Introduction

Filipinos are known to be believers of the divine and are innately religious. Deep accounts of this trait can be traced even before the coming of the Westerners in the Philippines. Pre-Hispanic ancestors are reputed as profoundly religious people and fanatics about anything spiritual. For them, God is everything. So that above anything, they had already committed their past, present, and future lives solely to God, a seemingly-fatalistic belief evidently common characteristic among the old folks who bore the expression bahala na, which signified "leaving one’s fate to the gods (bathala in Filipino)."

The fanaticism of ancient Filipinos, though predominantly born out of idolatry, was considered sacred and practiced in both mind and body. This was a custom in a time when the concept of private possession did not exist. The inhabitants’ dependence on the bounty of nature rested on the strong faith that God, whether anito, bathala, or any celestial body, had purposely laid to them all they need. As such, they freely hunt, fish and gather sufficient food for the day without greed. Jealousy and thievery were nonexistent since nothing worth grudging and stealing to anyone disturbed the rule of peace they enjoy. Not a single trace of anxiety about the future is present among them. Until the conquest, when the Spaniards came, everything has drastically changed.

Although cloaked with the mission to spread Christianity, the abomination of foreign dominion carried with it the acquisition of large estates for themselves, which introduced various Western principles, such as private ownership, land registration and titling. This virtual reality saddened the native population and the onset of agonies deprived our forefathers who once enjoyed the abundance of nature. Eventually, those who refused to embrace the new order were driven to the hinterlands, utterly dispossessed of primitive domain, deposed of any refuge of the sea, the plains and even the hills and mountains.

Far from over, their misery would endure and place them in long conflict with the new faith, deprive of cultural heritage and their lives in constant touch with danger. Catholicism triumphed, transformed Filipinos from being heathens into a God-fearing race, albeit such affinity to the Divine had been hampered by institutional structures brought about by repressive regime. Through deception, the Church had been utilized to spread a biblical catchword "Blessed are the poor and the oppressed…"

Indeed, the Filipinos’ desire to live on with the Christian faith was bolstered by their primitive belief on the Supreme Being. Hence, the healthy assimilation of Catholicism dragged on toward the Second World War. Yet, people still question the significance of religion in their lives. After the war, a global warning in religious teaching spread like an epidemic, serious affecting America, Japan, Western Europe and the ret of the Third World countries.

The Philippines also succumbed to the brunt of this phenomenon that brought religion to its knees. During the 1960s, the religious community roused in slumber with the advent of the different ecclesiastical groups that stormed into the country. Educational institutions in Manila were utilized as launching grounds. Laden with a peculiar design of attraction, Filipinos warmly accepted the novel western orthodoxy, which virtually replaced the language used in preaching and style in holding religious rites. Priests caught empty-handed crammed for answers to quench the people’s thirst for the Gospel. This problem compounded with the growing alienation separating Church leaders from their faithfuls. Twenty years later, there evolved a fresh wind in charismatic movements that saw a massive exodus to a new fold–the El Shaddai-DWXI-PPFI–a new revulsion in devotion to the Cross still maintaining fidelity in Catholicism. Yet, its revolutionary approach gravely alarmed the Church owing to its captivating persuasion that moved in hordes people from various denominations to the lively assembly, more than attending the regular parochial mass.

On the testimony in February 1978 of Brother Mike Velarde, El Shaddai’s chief minister, an angel of God roused him in his room at the Philippine Heart Center while awaiting a major heart operation. On his account, the angel delivered to him the Word of God, which reinvigorated his failing heart and soul, and immediately restored the health that downed him for long.

The following day, Bro. Mike’s doctors were surprised to see him walking enthusiastically along the hospital alley. For many days, this patient was thoroughly diagnosed, but a miracle occurred. Not a single trace of heart deficiency was present, and the scheduled heart operation was finally suspended.

Since then, Bro. Mike became a Born Again Catholic. It was to be the turning point of a once wasteful life for he considered the miracle of the Lord in him as a grace filled with a supreme mission. The ensuing days found him busy in establishing the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Secretariat of Quezon City with Msgr. Fidelis Lim of Fairview, Quezon City, together with Jeanne Young, Sister Angela Lim, OFM of Stella Maris College, Bro. P.B. Dionisio, Bro. Cesar Roxas, Bro. Bingbong Crisologo, (the late) Bro. Ronald Remy and many other ardent followers of the congregation.

Wasting no time, the movement poised the "Good News of the Lord" under the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to form a vigorous assembly in a monthly Charismatic Mass and Healing Rally at Araneta Coliseum every fourth week of the month. As a token of good faith, Bro. Mike wholeheartedly offered to Msgr. Limcaoco his last money in the bank, a PhP50,000 blood money intended for the currently ailing real estate business during the crisis-torn Philippine economy. He gave the financial help despite an outstanding debt of PhP200 million!

Truly, the Word of God is grace for anyone who seeks Him and the power of His miracle, which restored Bro. Mike to a renewed health at the Philippine Heart Center, worked wonders in his moribund real estate firm. It was again proven that evil ways have no place in the grace of the Lord. For a week before the scheduled first gathering of the Charismatic Mass and Healing Rally at Araneta Coliseum, a group of businessmen went to his real estate office to buy a PhP60 million worth of lots at the Multinational Village with an advance of PhP5 million. This was the start of the financial miracle of Bro. Mike’s physical and spiritual world…a life stirring his desire to sprinkle the great truth that Jesus Christ "Is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow." He is the Miraculous, the Merciful and the Gracious; that everything with Him is possible, if only everyone has faith and the resolve to follow His Golden Rule.

The amount of PhP50,000 share Bro. Mike had sincerely offered as seed money for the germination of the Gospel of the Lord was a pittance if taken in parallel of what his real estate firm had gained from grace. But being the last resources he had in the world, the money freely given away no longer counted by quantity, but by the lofty spirit carried within the man exalted by God’s mercy and grace. As in a biblical account: "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall be burnt out with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10)

The Gospel of the Lord grew like a miraculous seed sown to the heart of Bro. Mike and it sprouted with multiplier effect. Soon, his fervent wishes to share this spirit among people in all walks of life swelled and bloomed as beauteous flowers would be. Then one morning, the Holy Spirit worked in him, a conscious mind being goaded as to make the radio station DWXI (1314 kHz) an absolute voice for the Good News that saves and heals people. Thereupon, Bro. Mike instructed his lawyer to register with SEC a foundation upon which financial supports derived from tithes in his real estate firm and other businesses would be deposited.

Even at this stage, the spiritual movement was beset with problems adding to the fact that Bro. Mike’s familiarity with the Bible and religion was practically nil. Primarily, he planned to support the financial needs of DWXI’s radio ministry and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement. As it turned out in 1984, the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation, International was established.

After the successful mass and healing rally in 1981, Bro. Mike said that a voice told him "to build the temple of God in a place where people can find rest, be cured and rested."

He was mistaken to think this temple be made of steel, marble, stone or any concrete like that of a basilica, for he had contracted an architect for the choice design. In 1982, when the plan was finished, Bro. Mike made a trip to Rome for the Pope’s blessings of the project.

However, the Lord’s temple was not material, because the voice wants it to be built within the spirituality of Bro. Mike. For it was written: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (I Corinthians 3:16-17)

Also in the same year (1981), Bro. Mike launched the program titled "To God Be The Glory" through DWXI, the Good News was aired 9-11 p.m. every Sunday. However, he had second thoughts because broadcasting was a personal handicap. Perhaps, a colleague should do it instead, he thought. To his surprise, Bro. Mike received a letter asking him to go on. Nobody knew what was in his mind, yet "thank you" letters kept coming for testimonies.

One Sunday of 20 August 1984, he invited radio listeners of DWXI to come over for a Holy Mass to thank the Lord for all the blessings He had showered to all the listeners. Some thousand people came to radio station DWXI at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Again, the miracles happened. Almost all who came for the healing rally received the unexpected blessings from the Lord.

Since then, hordes after hordes of people flooded the site of Bro. Mike’s healing rally, extending the crowded assembly into his very office at Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village in Makati City. Everyday, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a large crowd swarmed to the place. These long weeks were the tests of Bro. Mike’s firm determination and for the Movement itself.

Unfortunately, before the end of 1987, a raucous confusion occurred at the station DWXI resulting in the destruction of many properties and communication equipment. The negative event was a serious one and the radio program was compelled to be off the air for sometime until 1988. The reason: some skeptics have questioned about the Movement’s fund prompting a case with the Securities and Exchange Commission. When the verdict of the SEC came about, Bro. Mike was absolved. His acquittal returned some blessings from the trial he had undergone, for during the fourth anniversary of El Shaddai held at the Rizal Park on August 20-21, 1998 a multitude of more than 400,000 attended. This phenomenon was overwhelming as the members mushroomed to incomparable numbers.

So unusual was the course of the events that it caught the attention of the echelon of the Catholic Church, when some priests agreed in holding prayer meetings during El Shaddai rallies. Still others were cynical and they would hurl questions whether the principle of the Movement was based on the canons of the Church. Too soon, there was a response. Bishop Teodoro Bacani himself headed the first Leadership Training Seminar of workers in the Foundation in October 1989 at Amorsolo.

Later, Bro. Mike was invited as guest of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in a meeting, which threshed out ecclesiastical procedures within the ambits of Catholicism. With this, charismatic rallies were fully guided and the spiritual directors and advisers were designated. Some of them were Bishop Bacani, Rev. Frs. Archie Guiriba, OFM, Anton Pascual, Bong Guerrero and Sony de Claro.

This time, the Movement’s broadcast extended to television (IBC 13) and the tasks of DWXI spread to far-flung provinces of the country. Like hailstorm workers, the El Shaddai personnel became a busy bunch of spiritual followers receiving a regular deluge of letters that narrated the problems, expression of joy and enthusiasm of members. All them were given support.

El Shaddai’s endeavors engulf a never-ending responsibility with an open hand as it continually nurtures love under a Mother Church in a congenial atmosphere towards faith and sacred life.

Over some decades, the Catholic Church had been very wary about the fading enthusiasm of its people attending the regular mass and the tasks on spirituality. This was so alarming that many devout Catholics settled to other religious sects, especially the heavy desertions towards charismatic movements. One of the most popular of these was the El Shaddai, where millions of the population thrived into its jovial and discordant liveliness in the prayer rallies. Yet in the midst of the seeming pandemonium characterized in every meeting marked with jumping, singing and shouting, the apparent obedience of its current members to attend these rallies were evident. For some critics, their attitudes had become dogmatic, a ritual in cults, corny and even used as a launching pad of political opportunists.

Why are its members so blind and indifferent not to have detected this? It seems all of these queries rest on one man alone, Bro. Mike Velarde. What is within El Shaddai that its members have painstakingly hoped for? Can they not find it in the Church anyhow?

This study is vital among priests and clerics of the Church. It can also help theologians, sociologists and catechists in explaining the phenomenon behind religions. The study of religion can result in reviving faith to the Catholic fold and restore a meaningful, beneficial and dynamic devotion of Filipino Christians. With this knowledge, close interaction among Christians would produce responsible, peace-loving and decent citizens who can develop a harmonious and progressive nation.

 

 

Ethnography was the method used by this researcher in gathering data. This was started in the observation of the three-Saturday workshop at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the two Sundays at the El Shaddai Office in Amorsolo. After this, the researcher attended the Life in the Spirit Seminar being held by El Shaddai at Cuneta Astrodome. She also joined the Brothers’ Keeper Cooperative Seminar and became active members. After the Life in the Spirit Seminar, she assumed higher responsibilities as members during Saturdays in addition to the work of the El Shaddai Chapter in the parish of Almar. During Tuesdays, this researcher was also attending the Growth Series Seminar at Cuneta Astrodome, that is, whenever there is a chance. This is known as the interaction among El Shaddai members. Together with this is the participatory observation wherein the researcher tried to know and join all the different sections of the Movement.

Once the researcher was able to develop rapport with the members and vice versa, she began exchanging stories with the members using guide questions. These conversations were taped with the consent of those who participated in this research. The recorded conversations were then transcribed verbatim for the analysis of their narration.

To evaluate data, the researcher utilized the phenomenological approach. The structure above indicates the process of evaluation used in this study. The collected testimonies are repeatedly read. Afterwards, the testimonies are labeled, wherein words, phrases or sentences that pertain to the requirement of the research are separated. The testimonies are then given titles and treated with thematic reflection. These activities are done with continuing reflection so that they can be marked with themes, assumption, values and meanings. After all meanings are reflected upon, the following will be made: a list of meanings, reflection–guided thinking derived from the list of meanings, reflection–overall view on the total reality. All of these are derived from the narration of experiences. In summary, each step is guided with reflection.

I. Theme: How I Joined El Shaddai

"It was in 1985, as a teacher in religion in Fr. Anton Pascual’s parish, when I was first invited to join El Shaddai. Being a coordinator in prayer meetings of the parish’s charismatic renewal, I never thought its fate to become a disciple someday…and that day had come. After two years of intensive training in the Movement, I was given a chance to go abroad. It was with the help of Bro. Rex America that I became familiar with this religious group–El Shaddai-DWXI-PPFI."

There are so many ways how the Lord enters into our lives. One instance is placing people in close intimacy with others. Since love is inborn in every heart, there is joy that emits light from it, which He wants to share with everyone.

II. Theme: My Life Before Joining El Shaddai

"I was in the shadows of darkness before I had an encounter with the Lord. I was always high on prohibited drugs and it seemed my life depended on cigarettes my lungs inhale in chain smoking. My bad mouth scoffed foul language at times like chewing gums, which often led to as invitation for troubles because of hot-headedness. Then in 1982, I joined a full gospel Born Again congregation; I stayed there for three years."

A man knows that he cannot find happiness in a life without peace in his heart and in his mind. It is natural he dislikes a world in peril, that is why he seeks the straightforward way.

III. Theme: Life as an El Shaddai member

"The Christian community accepted me despite my transgressions. As one of those many spinners in the group, I felt it too within myself and now I’m trying to reform, to trek the right road of righteousness and transfigure into another person, to be acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. Every one of us prayed. The comforts afforded by the Christian community helped us restore confidence within ourselves and brought back the good impression of other people, yet all of these were done by the Word of God. In addition, we had received enough grace from the Lord, especially the chance to go abroad."

The Christian Society is an unfailing refuge for those who needed comfort in times of ups and downs. Careful understanding of situations brings back the strength of erring members and stimulates them to become better subjects. This community embraces the weaknesses, accepts the wrong paths of who were waylaid, and helps them face the challenges of the future, to appear clean in the eyes of the Lord. He is generous to those who part from wrongdoings.

IV. Theme: The Trials Experienced as an El Shaddai Member

"Man’s life in the world is entwined with despair until his death. Financial difficulties, personal problems, health and camaraderie with people–all these, if yielded to God who created all things on earth, will get back in return the supreme love that will change anything for good. This will also strengthen one’s faith in Him."

Problems are inseparable to man. However, all these faults are healed upon submission to God.

V. Theme: How to Overcome Trials

"According to the bible account, "those who endure till the end will be saved." Sacrifices against the temptations of the world will be lessened by means of regular bible reading. Listening everyday to the Word of the Lord will greatly help in solving problems. One must not forget that the waiting arms of the Christian community are ready to give solace and share joy. Some contradictions are being thrown into the Christian community, that it is backward and austere in its dealings, but one must trust in the simplicity of the heart of Jesus which this group bear every time. God is near to those who love the simple life and are ignorant; but despises the tormentors who believed in their sophistication to high learning."

Always clinging to God, in the Gospel and ever in his domain. Even from the earliest Christians, these acts were strong foundations in life’s successes. One is always subject to persecutions, which Jesus had overcome.

VI. Theme: Bro. Mike–His Role in the Life of El Shaddai Members

"He is a living exemplar who shares the dark experiences of past worldly affairs. Bro. Mike’s testimonies regained hopes that were vain when he was able to become righteous by just following the words of the Lord. He was made a tool in rousing us from the apathy and indifference to the Christian faith of many Filipinos. Never did Bro. Mike become outrageous to us that he always made himself available to everyone. And that was the reason why we felt ourselves in him and like him especially in times of depression and in need."

The tree is the model of its fruits. The head presents the spectacles of examples in words and in deed, and forever he will never be indifferent to all but one and equal to them.

VII. Theme: The Distinction of Hearing Regular Masses and performing other religious activities of El Shaddai members

"At El Shaddai, everyone can experience a merry assembly: dancing, singing, where we do the spiritual devotion to the sacraments being done by the Mother Church. Here we feel the blissful enthusiasm to attend every meeting because we feel we are really healed. The celestial aura brought about by jovial singing and dancing work wonders in our physical and spiritual growth. When we do this routine, it seems we belong to another different world."

The Filipinos are endowed with natural hospitality. Its charming congeniality helped so much in the works of El Shaddai. In all endeavors, this natural character could help very much in the development of spirituality.

VIII. Theme: What Made You Stay with El Shaddai?

"First is the Word of God. Second is my daily providence from Him. Like the good life I had been enjoying with my wife, the fortunes of going abroad, and those travails, the trying moments we were able to overcome with each other."

Determination to follow the words of the Lord is the faith in Him omnipotence and goodness. Absolute trust in Him would reveal Him who and what is He to your life.

IX. Theme: View about El Shaddai

"El Shaddai is very appropriate in the spiritual healing process of Filipinos. God hailed the Movement in a moment to help the Church in the quest to Christian Faith. For me, El Shaddai is the answer to all my questions."

There are many ways how the Lord calls His Flock. Moreover, it is important that one attending a gathering must seek a proper task for them. For instance, the appropriate necessities of devotees.

 

Title Derived from the Testimony:

Notably common among El Shaddai members are their past uncertainties, the long fears and turbulent times in life. Most of them were in financial loss, while others once lived in immorality. They vary in every way and obliviously incomplete in life’s perfect necessities in many ways. For even with their wealth, there’s no peace of mind; despite luxury and substantial riches, they’re bedridden in sickness. Many of them subsist through poverty, yet were disciples of indecent living.

Incidentally, their paths crossed with El Shaddai. Chances were, somebody–an acquaintance, relative or friend, had invited them. Others had chanced upon a glimpse of an El Shaddai gathering either on TV or radio. Still others, out of curiosity or word of mouth of members came to witness and suddenly almost all of them experience great changes in their outlook in life. Gradually, these changes occur like fading watercolors.

The process of change, moreover, happened in a manner of individuality. As they join the fold, a few encountered transitions with instant solutions to their problems. However, many were loaded with heavy burdens. Some maintained steadfast resolve to wait. Allowing their faith to work by themselves and wait for God’s response by fervent prayers. Yet, all of them experienced remarkable transformation in their lives.

They have straightened from filthy existence to tread the path of righteousness; these people with their vile preoccupations turned back from doing wrong to lead a better life. But always, there were trials that barred them, hampered them away from the sweetness of light. Amidst these barriers, they have maintained communication with the Lord by attending El Shaddai gatherings, hearing and sharing the Gospel among themselves. Filling their awakening with prayers, they became stronger in faith and considered El Shaddai as a community the Lord had prepared for them. Finally, they were able to achieve equanimity, harmony with one another, hand-in-hand in praising the Lord whom they now cherish and never looked back to their past lives.

At long last, after the stories of those who traveled from good to evil were truly the works of a magnificent hand. And one by one, the members mustered endless thanks that they had found El Shaddai. For them, it is one systematic formula of God in gathering his flocks.

• We can know God with our interaction with people
• We must only depend on Christ in times of trials
• We must continuously listen and reflect upon the Word of God so we can apply It in our lives
• Being a Christian entails living the Word of God
• Inner peace is real peace. Everybody yearns for this
• Humility–accepting that the need for peace is the start of change in life
• With God, total change is possible
• Steadfast resolve is needed to achieve change
• Faith in God in all situations can help us in any undertaking
• If God is with us, who can be against us?
• Since God communicates with us through things that happen in our lives, we must always listen to Him so we can follow His will
• We are always in the presence of God, He will not forsake us. We must cling to Him since it’s only Him whom we can truly trust and depend upon
• We must put God above everything and he’ll give more than what we ask for
• We can only show our service to God by serving others
• Love for God and fellowmen gives value to life, peace, humility and patience in times of hardships
• To err is human, to forgive is divine
• Trials in life is the way of cleansing one’s spirituality, which enables us to become better Christians
• We can be steadfast in times of trials because God is with us and he’ll never forsake us
• If we’re living according to the Lord’s Will, all that we’ve lost He will restore
• We can put order into our lives if we surrender it to God, allowing Him to lead us
• Having purity in heart and mind is a godly way of life
• Humility, accepting the Holy Spirit are needed so one can change
• We need to frequently pray so that God can enter our lives
• We must process our lives so we can improve our spirituality
• God uses man to make him understand who He is and how His grace can help him improve
• Trials in life, like sickness, are God’s way of communicating with man
• God carries us during times of trials
• We must surrender everything to God, listen to His voice so we can follow His will
• We must believe in God so we can know who and what He is

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

We are here because of the Eternal love of God and He wants all of us to be saved. To realize this, He allows divine interventions to happen so that all can enter his fold. His words, prophets, commune, impoverishment, trials, sharing material things, and the afflictions around us–He uses these instruments of perfidy so that we can achieve salvation.

But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus Christ has promised all of us. That those who would yield and follow Him will lead a good life–physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, materially, and above all spiritually. This is the reason why we must first put God above all else and everything that we need will be given to us. It is only through total self-surrender to God that enables the Holy Spirit to dwell in our lives. This is the start of our acceptance of His Holy Will. If the Holy Spirit can freely move in our lives, we will be constantly aware of his Holy Presence, making us lead a steadfast Christian life with full access to his power, charity, mercy and unconditional love. He is the only true support that we can hold on to. In everything that happens to us, He’ll be by our side. We need to be receptive to all the signs that He’ll show us so we can follow His plans.

If a man says, I love God, and hated his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has not seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (I John 4:20)

The love of God is the love of fellowmen, one that forgives, is steadfast against slander, endowed with a clean mind, heart and seeks to be a servant of the Lord. Serving others is serving God. This is the measure for a true Christian. Being sympathetic and aware of the needs of people, both rich and poor, is serving God.

Watch yourselves, therefore, and pray always, that you may be made worthy to escape all things that shall come pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)

We are made of flesh and are not perfect, prone to error, easily confused, quick to fall into sin. Problems often occur due to our carelessness in leading our Christian life. Failing to fulfill our spiritual task usually result in spiritual dryness. We tend to first live in vanity, then slowly stray away from the Lord. Actually, everything that happens to us is a sign of the presence of God in our lives, often expressed in subtle forms. Jesus Christ has already triumphed over all the trials that come our way. If Christ accepted to be crucified and die on the cross, how much more can we? But we can also triumph over all tests only in the name of Jesus.

We can only be strong if we allow the Word of God to enter our hearts and mind. Since our frailties come from spiritual dryness, we must process ourselves first so we can improve our Christian living. We must first acknowledge that we are weak before we can be strong. Strong will and willingness to discover are needed in this process. We must bear in mind that God does not count how many times we fall, but how many times we rise. Constant prayer enables us to be continuously in His holy presence, thus helping us not to go astray. If God is with us, who can be against us? The Word of God can change every wrong into things that are worthy to Him.

God is sincere to His promise. He would not let us fall if only we would follow His will.

Jesus said unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

God wants all of us to be saved. He does his plan of salvation in various ways and forms. God dwells in our lives not only through his words but also in all things. This is vivid in how a Christian seeks to continue doing God’s will in his everyday life. He gives us warmth when we are cold, he cures us when we’re sick, and helps our spirituality move if can’t. It is really important to maintain our enthusiasm in leading a Christian life even in the most ordinary days. If gold is purified by burning amber, souls are molded by trials, challenges, anxiety and accidents. But we must always remember that all of these are only reminders so we can maintain our closeness with God. God does work in mysterious ways so man can really known what and who God is in our life.

From the start of time, love is the reason why the universe was created and why we exist. Sin has separated man from God, and he can only come back to God through love. God has gathered his chosen ones because he wants man to be saved. In this light, we can consider the El Shaddai Movement as one of the ways that God uses to bring man back to Him. Salvation is in the nature of man, especially among Filipinos. We don’t want to live in sin so man is continually finding ways on how to go back to God. For Filipinos, even before the entry of the Spaniards, they have always known and witnessed the great importance of God in their lives. Early Filipinos endeavored to know God by means of various ceremonies, such as songs, dances and the like.

They have surrendered their entire life to the hands of God…similar to what present-day Christians are doing to achieve salvation. Their faith in God is immeasurable. Everything that they do, they do in the name of the Lord. They were never anxious about the future. But when the foreign intruders came, their belongings were taken away and then the ravenous greed reigned all over the country. Since then, the ordinary comfortable life transformed into misery, that whatever food and shelter they need, they must work hard for it. The primitives began to feel restless.

Their rich religious tradition gradually faded as their habitual communication with God, their very own, was changed by the foreigners. Their culture was also changed, the flow of thought was no longer the same, the basket of misery became a mountain of agony and grief was everywhere. They began to place their hopes to the institutional structures shaped by some people. The result: Filipinos became Christians in word, but not in deed. Further aggravating this was the arrogance of church leaders to the laity, the language used was alien to the natives and the way of life was entirely different from what they’re accustomed to.

Before the westerners came, spiritual leaders closely mingle with the followers. During Hispanic times, church leaders have distanced themselves from the laity, considering themselves as superior being over the common people. But when Protestantism arrived, it is evident that one of the new religious movements that sought to bring back the former religious ways of our forefathers is El Shaddai. A religious organization that goes back to the basic spiritual works: seeking to know God, refrain from sinning, total surrender to the Lord, etc. Even our forefathers’ religious rites are evident in how El Shaddai gatherings are characterized by lively singing, dancing, and emotional praying. Filipinos were able to see their spiritual needs in El Shaddai.

Thus, they have eliminated all the evil things the Westerners have brought into their lives and brought back things that are inherently Filipino. For "intellectuals," El Shaddai seemed to favor fanaticism over logic, an unsophisticated way versus intelligent manner of knowing God. Please consider this: if God has used His logic instead of his emotion, in light of the gravity of man’s sins…will humanity still exist? What has the sophisticated advances of man’s intelligence brought us to?

1. Rosemarie Anderson and William Braud, Transpersonal Research Methods for the Social Sciences (Sage Publications, Inc., 1998).
2. Uwe Flick, An Introduction to Qualitative Research (Sage Publications, Inc., 1998).
3. Led Lapiz, Paano Magiging Pilipinong Kristiyano (Kaloob Publications, 1997).
4. Jacob Needleman and George Baker, Understanding New Religions (The Seabury Press, 1978).
5. Anselon Strauss and Juliet Corbin, Basics of Qualitative Research (Sage Publications, Inc., 1998).
6. Bryan S. Turner, Religion and Social Theory, Second Edition (Sage Publications, Inc., 1991).
7. Dr. Teresita Obusan, editor, Roots of Filipino Spirituality (Mamamathala, 1998).
8. Life Today, Vol. 54, No. 12, December 1998.
9. Social Compass, Vol. 46, No. 2, June 1999.

Respondent 1 “El Shaddai and the Dynamic Filipino Faith”

• Was invited by Bro. Rex America, an elder in 1992
• A drug addict, smokes, promiscuous, irritable, swears, a troublemaker
• Had many blessings, such as going abroad
• Assisted Bro. Mike in the Education Training Formation Ministry
• Were able to experience many changes in life, so he was able to finish education
• Problems in life
• Called El Shaddai unsophisticated because it allowed the poor to join
• By means of the Word of God
• Life in the Community: brotherhood–gives inner healing
• Community’s acceptance as "me"–was given some importance, had a proper self-image
• Love and acceptance gives healing
• Christ is also unsophisticated–God who is above all but debased Himself to reach out to the poor
• A servant of El Shaddai who was chosen by God in the present time to help the Church bring zeal to the Christian Faith
• The praising is livelier
• Was made more steadfast by the Word of God
• Experiences the grace of God everyday
• Grace–examples: a good, comfortable married life, able to travel abroad
• Problems my Sister Wife and me experience, solve and overcome–we’ve offered to the Lord–have strengthened our faith
• Very suitable to the spiritual healing of Filipinos

 

 Respondent 2 “The Incomparable El Shaddai”

• Was led by an in-law
• Had problems
• Hears mass almost every Sunday, attends novenas
• Happy but wasn’t able to convince some family members
• Many instances that I’ve decided not to attend, but when Saturday comes, I really can’t turn away from God
• If I don’t have any hold on Christ, there would have been more problems
• Can explain the Gospel so others can apply it in their lives
• Does not get tired standing for three hours because of the eagerness to learn how to apply the Gospel in his life
• In the constant listening to the teachings of the Lord God
• El Shaddai is incomparable, he solves problems that must be solved

   Respondent 3 “El Shaddai, the Mystery”

• I was searching for a group where I can belong, El Shaddai was given as an option by a priest, a friend and our counselor
• We’re at the verge of separation, I was always fighting with my wife, we had no direction
• Life for us means pure work, money and competition, which resulted in jealousy and anger; what’s mine is mine, hers is hers
• Slowly, I find myself changing, was able to accept my wife as she is. We don’t fight anymore; I gave her some space to breathe and began to trust her. I became a responsible father. I even started doing some household chores during weekends. I was able to take care of my children; we even pray the Rosary every night
• Doubting my slow change, considering it as something that I cannot sustain, that I just want some monetary gains
• Was finally convinced that my change is authentic
• I really felt renewed. It’s something mysterious, that the moment I dedicated myself to the service, I had undergone complete renewal; my problems just disappeared
• The personal changed that happened to me. God made me give value to things that I don’t consider important before, especially my family
• Work of the Holy Spirit; nobody can explain, it’s like a phenomenon, a mystery

 

Respondent 4 “El Shaddai is Great”

• Learned about the Movement through my sister-in-law and a godmother of my child; got convinced to attend a gathering
• In the past, my life was really in disarray and full of trials; my prayers were suddenly answered; now, God has showered me with many blessings, houses, cars and businesses
• Again, I lost all my possessions, trouble plagued my family and business; became so restless, even in my dreams
• Called on God for help–prayed, repented, shed tears for Him, asked for forgiveness and decided to go back to the ministry. Slowly, everything went back to normal
• People are happy at El Shaddai, they can handle problems very easily
• Totally trusting in God in any life situation
• El Shaddai is great

 

Respondent 5 “El Shaddai-Provider, Merciful and Good”

• I first heard about it in a conversation while I was working in Japan in 1994
• Was just searching for a TV show to watch, encountered a mass celebration in Channel 13 with the word "EL SHADDAI" written on the stage
• Led an unworthy life and was a sinner
• Had plenty of money
• Experienced so many trials and problems
  • Gradually, I’ve lost all that I have invested, after working for a decade in Japan resulting into troubles within the family and kin
  • Deep faction within my clan prevented me from witnessing the funerals of my grandmother and father. I wasn’t able to help financially
  • I was robbed when thieves entered my house in Palmera, losing my possession in the process
  • Was seduced by my former boyfriend despite him being already married
  • Also experienced how it felt having nothing to eat
• Amidst all the trials, I never strayed from God, who’s always beside me
  • I never stopped attending to my functions
  • My brothers/sisters in Christ provided my material needs
• The healing messages helped me improve my life
  • I was happy, experienced peace of mind; my boastfulness disappeared
• Listening to the Gospel at DWXI
  • Attending to my works at PICC and Luneta
  • Attending bible sharing sessions
• The God who’s always beside us
  • A God who’ll never forsake us
  • Provider, Merciful and Good

 

 Respondent 6 “El Shaddai-Peace, Humility and Love”

• I was invited by Sister Alice, a long-time El Shaddai member, to attend a big rally at Luneta
• Had a difficult life but was not affected by hardships
  • A member of the Apostleship of Prayer, a BRM leader and a lector / commentary in the Church
• My faith in God has improved
  • My everyday life became peaceful and I stopped quarrelling with my husband, despite being unemployed
• There were times when we had no money but in the following day, a blessing just comes
  • There were even times we had no food to eat
• Serving God by serving others
• Inspiring people to follow God’s will
• Giving my all in serving God really made me feel happy
• Very enthusiastic to serve
• It is with El Shaddai that I found peace, humility and love

   

  Respondent 7 “El Shaddai as Guide”

• When my brother was very ill, a regular customer of mine, Ms. Fely, invited me to try attending an El Shaddai gathering
• A large cigarette and alcohol dealer, with 30 retailers
  • Had three jeepneys and houses in Pasig, in the province and in Kalookan
  • Irritable
  • Lends money but with many complaints
• Lost all of my investments/possessions
  • My child transferred from a prestigious private school to an ordinary public school
  • I lost my job for God
  • Almost had no food to eat
  • My irritability disappeared, became generous
  • My brother got cured and was able to work again
• Experiences stomach trouble when going to work
  • Looks for transportation for colleagues going to work
• Following God’s will when He came into my life
  • Continuous attendance (to work) and prayer requests
  • Continuous recruitment of workers
  • Continuous dependence on Him
• Helped others learn the Word of God
  • People listen and follow his teachings
  • Maintains peace of mind amidst problems
  • Listening and following the Word of God
  • A guide

 

 Respondent 8 “El Shaddai, the Work of God”

• From the invitation of a sister-in-law
• Lived a worldly life–alcohol, sex and gambling
  • Was irritable, impatient, fearless, belligerent
  • Union leader
  • Financially and materially down
  • Both me and my Sister Wife were simultaneously laid off from work
  • A bitter person, full of hatred, anger
• Realization of my mistakes
  • Surrendered everything to Him and made Him as my model. He is my Lord, Savior, King and God
  • Felt the various changes–the warmth of His touch, the comfort He brings, His holy presence. I really felt him working in my life
  • Had satisfaction, contentment because I know God provides more than what we need
  • Our life is now based on our relationship with God
  • God made our relationships in the family and with others harmonious
  • Has transformed from being old to a new man
• The root of sin is spiritual dryness
  • Spiritual dryness
• Analyzing if I really follow God’s will made me more closer with Him
• An exemplary life
• Has a mysterious charisma
• I felt like I was the "Prodigal Son" who went astray, repented, went back to Him and was openly accepted
• Calling on the Lord especially in times of trials
• God’s work

 

Respondent 9 “El Shaddai, the Work of God for Unity”

• While searching for a fresh start in my spirituality, I visited the El Shaddai office and found there my former colleagues in cursillo are preachers
• Was in the cursillo movement, but lead a life full of vices, suffered from migraine
• My vices disappeared
  • Worked in the vineyard
  • Was included in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
  • Gave testimonies in all parishes visited
• Somebody shared with me the Good News, joined this group that leads a clean living–my vices were gone
• Went forth and spread the Gospel, inspirational testimonies
  • Performed many miracles–through the Spirit was able to cure and improve the lives of others
• A work of God that seeks to unite all Christians to return to Him

 

Respondent 10 “El Shaddai, Calls for Salvation” 

• In 1990, almost midnight heard Bro. Mike’s healing message over the radio while in V. Luna hospital as a cancer (lungs) patient
• Had too many vices (all)
  • Instant healing–physical
  • Spiritual healing: from old life to new
  • I experienced the goodness of God, His diving intervention, divine provisions, His presence
  • I learned His divine purpose of calling me
  • I experienced peace in my heart, joy in my heart
  • Gives hope to the hopeless
  • Healing of the family
  • I experienced that God is in control of everything
  • Hunger and thirst for the Word of God
• Persecutions–moments of giving-up in serving the Lord
  • Financial problems
  • Trial on relationship: with family members and with co-workers in the ministry
• Faith in God’s intervention
  • Belief that God will give strength in times of weariness, problems and persecution
  • El Shaddai will take over on the event
  • Recalling His commitment to the Lord: to serve him till the end of his life
• Servant Leader
  • Gives strength to the weak
  • Gave the lesson that "If God is with us, who can be against us?"
  • Moved me to make a commitment with the Lord–to serve Him till death
• Trials and persecutions–like Divine interventions, His divine power
• My vocation to serve God

 

 

Appendix B

Titles from each Narration

The Incomparable El Shaddai

El Shaddai, A Mystery

El Shaddai is Great

El Shaddai–Provider, Merciful and Good

El Shaddai–Peace, Humility and Love

El Shaddai as Guide

El Shaddai, the Work of God

El Shaddai, the Work of God for Unity

El Shaddai, Calls for Salvation