Dreaming kingdom dreams

 ICOC Philippines appoints Madz Vertudez as a new Women's Ministry Leader

By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan, ICOC Philippines

Becoming a women's ministry leader (WML) was just a dream that Marilyn "Madz" Vertudez held close to her heart as a young Christian. Several years later, her heart's desire unfolded before her very eyes. On July 30, 2023, she was appointed WML while her husband, Edwin, was raised as an evangelist during Metro Manila Christian Church's 34th anniversary service at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

ICOC Philippines Teacher Rolan Monje leads the appointment of Edwin and Marilyn “Madz” Vertudez as evangelist and women’s ministry leader.

The Appointment

Rowena "Weng" Monje, wife of ICOC Philippines Teacher Rolan Monje, lauded Madz for her wholehearted devotion to every role she has embraced since becoming a disciple. Reading the message she wrote in Madz's new Bible, Weng said, "Today is a very special day. We all hold you in the highest regard as we recognize you as Women's Ministry Leader in God's church, having been called by God to this incredible role of leading women to him."

"You have shown yourself devoted to loving the Lord and seeking him first," she said. "You are a caring daughter, loving wife, nurturing mom, a servant leader and a loyal friend."

Weng said that Madz responded to God's call of discipleship at a young age, leading to her eventual service as a full-time minister a few years later. She continued, "In all the years I've known you, you have always been one who gives generously and serves wholeheartedly. I love how your inner toughness and resilience show in your joyful spirit. All these stem from your deep love for God and his people."

Weng also called Madz higher, underscoring that the challenge of leading women to God in the country of the Philippines is not easy, but it is in the most challenging times that disciples grow in faith, humility, and conviction.

"Through the seasons, never ever compromise God's standards in your personal life and leadership. Always put Christ before you as an example to follow. I'm so proud of you. I'm so blessed to work closely with you and call you my best friend and partner in the gospel. Continue to inspire many women and soar high for God. I love you, and I'm so proud of you," Weng added.

Marilyn “Madz” Vertudez is overjoyed as she was appointed women’s ministry leader in ICOC Philippines.

The Dream

Madz, reflecting on her journey, marveled at how God had fulfilled her dream. She shared, "I am in awe because it's truly God who made my dream a reality."  She recalled how everything fell into place in God's perfect time.

Becoming a WML was her cherished aspiration. Madz said, "It was my dream. I guess it was every sister's dream during our time." She praised God for his grace, which had shone through her imperfections. Her appointment as a WML showed her evidence of God's love and faithfulness to those who are undeserving. "I have many failures as a leader, mom, and wife, but he still saw my dream and answered it," the doting mother of Uno, 12, and Uni, nine, said.

The Journey

Madz studied the Bible and got baptized on March 26, 1995, when she was only 16 years old, which did not sit well with her parents, who persecuted her and cut her allowance. Undaunted, she became a working student to support her education at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and remained faithful to her discipleship.

Juggling work, studies, and leading the campus ministry, she persisted until graduation. A full-time ministry offer as a sector leader came her way even before she received her college diploma, with Edwin as her co-leader. But, as life's unpredictable script goes, her path was not without hardships. 

In 2003, at the peak of a worldwide movement crisis in our family of churches, she faced retrenchment from full-time ministry— she was let go and lost her job. This was a heartbreaking moment that shook her world. "I was hurt. I didn't know where to start again because that's all I wanted to do, serve full-time," she shared. Undeterred, Madz continued her service in the singles ministry as a non-full-time disciple. Her dream may have faded, but her love for God and his kingdom endured. "Nawala yung dream ko pero di nawala pagmamahal ko kay God at sa kingdom nya” -- (I lost my dream but my love for God and his kingdom remained), she said.

Madz and Edwin tied the knot in 2007.  Three years later, they began to serve as sector leaders of Mandaluyong in a non-full-time capacity, which they did for eight years, leading over 200 disciples while managing their construction and preschool businesses.

Edwin entered full-time ministry in 2017, and in 2019, Madz followed suit. The couple also leads the congregational children's ministry while they continue to serve in ICOC Mandaluyong, which recently sent off a mission team to build ICOC San Juan.

The Woman

Madz, despite her newfound title, remains an ordinary woman, deeply reliant on the Lord.

"I start my day with God, kneeling early in the morning and asking for wisdom and guidance. I want to make sure I am present as much as possible," she said. When facing her husband, she is a wife. When she's with her kids, she is a mom. And when she's with disciples, she is a friend, a leader.

While the road ahead may be long, Madz is committed to cherishing her children's youth without neglecting her husband. She aspires to serve as a conduit for women to deepen their connection with God.

In moments of difficulty, she turns to her favorite Scripture, 2 Corinthians 5:14: "For Christ's love compels us..." She affirms, "The love of Christ drives me, motivates me, and guides me—a force that propels me to make righteous choices amid life's challenges." 

Madz's dreams for God's church know no bounds. She envisions becoming a missionary and an elder's wife once their children reach adulthood. Her advice to women aspiring to serve in ministry is simple yet profound: "Go with the strength you have. You will never know what God is preparing for you unless you surrender everything to God. Challenges will never be absent, but God will surely provide a way out. Take a leap of faith."

Acknowledging the inherent stress in full-time ministry, she emphasizes the importance of sharing one's thoughts and feelings with a support group. Family time spent in prayer, laughter, and solitude with her husband significantly improves her balance and well-being.

So, what does a typical day look like for Madz? 

• Rises at 4 a.m. to commune with God 
• Prepares her son for school
• Shares breakfast with her husband and daughter 
• Mentors sisters 
• Oversees daughter's homeschooling 
• Engages in Bible study 
• Enjoys family dinners
• Dedicates discipling times with church leaders.

Madz Vertudez is a woman who passionately lives the life she loves while nurturing her ongoing pursuit of God's dreams.