The heartbeat of Bagong Simula Ministry

Vision
Bagong Simula is an outreach ministry to the poor empowered by the Holy Spirit to achieve life transformation and growth.

Mission
Bagong Simula’s mission is witnessing and serving in unity through structured programs and partnership with the church and agencies.

History
Growing out of an original vision to reach women in crisis, Bagong Simula ministry now reaches
not only women, but underprivileged families, street children and other individuals in crisis.
The first Bagong Simula outreach on Saturday, October 19, 2002 at Escopa III, near Aurora
Faith Fellowship church ministered to over 80 underprivileged children living under the C-5
Bridge. Although this outreach now happens on Sunday mornings, attendance varies and the
venue has changed several times, it has continued virtually every week since October 2002. Several children who attended those first outreaches now attend or are leaders of Aurora FF youth cell groups.

Some past activities also included a literacy program for the many kids unable to read the Bible lessons taught during Sunday school or shared at the Saturday outreaches; weekly Sunday bathing and feeding ministries; drug and alcohol co-dependent support/subgroups; and medical outreaches.

I. Elements of the current ministry
Through the Holy Spirit’s leadership in 2006 this pioneering outreach ministry to the poor attained a new level of organization and established appropriate transformation policies, strategies and Core Values. During the extensive planning sessions God clearly showed the ministry leadership team where He had taken us in the past, what we learned from the experiences, and where He wants to take us now. We are all excited about the future of this ministry!

A. Complete Children’s Outreach
Bagong Simula is a ministry that lives out the redemptive love of Jesus with children through Bible lessons and individualized compassionate care.

B. Transforming Family Values
Bagong Simula is a ministry that nurtures families that will model Christian values to the community.

C. Knowing God
Bagong Simula is a ministry that guides people to an intimate and dynamic relationship with God through evangelism, study of the Word and discipleship.

D. Servanthood
Bagong Simula is a ministry that develops obedient servants blessed to give to God their time, talent and treasures for the less fortunate.

There are four major programs of action to promote the above core values:

• Christian Education for children and adults.
Currently, parent and youth sub-groups and cell groups regularly meet in Escopa. However,
Bagong Simula is not limited to any one cell district. As God raises up new cells, this ministry
will expand the outreaches of Faith Fellowship to the underprivileged peoples of all geographic areas.

Sunday outreach also continues for children in the Escopa III area. Each week the ministry provides the teachers and assistants with age-appropriate teaching materials. Additional motivated teachers and assistants are always welcome to join God as He moves through this outreach!

• Educational Assistance.
Each school year ministry leaders choose several promising elementary and high school students for financial and tutorial assistance based upon criteria set by Educational Assistance Program committee members. Ministry workers regularly meet with
these students’ and their families as part of the ongoing discipleship program.

• Livelihood.
In 2006 Bagong Simula conducted a pilot livelihood training program in Escopa 3 in partnership with another NGO. This experience confirmed that new skills or financial resource are not the most vital to help people in poor communities improve their lives. Instead, they need a re-orientation
in values, attitudes and mindsets—a true transformation. The most important factor is the tangible help which comes from above; that God, prayers, and His promises are not just figure
of speech or imagination but are as tangible as most things that eyes can see and one can experience. Our livelihood training incorporates biblical principles including good stewardship
and continuous discipleship pointing the participant toward life transformation. We continuously seek trainers willing to share their skills for the glory of God.

• Networking and Partnerships.
This ministry is not able to meet all the varied and extensive needs of those who are a part of this ministry. Therefore, we network and partner with other agencies and organizations who can meet those needs. Currently we also seek an experienced part-time social worker.

We saw God moving through this ministry since the first outreach in October 2002. Why not say “Yes, Lord, Yes” and join Him as He continues to move?