Together We Thrive: Celebrating women across ICOC Philippines
ICOC Philippines caught on with the "Together We Thrive" fever with a month-long celebration of International Women's Month across churches in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao in March 2023.
From all women's day services and devotionals, quiet time together, roundtable talks, community outreach, Zumba and jogging times, women's fora, and more, the women of ICOC Philippines celebrated and honored their womanhood and their identity as Jesus Christ's body that "grows and builds itself up in love."
On March 10, ICOC Philippines livestreamed the all-women worship service jointly hosted by ICOC Makati and ICOC Parañaque-Taguig.
The all-women song leaders, headed by Maria Theresa "Teejay" Bagasbas, set the tone for the praise and worship.
Wing Navia Asuncion, in her communion message, emphasized Jesus as a high priest who fully understands women's sorrows and pains and shares their joys (Hebrews 4:15-16).
"He wants us to remember that because of him we can withstand the storms in our lives. Remember that we are not alone," Wing said.
Joanna Macatiag, for her part, highlighted Paul's message from Galatians 6:9-10, urging continued acts of kindness, especially within the church, emphasizing that such acts are obedience to God and support ministries that offer hope to people.
Thrive
Faridah Enrile,one of ICOCPH’s Women's ministry leaders, delivered a powerful message about the uniqueness of women and their common desires for love, respect, and connection with God and each other. She shared three points: Thrive through Christ, Thrive with each other, and Thrive as we grow.
Referencing Ephesians 4:15, Faridah emphasized Jesus as the head of the church and God's unconditional love.
"Hindi lang tayo minamahal ni God when we are adorable, madalas malala pa tayo, minahal tayo ni God when we were at our worst (God doesn't just love us when we are adorable, we are often worse, God loved us when we were at our worst)," she added, urging the sisters to connect with Jesus even in their moments of unworthiness.
With Ephesians, 4:16a and 1 Corinthians 12:14, 24-26, Faridah also noted the importance of helping each other make it to heaven.
Her daughter Pauline, a young professional who turns 12 years old as a disciple in June, shared her journey of reconnecting with God through community support after straying during college.
"I was miserable. Even when I was at my worst, hearing God's voice woke me up. How do I start again? I can't do this on my own. I need people. I made a conscious effort to connect," Pauline said. She joined the HOPE Volunteer Corps and was encouraged to see that despite the different personalities and backgrounds, women need the same things: God, friendships, and a safe place to be themselves.
"Try and hang on to God. We need each other. Together, we can thrive," she added.
In her third point, based on Ephesians 4:16b and 2 Corinthians 5:20, Faridah underscored that the body of Christ is meant to grow and that God is appealing through disciples as ambassadors for Christ.
Airene Martin, married with four children, shared her testimony of enduring marital challenges and relying on God's faithfulness.
Initially encouraged by her boyfriend to study the Bible, she continued even after their relationship ended. Through this pursuit, she discovered what was missing in her life and was baptized on October 19, 1997.
Airene cherished her newfound faith, enjoying strong relationships within her church community. She married her boyfriend, Paul Martin, after a period of separation. However, their marriage faced challenges when her husband left the church, leaving Airene feeling sad, hopeless, and envious of other church families.
Despite these emotions, Airene chose not to dwell in despair. Instead, she surrendered her struggles to God, praying daily for her husband and committing herself to being a godly wife.
"God allowed me to go through deep trials so that I will always rely on him. I know each difficulty is one opportunity to depend on him, learn to endure and thrive," Airene said.
Her mother-in-law, Nanay Conching, studied the Bible for seven years and was baptized at the age of 90 in 2018, remaining faithful until her passing
In the same year, three of Airene's officemates—Betina, Jellina, and Yancy—also became disciples.
In July 2019, Miguel Martin, the eldest of Airene's children, also made Jesus Lord.
During a vacation in Vancouver, Canada, she invited her classmates and best friends Gary and Tina to church, who then studied the Bible, and after a month, were baptized in 2020.
Amid the pandemic, her sister-in-law Cristy and niece, Mitchie, also became disciples. Her daughter Paulene also decided to follow Jesus in May 2020 and is now an active member of D4G.
Airene's mother, Nanay Baby Juliana Alvarez, who previously opposed her faith, became her sister in Christ on July 11, 2021.
Her persistent prayers were answered when her husband returned to the faith in March 2022, a joyous testament to God's faithfulness.
Faridah concluded her message by echoing Hebrews 10:23-25, affirming, "He who promised is faithful."
Across the nation
Before the Women's Day Sunday worship service was live-streamed via ICOC Philippines Facebook and YouTube, ICOC Makati and ICOC Parañaque-Taguig held an all-women's devotional on Friday night, March 8, where they heard a life-changing lesson from Elder's Wife and women's ministry leader Susan Montealegre. They also enjoyed food, fellowship, prayer time, d-group discussions, and Zumba.
Meanwhile, the sisters of ICOC Lucena celebrated Women's Day at their newly inaugurated church building. Women leaders spoke alongside their husbands throughout the service, with church leaders Rolly and Marie Pasoquen delivering the main message.
Glady Manrique, a disciple from the 1990s who was restored in December 2023, shared her testimony, which deeply impacted not only her fellow sisters but also seven of her co-workers.
After the service, a lunch buffet was served, before the women planted flowers and ornamental plants at the church's once-empty front yard. Throughout March, sisters shared their reflections on their chosen Bible woman character, posting them on the church's Facebook page.
ICOC Muntinlupa's all-women's day service saw 105 attendees. The lineup included a warm welcome by Carol Bautista of the Women on Fire (widowed) ministry, followed by sector leader Angie Zuniga's communion message.
Erika Valdellon from the singles ministry, in her "Together in Christ" sermon, emphasized Jesus as the source of unity and each member's role in church growth.
A women's talk session then followed, featuring Davy Sumayo, who persevered through college after losing her parents; Clang Descatiar, who endured the loss of her daughter; and Lerma Mercurio, a faithful disciple serving in the married ministry.
In ICOC Cavite, ministries in Bacoor, Kawit, Dasmariñas, General Trias, Imus, and Tagaytay each hosted their celebrations, including all-women services, women's discussions, Zumba, and other activities.
The sisters in Baguio City began with quiet time and breakfast before joining the online service. They shared responses in small groups, followed by lunch and fellowship, and received handmade bracelets and flower bouquets from preteens and Envolve.
ICOC Dumaguete organized interactive women's activities focusing on love for others, self-care, and love for God. Activities included writing encouragement letters to sisters, evangelism at the Boulevard, engaging in a relaxing yoga session, and designing heartfelt notes to Jesus.
ICOC Cebu's Women's Day celebration comprised an all-women service with a message from women's ministry leader Girlie Cabadsan, followed by She Talks sessions akin to TED Talks, featuring Gina Uy, Chelo Jean Cabadsan, and Bethany Faburada sharing their Christian journeys.
ICOC Isabela conducted an all-women service, lunch with family groups, and fitness and wellness activities.
In Mindanao, ICOC Cagayan de Oro and ICOC Zamboanga hosted their all-women services. ICOC Davao organized a women's forum following a joint service and lunch at the ALU Hotel. Additionally, the women of ICOC Digos gathered for lunch after participating in the live-streamed ICOC Philippines Women's Day service.
Through engaging activities, the sisters across the nationwide family of churches celebrated their womanhood and collective identity as Christ's body, igniting a wave of empowerment and solidarity that resonated far beyond the month's end.