Loakan Baptist Church 56th Anniversary & Christmas Cantata 2012

Loakan Baptist Church celebrates her 56th Anniversary on December 16, 2012. Her outreaches in Daklan, Apalan-Guisset-Beckel-Gumatdang, and Umingan joins in to celebrate the event. The Celebration started Saturday having Ptr. Felipe Rimando as the main speaker and blessed to have also both Ptr. Rimando and Ptr. Jun Salinas speak for the morning service. At the afternoon, the church had their time of fellowship with the outreaches with games, reporting and song numbers. At the evening, LBC Choirc presents their Christmas Cantata. Below shows pictures of the Anniversary event and the Cantata.



Below are the video of the songs presented by (first) Gumatdang group... (sorry, was late to take it in video since I was still learning how to use the portable camera) and (second) videos are two (2) song presentation of "The Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church" of Apalan-Guisset-Beckel group.







Below are videos from the Christmas Cantata of the Loakan Baptist Church Choir. The Title of the Cantata is "The Father's Gift of Love". Conducted by Bro. Jasper John Lamsis. And by the way, there were two songs that have some cut (in tagalog, "may naputol", hehe!)... And if anyone likes to share there videos on different angle, please do inform me.. thanks! =)











Here is a video version from Jamie's account in facebook since my copy for this video is cut off... =) (Thanks Jamie!) =D















The Cantata presentation ends here, the video below is just a few extra video after the cantata



If you have other videos from the cantata itself and want to share, just inform me and we'll see how to add it here for better and orderly viewing. Enjoy and be blessed! =)

just want to test this video below, saved in facebook.. =)

When People Makes things Complicated

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.  They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” Matthew 19:3-9

The account of the previous is just one of how we, people, complicate things. God’s original design of a married couple is to be one flesh. To be one! Yet men and women have failed to realize this and make this plan to be true to themselves. Sure! There are many reasons why they can’t make this kind of principle or plan into a reality, like one has become unfaithful, or because of temptation, etc. etc. etc. But in reality, there is only one reason, SIN!

Surely, this sin is the biggest problem and also reason why man is separated from God. This is the curse and consequence of that what was done through one man, Adam. Because of sin, man is also doomed to eternal death or separation, which is literally to be eternally thrown into the lake of fire, as the Word of God declares. So, because of sin, things have not become simple and what God has planned and designed man to be is deviated from the original plan.

So does that mean we have no hope? Of course not! Because we have the Good News! That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Because of Jesus Christ, died and risen again the third day, Salvation is free to receive by those who believe! Jesus came to be the sacrifice and the Lamb to the slaughter, Who takes away the sin of the World! Him who knew no sin, died and took the punishment of sin so that we who have sinned and to be punished might be justified or declared “NOT GUILTY” by believing on Jesus on Who He says He is! The Son of God! The Messiah! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And thereby having the Faith in Him shall He redeem us or bought us back unto Himself. This is the Good News!

But to them who does not believe, then perhaps there is no hope for them. For what hope is there in hoping to those things that shall fade away? What hope is there to find when all things lead to sorrow and death? I wonder?

But for those who have given the hope of Christ and to life eternal, God has given us a wonderful plan and design for our life. It’s not a life filled with so much happiness and delight all our life as what others expect and thought of. But it’s a life filled with joy, joy that is in Christ Jesus, a life abundant as the verse John 10:10 speak of. But seriously, most often man misunderstands what Christ meant. Though we, who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is given a promise of Heaven, such life is not promised for life on earth. “Abundant” I believe, means more of being connected in Christ, the source of Life, likened to “abiding” in Christ. Therefore being always connected in Christ, knowing His Will and doing His Will, we can’t be deviated to what God has planned for us. The problem with man, even with believers in Christ is that, we intend to live in our own standard, our own delight, our own basis, our own ambition and even plans. Not that our plan is no longer important or has value, but have we always considered on what God has on His mind for us? For God’s ways are not our ways. Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts. Therefore if we intend to live abundantly, it is best to fulfill and pursue the life God intends for us. Anyway, who knows better in using a computer or a phone, the designer or the simple customer?

Surely most often, we misunderstand what God’s plan for us. But in these moments of doubts and unclear situation, God desires that we still trust and have faith in Him. At times of doubts, pain most often we shall suffer. But if only we could always have that attitude of Job saying “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Surely in time, we shall come forth as gold!

So bottom line? Most often, we complicate things because we deviate from what God intends us to be. We often say to the Potter, “No! Don’t make me like this!” Wanting that our will be fulfilled, more than God’s. A simple illustration of why we make things complicated is when we are given such an amount of money. God desires that we be a good steward of what God has given us. But when we place that money in our hands and walk by the shop or SM (we call it) and see “SALE 50%!” or “Buy 1, take 1!” Soon enough that money is gone in an instant! Then, when the need arises like we get sick or when our love ones get sick, we go to our relatives and ask to borrow money! Such a tragedy!

Be Wise! Be Content! Be Faithful! And Hope for the God of our Salvation!

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...)