30 Years of God’s Faithfulness

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1993 – The Beginning

• A small group of Filipino parishioners from the Legion of Mary Apostolate forms a weekly gathering at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Abu Dhabi.

• The group is called BibliaRaSal (Bible–Study–Prayer).

• Led by Sister Gloria Santos, the group focuses on Scripture, prayer, and pastoral care for OFWs.

• Regular outreach begins at the Philippine Embassy to support distressed migrant workers.

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1994 – Growth and Formation

• Attendance increases, prompting deeper study of the Word of God.

• Speakers from other church communities are invited.

• The group undergoes Little Rock Bible Study formation under parish guidance.

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1995 – Birth of the El Shaddai Gawain

• Inspired by the Holy Spirit, key members envision introducing the El Shaddai Fellowship spirituality to the group.

• The El Shaddai Gawain is formally conducted inside the church.

• The community adopts the El Shaddai worship format and gains a clearer identity.

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1996 – First Anniversary & Foundation Era

• The Gawain celebrates its 1st Anniversary on August 9, 1996, held at the church’s Big Hall.

• The community receives affirmation and encouragement from parish leadership.

• This year marks the Foundation Era of El Shaddai Abu Dhabi.

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1997–1999 – Strengthening the Community

• The Gawain format gradually aligns more closely with El Shaddai DWXI–PPFI practices.

• Leadership formation continues as membership grows.

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2001–2006 – Years of Division (Era of Separation)

• Internal differences lead to the community being divided into two groups.

• Despite separation, both groups continue serving God with a shared desire for unity.

• These years become the most challenging period in the Gawain’s history.

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2006 – Renewal, Restoration, and Unity

• Through prayer, dialogue, and humility, the divided groups are reunited.

• The community fully submits to the El Shaddai DWXI–PPFI guidelines and by-laws.

• This marks the beginning of the Era of Renewal, Restoration, and Transformation.

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2006–2007 – Official Recognition

• The Gawain receives recognition and accreditation from Manila.

• Ministries are strengthened, and proper structure is firmly established.

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January 2, 2013 – Declared as a Chapter

• El Shaddai Abu Dhabi is officially declared a Chapter.

• It becomes one of the first El Shaddai Chapters outside the Philippines.

• This milestone fulfills the long-standing vision that began with BibliaRaSal.

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2013–2017 – Formation and Expansion

• The Chapter experiences steady spiritual and organizational growth.

• Ministries flourish, including:

  • Intercessory Ministry

  • Membership Ministry

  • Music Ministry

  • Service Ministry

• Regular preachers help deepen faith and spiritual maturity across the Emirates.

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2017 – Youth and Digital Transformation

• The Chapter welcomes its first Youth Disciple Preacher.

• Youth involvement is strengthened.

• Technology and social media are maximized for evangelization.

• Cell groups and chapters are unified under El Shaddai DWXI–PPFI UAE Chapter.

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November 2018 – One UAE Chapter

• The El Shaddai DWXI–PPFI UAE Chapter is established.

• A UAE Council of Elders is formed.

• El Shaddai Abu Dhabi continues its mission under renewed leadership and pastoral care.

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2019–2022 – Faith Through Challenges

• The community remains united amid global challenges and uncertainties.

• Worship, formation, and evangelization continue despite physical limitations.

• Faith, love, and unity remain strong.

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2024 – 30th Thanksgiving Anniversary

• El Shaddai Abu Dhabi celebrates 30 years of God’s faithfulness.

• From a small Bible study group to a fully established Chapter, the journey stands as a testimony of God’s promises fulfilled.

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Today – Moving Forward in Faith

• The community continues to serve Yahweh El Shaddai with humility and devotion.

• United as One Faith, One Body, One Spirit, El Shaddai Abu Dhabi moves forward—renewed, restored, and ready to proclaim God’s Word.