The Ambassadors for Christ

I wonder how indeed this group started? Surely it was started by the church itself… but what was their goal? For what purpose was it made for? As my father has told me, it is an extension of the church, whose goal is to reach fellow young people with the gospel of Christ. I believe it was intended indeed to evangelize and disciple young people, being a part of the Body of Christ.

I’ve had my shares of memories with the Young People, esp. of the Loakan Baptist Church. Most of it was indeed a bunch of great memories of fun, enjoyment and laughter… Other memories have also made me know more and build my relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Surely not all things were a fun ride there were memories of conflicts, strife, and misunderstandings. But one thing I really appreciate was that we were as transparent as we were before. May not be as transparent as crystal clear, but each individual knew who we were and at times understand where each one is coming from. Most conflicts were settled, but there were also conflicts that may have lasted too long enough to be forgotten.

Having been as past officer of the group, I had the great desire to continue to share our previous experiences to the new generations of young people.  I also greatly desire to disciple them through the teaching of the Word of God. At some point, I also had my failures and perhaps my greatest failure is to share the gospel of Christ and extend the joy of having Christ to other young people of the community of Loakan. But that was a lesson I just recently greatly realized. I was many times reminded of the great commission even when I was on position of Presidency of the group, but never have I realized the impact of knowing and believing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in relation to discipling and training each individual.

I only realized this when I joined my father in his called mission. I am set to teach and train new young people of a different place. And here I’ve really realized that there is a need to plant first the seed of the gospel of Christ in someone’s heart before one could really water and take care of the seed. How indeed can one till the ground and water the ground yet no seed has been planted? It is plain vain and worthless! Far more than this, it is never one’s work in actuality for one to be saved. It’s all God’s supernatural work. Christians are only meant to be an instrument to share the gospel of Christ and it will be Holy Spirit’s work to bring someone to truly have an encounter or experience of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and that is through Faith. Methods and plans are just but little matters to God for true Faith is brought by the working of the Holy Spirit never ours. Methods and plans are made to lure unbelievers like nets to the fishes of the sea. And once the gospel of Christ is preached then the Holy Spirit will be at work. Surety it is not 100% that all who hears and sees will believe and understand for even Christ himself says “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” (Matt. 13:14-15). It is therefore done with much endurance and patience until one understands and be converted.

Now, why do I share these things? It is but a plain desire to teach the lessons one has learned throughout the years and that if possible, failures may not be repeated but more advancement to the work and the ministry on which God Himself has established. With new generations emerging while others fade away, it is my desire to make remembrance to the foundations of why the Ambassadors for Christ have been established. And also to challenge each one to test one’s Faith in Christ for the evil days have come and the coming of our Lord draws nearer every day! Indeed may we continue to fulfill God’s Great Commission being as one called an Ambassador for Christ!

The Carnal Christian

For quite some time, I was given an interest on this topic. For even within the Doctrines of the Baptist denominations, especially from where I am, seem to have accepted this doctrine. Before anything goes out of hand, I wish to declare that whatever I share here is not fully the stand of the church I belong, but surety I know for a fact that there are those who also agrees.

Even from the very start, the Bible doesn’t teach that whatever the pastor or the leaders teaches, is already what we stand for or believe. It maybe for a time but until one reaches a time of spiritual maturity, the only standing ground one has is the Word of God or Jesus Christ himself. Not bound by any other person or religious sect or organization. (See Acts 17:11) It doesn’t also mean that we as Christians separate from the church, but simply we as Christian should know where do we stand and for whom? For the Bible is clear to say, there is only One God, One Father, One Christ, One Spirit, One Lord and One gospel; For by which one and only reason why the church unite as one. But certainly Christ himself declares too that soon there shall be false prophets and teachers, and also proclaim there shall be other gospels, tools of the enemy to deceive mankind, that only few might come to know the only TRUTH.

Therefore let us go back in the topic of carnal Christianity. I’ve already heard two guys having disbelief on the existence of such, a Carnal Christian. And I must say, I too do not belief that such a Christian exist and if one thinks they are, I believe they may be in a sense one who has not really been saved nor have indeed acknowledged who Christ is in his / her life. But I also understand that many seem to believe they do exist and at times make themselves as examples.

I’ve searched through Google some of commentaries or articles about the matter and I’ve read that Carnal Christian is defined as being a believer of Jesus Christ yet constantly living like the World (Based from I Corinthians 3:1-4). In addition, from the previous chapter, Apostle Paul talked about the “Spiritual man” and the “Natural man”; Spiritual, describing those that have received and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; whereas, the Natural as the one who does not believe on Jesus Christ.

Now, here comes the word “Carnal” pertaining to the church of Corinth. If I may understand, Apostle Paul was rebuking them in the sense that He is questioning “Are you not like as unto those that of the world?” or in some other sense “Is that how you live as Christian?” I believe that’s what Apostle Paul was doing. And not judging that they are so called “Carnal Christian” with which we define as Christians who constantly live in the worldly life. I much prefer these Christians as so called “Christian babies” which Apostle Paul also declared unto them, “…even as unto babes in Christ.” just after the word “carnal.” 

One which I do believe is that, there is a possibility that a Christian can be still live like the world but would NOT be CONSTANTLY enjoying over what he / she is doing.  Or such a scenario can’t be prolonged by God himself. For God will bring chastisement or punishment to His children if they sin against Him, in order to bring His child back to the path of righteousness (Heb. 12:6). But if one continues to do sin and enjoys it, even with the rebukes from the Word of God, may be a big question whether one as really received and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truthfully a spoken word is one thing, but a word accompanied by their lives is a totally different thing. Action speaks louder than words as they say. Therefore it is not enough one can say they are Christians or saved yet they continue to do sin or go against the Will of God.

If one lives as such? Be mindful and be struck for it is a dangerous thing that when we face the Lord Jesus Christ and say “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” and the Lord and Savior says “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

A Visit to Gumatdang

Last August 23, 2012, Thursday, I had an opportunity to visit Gumatdang, as my first time to go there since my father started to have bible study in the area. As from what I've heard though, we weren't the first to share God's Word in the place, but nevertheless, it's a great opportunity for which God has opened inorder to share His Word, esp. the gospel of Christ.

I had the opportunity to see the people who gather in the area, most of whom are mothers, I assume. I also had the opportunity to witness a little kid who likes to imitate my father playing the guitar. I would estimate his age at 2 or 3 years old. He too have his own little guitar, enough for him to hold. Some videos and photos I've taken is shown below this article.

From details I've heard from my mother and from my own observation as well, the people's livelihood in the area are through mining and farming. Most of which are mining, since wherever one looks at, there are many evidences of mining activities. Gumatdang seems to me like a place rarely been touched by city life. Although that's just my opinion or my first impression. The road as well in the area haven't been fixed yet.

From what I've known, the place can be accessed coming from Happy Hallow or going through Tuding. Accessing the place through Tuding, we walked for about 15-20 minutes to reach the place of our destination away from the road, whereas, my mother said if we've walked from Happy Hallow it would probably take 30 minutes. But walking from Happy Hallow, would mean a very steep hike coming back while the other side has lesser tiring hike.

As of now, there are about 10-20 people gathering for the bible study every Friday, and also desiring to be formed as a group or most likely a new church in the area. With their desire to be one, my father now have to teach once again and make them understand what a church is and of Christian living, but of course first and foremost securing their Faith in Christ Jesus, that is Salvation.

How is one saved? that is by grace through faith. God giving us His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, Him who knew no sin, died and took the penalty of our sin and he who believes and trust in that Truth, is saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8&9). Not by our own works or effort but simply having that Faith in Christ Jesus does one becomes a Christian. And that Faith is the seed that grows that brings forth fruit or fruits, an evidence that one is truly a child of God and follows the will of his Father.

With their desire to be a church, makes a new sense of challenge and a burden to carry, knowing that my father is only one and that we are still in the verge of establishing the fundamentals of the Christian church in Apalan-Guisset. Indeed once again, Christ Word is true, "the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few." Sadly indeed there are few Bible believing and Christ-centered Workers who fulfills the great commission. Sadly there are laborers who takes more importance on what they benefit from doing God's great commission. Sadly so few are those who would lay down their life for others. Or perhaps, there are too many professed Christians very comfortable in their seats, just plainly enjoying the scenery of their church stage. I may be too much harsh on these words, but this statement is also a challenge for me. As I've been in the kind of picture too before and still prone to being one again. It's just that we Christians seem to easily forget why we are called the church and what was Christ's purpose for His bride, His body, the church in this world of darkness... Matthew 16:18 states that Christ's church will penetrate or attack the gates of hell and it couldn't withstand it. The problem these days, few Christians go to the battle. And, many are deceived and cornered to enjoy the pleasures of this world.

It's a painful picture how that Christians let others not hear the gospel of Christ. It's painful to see people walking pass by you while knowing they are uncertain of their final destination. Oh, pray that the Lord of the harvest send forth more laborers.



(My first visit to gumatdang for Bible study, my father playing the guitar while a kid immitates him. Sorry for the low resolution as I don't have a good and strong camera. If you want to donate (hehe!) feel free to contact me... =D...)

THE LIVING WORD FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God,” this so states by the Word of God in the beginning of time; The Word, the Living Word that is Jesus Christ! The same caused the beginning of His church in the Apalan-Guisset, Loakan Itogon, Benguet.

Because of God’s Word and by God’s grace, Ptr. Hubert Caroy’s return in the ministry sparked a new journey, a journey to continue the work of preaching the gospel of Christ. Year 2009, Ptr. Caroy started preaching to churches as pulpit supply for churches without a pastor. He preached recently in places like Cabuyao, Camp 6, Burgos, Daclan and other places where he was invited and scheduled. Year 2010 of July while coming back from Daclan, he met Mrs. Remy Diaz, previous member of the Guisset Baptist Church, and asked her where she came from. And she said that she joined a service in a Born Again group since it was Sunday. She also stated that they were hopping from church to church near them regardless of the church denomination, a reason caused by the demobilization of Guisset Baptist Church. Having heard of their circumstance, a burden was given to Ptr. Caroy along with his wife to start bible studies in their place called Apalan. With much prayer and God’s leading, Ptr. Caroy was free of other schedule except for his speaking engagement in Camp 6 and Daclan once every month.

By August, Ptr. Hubert Caroy with his wife started the bible studies in Apalan every Sunday, near Guisset area. Since there were also a few children in the place of Apalan, Ptr. Pat and Mrs. Rebecca Eslao joined to help out as Mrs. Eslao handled the children. Mrs. Beth Mat-an came along too as she helped esp. on finances for the gas and transportation. As they continued to have the bible study and coming back from Apalan, passing along Beckel, they also met Mrs. Juliet Apidos, whose family was previous members of Guisset Baptist Church and was at that moment joining a Bible Baptist church whose services were being held at their house. With their desire to also join Ptr. Caroy with his bible studies in Apalan, their family members took turns. Some of them had to stay while others accompanied Ptr. Caroy. As the Apidos Family members continue to join Ptr. Caroy and hear the gospel preached, some of them were given a clear understanding of the gospel of Christ and was then convicted by the Holy Spirit to truly receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. As time goes by and circumstances changed, soon the whole family joined Ptr. Caroy in Apalan. Some old faces known to Ptr. Caroy joined in as well in their Bible Study.

With the ministry growing Ptr. Caroy wanted his children to join in, so he asked his children to help with the ministry in Apalan. Then his son Roldan responded to the call to help in the ministry and committed to start year 2011. His son tried to handle the kids at first, but proved to be hard-up on teaching kids. Therefore, Roldan looked for persons to help with the children’s ministry. Ms. Janice Galong then responded to help in the ministry, therefore allowing Roldan to minister to the young people.
One Sunday of January 2011, Mrs. Vicky Macay and her son Moren, relatives of Ptr. Hubert Caroy from Loakan went along as well to see the ministry. And on that Sunday, suddenly, many young people came to visit and had Bible study and fellowship in Apalan. They introduced themselves as the children of the Delmas’ families coming from Guisset and are also acquainted with Moren Macay. They soon requested to have services as well in Guisset which then made to an agreement to hold services alternately in Apalan and Guisset every Sunday. With new professions of faith in Christ Jesus and as picture of one identifying oneself as a follower of Christ, 20 individuals followed Jesus Christ through water baptism last February 27, 2011.

As the ministry grew, along with trainings and children’s ministry, more challenges came as well as the enemy’s strategies to disturb and distract the advancement of the ministry. But with prayer and God’s unfailing grace, God’s work continues to move forward. By April 2011, Ptr. Hubert Caroy was then absorbed and commissioned by Loakan Baptist Church as a Missionary Pastor for the province of Benguet and to wherever God leads; therefore accepting Apalan-Guisset as their mission point. A second batch of believers with 8 individuals followed Jesus Christ through baptism of water last October 22, 2011.

With new believers in Christ, Ptr. Caroy and his family are now tasked to help the group grow more spiritually, discipled, organized and established as the body of Christ in the locality. Therefore Ptr. Caroy started to teach the Church Covenant and the Church’s bylaws and constitution, which will help the group understand more of God’s principles and the church’s roles and responsibilities. As God’s Word is preached, challenging the believers in Christ to also take part on the Great Commission, Mrs. Remy Diaz from Apalan along with Mrs. Rowena Binaldo from Daclan were given also the desire to reach their relatives in the place called Cubabeng. Since Ptr. Caroy still had a schedule for Daclan once a month, he thought of hitting two birds with one stone, therefore, committing to go there along with some members of the newly formed group to share the gospel of Christ whenever assigned to go to Daclan. But due to circumstances, it wasn’t easy; nevertheless, every opportunity given was taken in order to proclaim the gospel of Christ to them that has ears to hear, even if the hearers were mostly old.

By September 2011, the group elected their officers as a fellowship whereas, Ptr. Caroy temporarily appointed Mr. Rene Apidos, Mr. Bernal Delmas, and Mr. Moren Macay as Deacons for the group. To ask God’s power and continues leading, Ptr. Caroy also decided to hold Prayer Meetings every Wednesday at Beckel, where the Apidos family resides. Lord Supper was also observed once every month as agreed by the fellowship starting Dec. 4, 2011. And, the name “The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church” soon was decided as a name for the group last May 2012.

These ministries continued on and God continues to lead new individuals and open places like Cubabeng, Beckel and Gumatdang for the hearing of the gospel of Christ. Some individuals came in and some went out but with hope that the seed of the gospel of Christ was planted in their hearts and they be continue to be a blessing wherever they may be.

All these things happened, surely not by chance but by God’s own leading as He used not only Ptr. Caroy to labor in His harvest field but also those with a willing heart to serve the Master and Lord of the harvest. To name a few of these, are Bro. Daniel Raymundo, Bro. Gino Cabangdi and Bro. Rey Pitas, who greatly rendered much in transportation and other means of services. And, for those others, too many to name, that has given their time, effort, funds and prayers; The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church is surely eternally grateful. Thus, their labor is not in vain in the Lord.

And for all these things, let all glory be to God Almighty and to His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, for the day of September 1, 2012, marks another episode and experience of His Faithfulness as it has been joyfully celebrated God giving us the Victory in Christ Jesus!

Jesus, Si-kam i Ensemesemek ko (My Jesus, I love Thee Ibaloi version)

Jesus, si-kam i ensemesemek ko,
Jet si-kam i piyan ko ja dawan ko,
Jet amtak jey si-kam i ka maptengan,
Jet niman ma, eg taka mabebtawan.

Sota at piyapiyan ko ja ngaaw;
K'wan ko nem daddad sak ja eg mebedaw,
Nem inamtak i kasi ked nen Cristo,
Jet na-imdengak ni in-ibjag ko so.

Epangdo'n pasiya ja sinmek mowak;
Etey ka shi koros may pangkep si-kak;
Niman'na amtak itan' na semek mo,
Nay semekak ngo'n si-kam shiya poso.