The Challenge to Unite
Following the Wesleyan tradition, the IEMELIF General Conference was held on February 24-27, 2011, at Aniban IEMELIF Church in Cavite; it was attended by more than 600 delegates from America, Middle East, Asia, and the Philippines. It was such an enthused gathering that remarkably shamed the spirit of divisiveness brought by previous debacles that shook the very foundation of this religious organization.
For many years, the clouds of test had been lingering on the camp of His children in IEMELIF as if looking for those who still have the courage to trust Him while crossing “the valley of the shadow of death.” Painful as it may seem, the IEMELIF had to slow down, if not to stop for a while, to honestly assess her calling; to encourage those who were hurt and doubtful; to define her religious-philosophy, enlarge her vision, accelerate her mission, and clarify the goals as an indigenous Church; and to pray for strength to overcome the test. On the other hand, she continued to nurse the hopeless and took care the wounded so that her people may keep on staying, surviving, and serving Him with perseverance until the end. At last, the IEMELIF made it through His grace!
Now, renewed with the spirit of reconciliation, acceptance, forgiveness, wisdom, and grace from God; the entire General Conference has seemed to have become God’s “Mt. Sinai” to remind His people of the importance of His laws. Enough! Says the Lord! Go! Make disciples for me. Sound the trumpet of salvation and ready your battle gears. March and proclaim My Name to every nation. It’s about time that you “…Engage the world.” Thus the fitting theme, “Visible Unity: A Force to Engage the World,” which guided the week-long celebration of IEMELIF.
It has been observed from the past that the General Conferences could hardly get 350 to 400 delegates despite all efforts from all districts to support the annual general meeting. This could be attributed to the lack of interest of the majority. But everybody was surprised that more than 600 delegates attended the recently concluded 2011 General Conference. This could mean many things. First, the change of venue from Beulahland IEMELIF Center at Novaliches to Aniban IEMELIF Church in Cavite gave the participants a sense of curiosity of what Aniban IEMELIF Church can offer in terms of accommodation. Second, the issue that ended the decade-long corporate court battle against IEMELIF Sole versus IEMELIF Aggregate called the attention of the members of why the Supreme Court of the Philippines sided to the petition that the IEMELIF Church is a Corporate Aggregate religious organization. Finally, members would like to know how the General Conference will react to the resolution to unite the Church.
First time in the history of Methodist Protestant Church in the Philippines, if not in the world that this sensitive internal issue about unity and reconciliation had been successfully addressed. Even the mother church, Methodists around the globe, failed on this. Of course we owe this to the Lord we serve. What had prevailed during the General Conference was distinctively phenomenal that most protestant churches in the Philippines could hardly believe that such an event was taking place. It has become the headline among Christian pulpits and meetings and couldn't help but have a misty eyes for at last the first Filipino Evangelical Methodist church in the Philippines is back to its feet. They would like to know what transpired in-between so that they may learn from it. For many, this was an isolated case; others say this was due to their able lawyers who handled the case; but I say, this was entirely the mysterious hand of God. Undeniably, it was a miracle in the making which would renew the Church to total transformation. A selfless act. A denial of comfort, power, and material benefits can only be done by those who have truly experienced the love of Christ for His church as the song puts it “not to us Lord, but to thy Name give glory…to thy Name give praise”.
Today, I’m sure heaven is taunting Satan and making him a laughing stock because he couldn’t; he cannot; and will never be able to continue winning to destroy the church using a “divide and conquer” tactics. The IEMELIF has given the Christian world out there the meaning of “visible unity". The IEMELIF Church was the first to have become an indigenous Filipino Methodist Church in 1909 and has now the first to have ever unanimously accepted its detractors in the Spirit of love and forgiveness. Because she knows that this is going to be the very message she would be giving to the world to attain social holiness, that is, the message of salvation in the name of Jesus Christ. The Church cannot proclaim with credibility the meaning of solidarity, peace, and brotherhood if she is divided and unable to genuinely forgive.
On the 102nd founding anniversary of IEMELIF Church which was held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on February 27, 2011 - the culmination of the 4-day annual gathering - the hall was unbelievably packed with attendees from all over the world. This has again manifested the vibrant spirit from God which has long been dormant and passive. Many who have come late couldn’t enter the session hall anymore because it was filled with people who were praising God for freeing the IEMELIF Church from hatred and self-centered spirits. The Bishop and General Superintendent, Nathanael P. Lazaro, addressed the saints about the theme: Visible Unity: A Force to Engage the World and made it clear that every local church must become contributor for the attainment of peace to make this world a "better place to live in." After the message, he announced the church assignment of each pastor, deaconess, layman, and workers, and concluded the session with a benediction. Between now to April 2011, these workers will rise and go to their respective offices. Others were retained and most were commissioned somewhere else but the spirit of trust and obedience shall continue to be the greatest strength of IEMELIF. For her people, this newly found experience of unity, forgiveness, and hope is enough to regain the credibility of the IEMELIF Church to teach, preach, worship, and evangelize the world.
The 2011 General Conference and anniversary of IEMELIF has revived the Church, probably unintentional but God meant it for the common good. Unlike the previous conferences and anniversaries, this gathering was full of spirit of unity and forgiveness. What had taken place will continue to challenge the still divided Church of Christ out there. Learn from IEMELIF. Let us not just unite in spirit and in word but in deed. Let us persevere in making the community of believers truly the holy people of God.
God will not abandon His people. He is the strength and power of His Church. A famous hymn said, "He giveth more grace when the burden so heavy; He sendeth more strength, when the labor's increase; to added affliction He added His mercy; to multiply trials, He multiplies peace. His Love has no limit; His grace has no measure; His love has no boundary known unto men. For out of His infinite wisdom in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again." In addition, the IEMELIF hymn declares the following: "Ang IEMELIF ay diwa ng buhay at ng pag-ibig. Ang IEMELIF sa Ama umaasa hanggang langit; sa IEMELIF ang kasalana’y pilit nilulupig; O sa IEMELIF, pag-ibig ay naghahari bawat saglit." (The IEMELIF is a spirit of life and love. She trusts no one but the Father above. The IEMELIF shall always try her best to battle and win against sin. Yes, love always prevails in IEMELIF.).
Attendance doubled; forgiveness was made; detractors were accepted unconditionally; visible unity was attained; and the spirit of reconciliation has come back. The IEMELIF Church is perfecting her being through an act of faith and obedience. Truly, she can manage her own religious affairs where no one up to this very day has visibly equaled. Amen +
No comments:
Post a Comment