In the early 1990s, members of the Filipino Christian Center (FCC) gathered to worship every Sunday in Ft. Washington, Maryland. Originally as an outreach ministry of the National Church of God, FCC primarily served the DC area’s immigrant Filipino population. FCC’s pastor, Mariano Gabor, had also recently moved to Maryland from the Philippines. The church gradually grew and formed different care groups. One of those groups met every Friday in Lanham, Maryland.
By God’s grace, the Lanham care group and the church attracted new members. As people from more distant places started to join, the need for a new church plant became apparent. In February of 2002, the care group established Laurel Filipino Church of God (LFCOG) with Pastor Gabor as its senior pastor. The care group’s leader, Manuel Halaghay, became the assistant pastor of the new church. Initially meeting in the Quality Inn along Route 1, LFCOG would later move to different buildings before moving to their current location on Route 197.
Since 2002, there have been many changes to the church. Many of its founding members, including Pastor Manny, moved out of state. New people came to make LFCOG their home church. In 2009, members voted to change the name to Life Giving Church of God (LGCOG). In the same year, Laureine Novas joined as an Assistant Pastor. In 2012, Pastor Neil Malakas joined as Assistant Pastor. Despite these changes, the church has remained active in the community and continued to serve its members by doing outreach and sponsoring events. God has been good!
In August 2018, Rev. Neil Malakas was appointed as Senior/Lead Pastor of LGCOG by State Overseer/ Administrative Bishop – Dr. Darrell Rice.
LGCOG continues to serve the spiritual needs of its members through discipleship, and fellowship. By God’s grace, Life Giving Church of God will continue to grow and reach more people for His glory.