Married Couples
Pastor Elbern and Lorna Latorilla
Where did we meet?
We met in Bible college where I was finishing my 6th year of training to become a pastor and she was an incoming freshman. (There is a gap of about 4 years between us, agewise.). We were married in 1974.
What family tradition do we want to keep?
Ever since I can remember, Christmas' Eve and New Year's eve were the two times when all members of my family (my parents, my siblings, and their families included) would gather together to enjoy the company of one another and to express our appreciation to the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness to us. We want to keep the same tradition here in Canada as much as we can with our children and grandchildren.
What is marriage?
Marriage is a sacred institution that in God Himself established when He brought together Adam and Eve as husband and wife in the garden of Eden. The Bible makes it clear that marriage entails two important decisions that the partners make: to leave and to cleave (Genesis 2:24). This means that marriage is for keeps - until death alone shall separate them from each other. It is not a temporary contract or a ninety-day option. Those who enter into marriage must be serious in their intention and fulfill the vows which they make to each other for God, the Author of marriage, demands it. Hebrews 13:4 says, "Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage..." (NLT).
Lest you think that marriage is too confining and boring, I submit to you that it is a wonderful and exciting experience - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I know what I speak of - having been married for over 46 years now. You see, God means marriage to be like that. "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22). This does not mean that there are no problems in marriage, but God will prosper the couple who honors Him in their marriage.
To summarize, marriage then is a sacred and serious relationship but is also a blessed experience under God's panoply of protection, provision, and guidance.
Pastor Solomon & Ethel Reyes
How did you meet your spouse?
We met when I was in the local church where we both went. Ethel was a teacher in the church’s Christian School and I was the janitor. We became really good friends and together with other young people served the Lord together in teaching centers. A ministry to street children where the church was located.
What kind of family traditions do you want to develop together?
The family tradition that we started and really wanted to continue was to celebrate the Lord’s supper on Christmas Eve to remind us of the significance of the Lord’s incarnation. One that we aim to really be committed to being to spend time together in the Word and prayer.
What is Marriage?
Marriage is - marrying your best friend. It is also a love triangle with the husband, wife, and Christ in the middle. Marriage is a threefold cord that is not quickly broken. The husband and wife intertwined with Christ. And happiness in marriage is marrying your Best friend.
Lendl & Mia Salangsang
How did you meet your spouse?
Lendl and I have been attending Christ Almighty Baptist Church for many years. We knew of each other, but we didn’t officially meet until my brother introduced us. Our friendship began with movies and music, but our relationship grew even more because of our love for the Lord. Lendl was intentional in his courtship and made it clear from the beginning that if we continue to pursue the relationship, it would be for marriage. As we were dating for a couple of years, I really saw God working in Lendl’s life and I was excited to see where God would lead him, and eventually lead our family.
In 2016, we had our wedding ceremony at CABC and can’t imagine another place to have it. Our home church is where we found each other. It’s a place where we can listen to God’s Word, serve in His ministries together, and find mentors and life-long friends. It’s also the community who’s behind us in every way as we continue to plant Life Church!
What kind of family traditions do you want to develop together?
We’re currently working on having a couple summit every year. This is a strategic getaway with just Lendl and myself. When our kids are older, we’d love to include them in the summits, which would then turn into a family summit.
The summit is a time for us to reflect and evaluate what has happened over the past year as well as, make strategic decisions and improvements for the next year. A couple of years ago, we wanted to be intentional in celebrating the Sabbath. During the summit, we planned on starting small by celebrating every month, then twice a month, and eventually every week. Through observing Sabbath, we learned to really rest in God and the importance of spending time with loved ones.
By the end of the summit, we commit each plan to the Lord and ask Him to bless and make our family fruitful for His glory. This annual tradition has been helpful for us to look back and remember God’s goodness and faithfulness—what He has accomplished through our family—and it’s given us focus to keep following where He’s called our family. Right now, our family is called to plant a church and invite people to a life in Jesus.
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.” —Psalm 37:5 (ESV)
Wally & Grace Damian
Since Life Church is the daughter church of CABC, we were thinking it would be a good opportunity to share Life Church's marriage video with CABC's audience as well. This could also serve as a way for the public to know that 2 churches exist under one name (Christ Almighty Baptist). Wally and I are on this video talking about marriage and answering questions that were asked by CABC congregants that cover the same material you emailed us. It will be ready to air by 3 pm tonight on YouTube.
What is Marriage?
Marriage Is A Marathon
It takes a second to be attracted, minutes to fall in love, but a lifelong marathon to build a marriage. If you’ve ever run a race or are an athlete, you’ll know that it takes discipline, grit, self-control and dedication to succeed. Building a marriage can be a lot like this; demanding of our time, energy, patience and our entire being. However, with Christ as our coach and the word as our guide we are equipped to triumph over any hurdle that comes our way. Come join us and listen to what others have to say about their marriage journey and what marriage means to them: https://youtu.be/ebjsdgHjIpY
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
Rod and Gina Santos
Where did we meet?
1. We met each other at a very young age in our local Christian church where we served together as leaders in the youth ministry. The relationship that started off as friends grew into a deeper love that is drawn with each other’s love for God.
What family tradition do we want to keep?
2. After more than 25 years of marriage, our relationship with one another is still growing and the tradition that both of us continuously and faithfully observe is the biblical Relationship Roles. The Scripture is very clear that the responsibility of leadership in Marriage falls on the husband's shoulder, Ephesians 5:23, and in verse 25, the husband is to love his wife unconditionally. In the same way, Ephesians 5:22 states that it is the wife's responsibility to submit, to help and support the husband to become all that God wants him to be and in verse 33, the wives are to respect their husbands. Of course, we strongly believe and follow a lifelong tradition to continue regularly dating, vacationing, celebrating every milestone, and committing to being sweeter as the years go by.
What is marriage?
3. Christian Marriage is carefully knitted by God as a lifelong unbreakable commitment between two unique individuals, a man and a woman for their mutual joy and for the glory of God.
Julian and Airene Laude
Where did we meet?
1. I met Julian in our neighborhood in Taguig, Manila when we were only 4 years old.
What family tradition do we want to keep?
2. Get together during special occasions, praying for one another and serving our God together.
What is marriage?
3. Marriage is God’s gift. Marriage is more than love, it is love and respect for each other.
Mark 10:9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jeram and Sherwin Pel
What is Marriage?
Marriage for us is a sacred gift from God that involves A LOT of love, commitment, and faith, with God and your spouse. Two imperfect people joined together to fulfill His purpose and plan for God for His glory.
Jorel and Amy Gatuz
Where did we meet?
We met in university at a campus ministry event when neither of us were really in a place in our lives where we could date each other. But that one-off interaction had a lasting impression. God’s timing is sometimes funny but always so perfect. He ensured that we would remember each other while we embarked on our own separate journeys to grow emotionally and spiritually. Then a year or two later He brought us back together but this time has prepared us to be confident in building a life together with Him at the center of it. Here’s to our good good Father, the author of our love story.
Individuals
Gabe Limas
What is Love?
Love is something that you are passionate about that you can not live without it. For me, I cannot be without Christ, I love Him for all that He has done for me as He is the one who can make me happy. 2 John 1:6 says that we walk in obedience to His commands and that His command is to walk in love. I love God because I want to get to know Him more throughout my life and learn all that He has to show me as I walk through my faith with love.
Keren Gregas
What's the biggest lesson I can learn from you?
One of the biggest lessons I've learned throughout the years in my life was to truly appreciate and embrace the gift of singleness. Many people try to seek validation in others and some may think that being alone is pitiful. I think being single is underrated and many people fail to realize the good things about it. It helps me focus more on my relationship with God. No relationship in this world can fully satisfy me or fill my void because only God can do that.
What's the best single piece of advice you've ever received?
In 5 years, I see myself working and doing many things I love to do like traveling with my friends and family. I'd probably have a home to live in along with my sister and a car to drive. Also, I might be living in another country for a bit to take care of my aunt.
Czarina Facun
Love is wanting the best for the other person and as a Christian, we know that best is always God. To love someone is to strive to be what God has been and is to us for that person. One of the attributes of love that I’ve come to appreciate more this year is patience. Covid has made the year rough and has put us all in quarantine, I am very thankful for the patience that my family had with me. Amidst covid ruining things I had planned, God has also been teaching me patience in trusting His plans for myself and in His timing. As thankful as I am to those around me who have shown me love, I am most thankful to God for loving me first and being the example of what love is.
Melissa Borja
What is Love?
Love is all about God. It originates from Him and it is one of His primary attributes. He is the essence of love. If we want to learn about love, we must first look into the nature of God and how He displayed it in the Lord Jesus. Love is unconditional, self-sacrificing, kind, gracious, patient, and many more! Everything God does is loving just as He is always just and right. We cannot love others the way God loves us without Him. As God poured out His love unto us only then are we able to love Him and others. The love of God transforms people and it motivates us. As we grow deeper in our knowledge of Him, in His character, excellencies, and virtues this increases our affection for Him.
Cassie Lopez
What’s the best single piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always choose to forgive. When someone has wronged you or hurt you, forgive them. It is never easy especially when it was done by someone who means a lot to you. It is so difficult but not impossible. Through God’s guidance, through lots of prayer, through constant reminding yourself of the gospel, you cannot help but forgive this person who wronged you. This is because you are so filled with thankfulness that God forgave you and so, you want to share that love and forgiveness to others.
Jed Montemayor
What is love? or Love is…?
Love is patient, steadfast, refreshing, understanding. Love is not just a feeling but a choice. Love seeks out the best for the one who is receiving it.
What's the biggest lesson I can learn from you?
Learn how to say no, being assertive will come in handy for you in the future.
When are you the happiest?
When I have free time.
Where do you want to be 5 years from now?
Running my own business.
What's the best single piece of advice you've ever received?
Passion often comes and goes, enjoy it while it lasts. But love is what will last a lifetime, enjoy it while it lasts.
Kisha Delos Reyes
What is love? or Love is…?
Love is Jesus!
What's the biggest lesson I can learn from you?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned recently is to trust God and put Him first in your life.
When are you the happiest?
I’m the happiest when I’m with friends and family.
Where do you want to be 5 years from now?
5 years from now I want to be working by helping kids learn.
What's the best single piece of advice you've ever received?
The best advice I’ve received recently would be to forgive others as Christ forgave us.
Abigael Almendarez
What is love? or Love is…?
Jesus is the perfect definition of love. God loved us first.
What's the biggest lesson I can learn from you?
It feels good to be happy but choose to be joyful. A person can have all the material things but in the end, happiness will fade away. Joy brings contentment. Our mind can be trained (choose to be happy, think positive, always be thankful for God’s blessings and appreciate other people).
When are you the happiest?
I’m happy when I watch comedy and when my mom cooks my favorite dish.
Jermaine Capinpin
Love. When I think about this prestigious word, many thoughts, adjectives and experiences come into mind. Love can be expressed by receiving love from parents when a baby is first born, to the love felt between couples or even the love experienced when taking a bite from your favorite food! Whatever it may be, we can all agree that love can be experienced in hundreds, thousands, and in millions of ways. When we come to think about all these positive measures, I believe that it all comes back to our creator, God. We can only know the true meaning of love from what has been shown to us or the stories read in the bible. Our first encounter with love is undoubtedly from our Lord. Even before the day we were born, God already loved us- that is, an unfathomable, relentless, and incomparable love. We as humans, indefinitely know how to love one another because God first loved us.
“We love because He first loved us”
1 John 4:19 (NIV)
By nature, we were all born with sinful intentions. Sin has become a natural occurrence in our daily lives. However, His love still reigns greater as He undoubtedly forgives us. With Christ's character, He has shown us His undeniable love for humanity since creation. Even in our sinfulness, God never fails to be patient and show us mercy. As I come to think of all of the things Christ has done for me in relation to His love, I think about the ultimate sacrifice. He died on the cross, for our sins because He LOVES us. I truly believe that when temptations and tribulations come our way, nothing can truly separate us from the love of God.
Even from personal experiences, dealing with a new model of learning could be difficult sometimes, as we are expected to stare at a screen for multiple hours. Surely, this has taken away the sense of social interactions with classmates and limited resources in comparison to in-person learning. Being in my last year of high school, this has taken a great toll on me because there is a feeling of missing out on the so-called “high school experience.” However, I am thankful that I may rest in the assurance of knowing that I can always look back to the Lord and trust in His ways- for I know, He has planned everything out in ways He thinks is the best. I can attest to His unfailing love through these difficult situations. I hope that I, too, can reflect His love to others so that they know we have a God that can carry us through these unprecedented times shown through His love.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Saira Sian
What's the best single piece of advice you've ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice that I’ve heard is that one must learn how to be content not only in loss, but also in gain. Contentment is often included in our prayer requests only when we’re going through seasons of loss. Our contentment is often tested through trials, however, it is also applicable in seasons of abundance. We will always want more, but no earthly treasure can truly satisfy.
In loss, contentment is remembering that the current circumstance is for our good and God’s glory. In gain, it’s remembering that the temporary abundance is incomparable to the eternal contentment in Christ.
Anne Layacan
What is love? or Love is…?
I feel that love is truly misunderstood. To me, love is the hardest thing to do as human beings, Jesus calls us to love others as He has loved us (John 15:12). Love is having genuine compassion and empathy to all, even when it is difficult to do.
What's the biggest lesson I can learn from you?
Humility is a key foundation to love. To empty ourselves of our pride and selfish desires will only then, be a true form of love.
When are you the happiest?
My happiest moments are when I am able to share my struggles and burdens with my loved ones and to do the same for them also. (Being able to find a community that is founded in Christ)