On January 12, 2020, a Nazarene church was born in the city of Pililla, Rizal Province, Philippines. Nearly two dozen people joined Pastor Sami Lindo around an outdoor pulpit to commit the charter membership of the newly organized Malaya-Niogan Church of the Nazarene into a common mission as a local church in the Church of the Nazarene. District Superintendent Arnel Piliin officiated at the joyful service, which was a celebration of the Word of God, punctuated by worship in music, testimony, and prayer.

The church, which was three years in the making, began as a Bible study in the home of Jessica Lasam. Pililla Nazarene is a rural church surrounded by a lake and coconut trees. Pastor Sami said, “We are excited about where the Lord is taking us as a church. As you trust, obey and serve the Lord, God will make miracles in your lives and in your church. We are so thankful for all who have been part of this work. Indeed, our labor in the Lord is not in vain” (2 Cor. 15:58).

Contributed by Amy Trosen, Missionary to Saipan