By Arlene Porlas
God With Us (GWU)–Mulgrave Church celebrated its 7th Year Anniversary last 14 July 2013. Ps Castor Reyes started the church’s humble beginnings in 2006 with the fellowship of new Filipino migrants in a small unit in Springvale. This group grew bigger and needed to transfer to a bigger venue that is now at the Southern Community Centre located at 27 Rupert Drive, Mulgrave. This is one of the satellite churches of God with Us International Church organisation based in Seaford with its founder, Ps Rogelio Bucao Sr.
The momentous event was attended by almost 150 members including guests and pastors from satellite churches around Victoria: GWU Rosebud led by Ps Nancy Bucao, GWU Chelsea led by Ps Fred Ferrero, and GWU Cranbourne led by Ps Dick Marcial. GWU International Christian Assemblies is affiliated with Australian Christian Churches formerly known as Assemblies of God.
The anointed Sis Aurea Reyes and the music team prepared the hearts of God’s people to connect and dwell in His presence during the praise and worship. They played soulful songs inspired by the Spirit of God that touched the hearts and lifted the spirits.
A 74-year old powerful speaker from Nueva Ecija, Philippines Ps Sesenando Santos was the guest speaker to deliver the 
message of the day. He talked about “Blessed Hope” with a reference text in the Bible NIV version found in 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” The blessed hope actually means the rapture which will occur when Jesus Christ returns for his church. This is when all true believers in Christ will be taken from earth by God into heaven.
At the end of the sermon, Ps Santos asked his son Bro. Evangel Santos to sing the old time favourite song “Why have you chosen me” as he invited the congregation in a culminating finish to stand up for the Lord, make a commitment to remain faithful to Him until the end, and hold that blessed hope in the hearts of those who truly believe. With that, everyone stood and responded positively. Truly, God works in the hearts of His people.
A short program of special numbers followed the service. This was led by the Children’s Ministry of GWU Mulgrave where the children played musical instruments like the keyboards, guitars, and the drums with the singers singing “Your love never fails”. They will be the future Music Ministry of GWU Mulgrave. GWU Main Seaford, Ambassadors of Christ Cranbourne, and GWU Chelsea also sang delightful songs for the Lord.
The event ended with a sumptuous feast of delicious Filipino food and delicacies enjoyed by everyone.
