This congregation glows with warmness.  The brothers and sister were happy and excited to see me, and the "family-like" atmosphere continued throughout the service and during the fellowship lunch.  Their handshakes and greeting were perpetual from the moment I walked in until I left.

New Jersey Conference's First Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church has been at 18 different locations since its inception in 1988, averaging once move a year.  On April 29, 2006, the members finally found a permanent home at 712 West 3rd Street in Plainfield, N.J.  Although they're sometimes lost members due to the moves, the challenges of relocation have had little effect on this church.  They've proven time and again that the body of Christ is in the congregation and not the building.

Their growth rate is steady at 10 persons a year, and the average Sabbath attendance is a healthy 120.  "We implemented a two-year plan after moving here," says first elder Ulysses Negrillo.  "This year, we focused on nurturing our congregation."

Because of this about 50 members attend Wednesday prayer meetings and Friday vespers.  True to familial form, they meet at the home of a different member each Wednesday so that by year's end, nearly everyone has visited all the families' homes.

"Everybody here is close-knit, going to church feels like coming home," says twenty something Marissa Perez, a member since childhood.

"Being a member of this church has made me feel closer to God," says Allan Rubila, who was baptized six year ago.  "I live in Westchester, N.Y., which is about an hour-and-a-half away, but  I keep coming because it's worth it."  Coming to service used to be a chore before members encouraged Rubila to become a more active participant.

MAKING MINISTRY A PRIORITY

First Filipino's second-year plan consists of public evangelism programs. "some of the surrounding areas are plagued with drug-abuse problems, which means people are hungry for Christ," says Negrillo.  "We can reach out and lead them to a better life; I see many opportunities for ministry here," he adds.

Pastor Rudney Bartolome echoes this philosophy by spearheading the church's activities for visiting their neighbors who may be sick and feeding the homeless.  "If coming over is not possible, I'll reach out on the phone to talk and pray with them," he says.  "I tell people that I'm always available."

Bartolome's passion in evident.  "We have visited practically all the homes in the area and invited them to our social events.  Some of our neighbors supported our fruit sale fundraising efforts," he added.  "We're planning a health ministries program with free blood pressure screenings by the doctors and nurses in our congregation.  We want to let the community know we care."

It's obvious that First Filipino is fulfilling its mission to let the whole world know about Jesus Christ through our way of living and following in His steps by preaching, teaching, and healing.

The church has also physically influenced the surrounding community and is being regarded as a point of interest and attention.  Homes that were previously unkempt are looking tidier.  "We've noticed that their front lawns or porches are in better shape," says the pastor.  "They see us cleaning the church every Sunday and I guess it's affecting them in a positive way.

"Soon we'll have our parking lot cemented and put in a basketball court," he continues.  "That's a great way for our youth to start friendships with the young people here."  In the meantime, the AY (Adventist youth) group walks around the neighborhood on Sabbaths just to say "Hi!" and get acquainted.

PREPARING FOR THE KINGDOM

With 75 percent of its members between ages 1 and 30 (a good portion in their teens and 20s), young people play a vital role in the congregation.  The church calendar includes a monthly "Youth Sabbath," which allows them to take charge of the service and sermon.  "This is a good way for our youth to participate and learn," says Bartolome.

In 2005 the First Filipino church was awarded the "Best Adventurers Club" in the conference.  This special achievement is a testament to the dedication of the director, assistants and children.  The AY, Pathfinders, and Adventurers leaders regularly attend conference-sponsored training courses to get certifications.  They in turn train emerging young leaders in each group.

"Our youth leaders put a lot of effort in creating new programs that are exciting, while still teaching about God," says deacon Mark Cornago.  "They follow up with the kids to teach them accountability and show them skills to lead more people to Christ.  Our target is to get the neighborhood's young people to come to church," he states.

"I've only been here for two years," says 16-year-old Don Magbanua.  "But I enjoy our youth Sabbath School and the AY trips because I always meet new friends."  When asked about the congregation's latest move, Magbanua says, "It doesn't really matter where our church is as long as we're all together.  That's what counts