Our History
Lion's Heart Christian Ministries (LHCM), Inc. was born out of its pioneers' desire to serve God and pursue righteousness without sinful compromise. Prompted by a vision to raise aggressive believers who will obey God and to establish a missionary church and center of biblical learning, LHCM was founded in January of 1996 in Chicago, Illinois. Without a building of its own, the group initially met at a banquet hall on Friday nights and in an auditorium at Rizal Center on Sundays.
The beginning was not at all downhill for Lion's Heart. Among the obstacles it encountered include financial concerns, membership issues, as well as discouragements, and criticisms being hurled against the newly founded church. However, by the grace of God, the resolve of its leaders and members braved each battle with faith, persistence, and determination as if keeping up to its namesake of having a heart like that of a lion. "It was through those difficult situations that our resolve was truly tested, but quitting was never an option," recalls Rev. Jose P. Nacionales, Founding and Senior Pastor of LHCM.
Within one year of constant perseverance, the Lord led Lion's Heart to the leasing of a commercial space along Peterson Avenue in the winter of 1997. The facility provided a place for the new church to nurture its increasing members and the development of its core ministries. Soon enough, the first mission's team successfully paved way to ministering to communities in the Philippines. Together with its commitment to grow and increase in the knowledge of God's word, LHCM has continuously sought to reach out and expand beyond familiar borders.
In only a matter of time, Lion's Heart outgrew the leased facility. This led to the acquisition and move to a Central Avenue building in the summer of 1998. Through the faithfulness of God and the commitment its congregants and their leaders, LHCM membership grew and ministries were developed. In particular, outreaches, family camp, clothing and canned good drives, mission trips, and offering of an in-house Bible School courses became regular fixtures in the church's annual calendar. Lion's Heart likewise began to help establishing churches and supporting pastors here and abroad.
In September 2004, Lion's Heart celebrated its advance to its current home at 5821 North Nagle Avenue. With a bigger building and a plan to expand its property, Lion's Heart continued to keep its commitment to equipping its congregants for ministry through the launching of the Great Commission Bible School. Its goods distribution efforts expanded to include participation in disaster relief operations; sending of medicines and medical supplies to hospitals; as well as donating books and educational materials to schools in the Philippines. Further, its mission trips included the conduct of healing retreats and leadership seminars for pastors and church leaders; conduct of notebook evangelism in schools; as well as the holding of evangelistic concerts together with a missions partner.
In November 2011, LHCM further expanded its mission efforts in the Philippines through the conduct of TransformNation Seminars for Pastors and Church Leaders; Youth Leadership Seminars; Children's Ministry Teachers Training; Vacation Bible School Outreaches; and Medical and Dental Missions in various cities in the Philippines. This is coupled with distributing books and gently used clothing for Pastors and Church Leaders Seminar participants and as well as their families. Lion's Heart likewise began to help in the rebuilding efforts of disaster stricken areas. Through almost two wonderful decades of God's faithfulness the journey for Lion's Heart continues with visions and prayers to pursue greater things for the glory of God.