Grace Chapel Ministries Report April 2012

Update from the Philippines

Elder Meeting RRC

1.      We have been living in the Philippines for eight months now. We moved here August 8^th 2011. My friend Bill Souders wrote the other day that he was happy that I was living my dream. He could not have said it better! Since 2005, the dream and goal of our family was to live and serve the Lord in the Philippines. From 2005, through August 2011 the Lord prepared us a family. Also during that time wonderful relationships were formed with what would become Grace Chapel Partners. We, as a family, grew in our faith at River Rock Church. They were our shepherds and mentors so that we would be fully prepared to live our dream as a missionary family to the Philippines.

Commissioned a Missionary

Family to the Philippines

2.     In early August 2011, the Pastors and Elders of River Rock Church commissioned me as an Elder of River Rock Church. They also commissioned Juliana, Steven and me as a missionary family to the Philippines to plant 10 more churches. Also in August, Imbler Christian Church with Pastor Leroy Stolle baptized our son Steven. Their Elders prayed for his life to be dedicated to the Lord. And again the Elders prayed for us and dedicated us as missionaries to the Philippines.

3.     Pastor Alejo Alagos has been our evangelist here in the Philippines planting new churches since 2006. During this time, I administrated from the US. Our goal, once we got the Philippines, was to work together to plant many more churches in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m delighted to say that we work excellent together. Alejo is my dear brother in the Lord. The Lord has made us partners in the unique ministry. His is also my interpreter when I’m given the occasion to share the Gospel. I’m happy to say I’m able to share the Gospel often!

4.     November and December 2011 were busy months. Here in the Philippines all churches celebrate Thanksgiving in November and of course Christmas in December. The Thanksgiving’s here is for the blessings the Lord as granted each church during the past year. As a new missionary, to the area, Pastor Alagos and me were the guest speakers for 10 churches for Thanksgiving and Christmas Celebrations, a Leadership Youth Camp, and 3 New Year celebrations. Each time many came forward to recommit their lives in repentance, and many were saved, thank you Lord!

The launch or
River Rock Church Esparar

5.     Our fourth new church was started. River Rock Church Esparar is located at Barangay Esparar, Barbaza, Antique. Currently, there are 3 bible studies going with about 25 regular attendees. We are negotiating a place to build the church building. They have a full time Pastor, Alex Egloria.

Hill of Zion's first Anniverary
November 2011

6.     With praise to our Lord, we celebrated the 5^th year anniversary of Grace Chapel, the 4^th year of Tabernacle of Praise, and first year of Hill of Zion.

7.     Three of our four churches, Grace Chapel, Tabernacle of Praise and Hill of Zion met together for a Leadership Youth Camp.



Youth Leadership Conference
December 2011

8.     We are currently organizing to become River Rock Church Philippines. All of our churches will become River Rock Church Philippines. This will be our unique version of multisite churches. It will be like River Rock Church there in the US. We will be one church with multiple locations. Each location will have its own Pastor and Elders. Being recognized by the Philippines government will allow our pastors to perform marriages.

9.     We are now followed and supported worldwide. Through the Grace Chapel Ministries blog, we have followers on every continent. We have followers in more than 15 countries. Grace Chapel Partners is now almost 200 followers. Three Churches follow and support us; River Rock Church, Imbler Christian Church, and Faith Baptist Church, Houston, TX. There are more than a dozen churches, here in the Philippines, that help us plant new churches. If you would like to join Grace Chapel Partners please send me an email to steve.bragg123@gmail.com

10.   We provided scholarships for 10 students this year.

11.   This April 2012, I will return to River Rock Church to give a ministry report. I will also be ordained as a Pastor of River Rock Church. I will return to the Philippines and ordain our Pastors here.

Dr. David W. Robinson
My friend and mentor
Elder River Rock Church Philippines

12.  I want to give appreciation from my heart to Dr. David W. Robinson, Elder of River Rock Church, for his dependable wisdom in leadership, and diligent work for our ministry here in the Philippines. David is truly a bond servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. He keeps us connected in the Shield Wall! David has been our ally in the Lord through numerous spiritual battles that have come against us in this ministry to the Philippines. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have prevailed, the Gospel is preached, and churches are being established in our Lord’s name.

Projection for 2012, Lord willing!

1. We are praying the Lord will provide funds to build 3 churches this year. We have 3 locations targeted that currently have bible studies and ready Pastors. We will launch each church with a two night Concert Crusade. Many pastors and church workers will canvas the Barangays and invite them to the Crusade. They will go back after the Crusade and follow-up with bible studies. After the groups are formed, we will build the church building and provide a salary for the Pastor for one year as he gets the church started. This model has worked successfully in starting Tabernacle of Praise, Hill of Zion, and River Rock Church Esparar. Each church plant is approximately $4000. We will need your financial support to accomplish this year’s goal.
2. Complete the process of becoming recognized as River Rock Church Philippines by the Philippines government.
3. Provide scholarships for 12 students. Each scholarship is $25 per month for the 10 month school year. The new school year starts in June, 2012. Please let me know if you would like to be a sponsor.
4. Establish the framework of a Pastor Training College.

You may donate to Grace Chapel through River Rock Church website http://www.river-rock.org/giving.html

Or you may mail a check to:

Grace Chapel

c/o River Rock Church

2008 SE 8th Avenue

Camas, WA 98607

Phone 360.885.9000

I pray your donation to Grace Chapel would be over and above the support of the church where you worship.

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."

Serving the Lord in the Philippines,

Steve Bragg
Pastor/Elder
River Rock Church
& Grace Chapel Ministries
Serving in Patnongon Antique Philippines

Email: steve.bragg123@gmail.com
Grace Chapel Blog: http://gracechapelministries.blogspot.com/
Grace Chapel Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Chapel/207519629261717
My Story http://youtu.be/6C2DRT2vtjs
Birth of RRC Esparar: http://vimeo.com/31760794
GET UP! GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH YOU! http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=140361
Documentary: First Four Churches http://vimeo.com/33566496

A Christmas Story Philippines 2011 http://vimeo.com/34824930

Donations: http://www.river-rock.org/giving.html