About us
What began in 2017 as an act of obedience has become a mission that returns every year — to reach the lost, serve those in need, strengthen the Church, and equip believers to fulfill the Great Commission.
Our story
Pastors Rommel and Cecille Melgarejo and their two children migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 2006. Coming from a developing nation, they had personally witnessed the deep spiritual and physical needs of people living in some of the most impoverished communities in their hometown and throughout the Philippines.
They knew there was a great need to evangelize, to share the Word of God, and to demonstrate His love and compassion to those who were hurting and in need.
For nearly a decade, Pastors Rommel and Cecille faithfully served and oversaw their local church's outreach ministries, ministering to children and adults and providing food assistance to families in need. They faithfully stewarded what God had entrusted to them, continually seeking His will and purpose for the ministry.
During one of their outreach activities, as Pastor Rommel continued seeking God for direction concerning the local outreach, God placed a greater vision in his heart and gave him a dream—to go beyond their local community and participate in international missions.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”Mark 16:15 (NIV)
In September 2017, using their own resources and funds, Pastors Rommel and Cecille launched Love and Compassion Mission Outreaches, which has since become known as Love and Compassion International Ministries (LCIM).
As the ministry began, God continued to give them specific instructions and dreams. One of those was to take a young missionary and evangelist, Ryan Mabe, who was also a dear friend of the family, as their very first missionary.
That vision became a reality.
Together, they conducted a week of evangelistic outreaches in some of the most underserved areas of the community. The ministry included evangelistic services, Sunday worship services, youth gatherings, prayer, and practical assistance to families in need.
During that first mission outreach
- More than 1,200 people gave their lives to Jesus and received prayer and ministry.
- More than 1,500 households received bags of rice and groceries.
- People experienced prayer, healing, signs, wonders, and miracles.
- The host church was equipped and trained to reach beyond its walls and serve in the mission field.
- New church satellites were birthed as a result of the outreach.
What began as an act of obedience became a growing mission.
Since then, Love and Compassion International Ministries has continued to conduct outreach missions every year, whether on a small or large scale. LCIM now partners with churches, ministries, and organizations in the United States and other nations to reach communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to demonstrate His love through practical acts of compassion.
Our heart
At the heart of Love and Compassion International Ministries is Jesus.
Our desire is to express His love and compassion to people who do not yet know Him—to reach the lost, serve those in need, strengthen the Church, and equip believers to fulfill the Great Commission.
We believe that when we serve others with love and compassion, Jesus is made known through our lives and our works.
Love and Compassion International Ministries is committed to being Jesus' hands and feet here on earth—bringing the Gospel, hope, prayer, practical help, and the love of Christ to communities around the world.
What we believe
We believe in the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe in one true God, the supreme authority over all creation and the entire universe.
We believe in Jesus Christ, the begotten Son of God, who came to earth to save us from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us as our Helper, Guide, and Comforter.
We believe that, as the Body of Christ, we are called to reach out to those who do not yet know Jesus Christ and share with them the hope we have in Him. We desire to show others that God loves them deeply. Because God has blessed us, we believe we are called to extend His love, compassion, and blessings to others.
Our leadership
Love and Compassion International Ministries was founded in 2017 by Pastor Rommel, Vice President and Lead Minister, and his wife, Cecille, President and Minister.
Pastor Rommel and Cecille moved to the United States in 2006. Before founding the ministry, they served as outreach overseers at their local church in Salinas, California, for nearly a decade. What began as a children's ministry serving approximately 10 children grew to reach hundreds of children and eventually expanded to include their parents, leading to the development of an adult ministry. Each weekend, the ministry shares the Gospel and distributes food to families in need.
Pastor Rommel earned a bachelor's degree in Laboratory Science before entering pastoral ministry. He later completed his pastoral studies at Global University's Berean School of the Bible. Ms. Cecille completed a two-year online correspondence program at Rhema Bible College.
Serving alongside them are the ministry's officers, Board Members, and advisors:
- Debbie Van Schuyver Secretary
- Carol Rivera Treasurer
- Mike Van Schuyver Board Member
- Louie Rivera Board Member
- Pastor Ryan Mabe Advisor to the Board
- Ms. Carla Mabe Advisor to the Board
Our leadership team shares a common commitment to the Word of God and to serving others with faith, love, compassion, and integrity. Together, they have served the local community through outreach ministry both locally and internationally and remain committed to reaching people with the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
Get in touch
We would love to hear from you and connect with you.