A Letter to the Victory Alabang Family — From Pastor Ariel Marquez, Victory Alabang

To our Victory Alabang Family,

We understand that many of our church members, including our families, have been deeply affected and involved in this year’s elections. It has been a challenging time emotionally, spiritually and relationally. 

As a community, we are not devoid of emotions. We feel the range of emotions around us: celebration, joy, laughter, sorrow, doubt, pain and even grief. As a family, I pray that we will continue to walk together, especially in this season and hold on to what we all have in common. 

We have a common allegiance.

Ephesians 1:22 NLT

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.

We are Christ’s people, and because of this, we can celebrate and appreciate our differences knowing that our identity in Christ holds us together. 

We share a common blessing. 

Ephesians 1:3 NLT

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

We are blessed in every situation because of our unity with Christ. Our access to God’s goodness, power, blessing is guaranteed on the cross once and for all. 

We are called to a common purpose. 

Ephesians 2:20-21 NLT

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 

We are rooted and established in love, built together and called to a common purpose. We preach Christ and make him known. 

We have a common enemy. 

Ephesians 6:12-13 NLT

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to destroy the bond that we have as a spiritual family by causing offenses and unforgiveness. We must be wise to know the enemy’s schemes. As Christians, we are armed with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can stand together and advance together. 

Knowing all this, what can we do? 

Pray

Pray for our nation. Declare God’s purpose and destiny, speak blessing to our beloved country.

Pray for healing. Pray for healing and reconciliation in families and communities. 

Hope

Speak hope and declare a great future for our nation and the next generation. 

Reach out

May every single one of us build bridges instead of walls. I pray that Christ’s love compels us like never before.

Represent

Continue to be salt and light wherever God has placed us. Reflect Christ and give Him glory. May everyone see the gospel at work in us. 

Finally, let’s talk. We would love to meet and have conversations together. You may reach out to me or one of our pastors, staff, and campus missionaries. Let’s go through this faith journey together and allow us to pray for you. 

In Christ, 

Ariel Marquez
Senior Pastor
Victory Alabang