By Keziah G. Huelar
Officials from the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Central Philippine University, Japan Baptist Union, International Ministries and American Baptist Churches cut the ribbon to start the opening of exhibits of the 75th Hopevale Memorial Celebration.
Remembering the legacy and faith of the Hopevale martyrs—Central Philippine University, together with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Inc., Filamer Christian University, Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, held the 75th Hopevale Memorial on December 17-20, 2018 at various venues in CPU, FCU, and Hopevale Memorial, Tapaz, Capiz.
This year’s theme, “Memories of Hopevale, Challenging Our Devotion to Doing God’s Mission,” aims to challenge generations of Baptist believers to dedicate their lives to the cause of the mission field. It also highlights the dedication of the Hopevale martyrs that continues to inspire and encourage Christians all around the globe to persevere in their faith.
An exhibit at the lobby of the Henry Luce III Library showing the journey, stories, and profiles of the martyrs was made open to Centralians and guests. The said exhibit showcased the timeline of the arrival of the American Baptist missionaries, their works and ministry, and their stay in Hopevale up until their death. The exhibit will be until March 2019.
The exhibit in the Henry Luce III Library showcases the life and ministry of the Hopevale Martyrs.
For the opening program, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, in his opening message, talked about the faithfulness of the Lord in the lives of the martyrs. He also encouraged Baptist believers to look at the testimony of Hopevale as a story of victory and perseverance: “Today, we gather as a community of faith in this momentous and significant event to remember [the martyrs], their children and their Filipino brothers and sisters who suffered with them for the cause of Christ. We come not to mourn but rather to celebrate, knowing that God’s grace is being made evident even in the worst of times and that God brings blessing and victory from tragedy.”
Rev. Samuel G. Talha, President, CPBC, in his greetings, highlighted the lasting legacy of the Hopevale martyrs: “For us, [the Hopevale Memorial] is a celebration; for the [martyrs], it was a moment of sacrifice of their precious lives; for the executioners, it was an ending of the [American Baptist missionaries’] cause. But for us, who later committed our lives to their cause, which is the propagation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is a sprouting of the same faith which we desire to grow and bear fruit throughout eternity.”
An artistic rendition of the “Cathedral in the Glen” – an open air chapel in Hopevale designed by Dr. Francis Howard Rose.
Pastor Elizer G. Geromiano, President of the Convention of Baptist Ministers Association, in his message, talked about the martyrs dedication to the mission field work amidst the war. He also highlighted the importance of uniting together to spread the Gospel to the unreached corners of the globe: “The call of Hopevale is missions. We do not only forgive and reconcile with one another but we pull our resources together, join hands together as we do missions in the world.”
Seng Bu Ohya, on behalf of the Japanese Baptist Union, read the “Repentance on War Responsibility.” In the message, she highlights that the experiences and stories of the war helped them recognize the role of Japanese Baptist believers and ministry in sharing the love and message of Christ: “We recognize God’s calling for us to be a guide and we declare to uphold faith and freedom of conscience, to be the light of the world and salt of the earth.”
Rev. Naoto Ohya, the General Secretary of the Japanese Baptist Union and Senior Pastor of Tokyo Peace Church, in his greetings, thanked the CPBC for the warm welcome. In his message, [name] highlighted the importance of working together for God’s message to be preached around the globe: “We hope to continue our relationship between the CPBC and American Baptist Churches. The three countries will together work for the glory of God’s Kingdom. Now we are brothers and sisters. We must walk and do God’s mission together.”
Guests from the American Baptist Churches and Japan Baptist Union looked at the exhibits.
Rev. Leslie Turley in her greetings, talked about the victory of the Lord in the lives of the believers and in the institutions built by the American Baptist Missionaries: “In the aftermath of this horrible happenings, we see the hope of God that is written in Romans 8:28. We see that here. I imagine that it was hard to see the good then, but God working through the faithful has done a work for His glory.”
On behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, welcomed guests to the 75th Hopevale Memorial. Rev. Gico talked about CPU’s history as a product of the love and dedication of the American Baptist missionaries: “CPU was established through these missionaries who laid their lives to the cause of Jesus Christ. Because they responded to God’s call and mission, CPU will be forever grateful.”
Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Elmo Dianala Familiaran, talked about the importance of remembering and of emulating the faith of the Hopevale martyrs. He highlighted the influence and the impact of the martyrs’ lives to present believers: “The legacy of service and devotion to the Gospel that the Hopevale martyrs have bequeathed to all of us will be honored this week by all the [history] that has been caught into this incredible journey.”
After which, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, led the closing prayer and gave the benediction.
“Dinner of Hope,” a fund raising event in support of the continuing ministry at Hopevale in Tapaz, Capiz, was held at the Educational Media Center. Serenading Centralians and guests during the said dinner is the “CPU Handbell Ringers.”
Lectures entitled “Gleaning of Hope,” which highlighted the dedication and inspiration of the martyrs, were also held both at the CPU and FCU Campus. The talks aimed to encourage generations of Baptist believers to take on the mission field and pursue the calling of advancing the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
This commemoration is an annual celebration of martyrdom—a celebration of the lives of the American Baptist missionaries throughout the globe as a symbol of faith and sacrifice.
Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, Program Coordinator of the Pastoral Placement, Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns Department of the CPBC, was the lead person in all the activities surrounding the 75th Hopevale Memorial.