Our History

Tuesday, 24 January 2023

A former U.S. airforce officer, Robert Earl Hughes, unconditionaly obeyed the greatest commandment from Jesus Christ and heartily believed on His promise. In the year 1957, the Hughes family headed to Cebu Island in the Philippines and settled in the old house in Mandaue City owned by the former Justice and Defense Secretary, Hon. Sotero Cabahug. Several people were saved from the Bible Study that was held in this old house.

Soon after, Pastor Robert Earl Hughes put up a big tent near the Mandaue Public Market for a 40-day evangelistic crusade. This crusade became a victorious one. The good news of salvation was boldly preached, for many was made and some audience would linger on and inquire more of God’s Word. The power of God’s Word which has never failed throughout the ages, has pierced to the souls of the first three families won by the Pastor Hughes to the Lord; the Estillore, Ceniza, and the Miza’s family. Not long after the crusade, he rented a place in Suson St., owned by Bro. Nicanor Ceniza (one of the 1 st converts won by Pastor Hughes), so they can have a place for worship. This is where the first Bible Baptist Church was planted.

In 1958, God unfolded His perfect will to Pastor Bob Hughes as he transferred his missionary ministry in Cebu City, forgetting not the lost sheep and new converts in Mandaue. He assigned two of his Bible students, Bro. Jovito Brasileño and Bro. Doming Tejada to continue the evangelism in Mandaue from 1958 up to 1962. However, God called out these men to be pastors in another place.

In 1962, Bro. Ruben Lumagbas Sr. and Bro. Renato Saja were used by God to protect the gospel from ceasing to be proclaimed to the lost souls in Mandaue from 1962 to 1964, with few but dedicated members.

On september 9, 1962, it was one Sunday morning, a tender heart of a personable Dr. John Rawlings thru listening a radio program of Pastor Robert Earl Hughes, and fine gentlemen was touched by the redeeming message of John 3:16. During his visit to his family in Cebu, a few days later, they attended the Sunday service of BBC España. Through the powerful preaching of Rev. Lloyd Baker, Ralph Masicampo Baladjay accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior on September 9, 1962, followed by his wife Evangeline. It was in the same year on the month of December, that the couple obeyed the Lord thru the waters of baptism.

"Five Kilos of faith"

As they were made children of God by His saving grace, they did not know, that in small mission church in Mandaue, the members were praying for a man of God to lead them. Two years later, after the 4th son, Robin Daniel was added into the Baladjay household. It was during this time that the family learned that their father was called to the ministry of Christ. Mrs. Baladjay didn't argue against this but gave her support and prayers for her husband. On April 25, 1965, Ralph was licensed to preach. The believers in Mandaue were delighted that God heard their prayers and finally they had a pastor.

Sept. 11, 1973, Pastor Baladjay was ordained and in March 1974, Mandaue was organized as a local church. Here begin the arduous yet fruitful journey into the winding and rocky paths of the ministry that Christ had entrusted to Pastor Ralph and the mission work, now a local, independent church of Mandaue. The Lord has blessed the church now led by Pastor Ralph's third son, Pastor Rogelio Baladjay, with ministries with the purpose of spreading the Gospel not just in Mandaue, but to the whole Philippines and the world as well. Today, Bible Baptist Church Mandaue, which was foreseen by many that it cannot stand, has continued for 37 years now, and has produced churches and mission churches that carry on the work of God.

God's faithfulness has never faded. He supplies every need, and when problems insurmountable, He raises His church up, from the hindrances that surround it. Faith is all it takes. To God be the glory!