The International Church Adult Department, or ICAD, has a rich and dynamic history that dates back to its establishment in 1991 as the National Adult Watchers’ Department. The department was founded with the primary aim of creating programs that cater to the adult members of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) and to help the church in its mission to bring its adult members to perfection of faith.
The department’s first president was Elder Rene Evangelista, and its first adviser was Ptr. Jimmy Rull. Under their leadership, the department laid the foundation for its future growth and success.
The Apostle (center) with the Men's Watchers or Kalalakihan - the predecessor of Church Adult Department, Late 70s
Adult Camp, Baguio City, 2006
FROM NAWD TO ICAD
As the department evolved over the years, it underwent several name changes. In 2016, it was renamed as the Church Adult Watchers Department (CAWD), and a year later, it became the Church Adult Department. Finally, in 2019, it was given its current name, the International Church Adult Department, to signify its expansion to include Adult Watchers abroad.
Despite limited information on the department’s first few years, ICAD has grown significantly throughout the years.
SINAG NEWSLETTER to ICAD NEWSLETTER
In 2011, the department released its first newsletter, known as the Sinag Newsletter, which was released annually during the International Convention. The newsletter had eight issues before it was renamed as the ICAD newsletter in 2019. This publication served as an essential tool for disseminating information about the department’s activities and programs to its members.
ADULT MONTH
One of the department’s significant contributions to the church is the celebration of Adult Month, which started in 2008. During this time, the department spearheaded the celebration of Pastors’ Appreciation Day in the Philippines. The event has become an annual tradition and is eagerly awaited by church members every year.
PRE-PANDEMIC YEARS
The years leading up to the pandemic were marked by significant events and activities that showcased the department’s growth and development. In 2017, a Family Night was held by different local Adult Departments to showcase God-given talents and to
strengthen the bond between family members. The same year, they also organized Pastor Ko Kapamilya Ko- A Pastor’s Appreciation program aimed to recognize and appreciate the Church’s hard working ministers. The department also held two seminars. One about balancing career and ministry, as both are God-given and the other one was about enhancing in-laws relationships.
In 2018, the department held its International Presidents’ Forum during the International Convention, where local presidents made a Seal of Commitment.
Presidents' Forum, International Convention, 2018
In 2019, the department focused on the theme of family and organized massive evangelism, church beautification, and Brigada sa Barangay. Crusades were organized by the Adult Crusaders Team (ACT) to support Reaching Regions Beyond. In addition, the department held mass weddings and renewals of vows in different areas.
ICAD THRIVING AMIDST PANDEMIC
The pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the world, and the ICAD was no exception. However, despite the challenges, the department continued to adapt and thrive.
In 2020, the department introduced the 4Ps Program, which stands for Pag-aayuno (fasting), Panalangin (prayer), Pang-Kalusugan (health), and Pag-Eebanghelismo (evangelism). This program aimed to encourage members to look after their spiritual, physical, and mental health amid the pandemic and to continue end-time mandate of evangelism using online platforms. Through this, ICAD had intensified its efforts to reach household beyond. Adult members were in the forefront of opening new “munting kawans” in their local churches.
The department also conducted church beautification and things-giving activities and organized a series of seminars on digital parenting, on building harmonious relationships among ministers and brethren, and on building legacy of 4th Watch faith to the next generations.
In 2021, the ICAD department launched several social media challenges that were both participated by adult members internationally.
For the first time, the department conducted live streaming through its official Facebook page and a series of seminars for the department were also held by the bishops of the church.
In 2022, the department organized several activities, including Couple’s Night, Pastoral and Family Night, and Appreciation to the church leaders. The department also launched “Kalinga Ng Adult” and “Kalinga sa Nagtalaga,” two programs aimed at providing support to ministers and their pastoral staff. The department also launched a special Christmas contest called Adult Carolers on Spotlight.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the ICAD department of the church continued to grow and flourish, thanks to the unwavering dedication and commitment of its members.
NEW ERA
October 2022 marks the start of a new era for the International Church Adult Department (ICAD). With a brand new set of officers appointed by the Apostolic Council, by the grace and mercy of God, ICAD is poised to take its service to the next level. And what makes this batch of officers unique is that they are serving during the golden year of the church, which means they have a special opportunity to make a significant impact.
Oath-taking of newly-appointed ICAD officers, International Convention, 2022
Despite being scattered across different locations (with seven officers coming from overseas and eight from different provinces outside the Greater Manila Area), the officers share a common vision: gold-standard of service for the church’s golden year.
This means that they are striving to provide excellent service to the adult members and to encourage excellence in others. That is why they have chosen the motto: ICAD Gold: Aiming for Apostolic Standard of Service.
To kick off the year, ICAD launched several exciting programs. One of them is the General Assembly for Area Representatives, Area Officers, and Local Presidents. This assembly provides an opportunity for the officers to come together, have fun and get to know the new set of officers and learn from the Word of God. It also serves as a platform for the area officers to receive updates and guidance from the ICAD officers for its 2023 and 2024 programs.
In celebration of the Family Connection Month last February 2023, ICAD launched a Marriage Webinar featuring Congresswoman Irene Khate Saulog as the resource speaker. This webinar aimed to help couples strengthen their relationship and deepen their understanding of the biblical principles of marriage. ICAD also introduced the National Family Date Challenge, which encourages families to spend quality time together and strengthen their bond.
Congresswoman Irene Khate Saulog speaking during Marriage Webinar, in celebration of Family Connection Month
In line with the increasing digital landscape, ICAD launched its first mobile site, providing members with easier access to ICAD’s resources and services. Additionally, ICAD also launched the Family Devotion Online Resource, which offers three family devotion messages per week that families can use during their family devotion. Plus, downloadable e-books containing family devotion sermon outlines.
To keep members informed about ICAD’s activities and initiatives, the new batch of officers maintained the production of ICAD Newsletter. But to make it available anytime and anywhere, ICAD introduced the first ever digital version of the newsletter.
The department also introduced ICADvantage, an exclusive rewards programs for ICAD members. Its primary objective is to recognize and reward adult members of the church who will show exceptional commitment and dedication to church programs.
In addition to these programs, ICAD is also focused on helping local departments with their financial needs. The department have already provided Portable PA Systems to five local churches to help them with their public evangelism.
To help members grow and become more fruitful church members, ICAD has created different Program Development Committees, each focused on a particular area of development. These committees include Evangelism and Discipleship, Leadership Development, Livelihood, Family Enrichment, Senior Citizen, Single Parent, and Wellness.
PAST PRESIDENTS AND ADVISERS
ICAD has been blessed with a long line of dedicated leaders. This includes both past and present presidents and advisers, who have been used by God to play a crucial role in ICAD’s growth and success.
PRESIDENTS
- Elder Rene Evangelista (1991-1993)
- Ptr. Ric Isidro (1993-1995)
- Elder Gil Bermudez (1995-1997)
- Elder Tony Del Rosario (1997-2005)
- Elder Cristy Tacbad (2005-2008)
- Elder Cielo De Leon (2008-2016)
- Elder Nelsie De Torres (2016-2022)
- Elder Leonardo Atlas Jr. (2022-present)
ADVISERS
- Ptr. Jimmy Rull (1991-1995)
- Ptr. Orly Ibarbia (1995-1999)
- Presbyter Criz Enriquez (1999-2008)
- Presbyter Lily Ferriol (2008-2015)
- Presbyter Jun Marbida (2015-2018)
- Presbyter Dante Abainza (2018-2022)
- Presbyter Jim Bigalbal and Ptr. Jim Colico (2022-present)
As the rich history of the International Church Adult Department is reflected upon, it is clear that its successes and accomplishments were made possible through the grace and guidance of God and His Apostle in the End-Time. The department humbly
acknowledges and gives thanks to the Lord for His provision, wisdom, and faithfulness throughout the years and for the vision and direction provided by the Goodman of the House.
Their ongoing efforts to serve and minister to adults around the world continue to be a testimony to His love and glory, and they pray that it will remain so for many years to come.