By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Rev. Kyle D. Witmer, guest speaker, shares reflections on 125 years of mission anchored on Hebrews 12:1-2, Matthew 28:18-20, and Acts 1:8 during the American Baptist Mission’s anniversary celebration at CPU’s Rose Memorial Auditorium on November 22, 2025.

On November 22, 2025, the 125th celebration of the American Baptist Mission in the Philippines was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, anchored on the theme: “A Legacy of Faith – Honoring the Pioneering Work of American Baptist Missionaries and Their Impact on Philippine Baptists.”

The program began with registration, followed by a prelude led by the Bacolod Evangelical Church and the congregational singing of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” An invocation was then offered by Dr. Milanie C. Arandela, Acting Dean of the CPU-College of Theology.

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered his welcome remarks, recognizing Rev. Kyle D. Witmer, Area Director for Southeast Asia and Japan for International Ministries (IM); representatives of affiliated institutions; various Kasapulanans and local Baptist churches, including choirs from the region; and attendees from Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Negros Occidental and Oriental, and Aklan, as well as representatives from ATESEA, colleagues from academic and church communities, students, friends, and invited guests. He commended the core team and partners for the event’s preparation and execution.

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers the welcome remarks, recognizing guests, church representatives, choirs, and attendees from across the region during the 125th anniversary celebration of the American Baptist Mission.

Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, President Dagohoy emphasized, “There’s great value in this commemoration event because by recalling our collective past, we have a deeper appreciation of where we are today and hopefully gain a more secure footing as we plot our trajectory into the future that, at times, may seem uncertain but at the same time is full of opportunities, particularly in relation to the advancement of God’s kingdom agenda.”

He further affirmed the enduring mission of the Baptist witness in the country: “For 125 years, since the arrival of our American Baptist forebearers in the Philippines, the paramount mission of spreading the Gospel through the founding of institutions continues to thrive to this day, highlighting our contribution as Baptists to nation-building.”

Following the welcome remarks, Assoc. Prof. Rea Angelica Faulan Villeza, Chairperson of the Department of Religion and Ethics and the event’s host, read the scripture texts from Genesis 12:1-8 and Matthew 28:18-20. The readings were taken from a digital copy furnished by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, containing the original Hiligaynon translation of the Bible prepared by Rev. Dr. Eric Lund and Braulio Manikan.

To affirm the message of commissioning, the 125th Joint Choir performed “We Preach Christ,” reinforcing the theme of mission and service.

A historical reflection was then shared by Rev. Job Santiago, former General Secretary of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC), offering insights into the mission’s legacy and its enduring influence on Philippine society. This was followed by the video presentation 125 Years of Mission: A Legacy of Faith and Transformation.

Attendees from Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Aklan, as well as representatives from ATESEA, affiliated institutions, academic and church communities, students, and invited guests join the 125th anniversary celebration of the American Baptist Mission.

Rev. Jireh John Francia, Senior Minister of Baptist Center Church, introduced the guest speaker, Rev. Kyle D. Witmer. Rev. Witmer began his ministry in 1991, was ordained in 1997, and served in pastoral roles for 23 years before answering the call to mission in 2013. He later served as a professor at Shalom Bible Institute, teaching 13 subjects in pastoral and theological education, and in 2023 assumed the role of Asia Director for Southeast Asia and Japan for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, International Ministries.

In his message, Rev. Witmer expressed his gratitude for the gathering, saying, “Thank you for the grace of gathering in this place. It is a privilege to stand with you as we celebrate 125 years of mission, ministry, partnership, sacrifice, and witness in the Philippines. Anniversaries invite us to look back with gratitude and to then look forward with courage.”

He anchored his reflections on Hebrews 12:1-2, Matthew 28:18-20, and Acts 1:8, three foundational passages that have shaped the mission of the church across generations. “These are familiar texts,” he said, “but anniversaries are a time for returning to foundations.” He concluded with a call to action: “Let us set aside every weight. Let us release the temptations of empire. Let us run with perseverance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. And let us commit ourselves to the work of the kingdom.”

Following the message, the offering was conducted with a musical selection by the Filamer Christian University Choir, after which Rev. Merly Bancolo led the prayer for the offering.

Afterward, Rev. Dr. Melvin Mangana, Senior Minister of Bacolod Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church, delivered a response of thanksgiving, followed by a musical rendition from the Bacolod Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church Choir.

The Bacolod Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church Choir renders a musical tribute during the 125th anniversary celebration of the American Baptist Mission.

Testimonies and tributes from institutional representatives then followed. Hon. Matt Palabrica, Chairperson of the CPU Board of Trustees; Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairperson of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital; and Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital, offered reflections on the mission’s continued impact. The 125th Joint Choir then rendered a musical tribute. This was followed by messages from Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Jr., Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Filamer Christian University; Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole, President of Bacolod Christian College of Negros; and Dr. Carol Joy Quimpo, Chairperson of Jaro Evangelical Church, the first Baptist church in the Philippines.

The celebration proceeded to a deeply meaningful moment with the Covenant of Renewal and Commitment, led by Dr. George O. Cortel, President of Filamer Christian University. Through the Litany of Mission and Renewal, the congregation was invited to reaffirm their dedication to God’s work and to the continuing mission of Christian service in the Philippines.

Following the litany, the signing of the covenant took place, with each participating church and institution represented by one delegate. As the covenant was signed, the Bacolod Evangelical Church Choir and the Bacolod Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church Choir rendered musical tributes, respectively.

After the covenant signing, Rev. Roger Quimpo offered a prayer, followed by the singing of the closing hymn, and the benediction delivered by Rev. Edwin Madlangbayan concluded the celebration.