ESTABLISHING STRONG BONDS, ENRICHING FAITH

by Christelle Grace D. Caronongan

In 2 Timothy 3:16, it was stated that the entire Scripture is inspired by God and useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. The Bible is a work of God written
by people who were inspired by Him. What better source of inspiration than our Creator!
Whether one is looking for motivation, reassurance, or peace, the Bible can inspire!

As Methodists and as members of Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church (MPUMC), we are
privileged to have Bible studies all throughout the week in order to have a personal connection
with God. Currently, there are four groups spread in subdivisions conducting Bible studies in
Summerhills/Georgetown, Felizana, Citihomes, and Camella Springville in different days of the
week, i.e., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, respectively.

The Bible studies and Care Group activities are spearheaded by MPUMC's incumbent
administrative pastor, our very own Rev. Randi Jay Austria. This year, a book titled The Upper
Room Disciplines (A Book of Daily Devotions) by The Upper Room is being used in the four
Bible study groups. However, before this, most of them used other titles like The Purpose Driven
Life and The Purpose Driven Church both by Rick Warren. All of the Bible studies start at 7:30
p.m. to give leeway to attendees who come from work or school. Now that we have an overview
of what happens during a Bible study gathering, let us look at these groups in detail.

Fun is an Understatement

According to this group, the secret in having a long-lasting Bible study group is having fun. True
enough, this group has the distinction of being the oldest one among the four, which started in
2002. Now on its 14th year, they have covered several unique books like Jesus in Blue Jeans,
Bondage Breaker, and Magnanakaw! Magnanakaw! Kailan ka Babalik? Usually held in Salvio
or Sayo residence in Citihomes Subdivision every Thursday, it is indeed a family-oriented Bible
study as all members of their respective families attend given there are no prior commitments.
Other notable members are Legaspi, Caronongan, and Pabico families. As told by one of its
members, the key to successful Bible study is having an exciting topic combined with an
enthusiastic speaker but not forgetting that the goal is to learn God's words.

Words are the Best Weapon: God's Army

“Never surrender.” This has been the statement of this group for the past years. Formed on
February 1, 2009 by Rev. Elmer Borromeo and Pastor Miller Tadeo, MPUMC's former
administrative pastor and student pastor, respectively, this group is more commonly known as
God's Army. It was launched through the initiative of other Bible study groups to expand
devotion throughout the week. Conducting their Bible studies either in Summerhills Subdivision
or in Georgetown Heights every Monday, it has about ten regular attendees consisting of
Francisco, Vicente, and Villamor families, changing venue with respect to rotation among
members.
Open Doors Even for Non-Members

The essence of having Bible studies is not just to nurture the members of a certain church. This
kind of gathering is an avenue for a church to spread the word of God beyond its comfort zone.
This group was formed on September 18, 2009 by Malabug and Echanique families through the
guidance of Rev. Elmer Borromeo. With about 15 members, this Bible study group in Felizana
Subdivision or the Wednesday group shares its experience to other non-members of MPUMC, let
alone the Methodist Church. Mr. Jobby Uchi, a 65-year-old retired overseas Filipino worker from
the Middle East, said about his experience during Bible study that the teachings do not sway
from the teachings that he knows, with the message given by the pastor being the same as the
homily given by priests in Catholic churches.

Established in 2012, Camella group or the Friday group was formed through the guidance of
Pastor Buenaventura “Bong” Flores, another former student pastor of MPUMC. According to
Lourdez “Tita Lou” Magno, they seem to be the most serious one among the four groups, with
conversations varying from church matters to politics. Because of this, they are not able to take
pictures often and like to keep exchange of thoughts free-flowing. Notable members are Magno,
Nueva, Baguio, and Flores families.

We now see that opportunities in learning about God and his words are limitless. If you're still
not a part of a Bible Study group, now is the best time to join one. Learning His Word is good,
but doing this with your closest friends and family is a next-level step toward stronger faith.