Philippine International Baptist Church

Can a church be born from a whisper of faith? For the Philippine International Baptist Church in Houston, the answer is a resounding yes. Before the 1980s, there wasn’t a dedicated Filipino evangelical church in Houston. Filipinos, mostly nurses and their families, found a spiritual home at Rice Temple Baptist Church. They were a community within a community. In the early 1980s, a small group, just three couples, began meeting for Bible study and prayer. Their fellowship grew, as did their desire to share their faith with other Filipinos in Southwest Houston. Rice Temple Baptist Church recognized this calling and commissioned the group as their mission arm to reach out to the Filipino community. This momentous event took place on March 24, 1987, with over 30 members stepping forward. They found a temporary home at Braeburn Valley Baptist Church, under the guidance of Reverend Tomas Calisterio. By January 1988, the fledgling church had become self-sufficient. They no longer needed financial support from the Union Baptist Association or the Baptist General Convention of Texas. On November 20, 1988, the First Philippine Baptist Church was officially born. Recognizing the need for new leadership, Pastor Calisterio resigned in July 1989. He recommended Reverend Denmark Suison as his successor. The Suisons arrived from the Philippines in September 1989. Finding a permanent home for the growing congregation became a priority. With the support of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Deer Park Baptist Church, Wood Forest Baptist Church, and the personal guarantees of its members, the Philippine International Baptist Church acquired a facility at 8809 Bissonnet Street. The first service in their new home was held on April 4, 1990. The Philippine International Baptist Church has seen its share of challenges, but through it all, it has grown stronger. The church expanded its ministries, focusing on worship, study, prayer, and outreach. In December 1994, Reverend Ernest Howard Dagohoy joined as Associate and Youth Pastor. He and his wife, Cecile, played a key role in nurturing the church’s young members. Pastor Suison resigned in 1997 to pursue church planting in San Francisco. Pastor Dagohoy then took the helm at the Philippine International Baptist Church. The Philippine International Baptist Church stands as a testament to the power of faith, the dedication of its members, and the unwavering support of the community. It’s a story whispered from a small prayer group to a thriving congregation.