El Shaddai

During her presidency, Ms. Arroyo has relied heavily on support from Catholic bishops and has courted groups such as El Shaddai, including attending the formal opening of the new prayer house last August.

Preacher Power 2010

With an indecipherable plot based on the biblical Book of Enoch and continually changing, often psychedelic graphics, El Shaddai looks like no other game, even if playing it feels a bit more familiar.

This week's new games 2011

Like some other congregations, El Shaddai strongly encourages followers to tithe, or contribute 10% of their income.

Preacher Power 2010

A crowd at El Shaddai sings, prays and listens to "Brother Mike" during a Saturday rally.

Preacher Power 2010

While El Shaddai could be a long-term threat to the mainstream Catholic church in the Philippines, the movement for now shelters under the Vatican's umbrella, including holding prayer meetings in Catholic church premises across the Philippines.

Preacher Power 2010

In his new book "With El Shaddai Miracles Are Forever," Mr. Velarde reprints a letter from an El Shaddai "sister."

Preacher Power 2010

They mark the new home of El Shaddai, part of a broader Christian evangelist movement that's sweeping this predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

Preacher Power 2010

A bill that would provide free contraception and sex education to poor Filipinos has been stalled in the Philippine Congress since 2008 because of opposition from both the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian groups, including El Shaddai.

Preacher Power 2010

The ascent of popular Catholic groups like El Shaddai, along with scores of breakaway Protestant ones, is shaping aspects of Philippine life from making babies to making movies.

Preacher Power 2010

Mr. Velarde founded El Shaddai, a charismatic movement, in 1984.

Preacher Power 2010