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In 1987, the Lord planted a seed in the hearts of the late Rev. Ptrs. Billy and Janet Ampong Linao, and from that seed, the very first house church was born in Amigo Subd. Piapi, Dumaguete City, in a compound graciously provided by a Christian Chinese couple.
The house church was first represented with their own families (LINAO and AMPONG) serving as their moral support. The Linao siblings, and my sons played a great part when the Sunday School was open in answer for the children’s needs. It quickly grew up when more kids were coming from the neighboring places who attended and joined every Sunday until it became the Maranatha Children’s Sunday church department.
The pioneer kids are still here with us, and they are the living testament and enduring evidence who can boldly roar that one day, Maranatha stood up because of the hard work and commitment of their parents as servants whom God called to build up His church dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Two years after that, 1989 to be exact, the house church relocated to Tugas, Piapi, Dumaguete City. More people got saved and were added to the church until the place burst, completely packed and overwhelming and can no longer accommodate everyone. As the brethren grew up in number, the place became smaller. Eventually, God made a way for His people to build a church of their own, on a lot that was lovingly offered by Mr. and Ptra. Perla Kho, along Hibbard Avenue, Piapi. There, the ministry flourished until the year 2015.
Through the years, the church was shepherded faithfully by Rev. Billy Linao, Rev. Evie Larano, Rev. Ricky Bendijo, and Ptr. Ted Picardal.
The church was pioneered for three years and officially registered under the Assemblies of God in the year 1990, under VISNOMIN District Council. We are supposed to be celebrating our 38th year of God’s faithfulness including the pioneering years, but it was established and dated officially after it was registered.
After 2015, the congregation journeyed through different rental places…. The Bricks at Boulevard, DCCCO, the Girl Scout Building, and Plaza Maria Luisa. Each season was a testimony of God’s sustaining grace.
Then came a new chapter. In August 2024, the church faced a trial as it was divided, with some choosing to disaffiliate from the Assemblies of God. But by God’s grace, we remained steadfast in our calling to continue under the Assemblies of God covering. Thus, on September 1, 2024, we carried on as Maranatha Full Gospel Church, Assemblies of God, led by our appointed Senior Pastor, Rev. Pastora Dionessa Agravante, under the guidance of our Presbyter, Rev. Pleider Dela Peña.
We first gathered at Citrus Promenade, Taclobo, and later moved here to Oasis, Florentina Homes, Bantayan. In those early days, we had almost nothing, left without a penny, praise and worship offered only with acoustic music, and attendance of less than thirty.
All we have is our faith and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But our God is faithful! What began small did not remain the same because little becomes much when it is place in the master’s hands. In just weeks and months, the Lord began to prosper MFGC A/G, adding more people, strengthening ministries, and pouring out blessings.
The church was pioneered for three years and officially registered under the Assemblies of God in the year 1990, under VISNOMIN District Council. We are supposed to be celebrating our 38th year of God’s faithfulness including the pioneering years, but it was established and dated officially after it was registered.
For the knowledge of everyone, Maranatha has birthed four churches all along despite the difficulties, through thick and thin, God is holding and keeping us firm, strengthened us by His grace and mercy:
Now, by God’s grace, we have grown to 84 regular attendees. And we believe this is only the beginning, for we will continue to thrive and serve the Lord together until Jesus comes!