Household of Faith 45th Anniversary Message

Let me begin by telling you about God’s chosen instrument in the birth of the Household of Faith—Mommie Ennie Molina. In the 1970s, she was an active member of a charismatic community in the Philippines. I still remember watching a prayer meeting in our home in Quezon City. People were praying loudly, hands raised, voices lifted. I thought to myself, “What are these people doing? “That’s for them, not for me.” I did not know I will later on be doing the same thing.

When Mommie Ennie migrated to Los Angeles in 1978, she longed for the fellowship she once had. In 1980, she reunited with my brother Eric, also a charismatic. For almost a year she urged him to help her start a prayer meeting. He resisted—until a mother’s gentle persistence finally won.

On Monday, August 10, 1981, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer Group, was born made up of Mommie Ennie, my brother Eric, Sister Salud, a parishioner, and myself. God’s grace poured out abundantly. From four members, we grew to twenty by year’s end. When our small classroom overflowed and the church’s insurance forced us out, God opened a door at the eleventh hour. Father Barnes called Bro Eric back, offering St. Columban Church Hall. God’s timing was perfect.

By the mid-1980s, new Filipino migrants looking for a charismatic community found a home with us. As we grew, seasoned leaders left the group to start prayer meetings in their own parishes. We supported them through Life in the Spirit Seminars. It was around that time we traveled across California with visiting prominent speakers from the Philippines, planting groups wherever the Spirit led. 

On June 21, 1989, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer Group officially became a ministry with a new name: The Household of Faith.

The 1990s were filled with mission work—parish evangelization and prayer meetings at various homes. With a strong charism on Music, we held concerts filled with songs, dance, and testimonies. The Holy Spirit was moving powerfully.

No growing community is spared from trials. Yet every challenge only proved Genesis Chapter 50 v 20 to be true where it says: “The devil meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” Through difficulties, the Household of Faith became stronger, more united, and more deeply rooted in God’s love. By the mid‑1990s and early 2000s, more leaders emerged, more ministries formed, and our Home Cell Groups flourished.

Psalm 133:1 came alive among us: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Relationships deepened and a true sense of belonging grew. The year 2020 brought painful loss. We said goodbye to four beloved and gifted members—Sister Marose. Sister Pat, Sis Teng and our founder, Mommy Ennie. Even on her sickbed, Mommy would ask, “How is the prayer community? Are we growing?” Her heart never stopped beating for the Household of Faith.

When Covid 19 hit and churches closed, we feared our Friday fellowship at St. Columban would stop. But God made a way. Brother Chuck stepped forward to move our meetings online via Zoom. Though the Music Ministry couldn't practice in person, individual families stepped up to lead prayer and singing from home and our weekly gatherings never stopped. It was inspiring to watch the gifts of music and leadership blossom among our members. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “All things work together for good to those who love God.”

Today, 45 years later, the Household of Faith may not number in the hundreds, but true spiritual health is not measured by size but rather by: inner transformation, love, character and depth of faith and by God’s grace these remain alive in our community today. We have not finished the race. We are not perfect—no church is. God is still shaping us.

We are here to celebrate God’s faithfulness. Our beautiful decorations today are inspired by Jeremiah 17:7–8: People who trust in God are like a tree planted by water—strong, green, and fruitful even in drought. Through every trial, God sustained us. We have seen how awesome,

how great our God is. We pause for a moment to honor the beloved members who have gone

before us. Their prayers and devotion helped bring us to where we are today. Though they are no longer with us, their legacy still shines in the unity, love, and faith of our community. Their example of faithfulness is our encouragement. And now we carry the torch. Let us protect our unity. We need one another. Keep sharing your God given gifts—every offering builds this family and brings glory to God.

On behalf of Sister Susan and Brother Ben, we thank every member, past and present. Your generosity, your talents, your time, and your willing hearts keep us strong. We also thank St. Columban for graciously allowing us to hold our Friday services and events. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us rejoice as we reflect Jesus to the world. Trials will come, and that is when we need courage. And the church is where we find strength to stay the course. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us “not to give up the habit of coming together.” And as our theme song reminds us: “…and when the strong winds blow it won't fall down. As one in Him, we'll grow and the whole world will know we

are a household of faith.”

- Bro. Rally Molina