El Shaddai London celebrates anniversary

01Dec09

LONDON – Hundreds of Filipinos from all over Britain gathered in the country’s capital for the anniversary of the London chapter of El Shaddai.

Based in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Battersea, the charismatic movement celebrated its 18th year in the city through prayers and religious activities.

The event included Sunday mass service, recital of the rosary, and group worship, as well as performances from various Chapter Gospel Choirs and the Youth Ministry, who provided a series of dance and musical numbers.

Part of the spiritual gathering was also devoted to Life Testimonies, where members of the congregation discussed the impact of El Shaddai through their own personal experiences.

“The main impact of this is it changes people’s lives from old life to new life, by accepting Jesus in their life. Having strong faith and strong belief in the Lord, and to accept the salvation,” said Bro. Leo Granado, council member and coordinator at the London Chapter of El Shaddai.

He continues: “We believe that after life here on Earth, there is a second life. That’s what we are achieving, and that’s why we keep coming back to the church to hear the good news – we want to be saved someday,”

‘Physically fit, but spiritually sick’

The “main highlight” and “most important” part of the celebration is the ‘healing message’ by Bro. Rodrigo Velarde, a respected high ranking elder disciple, who preached about the importance of spiritual health.

“There are people who are strong in physical fitness, but spiritually sick. And the first priority that God wants to make is our spiritual growth, spiritual leaping with Jesus Christ. The word of God makes us stronger and stronger, and that makes us healthy, spiritually and physically,” explained Bro. Rodrigo, who is also the blood brother of El Shaddai founder Bro. Mike Velarde.

The organizers were “so happy” with the outcome of the event which was attended by “a lot of Filipinos”. Apart from members of the London Chapter, the celebration involved various groups from other parts of the United Kingdom including Bristol, Buckinghamshire and Newcastle, many of whom attend El Shaddai in a regular basis.

“Umaatend pa rin ako ng El Shaddai kasi dito ako na-bless. Nabago lahat yung mga dapat kung baguhin sa sarili ko, at saka lahat ng mga prayer requests ko ibinibigay ni Yahweh El Shaddai,” revealed Rosalie Remigio, a supporter of El Shaddai for over a decade.

She adds: “It helps all of us to be united, at saka yung isang komunidad na sama-sama ang mga Pilipino. At kahit ano man and dumating na problema, o ano man ang aspeto mo sa buhay, kapag nandito ka at nagpupuri ka kay Yahweh El Shaddai, ibibigay niya ang lahat ng papuri at saka lahat ng blessing – sisik, liglig at umaapaw.”

El Shaddai has approximately 10 million devotees in the Philippines, as well as a growing number of worldwide chapters, including Britain, USA, Germany, Japan, Canada, Israel and China.

Founded in 1984 by Bro. Mike Velarde, it started as a weekly bible-reading radio show that focused on “bringing back the Catholic people to the church” and helping it become “stronger”.

It is believed that the organization can now influence politics and social issues in the Philippines, due to the sheer number of its loyal supporters who tend to make collective decisions in elections, polls, and referendums. It continues to grow each year as a populist religious movement with significant socio-political implications.

Bro. Leo from the London chapter predicts that El Shaddai will continue to flourish in the foreseeable future, stating that they are “looking forward to becoming stronger and stronger. Even if we’re not here anymore, another generation will come and replace us to continue the work of God, because the work of God never stops.”