The JIL Love Story

The book "The JIL Love Story", is a powerful and deeply personal narrative chronicling the life
transformation of Eddie Villanueva, from a radical atheist and communist activist to the founder
of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, one of the largest Christian movements in the
Philippines.

The book is written by Michael Wourms, with foreword from Dr. Ralph Mahoney.

Michael Wourms

• Role: Author of The JIL Love Story.

• He wrote the book as a tribute to the life and ministry of Bro. Eddie Villanueva and the
growth of the Jesus Is Lord Church.

• The book was published by Christian Services Publishing in El Cajon, California, in 1992.

• Michael dedicated the book to his wife, Karen, acknowledging her support during the writing
process.

Dr. Ralph Mahoney

• Role: Wrote the Foreword to The JIL Love Story.

• He was the founder of World MAP (Missionary Assistance Plan), a global ministry
established in 1961 with his wife, Rose Mahoney.

• World MAP is known for training indigenous church leaders in over 140 nations, especially
through its flagship resource, The Shepherd’s Staff, a comprehensive pastoral training
manual.

• Dr. Mahoney was a key figure in the Charismatic Renewal movement and helped equip
thousands of pastors and missionaries worldwide.
Here are the key themes and highlights from the book:

1. Eddie Villanueva’s Radical Transformation

• Once a militant activist and atheist, Eddie led protests and labor strikes against corruption
and exploitation.

• His conversion to Christianity was sparked by a personal crisis and the persistent prayers
and letters of his sister, Leni, a devout Christian.

• A miraculous healing of his father and a legal victory in a land dispute after prayer convinced
him of God’s power.

2. Founding of the Jesus Is Lord Church

• What began as a small Bible study at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines grew
into a global ministry reaching 51 nations.

• The JIL Church emphasizes faith, healing, evangelism, and national transformation.

• Eddie’s teaching style combined biblical truth with social justice, appealing to students,
workers, and the marginalized.

3. Trials, Persecution, and Miracles

• Eddie survived multiple assassination attempts, including a grenade attack on his home.

• His military bodyguard, who became a Christian through Eddie’s influence, was later killed
by communist rebels.

• Despite threats, Eddie continued preaching, supported by a growing community and divine
protection.

4. Vision for National Revival

• Eddie launched the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) to unite churches and promote
national repentance.

• He boldly challenged idolatry, gambling, and corruption, calling for the Philippines to be
dedicated to Jesus Christ.

• His prophetic leadership was affirmed by international Christian leaders like Dr. Ralph
Mahoney and George Otis.
5. The Dream of a Worship Center

• Eddie envisioned converting a Manila racetrack, once a gambling hub, into a national
worship center.

• Despite financial and political obstacles, the JIL community rallied in faith, offering
sacrificial gifts to support the vision.

6. JIL Church Today

• The JIL Church is a global movement with a strong emphasis on:

o Worship

o Healing

o Evangelism

o Prayer

o Social transformation

• It operates schools, media ministries, and compassion programs, and is committed to

Core Values and Beliefs

• The book concludes with the JIL Church’s Declaration of Faith, Core Values, and Ministry
Principles, emphasizing:

o Passionate love for God

o Integrity

o Faithfulness

o Excellence

o Nation-building through godly leadership

The book is not just a biography—it’s a testimony of faith, courage, and divine calling. It invites
readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and challenges them to live boldly for Christ.

Here’s a chapter-by-chapter highlight summary of The JIL Love Story, which chronicles the
transformation of Eddie Villanueva from a radical activist to the founder of the Jesus Is Lord
Church Worldwide (JIL):

Foreword & Introduction

• Introduces Eddie Villanueva as a man of destiny and spiritual influence.

• Highlights his transformation from atheism and activism to Christian leadership.

• Sets the tone for a story of divine calling and national impact.

Here are the key highlights from Chapter One: Ten Seconds in Tokyo of The JIL Love Story:

Key Date

• 1930: Joaquin Villanueva competes in the Far Eastern Championship Games in Tokyo,
representing the Philippines in the 100-meter sprint.

Key Events

• Joaquin, Eddie Villanueva’s father, is portrayed as a disciplined athlete and patriotic Filipino.

• He competes with passion and pride for his country, despite physical disadvantages.

• After the race, he is honored by his province and later serves in World War II, earning
multiple medals.

• His legacy of sacrifice and integrity deeply influences Eddie.

• In 1975, Joaquin suffers a stroke while running in a marathon at age 75.

• Eddie, newly born-again, prays for his father’s healing, referencing 2 Kings 20:5-6 about
King Hezekiah.

• Joaquin miraculously recovers, affirming Eddie’s faith and spiritual transformation.

“Lord, I have not yet had the opportunity to show my parents how much I love and care for them…
Please, Lord, heal him.”

— Eddie Villanueva, praying for his father’s healing

Chapter 2: Communist Conflicts, Lucrative Propositions

Date: Early 1970s

Events:

• Eddie Villanueva is deeply involved in radical activism.

• He rejects bribes from corrupt businessmen, showing early signs of integrity.

Quote:

“My efforts are not for money or for bribes… they are for simple justice.”

Chapter 3: The Rally

Date: Mid-1970s

Events:

• Eddie leads a massive political rally against capitalist exploitation.

• Dory, his wife, fears for his safety amid threats of violence.

Quote:

“Even if they are able to kill me… the National Democratic Revolution will live on!”
Chapter 4: Greed Kills

Date: Late 1970s

Events:

• Eddie witnesses a man denied emergency care due to lack of funds.

• Leads a protest that changes hospital policies.

Quote:

“You are the murderers… you killed those two bleeding people because of your greedy love of
money.”

Chapter 5: Leni, Letters, and Land

Date: 1972–1978

Events:

• Leni, Eddie’s sister, writes letters urging him to accept Christ.

• Her husband Bert dies, inspiring Leni’s full-time ministry.

Quote:

“You have tried everything else, now try accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.”

Chapter 6: A Day of Destiny

Date: May 16, 1973

Events:

• Eddie prays for a sign from God regarding a land dispute.

• Five days later, corrupt officials are arrested—his prayer is answered.

Quote:

“Lord, I do want to receive You as my Lord and Savior… If You really are alive, prove it to me.”
Chapter 7: From Blacklisted to Bible Studies

Date: 1978

Events:

• Eddie returns to teaching at PUP after being blacklisted.

• Begins Bible studies during character education time.

• Students like Ressie and Dino are converted and become leaders.

Quote:

“I am now a new Eddie. I am born again.”

Chapter 8: September Pentecost

Date: September 9, 1978

Events:

• Bible study group officially becomes Jesus Is Lord Fellowship.

• Students experience the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues.

Quote:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” — John 12:32

Chapter 9: Earthly Explosion, Heavenly Protection

Date: June 17, 1983

Events:

• A grenade is thrown at Eddie’s home after a JIL service.

• Miraculously, no one is harmed.

Quote:

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17
Chapter 10: The Church Without a Roof

Date: 1981–1986

Events:

• JIL holds massive open-air services at Araullo High School.

• Despite persecution, the ministry grows to 20,000+ attendees.

Quote:

“We are still squatters in the high school quadrangle.”

Chapter 11: The Rebellion

Date: August 1986

Events:

• Internal rebellion by some JIL leaders demanding salaries and power.

• Eddie responds with humility and scriptural authority.

Quote:

“If I did not care for you, so what? Who are you to me? But I have learned to love you.”

Chapter 12: A Prophetic Day of Philippine Destiny

Date: November 9, 1986

Events:

• Dr. Ralph Mahoney prophesies over Eddie Villanueva during a JIL service.

• Declares Eddie a prophetic voice for the Philippines.

Quote:

“I have appointed you a prophet in this nation… I will put My words in your mouth and you will be
My voice.”
Chapter 13: Pastor of the Year – Worldwide!

Date: 1988

Events:

• George Otis names Eddie Villanueva “Pastor of the Year” on international radio.

• Highlights Eddie’s transformation and JIL’s explosive growth.

Quote:

“I believe the greatest revolution occurring on the earth is a Jesus revolution burning ever higher in
the Philippines.”

Chapter 14: The Philippines for Jesus Movement

Date: Vision received in 1983; PJM founded December 3, 1988

Events:

• Eddie receives a vision of civil war and is called to unite the Body of Christ.

• Launches PJM to evangelize and spiritually reform the nation.

Quote:

“If I don’t preach God’s Word, those things will come to pass.”

Chapter 15: Palawan – Puerto Princesa

Date: March 3, 1990

Events:

• JIL celebrates its second anniversary in Palawan.

• Eddie encourages believers to remain faithful and expect miracles.

Quote:

“Whatever we do for God, there is a cost. I’m so thankful the JIL people of Palawan are willing to
pay the price.”
Chapter 16: A Gambling Center Converted to a Worship Center?

Date: Vision in 1983; Rally in Los Angeles on October 26, 1991

Events:

• Eddie receives a vision to convert Manila’s oldest racetrack into a worship center.

• JIL offers 777 million pesos to purchase the land.

Quote:

“Lord, would You just fulfill our desire to lift You up and glorify You, to offer You the highest praise
through this racetrack transformed to Your worship center?”

My Journey in JIL Oman: A Reflection

When I first joined the Jesus Is Lord Church Oman chapter in 2017, I didn’t fully grasp the depth
of the movement I was stepping into. I came seeking community, maybe a deeper sense of
purpose—but what I found was a calling.

Reading The JIL Love Story opened my eyes to the incredible journey of Bro. Eddie Villanueva,
whose transformation from a radical activist to a servant of Christ reminded me that no one is too
far from God’s reach. His story stirred something in me—a realization that faith isn’t just personal;
it’s revolutionary.

As a member of the multimedia ministry, I’ve come to see our role as more than technical support.
We are storytellers. We capture moments of worship, document testimonies, and help broadcast
the message of hope to those who may never step into a church. Every frame we shoot, every slide
we prepare, every livestream we manage—it’s all part of a divine mission.

There were times I felt unseen, working behind the scenes. But Eddie’s story reminded me that God
sees everything done in faith. The sacrifices, the late nights, the quiet prayers before a big event—
they matter. And they build the Kingdom.

What inspires me most is JIL’s unwavering commitment to national transformation. Even here in
Oman, far from the Philippines, I feel part of that vision. We are ambassadors of Christ in a foreign
land, and through our ministry, we bring light to workplaces, homes, and hearts.

I’ve grown not just in skill, but in spirit. I’ve learned that excellence in ministry isn’t about
perfection—it’s about passion, integrity, and faithfulness. And I carry those values with me every
time I serve.

Looking ahead, I pray to be more than a media volunteer. I want to be a vessel—used by God to
inspire, to uplift, and to proclaim His love through every pixel and post. Because in JIL, we don’t just
tell stories. We live them.