I was pleasantly surprised when I was assigned to be the coordinator for The Filipino Connection (TFC) when I joined the church staff team in 2013. It was like a dream come true - almost like doing mission work without having to leave the country! Of course, as with any new ministry and more so with a culture group that I am not so familiar with, I was rather apprehensive.

Many issues that seem simple for us are the very ones that they struggle with. When our child falls sick, we can tend to them almost immediately. But these sisters can only pray and wait for updates on their child's condition through messages. When typhoons strike, it may take days before they finally get in touch with their family back home. There have been times when they were not even able to pay their last respects to their parents when they passed on. Imagine their helplessness in these situations. Such is the reality of life for them. It is at times like these that we offer emotional, spiritual and financial support for one another. We have rejoiced together over our victories. We have also cried together over our adversities.

This journey has been both humbling and enriching for me. I am especially touched by their generosity when these women share what little they have with the rest. Every second Sunday of the month, I see a camaraderie as the 'older' members would dig into their own meagre salary to buy or cook a simple meal just to bless the newer members. I am also pleasantly amazed at how, time and again, we experience the “five loaves and two fish” miracle when the seemingly small portion of food would turn out to be more than sufficient for all of us and there would be leftovers!

Some of the members have expressed their dream of becoming a missionary, a Sunday school teacher or a volunteer when they return to their own church in the Philippines. Through the various discipleship courses conducted at TFC, we hope to provide a platform for them to be trained and equipped. In our recent Alpha course, eight sisters have taken up the challenge to be facilitators and it is our wish that they replicate some of these trainings in their own country.

God has placed Singapore in a very strategic location where we can extend and stretch our tents without even leaving our country. Such is the wonder of God.
THEIR STORIES

Ella Nicomedez
When I first came to Singapore, I asked myself, "What is the purpose? Why am I here?” During that time, I was alone and afraid as I do not have many friends. I started to pray and asked God to help me in my situation.
One day, a friend invited me to The Filipino Connection and I could sense the Holy Spirit in me and I felt very welcomed by TFC members. I have been attending TFC for three years now and God has indeed answered my prayer (1 John 5:14-15). The Lord has given me a purpose and joy. Nothing is impossible with God. He always loves us. I am glad to be part of TFC because my faith has been strengthened and I feel more composed now. Praise the Lord!

Amelia L. Rabaca
I grew up in a Catholic family and accepted Christ as my Savior. I have had a great privilege of being with fellow members of this church and of seeing how the Lord works through them. I praise God for how amazingly this camaraderie has impacted me in my walk with Him! Thank you so much for this Filipino Fellowship program.