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What is the role of the church today?

Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch)

<p>We all face different problems in our lifetime. We also cry for help in desperate times. Faith, a major part of Filipino culture, has been our saving grace and support every time we are in a difficult situation. </p><p>Being one of Asia&#x27;s only Christian nations, it has been customary for most families to regularly go to church. Religious celebrations and rituals are also observed by almost everyone. These, among many other things, have been our way to give thanks, ask for guidance and help, and repent from our sins. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Deputy Executive Minister Bishop Jonathan Ferriol and Bea Lim during the press conference of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch). Photo source: ABS-CBN News" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2023/advertorial/08/17/pmcc-01.jpg"/><figcaption>Deputy Executive Minister Bishop Jonathan Ferriol and Bea Lim during the press conference of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch). <em>Photo source: ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>In a press conference for the 50th anniversary of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), Deputy Executive Minister Bishop Jonathan Ferriol reminds everyone that there is a way out from all of life&#x27;s troubles. &quot;There is hope and light. Despite the confusion and chaos enveloping our generation, there is hope in Jesus Christ. If only we will learn to reach out to Him. He is waiting. That is what the church is all about.&quot; </p><p>PMCC (4th Watch) is a Pentecostal church with congregations in 80 countries worldwide. Their main center is in Marikina. For five decades, as Bishop Ferriol shares, they have witnessed the value and importance of a church community. &quot;We are not only existing as a church. We are thriving. We are your friends. The PMCC (4th Watch)  is a bridge builder. We are not wall makers. God is a friend to all. That is what we are trying to do.&quot;</p><p>The current generation is facing many problems today – the negative effects of the pandemic, bullying and racism, unemployment, and mental health issues, to name a few. With these problems, how can the church help? Bishop Ferriol says you may run to the church for help. </p><p>&quot;They are crying out for help. They are crying out for hope. They are crying for salvation. As part of the Church, we reach out to them and connect with them. That&#x27;s a testament to what Jesus can do to a person. Regardless of a person’s troubles and brokenness, God can save that person.&quot; </p><div><strong>The church prays for the country</strong></div><p>Bishop Ferriol says that the church is also concerned about issues in the country. They are ready to help, especially during a calamity.</p><p>&quot;<em>&#x27;Pag may problema na malaki sa bansa, problema din namin &#x27;yun.</em> Whatever is happening in the country catches us either positively or negatively. If there is political instability, we cannot stand on the sideline. We have to help.&quot;<br/>(If there is a big problem in the country, it also our problem.)</p><div><strong>The church is a community of believers</strong></div><p>The church adapted to the changing times to reach the younger generation. Listening is important. </p><p>&quot;We should not forget that there is something that never really changes over time: that is a heart that needs a Savior. A life that desires to have meaning,&quot; Bishop Ferriol explains.</p><div><strong>The church leads us to love God</strong></div><p>One of the core missions of the church is to spread the good news, that God&#x27;s love is for all and that God will meet us from where we are. </p><p>As a religious group who preaches the gospel by heart, PMCC (4th Watch) has members who are equipped and trained to teach and spread the word of God. </p><p>Aside from preaching in the streets, PMCC (4th Watch) is also active in different social media platforms, crusades, and church services.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Bishop Jonathan Ferriol with other leaders of PMCC (4th Watch). Photo source: ABS-CBN News" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2023/advertorial/08/17/pmcc-02.jpg"/><figcaption>Bishop Jonathan Ferriol with other leaders of PMCC (4th Watch). <em>Photo source: ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>PMCC (4th Watch) started as a small church in Marikina in 1973, Apostle Arsenio Ferriol is the founder. It is now thriving with 1,000 congregations in over 80 countries worldwide. Their 50th anniversary celebration kicked off with a grand medical mission. They also had a global bloodletting activity with Red Cross, various crusades, and other activities. </p><p>&quot;It is God who makes things grow. We have personally witnessed God&#x27;s faithfulness to PMCC (4th Watch) for the past 50 years. We are very grateful. We are excited. There is more to come,&quot; Bishop Ferriol shares.</p><p>The culmination of their anniversary will be a homecoming reunion of over 30,000 members and delegates from different churches worldwide on August 27, 2023. It will be held at the New Clark Stadium in Tarlac. </p><p>For more information about PMCC (4th Watch), visit their <a href="https://pmcc4thwatch.org">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PMCC4W">Facebook page</a>.</p>

Faith, a major part of Filipino culture, has been our saving grace and support every time we are in a difficult situation.