Our History
The Vision
Word Christian Fellowship Int’l (aka WIN-New Jersey) started with a vision of a church in Central New Jersey where Filipino-Americans can worship the Lord Jesus Christ. A Filipino couple (Edgar & Sonia) began praying for a pastor to come. Eventually that burden was shared with other Filipino Christian friends. They safeguarded the vision closely and deeply in their hearts and waited patiently for the time when God would bring this vision into fruition.
Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, a Filipino pastor (Mando) and his family were preparing to move to the United States to pursue better opportunities for their children. His wife, Ces, was hired by a microfinance organization based in New York City. It was a leap of faith for the family. They were leaving behind the comfort, security and support provided by a growing and stable church and jumping into the unknown. Upon arriving in America, they settled in Princeton where they knew nobody except for two cousins.
Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, a Filipino pastor (Mando) and his family were preparing to move to the United States to pursue better opportunities for their children. His wife, Ces, was hired by a microfinance organization based in New York City. It was a leap of faith for the family. They were leaving behind the comfort, security and support provided by a growing and stable church and jumping into the unknown. Upon arriving in America, they settled in Princeton where they knew nobody except for two cousins.
The Seed
God truly moves in mysterious ways. Remy (Ces’ cousin) happened to mention to her former officemate, Sonia, about Ces and her pastor-husband. Edgar then invited Ptr. Mando to hold a Bible study in their home on a Wednesday evening, August 18, 1999. More than fifteen people came for that initial meeting.
Through what became a weekly gathering for Bible studies, the faith of the group grew. Special occasions and holiday celebrations became opportunities to meet other Filipinos in the Princeton area. Slowly their number increased and relationships developed. All this time still praying for the vision of a Filipino-American church in Central New Jersey.
Through what became a weekly gathering for Bible studies, the faith of the group grew. Special occasions and holiday celebrations became opportunities to meet other Filipinos in the Princeton area. Slowly their number increased and relationships developed. All this time still praying for the vision of a Filipino-American church in Central New Jersey.
The Answered Prayer
A breakthrough came in January. 2001 when the petition for Ptr. Mando as a religious worker was approved. This is it. God gave the go-signal. The first WIN church in New Jersey can now be started! The core group was convened. Plans for the first worship service were laid. A worship venue had to be found. Musicians and worship leaders had to be trained. Instruments and other equipment had to be purchased. One by one, the Lord took care of these needs: a place to hold worship services (the first was held at Suzanne Patterson Senior Center at the heart of Princeton Borough); volunteers for leading praise and worship, instrumentalists who brought their own equipment, teachers for the children, ushers and various areas of service. Truly God was more than enough.
One worship service was held in May; followed by another in June; then two in July. Finally in August, weekly services were
started. On August 12, WCFI held a post-inaugural worship service at the Hyatt Hotel with Ray-An Fuentes as guest speaker. That day over 100 people attended with 10 accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. WCFI had won its first souls for Christ!
One worship service was held in May; followed by another in June; then two in July. Finally in August, weekly services were
started. On August 12, WCFI held a post-inaugural worship service at the Hyatt Hotel with Ray-An Fuentes as guest speaker. That day over 100 people attended with 10 accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. WCFI had won its first souls for Christ!
44 Van Dyke Rd.
Hopewell, NJ
WCFI has set up and broken tent a few times, moving from one place to another. It’s been tough bringing in, putting up, taking down, and bringing home the equipment every Sunday. God sustained us all these years but he put a seed in our heart to look for a permanent place of worship. The process of getting there was truly a huge undertaking. We've had bumps along the way, from finding a suitable property, to financing. But is there anything impossible with God? He is gracious, faithful and true! Not long after, he led us to our permanent place of worship in Hopewell. The first service was held Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Our desire is to provide a place where we can worship the Lord; bring our loved ones and friends to the saving knowledge of Christ; and enjoy the fellowship of one another in our new home away from home. God is honoring that desire today through WCFI.
God’s work in this part of the world has just begun. Let’s “go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my (God’s) house will be full." (Luke 14:23)
Our desire is to provide a place where we can worship the Lord; bring our loved ones and friends to the saving knowledge of Christ; and enjoy the fellowship of one another in our new home away from home. God is honoring that desire today through WCFI.
God’s work in this part of the world has just begun. Let’s “go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my (God’s) house will be full." (Luke 14:23)