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.

Mansedamat Kito'n Jesus (Praise the Savior, Ye who know Him Ibaloi version)

Mansedamat kito'n Jesus,
Si-katajo'n totoo to,
Ni emin'na in-akan to
Son si-katajo.

Si Jesus i emengi-kan
ni tayoka pan-imdengi,
No si-kato i panshindi,
ekak malogi.

Ayshi'y toka panbediwi,
Na-anos so ni emati,
Ayshi'y toka noman dabsi,
Piyal mo niman.

I-sop mo kami son si-kam,
Angken eg kami nay-anam,
Ingke'd odopen mo kami,
No ondaw ka di.

No ondaw kito'd naykayang,
Jet sha kito ma iparang
Ni na-apilan to'n bakdang.
Ja eg mankodang.

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW MINISTRY

Actually, it's not really new, but probably new for me. As of this moment, I am trying to start or organize a new ministry in a particular place called Beckel without me being there, but with the help of the young people of Loakan Baptist Church, specifically by the AWANA Clubs of the church; Also, with the help of fellow believers in Christ in the place of Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet.

It’s quite a challenge, making a vision or an idea to be a reality. The idea hit me even before I was in Loakan Baptist Church helping in the AWANA Clubs ministry. The vision was about reaching and teaching children in another kind of method but with the inspiration of the AWANA Clubs Ministry. It’s like a modification of the AWANA Clubs program. Although it was just a vision or an idea, I was the only one desiring at that moment. Every after year, this was my desire for the AWANA Clubs in the Loakan Baptist Church due to difficulties the club was experiencing, esp. with regards to the financial needs and requirements. I wanted to try simplifying the program in terms of material and people required to be involved but still be able to retain the basics and principles of the AWANA Clubs Ministry. Although as I have said, it was just a simple lonely idea that no one had the heart to help in making it work yet at that time. But that was history and now being in the Mission field with my father, his desire to reach out to different places and people has truly affected me. But with too many places to go to and people to share God’s Word, my father can’t do it alone, a reason why I’ve committed myself in supporting his endeavors as well as my Father in Heaven’s mission. 

Truly in the field I’ve seen how great the labor is, and how few the Lord’s laborers are. I’ve also seen different kinds of laborers. But perhaps I wouldn’t dwell on that. As a Christian and as a church, the number one goal why we are still here is to fulfill and obey God’s Great Commission: “The spreading of the gospel of Christ and teaching and training them God’s principle and leading them to obey Him as well” (Matthew 28:18-20). I’m not saying that as Christian we all leave our homes or work and do witnessing (but that is a very good idea hehe!). But, simply as one who claims to be Christian, one must know: “God’s will and desire is that He could redeem those that are lost”. Therefore one must constantly take part, even in the smallest detail in helping to reach that goal fulfilled. The problem at times, we tend to be more focused on the world and not on the WORD, the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyway if you are a Christian, you should know and understand because the Holy Spirit should be working in and through you. The great commission is not only for full-time laborers of God but for ALL who believe. But if you do not understand, check your heart; maybe you haven’t truly received the Lord Jesus Christ in your life as your Lord (Master) and Savior.

Nevertheless, let me go back in my topic; truly our mission as Christian is to GO and PREACH the gospel and TEACH that they might know HIM more that they might be lead in truly obeying the Father’s will. And I believe that is also the AWANA’s goal. Anyway, it’s every church ministry’s goal to do the same. Going afar from these goals, makes the ministry nothing more but sounding cymbals; making sound but worth nothing but a noise. Or in terms of one word, it’s vain!
So as part of fulfilling the great commission, the idea of a modified AWANA was re-ignited. And my sister Jochebed was able to understand and given the heart as well. Having given her the ideas she was able to start making those ideas at work. Although at certain circumstance, she wasn’t able to finish it; I had to accomplish the task and to try to think through how things it would work. So then, the Bible Heroes Club came to exist, as just a simple thought of naming it. Nevertheless, we were able to at least produce the needed materials. Great thing there’s what we call Ink-Flow printers, printers that could save much compared to printing on other shops or something.
Now, we only needed people to help, therefore with Loakan Baptist Church flowing with many young people, I thought of them as being of great help. At first, it was disappointing with my expectations, but I believe God settled things well having given us the mind to make it work and the heart to truly commit and serve God.

So it happened, the leaders of the AWANA Clubs were able to schedule themselves. But as we know, the enemy won’t simply let it all go, a probable reason why suddenly in the place of Beckel, 2 groups of different denomination started a children’s ministry through feeding program. It was again a disheartening circumstance; nevertheless, we had to trust in God’s leading.

The place was settled and the invitation was given to kids, and August 12, 2012, Raquel Tecne, Mervhi Berbano, and Krystal Balagot went to the place of Beckel to start the children’s ministry or we may call it, the Bible Heroes Club. Starting with 10 kids, it may be few but most likely a great start, since it’s a doorway enabling God’s Word to be planted in the hearts of these kids. But it doesn’t end there for it’s just the beginning. Surely there will be more battles and challenges but as long as the Lord leads surely He will fight for us for the battle belongs to the Lord!
So begins a new ministry!

(below are pictures taken from the first club meeting.)

Lord, send forth more Laborers

It's been almost 2 years I've been in my Father's ministry, or probably more than two (I think I forgot my timeline). And it seems the harvest continuous to grow vast than ever... Now? My father goes to Apalan-Guesset, Cubabeng, Beckel and a new target place called Gumatdang. Recently my father held Bible Studies in the area of Gumatdang and as what I've heard there are now utmost 20 adults who are gathering for the Bible Study. I haven't been to the place yet as my Father goes there every Friday and/or Saturday, days where I'm at work. I wish those who go could take pictures too so that I may see the people and the place. But probably they were busy studying God's Word.

It's just awesome and delightful hearing their reports about Gumatdang. But as my father continues to share the gospel to different places... It seems there is a great need for more laborers to support each area of the ministry. As of now, I too am concentrated on trying to start a children's ministry in Beckel, since Bible Studies seem to be a hard method to use on that place. And, still few open their houses for God's Word and most often circumstances tend to make it more difficult.

As I try to organize and start the children's ministry with the help coming from the young people of Loakan Baptist Church, truly the task is too much to handle and bear. So, I'm simply clinging and trusting on the power of God and hoping for the working of the Holy Spirit to His people and to those that needs to hear God's Word. Number one struggle at this point is truly the people or volunteers for this ministry. It is indeed hard when there is no people to be sent for the harvest. Second may be materials to use... or perhaps provisions.. But with hope and trust in God and according to His will, He will provide!

Personally, it's truly a big question to myself or a struggle perhaps, knowing that I'm not a full-time worker of the Lord, yet I'm like giving much time, effort and even finances in the ministry. But in actuality, that's what I believe a Christian should be. Christianity is not a simple "to do" list in life, but a life that ought to be lived. I'm not saying that as Christians, we drop everything we're doing and just do ministries, etc. But simply as a Christian, when God gives us a burden and opportunities to serve, then we ought to fulfill. It's just like the people who are called for their positions, as Pastors, Evangelists, etc. As an individual Christian, God has not called us to simply watch and just give money and let the workers do their job, God has given us the "Great Commission". Not only to the disciples, the apostles, pastors, or evangelists, but to all who believe in Christ Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20). I'm just simply stating that in our everyday life, God should be there and fulfilling His Will. And when God calls us according to His will, we therefore should claim it and fulfill it. But if we turn our heads or ears away from the call, are we not stiff-necked people like the Israelites? Sadly many Christians don't often have that kind of realization. And when one does realize... it's never easy... For it's truly a battlefield. Why? because we're inside the borders of our enemy line. I mean, we're in the enemy's territory... That's the BIG reason why it's never easy. BUT of course it doesn't end there. We have GOD! And truly, it's a matter of simple FAITH and simple TRUST.... but human as we are, we are prone in disbelief, doubt and discouragement. BUT still, as Christians, we already are in Victory... It's just truly a matter of standing for that Victory Christ gave! For Christ said in the cross of Calvary, "IT IS FINISHED!"