Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines Photos

4th National Convention of United Foursquare Men, the organization of Foursquare men in the Philippines. Venue: Davao City - May 2009

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10th National Convention of United Foursquare Women (UFW), the organization of Foursquare women in the Philippines. Venue: Baguioo City - April 2008

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2nd Foursquare Bible College Convention in Cebu City - October 2008

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National Leadership Strategy Conference and Retreat, Cebu City - January 2008

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9th National Youth Convention of Foursquare Crusaders Youth (FCY) - the organization of all Foursquare youth in the Philippines. Venue: Bacolod City - April 2008

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Who We Are

VISION

Our movement will serve as an agent for change through the planting of healthy, harvesting and holistic churches that actively engage their communities in evangelism and discipleship, leadership development and missionary outreach.

MISSION

The Foursquare family in the Philippines has been raised by the Lord as a major player in the task of National transformation through the proclamation of the Foursquare Gospel to all levels of society, in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.

VALUES

Family Spirit/Unity/ Cooperation
Trained Leadership
Zeal for Evangelism
Prayer & Fasting
Celebration of Worship & Fellowship
Development of Emerging Leaders
Faithfulness in Difficulties
Church Planting as Catalyst for Change
Signs & Wonders
Innovative Approach to Challenges
Lay Mobilization
Holistic Approach to Life & Ministry
Active Youth Sector
Anointing Ministry
Integrity & Excellence

OUR NAME

"Foursquare" is a Biblical term used of the tabernacle in the Book of Exodus, of the Temple of the Lord in Ezekiel 40:47, and of Heaven, as described in the book of the Revelation. The term "Foursquare Gospel" was given in the inspiration of revival to the denomination's founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, during an evangelistic campaign in Oakland, California, in 1922. It represents that which is equally balanced on all sides, established and enduring. Such confidence in the power of the Gospel is also expressed by the verse, Hebrews 13:8, displayed in Foursquare churches proclaiming, "Jesus Christ the Same, Yesterday and Today and Forever."

The name represents the four-fold ministries of Jesus:

The Savior
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him..." –Isaiah 53:5 (Titus 2:14, Is. 55:7, Heb. 7:25, Is. 1:18)

The Baptizer with the Holy Spirit
"For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." –Acts 1:5,8 (Jn. 14:16-17, Acts 2:4, Acts 8:17, Acts 10:44-46, 1 Cor. 3:16)

The Healer
"He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses..." –Matthew 8:17 (Mk. 16:17-18, Mt. 9:5-6, Acts 4:29-30)

The Soon-Coming King
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout... the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." –1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (Titus 2:12-13, Mt. 24:36-44, Heb. 9:28, Lk. 19:13, Lk. 12:35-37.)

OUR FOUNDER

Aimee Semple McPherson

The early 20th century evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson, was a pioneer of women in religion. Having experienced a profound religious conversion at age 17, Aimee began preaching across the United States and later, the world. In 1918, she established her base in Los Angeles, Calif., where in 1923, the 5,300 seat Angelus Temple was dedicated and became the center of her revival, healing and benevolent ministries. She was the first woman to own and operate a Christian radio station. Her sermons were the first to incorporate the contemporary communications of that day into her preaching of the Gospel. From Angelus Temple she performed an extensive social ministry, providing hot meals for more than 1.5 million people during the Great Depression. She summarized her message into four major points known as "The Foursquare Gospel," and founded a denomination called The Foursquare Church.

Aimee was born October 9, 1890 on a small farm near Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada and was the only child of James and Minnie Kennedy. While a student in high school, she attended a revival service conducted by Robert Semple. By her own account, she stated that at the time she was "cold and far from God" and began questioning the truths of the Bible. During this revival meeting, the message of "repentance" and a "born again experience" pierced her heart with conviction. When Robert began talking about the baptism with the Holy Spirit, it disturbed her so much that she left the meeting. But the Holy Spirit continued to grip at Aimee's heart, and for three days she struggled with such conviction until finally, alone in her room, she threw up her hands and said, "Lord, God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Immediately the burden was gone and the glory of the Lord filled her heart. She had been born again.

As she continued to attend the revival services, she learned that God had even more for her and so she began to seek the baptism with the Holy Spirit. After a time of prayer and seeking the Lord, she was gloriously filled and began speaking in her heavenly language and praising God. Aimee would describe that time by saying, "Each moment I could feel myself drawing nearer, nearer into His presence," and her heart cried out, "Take me, use me, have Thine own way. I am only a school girl. I live on a Canadian farm, but such as I am I give myself to Thee." Aimee said that, with the incoming of the Holy Spirit came a love and compassion for souls that melted her heart with longing for Christian service.

Her desire for serving the Lord seemed perfectly fitted to Robert Semple's evangelistic work and when he asked her to marry him, she quickly responded with a "yes." The two were married and this longing for service was first fulfilled when, before her twentieth birthday, she and her husband of less than two years, embarked on a missionary trip to China. Aimee would have been content to live out her days in obscurity. But what started out as a glorious adventure and fulfilment of God's calling ended with the tragic death of her husband three months after their arrival. Penniless, and alone with a one-month-old daughter, Aimee returned to the United States.

Shortly after returning home, Aimee met and married a businessman, Harold McPherson, with whom she had a son, Rolf. She tried to settle down to a "normal" home-life, but the call to Christian service remained constant. God continually knocked at the door of her heart and said, "Now will you go?" Growing weaker and weaker from sickness, Aimee, while on her deathbed after her second operation within two years, answered "yes" to God's call. Almost immediately thereafter, she was healed.

Knowing that she had to keep her promise to the Lord, she began evangelizing and holding tent revivals, first by traveling up and down the eastern part of the United States, then expanding to other parts of the country. She eventually held meetings in all parts of the world. People began coming in ever-increasing numbers to hear this remarkable lady evangelist. When not in a tent, she would need to find the largest auditorium in town in order to hold the record number of people that would come to her meetings. Often times she would have to share the time with whatever "event" was happening in the town. Like, on one occasion she met in a boxing ring, but had to hold her meetings before and after the boxing match. Once in San Diego, the National Guard had to be brought in to control the crowd of over 30,000 people. People would often stand in line and wait many hours for the next service to begin in order to be assured a seat.

Aimee's charismatic personality was a God-given gift used to draw people to hear her message. Her sermons were not the usual "fire and brimstone" messages given by contemporary evangelists, but ones which showed the face of a loving God, with continual outstretched arms. It was a message about heaven, as a place you wanted to be, and serving Jesus, as the only life that offered true fulfillment.

With Aimee, all were called and all were welcomed. God was no respecter of persons and neither was Aimee. She evangelized when segregation was rampant in the South. Although she invited all to come to her meetings, often times she would go to the "black" parts of town and hold meetings after the main meeting was over. She broke down racial barriers such that one time at Angelus Temple, some Klu Klux Klan members were in attendance, but after the service, many of their hoods and robes were found thrown on the ground in nearby Echo Park. She is also credited with helping many of the Hispanic ministries in Los Angeles get started, and there was even a great Gypsy following, after the wife of a Gypsy chief and the chief himself had been healed in a Denver revival meeting. With Aimee Semple McPherson there was no color, ethnic, or status separation line.

While holding a revival meeting in San Francisco in April 1922, Aimee became the first woman to preach a sermon over the radio. Being intrigued with the possibilities of this medium, Aimee purchased a radio station herself, thus making her the first woman to own and operate a Christian radio station. Through the wonder of radio, Aimee's voice became the most recognizable voice around the world. Since there were not many stations in Los Angeles at its inception, one could walk down the street, especially on a Sunday morning, hear the entire message from one open window to another, get to the destination, and not miss a single word of the sermon.

Weary of constant traveling and having no place to raise a family, Aimee rejoiced when in 1918, God called her to Los Angeles. This was to be her base of operation. God told her He would build her a house in Los Angeles and He did—one for her family and one for His people. For several years she continued to travel and raise money for the building of Angelus Temple and on January 1, 1923, Angelus Temple was dedicated. The church held 5,300 people and was filled to capacity three times each day, seven days a week. In the beginning, Aimee preached every service. It became the spiritual home for thousands of her followers and a base for her evangelistic ministry. What grew out of a desire to have a base of operation to preach the Gospel, quickly evolved into a church organization—supporting and sending out missionaries, providing commissary and community services that were more reliable than the city's own relief programs, as well as a full program of church ministries.

Aimee was famous inside and outside the church. Every city where services were held usually had in attendance civic leaders, as well as pastors representing the local churches of every denomination. She made sure that Angelus Temple was represented in local parades and entered floats into the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena. Her illustrated sermons attracted even those from the entertainment industry, looking to see a "show" that rivaled what Hollywood had to offer. These famous stage productions drew people who would never have thought to enter a church, and then presented them with the message of salvation. Aimee believed that the Gospel was to be presented at every opportunity and used worldly means at her disposal to present the Gospel to as many people as possible.

She was a woman in a man's world, and single at a time when women her age were suppose to be married. But she was willing to go, when God called, and was not limited by what she saw, but believed in the God who called her to fulfill the greatest call of all—the winning of souls.

Aimee once wrote:
"You don't need to be an orator. What God wants is plain people with the Good News in their hearts who are willing to go and tell it to others. The love of winning souls for Jesus Christ sets a fire burning in one's bones. Soul winning is the most important thing in the world. All I have is on the altar for the Lord, and while I have my life and strength, I will put my whole being into the carrying out of this Great Commission."

Sister McPherson, as she was affectionately called by her constituents, went to be with the Lord, September 27, 1944, while conducting a revival service in Oakland, Calif. Memorial services were held on her birthday, October 9th, at Angelus Temple.

From its beginning at Angelus Temple, The Foursquare Church has now grown to include more than 55,000 churches worldwide. There are currently more than 10 million members in 149 countries around the globe. It presently ranks as one of the three or four most distinguished branches of Pentecostalism.

* Vision, Mission, and Values sections are taken from the official website of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines.
* Our Name and Our Founder sections are taken from the official website of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

Copyright 2010. Marlon B. Raquel

Southeast Luzon District

About Southeast Luzon District (SELD)

Southeast Luzon District is composed of 138 Foursquare churches grouped into 11 divisions from the Southeastern part of Metro Manila, including Rizal, Cavite, Quezon provinces and Bicol region.

With the leadership of Rev. Reynaldo Lucion, the District Supervisor, together with the Divisonal Superintendents, SELD Foursquare family is committed to empower leaders and establish and maintain healthy churches for the transformation of the nation as reflected in its vision and mission statements.



BLUE DIVISION
1. Cavite City Foursquare Church
2. Malagasang Foursquare
3. Imus Foursquare Church
4. Jesus Cares Foursquare Church
5. One Way Foursquare Church
6. Jesus Christ Lord of Hope
7. River of Life Foursquare Church
8. Trece Martires City Foursquare Church
9. Tres Cruses Foursquare Church
10. Jesus the Savior Foursquare Church
11. Living Word Foursquare Church(Gentri)
12. Cuadra Foursquare Church

CROSS DIVISION
1. Alabang Foursquare Church
2. Muntinlupa City Foursquare Church
3. Soldiers' Hills Foursquare Church
4. Hope in Jesus Foursquare Church
5. Pacita Foursquare Church
6. United Bayanihan Foursquare Church
7. Morning Breeze Foursquare Church
8. Elohim Foursquare Church
9. Kaligtasan Foursquare Church

DIAMOND DIVISION
1. Jesus Christ the Lord of All Ministries
2. Lighthouse Foursquare Church
3. Lord of the Harvest Center
4. Tumana Foursquare Church
5. Riverside Foursquare Church
6. Olandes Foursquare Church
7. House of Faith Foursquare Church
8. Agape Foursquare Church
9. Bagong Pag-asa Foursquare Church
10. Balubad Foursquare Church
11. Hillside Foursquare Church
12. The Call Worship Center
13. Sitio Payong Foursquare Church
14. Door of Hope Foursquare Church

EAGLE DIVISION
1. First Adonai Foursquare Church
2. Charis of God Foursquare Church
3. Living Streams Foursquare Church
4. First Adonai Foursquare Church (Bulacan)
5. Jesus, Rock of Salvation Foursquare Church
6. Shield of Faith Foursquare Church
7. Francisco Homes Foursquare Church
8. Sauyo Foursquare Church
9. Christ Vessel Foursquare Church
10. North Fairview Foursquare Church
11. Interville Foursquare Church
12. Heart of Jesus Foursquare Church
13. Grace of God Foursquare Church

GOLD DIVISION
1. Teresa Foursquare Church
2. Light of Life Foursquare Church
3. Living Witness Foursquare Church
4. Salt of Life Foursquare Church
5. Antipolo City Foursquare Church
6. La Unica Foursquare Church
7. FVR Foursquare Church
8. Sanctuary of Living Witness
9. Cupang Foursquare Church
10. Mt. of Zion Foursquare Church
11. Lagundi Foursquare Church
12. Crown of Glory Foursquare Church

LION OF JUDAH DIVISION
1. Living Word Foursquare Church (Makati)
2. City of the Lord Foursquare Church
3. Living Word Foursquare Church (Paranaque)
4. Faith in Jesus Foursquare Church
5. Christ our Hope Foursquare Church
6. Glorious Hope Foursquare Church
7. King's Way Foursquare Church
8. Pinagkaisahan Foursquare Church
9. Signal Village Foursquare Church
10. Living Word Foursquare Church (Tanyag)
11. Living Word Foursquare Church (GreenHills)

PURPLE DIVISION
1. Rivers of Joy Foursquare
2. Capitol City Foursquare Church
3. Luzon Ave. Foursquare Church
4. Tagumpay Foursquare Church
5. Botocan Foursquare Church
6. Masambong Foursquare Church
7. Mendez Foursquare Church
8. Sonlight Foursquare Church
9. Batasan Foursquare Church
10. Kapalaran Foursquare Church
11. Renewed Foursquare Church
12. Palayan Foursquare Church
13. Glorious Lord's Foursquare Church
14. Gravel Pit Foursquare Church

SCARLET DIVISION
1. Life in Christ Church (Pasig)
2. Blessed Hope Foursquare Church
3. Glorious Hope Foursquare Church
4. Grace Foursquare Church
5. Christ our Life Foursquare Church
6. Life in Christ Church (Mand.)
7. Cornerstone Foursquare Church
8. Angono Foursquare Church
9. Lifeway Christian Ministries
10. Blessed Mount Foursquare Church
11. Taytay Foursquare Church
12. God Loves You Foursquare Church
13. Mapalad Foursquare Church
14. Lord's Tower Foursquare Church
 
CUP DIVISION
1. Lord of Glory Foursquare Church
2. Dolores Foursquare Church
3. Callejon Foursquare Church
4. Lucena City Foursquare Church
5. Manggahan Foursquare Church
6. Tiaong Foursquare Church
 
CROWN DIVISION
1. Landmark Foursquare Church
2. Sorsogon City Foursquare Church
3. Matnog Foursquare Church
4. Last Days Foursquare Church
5. Juban Foursquare Church
6. Irosin Foursquare Church
7. Gubat Foursquare Church
8. Family of God Foursquare Church
9. Everyhome Foursquare Church
10. Christ Harvest Center
11. Acts Christian Center
12. Jibong Foursquare Church

DOVE DIVISION
1. Daraga Foursquare Church
2. To the Glory of God Foursquare Church
3. Oas Foursquare Church
4. Camalig Foursquare Church
5. Inarado Foursquare Church
6. Ligao City Foursquare Church
7. Maramba Foursquare Church
8. Bacacay Foursquare Church
9. Malilipot Foursquare Church
10. Pili Foursquare Church
11. Naga City Foursquare Church
12. Daet Foursquare Church
13. Panganiban Foursquare Church
14. Rapu-Rapu Foursquare Church
15. New Hope Christian Fellowship
16. Legaspi City Foursquare Church

International Foursquare Convention 2010 at Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Foursquare Connection 2010

Foursquare ministers and members from around the world are gathering in Atlanta May 31-June 3 for the denomination’s annual international convention.


January 1, 2010

The Foursquare Church is gathering in Atlanta May 31-June 3, 2010, for the movement’s annual convention, also called Foursquare Connection.

The theme of Connection 2010 is “The Power of One,” focusing on how:

One hand reaching out can change a life.
One church training people can change a city.
One movement sending believers can change the world.

As one hand, one church, and one movement, Foursquare members will reach the lost, train them as disciples and send them out into the world. It’s the gospel unleashed, and it’s going out from Atlanta.

In addition to selecting the next president of The Foursquare Church, gleaning wisdom from leaders on the cutting edge of what the Holy Spirit is doing today, and enjoying the presence of God in powerful moments of prayer and praise, this year’s annual gathering will provide the opportunity to serve and learn together while connecting in worship, prayer and ministry.

Meet members of the Foursquare family from across the nation and around the world. Develop new friendships and rekindle old ones. Find mentors—and even become one. Foursquare Connection 2010 will leave a tangible mark not only on Atlanta, but also on the lives of pastors, leaders and lay members who attend—not to mention the churches and communities that those who attend call home.

The “Power of One” is going to Atlanta—make plans to attend today. Register by Feb. 4, 2010, and save $90 with the super early bird rate. Visit http://www.foursquareconnection.org/ to register and get more information.

Foursquare Church by Conrado Lumahan

3.3 Foursquare Church*


In 1949 the first foreign missionary came to the Philippines, but by that time Filipinos converted by the ministry of Foursquare founder, Aimee Semple Mcpherson had already planted congregations in Cavite, Iloilo City and elsewhere. By the same year Foursquare churches increased to thirteen churches in various parts of the country. The 1960s and 70s were times of rapid growth, both in quantity and quality. Bible colleges and Christian schools were instrumental in the massive growth. This impressive accomplishment was widely known through Jim Montgomery’s New Testament Fire in the Philippines. The Foursquare Church is one of the most prominent classical Pentecostal denominations in the Philippines today.


*Lumahan, Conrado. Facts and Figures: A History of the Growth of the Philippine Assemblies of God, Master of Theology thesis, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, 2003. Retrieved January 4, 2010, http://www.apts.edu/aeimages//File/AJPS_PDF/05-2-CLumahan.pdf

Foursquare Ministers' Code of Ethics

FOURSQUARE MINISTERS’ CODE OF ETHICS*

As an ordained or licensed minister or Christian worker, I subscribe in full to the contents of the Declaration of Faith as compiled by Aimee Semple McPherson, founder, and to the creedal statement of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and declare myself in harmony with and bind myself to the objects, purposes and provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, Inc.

I further dedicate myself to the faithful performance of the ministry to which I have been called and will at all times strive for harmony, Christian unity and accord.

Should I desire further training, I will first ask the advice of my District Supervisor.

Should I desire to publish books, tracts, or literature, etc., bearing the Foursquare name, I will first obtain the approval of the Board.

               

When ministering in the pulpit, I will endeavor to wear, if a man, a barong or a long-sleeved shirt with a tie; if a woman, an accepted decent or formal dress.

Should I desire to resign from any office, pastorate or ministry to which I have been assigned, or should I desire a change of appointment, I will address such request in writing to my District Supervisor no longer than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such change, and in the meanwhile I will remain in the place of duty until a satisfactory replacement has been arranged by the District Supervisor.

I further understand I am only a volunteer worker and that a credential is not a guarantee of financial support from the Foursquare organization but is an authorization to fulfill my calling within the fellowship of Foursquare churches; I further recognize that the responsibility rests upon me to uphold and maintain the high standards of the ministry and the cause of Christ.

If at any time I am guilty of conduct unbecoming to the ministry or if at any time I am unable to give my wholehearted support to the policies and aims of the organization, I will surrender my credentials in accordance with church discipline and will refrain from taking any action that will cause division or dissension within the ranks of Foursquare ministers and members.

I pledge further, to give the fullest consideration to any fellow ministers and will seek the best interest of the organization and the cause of Christ under and in all circumstances.

• Article VIII, Section K, Subsection 4, Paragraph B, Sub-paragraph 3, Legal and Ecclesiastical Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, Discipline and Teachings of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines. Published by the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, Quezon City (2003 Edition).

Biography of Dr. Rolf K. McPherson

Dr. Rolf K. McPherson

2nd President of The Foursquare Church

On Thursday, May 21, 2009, Dr. Rolf K. McPherson, son of the founder and the president emeritus of The Foursquare Church, passed from this life into the presence of the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Evangeline Carmichael McPherson; his daughter, Alicia McPherson Santacroce; two granddaughters, Heidi Ledesma and Leslie Young; a grandson, Ronald LaRue; a niece, Victoria Salter. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorna De Smith McPherson, and a daughter Marlene McPherson LaRue.

Rolf Kennedy McPherson was born on March 23, 1913, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Harold S. and Aimee Semple McPherson. He was only a small child when he traveled to the West Coast with his mother, who evangelized her way across the country to Los Angeles, where she established Angelus Temple.

While he was in his late teens, Dr. McPherson met Lorna De Smith, who helped him realize that, even though he had been raised in the church, he must make a personal commitment to God. In 1931 he and Lorna De were married in a ceremony officiated by his mother. To this union were born two daughters, Alicia Kay and Marlene. Throughout their more than sixty years of marriage and until her death in 1993, Lorna De worked tirelessly alongside her husband to advance the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. In January 1997, Dr. McPherson married Evangeline Carmichael.

As part of his preparation for ministry, Dr. McPherson attended both LIFE Bible College and Southern California Radio Institute. It seemed only natural for Rolf to become involved with KFSG, the radio station his mother had founded in 1924. KFSG was the third station to be established in Los Angeles, and Rolf was responsible for its operation from 1944 until 1988. Under his management, the station became the most prominent Christian radio station in Los Angeles, with the distinction of being the oldest, continuously operating Christian radio station in the world. At the time of its sale in 2000, its value had grown from a few thousand dollars to $250 million.

Upon the death of his mother in 1944, Dr. McPherson became president of the four corporate entities she had established: Echo Park Evangelistic Association, The Church of the Foursquare Gospel, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and LIFE Bible College. In addition, he became the pastor of Angelus Temple. Even though he was very young, 31, he had prepared for several years to assume these responsibilities. It had been his mother’s wish that he would succeed her in leading the church, and she had spent the last decade of her life training him to assume that leadership role.

For 44 years, Dr. Rolf K. McPherson led the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, expanding its ministry into 63 countries around the world; the number of churches worldwide grew to more than 19,000 (Currently there are almost 60,000 Foursquare churches and meeting places in 144 countries.). The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel quickly became known as a missions-minded denomination, taking the Gospel to remote areas of the world to people who had not previously heard the Good News of the Savior. Dr. McPherson retired from the presidency of the Foursquare Church in 1988, but he remained president emeritus. He was also pastor emeritus of Angelus Temple, having retired from actively directing the affairs of the church in 1997.

The strength and far-reaching influence of The Foursquare Church today are directly attributable to Dr. McPherson’s personal integrity and administrative giftedness. The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, born out of the evangelistic fervor of Aimee Semple McPherson, became firmly established under the leadership of her son, Rolf Kennedy McPherson. His lifetime of service became an inspiring and enduring legacy.

Foursquare’s current president, Pastor Jack Hayford, expressed his gratitude for Dr. McPherson’s long ministry to The Foursquare Church: “Dr. McPherson gave of himself selflessly and faithfully for more than four decades as he carried on the work that his mother had begun. The blessing that we are currently experiencing is due, in large part, to the work that Dr. McPherson accomplished during his presidency. He laid a foundation that made it possible for The Foursquare Church to move forward around the world and take the Foursquare Gospel to many nations. He will be missed, but the legacy that he left will result in eternal blessedness for millions.”

The memorial service will be held at Angelus Temple, but the date and time have yet to be determined.

Foursquare News Service #368

Source:
http://www.foursquare.org/articles/837,1.html

The Foursquare Crusaders Anthem

Foursquare Crusaders Anthem


Motto:
"Once a Crusader, always a Crusader."     

     Foursquare Crusaders Youth are we
     Serving Christ in unity
     This is our song of victory,
     Jesus lives for you and me;
     Christ died on the cross for all,
     Died to save us from the fall;
     On His name we daily call,
     Come and join us one and all!

     We're crusading and we're invading
     In the Savior's wonderful name;

     We lift high the flag of royalty
     Red and purple, blue and gold
     For His majesty;
     We, with Jesus, will onward go,
     We'll conquer every foe;
     Under Christ by faith we see
     We'll crusade to victory

     If you put you'll trust in Him,
     He will save you from all sin;
     Vict'ry you will surely win,
     Jesus is your trusted friend;
     He will set your spirit free,
     When from Satan's snare we flee;
     He gives glorious liberty,
     Lift your eyes and you will see.

Biography of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson

Sister Aimee Semple McPherson

Founder, The Foursquare Church

The early 20th century evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson, was a pioneer of women in religion. Having experienced a profound religious conversion at age 17, Aimee began preaching across the United States and later, the world. In 1918, she established her base in Los Angeles, Calif., where in 1923, the 5,300 seat Angelus Temple was dedicated and became the center of her revival, healing and benevolent ministries. She was the first woman to own and operate a Christian radio station. Her sermons were the first to incorporate the contemporary communications of that day into her preaching of the Gospel. From Angelus Temple she performed an extensive social ministry, providing hot meals for more than 1.5 million people during the Great Depression. She summarized her message into four major points known as "The Foursquare Gospel," and founded a denomination called The Foursquare Church.

Aimee was born October 9, 1890 on a small farm near Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada and was the only child of James and Minnie Kennedy. While a student in high school, she attended a revival service conducted by Robert Semple. By her own account, she stated that at the time she was "cold and far from God" and began questioning the truths of the Bible. During this revival meeting, the message of "repentance" and a "born again experience" pierced her heart with conviction. When Robert began talking about the baptism with the Holy Spirit, it disturbed her so much that she left the meeting. But the Holy Spirit continued to grip at Aimee's heart, and for three days she struggled with such conviction until finally, alone in her room, she threw up her hands and said, "Lord, God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Immediately the burden was gone and the glory of the Lord filled her heart. She had been born again.

As she continued to attend the revival services, she learned that God had even more for her and so she began to seek the baptism with the Holy Spirit. After a time of prayer and seeking the Lord, she was gloriously filled and began speaking in her heavenly language and praising God. Aimee would describe that time by saying, "Each moment I could feel myself drawing nearer, nearer into His presence," and her heart cried out, "Take me, use me, have Thine own way. I am only a school girl. I live on a Canadian farm, but such as I am I give myself to Thee." Aimee said that, with the incoming of the Holy Spirit came a love and compassion for souls that melted her heart with longing for Christian service.

Her desire for serving the Lord seemed perfectly fitted to Robert Semple's evangelistic work and when he asked her to marry him, she quickly responded with a "yes." The two were married and this longing for service was first fulfilled when, before her twentieth birthday, she and her husband of less than two years, embarked on a missionary trip to China. Aimee would have been content to live out her days in obscurity. But what started out as a glorious adventure and fulfilment of God's calling ended with the tragic death of her husband three months after their arrival. Penniless, and alone with a one-month-old daughter, Aimee returned to the United States.

Shortly after returning home, Aimee met and married a businessman, Harold McPherson, with whom she had a son, Rolf. She tried to settle down to a "normal" home-life, but the call to Christian service remained constant. God continually knocked at the door of her heart and said, "Now will you go?" Growing weaker and weaker from sickness, Aimee, while on her deathbed after her second operation within two years, answered "yes" to God's call. Almost immediately thereafter, she was healed.

Knowing that she had to keep her promise to the Lord, she began evangelizing and holding tent revivals, first by traveling up and down the eastern part of the United States, then expanding to other parts of the country. She eventually held meetings in all parts of the world. People began coming in ever-increasing numbers to hear this remarkable lady evangelist. When not in a tent, she would need to find the largest auditorium in town in order to hold the record number of people that would come to her meetings. Often times she would have to share the time with whatever "event" was happening in the town. Like, on one occasion she met in a boxing ring, but had to hold her meetings before and after the boxing match. Once in San Diego, the National Guard had to be brought in to control the crowd of over 30,000 people. People would often stand in line and wait many hours for the next service to begin in order to be assured a seat.

Aimee's charismatic personality was a God-given gift used to draw people to hear her message. Her sermons were not the usual "fire and brimstone" messages given by contemporary evangelists, but ones which showed the face of a loving God, with continual outstretched arms. It was a message about heaven, as a place you wanted to be, and serving Jesus, as the only life that offered true fulfillment.

With Aimee, all were called and all were welcomed. God was no respecter of persons and neither was Aimee. She evangelized when segregation was rampant in the South. Although she invited all to come to her meetings, often times she would go to the "black" parts of town and hold meetings after the main meeting was over. She broke down racial barriers such that one time at Angelus Temple, some Klu Klux Klan members were in attendance, but after the service, many of their hoods and robes were found thrown on the ground in nearby Echo Park. She is also credited with helping many of the Hispanic ministries in Los Angeles get started, and there was even a great Gypsy following, after the wife of a Gypsy chief and the chief himself had been healed in a Denver revival meeting. With Aimee Semple McPherson there was no color, ethnic, or status separation line.

While holding a revival meeting in San Francisco in April 1922, Aimee became the first woman to preach a sermon over the radio. Being intrigued with the possibilities of this medium, Aimee purchased a radio station herself, thus making her the first woman to own and operate a Christian radio station. Through the wonder of radio, Aimee's voice became the most recognizable voice around the world. Since there were not many stations in Los Angeles at its inception, one could walk down the street, especially on a Sunday morning, hear the entire message from one open window to another, get to the destination, and not miss a single word of the sermon.

Weary of constant traveling and having no place to raise a family, Aimee rejoiced when in 1918, God called her to Los Angeles. This was to be her base of operation. God told her He would build her a house in Los Angeles and He did—one for her family and one for His people. For several years she continued to travel and raise money for the building of Angelus Temple and on January 1, 1923, Angelus Temple was dedicated. The church held 5,300 people and was filled to capacity three times each day, seven days a week. In the beginning, Aimee preached every service. It became the spiritual home for thousands of her followers and a base for her evangelistic ministry. What grew out of a desire to have a base of operation to preach the Gospel, quickly evolved into a church organization—supporting and sending out missionaries, providing commissary and community services that were more reliable than the city's own relief programs, as well as a full program of church ministries.

Aimee was famous inside and outside the church. Every city where services were held usually had in attendance civic leaders, as well as pastors representing the local churches of every denomination. She made sure that Angelus Temple was represented in local parades and entered floats into the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena. Her illustrated sermons attracted even those from the entertainment industry, looking to see a "show" that rivaled what Hollywood had to offer. These famous stage productions drew people who would never have thought to enter a church, and then presented them with the message of salvation. Aimee believed that the Gospel was to be presented at every opportunity and used worldly means at her disposal to present the Gospel to as many people as possible.

She was a woman in a man's world, and single at a time when women her age were suppose to be married. But she was willing to go, when God called, and was not limited by what she saw, but believed in the God who called her to fulfill the greatest call of all—the winning of souls.

Aimee once wrote:

"You don't need to be an orator. What God wants is plain people with the Good News in their hearts who are willing to go and tell it to others. The love of winning souls for Jesus Christ sets a fire burning in one's bones. Soul winning is the most important thing in the world. All I have is on the altar for the Lord, and while I have my life and strength, I will put my whole being into the carrying out of this Great Commission."

Sister McPherson, as she was affectionately called by her constituents, went to be with the Lord, September 27, 1944, while conducting a revival service in Oakland, Calif. Memorial services were held on her birthday, October 9th, at Angelus Temple.

From its beginning at Angelus Temple, The Foursquare Church has now grown to include more than 55,000 churches worldwide. There are currently more than 10 million members in 149 countries around the globe. It presently ranks as one of the three or four most distinguished branches of Pentecostalism.


Source:
http://www.foursquare.org/landing_pages/8,3.html

7th ECFC Tripartite Leadership Conference in Cebu City

Cebu City Philippines Holds 2010 ECFC

We are happy to host the next ECFC in Cebu City, Philippines this coming Oct. 19-23, 2010. Around 30 nations will come and participate for this. The venue is CEBU MIDTOWN HOTEL. The costs is $185 (including registration).

Please pray about it and start planning and saving for this special gathering. We will have a tour around some historical places like the Magellan Cross, Lapu-lapu Shrine in Mactan Island, Fort San Pedro and other scenic places. We will have lunch at the beach resort of Blue Waters in Mactan Island. and many, many more surprises.

If you have any more questions or querries, please contact Sally Q. Chaves - sqchaves@yahoo.com.ph

Source:
The Official Website of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines
 
Webmaster's Notes:
 
ECFC stands for Eastern Council of Foursquare Churches. It is an association of Foursquare churches in Asia-Pacific Region founded in 1979 in Hong Kong with the initiative of Dr. Leland B. Edwards, the then Director of Foursquare Missions International. The founding members were Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. 
 
The association's primary objective is “to provide for exchange of information such as leadership development, counsel and strategy; the coordination of evangelistic and missions strategy among member countries in relation to the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; the encouragement of ministry among Foursquare fields in Asia and the Pacific, and the establishing of new ministries in the region.”

Today, ECFC has 26 members: Australia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma, New Zealand, Buthan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, India, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Vanuatu, Korea, Vietnam, Macau, and Western Samoa.

This year, the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines will host the 7th Tripartite Leadership Conference embracing the youth, national leadership, and women sectors. This conference is held once every two years. The last conference was held in Medan, Indonesia in 2008.