TRUTH

 "Truth hurts!" That’s what they say. And I do agree, for the most part, but perhaps not entirely. One aspect of truth is that, as the Lord Jesus Christ says, it also brings freedom—it frees people (John 8:30-38). While Jesus primarily speaks of truth in relation to freeing us from sin, I believe this idea applies to many aspects of reality.

What also comes to mind about truth is its connection to love—specifically, God’s unconditional love. "Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). It's interesting that in this verse, "unrighteousness" seems to be contrasted with "truth" or "sin" with "truth." Originally, I thought the opposite of truth was simply a lie. But I’ve come to see that truth isn’t just about facts—it’s something deeper, something alive, because Christ Himself said, 'I am the Truth.'

In 1 Corinthians 13:6, it says that Love—God’s unconditional love—rejoices with the truth. And yet, understanding Proverbs 27:6 (NIV): "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses," we see that while truth can hurt, it’s for our own good. Deception, even if it appears pleasant or enticing, can lead us to destruction and sin.

So, perhaps the challenge or question we must ask ourselves is: “Are we telling the truth to others? Are we being true to them? Are we pursuing the Truth?” We should be careful how we view "truth," because Christ Himself said, "He is the Truth."

THE LIVING WORD FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY (proposed narration for 2024 anniversary)

“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! This same Word sparked the birth of a new church in Apalan, Loacan, Itogon, Benguet: The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church.

By God's grace, the ministry of Pastor Hubert Caroy began anew when he returned to preaching in 2009. Initially, he provided pulpit supply for churches in various locations like Cabuyao, Camp 6, Burgos, and Daclan.

During a trip from Daclan in July 2010, Pastor Caroy met Mrs. Remy Diaz, a former member of Guisset Baptist Church. She shared her experience of attending various churches after Guisset Baptist Church disbanded. After hearing of their situation, a burden was placed on Pastor Caroy and his wife to start Bible studies in Sitio Apalan. With much prayer and God's guidance, Pastor Caroy's Sundays became free, except for once-a-month engagements in Camp 6 and Daclan, allowing him to start Bible studies in Apalan. Pastor Pat and Mrs. Rebecca Eslao soon joined, assisting with the children's ministry, while the late Mrs. Beth Mat-an supported the ministry by covering transportation costs.

On one of their journeys back from Apalan, they met Mrs. Juliet Apidos in Beckel. She and her family, who were attending a Bible Baptist church at that time, desired to join Pastor Caroy’s Bible studies in Apalan, as they were former members of Guisset Baptist Church. Faced with a conflict between their desire to join Pastor Caroy and their responsibilities at their current church, they split their attendance between the two. Some family members soon experienced a clear conviction of the gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Eventually, the entire Apidos family joined the Apalan fellowship.

In 2011, Pastor Caroy’s son, Roldan, joined the ministry, focusing on the youth, while Ms. Janice Galong, a distant relative of Ptr. Caroy, was asked to join the Apalan ministry to focus on the children.

In January 2011, Mrs. Vicky Macay and her son, Moren, relatives of Pastor Caroy, visited the ministry. To their surprise, a group of young people from Guisset, friends of Moren and members of the Delmas family, visited Apalan as well. They requested that services also be held in Guisset, leading to alternating Sunday services between Apalan and Guisset.

In April 2011, Loakan Baptist Church officially commissioned Pastor Caroy as a missionary for Benguet Province, adopting Apalan-Guisset and Daclan as mission points.

As more believers came to Christ, Pastor Caroy taught the Church Covenant and bylaws to guide the group toward becoming a self-sustaining and independent body of Christ.

God’s Word continued to spread, and as the congregation grew, so did the outreach ministry. Mrs. Remy Diaz of Apalan and Mrs. Rowena Binaldo of Daclan wanted to share the gospel with their relatives in Sitio Cobabeng. Pastor Caroy seized the opportunity to visit Cobabeng during his monthly Daclan schedule, bringing members of the Apalan group to share God’s Word. Despite challenges, they persevered in proclaiming Christ's message, even to the elderly in Cobabeng.

By September 2011, the group elected officers and appointed temporary deacons: Mr. Rene Apidos, Mr. Bernal Delmas, and Mr. Moren Macay. Prayer meetings were held every Wednesday at the Apidos family home in Beckel, which opened the door for a new Bible study in Gumatdang, Itogon, where some of Moren Macay’s relatives lived. The church also began observing the Lord's Supper monthly starting in December 2011. By May 2012, they officially adopted the name "The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church" and celebrated their first anniversary on September 1, 2012.

In 2013, the group prayed for a permanent chapel. Apalan, Guisset, and Sitio Camisong were considered as potential sites. After much prayer, Apalan was chosen, as it had already received electricity and a temporary chapel had been built there. The initial structure, made of sticks and GI sheets, was later replaced by a permanent building, which was dedicated in April 2017.

Through tireless efforts, Bible studies and visitations extended to nearby areas like Bingo, Boneco, Camisong, Peday, Beckel, and beyond. The church experienced many challenges, including the loss of beloved members, others moving abroad or leaving due to work. Some struggled with disagreements, leading to members leaving the group. Despite these difficulties, God brought new people to join the ministry. Relationships that were strained began to heal, and though not everyone returned, the church remained in good standing with many. Throughout the farewells, losses, and misunderstandings, the church held firm, trusting in God's sovereignty and control.

All these events unfolded by God's leading, as He used Pastor Caroy and others with willing hearts to labor in His harvest. Loakan Baptist Church, through the faithful support of its members, was instrumental in assisting the ministry. Other volunteers, like Bro. Ricky Patty from Minac, were also helpful, especially during outreach efforts to Gumatdang and Cobabeng. There were many individuals, too numerous to name, who contributed to the ministry by providing transportation, resources, time, and prayers.

In 2023, God blessed The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church with a new pastor, Jerome Compalas, who continues to lead the church in growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ.

The history of The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church is a testament to God's faithfulness and the selfless service of many individuals. To God be the glory for the journey of this church and its ongoing mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Living Word.

THE LOAKAN BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY on her 56th anniversary

Edited from the Original by Roldan Egmin Caroy on Monday, December 10, 2012

. . .” the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore ,

to send out workers into the harvest field.”

(Matt. 9:27)

 

Yes, God is the Lord of the harvest.  By this, we give Him honor and thanksgiving on our 56th anniversary. God has used many people, many workers, many circumstances and opportunities to accomplish His work. He has sent workers into His harvest field in Loakan . . .

 

It was sometime in the late 1940’s and the early 1950’s that the seed of the work was planted through the ministries of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE).  Missionaries including Rev. Alfred Conant, Rev. Jerome Casner and family, and the Baguio Baptist Church pioneered Bible classes and children’s Sunday school in what is known today as Puroks Ongasan and Mangga in Loakan Proper.

 

A small group of believers were organized and started to hold regular meetings and Bible classes, first in homes like those of the Cuilan and the Pedro Palispis families.  Later, worship services were held in a makeshift chapel made from donated materials including galvanized iron roofing by the late Mr. and Mrs. Hopewell.

 

The beginnings of the Loakan Baptist Church experienced its share of difficulties and persecutions.  Many of the local people whose paganistic traditions and practices were ingrained in daily living and family life did not readily accept the Word of God. The early believers could remember how their pews would be hang on trees by those unsympathetic to the faith. Also, for a period of about five years after the Conants left, the work seemed to come to a halt.  Inspite of the circumstances, there were those who persevered in the faith.

 

In 1956, Rev. Jerome Casner and Pastor Ansen Valentin started the baptism of new believers.  Formal worship and evening services and the remembrance of the Lord’s supper were started.  Before Rev. Jerome Casner and his family returned to the United States, the believers drafted their church constitution. The group then became known as the LOAKAN BAPTIST CHURCH.

 

By 1958, the makeshift chapel was transferred to a lot located on a hill overlooking the Airport or what is known today as Maryhills. The piece of property was donated by the late Mr. Ngamoy Sacay, an elderly who faithfully attended church. Again, unbelievers scoffed at the small chapel and would call it a “chicken coop” but the believers did not “chicken out” but continued to follow The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

 

In 1970, a wider lot was donated by Mr. Sacay on which the present church building now stands.  Construction started with a little less than P 5,000.00 on hand and with the leadership then of Pastor Felix Bigornia and a few deacons, the church building was put up.

 

Through the years, the expansion of the church building took place on all sides. Sunday School rooms to accommodate a pre-school was built on the eastern side of the church building under the pastorate of Rev. Larry Domingo.  Church members donated and loaned their money to augment the meager amount that was available to finish the project.

 

In 1990, an adjacent 500 sq.m. lot was bought by the church and annexed to the church frontage.  During the same year in July, a killer earthquake hit the City of Baguio and its suburbs.  The church building sustained considerable damage when the southern portion of the building eroded and the wall collapsed. God’s provision was once again made evident through the gifts from His people, friends and members from here and abroad.  Repairs were undertaken not long thereafter.

 

Again in 1998, under the pastorate of Pastor Graciano Saugen, additional Sunday School rooms and a multi-purpose hall were annexed to the western side of the church. This was to accommodate the growth of the pre-school and the Sunday School classes.

 

More important than the growth in property and improvement in physical structure, the Lord added to the number of believers each year.  From a handful of believers, hundreds if not thousands of lives have been touched by the ministry of the Loakan Baptist Church.  The church has brought the gospel not only to the local residents but to the different parts of Baguio and Benguet like Happy Hallow; Antamok Mines; Balatoc Mines; Camp 1; Camp 6; Loacan, Itogon; Daklan; Apalan; Guisset; Beckel; and Gumatdang. Furthermore, extending to the neighboring provinces like Bacnotan and Burgos of La Union; And, Lubo of Kalinga, Apayao. Daughter churches were established like the Happy Hallow Baptist Church; Balatoc Christian Fundamental Baptist Church; Community Fundamental Baptist Church in Loacan, Itogon; Camp 6 Baptist Church; Harvest Baptist Church in Bacnotan, La Union, and The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church in Apalan-Guisset.

 

Through the years, God in His infinite wisdom, provided workers too many to mention in this piece of written history just so to accomplish His own purpose in the harvest field.

 

At present the church has around 300 members led by Ptr. Ruben Huyo being the Senior Pastor, Ptr. Geru Sardina as the Associate Pastor beginning year 2009 and Ptr. Lemuel Pay-an, who was recently designated as the Youth Pastor. The church has also absorbed and commissioned Ptr. Hubert Caroy as a Missionary Pastor last year 2011, since he has started mission work in places that of Apalan, Guisset, Cubabeng, Beckel and Gumatdang. His family also have been instrumental in supporting and assisting him, as he continues to evangelize and share the gospel of Christ to places who needs to hear the Hope that is in Christ Jesus. The church has been also given the burden to help in Vigan and commissioned Ptr. Nero and Penny Misajon year 2011 under the supervision of Ptr. Huyo.

 

This year, Ptr. Lowell Achedera was then also called to be the Pastor in Daklan, continuing to reach the lost souls and edify believers in the locality. The church has then decided as well to hand-over the work of the Lord in Burgos, La Union to our fellow Bible Baptist believers who are near the vicinity as it profits nothing competing with other Christian groups; Therefore, focusing more to God’s leading toward open doors of opportunity in sharing the Word of God and the Gospel to other unreached places. It has also been a great mileage and celebration as the Christian Education Center has reached it’s 30th Foundation Anniversary this year.   

 

The church continues on as the Living Body of Christ in the locality of Loakan through the given regular church services, prayer meetings, home and school bible classes, Sunday school, home visitations, the church arms – AWANA, AFC, Young Adults Group, Ladies Fellowship and Men’s Fellowship, music ministries, the Christian Education Center, Parents’ Bible classes and counseling sessions.  All  the activities are aimed to proclaim the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to them who are lost and edify or build the believers into becoming like Christ. 

 

The church also sends and supports local and foreign missionaries; Continues to support Bible School students, currently to name Mr. Roujay Balagot and Ms. Sharon Sison; And, even support volunteers who desire to be used in the ministry, currently to name Ms. Jochebed Caroy undergoing training in “Goducate.”  

 

Through some 56 years, God has amazingly and tremendously blessed the Loakan Baptist Church!  Truly the Lord of the harvest is faithful and worthy of our praise and thanksgiving!

 

Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your Name be  glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children.

May you be blessed by the Lord, The Maker of heaven and earth.

The highest heavens belong to the Lord, But the earth he has given to man.

It is not the dead who praise the Lord, Those who go down in silence;

It is we who extol the Lord, Both now and forevermore.

Praise the Lord.

(Psalm 115 :1, 14-18)

What is Truth and what is Right?

 

On these present times, these words seem to become so dull, blur and never clear. Because these times? People seem to choose what truth is and what is right. Disregarding the Bible as truth or being the right guide for our lives, people will claim their own ideas, perspectives, experiences, feelings or belief to be truth and right.

Indeed, this is not just a philosophical or scientific problem, which many people nowadays simply shrug off and never give much importance or thought of. It is one of the very important issues in life and for everyone that should find the answer in order to deal with it. Why? Because in all honesty and reality we also have what we call "falsehood" or a "lie". And whenever people follow or believe in falsehood or a lie, what follows are negative and never a satisfying consequence.

Sure, there may be some "fun" in it or selfish satisfaction in these, but it is sure to last only for a moment of time. In the end, pain and suffering lurks. Destruction follows after -- destroyed family, destroyed relationships, destroyed trust, destroyed lives, etc. And sometimes the funny thing about human beings, even if they say they don’t believe in God, somewhere in their heart they blame God for their destroyed lives. When pain and suffering creeps, they tend to blame “Someone”, and that would usually be God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

But how do we truly know what is Truth and What is Right? Is it truly based on our own ideas? Our thoughts? Our decisions? Our experiences or feelings? Or is it based on the majority’s decision?

The growing issue or becoming prominent idea what is truth and what is right are becoming based on individual’s idea or feeling of what is right. Statements like “I’m like this because this is the truth of who I am.” Or “This is how I feel so this is truth!” or “You don’t understand what I feel!” and that tends to be their truth and what they think is right.

But if we get this concept or idea of how truth is, that is based on how “we” feel or think. If a murder thinks or feels killing is right or is the truth! Or if a rapist thinks or feels raping women is right or the truth! What then? Surely this is not the basis of truth! Truth cannot be standardized or be based or founded on what “we” or “I” think or feel or experience, because humans are NOT ALL the same.

Now I remember my philosophy teacher teaching that everything is based on what we call “HAPPINESS”. Or, that we should probably base truth or what is right in this so called “Universal Happiness”. But is that really truth? From what I understood from his lectures, the majority or the whole humanity is centered in this called “Happiness”. And, therefore one should depend or base truth in this “universal happiness.”? The problem, does such thing exist? Again, as I’ve said, “Human beings are NOT ALL THE SAME.” Each individual are unique. Not even an identical twin is exactly completely the same. No, they are not. Which means, each individual’s happiness may vary or uniquely different. There may be individuals or a group of people having the same kind of “happiness” but it can’t cover everybody. Some are happy with rain, some are not. Many may be happy when the sun shines, but there are those that aren’t, like those who have “photodermatitis” (allergic to light). In other words, happiness or the majority’s happiness is not the basis of truth and right.

Another illustration or something to learn from why truth can not be dependent on the majority’s idea or thought or experiences as truth can be learned from the story “the boy who cried wolf”. It is a nursery or kindergarten story that teaches about the importance of honesty and trust. But on the later part we could see how truth can not depend on the majority. Although the story has connection about what we call “lie” or falsehood but we would see in the end that the majority of the people didn’t believe the boy who cried wolf. Which in reality of the end of story, there was truly a wolf -- in effect the boy suffered its consequence. From this story we can see that truth can’t be based in the majority, for when falsehood or lie is believed by the majority, then doom cometh after.

Now what? Here is where I’ll offer the basis of “Truth” and you’ll probably shrug this off or just stop reading by this time. But if you have a little time and an eye or even an ear to lend, listen to this view or perspective of “Truth”. Thing is, this is NOT my original experience, idea or perspective. Neither is this something that originally came from a group of believers or of a vast majority. But it all starts with the God of the Bible, the Scripture, the Book of books and it also points to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. If you understand the Christian Faith, the God of the Bible is a Three Person in One Godhead, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit – and they are still One. It is actually hard to understand, but if you have faith, you will understand.

Now what is the God of the Bible, the Bible or Jesus Christ has got to do with “Truth” and “Right”. You see, the God of the Bible never changes as the Bible states in Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I change not”; Also in Hebrews 13:8 it says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” And Jesus said too in John 14:6 “…I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Now, take note! God or Jesus is TRUTH and He never changes. With that reality, we can be assured that the Truth we believe in is not a lie or falsehood. Therefore God is the basis of what is Truth and what is Right!

In addition, have you ever asked, “Where did right and wrong came from? Or How did we know what is right and wrong?” Did man invent it? Saying this is right and that is wrong! No, God Who is the basis of what is right and wrong printed these in our hearts and minds. That is why from the beginning, man always knew! But because of man’s original sin, this had become blur or incomplete or corrupted. A very prominent evidence is what man is experiencing today. It never was God’ s fault, it was man’s disobedience. Man betrayed the God Who created him.

Now again, this is just what I can offer. You may decide to believe it or not. Because, that is just one of God’s Character and God’s gift to us: a will to decide. The first man decided for himself to disobey God which had made a great consequence of all the things we are experiencing. And again because of God’s grace, mercy and love He still offers a way back to Him while we are still alive and that is through believing on Who Jesus Christ is – the Truth. That is why Jesus said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

 

In memory of Aurea C. Caroy-Melecio