THE CHALLENGE OF INTEGRATION

Unknown to Many

          Unknown to many Filipinos of today is the IEMELIF Church's contribution to religious nationalism. At its backdrop is the struggle of Filipinos for independence against the oppressive government of Spain with its friars for nearly 400 years. This was followed by the American occupation for more than 50 years.

          Motivated by the lives of heroes like Gomez, Burgos, Zamora, and Jose Rizal; Rev. Nicolas Zamora, the first Filipino who was ordained as Methodist pastor by the Americans, decided together with other nationalistic elders to form the first Filipino protestant church.

          In 1909, the IEMELIF (Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en las Islas Filipinas), also known as The Evangelical Methodist Church in the Philippines, came into being. It spread-out from Tondo, Manila and to Notrthern and Southern Luzon. It tirelessly proclaimed the Good News of salvation and brought many followers to the feet of Jesus. Today, it continues to keep its mandate to evangelize the world about Jesus Christ and reaches out not only in the Philippines but to other parts of the world, in Asia, Canada, America, and Europe.

          Then and now, the IEMELIF Church continues to adhere to its objectives to self-propagate, self-sustain, and self-govern through the unwavering support of its members around the world. There is a continued growth taking place to every local congregation. You can feel the love and solidarity of a truly Filipino in mind, in words, and in action; which is attributed to the Holy Spirit's guidance that made the IEMELIF grew in number and wisdom because the will is attuned to fully cooperate with God. This is grace that enables the ministry to move on. As the Scripture says in 1 Cor 12:11 "All these gifts, achievements, abilities are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same Holy Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually exactly as He chooses." True enough, He never fails to supply the needs of His people in IEMELIF.

          As an Evangelical Protestant Church, the IEMELIF has contributed a lot to Filipino religious nationalism. The Church stood firm with her mandate to follow the Lord amidst global financial crisis that brought down economies around the world. Uniquely, the IEMELIF's music is made out of human composure, a music of personal religious experience and her people have a balanced view of prosperity and austerity; of love and discipline; and of perseverance and assurance of grace. Truly, God is proclaimed within the ideals and aspirations of Filipinos. 

          She will be the focus of our gramar-exercises, paragraph-development, and article-making. I'm glad to to inform you that the unique integration of English in the IEMELIF context is the first to have ever tried in this Church. Let this be known that this is a personal effort. But of course you have the chance to say something either to praise, to correct, and best of all - to contribute.

          Let me close by saying that the challenge of integration is not simple. By signing up to this blog, I shall have endless reasons to continue on writing for the Lord as time and tide wait for no one. Paul said to 2 Tim 1:11 "For the proclaiming of this Gospel I was appointed a herald (preacher) and special messenger and a teacher of the Gentiles." Therefore, let all opportunities be made and done for the glory of the Lord.

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