“I embraced that God would give me the skill
so that I can do what I need to do [and] what He expects me to do in the mission field”, says Vergel “Verge” Ricafort, the church leader of the newly planted Siquijor church of ICOC Philippines.
Verge Ricafort is a brother who was reached out in Missouri and then baptized in Staten Island, New York in June 1999. As a young Christian, he had never dreamt of being part of a mission team or being a church leader—all he wanted was to attend church and evangelize. At the time, he was also practicing Physical Therapy.
However, God had an entirely different plan for Verge. Little did he know that he was set to go back to his home country and serve.
Where it all started
October 2012 came when Verge flew to Europe and joined the Singles Missionary Journey, organized by the ICOC Northern Virginia Mission Team. After a few weeks, he went back to the Philippines, met with Rolan Monje, and then flew to Cebu in November 2012.
As a part of the Dumaguete mission team, Verge joined Danny and the other disciples in Cebu on a road trip to the Dumaguete inaugural service. Initially, his plan was to move to the province in January 2013, yet ended up moving a month earlier.
The journey was not easy for him. He was insecure about his faith because of the language barrier. He also worried about giving up his career in the States and finding work.
After the Dumaguete church planting, God did not just stop there. He planted a vision anew in Verge’s heart—along with the cousin of a sister from Dumaguete, Eleazar.
An unexpected blossom
Who would’ve thought that someone who has never dreamt of being on a mission team or being a church leader would become one someday?
The start of the Siquijor missions wasn’t an official one. It blossomed from the vision of Verge and Eleazar, with the primary goal of just reaching out to Eleazar’s friend in prison at the time.
Through faith and dedication, God allowed a domino effect to happen with the two brothers’ vision. After reaching out to the friend in prison, it then gave birth to having a bible talk with the inmates.
On the other side, Verge and Eleazar also shared the gospel with friends, neighbors, and in-laws in Siquijor. From then on, these same people also shared the gospel with their own households.
The first fruits in Siquijor were Roland and Daisy Aqui, who are now 8 years in the Kingdom, faithfully serving. They now have a teenager, Ashley Aqui, who is now a 1-year-old disciple and is about to attend senior high school. To date, there are now 16 faithful disciples in ICOC Siquijor.
From just two people with a shared vision, a church has been planted. Along with his wife Nitz, Verge is faithfully serving the Lord as the church leader of ICOC Siquijor.
“If it’s God’s plan, no man—no leader—can stop it”, Verge said. Indeed, if it is God’s will, then there’s a way. To God, your skills, your fear, or your initial plans don’t matter—He’ll use you, even in the most unexpected way.
The church already has two Bible Talks. The disciples in Siquijor envision the church doubling in number five years from now.
Siquijor #FastFacts
Siquijor, located in Central Visayas, is a coastal province, surrounded by wonderful beaches. The atmosphere is laid back. The time seems slow-paced. The province is small enough that you can tour the whole island in two hours by car. To reach Siquijor, you take 1 45minute to 1 ½ hour boat ride from Dumaguete.
Upon discovery, the Spaniards first called the province as “Isla de Fuegos” or Island of Fire. This is due to the appearance of firefly swarms across the island. When viewed from afar, the eerie red glow of the island will catch your eye.
CAMBUGAHAY FALLS, SIQUIJOR
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