Ministry Focus
In the year 1988 the Word of Life was brought to the Filipinos in the Edison/Jersey City area of New Jersey when Rene established house prayer meetings. In 1999 a church was established that expanded from Jersey City with outreach to Mays Landing (south of Jersey City), New York City, New London and Bridgewater, Connecticut. In the year 2006 the Lord led Rene and Thelma into something new and different. God blessed their work and another church was established called In Christ Jesus Workmanship Ministries. Rene and Thelma were appointed with Missions Door in 2007 to plant churches, working with and being helped by pastors in the Northeastern United States. They are excited to be serving Jesus Christ in New Jersey.
Faith Story
“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days will be added to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:1-4
These words had a tremendous impact on Rene at a retreat with Thelma in 1984 in the Philippines. The entire Word of God changed them – from the knowledge that God existed to knowing Him in an intimate and personal way, as He reveals Himself in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Word continued to work in their lives, and their worship and service to Him was never the same again!
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Rene and Thelma by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
City
Ministry location:
New Jersey, United States