Rev. Famillaran & Rev. Lopez Leadership Brought Strong Impact on CPBC Ministry, then........

The Election of Rev. Moley Familaran, President of CPBC on May 1976 and Rev. Edwin Lopez in July that same year, have brought momentum to CPBC ministries the next 8 years. Then it went down and never regained the lost momentum for following years.

In the next 4 years after their elections in May 1976, CPBC reached some strength and height in the Convention ministry that was unprecedented.

At the CPBC Office, Rev. Esfe Tandog provided the needed leadership to consolidate the efforts from the ground. He was appointed Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. With the General Secretary, Rev. Esfe Tandog, produced an instrument for the CPBC ministry to reach out all over the Convention area. He worked and published an 8- pages newsletter known as “Baii-Sulat”, in mimeograph and circulated monthly, reaching out to most of the churches, informing them of what were done during the months and plans to be made on the next months.

Employed CPBC Staff were headed by Rev. Edwin Lopez, General Secretary. Assisting him were 3 Field Secretaries, Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Evangelism, Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, Stewardship and Apolonio Francia, Christian Education and Rev. Esfeamori Tandog, Executive Assistant and Jun Fabellore, Janitor and general services.

The CPBC Ministries have grown fast. Never in the history of the Convention from its founding in 1938, Think of this. Recruited to work full time for CPBC in 1976-1977, were Rev. Amado Leonares, Rev. Elias Laprades, Rev. Gigare, Rev. Selencino, Rev. Larry Leysa, Pastor Grace Faldas, Pastor Manny Monteclaro, Rev. David Rama, Rev. Norberto Tabligan, Pastor Fred Jacildo, Rev. Jose Tarug, Pastor Lilia Lirazan, Pastor Nora San Pedro, Pastor Nora Gabilo and Ms. Deli Baclagon. Rev. Repolidon was Coordinating Minister for Eastern Mindanao, and Rev. Este, Coordinating Minister for Western Mindanao

The Office Secretaries were Miss Deborah Dean and Mrs. Rizalina Rafols, sssisted by two parttime secretaries.

In 1976 -1977, the component of the Convention in the administration and the programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship were 33 full time staff. But starting 1980, the full time staff decreased to 10 full time and even less. Today, in 2017, the full time staff of the Convention is only, 8 persons?

Manning the Business Office in 1976 were Fred Italia, Treasurer, He was assisted by Mr. Ephraem Baluya, Bookeeper and Edwin Gallenero, Assistant Bookeeper.

Under that leadership, the CPBC Evangelism Program of Rev. Penuelito Sacapano strengthened and expanded to many different places in the country—in the towns of Panay & Negros, Romblon, Mindoro, Manila –Luzon. It made stronger strides in both Western and Eastern Mindanao. The planting of new churches and it’s registration with the CPBC show a growth of 200 per cent the last 4 years from 1976 to 1980.

Some ordained ministers, were recalled by Rev. Lopez from hibernations to be evangelists again, planting churches in their assigned circuit areas. Fresh graduates were recruited, like Pastor Tita Grace Faldas of CPU College of Theology and Pastor Nora San Pedro of CBBC, and trained as Evangelists and chuch planters. And every Sunday morning, the Evangelism Program staff, go to their churches with new challenge and carries new expectations

The Christian Education under Rev. Apolonio Francia produced 5 Sunday School materials girded to strengthen the education of adults with “Eskuela Dominika”. and young people with four different grade materials – Junior, Primary, Kinders, produced with relevance and has started a joint program on writing education materials with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

The Eskuela Dominal become a kind of text book, where several members in local churches buy copies for their studies during Sunday Schools for adults. They studied the Eskuela Dominakal before attending Sunday school on Sundays.

Working with Rev. Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education were Ms. Deli Baclagon and Rev. Selencino. They were assisted sometimes by Mrs. Pat Lopez, with her skills on writing and editing. A group of volunteer writers, wrote their assigned manuscripts and readied for printing on time, every quarter and circulated as Sunday School guides. The Kasapulanan offices were designated places where Sunday School materials were available for churches.

The Stewardship Program under Rev. Alfeo Tupaz undertook massive training of church members nationwide on Stewardship. It was designed to educate members from adults to Kinder school to give their tithes and offerings of their income for the ministry. An “Every Member Canvass”, a stewardship process were held for all staff, to maximize their skills on stewardship development and transfer this skills to church members all over the convention area.

Rev. Harold Blatt, an American missionary came to CPBC on request by Rev. Edwin Lopez to help. He was assisted by Rev. Emilio Lapatha, an experts on stewardship technolgy and mobilizing financial resources. They helped train CPBC staff on the art of stewardship with “Every Member Canvass” strategy.

This training was implemented with a two -days week-end seminar, Saturdays and Sundays where all members of churches, from adults, young people to children were provided Biblical studies on stewardship, both from the Old and New Testaments, with tithing as a strong focus and challenge. Then on Sunday morning worship services, each member put their commitment for support in a Pledge Card and gave during worship service as commitment for the whole year.

With the Stewardship call, program plans were made, with financial support planned the whole year, based on the pledges made during the stewardship commitment.

Some 30 CPBC staff were assigned to undertake the Every Member Canvas training all over the Convention several Sundays. I was assigned on one Sunday to Pulupandan Bapitst Church in Central Negros. The response was great. Increased of support was recorded. Most churches gave 10% of their income to CPBC, the 50% of which was also shared with the Kasapulanans.

The church members were also challenged to give one tablespoon of rice, for every cup of rice they will cook every meal. They kept this daily in a Stewardship Basket, and bring to church every Sunday and gave as offerings, specifically for the Pastors and his family’s food.

The 3 CPBC programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship with their 30 full time staff, pushed hard the ministry covering Negros, Panay Romblon, Mindoro, Luzon, Manila, Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao.

The dynamism of the program could be felt in the churches with more members baptised, more new churches organized and bigger resources coming-in for the ministry of the Convention.

During this time, Rev. Edwin Lopez, sent several lay leaders and pastors, both from the staff of CPBC and from churches opportunities for overseas exposures and to travel abroad and in the country to learn knowledge and skills with other sister bodies in the field of leadership, management and special training ministries. It was during this period a number of scholarships in medicine were given to young people with interests in medicine. Some were encouraged to attend seminars, workshops and related training in the Philippines, Asia and other foreign countries.

Pastor Tita Grace Faldas, Special Minister with. Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education were sent for 2 years aAdvance Studies in West Germany. Rev/ Esfe Tandog, CPBC Executive Assistant was sent for a masteral study in the United States. Rev. Elias Laprades, Special Minister was sent Ecumenical Studies to Bossey Institute in Switzerland. I think, three students were assisted to take Medicine thru a schaolarship from the Board of International Ministries, hoping they will be able to help our people on some medical services.

While the 3 major Programs of the Convention were implemented with force and dynamism, Pastor Rudy Bernal, was assigned to start working on CPBC pilot Urban Industrial and Rural Mission (URIM) at Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Pastor Rudy Bernal, He was given a scholarship by a German organization with a 1 year study grant, that provide him opportunity to learn more on Urban Industrial Rural Mission (UIRM) and enrolled again at the College of Theology, Then, he was transferred by Rev. Lopez to the national office, as Deputy to the General Secretary on URIM. He worked in the CPBC office with Rev. Esfe Tandog, the Executive Assistant.

Starting in 1977, 6 years after President Marcos declared martial law, the Baptist Convention’s and with General Assembly’s mandate that year, Pastor Bernal with the General Secretary and the President, conceptualized, planned, resource funds and mobilized needed resources to expand the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM), started in 1976, the New Frontier Ministries (NFM), the development arms of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, reaching out to all areas in the country where CPBC ministers.

Assisting him starting 1977, is Miss Feraz Baclagon, Secretary. She worked hard, creatively and efficiently, leading services with the CPBC to international Chrstian involvements, in the Asia Pacific Development Aid Ministry. And in 2017, God called her to led the Baptist Convention as President.

Rev. Famillaran & Rev. Lopez Leadership Brought Strong Impact on CPBC Ministry, then........

Chapter 32 – Rev. Famillaran & Rev. Lopez Leadership Br0ught Strong Impact on CPBC Ministry, then...

The Election of Rev. Moley Familaran, President of CPBC on May 1976 and Rev. Edwin Lopez in July that same year, have brought momentum to CPBC ministries the next 8 years. Then it went down and never regained the lost momentum for following years.

In the next 4 years after their elections in May 1976, CPBC reached some strength and height in the Convention ministry that was unprecedented.

At the CPBC Office, Rev. Esfe Tandog provided the needed leadership to consolidate the efforts from the ground. He was appointed Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. With the General Secretary, Rev. Esfe Tandog, produced an instrument for the CPBC ministry to reach out all over the Convention area. He worked and published an 8- pages newsletter known as “Baii-Sulat”, in mimeograph and circulated monthly, reaching out to most of the churches, informing them of what were done during the months and plans to be made on the next months.

Employed CPBC Staff were headed by Rev. Edwin Lopez, General Secretary. Assisting him were 3 Field Secretaries, Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Evangelism, Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, Stewardship and Apolonio Francia, Christian Education and Rev. Esfeamori Tandog, Executive Assistant and Jun Fabellore, Janitor and general services.

The CPBC Ministries have grown fast. Never in the history of the Convention from its founding in 1938, Think of this. Recruited to work full time for CPBC in 1976-1977, were Rev. Amado Leonares, Rev. Elias Laprades, Rev. Gigare, Rev. Selencino, Rev. Larry Leysa, Pastor Grace Faldas, Pastor Manny Monteclaro, Rev. David Rama, Rev. Norberto Tabligan, Pastor Fred Jacildo, Rev. Jose Tarug, Pastor Lilia Lirazan, Pastor Nora San Pedro, Pastor Nora Gabilo and Ms. Deli Baclagon. Rev. Repolidon was Coordinating Minister for Eastern Mindanao, and Rev. Este, Coordinating Minister for Western Mindanao

The Office Secretaries were Miss Deborah Dean and Mrs. Rizalina Rafols, sssisted by two parttime secretaries.

In 1976 -1977, the component of the Convention in the administration and the programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship were 33 full time staff. But starting 1980, the full time staff decreased to 10 full time and even less. Today, in 2017, the full time staff of the Convention is only, 8 persons?

Manning the Business Office in 1976 were Fred Italia, Treasurer, He was assisted by Mr. Ephraem Baluya, Bookeeper and Edwin Gallenero, Assistant Bookeeper.

Under that leadership, the CPBC Evangelism Program of Rev. Penuelito Sacapano strengthened and expanded to many different places in the country—in the towns of Panay & Negros, Romblon, Mindoro, Manila –Luzon. It made stronger strides in both Western and Eastern Mindanao. The planting of new churches and it’s registration with the CPBC show a growth of 200 per cent the last 4 years from 1976 to 1980.

Some ordained ministers, were recalled by Rev. Lopez from hibernations to be evangelists again, planting churches in their assigned circuit areas. Fresh graduates were recruited, like Pastor Tita Grace Faldas of CPU College of Theology and Pastor Nora San Pedro of CBBC, and trained as Evangelists and chuch planters. And every Sunday morning, the Evangelism Program staff, go to their churches with new challenge and carries new expectations

The Christian Education under Rev. Apolonio Francia produced 5 Sunday School materials girded to strengthen the education of adults with “ Eskuela Dominika”. and young people with four different grade materials – Junior, Primary, Kinders, produced with relevance and has started a joint program on writing education materials with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

The Eskuela Dominal become a kind of text book, where several members in local churches buy copies for their studies during Sunday Schools for adults. They studied the Eskuela Dominakal before attending Sunday school on Sundays.

Working with Rev. Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education were Ms. Deli Baclagon and Rev. Selencino. They were assisted sometimes by Mrs. Pat Lopez, with her skills on writing and editing. A group of volunteer writers, wrote their assigned manuscripts and readied for printing on time, every quarter and circulated as Sunday School guides. The Kasapulanan offices were designated places where Sunday School materials were available for churches.

The Stewardship Program under Rev. Alfeo Tupaz undertook massive training of church members nationwide on Stewardship. It was designed to educate members from adults to Kinder school to give their tithes and offerings of their income for the ministry. An “Every Member Canvass”, a stewardship process were held for all staff, to maximize their skills on stewardship development and transfer this skills to church members all over the convention area.

Rev. Harold Blatt, an American missionary came to CPBC on request by Rev. Edwin Lopez to help. He was assisted by Rev. Emilio Lapatha, an experts on stewardship technolgy and mobilizing financial resources. They helped train CPBC staff on the art of stewardship with “Every Member Canvass” strategy.

This training was implemented with a two -days week-end seminar, Saturdays and Sundays where all members of churches, from adults, young people to children were provided Biblical studies on stewardship, both from the Old and New Testaments, with tithing as a strong focus and challenge. Then on Sunday morning worship services, each member put their commitment for support in a Pledge Card and gave during worship service as commitment for the whole year.

With the Stewardship call, program plans were made, with financial support planned the whole year, based on the pledges made during the stewardship commitment.

Some 30 CPBC staff were assigned to undertake the Every Member Canvas training all over the Convention several Sundays. I was assigned on one Sunday to Pulupandan Bapitst Church in Central Negros. The response was great. Increased of support was recorded. Most churches gave 10% of their income to CPBC, the 50% of which was also shared with the Kasapulanans.

The church members were also challenged to give one tablespoon of rice, for every cup of rice they will cook every meal. They kept this daily in a Stewardship Basket, and bring to church every Sunday and gave as offerings, specifically for the Pastors and his family’s food.

The 3 CPBC programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship with their 30 full time staff, pushed hard the ministry covering Negros, Panay Romblon, Mindoro, Luzon, Manila, Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao.

The dynamism of the program could be felt in the churches with more members baptised, more new churches organized and bigger resources coming-in for the ministry of the Convention.

During this time, Rev. Edwin Lopez, sent several lay leaders and pastors, both from the staff of CPBC and from churches opportunities for overseas exposures and to travel abroad and in the country to learn knowledge and skills with other sister bodies in the field of leadership, management and special training ministries . It was during this period a number of scholarships in medicine were given to young people with interests in medicine. Some were encouraged to attend seminars, workshops and related training in the Philippines, Asia and other foreign countries.

Pastor Tita Grace Faldas, Special Minister with . Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education were sent for 2 years aAdvance Studies in West Germany. Rev/ Esfe Tandog, CPBC Executive Assistant was sent for a masteral study in the United States. Rev. Elias Laprades, Special Minister was sent Ecumenical Studies to Bossey Institute in Switzerland. I think, three students were assisted to take Medicine thru a schaolarship from the Board of International Ministries, hoping they will be able to help our people on some medical services.

While the 3 major Programs of the Convention were implemented with force and dynamism, Pastor Rudy Bernal, was assigned to start working on CPBC pilot Urban Industrial and Rural Mission (URIM) at Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Pastor Rudy Bernal, He was given a scholarship by a German organization with a 1 year study grant, that provide him opportunity to learn more on Urban Industrial Rural Mission (UIRM) and enrolled again at the College of Theology, Then, he was transferred by Rev. Lopez to the national office, as Deputy to the General Secretary on URIM. He worked in the CPBC office with Rev. Esfe Tandog, the Executive Assistant.

Starting in 1977, 6 years after President Marcos declared martial law, the Baptist Convention’s and with General Assembly’s mandate that year, Pastor Bernal with the General Secretary and the President, conceptualized, planned, resource funds and mobilized needed resources to expand the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM),started in 1976, the New Frontier Ministries (NFM), the development arms of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, reaching out to all areas in the country where CPBC ministers.

Assisting him starting 1977, is Miss Feraz Baclagon, Secretary. She worked hard, creatively and efficiently, leading services with the CPBC to international Chrstian involvements, in the Asia Pacific Development Aid Ministry. And in 2017, God called her to led the Baptist Convention as President.

Rev. Famillaran & Rev. Lopez Leadership Brought Strong Impact on CPBC Ministry, then........

M E M O R I E S:Life and Time of Pastor Rudy Bernal, his Glimpses on History &  the People’s Struggle for Freedom

Chapter 32 – Rev. Famillaran   & Rev.  Lopez  Leadership  Br0ught  Strong  Impact  on CPBC Ministry,  then...

The Election of Rev. Moley Familaran, President of CPBC  on May 1976 and Rev. Edwin Lopez in July  that same year,     have brought  momentum  to CPBC ministries the next 8 years.  Then it went down and never regained the lost momentum for  following years.  

 In  the next  4     years after their elections in May 1976,   CPBC reached  some  strength and  height in the Convention  ministry  that was unprecedented.

At the CPBC Office,   Rev. Esfe Tandog   provided   the needed leadership to  consolidate the efforts from the ground. He was appointed  Executive Assistant to  the General Secretary.   With the General Secretary, Rev. Esfe Tandog,   produced  an instrument for the  CPBC  ministry to reach out  all  over the Convention  area.  He worked and published an 8- pages newsletter known  as “Baii-Sulat”, in mimeograph  and circulated monthly, reaching out to most of  the churches,  informing them of what were done during the  months  and plans to be made on the next months.

Employed CPBC Staff were headed by Rev. Edwin Lopez, General Secretary.  Assisting him were  3 Field Secretaries,   Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Evangelism, Rev.  Alfeo Tupaz, Stewardship  and Apolonio Francia,  Christian Education and Rev. Esfeamori Tandog, Executive Assistant and  Jun Fabellore, Janitor and general services.

The  CPBC  Ministries  have grown  fast.  Never  in the history of the Convention  from its founding in 1938,  Think of this. Recruited to work full time   for CPBC in 1976-1977, were  Rev.  Amado Leonares, Rev. Elias Laprades,  Rev. Gigare, Rev. Selencino, Rev. Larry Leysa, Pastor Grace Faldas, Pastor Manny Monteclaro, Rev. David Rama, Rev. Norberto Tabligan, Pastor Fred Jacildo, Rev. Jose Tarug,  Pastor  Lilia Lirazan,  Pastor Nora San Pedro,  Pastor Nora Gabilo and Ms.   Deli Baclagon.    Rev. Repolidon was Coordinating Minister for  Eastern Mindanao, and Rev.  Este,   Coordinating Minister for   Western Mindanao

The Office Secretaries were Miss  Deborah Dean and   Mrs. Rizalina Rafols, sssisted by two parttime secretaries.

In 1976 -1977, the  component of the Convention  in the administration and the programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship were 33 full time staff. But  starting 1980, the full time staff decreased to 10 full time and even less. Today, in 2017, the full time staff of the Convention  is only, 8 persons?

Manning the Business Office in 1976  were  Fred Italia,  Treasurer,   He was assisted by Mr. Ephraem Baluya,  Bookeeper and  Edwin Gallenero, Assistant Bookeeper.

Under that leadership, the CPBC  Evangelism Program of  Rev. Penuelito Sacapano strengthened  and expanded to many  different places in the   country—in the towns of  Panay & Negros, Romblon, Mindoro,  Manila –Luzon. It made  stronger strides in both Western and Eastern  Mindanao.  The planting of new churches and it’s registration with the CPBC show a growth  of 200  per cent   the last  4  years from 1976 to 1980.

Some  ordained  ministers, were recalled by Rev. Lopez from hibernations to be evangelists again, planting churches in their assigned circuit areas.  Fresh graduates  were recruited,  like Pastor Tita Grace Faldas of CPU   College of Theology  and Pastor Nora San Pedro of  CBBC,  and   trained as Evangelists and chuch planters.  And every Sunday morning, the Evangelism Program staff, go to their churches with new challenge and  carries new expectations

 The Christian Education under Rev. Apolonio Francia produced 5  Sunday School materials girded to strengthen  the education of  adults with “           Eskuela Dominika”.  and  young people with  four  different grade materials – Junior, Primary, Kinders, produced with relevance and  has started a joint program  on writing education materials with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. 

The Eskuela Dominal  become a  kind of text book, where several members in  local churches  buy copies for their studies during Sunday Schools for adults. They  studied  the Eskuela Dominakal before attending Sunday school on Sundays.

 Working with Rev. Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education  were Ms. Deli Baclagon and   Rev. Selencino. They were assisted  sometimes by Mrs. Pat Lopez, with her skills on writing and editing. A group of volunteer writers, wrote their assigned manuscripts and readied for printing on time,  every quarter and  circulated  as Sunday School guides.    The Kasapulanan offices were designated places where  Sunday School materials were available for churches.

The Stewardship Program under  Rev. Alfeo Tupaz undertook massive training of church members nationwide  on Stewardship.  It was   designed to educate  members from adults to Kinder school to give  their tithes and offerings  of  their income for the ministry.  An “Every Member Canvass”,  a  stewardship process  were  held for all staff, to maximize their skills on stewardship development and transfer this skills to church members all over the convention area.

Rev. Harold Blatt, an American missionary came to   CPBC on request by Rev. Edwin Lopez  to  help.  He was assisted by  Rev. Emilio Lapatha, an experts on stewardship technolgy  and mobilizing   financial resources.  They   helped   train  CPBC staff on the art of stewardship with  “Every Member Canvass”  strategy.

This training   was  implemented with a  two -days week-end seminar, Saturdays and Sundays   where all members of   churches, from adults, young people to children were provided Biblical studies on stewardship, both from the Old and New Testaments, with tithing   as a  strong  focus and challenge. Then on Sunday morning worship services, each member put their commitment for support in a Pledge Card and gave during worship service as  commitment for the whole year.

With the  Stewardship call,  program plans  were  made, with  financial support planned the whole  year, based on the pledges made during the stewardship commitment.

Some 30  CPBC staff were assigned to undertake the Every Member Canvas training all over the Convention several Sundays. I was assigned on one Sunday to Pulupandan Bapitst Church in Central Negros.  The response was  great.  Increased  of support was recorded.  Most  churches  gave 10% of their income   to   CPBC, the 50% of which was also shared with the  Kasapulanans.

The church members were  also challenged to give one  tablespoon of rice, for every cup  of rice they will  cook every meal. They kept   this daily in a Stewardship Basket, and bring to church every Sunday and gave as offerings, specifically for the Pastors and his family’s food. 

The  3 CPBC  programs – Evangelism, Christian Education  and  Stewardship  with their  30   full time staff, pushed  hard the ministry   covering  Negros, Panay  Romblon, Mindoro,  Luzon, Manila, Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao.

The dynamism of the program could be felt   in the churches with more members baptised,  more new churches organized and bigger resources coming-in for the ministry of the Convention.

During this time, Rev. Edwin Lopez, sent several lay leaders and pastors, both from the staff of CPBC and from churches   opportunities for overseas exposures and to  travel abroad and in the country to learn knowledge and skills with other sister bodies  in the field of leadership, management and special training ministries . It was during this period a number of scholarships in medicine were given to young people with interests in medicine. Some were encouraged to attend  seminars, workshops and related  training in the Philippines, Asia and other foreign countries.  

Pastor Tita Grace Faldas, Special  Minister  with . Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education  were sent for  2 years aAdvance Studies in West Germany.  Rev/ Esfe Tandog, CPBC Executive Assistant was sent for a masteral study in the United States.  Rev. Elias  Laprades, Special Minister was sent  Ecumenical Studies  to Bossey Institute in Switzerland. I think, three students were assisted to take Medicine thru a schaolarship from the Board of International Ministries,  hoping they will be able to help our people  on some medical  services. 

While the 3 major Programs of the Convention were implemented with force and dynamism,  Pastor Rudy Bernal, was assigned to start working  on CPBC  pilot Urban Industrial  and Rural Mission (URIM) at Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Pastor Rudy Bernal, He was  given a scholarship by a  German organization with  a 1 year study grant,  that provide him opportunity to learn more on Urban Industrial Rural Mission (UIRM) and    enrolled again at the College of Theology, Then, he was  transferred by Rev. Lopez  to the national office, as Deputy to the General Secretary  on URIM.  He worked in the CPBC office with Rev. Esfe Tandog, the Executive Assistant.

Starting in 1977,  6 years after President Marcos declared martial law, the Baptist Convention’s  and with General Assembly’s  mandate that year, Pastor Bernal with the General Secretary and the President, conceptualized, planned, resource funds and  mobilized needed resources to expand the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM),started in 1976,  the New Frontier Ministries (NFM), the development arms of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, reaching out to all areas in the country where CPBC  ministers.

Assisting him starting  1977, is Miss Feraz Baclagon, Secretary.  She worked hard, creatively and efficiently, leading services with the CPBC to  international  Chrstian involvements,  in the Asia Pacific Development Aid Ministry. And in 2017,  God called her  to led  the Baptist   Convention  as President. 

Rev. Famillaran & Rev. Lopez Leadership Brought Strong Impact on CPBC Ministry, then........

Chapter 32 – Rev. Famillaran & Rev. Lopez Leadership Br0ught Strong Impact on CPBC Ministry, then...

The Election of Rev. Moley Familaran, President of CPBC on May 1976 and Rev. Edwin Lopez in July that same year, have brought momentum to CPBC ministries the next 8 years. Then it went down and never regained the lost momentum for following years.

In the next 4 years after their elections in May 1976, CPBC reached some strength and height in the Convention ministry that was unprecedented.

At the CPBC Office, Rev. Esfe Tandog provided the needed leadership to consolidate the efforts from the ground. He was appointed Executive Assistant to the General Secretary. With the General Secretary, Rev. Esfe Tandog, produced an instrument for the CPBC ministry to reach out all over the Convention area. He worked and published an 8- pages newsletter known as “Baii-Sulat”, in mimeograph and circulated monthly, reaching out to most of the churches, informing them of what were done during the months and plans to be made on the next months.

Employed CPBC Staff were headed by Rev. Edwin Lopez, General Secretary. Assisting him were 3 Field Secretaries, Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Evangelism, Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, Stewardship and Apolonio Francia, Christian Education and Rev. Esfeamori Tandog, Executive Assistant and Jun Fabellore, Janitor and general services.

The CPBC Ministries have grown fast. Never in the history of the Convention from its founding in 1938, Think of this. Recruited to work full time for CPBC in 1976-1977, were Rev. Amado Leonares, Rev. Elias Laprades, Rev. Gigare, Rev. Selencino, Rev. Larry Leysa, Pastor Grace Faldas, Pastor Manny Monteclaro, Rev. David Rama, Rev. Norberto Tabligan, Pastor Fred Jacildo, Rev. Jose Tarug, Pastor Lilia Lirazan, Pastor Nora San Pedro, Pastor Nora Gabilo and Ms. Deli Baclagon. Rev. Repolidon was Coordinating Minister for Eastern Mindanao, and Rev. Este, Coordinating Minister for Western Mindanao

The Office Secretaries were Miss Deborah Dean and Mrs. Rizalina Rafols, sssisted by two parttime secretaries.

In 1976 -1977, the component of the Convention in the administration and the programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship were 33 full time staff. But starting 1980, the full time staff decreased to 10 full time and even less. Today, in 2017, the full time staff of the Convention is only, 8 persons?

Manning the Business Office in 1976 were Fred Italia, Treasurer, He was assisted by Mr. Ephraem Baluya, Bookeeper and Edwin Gallenero, Assistant Bookeeper.

Under that leadership, the CPBC Evangelism Program of Rev. Penuelito Sacapano strengthened and expanded to many different places in the country—in the towns of Panay & Negros, Romblon, Mindoro, Manila –Luzon. It made stronger strides in both Western and Eastern Mindanao. The planting of new churches and it’s registration with the CPBC show a growth of 200 per cent the last 4 years from 1976 to 1980.

Some ordained ministers, were recalled by Rev. Lopez from hibernations to be evangelists again, planting churches in their assigned circuit areas. Fresh graduates were recruited, like Pastor Tita Grace Faldas of CPU College of Theology and Pastor Nora San Pedro of CBBC, and trained as Evangelists and chuch planters. And every Sunday morning, the Evangelism Program staff, go to their churches with new challenge and carries new expectations

The Christian Education under Rev. Apolonio Francia produced 5 Sunday School materials girded to strengthen the education of adults with “ Eskuela Dominika”. and young people with four different grade materials – Junior, Primary, Kinders, produced with relevance and has started a joint program on writing education materials with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

The Eskuela Dominal become a kind of text book, where several members in local churches buy copies for their studies during Sunday Schools for adults. They studied the Eskuela Dominakal before attending Sunday school on Sundays.

Working with Rev. Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education were Ms. Deli Baclagon and Rev. Selencino. They were assisted sometimes by Mrs. Pat Lopez, with her skills on writing and editing. A group of volunteer writers, wrote their assigned manuscripts and readied for printing on time, every quarter and circulated as Sunday School guides. The Kasapulanan offices were designated places where Sunday School materials were available for churches.

The Stewardship Program under Rev. Alfeo Tupaz undertook massive training of church members nationwide on Stewardship. It was designed to educate members from adults to Kinder school to give their tithes and offerings of their income for the ministry. An “Every Member Canvass”, a stewardship process were held for all staff, to maximize their skills on stewardship development and transfer this skills to church members all over the convention area.

Rev. Harold Blatt, an American missionary came to CPBC on request by Rev. Edwin Lopez to help. He was assisted by Rev. Emilio Lapatha, an experts on stewardship technolgy and mobilizing financial resources. They helped train CPBC staff on the art of stewardship with “Every Member Canvass” strategy.

This training was implemented with a two -days week-end seminar, Saturdays and Sundays where all members of churches, from adults, young people to children were provided Biblical studies on stewardship, both from the Old and New Testaments, with tithing as a strong focus and challenge. Then on Sunday morning worship services, each member put their commitment for support in a Pledge Card and gave during worship service as commitment for the whole year.

With the Stewardship call, program plans were made, with financial support planned the whole year, based on the pledges made during the stewardship commitment.

Some 30 CPBC staff were assigned to undertake the Every Member Canvas training all over the Convention several Sundays. I was assigned on one Sunday to Pulupandan Bapitst Church in Central Negros. The response was great. Increased of support was recorded. Most churches gave 10% of their income to CPBC, the 50% of which was also shared with the Kasapulanans.

The church members were also challenged to give one tablespoon of rice, for every cup of rice they will cook every meal. They kept this daily in a Stewardship Basket, and bring to church every Sunday and gave as offerings, specifically for the Pastors and his family’s food.

The 3 CPBC programs – Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship with their 30 full time staff, pushed hard the ministry covering Negros, Panay Romblon, Mindoro, Luzon, Manila, Western Mindanao and Eastern Mindanao.

The dynamism of the program could be felt in the churches with more members baptised, more new churches organized and bigger resources coming-in for the ministry of the Convention.

During this time, Rev. Edwin Lopez, sent several lay leaders and pastors, both from the staff of CPBC and from churches opportunities for overseas exposures and to travel abroad and in the country to learn knowledge and skills with other sister bodies in the field of leadership, management and special training ministries . It was during this period a number of scholarships in medicine were given to young people with interests in medicine. Some were encouraged to attend seminars, workshops and related training in the Philippines, Asia and other foreign countries.

Pastor Tita Grace Faldas, Special Minister with . Apolonio Francia, Field Secretary for Christian Education were sent for 2 years aAdvance Studies in West Germany. Rev/ Esfe Tandog, CPBC Executive Assistant was sent for a masteral study in the United States. Rev. Elias Laprades, Special Minister was sent Ecumenical Studies to Bossey Institute in Switzerland. I think, three students were assisted to take Medicine thru a schaolarship from the Board of International Ministries, hoping they will be able to help our people on some medical services.

While the 3 major Programs of the Convention were implemented with force and dynamism, Pastor Rudy Bernal, was assigned to start working on CPBC pilot Urban Industrial and Rural Mission (URIM) at Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Pastor Rudy Bernal, He was given a scholarship by a German organization with a 1 year study grant, that provide him opportunity to learn more on Urban Industrial Rural Mission (UIRM) and enrolled again at the College of Theology, Then, he was transferred by Rev. Lopez to the national office, as Deputy to the General Secretary on URIM. He worked in the CPBC office with Rev. Esfe Tandog, the Executive Assistant.

Starting in 1977, 6 years after President Marcos declared martial law, the Baptist Convention’s and with General Assembly’s mandate that year, Pastor Bernal with the General Secretary and the President, conceptualized, planned, resource funds and mobilized needed resources to expand the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM),started in 1976, the New Frontier Ministries (NFM), the development arms of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, reaching out to all areas in the country where CPBC ministers.

Assisting him starting 1977, is Miss Feraz Baclagon, Secretary. She worked hard, creatively and efficiently, leading services with the CPBC to international Chrstian involvements, in the Asia Pacific Development Aid Ministry. And in 2017, God called her to led the Baptist Convention as President.

Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choiced for General Secreaarty. We Opposed it...

Chapter 35 –Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choice of Rev. Famillaran as General Secretary; We Opposed. The GS Must Come from the Ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries.

Rev. Moley Famillaran, immediately with his election as CPBC President, focused on the searched for the General Secretary that he believed could respond effectively to the problems, challenges and need of churches under the current social and political situations.

For some years, the CPBC has few staff and the ministry was hardly felt. The three programs - Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship respectively under Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Rev. Apolonio Francia and Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, though committed and dedicated leaders, but the programs under them were struggling under a very limited resources. They cannot respond effectively to the need of the churches and communities. Strengthening and revitalization of the programs of the Convention was greatly needed.

Rev. Famillaran decided to get Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez as General Secretary. They were together in the College of Theology, and they knew each other well. Rev. Lopez was a dynamic preacher. We heard he has capacity for mobilizing people under his leadership.

But we have scant knowledge of his work in the churches. We have little knowledge of his work in some regional programs of the Convention. In the 70’s, he worked as director of a Family Planning program in Romblon. There were feelings, that Rev. Lopez may lacked the skills and experiences as General Secretary of the Convention. Rev. Famillaran was decided to take Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

The young Baptist pastors and church leaders again met. They decided to oppose the plan of the President Famillaran to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretry, unless a dialogue is made, and we will be have a chance go see Rev. Lopez at close range – learning his first moves as General Secretary if ever elected. We wrote a letter to the President and the Board of Trustees. In our letter, we opposed the plan to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

We proposed to the President and the Board, the next General Secretary must come from the ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries, who were the top executives of the Convention. They knew the problems and have knowledge of what to do.

We sent our letter to Rev. Moley Famillaran, President, copy furnished all members of the Board. We sent the letters by Registered and Special Delivery mails.

The letter was signed by Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga, Pastor Antonio Elequin, Rev. Hilarion Leysa, Pastor Domingo Bernal, Mr. Fred Bat-og, Mrs. Victoria Bat-og, Rev. Esfe Tandog and Pastor Rudy Bernal.

We do not knew how the Board will react reading our letter. It was, I think, the first and last letter received by CPBC President and Board of Trustees related to the appointment of a General Secretary. It was a soft letter, that was both a request and a demand.

What will the President and the Board think of our letter? How will the Board react reading it? Perhaps, they will just ignore it. And proceed with the election of the General Secretary that June 1976.

The Board listened to us. They postponed the election of the new General Secretary that June; They requested Rev. Famillaran to call the young pastors and church leaders for a dialogue with the Board, the President, Vice President and Rev. Edwin Lopez. That was a victory. The President, Vice President and the 13 members of the Board, listened to us.

The dialogue in Bacolod City was open and fruitful. President Famillaran facilitated the dialogue. We were introduced to the Board. We have sharing of our works and plans. Then, we shared the reasons for our letter. The Rev. Moley Famillaran, introduced Rev. Edwin Lopez and asked him to outline his plans, if he will be elected General Secretary. Rev. Edwin Lopez presented his initial plans for the Convention, if elected General Secretary. It was plan for 3 months.

His plans for 3 months, include the following:

1) To call for Program Planning workshop with representatives of churches and staff of the Convention to see the needs and priorities;

2) To pursue, a 2^nd Phase of Program Planning with sectoral groups, Kasapulanan representatives from provincies and regions together with the CPBC institutions;

3) On the 3^rd Phase, to involve all members of the Board of Trustees, CPBC Staff, Presidents of Kasapulanans, some representatives of big city churches in Panay and Negros in the planning process. Consolidation of outputs of the program planning workshops.

4) Writing the draft of the consolidated reports. From this consolidated report, the program of the Convention will be drafted and written.

After Rev. Lopez summarized the proposed plans, the young pastors and church leaders asked further questions. After some more discussion, we accepted the plans. We also verbalized our support to the planned program of the Convention.

On July 16, 1976, the Board elected Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez, General Secretary. That election helped much in putting the CPBC in the spotlights as one of the churches that soon made fast growth in evangelizations and church planting; in Stewardship and in Christian Education.

Under Rev. Lopez leadership, CPBC started a dynamic and creative efforts for evangelism and church planting, a decisive Christian Education works with Sunday School guides for all ages. It developed a creative Stewardship ministry that organized massive education that seek to train church members to give there tithes to the church.

Rev, Famillaran said the Board will meet in July 1976 and elect the General

Secretary. He said, he needed people to join him in the work. He asked some of those present to assist him. He will propose to the Board the following: Rev. Esfe Tandog as Executive Assistant. Mr. Fred Bat-og and Mrs. Victoria Bat-og as Directors for the Pilot UIM project at Insular Lumber Compnay (ILCO) in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

He asked Rev. Larry Leysa to serve as CPBC Iloilo Minister in a partnership with Iloilo Kasapulanan, in joint ministry. He asked Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga to continue his services with NCCP but assist CPBC in some tasks. Pastor Tony Elequin will continue in his task in Antique. Pastor Bernal was asked to go on with his ministry in Central Maao and pursue the radio ministry with possible assistance from the Convention.

But Mr. Fred Bat-og decided not to accept the offer to head UIM Pilot Ministry, He had some other priorities, the Negros Kasapulanan Baptist Youth Fellowship where he served as Officer- in -charge that time. Pastor Bernal was asked by Rev. Lopez to head the UIM pilot in ILCO.

That year, Pastor Bernal resigned from Maao Central Evangelical Church and joined CPBC. He was assigned to start the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM) project in Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

Rev. Moley Famillaran and Rev. Edwin Lopez, that year started their ministry with the Baptist Convention. It was a beautiful journey of Rev. Famillaran, as Secretary to the Mayor of Bacolod City, to the Convention Baptist, Then he was called by Cosmpolitan Church of Manila as their pastor. He was asked by the Board of International Ministry to be part of the world Baptist ministry.

Rev. Edwin Lopez also made the great journey of faith. As General Secretary of the Baptist Convention, he was called to be staff of the Asian Baptist Fellowship. Then called to be General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), for Asia.

Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choiced for General Secreaarty. We Opposed it...

M E M O R I E S:  Life and Time of Pastor Rudy Bernal & His Glimpses on History &

                        The  People’s Struggle for Freedom

Chapter 35 –Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choice of   Rev. Famillaran as  General Secretary;   We Opposed.  The   GS Must Come  from the Ranks of the  3 Field Secretaries.

Rev. Moley Famillaran, immediately with  his election as CPBC President,  focused on the   searched  for the   General Secretary that he believed   could respond effectively to the  problems, challenges and need of   churches  under the current social and  political situations.  

For  some years, the CPBC  has  few   staff and the ministry was hardly felt. The three programs - Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship respectively  under Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Rev. Apolonio Francia and Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, though committed and dedicated leaders,  but  the programs under them were  struggling under a very limited resources.  They cannot respond  effectively to the need of the churches and communities.  Strengthening and  revitalization   of the programs of the Convention was greatly needed.

Rev. Famillaran decided to get Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez as General Secretary. They were together in the College of Theology, and  they knew each other well. Rev. Lopez  was a dynamic preacher. We heard he has capacity for mobilizing people  under  his leadership.

But we  have scant knowledge of his work in the churches.  We have  little  knowledge of his work in some regional programs of the Convention. In the 70’s, he worked as director of a Family Planning program in Romblon. There were feelings, that Rev.Lopez may lacked the skills and experiences as General Secretary of the Convention.   Rev. Famillaran was decided to take Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

The young Baptist pastors and church leaders again met.  They  decided to oppose the plan of the President Famillaran to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretry, unless a dialogue  is made, and we will be have a chance go see Rev. Lopez at close range – learning his first moves  as General Secretary  if ever elected.  We wrote a letter to the President and the Board of Trustees.  In our letter, we opposed the plan to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

We proposed to the President and the Board,  the next General Secretary  must come from the  ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries, who were the  top executives of the Convention. They knew the problems  and  have  knowledge of  what  to do.

We sent our letter to Rev. Moley Famillaran, President, copy furnished  all members of the Board. We sent the letters    by Registered and Special Delivery mails.

The letter was  signed by Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga, Pastor Antonio Elequin, Rev. Hilarion Leysa, Pastor Domingo Bernal,  Mr. Fred Bat-og, Mrs. Victoria Bat-og, Rev. Esfe Tandog and Pastor  Rudy Bernal.  

We  do not knew how the Board  will react reading our letter.  It was, I think,  the  first and last letter received by CPBC President and Board of Trustees  related to the  appointment of a General Secretary. It was a soft letter, that was both a request and a demand.   

What will the President and the Board think of our letter? How will the Board  react reading it?   Perhaps, they will just ignore  it.   And proceed with  the   election of the General Secretary that June 1976.

The Board listened to us. They postponed the election of the new General Secretary that June;  They  requested  Rev. Famillaran to call the young pastors and church leaders for a dialogue with the Board, the  President, Vice President  and  Rev. Edwin Lopez. That was a victory.   The President, Vice President and the 13 members of the Board, listened   to us.

The dialogue in Bacolod City  was open and fruitful.  President Famillaran facilitated the dialogue. We were introduced to the Board. We have sharing  of our works and plans. Then, we shared the reasons for our letter.  The Rev. Moley Famillaran, introduced  Rev. Edwin Lopez and asked  him to outline his plans, if he will be elected General Secretary.   Rev. Edwin Lopez  presented  his initial   plans  for the Convention, if   elected General Secretary. It was  plan for 3 months.

His plans for 3 months, include the following:  

1) To call for Program Planning workshop with representatives of churches  and  staff of the Convention  to see the needs and priorities;

2) To pursue, a 2^nd Phase of Program  Planning with sectoral groups,  Kasapulanan representatives  from provincies and regions together with  the CPBC institutions;

3) On the 3^rd  Phase, to involve  all members of the Board of Trustees, CPBC Staff, Presidents of Kasapulanans, some  representatives of big city  churches in Panay and Negros in the planning process.  Consolidation of  outputs of the program planning workshops.

4) Writing the draft of the consolidated reports. From this consolidated report, the program of the Convention will be drafted and written.

After Rev. Lopez  summarized the  proposed plans, the young pastors and church leaders asked further questions.  After some more discussion , we accepted the plans. We also  verbalized our support to the planned program of the Convention.

 On July 16, 1976, the Board   elected Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez, General Secretary. That election helped much in putting the CPBC in  the spotlights as one of the churches that  soon made fast growth in evangelizations and church  planting;  in Stewardship  and in Christian Education.  

Under Rev. Lopez leadership, CPBC started a dynamic and creative efforts for evangelism and church planting,  a decisive Christian Education works with Sunday School guides for all ages. It developed a creative Stewardship ministry that organized massive education that seek to train   church members to give there tithes  to the church.

Rev, Famillaran said  the  Board  will meet  in July  1976  and  elect the General

Secretary. He said, he needed  people to join him in the work. He asked some of those present to assist him. He  will propose to the Board the following: Rev. Esfe Tandog  as Executive Assistant. Mr. Fred Bat-og and Mrs. Victoria Bat-og as Directors for the  Pilot UIM project   at  Insular Lumber Compnay (ILCO) in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

He asked Rev. Larry Leysa to serve as CPBC  Iloilo Minister in a partnership with Iloilo Kasapulanan, in joint ministry.  He asked Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga to continue his services with NCCP but assist CPBC in some tasks.  Pastor Tony Elequin will continue in his task in Antique. Pastor Bernal was asked to go on with his ministry in Central Maao  and pursue the radio ministry with possible  assistance from the Convention.

But Mr. Fred Bat-og decided not to accept the offer to head UIM Pilot Ministry, He had some other priorities, the Negros Kasapulanan  Baptist Youth Fellowship where  he served as Officer- in -charge  that  time.    Pastor Bernal was  asked  by  Rev. Lopez to head the UIM pilot in   ILCO.

That year, Pastor Bernal resigned from Maao Central Evangelical Church and  joined CPBC. He was assigned  to start the  Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM) project   in Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

Rev. Moley  Famillaran and Rev. Edwin Lopez, that year started their ministry with the  Baptist Convention. It was a beautiful journey of Rev. Famillaran, as Secretary to the Mayor of Bacolod City, to the Convention Baptist, Then he was called by Cosmpolitan Church of Manila as their pastor. He was asked by the Board of International Ministry to be part of the world Baptist ministry.

Rev. Edwin Lopez also made the great journey of faith. As General Secretary of the Baptist Convention, he was called to be  staff of the Asian Baptist Fellowship. Then called to be General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), for Asia.

Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choiced for General Secreaarty. We Opposed it...

Chapter 35 –Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choice of Rev. Famillaran as General Secretary; We Opposed. The GS Must Come from the Ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries.

Rev. Moley Famillaran, immediately with his election as CPBC President, focused on the searched for the General Secretary that he believed could respond effectively to the problems, challenges and need of churches under the current social and political situations.

For some years, the CPBC has few staff and the ministry was hardly felt. The three programs - Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship respectively under Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Rev. Apolonio Francia and Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, though committed and dedicated leaders, but the programs under them were struggling under a very limited resources. They cannot respond effectively to the need of the churches and communities. Strengthening and revitalization of the programs of the Convention was greatly needed.

Rev. Famillaran decided to get Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez as General Secretary. They were together in the College of Theology, and they knew each other well. Rev. Lopez was a dynamic preacher. We heard he has capacity for mobilizing people under his leadership.

But we have scant knowledge of his work in the churches. We have little knowledge of his work in some regional programs of the Convention. In the 70’s, he worked as director of a Family Planning program in Romblon. There were feelings, that Rev.Lopez may lacked the skills and experiences as General Secretary of the Convention. Rev. Famillaran was decided to take Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

The young Baptist pastors and church leaders again met. They decided to oppose the plan of the President Famillaran to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretry, unless a dialogue is made, and we will be have a chance go see Rev. Lopez at close range – learning his first moves as General Secretary if ever elected. We wrote a letter to the President and the Board of Trustees. In our letter, we opposed the plan to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

We proposed to the President and the Board, the next General Secretary must come from the ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries, who were the top executives of the Convention. They knew the problems and have knowledge of what to do.

We sent our letter to Rev. Moley Famillaran, President, copy furnished all members of the Board. We sent the letters by Registered and Special Delivery mails.

The letter was signed by Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga, Pastor Antonio Elequin, Rev. Hilarion Leysa, Pastor Domingo Bernal, Mr. Fred Bat-og, Mrs. Victoria Bat-og, Rev. Esfe Tandog and Pastor Rudy Bernal.

We do not knew how the Board will react reading our letter. It was, I think, the first and last letter received by CPBC President and Board of Trustees related to the appointment of a General Secretary. It was a soft letter, that was both a request and a demand.

What will the President and the Board think of our letter? How will the Board react reading it? Perhaps, they will just ignore it. And proceed with the election of the General Secretary that June 1976.

The Board listened to us. They postponed the election of the new General Secretary that June; They requested Rev. Famillaran to call the young pastors and church leaders for a dialogue with the Board, the President, Vice President and Rev. Edwin Lopez. That was a victory. The President, Vice President and the 13 members of the Board, listened to us.

The dialogue in Bacolod City was open and fruitful. President Famillaran facilitated the dialogue. We were introduced to the Board. We have sharing of our works and plans. Then, we shared the reasons for our letter. The Rev. Moley Famillaran, introduced Rev. Edwin Lopez and asked him to outline his plans, if he will be elected General Secretary. Rev. Edwin Lopez presented his initial plans for the Convention, if elected General Secretary. It was plan for 3 months.

His plans for 3 months, include the following:

1) To call for Program Planning workshop with representatives of churches and staff of the Convention to see the needs and priorities;

2) To pursue, a 2^nd Phase of Program Planning with sectoral groups, Kasapulanan representatives from provincies and regions together with the CPBC institutions;

3) On the 3^rd Phase, to involve all members of the Board of Trustees, CPBC Staff, Presidents of Kasapulanans, some representatives of big city churches in Panay and Negros in the planning process. Consolidation of outputs of the program planning workshops.

4) Writing the draft of the consolidated reports. From this consolidated report, the program of the Convention will be drafted and written.

After Rev. Lopez summarized the proposed plans, the young pastors and church leaders asked further questions. After some more discussion , we accepted the plans. We also verbalized our support to the planned program of the Convention.

On July 16, 1976, the Board elected Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez, General Secretary. That election helped much in putting the CPBC in the spotlights as one of the churches that soon made fast growth in evangelizations and church planting; in Stewardship and in Christian Education.

Under Rev. Lopez leadership, CPBC started a dynamic and creative efforts for evangelism and church planting, a decisive Christian Education works with Sunday School guides for all ages. It developed a creative Stewardship ministry that organized massive education that seek to train church members to give there tithes to the church.

Rev, Famillaran said the Board will meet in July 1976 and elect the General

Secretary. He said, he needed people to join him in the work. He asked some of those present to assist him. He will propose to the Board the following: Rev. Esfe Tandog as Executive Assistant. Mr. Fred Bat-og and Mrs. Victoria Bat-og as Directors for the Pilot UIM project at Insular Lumber Compnay (ILCO) in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

He asked Rev. Larry Leysa to serve as CPBC Iloilo Minister in a partnership with Iloilo Kasapulanan, in joint ministry. He asked Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga to continue his services with NCCP but assist CPBC in some tasks. Pastor Tony Elequin will continue in his task in Antique. Pastor Bernal was asked to go on with his ministry in Central Maao and pursue the radio ministry with possible assistance from the Convention.

But Mr. Fred Bat-og decided not to accept the offer to head UIM Pilot Ministry, He had some other priorities, the Negros Kasapulanan Baptist Youth Fellowship where he served as Officer- in -charge that time. Pastor Bernal was asked by Rev. Lopez to head the UIM pilot in ILCO.

That year, Pastor Bernal resigned from Maao Central Evangelical Church and joined CPBC. He was assigned to start the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM) project in Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

Rev. Moley Famillaran and Rev. Edwin Lopez, that year started their ministry with the Baptist Convention. It was a beautiful journey of Rev. Famillaran, as Secretary to the Mayor of Bacolod City, to the Convention Baptist, Then he was called by Cosmpolitan Church of Manila as their pastor. He was asked by the Board of International Ministry to be part of the world Baptist ministry.

Rev. Edwin Lopez also made the great journey of faith. As General Secretary of the Baptist Convention, he was called to be staff of the Asian Baptist Fellowship. Then called to be General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), for Asia.

Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choiced for General Secreaarty. We Opposed it...

Chapter 35 –Rev. Edwin Lopez, Choice of Rev. Famillaran as General Secretary; We Opposed. The GS Must Come from the Ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries.

Rev. Moley Famillaran, immediately with his election as CPBC President, focused on the searched for the General Secretary that he believed could respond effectively to the problems, challenges and need of churches under the current social and political situations.

For some years, the CPBC has few staff and the ministry was hardly felt. The three programs - Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship respectively under Rev. Penuelito Sacapano, Rev. Apolonio Francia and Rev. Alfeo Tupaz, though committed and dedicated leaders, but the programs under them were struggling under a very limited resources. They cannot respond effectively to the need of the churches and communities. Strengthening and revitalization of the programs of the Convention was greatly needed.

Rev. Famillaran decided to get Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez as General Secretary. They were together in the College of Theology, and they knew each other well. Rev. Lopez was a dynamic preacher. We heard he has capacity for mobilizing people under his leadership.

But we have scant knowledge of his work in the churches. We have little knowledge of his work in some regional programs of the Convention. In the 70’s, he worked as director of a Family Planning program in Romblon. There were feelings, that Rev.Lopez may lacked the skills and experiences as General Secretary of the Convention. Rev. Famillaran was decided to take Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

The young Baptist pastors and church leaders again met. They decided to oppose the plan of the President Famillaran to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretry, unless a dialogue is made, and we will be have a chance go see Rev. Lopez at close range – learning his first moves as General Secretary if ever elected. We wrote a letter to the President and the Board of Trustees. In our letter, we opposed the plan to get Rev. Lopez as General Secretary.

We proposed to the President and the Board, the next General Secretary must come from the ranks of the 3 Field Secretaries, who were the top executives of the Convention. They knew the problems and have knowledge of what to do.

We sent our letter to Rev. Moley Famillaran, President, copy furnished all members of the Board. We sent the letters by Registered and Special Delivery mails.

The letter was signed by Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga, Pastor Antonio Elequin, Rev. Hilarion Leysa, Pastor Domingo Bernal, Mr. Fred Bat-og, Mrs. Victoria Bat-og, Rev. Esfe Tandog and Pastor Rudy Bernal.

We do not knew how the Board will react reading our letter. It was, I think, the first and last letter received by CPBC President and Board of Trustees related to the appointment of a General Secretary. It was a soft letter, that was both a request and a demand.

What will the President and the Board think of our letter? How will the Board react reading it? Perhaps, they will just ignore it. And proceed with the election of the General Secretary that June 1976.

The Board listened to us. They postponed the election of the new General Secretary that June; They requested Rev. Famillaran to call the young pastors and church leaders for a dialogue with the Board, the President, Vice President and Rev. Edwin Lopez. That was a victory. The President, Vice President and the 13 members of the Board, listened to us.

The dialogue in Bacolod City was open and fruitful. President Famillaran facilitated the dialogue. We were introduced to the Board. We have sharing of our works and plans. Then, we shared the reasons for our letter. The Rev. Moley Famillaran, introduced Rev. Edwin Lopez and asked him to outline his plans, if he will be elected General Secretary. Rev. Edwin Lopez presented his initial plans for the Convention, if elected General Secretary. It was plan for 3 months.

His plans for 3 months, include the following:

1) To call for Program Planning workshop with representatives of churches and staff of the Convention to see the needs and priorities;

2) To pursue, a 2^nd Phase of Program Planning with sectoral groups, Kasapulanan representatives from provincies and regions together with the CPBC institutions;

3) On the 3^rd Phase, to involve all members of the Board of Trustees, CPBC Staff, Presidents of Kasapulanans, some representatives of big city churches in Panay and Negros in the planning process. Consolidation of outputs of the program planning workshops.

4) Writing the draft of the consolidated reports. From this consolidated report, the program of the Convention will be drafted and written.

After Rev. Lopez summarized the proposed plans, the young pastors and church leaders asked further questions. After some more discussion , we accepted the plans. We also verbalized our support to the planned program of the Convention.

On July 16, 1976, the Board elected Rev. Edwin Iglory Lopez, General Secretary. That election helped much in putting the CPBC in the spotlights as one of the churches that soon made fast growth in evangelizations and church planting; in Stewardship and in Christian Education.

Under Rev. Lopez leadership, CPBC started a dynamic and creative efforts for evangelism and church planting, a decisive Christian Education works with Sunday School guides for all ages. It developed a creative Stewardship ministry that organized massive education that seek to train church members to give there tithes to the church.

Rev, Famillaran said the Board will meet in July 1976 and elect the General

Secretary. He said, he needed people to join him in the work. He asked some of those present to assist him. He will propose to the Board the following: Rev. Esfe Tandog as Executive Assistant. Mr. Fred Bat-og and Mrs. Victoria Bat-og as Directors for the Pilot UIM project at Insular Lumber Compnay (ILCO) in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

He asked Rev. Larry Leysa to serve as CPBC Iloilo Minister in a partnership with Iloilo Kasapulanan, in joint ministry. He asked Rev. Eliseo Fantilaga to continue his services with NCCP but assist CPBC in some tasks. Pastor Tony Elequin will continue in his task in Antique. Pastor Bernal was asked to go on with his ministry in Central Maao and pursue the radio ministry with possible assistance from the Convention.

But Mr. Fred Bat-og decided not to accept the offer to head UIM Pilot Ministry, He had some other priorities, the Negros Kasapulanan Baptist Youth Fellowship where he served as Officer- in -charge that time. Pastor Bernal was asked by Rev. Lopez to head the UIM pilot in ILCO.

That year, Pastor Bernal resigned from Maao Central Evangelical Church and joined CPBC. He was assigned to start the Pilot Urban Industrial Mission (UIM) project in Insular Lumber Company, in Bacuyangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

Rev. Moley Famillaran and Rev. Edwin Lopez, that year started their ministry with the Baptist Convention. It was a beautiful journey of Rev. Famillaran, as Secretary to the Mayor of Bacolod City, to the Convention Baptist, Then he was called by Cosmpolitan Church of Manila as their pastor. He was asked by the Board of International Ministry to be part of the world Baptist ministry.

Rev. Edwin Lopez also made the great journey of faith. As General Secretary of the Baptist Convention, he was called to be staff of the Asian Baptist Fellowship. Then called to be General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), for Asia.

Election of of Rev. Moley Famillaran CPBC President

M E M O R I E S: Life and Time of Pastor Rudy Bernal, his  Glimpses on History &

                           The People’s Struggle for Freedom

Chapter 34 –Election of  Rev. Moley Famillaran CPBC  President

This   was  May  1976.   Four years, after President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law.  In  Negros, Panay and  different parts of the country there were continued and intensified   human rights violations, killings  and  military abuses  under   President Marcos and Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile’s rule in the country.

In the midst of growing social,   economic and  political concerns brought about by imprisonments of thousands and thousands of people under President Marcos’s martial rule,  the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches  General Assembly  met and will   elect the President, Vice President and 7 members of the Board of Trustees that will helped programs  responsive to the of the  Baptist churches and the problems of poverty, human rights violations and repressions in the country.

Bacolod Evangelical Church, the venue of the assembly, is the biggest Convention Baptist Church in Negros Occdental. It is   located at Rosario &  San Juan Streets, in Bacolod City. Here delegates, from Panay, Romblon, Mindoro, Manila &  Luzon and Mindanao   converged  for the assembly. .

Across  Bacolod Evangelical Church  was   Bacolod Elementary School,  a  wide and big school in the  City. The school  assisted  CPBC by opening their classrooms as housing for   delegates - where delegates  slept, take baths & showers,  have fellowship and sharing  before and after the  session in   the assembly.  

Rev. Pamplona was the  minister.  He was pastor of BEC for about 25   years. He was one of the respected pastors  holding big pastorates.  The 3- days General Assembly  was  filled with  delegates. 

At Central Maao Evangelical, we have 5 official delegates. They will have the right to vote officials of the Convention. We have also 8 delgates who were visitors.  They cannot vote. They came to listen, learn and  have fellowship  with  the assembly.

Our choir  will sing  in the assembly together with big churches  - Bacolod Evangelical Church, Bacolod Cosmipolitan Church, Bakyas Baptist  Church, La Carlota Evangelical Church and other churches that will provide music for  the assembly.

 The group that led CPBC before 1976 for some  years,  were commited church leaders

and pastors. At the top of this leadership includes,  Mr. Johnny de la Fuente,  Rev. Levi Lajaylahay, Rev. Malvar Castillon, Atty. Reinero Noledo and  Rev. Dr. Masa.,  They were spiritual  and committed  Baptist leaders.  But  most  remained voiceless under the growing repressions of the Marcos regimes/

A group of young pastors and church leaders were looking for change. They were  young, with visions and dreams for the future – Rev. Sammy Formelleza, from Romblon  and current Coordinator of Center for Education and Research (CER) Rev.Larry Leysa, Promotional Secretary of Iloilo Kasapulanan.  Rev. Eliseo  Fantilaga, of  Capiz and Coordinator of NCCP in Western Visayas, Pastor Tony Elequin of Antique, Domngo Bernal of  Aklan,

In Negros Occidental, the group were headed by  Fred and Victoria Bat-og, Baptist Youth leaders, Rev. Esfe Tandog, Provincial  Minister of Negros Kasapulanan  and Pastor Rudy Bernal of Central Maao Evangelical Church, with the church   radio program, “Hour of Discovery”over DYHB in Bacolod. These pastors and church leaders have transformational   minds  and leadership that can touched and  reached some pastors and  leaders of the churches  in the Convention.

We attended the  Assembly ready to work for change.  During the last 2  years, we were involved in  seminars by the   Center for Education and Research (CER),  trying to educate church people  in  leadership and  formation.   Some  young pastors  were involved in the training,  then headed by Rev. Conrad Brown.

I cannot remember the  people  who led the worships services, those who led workshops and those who preached the messages during the assembly. But for us the call the  was clear.  The need   for change in the   leadership  of the Convention. A leadership with new visions, clear directions and capacity to mobilize the churches  to respond  to the problem of grave poverty and  resist the growing repressions and  human rights violation in the country. 

The decision was  made.  To participate in the change of   leadership  this year.    They   made plans  to mobilized  delegates to the assembly.

They called  on  churches in   Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Negros  to help send  delegates to the Convention with  money for   transportation,  registration, food and snacks during the assembly.

To assist some delegates who have difficulties to buy their food at the assembly mess halls,we  organized a group who will cooked  food for some of the delegates. One room in the Elementary school was requested where food can be cooked for some delegates who have difficulties for  food.

It was a great event, the CPBC assembly of 1976. But we have not identified a possible candidate  for President yet.  .

After scouting the potentials in the assembly, it seems, no one has the capacity to defeat the candidate  who was running with the  backing of the CPBC administration.  Fred Bat-og suggested to make a team of  10  pastors and church leaders to visit Rev. Moley  Famillaran  and  asked  him to  provide  the  needed leadership.

We came to him at his office at Bacolod City Hall in the afternoon of the First Day. Rev. Famillaran thanked the group  for there  effort  and    help. But he did not accept the challenge to run for President..   He said: “I am busy with my work as Secretary to the Mayor. I have to be at the office every day. It’s difficult to take responsibility with the Convention. It’s not easy to be President of the organization.” He requested the group to find another person to run for CPBC President. We returned to the assembly, a bit sad. 

After discussing the situation  that night, the group felt, there was no one, but Rev. Famillaran to run for President with potentials to win.  The group decided to  visit  him again and request  him again,   to  make himself available for the presidency of the Convention. On the  2^nd day, another team of  about 15  leaders were delegated to  see  Rev. Famillaran  with  a final  request  to run for  CPBC President.

 Fred Bat-og said: “We come to request you to run for President. We believe you are needed by the hour. If you will not, we will not pushed you. But we will have no candidate for  President in  this assembly.”

Rev. Famillaran looked at all of us. He said: He was making a hard decision. He said:  “Ok, I will ran. I will file my candidacy. But I will not campaign. I will just visit the assembly, on the 3^rd day, for about an hour to show my face, met some friends and shook hands  with some who were in the assembly.”

We shooked  hands with Rev. Famillaran. We told him, we were  happy with his decision. We asked one to pray. Pastor Tony Elequin prayed for us all. He  prayed for Rev. Famillaran. When we left the  office of the Mayor that afternoon, we feel  the elections of the  CPBC President will be one of the challenges of the time.

Most of the delegates were busy in the assembly  hall  at Bacolod Evangelical Church. 

There were beautiful singing.  There were  sermons during the assembly, by well known speakers. Different choirs sang  on  different times of worships. Our choir at Central Maao Evangelical Church also sung a   piece. We were all  touched by the musical renditions of the  different choirs.

There were food available in the mess hall of the assembly.   In the Elementary School, some   delegates  eat their food prepared by the group’s  cooks. There were excitements  during the 3 day assembly.

The campaigns for elections of the CPBC leaders – President, Vice President and Board of Trustees was felt. It was a strong and hard  campaigns.  Mostly done in whispers and by raising of our hands, in a kind of salute.   It was the first time, I participated  in the election of the Convention.  I felt, it was a great spiritual  experience,  being an active part in the elections of  CPBC officers. I felt, deep inside me, God was working in each of   the delegates minds and hearts.  He works with-in me.

An hour before the casting  of votes, I met one of the CPBC  Board member, running for re-election. He said: “ Rudy your group were campaigning. It.s bad.”  I said, of course, we campaign. This is election days. We need to present an alternative person. And an alternative program."  He looked at me.  I smiled.  Then,   I laughed.  And   smiled  with me..

The election   held that afternoon  was a solemn process. It was the election of the President, the Vice President and  7 members of the Board of Trustees.They were men and women, who offered themselves in the service of the Lord, thru the leadership of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. It was holy process.  For elections, right  elections are holy exercises.   It calls for high  and deep  commitments. For   the President, Vice President and Members of the Board,  were  not paid salaries for their services. They  were all volunteers. All of them  accepted the call of Jesus for  leadership through the CPBC.

At 7:30 PM,  the result of the election  canvas was announced.  Rev. Moley Famillaran was elected President of the Convention. Also elected were the Vice President and  members  of the Board of Trustees.

That evening, Rev. Meley Famillaran, was installed as President. Also installed were the  Vice President and the members of the Board of Trustees.

Rev. Famillaran was elected President,  in one of the crucial period of our country’s  history –when the country  was struggling and many people were suffering under President Ferdinand Marcos martial law regime,.

The election of Rev. Moley Famillaran CPBC President was a new milestone for the

Baptist Convention’s ministries. There were major changes and directions  made during his leadership.

In  the first 3 months of his term, with the new  General Secretary, they  led in the Program Planning Process that looked deep in the ministry of the CPBC and tried to  worked and mobilized the 3 Programs of the Convention-- Evangelism, Christian Education and Stewardship to be more relevant to the needs  of the churches.

He started a pilot program on Urban Industrial Mission (UIM), in Insular Lumber Company (ILCO)  in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental that soon  became the 4^th  program of the Convention,  the   New Frontier Ministries,  the   development arms of  CPBC.

Rev. Famillaran with the General Secretary,   worked to address the issues of  Human Dignity, Human Rights violations  and  worked to help alleviate deep  poverty suffered by the people.

After serving for one term as President,  Rev. Moley Familiaran accepted the God’s call to serve as Pastor of Cosmopolitan Church a member of the United Church of Christ in Philippines (UCCP),  Together with NCCP,  it stood  strongly  against human rights violations and other abuses of the Marcos Martial rule.

In the 1980’s, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), the Philippine Independent Church (PIC) together with  more than 20 organizations  were tagged by the  military as communists fronts. These were hard  and dangerous times to work  for peace,  justice and human rights.  But  many in the churches, in journalism,  labor,  peasantry, professionals, students, out-of-school-youths, lawyers, physicians and nurses, fishermen stood for  peace, justice,  freedom  and resisting  human right violations in all parts of the country, until the dictator fall.