The Jesus is Lord Church in Greater Washington, DC marks its 10th anniversary in Arlington, VirginiaAug. 12, 2007 with Pastor Lizette Arches from JIL VA Beach delivering a special message based on Philippians 1:6. As in past anniversaries, JIL leaders and attendees are gearing up for the event in prayers, preparing special presentations, and fellowship activities to bring everyone together.

"Who would have thought that a small group of Filipina prayer partners who have never met before could ignite the flame of what is now JIL GWDC. Pastors Jessie and Dothy Maghacot, who heeded the call to full-time ministry from San Diego, CA to Arlington, VA and whose lives have been transformed in the Gospel as early as the beginnings of the Jesus is Lord ministry in the Philippines, currently oversee over 150 regular attendees at their church location at 1845 N. Columbus Street, Arlington, VA. “The ministry has been an inheritance from the Lord,” says Pastor Jessie. “We are like little children and that the church isike a learning pot.I am so encouraged with the members’ faithfulness and unfailing dedication.The Lord has been so faithful for the last 10 years and He will continue to be for the next 10. Amen!”

The JIL Church is currently one of the largest church groups overall in the greater Arlington church community, and houses the most number of "ethnic" Filipino attendees in the metro DC area. More than half of the congregation willingly participates in ministry groups and services, which also are the backbone of the local JIL church. Externally, JIL GWDC participates in the local community such as the Philippine Independence Festival, and other evangelistic outreaches. Pastor Jessie shared a prophetic vision that the tenth year of the JIL ministry in Greater Washington, DC will be a year of completion, like a season of answered prayers. “We have toiled and waited enough, suffered and tarried for a moment, but the appointed time has come for the Lord Jesus Christ to perfect our concerns."

The church elders and members alike continue to witness and experience many surprising answered prayers for miracles like healing from cancer, and many unexpected blessings for financial breakthrough, jobs, and visa sponsorships that open doors for family members in the Philippines to be petitioned for residency. Broken families are being united, and spiritual revival is being restored. Salvation of souls and transformation of lives are evident. For many years, JIL GWDC has provided comfort, refuge, physical and emotional support to many Filipinos who are feeling homesick and in need of fellow “kababayan” (co-citizen) connection. Due to work situations and financial needs, most JIL members are separated from their families back in the Philippines. Throughout the past years, JIL GWDC has offered many services to their faithful attendees- weekly Bible studies, monthly tarry prayers, memorable special event and holiday celebrations, church picnics, and a variety of other types of Spirit-filled and fun activities like the recent Hawaiian Luau/mini Olympics event it hosted on the 4th of July at the Algonkian Regional Park. To stay connected beyond regular church services, JIL GWDC keeps an online community where members can e-mail and share their thoughts and keep everyone informed.

Van Torres, one of JIL GWDC's pioneering members shared the vision of JIL GWDC in the coming years. “Our goal is not only to add new members but to make disciples and leaders, ready to be of service for the Lord — growing not only in quantity, but more importantly in quality.” She continues, “JIL GWDC is not a perfect church as there is no perfect church, but it is Christ-centered. We have Christ as the recognized Head. As we submit to His authority, we keep growing in love, faith, unity and through the teaching of his Word. Our workers find greatest satisfaction in their service to the ministry and experiencing God’s blessings throughout their lives."

Each year, the JIL GWDC church family makes it a point to heighten their level of effort when celebrating their anniversary to make it a memorable and ministering event. If you are looking for a church home, hungry to hear God’s word, or to learn more about this open event, please visit www.jilgwdc.org, or contact Pastor Jessie Maghacot at 571-426-9321 or e-mail jil10dc@aol.com. Regular church service on Sundays at 10AM at 1845 N.Columbus St. Arlington, VA 22207 Pastor: Jessie Maghacot 571-426-9321 or jil10dc@aol.com. JIL GWDC is one of the Jesus is Lord Ministry’s churches in 35 countries across the globe. The JIL Ministry was founded by Bishop Brother Eddie Villanueva in the Philippines in 1978, with starting services in Araullo High School.

By Christina Santos