FATHER OF ICWL WORKERS

In Christ We Live Family Christian Center (formerly known as Live in Christ Fellowship) have been the launching pad of fiery Filipino Church workers in many places across the archipelogo, and in some countries since 1995. Its former workers and members have reached places none have anticipated. Surprisingly, none of the original workers were trained or discipled by the first two consecutive pioneering Pastors, Bro. Oliver or Rev. Jun Isaguire. But to their credit, most of us were born again and grew in knowledge through them. But whom have raised the workers were a different issue.It unexpectedly happen during the critical transition period and transference of leadership from Bro. Oliver to Rev. Jun Isaguirre. The Church then was located at Sis. Puring's residence lot then, under a tree (first location). Before the conflict, Bro. Oliver brough someone to testify. Later on, he became the first church song leader. During the conflict, this ordinary song leader stood and continued what Bro. Oliver has started. He established the first two outreaches... "Arty and Villilia." Even though he already establishes himself as a preacher, he deligated some of the task and trained others. His first disciples were the least among the members in terms of talent. But because he himself was a nobody yet used by God, he did the same to the first workers. All he did was gave a break. It then lead to establishment of various outreaches and formalization of ICWL church. Two of them became full time Pastors (Ptr. Ruben and Ptr. Benjamin Baldueza - Canada). This brother's name is Bro. Ermin. To those who did not knew him, let me tell you his qualities:

- He is an exconvict pardoned. His body has full of tatoos of Oxo Sige-sige gang (known deadly gang inside the jail)- He did not even graduated from elementary and a stow away from his hometown, Bicol (Philippines). His going to Manila turned him into a Batang Quiapo (notorious pickpockets). He later on turned into a hardened criminal.

- He accepted Jesus as personal Lord and Savior inside Muntinlupa "Bilibid" prison, through a missionary he mentioned as "Mama Olga."- He was not a Bible school graduate.- He did not sing well and cannot play any musical instrument.

- He has not received any church titles and only receives minimal offerings during his time with ICWL or at other inviting churches.

- He has no descent house then. He only sleeps in a small vacant space beside a church in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. His life was full of hardship up to this date (but Sis. Leony, his discipled church worker turned into an Elder, continually supported him from her pocket, especially during emergencies).

- Due to his life's hardship, there were cases that he was tempted to commit sin. He even had sinful petty cases and mild drunkardness. But even he struggles and fall, he continually crawl and stand again and again for Jesus.

- At times, his teachings and preachings were laughed by Bible school graduate preachers. But compared to them, his preaching won more souls and touched more lives.- He is more effective as an Evangelist than a Pastor.

- Eventhough he reached a lot and helped many, no particular church has continuously supported him and his ministry. He only visited some of us during Christmas.

- Most of all, he was the reason why many of us are blessed. We are here right now because a nobody has stood during the most critical times in our church. We were reached because he unselfishly trained the least person to be discipled. I know many may raised their eye brows but I will call hims the father of ICWL Workers. Let us give him the credit and due what he deserve.

It will not harm you if you will share a blessing to him. You may contact his Ninang, Sis. Leony Baldueza if you would like to honor or do something for him. Just like Bro. Ermin, I believe our past leaders deserves honor and due to them. May they be blessed as we are blessed because of them. May somenone from us established a care ministry for them .God bless you Bro. Ermin. God bless all of you who have been a blessing to us!