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The old building, 1959
When God wanted a work to be done, people will be called to start with. Matina Baptist Church’s (MBC) humble beginning could be traced from a handful of believers from Immanuel Baptist Church (IBC), who had been chosen and had needed the call. The work had begun in 1952 which progressed into a Vacation Bible School (VBS), extension classes at the Ocbeña’s residence along Km. 4, McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City. Barely three (3) years, a neighboring household, Augustine Dalumpines and family opened their door for an adult Bible Study. God willed to establish His church and in 1956 a missionary, Rev. Solesbee was sent to inspire the start of building a church structure and organizing, strengthening its worship services and ministries. Miss Editha Dalumpines (now Mrs. Tenecio) was among the first batch who had decided to obey God’s command through baptism. The church building made of wood was improved into a concrete one within the span of two (2) years. Like a mother who weaned a baby, IBC granted MBC an autonomy, thus, Pastor Vicente Onggao was called to serve but left after two (2) years.
Sometime in 1963 some MBC members had transferred their residences in Sasa, a barangay in the northern part of Davao City, the birth of Sasa Baptist Church. A year after, God enlarged the territory through some committed MBC members by ministering at Lambajon, the province of Davao Oriental with the help of missionary Rev. Miles Seaborn. God continued stirring families in bringing Good News to the lost souls. The Palomar’s family was one of those who worked in Tagum with missionary Leslie Hill which established Tagum Baptist Church in 1969.
Ptr. Vecino & family The Matthew family
Ptr. Vicente Onggao, 1969
At all times, God has raised people whose lives were consecrated to Him, Ptr. Roman Vecino was one of them, served MBC in 1971 while Ptr. Onggao served in Mati, Davao Oriental. The pastoral work of Ptr. Vecino led to MBC’s registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1972. He was also ordained in this church through his leadership. The church was able to acquire a lot and issuance of the Certificate of Land Title in 1975. MBC family expanded in 1976. Times Baptist Church was added as daughter church. Having served MBC for eight (8) years Ptr. Vecino had obeyed another calling in the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (PBTS) in Baguio City. Rev. Manuel Ojoylan succeeded as the new interim pastor. 1n 1980, another church was opened in Balisong, Sto. Tomas through the Mallorca family who started ministering in the area. On the other hand the pioneering works of the Martos and Tenecio families brought forth the Shalom Baptist Church in Matina Aplaya. In 1983 Rev. Ojoylan transferred to another ministry and Rev. Jeffrey Pound served as church adviser. Later, Rev. Gaudencio Basa replaced him and started a massive fund drive for the church building. A year after, Rev. Ojoylan came back as pulpit minister. With his initiative, the launching of the Compassion Family Helper Project was realized in 1984. Furthermore, the evangelistic work in Matina Pangi gave birth to another daughter church, Faith Baptist Church. In 1985, Ptr. Joel Gavilo became a full time associate pastor in MBC. The work for a bigger church building had begun. During the period 1987-1991, significant events took place, MBC had its first Bible woman, Miss Nida Gaspar. Ptr. Joel Gavilo became a full-time pastor, a year after Ptr. Allan Gayangola became his associate pastor, then Ptr. Reynaldo J. Manguiat took over as church administrator. It was Ptr. Edgar Aungon who ministered as weekend pastor and Ptr. Art Marbas as Music Director.
The MBC Kindergarten was formally opened in 1992, May Sabay as the first teacher and Ms. Gilda Llego as the first principal. The unceasing church planting activities resulted to a new church in Nabunturan, Davao del Norte (now Compostela Valley) spearheaded by Ptr. Josias C. Llego.
In the absence of a full-time pastor, Shared Pastoral Ministry (SPM) was adopted in 1993 until Rev. Ben Yngayo joined MBC as the full-time pastor in 1994. It was then that the Kadayawan Christian Fellowship was opened by some MBC members. Finally, Ms. Nida Gaspar was commissioned as an OMF missionary to Thailand. When Ptr. Yngayo eventually left for a church planting ministry in 1995, God raised leaders and Ptr. Rey Manguiat was called and became a full-time pastor in 1996, Ptr. Nilo Balubayan was the Compassion Project Director and at the same time the Youth Minister. Outreach work in communities were strengthened, zone fellowship revived, missions ministry enlarged and 101 children were added and served by the Compassion Project until year 2000.
In the following year, the Baptistmen initiated a fund drive for a church vehicle project. The Youths have launched also the "Hands Ministry", had performed in the church and in other places though invitation. The acquisition of lot and construction of building for the Leviticus Baptist Church at Gaisano Relocation, Km. 7, Pangi, Davao City was once again a God’s provision for His people. Indeed, God’s goodness is all the time, the territory of the Compassion Project as it was also enlarged, additional teachers and staff were recruited to cater the increasing needs of 209 children.
Ptr. Rey Manguiat left (2003) to pursue higher biblical training after serving MBC for seven (7) consecutive years. Time and again, SPM was adopted as an alternative form of church governance while calling for a full-time pastor. The Lord enables the officers and members to keep moving on the ministries and essential services. God continued touching lives, new believers were baptized and added to the church membership. To oversee the daily activities of the church, Ptr. Basilio Dignadice was appointed as church administrator with Ptr. Art Marbas and Bro. Calvin Basa took charge the rest of the functions.
Sometime in 2004, Mrs. Edith Tenecio, Ptr. Basilio Dignadice and Ptr. Yoling Urbano spearheaded the church planting at Dumalag, now Dumalag Baptist Church. New works were opened at Bago Gallera, Punta Dumalag and Sta. Cruz, Talicud Island. Medical missions headed by Dr. Danny Hernandez were given for the Samal and Tausug Cross Cultural Group. The Project Director, Bro. Arman Tan in the Compassion Project showed remarkable increase of 89 children supported by foreign sponsors. Innovations in the filed of academics, sports, social, health and skills development of the children. On the same year, the congregation had approved the purchase of a church vehicle which eventually shortened the travel time of church members in going to and from the outreach areas. More church members were also given the opportunity to serve in the necrological services and pastoral care.
Ptr. Rey Manguiat Ptr. Basilio Dignadice
Ptr. Rey Manguiat, Ptr. Zaldy Salahid and Ptr. Basilio Dignadice, Sr., have been responsive to fill the vacuum and keep the affairs of the church in motion. Ptr. Dignadice was appointed as church administrator with Ptr. Zaldy Salahid as Pastor’s assistant. Bro. Arman Tan, the innovative Project Director in tandem with (MANCOM) have made a reality by providing 14 units of brand new computers for the Compassion PH 568 The Lord’s H.E.A.R.T. Student Center that served a total of 361 sponsored children.
The mission ministry headed by Ptr. Zaldy Salahid with the medical professionals of the church did a medical mission at Bago Gallera, one of the Outreach areas of MBC.
Ptr. Zaldy Salahid is now serving MBC as the Senior Pastor.
"As long as God keeps on calling people to do His work, there will always be responsible hearts to obey and to serve His purpose. People may falter but not the God we are serving."
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