“Patay-gutom” and “Matapobre”. These words echoed in the early days of the International Baptist Church of Manila. Let’s step back in time and uncover the story of a church built on faith.
International Baptist Church of Manila stands as a testament to unwavering faith. Its story is woven with threads of perseverance and divine providence. It all began with a missionary’s calling.
In 1967, a missionary family returned to the Philippines. They left their careers in the United States behind. They answered God’s call with no guarantee of future success.
The International Baptist Church of Manila started humbly. It began in the garage of a building. The congregation grew steadily and moved into the open garage. More people joined and the church’s impact expanded.
Initially, the church faced criticism. Some called its attendees “patay-gutom”. This derogatory term implied the church was for the poor because God supposedly cursed them. However, as the congregation grew richer people also joined.
Then, a new wave of criticism arose. Some called the churchgoers “matapobre”. This suggested the church catered only to the wealthy. Despite these insults, the International Baptist Church of Manila remained steadfast.
The church embraced everyone regardless of their financial status. Everyone was treated equally. They sat together ate together and served the Lord together. This inclusive principle became the church’s foundation.
International Baptist Church of Manila has reached thousands with the Gospel. It birthed many daughter churches. It assisted countless individuals. The church trained hundreds of pastors and sent missionaries globally.
Today, the International Baptist Church of Manila continues its mission. It ministers to generations of families. It strives to meet the needs of its community. The church offers Sunday worship services and midweek programs.
The International Baptist Church of Manila is located in Makati. You can find it at 140 H.V. Dela Costa. The church stands as a beacon of hope. It invites all to participate in its story.
The story of International Baptist Church of Manila is still unfolding. It calls upon its members to continue its legacy. Each member is equipped to contribute to God’s work. Together they move forward with faith and dedication.