Who Am I ?

I read this chapter in the bible last Tuesday 16th June 2009 and reminded me of who i am and how i came to my being. May the Lord bless you as he reveals how special you are in His sight...

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, ^a]">[a] you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to ^b]">[b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR MARK RITCHIE!

Dear Pastor Mark,

From the whole Cornerstone Church San Isidro Family, we would like to greet you a "HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY". We pray that God will bless you a thousand fold and may all your longings in life together with sister Mary, Lydia and Joshia be realized.

We are very much encouraged of your dedication to the Lord and sacrificial service no matter what's happening... You are really a great servant of the Lord. May you continue to be a blessing to others. We love you and your family so much!!!

Note: "In the Philippines, life begins at 40!" hehehe...

"Operation King Solomon 2009" Launched

By Alexander F. Ritua

God promised David in 1 Chronicles 17:10-14 “…I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you: when your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me and I will establish his throne forever.”

The fulfillment of the promise was recorded in 2 Chronicles chapters 2-7. King Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 3). He supervised the building of the temple from the preparation until its completion. In Chapter 6, verses 7-11, while blessing the assembly of Israel stated that “"My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel."

His prayer of dedication included “But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. O Lord my God, hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; and when you hear, forgive.”

For about three years, since June 2006 right after the national and local elections, the Cornerstone San Isidro congregation has been undergoing the so-called “Exodus stage”. The then modest church building was dismantled because the lot owner allegedly accused us of not supporting his son to win in the elections. We were vanished and left the place. The group felt so lonely about the situation but praise God that was the start of a “new beginning.” Because of the support of Pastor Mark Ritchie and the Cornerstone main church at Santiago City, we were accommodated and conducted our Sunday Services. At first, we joined the main church in their morning services but later we were able to conduct services from 2 – 4 in the afternoon. Our brothers and sisters ‘though somewhat far were able to attend through the powerhouse van. Later, when the CCS transferred to Ala Moana building, we followed and transferred again.

In November 2007, the congregation through the leadership of Pastor Adonis, Associate Pastors Alex, Rey and Freddie and Bro. Jacob, we were able to transfer to the Gomez Community Center, Gomez, San Isidro, Isabela. The barangay officials gave permission to us to use the center for our Sunday services. For a month, another trial came again when some other sect leaders complained about our accommodation since their group were only accommodated for just a short period. Without much argument, again the leaders seek out for a new venue. We were able to find the right place at the San Isidro East Central School Amphitheater. The congregation again transferred to its new venue in February 2008. Since then, services were held from 9 – 11 in the morning.

Last December 2008, during the CSI Christmas Program, Pastors Mark Ritchie and Matthew Kerr made their surprised visit. Pastor Mark encouraged the congregation to be more patient and while we are at our Exodus stage, we will always be sure that we will reach our promise land, i.e., to have our own church building in 2009!

It has been our congregation’s desire to put up our own. We were challenged to do it. We realized, the seed planting should be started among us. To date, we have already acquired a 300 square meter lot with a land title. Praise the Lord! But we will not stop here.

Last Sunday, March 29, 2009 we launched the “Operation King Solomon 2009”, our way of sowing our best seed for the project. Willing members were able to get an envelope with the pledge form. The pledge form contains a prayer that will be filled-up by any member who is willing to plant seed for the church building. Before the harvest time here in San Isidro ends, it is expected that all who got their envelopes will return it together with their pledges being prayed for. That is their gifts for the Lord – for the construction of his church building in San Isidro, Isabela.

Please pray for the success of the CSI Operation King Solomon 2009. God bless the people of San Isidro, Isabela, Philippines!

If you were touched by the Lord right now, and is willing to support us, please contact us at:

Pastor Mark Ritchie
Sefton Village, Divisoria, Santiago City
3311 Philippines

Pastor Jose Adonis V. Manango
St. James Subdivision, Batal, Santiago City
3311 Philippines
CP No. +639283915640

Or

Alexander F. Ritua
Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela
3310 Isabela, Philippines
Email : afritua@yahoo.com
CP No. +639189423460

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!!!

Leaders Bid Goodbye to the Pointons

by Alexander F. Ritua


The night of March 25, 2009 was cold and rainy, the scheduled last for the series of lectures about the Holy Spirit with Pastor Keith Pointon, an AoG Missionary from the United Kingdom. Some of the leaders came earlier just before the heavy rain came bringing some pinoy viand and delicacies. The women prepared the table for a surprise despedida dinner. While waiting, the group sang various songs of praise and worship to the Lord.

When Pastor Keith and his wife Anne arrived, immediately, Sister Bel led the group in prayer and Pastor Alex in worship. Pastor Keith took his final lecture on the Holy Spirit and challenged the leaders to go deeper in the Holy Spirit – increase in knowledge about the Holy Spirit and develop a more intimate relationship with the Third Person in the Godhead.

Pastor Alex announced the surprise impromptu despedida program for the couple right after the lecture. Leaders were given special time to express their feelings of thankfulness to Pastor Keith and Sister Anne. Each gave messages of encouragement and appreciation to the couple for what they have contributed to their spiritual growth. Some were teary-eyed as they hear the lovable messages spoken. Afterwards, Pastor Alex called Pastor Keith to accept a simple Plaque of Appreciation from the CSI Leaders for being their Cell Group Teacher on important topics about prayer and Pneumatology which was awarded by Pastor Adonis, Associate Pastors, Sister Bel and Sister Lina. The leaders also gave the couple a “photo remembrance” of some church activities with them which they can bring home in UK.


As a response, the couple then encouraged the CSI leaders to continue in the faith no matter what happens. Sister Anne revealed that Cornerstone San Isidro is one of their favourite places because they are most welcomed and loved by the congregation. After that, Pastor Adonis led the group for a special prayer for the couple. The activity ended with a simple dinner.


To you Pastor Keith and Sister Anne – you are an encouragement to all of us! We are very sure that you will be richly rewarded by the Lord for what you have done to us. From the whole Cornerstone Church San Isidro Family, we love you so much and we will always remember you in our prayers! Have a blessed trip!

Ptr. Theresa Liday speaks on Jesus, the Healer

by Alexander F. Ritua

I Corinthians 1:27-29 tells us that “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”

Last March 15, 2009, the Cornerstone San Isidro was blessed with a powerful and encouraging words from a humble and budding assistant pastor of Cornerstone Nagassican, Santiago City. Ptr. Theresa Liday, “Tere”, as her colleagues from the Sefton Bible Training Center (SBTC), Divisoria, Santiago City fondly call her, was born with difficulty in walking which is congenital in nature. A day before she was scheduled to speak in our place, she was sick and somewhat having fever and flu. While preparing her sermon, she realized that she will be talking about “Jesus, the Healer”. She said that the enemy is trying to hinder her to expose the truth that God is a healing God and all sicknesses did not come from him but rather to the enemy, the devil. She held on to God’s promise that He is our Great Healer. She was totally healed on that same day before she spoke.

Despite the circumstance, she was able to deliver the message. She said that even though her situation is like that, she will still proclaim that Jesus is her healer. Before she ended, she challenged our congregation especially those who are sick to come to the altar and lay their sickness to Jesus, the Healer. It was so awesome to feel God’s presence as the congregation sang the song “Christ is the Answer”. She then prayed for the brothers and sisters who responded to the altar call.

The whole CSI congregation was challenged by this lady to stand for the Lord and proclaim that Jesus, is indeed, our Healer! To you, Ptr. Theresa, you are an encouragement to us! May the Lord bless you with a thousand-fold!

Cebu WM Hosts March 2009 Women’s Fellowship

by Sis. Mitrel M. Ritua

Last March 14, 2009, the members of the Women’s Ministry of San Isidro had a fellowship at Cebu, San Isidro, Isabela. Thirteen (13) women were present.
It was a blessed time to everyone present. The fellowship started at 10:00 in the morning at the house of Sis. Mila Lacuesta which is located in the midst of ricefields. Sis. Mitrel Ritua shared a message from GOD to encourage each woman present. She talked about the “Women in Jesus’ Life”. These were the women who were obedient to God, whose lives were changed by GOD and who shared to others what GOD did to their lives.

Furthermore, there is a portion during the fellowship that gave each member a chance to share GOD’s goodness in their lives. Each member also gave gifts to WM members who are celebrating their Birthdays for the month of March.

The fellowship ended with a delicious lunch prepared by the WM members of the host barangay.

CSI Cell Groups Boost Up

by Alexander F. Ritua

Starting March 2009, the Cornerstone San Isidro Cell Groups are back again. To date, there are four regular cell groups being conducted in the four barangays of San Isidro, Isabela namely; Cebu, Gomez, Doña Paulina and Rizal East. The Cebu group was handled every Tuesday by Ptr. Freddie Jose, Asst. Pastor. The Gomez group is lead by Asst. Pastor Alexander Ritua every Friday, from 6:30-8:30 in the evening. Ptr. Adonis Manango handles the Rizal East group every Thursday while Bro. Ronnie Buena-Agua holds his group at Doña Paulina every Saturday from 6:30-9:00 in the evening.

To all of you readers of this blog, please include our cell groups in your prayers, that truly these will become successful. To God be the glory!

CSI Reorganizes Men’s Ministry

by Alexander F. Ritua

Gomez, San Isidro - Last February 27, 2009, the CSI Men’s Ministry convened at Bro. Jacob Punzalan’s residence for their second regular monthly meeting and fellowship. The group sang worship songs that greatly inspired their spirits. The meeting was called to order by Ptr. Adonis Manango with Bro. Rony as the spokesperson. Ptr. Adonis felt the need to organise the CSI Men’s Ministry since there are no officers yet. The election of new sets of officers highlighted the activity. Four positions were filled us as follows: Chairman – Bro. Alexander F. Ritua, Vice-Chair – Bro. Jacob Punzalan, Secretary – Bro. Rony Buena-Agua and Treasurer – Bro. Reynaldo O. Sermonia.

After the election, several plans were revealed and all agreed for its implementation. The plan will form part of the whole CSI Work and Financial Plan for 2009. Three Cornerstone Pastors graced the activity, Ptr. Winston Bao-in, Ptr. Alejandro “Jun” Fernando and Ptr. Merwyn Estabillo. The activity ended with an appetizing and delectable dinner courtesy of the Gomez group.

The next regular monthly meeting and fellowship will be held every last Friday of every month. The St. James Subdivision group will host the next MM Meeting and Fellowship on March 27, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 o’clock in the evening.

37 Undergo Water Baptism

by Sis. Lina De Mayo

Thirty-seven brethren from Cornerstone – San Isidro experienced their first ever water baptism held at Camp Vizcarra, Ramon, Isabela last February 28, 2009. The attendees were so happy because the venue is a bit far from the town of San Isidro. The group of 70 plus brethren rode in the Powerhaus Van as early as 8 o’clock in the morning. Upon arrival and settling at the venue, a special service was held. The praise and worship team led the group in worshiping the Lord. Ptr. Keith spoke about the water baptism and its importance in the life of every Christian. The group understood the message and many signified that they will undergo the water baptism.



Ptr. Keith Pointon and Ptr. Adonis Manango administered the activity. Many were blessed knowing that they have committed their lives to the Lord and being obedient in submitting their selves to a water baptism. A lunch date was served and each ate with a smile, knowing that all were satisfied spiritually and physically. Swimming followed that filled the area with laughters.

CSI WM Celebrates 1st Anniversary

The Cornerstone San Isidro Women’s Ministry (WM) celebrated its first year anniversary with joy and shining smile in every face last February 21, 2009. Sis. Lina De Mayo, chairman of the group welcomed everyone to the WM first birthday. Sis. Mariebel Manango recalled the brief history when San Isidro WM started its first WM fellowship last February 9, 2007 held at Doña Paulina and held every month thereafter in different barangays within San Isidro including St. James Subdivision, Batal, Santiago City.

Speakers were Sis. Anne Pointon and Sis. Claire Kerr, both British missionaries of Assemblies of God – UK. Sis. Anne encouraged the women of San Isidro by sharing that when God called us, although sometimes we can’t understand, He will always make a way and He will make all things abound in us. Sis. Claire on the other hand, spoke on the

Interpreters of both speakers were Sis. Mariebel and Sis. Mitrel M. Ritua who also served as the program’s host.

Cell Group Update

Ptr. Kieth Pointon lead the Cornerstone Church San Isidro leaders in a cell group focused on topics on the Holy Spirit. At least 12-15 leaders attending the weekly cell group meeting held every Wednesdays at Ritua's residence, Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela.

On Bended Knees...

Last Sunday, March 8, 2009 the whole Cornerstone San Isidro congregation was touched by the Lord by joining hands together in responding to a call given by Ptr. Alexander F. Ritua, Associate Pastor at the end of his message on "Jesus...the Restorer" challenging all members to plant their best seed for the construction of the new church building. The Lord wants to restore our brothers and sisters in San Isidro as He also wants to restore the whole congregation and have their own church building. The harvest time for the rice-farmers in the town had just started. Many signified their intention to give their pledges which will become "the seed" for the establishment of the church building.

Please pray that the church building for the Cornerstone Church of San Isidro, Isabela be built before the year ends... May the Lord touch us as we participate in this undertaking and in investing to a work that has an eternal significance. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Cornerstone Family Fellowship Center

At last! A new baby of Cornerstone San Isidro was born. The Cornerstone Family Fellowship Center started last March 1, 2009 at Venus St., St. James Heights Subdivision, Santiago City.

A simple and noble launching activity was held in the evening. Ptr. Adonis Manango's prayer and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Ptr. Kieth Pointon and Sis. Anne marked the opening of the launching ceremony. The evening service followed immediately. The Cornerstone San Isidro praise and worship team lead the people in an awesome worship experience singing "The Potter's Hand" of hillsongs. The welcome remarks was given by Ptr. Adonis thanking his neighbors and brethren of St. James Subdivision who have attended. Testimonies and special songs followed. Ptr. Kieth Pointon shared his message and teaching focused on God and not on religion in order to be saved.

Many felt excited that the activity rekindled the faith of the people of St. James Subdivision. Ptr. Danny Mangadap ended the activity in a closing prayer. Bro. Ronnie Buena-Agua of the same place served as the Emcee. Special thanks to the women's ministry in serving the delicious merienda, "egg-caldo" wow!

To the Cornerstone Family Fellowship Center of St. James Subdivision, Santiago City... press on! Keep up!

Welcome to our blog!

A new beginning... a fresh start...

This is the Official CORNERSTONE SAN ISIDRO blogsite!

Today marks the beginning of making our humble activities become well known to the outside world. Please join the whole CORNERSTONE CHURCH of SAN ISIDRO, ISABELA, PHILIPPINES in giving updates on its recent activities, programs and plans. May this undertaking encourage all Christians around the world to tell the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ!

Be blessed! Be refreshed! Be revitalized!