In the village of Macatoc on the Philippine island of Mindoro, a small company of Adventists had been meeting for church in the home of some of their members. A piece of land had been donated by one of the church members, and other members purchased the adjoining property for the children’s divisions. But there weren’t enough funds for the church construction.

In the fall of 2005, Northern California's Lockeford church became aware of the need for a sanctuary to be built on the donated land, because some of their members were related to members in Macatoc. The Lockeford church family wanted to help, and Bill Horn, a Lockeford member, spearheaded the effort. After a garage sale, various gifts and a special offering in June of 2005, they were able to send $6,285 to begin the building project. “We are still raising funds,” said Horn. “But, it is a blessing to know that there are 85 people already in the church that hasn’t even been completed yet.”

In June 2006, “Our Kingdom Assignment” project was launched and funded by two Lockeford church members, Terry and Wendy Gates. Ten members were each handed a $100 bill and told to “make it grow” till the fall of 2006. The purpose was to finish the church in the Philippines and provide a pastor for a year or two.

When the new building project was launched, one of the church elders, Bob Potter, inquired about a 13-year-old idea to raise money for Lockeford’s own building campaign. In 1993, a member had wanted to publish a book with inspirational stories collected from church members and friends as a fundraiser. Since a new church was never built in Lockeford, a lid had been put on the box of stories.

The book idea was again presented to the church family, and they were asked for their stories as soon as possible. A team of church members, including Barbara Miller, Dick Hanson, Ruth James, and many others, got started on compiling, typing, designing and proofreading the book. In December 2006, the group’s hard work paid off when their book, Miracles and Answered Prayers, came off the press. “I am glad that I had the opportunity to do the typing for the book, Miracles and Answered Prayers, that helped to raise money for the church in the Philippines,” said James. “The stories that I typed were so inspiring that it was a fun project for me.”

The groups that had been given the $100 bills have been busy with their projects, too — recycling, knitting scarves, food sales with a movie night, and another garage sale. As of February 2007, the Lockeford church had raised more than $7,000 to build and staff a church in Macatoc. “I was so happy that our Lockeford church was able to build a church in the Philippines, and, in addition, were able to send enough funds to pay for a pastor for at least one year," said Ray James, pastor.

If you would like more information on the Macatoc project or Miracles and Answered Prayers, call 209-727-5108.