"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!!!