Two New GMC Local Churches Organized in Nueva Ecija: A Testament to God’s Faithfulness

Deputy Conference Superintendent Robert Parcasio organizes New Horizons GMC - Papaya into a local church. Photo from Gilbert Pascua/Facebook.

Nueva Ecija, PHILIPPINES – The fire of the Lord continues to spread through the Mega Manila Annual Conference as Deputy Conference Superintendent Robert Parcasio organized two new local churches in Nueva Ecija Province on Sunday, March 9, 2025. These churches were planted by New Horizons GMC (NHGMC) Cabanatuan City through the dynamic initiative of Pastors Gilbert and Juliet Pascua, along with their dedicated leaders. Their faithful mission work has borne fruit, marking a significant milestone in the church’s expansion.

The first momentous event took place in the backyard of Narciso “Tatay Narcing” Juliano’s home in Papaya, San Antonio, where Rev. Parcasio solemnly declared: “By the authority given to me by the Global Methodist Church, and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I now declare New Horizons Global Methodist Church–Papaya officially organized as a local church within the Global Methodist Church. May you be steadfast in faith, bold in witness, and faithful in love as you fulfill the Great Commission.”

The ministerial team led by Deputy Conference Superintendent Robert Parcasio and members of New Horizons GMC - Papaya share light moment together. Photo from Gilbert Pascua/Facebook.

This declaration marked the official birth of NHGMC–Papaya, solidifying its place in the growing GMC community. Rev. Parcasio also consecrated the newly appointed officers of the church, setting the foundation for its governance and ministry.

Beyond its official recognition, NHGMC–Papaya stands as a testimony to God’s answer to prayers. Over a year ago, in Qatar, Tatay Narcing’s son, Nelson, and his wife, Myra, members of GMC Qatar in Doha, fervently prayed for the establishment of a GMC church in Papaya. Not only did God hear their prayers, but He also paved the way for a permanent home for the congregation. Soon, the church will relocate to a new site in the nearby village of Julo, where a 500-square-meter lot has been donated for their use. This significant milestone will be marked by a ground-breaking ceremony led by Bishop Scott Jones on March 23, 2025. Additionally, Pastor Glenn dela Cruz, who recently withdrew from the previous denomination, is lined up to serve as pastor of this congregation once formally received into the GMC.

Deputy Conference Superintendent Robert Parcasio, assisted by Pastors Gilbert and Juliet Pascua (partly hidden) consecrates the new officers of New Horizons GMC - Belen. Photo from Gilbert Pascua/Facebook.

The celebration in Papaya was only the beginning. Fueled by the excitement of what God was doing, Rev. Parcasio, the Pascuas, and the NHGMC Cabanatuan ministry team traveled directly to Belen, Gen. Natividad, where another worship celebration awaited. The service was held in the fully packed home of Carmelita “Mely” Valdez and her family. Just as in Papaya, the highlight of this gathering was the official chartering of NHGMC–Belen as a new local church. This congregation was also established in memory of the late Benito Valdez, Mely Valdez’s father, who played a pioneering role in introducing Methodism to Belen in the 1950s.

Both churches began as mission churches under NHGMC Cabanatuan in September 2024. After just six months of dedicated mission work and the dynamic leadership of the Pascuas, these communities have flourished, leading to their official recognition as local churches. NHGMC–Papaya now has about 30 charter members, while NHGMC–Belen has 50 members.

Reflecting on this remarkable growth, Pastors Gilbert and Juliet Pascua affirmed the power of the Holy Spirit at work. “The NHGMC brethren have shown unwavering dedication, generously offering their time, resources, and vehicles for the ministry. Their unity and commitment reflect God’s hand at work,” they shared.

Pastor Gilbert further emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of His people in spreading the Gospel. It is inspiring to see new communities of faith being formed, where believers can grow spiritually and serve together. I pray that these churches will continue to flourish, bringing hope, transformation, and God’s love to many.”

Similarly, Rev. Parcasio expressed deep gratitude to God for this remarkable achievement: “My heart was filled with joy and gratefulness to God as we chartered our two mission churches into local churches. The rapid growth of these churches is not by human effort but by the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. God orchestrates their victory. I am delighted to see the passion of our members from both churches to worship and serve the Lord.”

The ministerial team led by Deputy Conference Superintendent Robert Parcasio and members of New Horizons GMC - Belen share light moment together. Photo from Gilbert Pascua/Facebook.

The chartering of these churches was carried out in consultation with Conference Superintendent Pastor Luther Oconer and based on Paragraph 450 of the GMC Book of Doctrines and Discipline. Pastor Oconer expressed his excitement over this milestone: “These two churches are the first-ever chartered churches in the Mega Manila Conference under Paragraph 450. They are a result of the church-planting efforts of an existing GMC local church. Before these, most of our churches had been new church plants arising from congregations that left the previous denomination or transferred from other churches. I believe our future will depend more on new church plants by our existing local churches. May these two churches inspire us for more growth.”

The chartering of NHGMC–Papaya and NHGMC–Belen signifies more than just the expansion of the Global Methodist Church—it reflects God’s faithfulness in growing new communities of faith. As the GMC continues to expand, may His name be glorified, and His mission fulfilled.

To God be all the glory and thanksgiving!