Baptisms

One day in March, the Lord led us to this young man named Jay Ar Oloya, only son of a couple from Ligao, Albay. His father is a taxi driver and they live in a rented apartment on Makipot Street, Malinta-Bukid. Two times we studied Bible beside the road while he was vending banana cues, two times we studied too in our rented hall along McArthur Highway. A month after, on April 14, 2012, after a study in brother Randy Macapagal’s office in Caloocan City, we immersed him for the remission of his sins in Caloocan church baptistery. His conversion was the big break for the work of the Lord in Valenzuela, because it led to many baptisms later.

Much study was done in homes in and around Valenzuela. While we were waiting for our prospects to make decisions for eternity, the Lord sent this young man named Jayson Quiniones to us. Jayson’s mother is from Antique and his father is from Calamba, Laguna. In the family they speak both Tagalog and Karay-a (dialect of the Antiquenos). Prior to his conversion, Jayson had visited our worship hall only once, and that was after the worship service. He had heard me teach a prospect in the hall. In the height of the storm in August, he got my number from his friend Jay Ar Oloya and texted me asking if he could stay in our building because their house in Meycauayan was flooded. We said he could. He stayed in our building three days, and during those days we fed him and made him comfortable. During those days too we had studies together. A month after that, on Sept. 6, we baptized him in Caloocan baptistery.

Two days after I immersed Jayson Quiniones on Sept. 6, I also baptized this man. His name is Lino Oloya, Jay Ar’s father. Lino and his wife Lilian hail from Ligao, Albay. As a driver he used to work for the Puno family and for the owner of one of the branches of a US fast food chain. He and his wife don’t have the habit of welcoming strangers especially preachers in their home. I tried to overcome this prejudice of his by giving his son Jay Ar a laptop and training him to teach his father and mother, which he did in May. The Lord used Lino’s son to open doors for me to enter. I visited them in June and on the first lesson about the Bible I also pointed out to them the errors of Mariolatry. After that first lesson, they took away all the images in their house. On September 8, I baptized Lino.

She was sick at the time her husband was baptized, but a week after that, on Sept. 15, Lilian Oloya also followed suit.

Three days after her mother Lilian was baptized, I also immersed Donna Oloya on September 18. Donna works as a promodizer at Trinoma and Pure Gold.

Two days after I immersed Donna, I also immersed her husband Randy Guarin on Sept. 20. To signify that he wanted to change lives, he also had his long hair barbered! He looks much better without his long hair!

I first came to meet Joel Cervantes on May 26, and studied the first lesson with him. A week after that, on July 2, he came back, and we discussed the lesson on faith (the story of Cain and Abel). He wanted to be sure if we are the right church, so on July 17, we studied about the church in the New Testament. We did not see each other until a month later, on August 18, when we studied about man’s biggest problem, the problem of sin. He said that lesson came to trouble him. Add to this the fact that his life came to unusual circumstances, with hardships and difficulties, and sickness in the family, that no matter how hard they all tried, there was never enough money to pay all expenses. He remembered what I had said about Isaiah 59:1,2. He gave up his job for a while and resolved to see me, and wanted my help to solve his sin problem, So in the middle of the night (that is last night, Thursday, Sept. 27) as I was about to lay myself down to sleep, this young man came. For two hours, we studied how Jesus could help him deal with his sins, how Jesus could erase it that there is no more sin left, and that even the memories of those sins would not haunt him. I asked him if he is ready, and he said yes. He asked when, and I said now. Without much ado, we got ourselves ready to go to Caloocan. At two o’clock this morning, Friday, Sept. 28, in the cool waters of Caloocan baptistery, I immersed Joel for the remission of his sins. As he got out of the baptistery, he said, “Thank you!” This morning he went on his way home rejoicing. Praise be to God!

A former soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this man is known to the people in the area of Maysan as Capt. Jumo. He studied engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology and ended up being a soldier, graduating from Philippine Military Academy. Sen. Gringo Honasan was his mistah. Capt. Jumo was a descendant of the Jimenez clan in Pangasinan, people who owned lands, but now he lived in penury. I first met him in January of this year, but there were many hindrances to our sitting together and talk Bible, one of which was the sinful life he could not do away with easily. One time we had a scheduled class and he was nowhere to be found, and searching in the area of Llenado Compound in Maysan, I found him drunk. I had to postpone our class until he’s back to his senses. I confessed that he was one of the most difficult prospects I had ever studied with! Although he’s got religion (having been a member of the “born again” group), he’s got only the Bible-quoting habit of that church but never the holiness that is found among early saints of the Bible. After his bouts with drinking, he would come to me and said he wanted to study the Word. He knew that he could never please his God with his past life. He confessed to me his depression and insecurities, and his lack of will to fight.  I was too patient with this man and he knew it. Last night, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, he came just as we were preparing dinner. He smelled like a skunk, so I told him to go the bathroom and take a bath, gave him soap, a towel and fresh clothes. He wore it to dinner. At dinner time, we read a scripture about the prodigal son, and in his comments he applied that story to himself. After dinner, we had a study of two hours on “What Must I Do to Be Saved,” and I persuaded him to make a go for glory and saintliness that one could only own when Jesus makes him free from sins. Today, at 7 AM, Friday, October 5, 2012, I baptized Capt. Junio, a former soldier. Now he is a soldier of Jesus, fighting battles again sin. We welcomed him into the arms of Jesus.

Leadership Seminar in Tagaytay

Posing for a group picture.

Remember them who have been here, who have listened to the heartbeat of the Spirit and the longings of the earthly creatures whose only desire is heaven, and be full of hope of better relations among churches and men.

The mentors and the mentored.

Posing for a group picture before meals.

The venue is the home of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Suresh, in Maharlika West, Tagaytay City

Delegates are preachers and leaders, both old and young.

Meals are superb, thanks to Kalookan church ladies!

Speaker is brother Eusebio Tanicala of Baguio City.

Having a chain prayer session at the roof deck of the Suresh home, before retiring to bed.

The prayers are long, the night is longer, and the coolness all around and the presence of the Lord make the event uplifting!

Seminar delegates include brethren from Metro Manila and Cavite churches.

Allan Cheng from Singapore has also come. Here he sits with with a brother from Carmona church. The Carmona church used to be connected with the instrumental group from Cruzada, but now they cast their lot with us.

It is an enjoyment of the blessings of the Word and of the provisions of the earth.

Preaching in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija

The meeting place of Encarnacion Church of Christ, Encarnacion Subidivision, San Jose City in Nueva Ecija.

With this sign along the road, you can never miss it.

The gate to the church compound. Property was donated to the church by a certain brother Vibat, who is formerly with the US Navy. The Vibats own other properties in Nueva Ecija.

Regie Valdez, his wife Mona Lisa and their eight-month old daughter, brother Gerry Mortera and his wife who is a pharmacist, brother Orlando Braga and other members of Encarnacion church.

Other members of Encarnacion church. At the back is sister Josie Macadaeg-Braga. Both Josie and her husband Orlando are former students of mine at Philippine Bible College-Baguio. Both are now employees of the Department of Education, and support the ministries of Encarnacion church with their financial resources.

Encarnacion Church. Picture taken after our worship last Sunday, February 13, 2011.

Preaching at San Marcelino church, San Marcelino, Zambales

We began worship Sunday afternoon, February 6, in San Marcelino with just a few Christians. The number was added by the coming of other Christians from places around Zambales.

Brother Mario Moral, minister of Barretto church, also ministers to the church in San Marcelino, Zambales. Here he leads the singing while I do the preaching.

Members of San Marcelino church. Picture was taken after our worship. The church has no chapel but they have a lot in a village in San Marcelino town, donated by brother Rady Poblete. Brother Rady also pays for the rent of this house where the church presently meets.

Preaching at Barretto, Olongapo City

Meeting place of Barretto Church of Christ. The lot was donated by the Pobletes, and the building was built through the help of Christians in the US.

My comfy bed for the night. When I arrived February 5, brother Mario Moral was very apologetic about giving me this bed to sleep on. But I liked it!

Brother Mario Moral, preacher, with some members of the church in Barretto, Olongapo City.

Brother Abel Mayor, former minister, with some members of Barretto church. He is now retired and attends worship regularly, even if he has to walk using his cane! He has difficulty talking but I understood it when he said he was fully energized by my sermon! Most of the members of the Barretto church, if I am not mistaken, are from the Mayor clan, or those related to the Mayors either by blood or by marriage.

Two young men, members of the Mayor clan, who officiate in the distribution of the emblems of the Lord's Supper.

Tarlac: Visiting and Ministering-1

Two young Christians of Tarlac who attend the training program of Tarlac City church.

This is Salvador "Buddy" Galang, a retired employee of the National Printing Office in Diliman, Quezon City. He was baptized last year by brother Felix Bravo. Brother Buddy lives alone in a rented house in Teresa Homes and has difficulty walking even with a cane. He used to be the reader of the Scriptures at Tarlac church but now seldom goes to church because of his physical disabilities. One of the ministrations of the church assistant minister was to visit him morning, or afternoon or evening, to show him that we as a church really care for him.

One Sunday after our worship, we had a surprise visitor, brother Felipe Bravo, minister of Capas church, shown here on my left. In the middle of the picture is sister Faustino, an older Christian from San Felipe, Tantangan, Cotabato, and brother Vergara from Mangatarem, Pangasinan. The two kids are brother Vergara's grandchildren.

Membership of Tarlac Church consists mostly of young people.

Gener is one young man with a promise. He reads the Scriptures and assists in the distribution of the emblems of the Lord's Supper.

Brother Felix and sister Yoling Bravo with some members of the church in Tarlac City.

Coming Back to De Castro Church

Brother Aldous, minister of De Castro Church, hands a copy of Tagalog Bible to a young Christian lady before he starts the Bible Class.

Brother Aldous teaches the Bible class this morning, Sunday, January 9. Later in the worship, Ed Maquiling preaches on the topic of Christians being God's aroma in this world.

Brother Cesar Ola, another leader of De Castro church, is the song leader.

Another photo of the De Castro church.

After worship, Ed brings his wife and grandson for lunch at SM Mega Mall.

That's Dioly.

Click here to read the sermon delivered at church today, Sunday, January 9, 2011, titled: TAYO ANG SAMYO NG DIYOS-1 (“We Are the Aroma of God”).

Merger: Pasig-Kapitolyo and De Castro Churches

Brother Bitoy Tagapolot, his daughter Jennylin and sister Dioly Maquiling. The Tagapolots were the first to arrive at the meeting place in Cusina Movela, where the joint worship of the two congregations in Pasig was to be held. Bitoy is from Mahay, Pigdaulan, Butuan City; having found a job in Manila, he supports his family in Agusan, and has placed his membership with Pasig-Kapitolyo church. His daughter Jennylin has just graduated from Urios College, Butuan City.

Dioly with Mrs. Lobusta and company in the hut of Cusina Movela. Ed Maquiling was the guest speaker.

Aldous Echegoyen, Jennylin Tagapolot and her father Bitoy.

The joint worship began with brother Bitoy leading the singing.

The singing had begun while other Christians kept coming.

Remy Kingsley from Wichita, Kansas; Jun Cayanan of Kapitolyo, Pasig; and the Lobustas from De Castro together with other Christians from both congregations.

Mrs. Maquiling with other Christians from Kapitolyo, Pasig.

Brother Cesar Ola with other Christians from De Castro.

The sisters and the children having lunch after worship.

The men of the church having lunch while their meeting was going on.

Mrs. Maquiling, Mrs. Ola and her daughter.

The Echegoyen family.

One Sunday Afternoon at Silang Church

Getting ready to go to worship in Silang, Cavite. Where is Austin?

The church in Silang meets temporarily in hut behind this mansion owned by a family who built their fortune from coffee farming.

Those are coffee beans being dried for days under the sun.

They were waiting for us: Brother Neph Sico, minister of Silang church. Beside him is sister Dolores, whose husband is a son of the family that owns this coffee farm. Sister Dolores is a sibling of brother Tony Devenecia, a member of Catbalogan City Church.

This is Aqui, sister Dolores' husband whose family owns the coffee farm and the land on which the temporary meeting place of the church is built.

The church assembling in their three-by-six meeting hall. This congregation was begun by brother Neph Sico and his wife Bing. Members consist of people from Aklan, Batangas, Cavite, Samar, and Cotabato. One of the new converts, in fact, is a lady whose father is a Muslim.

Another photo of those who attended that Sunday afternoon at Silang church of Christ.

Brother Neph Sico led the singing after Ed did the preaching.

Sister Bing Sico taught the Sunday school kids.

It was getting dark when we were about to finish. We did more singing in praise of our Lord before we called it a day.

After worship we all had snack of muffins and brewed coffee. Thanks!

Austin and his Awa Dioly doing some bonding after worship.

The two cousins, both grandsons of Ed, competing for the attention of their aunt Abby.

This cactus in front of the coffee farm owner's hut must be about fifty years old. The farm used to be a pineapple plantation.

One Sunday Morning at Tagaytay Church

Touch Point, near Foggy Heights, where I was to meet brother Emz Layco.

Emz Layco, minister of Tagaytay City church, came with his son Kevin.

This house in a subdivision near Picnic Grove is the temporary meeting place of Tagaytay City church. It is owned by sister Jeanette Maravilla, whose family hails from Tampakan, South Cotabato. Sister Jeanette is in the U.S. and is married to an American who is also a member of the Lord's church.

Those who came early for worship at Tagaytay church.

Emz led a few songs while we waited for the other Christians to come.

This young man, a former student of Sunrise Christian College in Butuan City, is a good song leader.

Members of Tagaytay church consists of the Maravillas of Tampakan, South Cotabato; a lady from Asingan, Pangasinan; the Laycos, the Blens, and a few others from Tagaytay.

Some faces you would find at church in Tagaytay.

Other faces you would find in Tagaytay church. Some members have gone abroad to find jobs, others migrated to Mindanao, and others transferred to Manila. Work is hard to find in Tagaytay City. Its main industry is tourism.

That's Ed Maquiling preaching. He came to Tagaytay for a vacation with his family.

The meeting place of the church as seen at a distance.

Two vacation homes nearby. Many of these vacation homes are owned by the well-to-do, built on lands only the rich can afford.

Preaching at De Castro Church, in Rosario, Pasig City

The De Castro Church meets in the home of brother and sister Lobusta, in Liamzon Subdivision, De Castro Street, Rosario, Pasig City. Brother Lobusta is a retired colonel of the Philippine Constabulary. They are the parents of sister Remy Kingsley. They were baptized during a visit in the US by brother Felipe Cariaga, director of Manila School of Evangelism. Pictured here are those who came early for worship.

Brother Aldous Echegoyen is now the minister of the De Castro church. He and his wife Faith are engaged in a great ministry of growing and supporting the work of the Lord in this area of Pasig City. He is shown here conducting a Bible class for adults.

The De Castro church counts as its strong members brother and sister Ola, brother Aldous and his wife Faith, and brother and sister Lobusta, in whose home the church meets. Shown here is brother Ceasar Ola leading the closing prayer.

The fountains of Eastwood Mall, Pasig City, where we dropped by after worship..

Jacob standing before the fountains.

Dioly resting for a while at Eastwood Mall.

Window-shopping at Eastwood Mall will not cost you a cent.

Lost Lives Under a Footbridge on Commonwealth Avenue

It rained cats and dogs just a while ago. And like the rest of commuters waiting for buses in front of Ever Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue, I too was caught in the heavy rain. I was never lost. But other lives were.

Lost lives. Like this young Badjao mother and her three kids, aged 6, 5 and 4. How did I know they were Badjaos? The two young Maguindanaoans who saw me taking pictures of these kids told me so. Both these Maguindanaoans and this family, like other families, have fled the war brought by the ethnic conflicts in Mindanao and the hunger that resulted from those conflicts. The young Maguindanaoan I talked to said life is better here. Better? The husband of the woman (actually her live-in partner) had found a job as a watch-your-car boy, but in this rain he was nowhere to be found. It was now 2 pm and the kids never had their breakfast, so I was told.  

Another lost life. This young man. A Badjao too. He is of high school age. This week some private schools in Metro Manila were having parties to celebrate the holiday season; this young man however had his own way of celebrating: He had just poured some rugby solvent into a plastic envelope, and was enjoying sniffing it while the rain was pouring hard. Under the influence of the solvent, he must be dreaming of becoming a police officer someday. Or an MMDA traffic enforcer perhaps? One would not know. All that you know is that a sniff of rugby cuts an hour of his young life.

The two Badjao kids left their mother's side and raced toward Commonwealth Avenue, unaware of the dangers of the incoming vehicles. All they wanted to have was the pleasure kids like you and me probably enjoyed doing when were young: Play in the rain. The downpour that came brought a rush of water filthy and foul-smelling. But these kids did not mind! The mother did not mind either!

There was one other young Badjao I saw prior to this. He was under the footbridge, silently sniffing his own share of the rugby solvent in a yellow plastic bag, courtesy of the Badjao who must have dreamed of becoming a traffic enforcer.

My last glimpse of the footbridge. Like other commuters rushing to go home, I too walked away. I wish I had done something. As the rest of the world goes toward destruction that is sure and horrible, we had opportunities laid before us. My hands are tied. What about yours?

Preaching in Tarlac City

Brother Felix Bravo and his wife Yoling.

Brother Felix working on his blog.

The meeting place of the church in Tarlac City. Brother Felix and his wife began this work in the year 2003.

Some of those who came early to worship at Tarlac church.

The church of Christ in Tarlac City consists of young and old Christians alike.

The majority of the members in Tarlac City church are new converts. The oldest however is a lady who was baptized by Laureano Belo in 1955 in San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato. Her name is sister Faustino. She now lives with her husband in Tarlac City.

Felix, Ed and Yoling having lunch at SM City-Tarlac.

Preaching in Taguig

Little Jacob leads the way to the Taguig church meeting place.

Ed came with his family.

Brother Achilles Sinco leads the congregation in singing and praising the Lord.

The minister of the congregation in Taguig is brother Onofre Corpuz. Brother Onofre's grandfather is a Juralbal who used to preach in Telafas, near Buluan, Cotabato. His grandmother is an Abubo, one of those baptized by Laureano Belo in Malingon, Cotabato.

The congregation in Taguig consists of people from across the country. Sitting in front here are the Ilongga sisters from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental. I met also a group of sisters from Lingayen, Pangasinan, and the Sinco family who are the original members of the church in Taguig and a lady who is a daughter-in-law of a Guleng from Midsayap, Cotabato.

Later, after worship, I was introduced to this lady in red shirt who said she's the sister of my good friend Primo Rivera of Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Some of those who came early for worship.

Preaching in Cabalan

Meeting place of Cabalan Church of Christ, in New Cabalan, Olongapo City. Both the lot and the building have been donated by sister Flor and her husband Juan Poblete (deceased).

Singing while waiting for the others to come.

We have had wonderful singing with Jim Dioyan, assistant minister, leading the congregation. Jim was formerly with Felix Manalo's Iglesia ni Cristo-1914.

Brother Daniel Elamparo, minister (sitting, front pew) waiting for his schedule to teach the adult Bible class. His lesson is about fruit bearing (John 15:1-15).

Brother Ruel Vitug, director of PIBI-Olongapo. He supports the work in New Cabalan with his time, money, and effort.

Ed Maquiling delivers an expository sermon with Hebrews 12:1-4 as text.

Negrito children having their Sunday school in the old chapel of Cabalan church.

Feasting on God's blessings of food after having feasted on the Word.

In the nearby mountain is the village of Iram, where the Cabalan brethren have an outreach, a new church consisting mostly of Negritoes. These Negritoes, who like to be called "kulot" (kinky), have been present today at Cabalan. Brother Ruel Vitug uses his van to fetch them from the mountain to attend worship and fellowship at Cabalan church.

Bible Class in Cabangan

This man is Leo Franco, an Ilonggo from Mindanao, who now lives in Cabangan, Zambales with his Aeta wife. He is one of those Ed had taught.

Three of the eight Aetas whom Ed taught last Wednesday.

The sign on the property.

Lectureship at Mt. Pinatubo Church of Christ

Ed Maquiling gets ready to travel to Cabangan, Zambales for the scheduled lectureship November 20.

The chapel of Mt. Pinatubo church in Baranggay Dolores, Cabangan, Zambales is the venue of the lectureship.

Brother Ruel Vitug has made his sound system, digital live projector and laptop available for the use of the speakers in the lectures. Such a generous man!

Our first speaker, Tom Lizardo, speaks on the topic "Is Everything that We Do Worship?" Very informative!

Ed speaks on the topic titled "THE SEVEN ONES OF EPHESIANS 4," dwelling specifically on "Our Elusive Goal of Uniting All Christians." Here he pauses to see the reaction of the audience.

Ed traces the history of the founding of the churches of Christ in Cavite, in Zambales and in Mindanao.

Audience consists of brethren from the churches of Zambales, Pampanga, and Cavite.

Some faces you might recognize: Romy Piocos of Carmona, Cavite; Tom Lizardo of Iba, Zambales; Fred Angangan of Upper Kalaklan; Mike Ebalan of Masinloc, Zambales; Mike Alop of Upper Kalaklan.

This is the link to the PowerPoint lesson on “Our Quest for Christian Unity.” Please click this link and then click THE SEVEN ONES OF EPHESIANS 4.

People, Events and Places

Tom Lizardo teaching the Aetas of San Juan, Cabangan, Zambales.

Brethren plan to put up a meeting hall on this open space beside the baranggay road. It is below the hill on which the present church building stands.

This church building can be converted into a classroom to train young men to become preachers.

The chapel of Cabangan church, otherwise known as Mt. Pinatubo church of Christ. The church has been registered with the SEC and its property has been issued a title in its name.

Part of those who attend on a Sunday at Cabangan church.

Part of the audience who worship at Mt. Pinatubo church of Christ on a Sunday morning.

Family members of Mt. Pinatubo church.

Other family members who worship with Mt. Pinatubo church.

Parents who are Christians should always bring their kids to church.

Tom Lizardo getting these three people ready for baptism.

Baptizing one...

Baptizing another....

And still another...

Up from the watery grave, and ready to serve the Lord...

One Lord’s Day in Cabangan, Zambales

The chapel of Cabangan church sits on the 1.5-hectare property donated by brother Lee Smeltzer.

This young Aeta was our song leader that Sunday, November 7, 2010.

Part of the audience that Sunday, with Marcial de la Cruz, their minister.

Tom Lizardo and his wife Diane have made nurturing Cabangan church one of their ministries since the day it was established.

Part of the audience who listened to Ed Maquiling preach that Sunday.

There is a plan to put up a Bible school here. This church building has an annex on the left side of it that could serve as a classroom to accommodate 50 student trainees.

The right part of this building could be expanded to form another classroom that could accommodate another set of student trainees.

They plan to move this hut down the hill in order to give way to building expansion.

One abandoned hut that has to be moved too to clear the area for expansion.

Another view of Cabangan church building.

Gathering with the Saints in Upper Kalaklan

The venue of the Lectureship: the chapel of the Church of Christ, #2 Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City.

Tom Lizardo's first duty for the day was to join this couple in matrimony.

Brother Ruel Vitug, director of PIBI-Olongapo, was the official multimedia key man, managing both the laptop and the digital live projector.

Fred Angangan, former minister of Upper Kalaklan church and former teacher of PIBI-Olongapo, speaking.

Daniel Elamparo, a teacher of PIBI-Olongapo, speaking.

A group of panelists answering the questions from the audience.

Audience consists of brethren from the churches of Central Luzon, such as Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales.

Of little kids coming with their fathers and mothers...

Of young people....

Of those who are no longer young...

Doing the exercise... to keep you alert.

Tom Lizardo too was one of the speakers and Ed Maquiling was one of his panelists to answer questions.

Tom Lizardo with a brother from Pampanga.

And then there were three: Rudy Gonzales, Fred Angangan, and Ed Maquiling.

Our present crop of young preachers, with their former teacher, Fred Angangan.

We hope to come back here again next year, Olongapo!