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!