The Bible states " Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever  ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it to you." (John 15:16) It is for this plan that the Family Christian Church was born. 

It was on February 2003 when the newly landed immigrant families of three former Filipino overseas workers felt a burden and a need of holding a Bible study group in the city of Richmond. These families, including their children formed the initial core group of the church. Together with other new immigrant friends and acquaintances, they started praying and seeking God's will in this new ministry endeavor. It was a prayer request that was urgently answered, for in the succeeding  weeks, a formal Bible study group was formed. Subsequently, a covenant to uphold God's ministry in Richmond was established among the core group. Foremost in this regard is the commitment to meet regularly on weekly basis for prayer, sharing and spiritual feeding. Each one expressed the desire to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Bible study which was held originally every Wednesday nights was subsequently moved to Saturday nights to give more time and opportunity for adults and youngsters to interact and fellowship with one another. An interesting point to note is that the Bible study is being held with the full participation of everybody - from kindergarten age to secondary school age, from elementary school age to adult age. Pastor Beng Arriola, a member of the core group and a seasoned church worker from the Middle East has been leading the Bible study and teaching since the inception of the group. A systematic and interactive study approach is being employed to gain an effective manner to learn God's Word in a more conducive and relaxed family setting. The weekly Bible study does not only keep the group spiritually healthy and closer to God but made the core group more caring and committed to each one. 

At an early stage, the group's desire and aim were geared towards spiritual growth not realizing that God has still a more surpassing plan far beyond than what the newly born church expected. In the month of May 2003, the group started praying for their desire to have a weekly Worship service where they can freely worship the Lord complete with praise songs, breaking of the bread, pastoral sermon, scripture reading, etc. In other word, the core group had been impressed wth the desire to have a full pledge church ministry endeavor. Seemingly, this is a task too great to handle and a job too tough to perform.  The group relentlessly prayed for God's will on this important vision that is set before them. There is nothing impossible with God. If this ministry work is within God's overall plan for His glory, then this desire will be fulfilled with God's seal of approval. 

On a blessed day of October 5, 2003, the first Worship Service was held at the hall of the Brighouse Nursery School in Bennett Road in Richmond. The historic event was attended by 38 individuals, all of whom are living witnesses to God's unparalleled faithfulness as He unfolds His great plan right before us. On October 25, 2003, the core group officially handed to Pastor Beng Arriola the pastoral leadership of the church. The church was officially named "Family Christian Church" as it reflects the work and aspiration of the church body. The original core group was initially composed of  the families and household of Pastor Beng Arriola, Bro. Joe Larano, Bro. Ricky Mallari and Bro. Ricky Pabello. Friends, supporters, adherents and church attendees have been coming from cities of Richmond, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge and New Westminster. 

The Lord has prepared us in all aspects: Place of Worship. Since October, the Lord has provided us a comfortable and affordable place of worship. Leaders and workers. The Lord sent matured men to lead us. From its inception, God gave us pastor-member, elders, teachers, musicians and other young workers of seasoned abilities. Property and Finance. Knowing that giving is a part of worship, the Holy Spirit had impressed upon our hearts the value of supporting His ministries. Through God's provisions, we were able to acquire church properties which we use for His glory. God, our Great Provider, we never lack all these days. 

After nearly a year of existence, the Family Christian Church stands on the vision given by God to our group: To reach down to lost souls and bring them back to God and to the fellowship in God's family. 

We, the church, are all witnesses to God's never ending faithfulness.

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