The Opendoor Filipino Church of Calgary was born a “house” Church. Its first meeting was held on November 2, 2014 at Pastor Guel Sugano’s residence and in the presence of few families who devoted to time of prayer asking God for his direction and will. Fellowship and Prayer of believers at several occasions followed and the assembly of believers was formed. The Lord continued to work in the hearts of this group that eventually led to the creation of the church. “The Church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself as the chief Cornerstone,” Ephesians 2:20.
We believe that God has been preparing for the birth of the Opendoor Filipino Church. Its first official meeting was held on January 11, 2015 attended by the Sugano, Lardizabal, Borromeo, Belanger, Frost, Beset, Basco, Dusca and de Guzman families. On February 1, 2015, the assembly moved to 95 Falshire Drive NE which is the Falconridge/Castleridge Community Center where the Church continues to gather for Sunday Worships till today. On October 14, 2015, OFC received an official letter from CRA stating that the Opendoor Filipino Church is eligible to receive its “Charity” status provided that its “purposes and dissolution” were amended in 60 days. The church submitted the required documentation in due time and the Church “charity status” was granted thereafter.
Our Lord continues his work to the church. In his time and according to his good purpose, Pastor Elmer Lardizabal came to Calgary with his family in 2013. As God calls people for His purposes, the Church is grateful for Pastor Elmer Lardizabal and his leadership as he continues the work that God started through the ministry of the Opendoor Filipino Church. The movement of people, the flow of God’s work and the increase in the body are all in God’s hands. The Church average attendance is 40 each Sunday and without a doubt, both the physical and the Spiritual growth of the body are coexistent and evident. The Youth ministry under the leadership of Pastor Mark Laurel continues to dedicate time for growth; they are active in Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies. The young people fully engage themselves every Sunday by leading the Praise and Worship Team under the direction of Pastor Elmer. Wednesday Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies are held in homes of the Church members. We are gifted with Church Leaders and Administrators who painstakingly and lovingly serve God. Budget and Administration are handled by two reliable God-fearing people- Bruno Belanger and Dolores Villa Frost.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness,” Lamentations 3:22-23. Refreshed with the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Elmer is engaged in a full time pastoral study/training in Christian Leadership and Ministry course at the Alberta Bible College. Further, the work of the Spirit is powerful and his message is always in support of the Lord’s ministry. Also, our Youth Pastor, Mark Laurel is pursuing his study on line at the Christian Leadership Institute. Lastly, the Church continues to serve with willing hearts for the edification of the body and for the Glory of our God, Creator of heaven and earth who is Sovereign, and all in all. God is the builder of the church and we are His servants.