Q & A with Ptr. Fernando Bartolome

Q: Sino si Fernando Bartolome bago mo nakilala si LORD.

A: Magulo. Walang direksyon ang buhay. Natigil pag aaral ko dahil sa trabaho ng magulang ko sa ministry.

Q: What is your darkest moment in life?

A: Aimless ako. Akala ko wala ng pag asa. Pumasok nalang ako sa club.

Q: What was your turning point?

A: Nagkaroon ako ng direksyon nung nakilala ko ang asawa ko ( Sis. Nena ). We have something to look forward to. Nung nag kaanak ako nabuhay pag-asa ko. Kasi may prodigy sa pamilya ko. Marunong mag piano yun, wala naman kaming piano. Ginagawa ng mommy ko , kinukuha mga anak ko pag weekends para magsimba. One morning, natutulog ako narinig ko kumakanta ang mommy ko. May nagpipiano. Nagulat ako nakita ko anak ko nag pipiano. Simula noon pinlano ko na buhay nya, like may College plan sya. Nung mag punta ako dito sa Amerika bumalik agad ako sa Pilipinas kasi na ospital ang anak ko. Na diagnose sya with brain tumor. So, we spent yung naipon kong pera and time. Binutas ang ulo nya. 3 times. Then, yung doctor sabi dalhin daw ang anak ko sa St. Lukes. Dinala ko nga. Umamin iyong doctor na nagkamali sya ng diagnosis sa bata. One night sinundo ako at binalik ako sa ospital . Madaling araw yun. Then, sabi ng anak ko. “Daddy, Psalm 52 binasa ng sister, natakot ako. Kasi yung Word na nandun is about wicked lifestyle. Then Psalm 50:5 pinabasa. Kaya yun ang naging mandate ko. For the first time in my life I prayed for the LORD to take her. Kasi nahihirapan na ang anak ko nakikita ko.

Q: When did you surrender your life to GOD

A: 1988 ata yun

Q: How

A: yung ng yung nangyari sa anak ko.

Q; What is the role of Sis. Nena, your wife in your transformation

A: She brought out the best in me.

Q: When did you become a pastor?

A: 2007 Dati kasi branch manager ako ng COMFI, isang foundation.. . Nagpaalam tayo sa pilipinas at babaguhin natin . Gagawin nating church. dahil nga dun sa nangyari sa pagkamatay ni Mama Esther. Nag request si Bro .Louie,( member natin ) Mama Esther’s son na mag officiate ng service. Hindi ko masabi na hindi ako puwede. Ginawa ko tumakas ako papuntang San Francisco. Hindi naman natuloy. Kumuha nalang siya ng iba. Sabi ko noon mag aaral ako. Kaya nag aral ako. Afterwards, I became a Pastor.

Q: What are the challenges of being a Pastor and how did you overcome them?

A: How to please the congregation, on how to please them dahil konti nalang natira, a handful nalang. I tried to please all of them which is impossible Narealize ko si LORD pala ang dapat i please ko. Kaya yun ang ginawa ko. Ang nangyari may division padin in the church. Kasi tayong mga Filipino ganun eh. 1 Corinthians 3

Q: Do you have any regrets i life?

A: Wala na kasi nandoon na tayo kay LORD eh

Q: What is the best thing of being a Pastor?

A: Preaching. When you are preaching knowing that the people need the Word of GOD. Studying the Word of GOD makes you feel that it is a noble calling.

Q: What is your life verse and how is it connected to your life?

A: Psalm 50:5 diba - our church’s life verse. Sa personal Galatians 6:7. Sowing and reaping

Q: What is your message to your FTFC family?

A: Be diligent and commit your life to the LORD up to the end

Thank YOU LORD Ptr. Fernando!!!

Ptr. Jesse Licardo or Jesse boy, came to the United States when he was 12 years old.  

Jesse did not know anything about the US. With little to no knowledge of English, he started school right away. Since he did not know how to speak English then, Jesse boy joined a group of young Filipinos where he felt he belonged. 

One time, he was told to say something inappropriate to one of his classmate without knowing what it meant. He later learned that the words uttered were bad, thus leading to an altercation.

Jesse soon took fellow Filipinos coming from the Philippines under his wing. Without realizing it, he formed and founded a gang of Filipinos.  They come to Jesse for help when they were being taken advantage of. Although he was an honor student, his association with the gang always put him into trouble.

In 1984, Sis. Ligaya Bartolome, founder of a Charismatic group in the Philippines, came to the US and invited him and his family to join the church. Although he was the leader of the gang, he was slowly getting involved in the church.

His fellow gang member who attended a prayer meeting with Jesse got involved in a gang warfare and killed a young boy. Although Jesse was not part of it, being the leader of the gang, Jesse was pursued by the authorities for itt. 

This situation forced him to go back to the Philippines, which lead him to lose everything. Although, the real suspect was arrested, Jesse’s legal documents were put on hold. 

By the grace of GOD, Jesse was able to return in the U.S. and landed a job in the federal Government, in the Bureau of Prisons. While working at the Corrections, one day, his long distance older relative called him and asked for help. He was being beaten by two drunkards. He discharge his fire arm to warn the two men to stop, in doing so he was arrested. He  was facing 67 years in prison.

While undergoing trial, Jesse prayed to the LORD, then in the middle of the night, the LORD woke him up, Jesse saw writing on the wall by his closet. Written there was Isaiah 54:4. At first he did not believe that there was Isaiah 54:4 in the bible. He saw it again for the second time and on the third time, he decided to look at his bible. After surrendering to the LORD,  fasting, and seeing the writings in the wall, this is what it says in Isaiah 54:4 “Do not fear, you shall not be put to shame; do not be discouraged, you shall not be disgraced. For the shame of your youth you shall forget, the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember.” That was the complete forgiveness from the LORD

After receiving that Word, Ptr. Fernando passed by his home that week. It was the second day of his fasting. Jesse had not seen Ptr. Fernando for a long time. Back then, he was avoiding Bro. Fernando because Jesse knew he was not doing GOD’s will. Jesse asked Ptr. Fernando where he was going. Ptr. Fernando said,  “sa San Jose wala nga akong kasamang babalik .”  So Jesse decided to accompany Ptr . Fernando to go to Outreaches. 

A week after, he attended fellowship with Ptr. Lolit and his brother Bong. There, he met Sis. Gloria in fellowship for the first time. Members started teasing her and Ptr. Jesse. Then Jesse asked for Gloria’s number from Sis. Tess Francisco and the rest is history.

Since, he was undergoing trial at that time, Gloria was his source of encouragement and hope.

People were against Jesse thinking that Jesse was not good for Gloria. But Gloria stood by him holding on the Word of God Gloria received from the LORD: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jesse also received the same Word from the LORD. 

Jesse felt GOD’s love that in his biggest trial, the LORD sent Ptr. Fernando and Sis Gloria to him.

Jesse became a Pastor in 2007 with Pastor Fernando & Pastor Feliciana Hernandez. they founded Face to Face Church Inc, a non profit organization in the State of California. They felt the need of the church due to the growing needs of the members. 

When asked about his challenges as a Pastor, he says when he was being persecuted and cursed by some people inside and outside of the church. Although being persecuted, Jesse was not afraid, because he is committed  to GOD and GOD alone. He was and still not afraid to receive insults and persecutions because it is GOD whom he wants to please and not the people.

Having experienced all these, the LORD turned them to his favor. Having experienced the mercy and grace of GOD was one of the best things of  being a Pastor. He saw the greatness of GOD and His awesomeness realizing that he is nothing without GOD

Ptr. Jesse knows how privileged he is to see how the LORD does miracles in his life even though he does not deserve it. Isaiah 54:4, that writing on the wall by his closet was the Scripture he lived by ( his life verse ). Ptr. Jesse surrendered  his life to the LORD realizing that the LORD can turn his mess into a message.“Puwede NIYA akong baguhin at puwede NIYA  akong gamitin, “ as Ptr. Jesse says it.

Ptr Jesse encourages everyone to redeem the time.Be fully committed to GOD,  because HE is coming soon. We must see the redeeming power of GOD in our lives. We all need the LORD.  Be a model of CHRIST likeness. “Redeem the time mga kapatid.” he says.

Thank YOU LORD Ptr. Jesse for that powerful message.

Pastor Fely accepted CHRIST in the year 1986, from then on; she acknowledged the LORD’s goodness in her life. 

She used to be a very worldly woman in spite of attending Catholic Church every day. Back then, she was working with the Philippine government, but GOD took her out and placed her to where she is now.

She started with the Charismatic group.  Elders from the group greatly influenced and guided her as she pursued her calling, where else can she go, but to serve Him diligently. She attended gatherings and Sunday services until her family migrated to America. There were persecutions especially from her family, but GOD’s love prevailed and she heeded to HIS calling through a full-time service. She continued serving GOD despite these trials for she is serving GOD out of gratitude. 

Through continuous attendance in bible studies, prayer meetings, and Sunday gatherings, it helped her grow in her faith. Since she truly accepted CHRIST  in her heart and mind, her lifestyle has changed, from worldly living into a Godly life. She is truly happy in her decision to serve HIM, the MASTER of all.

Ptr. Fely was blessed to be ordained as a pastor on October 2008.  Together with Pastor Fernando Bartolome, Pastor Jesse Licardo, they established Face to Face Church. Inc.

Face to Face Church Inc. is continuously growing, and more people are learning HIS Word.

 Ptr. Fely is inspired by GOD’s  love and trying to make this calling the best of her service. Her life verse is in Psalm 139: 13 – 14: “for YOU formed my inwards parts. YOU covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise YOU, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous works and that my soul knows very well.

All glory and honor to the LORD, our GOD who blesses us all.

Ptr. Moises Alexander Duenas., or Ptr. Alex to us was a laid-back, reckless shell of a guy thanks to his sinful life. He knew of GOD but refused to believe in HIM or in his supposed judgment let alone hell so he indulged in his take of drugs and women. Until one day, he lost himself in the sea of discontent, and in his darkest moment, having nowhere to go, he went to GOD.

That year, 1989, was the final turning point of his life, he realized his wrongs and surrendered his life to CHRIST in a moment of rebirth. He woke up hoping to find a purpose in life until suddenly, as if a lightbulb set off, he realized he's searching for a church. He turns over to his wife, Sis. Dolly, and asks with obvious hope in his eyes, is there somewhere that could better me, like a life seminar, and she responded calmly, "comfi."

His wife played a tremendous part of his life and his transformation. She stood by him and never turned his back on him, her continuous prayers for 8 years fueled his journey to surrender his life to GOD.

2008 was the year, Alex Duenas became the Managing Pastor of Face to Face Church Inc and was assigned to our Nor Cal branch. Pastor Alex never felt that he was good enough to influence people nor help them through their spiritual journey. Not only that, he felt high amounts of judgment to those who weren't willing to listen.

The LORD guided him through his troubles and helped him overcome his fears. Pastor Alex feels privileged and honored that he was given the privilege to serve the LORD and that he was given the opportunity to be taught by him. That's why he started living by his life verse, Joshua 10:8, which reminds us to not be afraid of everyday life but be grateful for GOD has given us victory. His message to everyone: "Be steadfast and be firm in our faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." So, be steadfast, this is a troubled world be steadfast in your faith.

Glory to GOD, Ptr. Alex!!!

Lolit Encarnacion Licardo or Lolit was still a child when she started communicating with GOD.  Orphaned at 5 years old, her father was the only son, she had nobody to talk to except GOD.

Lolit surrendered her life to GOD in 1985  in Delano California. Bro. Jun Licardo , Lolit’s husband was a big help in her Christian journey. He was always behind her in doing GOD’s work. He was also serving GOD.

Lolit was ordained a Pastor of Face to Face Church Inc in 2008.

For Ptr. Lolit, one of the challenges of a pastor is how to start. At that time, she was entrusted to Pastor in Delano. She told GOD, “ LORD I don’t know what to do.” Then the LORD said, “teach.” So, she started discipling in Delano. She had the support of the members of Delano. However, most of the members then were old and she was the youngest.

Back then when Ptr. Lolit was still working. She used to teach 12 to 13 prayer meetings every week and 2 to 3 bible studies every night. It was hard but really a blessing.  Bro. Jun supported her and together with their children would meet her where she was.

Ptr. Lolit’s life verse is Psalm 23:4-6. These verses taught her to be more humble and more prayerful. She also learned to be generous and caring.  She no longer worries about herself but becomes more concerned about others

Lastly, Ptr Lolit encourages her FTFCi family to do the same thing that GOD has instructed her to do. 2 Timothy 2:2 “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 

According to Ptr. Lolit, “If we will not teach others, who will continue the work?”

Thank YOU LORD Ptr. Lolit!

Ptr. Lito Orap, Tolits to his friends, started early in life.  As a teenager, he was a drug dependent.  He might not be into drinking nor smoking that much, however, he called himself “salbahe, kasi wala kay LORD.”

At that time, Lito was renting an apartment with a friend in Olongapo.  One day, he was sitting on  a swing and was thinking about his life.  He asked “ganito nalang ba buhay ko habang panahon? Teka muna kailangan baguhin ko kung saan tutungo buhay ko.” So, Lito went to Manila to start a new life and stopped his vices.

In Manila, Lito’s 2 sisters, who were attending a charismatic community and were also members of the music ministry, invited him to attend.  So, he attended.  Later on,  he was invited to play in the music ministry and that was where it all started. Year 1980, Lito surrendered his life to the LORD

He became a full time worker when he came to the US. 

The patience of Sis. Elisa Orap, his wife, was an influence in his transformation.  He adopted Sis. Elisa’s patience with people and her capability to handle situations in life.

In 2008, Lito became the Music Pastor of FACE TO FACE CHURCH INC.

As a Pastor,  people  think  that music ministry is easy.  Members of the music ministry  have different personalities and he needs to adjust and cater to each one of them.  

Also, it is a big adjustment for Pastor Lito if asked to preach.  If Ptr Fernando and Ptr. Jesse are not available, he needs to step up.

Pastor Lito believes that the best thing in being a music pastor is the opportunity to be used by the LORD to give glory to GOD and bring people to HIM through songs.  That is incomparable.

Isaiah 43:1-4, is Pastor Lito’s life verse. This passage is very fitting to him especially now, as he was recently hospitalized. If it was not for these verses, he wouldn’t be with us today

Finally, Ptr. Lito is encouraging everyone to be committed to the church where we belong.  In our  commitment , support the pastors as they are  working tirelessly in shepherding us.

Thank YOU LORD

Pastor Rex Lavilla, Pastor Owen, or simply Pastor “O”, as we call him, had a worldly past. Pastor O lived with worldly standards, very carnal, overly sinful, & very lustful.

Along with that, he was a heavy drinker and a womanizer, he believed that was the only way to live a happy life. He completely disregarded what GOD had to say. In the year 2000, Owen felt miserable, he thought that all the things he's been doing, would make him happy but sadly he was wrong. He decribed his life as, no direction, no purpose, no meaning. He felt so tired and, looking back, this was his darkest moment.

He realized that the way he was living wasn't gonna make him happy. As he drove around Pasay City, Manila, he stumbled upon a church with heavy tears and self-regret. Under his breath, he pleaded with GOD, "LORD just let me die. When suddenly, in the midst of the silence, the LORD appeared to him through a voice, "Yes patay ka na Ngayon AKIN ka na” At the time, he didn't realize what it meant but now he understands it was his calling. Owen surrendered his life to CHRIST, he became a true born again Christian. Not only that, he got self-fulfilment and felt at peace, through realizing he was spiritually dead but is now reborn in CHRIST.

Since then, Owen continually attend bible studies, prayer meetings and Sunday fellowships until he met his wife Lizbong, who he knew would provide selfless, sacrificial love for him and his family. He allowed himself to fall for her and she continued to help him change for the better. 11 years ago, Owen was officially ordained as Pastor of FTFCi.

Although he became a pastor already, he felt like he wasn't worthy to be public, he didn't feel equipped to preach. He had such an overwhelming fear of public speaking to the point that when he first tried preaching words couldn't leave his mouth for 10 mins. Not until he felt the presence of the LORD he felt worthy to preach Although you may think he would be regretful because of his past life, he's actually thankful because he knows all those trials that happened to him were apart of GOD's plan.

Through everything, he realized his favorite thing as a pastor is watching people come to CHRIST.

Pastor O's life verse is Ephesians 5:1-16 which is about how Christians should live life and how we are the body of CHRISTS.

Finally, Ptr. O encourages everyone to love the bride of CHRIST which is the church. As we love CHRIST, we ought to love the church as well.

Personally misses her church but due to unavoidable circumstances, she is far away but her heart remains with Face to Face Church Inc.  She misses everyone.

Before knowing GOD,  she was self-righteous. She thought that she was close to GOD.  She prayed every day and did holy communion regularly, thinking she was doing everything right in the eyes of GOD.

When she became a born again Christian, she found out that she was self-righteous and was not doing the true will of God. 

Mely surrendered her life to GOD in July 1983  somebody invited her to attend a prayer meeting with a charismatic group. 

She remembered praying for Bro. Albert, her husband for 21 years, for him to accept the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Mell was so amazed when Bro. Albert accepted the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Mely became a Pastor on October 10, 2010. Ptr. Mely never had many challenges as a Pastor.  In her understanding, things happen for a reason and she does not look at negative things. These things do not bother her at all.

Her principle is to love, trust, obey, and be faithful to GOD. Ptr. Mely’s life verse is Matthew 22:37-39, loving GOD above all and loving others as yourself. For her, love is the most beautiful thing because GOD is love.

Lastly, Ptr Mely encourages her FTFCi family to continue what they are doing, spend more time with GOD, meditate in HIS Word, and always be led by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Remember that everything we do is for the glory of GOD. Alleluiah!