Jesus Our Hope International Assemblies Church commemorated its very first anniversary celebration on its 11th year last August 27, 2007. The commemoration date turned up when recently discovered documents showed that JOHIA was officially launched on August 24, 1996 by Rev. Nilo Jaren Lapasaran, Jr. JOHIA members & guests gathered at the church sanctuary at 5:00 PM for this very special occasion.
Four generations of worship teams lead in honoring the Lord with a festive praise and worship celebration. Praise team personalities namely Nenette Torrecampo, Ptr Mark Felias, Sherwin Felias, Lee Margaret Panlilio-Mallares, and Ana Canlas all joined the festivity. Dancers once again played their colorful tambourines in jubilation. Everyone worshipped the Lord with songs well-loved through the years such as “Glory, Glory Lord,” “Romans 16:19,” “Mercy is Falling,” and “Psalm 30” to name a few.
JOHIA founder, Rev. Jaren Lapasaran and former Senior Pastor, Rev. Tristan Planas, extended their greeting through a video message. Both are now serving in the United States as pastors in Filipino-American churches. Ptr. Glenn Gazzingan of Shinohara Assemblies of God, Japan also sent his greeting likewise.
Each ministry, both past and present, gave a special number. The Sunday School Children gave a song and dance number of “Kaibigan.” The JOHIA Knights, together with the JOHIA LOVELIES, sang “Hesus” and a song written by their very own Kuya Bobet Villanueva. The choir gave a very entertaining and melodious numbers with songs “Tsuper Ng Buhay” and “Dakilang Katapatan.” Former Kids In Mission (KIM) members sang the KIM Commission song lead by Joshua Paz. Two of them, Archer Mansueto and E.G. De Vera, are now musicians in the current worship team. Also, former Master Commission members were spontaneously called up the stage to perform the “Step-Call.”
Other guests praise teams included the Musicians On Fire (MOF) band lead by Franklin Benitez and the JOHIA Rizal Worship Team. Pastor Willie Calvez, Pastor Tony Obniala, Pastor Danny Lucero, and Ptr. Joey Claveria are some of the JOHIA National pastors present in this glorious event. Ptr. Joel Maulit of Global City Harvest Ministries and Ptr. Glenn Isaguirre of Living Epistle Christian Family Church (LECFC) were also present to greet and encourage JOHIA.
Our very own senior pastor, Rev. Renato J. Mendoza was the last but definitely not the least to greet everyone and give his anniversary speech. He also shared his vision to expand JOHIA as he presented a proposed five-story church building plan.
The festivities ended with a delicious feast while the current Youth Praise Team called the “AVID fans of JESUS” played on current praise and worship songs such as “All Day”, “Take It All,” and “Future Decided.” -- Wendy Lopez Redaon
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