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VOL.1 ISSUE 1 2ND QUARTER 2020 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH METRO MANILA BAPTIST CHURCHES ASSOCIATION (SOMMABCA) See full story on p.8 THIS ISSUE Member of indigenous village THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT embraces Christian faith SOMMABCA PREDICTS A man from a tribal animistic village in Pala- The village is one of the few communities GLOBAL MISSIONARY WORKS wan, abandoned the traditions he grew up with and in Palawan that have so far resisted Western MISSION UPDATES gave his life to Christ despite great persecution influence. For long years, it has kept its traditions CLUSTER UPDATES from other tribal members. intact, and tribal members like Reynaldo who THE 10-POINT PROGRAM Reynaldo said he had followed the animistic deviate from animistic practices were met with QRT FIGHTS CALAMITY rituals for years but did not really understand why hostility. Yet it did not stop him from pursuing his SOMMABCA VS CORONA he did them. new life in Christ. BAPTIST REAL MEN “In many cases I didn’t even know why I was “I’ve decided to follow the Lord whatever the WMU GOES VIRTUAL doing the animist rituals, except ‘to not anger the cost,” he said. ANNOUNCEMENTS spirits,’ and a life full of doing that never fulfilled SPECIAL FEATURES me,” he said. ABLAZE NEWSLETTER STAFF Publisher Predicting the future of global South Metro Manila Baptist Christian missionary work Association (SOMMABCA) Content Editor Today, SOMMABCA churches actively promote mis- Ptr. Jun Bragais sionary work. Mission Conference is being held frequent- Ptr. Cesar Torrigoza ly attended by numbers of pastors and church leaders. Contributor Through pastors’ preaching and overseas missionaries’ sharing, these really encourage many leaders’ enthusiasm Glimore Santos | RolyvenUnay about missionary work. Churches also invite missionary societies or mis- sionaries to share on stage their mission experiences. Their spiritual life and the heart for missionary work are both being established as they prepare themselves to become missionaries. Amidst all this strife from Covid-19, the work of God continues. SOMMABCA churches is committed to continuing to spread the good news of Christ through this trying time. Many of them are finding creative ways to serve their communities. Even while working from home, Mission Networks are spreading God’s love through technology.

PresidentFROM THE There’s no hindrance to preach the Gospel THE doors of our church remain closed, but we have adapted to our online and Sunday morning church services. Many are thankful that we have started Communion again. I am grate- ful that we have a way to worship together. Rev. Cesar Torrigoza, eruption, the medical mission Batangas and La Also other humanitarian activities we con- SOMMABCA Chairman Union, The Youth Camp and Evangelism, Lo- ducted like the “Mask for Every Juan” donation cal Seminars, Awareness Campaign (Talk Ne- of 25 thousand peso project during the early Greetings to my SOMMABCA brothers neng Live Show), October Praise, The WMU stage of Covid 19. This was initiated by the and sisters in Christ! Prayer Retreats, and the Men’s Bible Studies SOMMABCA WMU in partnership with the and Sports Fest, these are just some of our Philippine Medical Ambassadors. We also had I am finding it hard to turn on the news accomplishments before the rise of Covid-19. the distribution of relief good/foods, medicines, these days with redundant news on COVID-19 and giving cash assistance to church members’ daily, the never ending corruption all over the With the enemy’s desire to paralyze Pastors. Even up to this very moment SOM- land and the earliest election preparation cam- us from doing the will of God through this MABCA is still at its work and it shows that paigns. The good news is that SOMMABCA pandemic, God did not keep SOMMABCA in even the gates of hell cannot prevail against His COVID-19 positive numbers are under 4%. silence. God actually demonstrates His love church. and power using the technology as the ma- The Board meets every now and then SOMMABCA churches are renowned for via Zoom. Topics of discussions focus on “I preached our intense piety and devotion to the Almighty, our program and activity updates, how as never sure an attribute sustained by the vibrancy of our the churches are running during this time. to preach again, many churches in the body. I thank you for As each congregation moves forward, we keeping your faith strong, as it fuels our resolve have to adapt to what we know and the and as a to become more responsible, caring, and con- unknown. I appreciate your faithfulness dying man scientious members not only of this association during these times of inevitable change. to dying men.” but of our society. With prayer, patience, grace, unity, and God, we can get through this. jor platform for evangelism. SOMMABCA I sincerely hope and pray that this asso- were able to conduct numerous activities like ciation will be instrumental in making your During all this, I do find strength in the “Tuesday Night With SOMMABCA” a live mission grow and flourish in this time of our Scriptures reading from 2 Timothy 4:2 which streaming channel via FB, “Explore Mission” revitalization. says “Preach the word; be prepared in season an on-line class in partnership with OSB (One and out of season; correct, rebuke and encour- Sending Body), Free “English Proficiency” Our leadership counts on your active age--with great patience and careful instruc- class on-line, and we even managed to conduct involvement in fueling our ongoing renaissance tion”. an on-line tribute and necrological services to and in realizing our potential. Let Christ’s mer- the bereaved families of our co-workers who cy and compassion guide all of our actions, that This means that we need to take life went home to our creator. we may secure a better, more fruitful, and more seriously. One day we will stand before the inclusive helping body for our co-workers for living God to give an account of our life. the glory of God. Preaching the Word is really important that’s why we never stop asking God to lead us the I pray for God’s continued guidance and way to reach out through our programs. blessings upon each of you. Our “10-Point Program” which aims to From The President, topnotch priority needs of all church members to sustain its operations in season or even out of season. Through this, even though we are in the midst calamity, we were able to respond accordingly. Giving aide to the victims of Taal Volcano 2ND QUARTER 2020 2

PresidentFROM THE SOMMABCA 10-Point Program serves as the systematic platform consists of ten specific areas of deliberation that is used as the domain service upon which SOMMABCA plans and programs are developed and eventually imple- mented. This program constitutes the basic foundation upon which any activities or decisions made are supported and/or developed. Kids Outreach Program (Agoo Launion).We do not develop habits of genuine love automatically. We learn by watching effective role models – most specifically by observing how we express love day in and day out. House-To-House Evangelism. It is our responsibility to get God’s Word to their ears. Medical Mission. The truth is that if only a greagter number of Christians would care for a single sick person, there would not be any list of sick people left. 3 2ND QUARTER 2020

Mission UPDATES The call to mission SOMMABCA believes that the key to our globally oriented leaders and partners our frontline link between the church and transforming lives for Jesus is through the who are multiplying disciples and meeting the villages/communities of the country and context of the relationships we build in our spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of eventually the world. They are expanding the localities by doing mission. Through equip- our brothers and sisters anywhere around the Kingdom through church planting, Christian ping the saints, we are able to show the love nation through various community devel- education, Evangelism, Outreach, Medical and compassion of Jesus to a broken and opment initiatives as church planting, care, and Practical Training Programs. hurting community. sponsorship, pastor training / equipping, business development, education, and more. For we are God’s handiwork, created in It is our prayer that the vision of SOM- Christ Jesus to do good works, which God MABCA will give impact not only locally Serving as extensions of SOMMABCA, prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians but also to the world through the efforts of our initial fourteen (14) mission points are 2:10). Mission team head- ed by SOMMABCA Mission Department Head Pastor Joe Regacho pioneers a local church plant- ed in one village in Bohol gives impact to their community in a very positive ways. This mission team’s passion is to grow closer to his neighbors and make a difference. Plans for future church plants GLOBAL based in Bahrain about the possibility of plant- new churches. Please continue to pray for our ing a church there with us as a major partner. missionaries and pastors. SOMMABCA is trying to plant a new Bro. Jun Taccad finished his Masters degree last church outside the Philippines. Key leaders are year and is willing to give his full support in the Mission team occular inpection of the in conversation about two possible target areas next steps of SOMMABCA plans of putting a place possible for mission work. as we work with local leadership in both Thai- church in the dessert land. Please be in prayer land and the Middle East. as we consider these and other opportunities to partner for church planting around the world. In Thailand we are considering further- ing our partnership with the Rev. Roland LOCAL Garcia and his family who have ministered faithfully for decades in Bankok though Our desire to plant of at least four local education. Currently, Rev. Garcia is run- churches anywhere in the Philippines within ning a pre-school and elementary grade and five years is now on process. Having just sent planning to launch a church plant fall 2020 out in Siargao and in Bicol, we are now ready to reach inner villages in Bankok. We have for the next church to be launched in La Union initial plans of sending teams there, unfortu- this 2020. Currently, we are just waiting for this nately, due to travel restrictions because of Coid-19 to be over and everything are all in po- Covid-19 the visiting schedules has moved. sition to go for mission works. In the Middle East we are talking with God has greatly blessed our efforts to plant Bro. Jun Taccad, a long-term Brother in Christ 2ND QUARTER 2020 4

Mission UPDATES Siargao: A paradise SOMMABCA island for mission marches toward North territories Having launched another new church in Siargao, Mindanao, SOMMABCA has Agoo La Union Mission Point which was launched early this year, is being bless- been blessed with the additional of a new ed by God! Pastor Joe Ricacho and the pastoral worker, under the leadership of newly commissioned Pastor Jehiel ex- Pastor Mecsis Cariaga, who brings his pressed their excitement by the positive response of people towards the Gospel. background as a native Siargaonon. Reg- Families involved are serving in some ular bible studies and meetings, is inten- ministry capacity. We have had several effective outreach events and programs tionally reaching out to those from various and continue to see their acceptance of backgrounds and showing them the way the good news of salvation Jesus offers to Christ. A regular worship service now in the life of our missionaries. on-going held at their newly constructed worship hall through the help of SOM- The gateway MABCA, which was initially initiated by Cluster Mark and in partnership with the The Matnog Sorsogon Church launched this early January as a leaders and Pastors. God is indeed Great. daughter church for Gift of Life Chris- tian Church. With about 8 families in 5 Sunday worship each week Pastor Bragais has been very encouraged by the number of new believers in Christ who are being reached by this new work. Pray for the mission- ary mission team from Gift Of Life Christian Church that regularly visits the place to help them further develop their worship services. 2ND QUARTER 2020

Q.R.T Quick Response Team SOMMABCA rushes to help after Taal volcano erupts January 2020 thousands have sought relief items including vehicles, foods, wa- ple were all exemplary looking for the great- safer ground as the Taal volcano erupts for ter, clothing, medicines, manpower and er opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and the first time since 1977, blowing clouds of prayers. power in moments like these. ash as far away as Manila. Officials have warned that the volcano, which sits on an is- SOMMABCA QRT Chairman Pastor SOMMABCA QRT team reached out land in a lake and is among the Philippines’ Torrigoza also ordered the distribution of the most damaged areas and evacuation cen- most active, could reach a hazardous “Level personal protective equipment such as eye ters where people desperately looking for a 5” incident — involving an ongoing magma goggles and dust masks, water meals to the savior. At that very moment while the team eruption — within hours or days. responding teams. handing over relief items made us more con- scious of the necessity and importance of The volcano’s ructions intensified Sun- Sleepless preparations and packing of serving God and praying for the people--their day, prompting the provincial government in relief goods initiated by the volunteers from lives, conditions and faith. Batangas to declare a state of calamity. There the WMU, Brotherhood and the Young Peo- have been no confirmed reports of casualties so far. Foods, water and the need of face masks were in short supply across the capital. Gov- ernment offices and schools closed early, and some suspended classes as well. In the lakeside town of Taal, where a mandatory evacuation order is in force, local government had to abandon 11 evacuation centers and move to a larger city, as it was too close to the volcano. Under a gray sky and with frequent tremors jolting the ground, many residents gathered their belongings and waited to be rescued. SOMMABCA has plead churches and partners to support the more than 24,000 who have already evacuated and organized QRT teams gather donation assistance and to deployed disaster. A humanitarian response from different churches orga- nizations and individuals flooded us with 2ND QUARTER 2020 6

Special Feature I never asked God, “why?” Rev. Garvic’s story is one of many COVID-19 survivors who, upon recover- ing from the infection, are only begin- ning their journey of recovery. “I never asked God why, nor did I ever but instead made him more courageous to make decisions of hold- question the reasons I went through a battle ing the more onto the quantities of his entire life, and that’s what he against Covid-19”, Rev. Garvic Garcia of called “faith”. HCF (Heritage Christian Fellowship) testi- fied in one of his interviews. “I didn’t feel Rev. Garvic’s story is one of many COVID-19 survivors the need to”, he added. who, upon recovering from the infection, are only beginning their journey of recovery. As the coronavirus rages on throughout parts Rev. Garcia was diagnosed with of the Philippines, over 5,000 Filipinos have died and thousands of COVID-19 along with 12 of his family survivors have been left reporting lingering symptoms including members after the infection started from a fever, cough, nerve pain, among others. visitor. “I didn’t know what God wanted me to do but instead, I held on to what Jesus He shared that just like any other COVID-19 patients, he had Christ wanted to do for me. I was holding on a hard time getting a hospital room due to the influx of patients. He to that,” Rev. Garcia said. prayed for a quick death as he feared being intubated, but the peace comes slowly, needing to be invited by acceptance, wrestled by His belief that the cost of his life and trust, and tied down by hope. the future of his family have been always sustained by the grace of God ever since. Rev. Garcia experienced supernatural peace and understanding. This is the very reason why not to ask God He felt the answers deep inside his soul. It didn’t take away the pain and grief of it all, but the peace of having a God like Jesus gave 7 purpose to his fight. No questions, never giving up that deep sense that it was going to work out. And it did, he and all his family mem- bers survived the viral illness. When you know the love of God, you can never go wrong. You can go through whatever problems. “Good or bad weather both came from the Lord. So I never asked the Lord, ‘why?’”, Rev. Garcia concluded. 2ND QUARTER 2020

Women MISSIONARY UNION WMU goes virtual Common social gathering are intend- been wonderful,” says Sister even until today. However, there have been ed to provide an atmosphere where women Joyce, SOMMABCA WMU more triumphs than failures as we have ac- feel comfortable being vulnerable and shar- President. complished many good things in the past ing their full selves, whatever that is to them. year. Perhaps these are the haven where everything It’s amazing, despite is held in confidence and where they are sur- the fact that they’re halfway The main priority of WMU, first is to rounded by women who have had a shared around the world, they regu- strengthen women’s ministry from local experience. But our usual sharing experi- larly Zooms in. They are strong church members into the fold to develop a ence had drastically different, because of the enough together that they feel strong relationship among other women in “new normal” changes and to many, WMU WMU can stay bonded to each the same ministry. Therefore, WMU seeks to common social gatherings has been crucial other remotely from their plac- influence others in accepting the challenges during various transitions. es anywhere in the Philippines specifically in PRAYER, asking God for their and even abroad. They enjoy praying while commitment and involvement in God’s Mis- Until recently, most Women’s especially cheering every time. sion Work. WMU meeting in person makes that impos- sible with all these restrictions being imple- The past year has been significant for  When they commit themselves to get in- mented because of COVID-19. The activities SOMMABCA Women’s Missionary Union volved in mission works, the ministry aligns that require the a face-to-face social meeting (WMU) as we cover new ground and con- with heart of God. The desire of WMU to is now slowly shifting to virtual, giving the tinue growing. WMU continues to build reach out to women from the local churches WMU the opportunity to join a virtual-only upon its heritage and grow in various types has resulted to more productive accomplihs- approach. of support and activities in the framework of ments. Thus, these made us more conscious WMU’s P.E.A.C.E. Program. of the necessity and importance of serving In the past, if you were a WMU mem- God and praying for the people--their lives, ber, you were able to join an in-person com- P.E.A.C.E. which stands for Prayer; conditions and faith. mon gathering in many activities they have Evangelism; Ablaze; Care and Engage, is the anywhere. Now the peg has been turned on, center of WMU’s goal of providing support you can now join a virtual-only meeting any- and assistance in the body of Christ under the where around the world. SOMMABCA Organization. “I’ve been incredibly moved over the This WMU report chronicles the growth last few months by the number of chats and in the ministry in the past year. The accom- emails I’ve received from women who are so plishments outlined shows God’s ability to grateful and so excited for the opportunity work through the effort of His people. How- to finally be able to be part of a virtual-only ever, we still have a lot more things to do. meetings. They’re writing from their homes, at works, schools abroad, and on and on. It’s WMU has had its bumps on the road 2ND QUARTER 2020 8

Education Making disciples is probably one of the habits and methods of living the teacher had. that obedience grows when we do something most popular teachings in the church but also If you make disciples, you always get about it.” the most unconcluded work in the church nowadays thus, considered taken for granted the church. But if you make a church, you Our calling is not to something but to by many Christians. As what we believe that rarely get disciples. Effective discipleship Someone and our goal is to equip disciples our faith grows when we are obedient to God builds the church, not the other way around. who make disciples, thus, this is our unfin- but then let us not forget that our obedience Those who aren’t following Jesus aren’t His ished business in God’s great commission to grows as our faith does. followers. It’s that simple. “go and make disciples of all nations. In our whole study of Making Disciples Discipleship is one of the main elements “Christ did not appoint professors, will give us a clear picture of what are the of Jesus’ ministry. While the Lord spent a but followers. If Christianity ... very words of our Lord and Savior Jesus lot of time teaching, preaching, healing the is not reduplicated in the life of Christ who brutally honest with us and gave sick and casting out demons, Jesus made sure the person expounding it, then he us a blue print of what His expectations are to set aside time to disciple the twelve men with those who claim to be His disciples. whom He had chosen to closely work with does not expound Christianity, for Him in His ministry. Christianity is a message about SOMMABCA MAKE DISCIPLES is living and can only be expounded committed to calling people back to the life of The way Jesus trained and built up His by being realized in men’s lives.” discipleship. We are called to go out to connect disciples was very different from the way lead- with the people God is drawing to Himself, and ers of those days would. The culture of Judea most importantly, to teach them all we can. during that time was very stern and strict giv- en that the nation was under the martial rule of The word disciple is a very clearly defined the Roman empire and the religious legalism word. A disciple is a student, a follower or a of Pharisees. Jesus’ model for discipleship was learner. In Jesus’ day a disciple would follow simple, but impactful to many. their teacher everywhere. They would listen to the teacher. Ask questions and adopt the view Discipleship works and it is one of the of the world the teacher had. To follow Jesus best ways to grow a ministry, a family or means to follow Him into a society where jus- even a business. tice rules and where love shapes everything. The disciple would observe and willingly adopt As I always say, “We cannot just simply put discipleship in a box. Our faith grows because of our obedience but never forget 9 2ND QUARTER 2020

Motivation Slow yourself down and move fast One of the crucial needs of a growing faith at work as part of normal Christian dis- Pastor Jimmy Magpatoc church is good leaders. A church needs this cipleship. If it is anything other than that, it SOMMABCA Vice Chairman in order to develop to its fullest potential of cannot be a priority for any Bible-believing serving Christ. But where can we find such church; but if it is, then it cannot possibly be We do hope you’ll continue to join us leaders? The Scriptures show us that it is the optional. as here in SOMMABCA where we stand Lord who provides leaders for His people together to equip the saints! - “And He gave some, apostles; and some, Here’s my take on the matter. Simply prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, put, our role as church leaders is to prepare pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of God’s people to give Him glory in every- the saints, for the work of the ministry, for thing they do. When you consider that most the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephe- adults spend up to 80 percent of their lives sians 4:11-12). not at home, or at church – but at work and public life in general; it stands to reason that As a church leader myself, I’m aware a great deal of our efforts to ‘prepare’ them of the possibilities and challenges that come must focus on this aspect of their lives! with a specialized ‘faith and work’ ministry in a local church. On the other hand, there Brothers and sisters, there is no conflict is this hope that the leaders and potential between discipleship and ‘faith and work’ leaders in our congregation will increasingly ministry. Equipping our members to be find their place in God’s story, and with it, agents of redemption in their workplaces, their place in the church might distract them vocational spheres and industries must be from engaging more fully with the other an essential part of our discipleship strategy, important expressions of church life. because that’s where God has placed them, and that’s why God has placed them there. From personal experience, I have seen For the Christian, there is no secular/sacred that the single most important factor in divide; everything is sacred; everything is either outcome, is the degree to which the “for Him, through Him and to Him” (Ro- church leader/s embrace the outworking of mans 11:36). 2ND QUARTER 2020 SOMMABCA visits Paco Baptist Church. An act of awakening that overflows all barriers. There are a host of good people who long for a visitation. The kindling wood is scattered all round in all the churches. 10

Challenge What makes you strong? Oftentimes people make such evaluations whether a church is implies that a “strong” church is a community of believers that powerful or weak based on appearances and human reasoning rather embodies the gospel. than on God’s Word. Today, there were several churches all over the Pillippines were For instance, large congregations with dynamic worship services blessed and grateful to God by using the ministry of Pastor Alex and programs for every age and interest group look impressive. Arceno as part of their church stability until now. Or a church could be viewed as powerful because of its prominent location, a big budget, or the pastor with a magnetic personality. In “I would add that the church is not defined by numbers of contrast, small churches—especially those with few members, a rural attendees or the quality of facilities. Instead, a strong church lives setting, and little money—are often considered lesser. out both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40),” Pastor Arceno concluded. The point is that we can’t judge a church’s strength or weakness based on outward factors like size, location, prosperity, or promi- nence. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians points out that a strong church is one that is founded on the message of the cross and grounded in God’s wisdom rather than the world’s. God’s power is given to the church for His purposes, not for human agendas. And it isn’t a persuasive sermon but the gospel of Christ that can save souls. Some pastors may be able to manipulate people, but only God’s Spirit brings the genuine conviction of sin that leads to repentance and salvation. For divine power to flow into and through a local body, that church must hold firmly to Scripture. What’s more, it cannot use techniques derived from worldly thinking but must rely on God’s direction. A faith community cannot be powerful unless the people within it are individually submitted to Christ and empowered by Him. This means our commitment to Jesus affects our churches for better or for worse. When Pildera 2 Southern Baptist Church reorganized by God in the life of a simple worker Pastor Alex Arceno, they started an old abandoned church. But God proved him with a strong team com- prised with strong faith and willingness to do what will give glory to God. The purpose of this team is simply to “help worker discover how God is leading them to equip and multiply disciples who will share the gospel where they live, work, and play. This description SOMMABCA BOT visits Heritage Christian Church. These smiles are brought to you by more of God’s grace that no matter what the circum- stances are, we remain a family of God. 11 2ND QUARTER 2020

Km. 19 East Service Road, SLEX Sucat Paranaque City BDO Sucat Account Number: 004580000911 Account Name: South Metro Manila Baptist Churches Inc.