Mahal na mga Kapatid at Kaibigan,

Welcome po sa Filipino Worship Service!

Please find below a thanksgiving letter of Pr Rodolfo and Mrs Jenerose Gayon on behalf of the Trinidad BPC in Bohol and my personal reflections on Trinidad BPC. Let us remember the missions stations in the Philippines, may the Lord be gracious and merciful to save more souls!

THANKSGIVING

This year of God’s faithfulness in Trinidad Bible-Presbyterian Missions Church is worth thanking for. In all of God’s doing here in Trinidad, we cannot give something to God in return save this celebration of 4th Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service held at Krakastubby Grills and Restaurant last December 17, 2023. Our Lord used The Rev Jose Mangco of Christ Bible-Presbyterian Church in Cebu as His messenger for our anniversary thanksgiving with the scripture text from Matthew 1:21–23.

Our Lord also brought visitors as you could see in the attached photos where they heard the fresh gospel preached straight from the pure God’s Word. The one we can give thanks mostly are the precious souls of the children who attended, some with parents but some have not.

We extend also our thanks to our brethren there in Singapore by supporting us in this Lord’s work to make this Anniversary Thanksgiving a success.

As for baptism and transfer of membership, there are few who confess to be baptized but was hindered with unavoidable circumstances. Some of them was threatened by their family member that if they undergo baptism, there will be worst scenario that follows.

For the years to come, if the Lord tarries, we hope to celebrate God’s blessings and faithfulness with you our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Glory be to God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

TRINIDAD BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Planted on an Idolatrous Island

The Philippines is a predominantly catholic country, an evident result of the Spanish colonization for more than 300 years. Among the provinces heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism is the province of Bohol. It was in this island that the first international treaty of peace and unity between the native king called Datu Sikatuna, and Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, on March 16, 1565 was made. The two had a blood compact alliance known today by many Filipinos as the Sandugo. This warm welcome of the Boholanos to the Spaniards was the impetus to the syncretistic practices between Roman Catholicism and paganism that is now plaguing in the whole island-province of Bohol.

Many Roman Catholic churches were then built in Bohol. These churches were established during the early Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Few of these churches have been declared National Cultural Treasures for their cultural, historical and architectural importance to the Filipino people. One of these is considered the oldest Roman Catholic church building in the country made out of stones in Baclayon, Bohol.

Bohol is known for their celebrations of fiestas or feasts dedicated to their patron saints. Every barangay and town have their own patron saint. This spans throughout whole month of May from one place to another. These festivities are marked with idolatrous practices such as dances and parades worshipping and exalting the statue of their patron saints. Food and drinks are prepared and are offered free for all visitors. The center of the festivity is the Roman Catholic mass that gives honour to the patron saint.

Named After the Triune God

Many barangays are named after a so-called Roman Catholic saint, such as San Miguel, Sto Tomas, San Agustin etc. Interestingly, the town Trinidad is uniquely named after a Biblical doctrine of God. Trinidad is the Spanish word for Trinity, which refers to the thrice Holy God, the three persons in the Godhead. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7).

The town of Trinidad was established on September 1, 1947, just after the World War II. However, the town’s website reveals how it is heavily under the spell of the syncretistic faith of Catholicism and Paganism,

“Boholanos are known for their devout and pious religiousness, and in Trinidad where 97% of the population are Roman Catholics, this religiousness tinges activities that are social and cultural in nature and strengthen relationships among kinsfolk.

Town and Barangay anniversaries, schools and business foundation days, birthday parties and wedding anniversaries are begun and ended with prayers or the celebration of the Holy Mass or “pamisa”. Cornerstones of houses and buildings, motor vehicles and front or backyards of homes are sprinkled with holy water for blessing. Church bells ring to alert the faithful for the 6:00 A.M., 12:00 noon, 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. prayers.

Fiestas are not only commemorations of feasts of Jesus Christ and all the saints but also occasions for happy reunions with families and friends and lavish entertainment. Sumptuous food preparations and the financial encumbrances attendant to such sort of preparation are offerings of thanksgiving for good harvest and fortune. Not so sumptuous offering of cups of steaming hot coffee and pan de sal are made for churchgoers during the novena and mass for 9 days at dawn before Christmas or the Mesa de Gallo.” (https://trinidad-bohol.gov.ph/local-heritage/)

Desiring to Reach the Lost

The darkness of Roman Catholicism in Trinidad is the greatest burden that we ought to pray to the Lord. Please remember the workers Pr Rodolfo and Mrs Jenerose Gayon that the Lord will strengthen their faith and bless them to continue their work of evangelism. May the Lord encourage them to preach and teach the gospel so that the eyes of the people may be opened to see the saving grace of God through faith in the Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. The work is still great but we have the Lord our God who is far greater than the idolatrous and superstitious beliefs around.- JTGL