jeeps to all places in the city I could think of that might. Then I met an old woman carrying a sack of the same diapers I was looking for, and she gave me exact directions on how to find the place. It turned out the warehouse was just one ride from our home. At first, the staff was even surprised that I had gotten past the guard, when it was mostly uniformed salesmen who could enter. I pleaded with them to give me a chance. Eventually they agreed. I was so happy. The next day I went back to the market to thank the old woman, but she wasn't there. I asked the guard where the old woman was, but he said he didn't know any old woman. Then I knew.” –Pauline de los Santos

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper...
Psalm 1.1-3