As we celebrate 28 years of God's faithfulness, let us look back on how God has written the wonderful story of our church. The History of Gospel Bible Baptist Church A Humble Beginning (1994) The Gospel Bible Baptist Church was founded in March 1994, when its pioneer members were brought together by the Lord to form a new ministry. The members gathered in the garage of the Estioko family in Paradise Village, Q.C. and organized a mission – then named Paradise Bible Baptist Mission. Different preachers were tasked to deliver the word of God every Sunday, until GBBC’s founding pastor, Pastor Jose “Boy” Aguinaldo, was called to lead the mission. One of the trials encountered by the mission was serving the Lord during rainy days. The place of worship was an ‘L’ shaped garage with no roof in the middle. Pastor Boy who was preaching in the middle, was drenched by the rain. However, it did not hinder Pastor Boy’s dedication and continued preaching amidst the pouring rain. In June 1994, the mission leased a lot on Road 20 and built the house of God. In September of the same year, the mission was formally recognized as a church and was renamed as Gospel Bible Baptist Church. It was given full authority to function as a church by Pastor Rey Banal, then pastor of Plaridel Bible Baptist Church in Mindanao. “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22 KJV Amidst the Trials (1996) As a young church, it was blessed by the Lord with functioning ministries and talented members. The church conducted Cantatas, Soul Winnings, Sports Fests and attended camps. From the music ministry, choir, young people to the men and ladies, everyone was working together for the glory of God. However, in 1996, the church faced one of the greatest trials of the Lord. One Sunday morning, Pastor Boy and his family arrived and saw that the church was filled with empty seats. Only 18 people attended the service while more than half of the members left. It started when Pastor Boy noticed that the Young People’s ministry was being led to a different direction. Pastor Boy suggested that the leadership should be changed so that others will have a chance to lead. But the parents of the then leader of the Young People were against it and decided to leave the church. Most of the Young People followed and left the ministry. Amidst the lack of manpower, the faithfulness of Pastor Boy and the remaining members did not falter. Together with the children of Pastor Boy, the members filled the gap and were trained to handle two or more ministries. Every Sunday afternoon, the members went out and shared the gospel of the Lord to win souls. The church strived until new members arrived and baptism was done every Sunday. All things worked together for good because many souls were saved in Road 20. “And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV Last Stop before Canaan (2006 - 2017) After 12 years of service in Road 20, the church was forced to transfer to a new building, near SNR Munoz, in Congressional Avenue, Quezon City. The church continued to grow as more families were invited to attend. The church stayed at the Munoz building for almost 2 years. In 2008, the church made their last stop before finding Canaan when they transferred to the Odie Building in Congressional Avenue, Quezon City. Countless memories were made in the Odie building, even if the actions of the members were limited by the state of the leased place. Joyful thanksgiving parties were held, and numerous birthdays of Pastor Boy were celebrated. The church even attended several family camps and other interchurch events. Overcoming the test of faith (2017) On February 28, 2017, weeks before the 23rd church anniversary, the Lord called home GBBC’s founding pastor, Pastor Boy Aguinaldo. The church was left devastated and lost. But in the midst of mourning, the church pressed on and continued to support the works in the ministry. The church then celebrated their anniversary with a simple gathering. For almost 2 months, different preachers took the initiative to stand in the pulpit while waiting for the next senior pastor. In the second week of April 2017, the third son of Pastor Boy, Pastor Godwyn Aguinaldo, was chosen to lead the church. Leading the church is no ordinary feat as it requires sacrifices. When Pastor Godwyn took the challenge, his family had to leave their business and dedicate their full-time service to God. He had to lead the church while his family and the members were still grieving because of the death of their father. Also, the church was in financial difficulty during that time. God continued to challenge the faith of the church. In September 2017, months after Pastor Boy left, Pastor Godwyn received an eviction letter from the owner of the Odie Building. However, Pastor Boy did not leave the church empty handed. Before he was called home, he was blessed with wisdom to save money and the church was able to raise funds to buy land. Despite the trials they went through, the church held their faith in the Lord and kept on serving Him. As a result, God blessed the church with their own land. The church grew and the members matured in the ministry. “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 KJV Reestablishing the Foundation (2017 - Present) By God’s grace, the church was able to hold its first service in Banlat, Tandang Sora on December 31, 2017. As Pastor Godwyn recalled, the prayer of the church was “Lord, if You will give this place to us, we want to hold our first service dyan sa church na ‘yan before the end of the year.” This was a historic moment for the church because it is a testament of a promise fulfilled between God and the members of GBBC. Two years later, the church celebrated their first major event in Prime Hotel, Quezon Ave. Quezon City: GBBC’s 25th anniversary with the theme “Dakilang Katapatan”, havingMissionary Dennis Ebert as the guest speaker. Truly, God’s faithfulness was never in question. Transferring to a new place is not always easy. One of the challenges faced by the church was the acceptance of their new neighbors. However, all the trials only made them depend on God more. The church did not let the unfamiliar environment hinder them from serving God and growing more. After all, our service to God is never based on our comfort. The lot that was provided by God was not the only thing that He blessed the church with. When the church moved to Banlat, Tandang Sora, there was another lot beside the newly built church which was owned by Mr. Ariel Perez. Since the church needed a parking lot as well, Pastor Godwyn talked to Mr. Perez to rent the lot. Thankfully, he agreed and the church went on to build fences around it. Then again, what is a victory without a fight? Their faith was tested by God when news came to Pastor Godwyn that there were people looking into buying the lot. That was when he approached Mr. Perez to secure the lot. Unfortunately, he declined and said that the lot was not up for sale. Pastor Godwyn specifically prayed to God to bring them in a situation wherein the owner will have to sell them the lot. Patiently, they waited for God’s answer. Two months later, Pastor Godwyn received a phone call from Mr. Perez and asked for prayers regarding his health. He went on to ask Pastor Godwyn if he was still interested in buying the lot. By God’s grace the church raised the money for the lot and was able to give an initial payment. The church prayed for it, claimed it, and it was given by God. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24 KJ Growing Ministries Since we transferred to Banlat, Tandang Sora, there have been adjustments and developments done inside and outside the church. Aside from the renovation and beautification of the house of God, the church was blessed to expand its ministries. Aside from developing the ministry of leaders which includes Bro. Gel Rafols, Bro. Mario Gayeta, Bro. Adrian de Ocampo, and Bro. Jun Adille, God sent some of His people to work full time in the church. GBBC Seminary Then came a time after a youth camp in 2019 held at Silang, Cavite, that Pastor Godwyn introduced the idea of opening a Seminary. Pastor Godwyn convinced the Church that it is about time that we train God-called people to become better-equipped servants of the Lord. We are blessed to be provided with seminary modules from La Loma Baptist Church who was then under Pastor Gilbert Toquero. By God’s grace, we were provided willing Pastors such as Pastor Rey Correo, Pastor Juni Flores and men and ladies of the church such as Sis. Grace De Ocampo, Sis. Shimea Aguinaldo, and Bro. Gel Rafols as our teachers. On February 25, 2022, there was also an event called “Seminary Night” hosted by our church to encourage other people to join us. However, due to the limitations brought about by the pandemic, the seminary was temporarily paused until just this August of 2022. GBBC Tala Congregation Another landmark of our church's ministry started some time in June 2020 when brother Mario Gayeta approached Pastor Godwyn to talk about a building that Bro Mario had recently purchased. Our Pastor initially thought that the reason why bro Mario approached him was for us to dedicate the new building. But to Pastor's surprise, he was challenged by Bro. Mario when he briefly said that we should start a ministry in the place. There have been multiple attempts by Baptist Churches to establish a church using the same building but discontinued. But it wasn't long before our Church took the challenge and gave their part in planting the seed among the people in Tala, Caloocan. We were blessed with manpower and resources to renovate the main worship area, enabling us to conduct our first official service in Tala in the afternoon of the 20th of September, 2020 (the same day as our church's 26th year anniversary). There were already some people from the community that attended our service. Little did they know that they will later be the same people whom God will use to further expand His cause. The work that God has commanded us to do didn't stop there. There were men, ladies, and young people who took part in letting others know God through His word. There were efforts made by having Bible Studies and conducting discipleship programs every week. Some time after, the then Preacher Ponciano Tan was assigned to spearhead the ministry in Tala accompanied by Bro. Gerald as their choir conductor. The ministry grew as they conduct soul winning every Thursday and have Singles' Night every Friday, expanding God's Kingdom while strengthening their bond with one another. Eventually, during the 2nd Anniversary of Tala held last 10th of September, 2022, the now Pastor Ponciano Tan was assigned as the official Pastor of Gospel Bible Baptist Church of Tala, Caloocan. Looking back, we all knew that starting a new ministry in Tala was no easy task. But we have faith and took it to God and He responded by providing the needs to establish His ministry. Surely, God is good to our Church and to the people of Tala, Caloocan. During the Pandemic In the year 2020, when the COVID19 pandemic struck, there were trials that the church had to face. Following the then protocol, the church opted to hold their worship service online. Exploring this new medium included challenges in the technical and spiritual side of things. The faith of the members were tested due to the threat of the virus. Still, by God’s mercy and grace, the church’s prayer for things to get better was answered by God. The first on site worship service was held after months of doing it online. Once again, God’s goodness was highlighted in everyone’s lives. The church also opened other ministries that have become a blessing not only to the church members, but to other people as well. From the increasing members of the choir led by Bro. Joseph and Sis. Shimeah Aguinaldo, to the expanding music ministry which includes pianists, guitarists, and violinists, and the multimedia ministry led by Bro. Adrian de Ocampo, church ministries have been fruitful in the past two years amidst the pandemic. Last July 2021, the 6 AM Daily Devotion, led by Pastor Godwyn Aguinaldo, was started and is consistent up to now with an average of 30-40 attendees everyday. The Gospel Chronicles, the official GBBC Newsletter led by Sis. Em Gacad, was also established in the same year and was launched last September 2021 which was set to publish articles covering church news, events, testimonials, and devotions. The latest, John 10:3 Ushering Ministry, led by Bro. Elmer Abad was also established to help keep the church services in order, organized, and acceptable unto God. “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” 1 Corinthians 3:7-8 KJV The Heart of Our Service For the past 28 years, the heart of our service has always been to win souls, teach disciples, and build churches for the Lord. Sacrifice is one of the most important aspects in a servant’s life that is seen in the story of Gospel Bible Baptist Church following the Lord’s example. Many people have come and gone, yet, many have remained and went on to preach the gospel. There were losses that can never be replaced, but instead are filled by God’s promises and unending grace. As God has beautifully written the history of our church, we pray that by God’s grace, we will be able to share His goodness through His word, planting seeds and sowing fruits to keep the work going for the glory of God until the Lord comes back. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 KJV /written by: Colleen de Ocampo, Em Gacad, Raphael Pacheco
/photos compiled by: Chloe Aguinaldo, Em Gacad
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