Have you ever felt the pulse of a city’s spiritual heart? Word International Ministries Makati is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith’s enduring power. This church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a story woven into the fabric of Makati itself.
Word International Ministries Makati’s origins trace back to the 1970s. A group of dedicated lay people college graduates professionals and everyday Filipinos began holding small Bible studies. These weren’t in traditional church settings. They met in homes offices function rooms even hotels. The gatherings grew. Soon seminary-trained individuals joined. By 1979 a core group from the International Charismatic Service ICS an Assemblies of God Fellowship met regularly for Bible study and prayer. This marked the beginning of Word for the World Christian Fellowship the precursor to Word International Ministries.
Their early meetings moved from small residences to ever-larger venues. They rented a disco then a function room then a hotel ballroom. Finally they used the Rizal Theater. They held services on Sundays and Thursdays. This reflects the incredible growth of the ministry during that time. Growth that wasn’t confined to Makati.
The King’s Highway initiative spearheaded by Bro Joseph Samson extended Word International Ministries’ reach beyond Metro Manila. The initiative focused on establishing Bible studies in provinces that eventually grew into full churches.
The 1970s also witnessed a significant Filipino diaspora. Overseas Filipino Workers OFWs established churches around the globe. Word International Ministries capitalized on this. Hong Kong became the first international outreach in 1984. Singapore followed in 1986. Australia the United States and Canada soon joined. The expansion continued throughout the 1990s into Europe and the Middle East. Missionaries often came from various ministries within the church itself. Youth Young Adults Christian Couples Ministries and professionals all played a part in this phenomenal global expansion.
A leadership crisis in the mid-1990s led to a reorganization. Eighty churches in the Philippines and many abroad unified to form the Word International Ministries we know today. In 1997 they registered as a non-profit organization.
The first national gathering in 1997 drew two thousand members to the Mandaluyong City Gym. A new vision and mission were announced. The phrase “Win the World for God’s Glory” became their rallying cry. Subsequent gatherings drew ever larger crowds. The Word Leadership Institute WLI was created in 1999 to provide training and support.
Word International Ministries Makati’s story is one of humble beginnings rapid growth and global expansion. It’s a story of dedication perseverance and a strong faith that continues to inspire. Their corporate office stands today at Cityland Condominium a testament to their journey from small gatherings to a worldwide ministry. Their legacy lives on in Makati and around the world.