The Transformed Church: Elmira Pentecostal Assembly Makes the Cut
EPA's Support of ITCanada Missionaries Greg and Sarah Seiling a Cut Above
ELMIRA, ONTARIO – It’s obvious that missions is a top priority at Elmira Pentecostal Assembly (EPA) by the phenomenal commissioning service they arranged for Greg and Sarah Seiling, ITCanada missionaries to the Philippines.
“Greg and Sarah represent the best of what we have to offer,” Senior Pastor Hansley Armoogan said. “When they left there were huge holes in our assembly. But we wanted to give the best talents and gifts that we have to bless the work in Makati City.”
Greg has worked as an Assistant Team Leader and Finance Manager at the office in Makati City since 2006. He is also involved with street children through the Mercy and Batang Krayola Ministries. Sarah, a registered nurse, is the Outreach Director who also coordinates teams and runs hygiene clinics.
EPA asked Greg and Sarah to make a wish list of things they would need to start their new life in the Philippines. Then the church arranged such items as a washer, dryer, mountain bikes, a sofa, a bed, a hot plate, and a kettle on the sanctuary stage in “The Price Is Right” style. Individuals or groups were invited to show their support for the Seilings by removing the price tags and paying for the items.
EPA’s support of the Seilings is ongoing. In December 2006 the Seilings organized a Christmas party for needy families in Makati. They planned to give away gift bags to area children that contained toys and school supplies. Family hampers were also handed out. EPA was happy to help the Seilings with the $1500 they needed to fund this event.
But when the Seiling’s Christmas party ballooned in 2007 EPA realized they needed to get creative to raise the money required. An “Everything Asian Potluck” was organized followed by a dessert auction and concert. Then Filipino exchange intern Rodele Anisor, a former gang member and drug user, spoke about how he became a Christian through ITCanada missionaries.
In addition, EPA challenged the Youth and Children’s ministries that if they raised $1000 Ryan Hutchings, the Youth Pastor, would shave his head. When they raised $2000 Pastor Armoogan’s hair was shorn. At $3000 Adam Seiling, Greg’s brother, saw his long hair drop to the floor. At $4000 Luke Chamberlain, worship team drummer, went bald. Next, board member Mike Veens lost his locks. All in all $6000 was raised.
Hair may have been cut on behalf of the Seilings but the ties of love that bind this missionary couple to their home church remain intact. BLM
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“Greg and Sarah represent the best of what we have to offer,” Senior Pastor Hansley Armoogan said. “When they left there were huge holes in our assembly. But we wanted to give the best talents and gifts that we have to bless the work in Makati City.”
EPA’s support of the Seilings is ongoing. In December 2006 the Seilings organized a Christmas party for needy families in Makati. They planned to give away gift bags to area children that contained toys and school supplies. Family hampers were also handed out. EPA was happy to help the Seilings with the $1500 they needed to fund this event.