Delfin Cardinal was born February 27, 1930 in San Jose, Antique, Philippines to Presbyterian parents. He was baptized on April 20, 1950, as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. He was nurtured in the new life by Rev. Rafael Masuecos, Pastor of San Jose Evangelical Church. Pastor Delfin passed away on January 17, 2022.

He married Justa Serate, a product of the Iloilo Mission Hospital Training School for Nurses in June 3, 1957. He leaves behind 5 children- Judsen, Faith, Hope, Charity, and Samuel. He also had 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Pastor Cardinal graduated from Central Philippine University with a bachelor's in Theology in 1955. He continued to minister in the Philippines until he came to America in 1975. He was ordained in 1978 by the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles with the help of Dr. Emory Campbell. In 1979 he planted and became the senior of Filipino American Christian Church until he retired in 2017 at the age of 87. His son, Samuel Cardinal became and is presently the senior pastor. During his 38 years of ministry at FACC, he faithfully served God and ministered to hundreds of people- loving, caring, and evangelizing all for the glory of God.

The service to celebrate Rev. Cardinal's life will take place on Saturday, February 26. Further details are forthcoming.

"I met Rev. Cardinal, with Dr. Emory Campbell in 1984. Over the years I watched how he has nurtured immigrant families, young and old, into the lifestyle of the Kingdom of God. At a time when it was difficult to find new church plants, he opened his church building in Long Beach for a Hispanic Church to meet at FACC. He lived the values of the Kingdom Of God. When I reflect on Pastor Cardinal's life and leadership, I remember a passage in Ezekiel: " It will become a majestic cedar sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its branches" Ezekiel 17:23. Rev. Delfin Cardinal was a tall and deeply rooted shepherd of our Lord, like the California Redwood tree. Under his care, many persons flourished, including me. He was my faithful friend and colleague. I shall miss seeing him. I thank God for gifting Delfin to His Church and to our Region."

In January, Rev. Htwe Nyunt from the Burmese Christian Church in Covina traveled to the Thailand/Burma border to donate much-needed supplies to refugees there. The pictures below show those who received the donations from Pastor Htwe. We are thankful that God used Pastor Htwe to be the hands and feet of Jesus with those who are suffering.

Would you please remember to pray for Burma? One year ago, on February 1, the military coup began there, which has inflicted incredible suffering on the people of Burma. The American Baptist Churches USA and the Burma Refugee Commission are calling on on congregations to observe Sunday, February 6 as “Pray and Act for Burma” Sunday. Pastors and church leaders are invited to visit the Burma Refugee Commission page on the ABCUSA website for resources here: www.abc-usa.org/burma-refugee-commission for information about the situation in Burma. Click here for more information

Board Development - The leadership of any organization has the responsibility to govern the organization. When the congregation nominates their leaders they should consider what strengths and skillsets would be best for their particular needs. They should support their leaders as they unite to do God's work. In this workshop, we will talk about ways to ensure the organization discovers what skills your members have and how to encourage all members to step up and take on roles to help their church survive and thrive.

Meeting ID: 897 3664 6665

Password: 01082022

Meeting ID: 897 3664 6665

Password: 01082022

Join Zoom Meeting from the Zoom app on your computer or phone by clicking here.

California Law AB-506 is a new law that requires organizations (including churches) that serve youth and children to provide training about child abuse and get background checks for those serving youth and children. Church West Insurance services are providing a webinar on February 8th. Join a team of experts to discuss AB-506 and new requirements for mandated reporting in churches and youth-serving organizations. These changes apply to your ministry; you’ll want to pay attention to them. Click here for details...

The Board of General Ministries, the American Baptist Churches USA governing board, is currently in the process of seeking information regarding the priorities for the next General Secretary, whose term will begin in 2024. The board has released a survey that will help the current General Secretary search committee develop a profile of a desired candidate.

Did you miss Third Thursday on January 20th? Watch the video of our time together with Dr. Steve Robbins who led a discussion around the topic: "What Is Success?—Becoming the Kind of Person Who Routinely & Naturally Outshines Pharisaic Righteousness."

For Black History Month, discover Judson Press’ resources for the African American community, such as “A Word for All Seasons” by Henry Mitchell, “Making SPACE at the Well: Mental Health and the Church” by Jessica Young Brown and “Samuel Proctor: My Moral Odyssey.”

The America For Christ Offering is received in American Baptist Churches in the Spring. Click here for more information and for promotional materials.

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