By Keziah G. Huelar

11 delegates from CPU and CPBC attended he APBF T.E.A.M. consultation in Melaka, Malaysia.

Furthering the Baptist faith across the globe—Central Philippine University and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches joined the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Theological Mission Education, Aid and Mission Consultation at the Kings Green Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia on January 22-24, 2019.

With the theme “Stronger Together,” the event, spearheaded by the Malaysia Baptist Convention, aimed to challenge, empower, and equip believers across the continents to carry the Baptist faith with devotion and fervor to Christ.

There were 172 delegates coming from all over the globe who participated in the three-day event.

Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, CPBC General Secretary presenting his study entitled “The Church’s Response to Armed Conflict in Southern Philippines.”

Delegates from CPU included Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications and Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. Representing CPBC are Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, CPBC General Secretary; Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, CPBC Director for Placement, Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns; Rev. Samuel G. Talha, President, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches; Mrs. Feraz Legita, Deputy Director at Asia Pacific Baptist Aid, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation; Rev. Jenkins Bañas, Director, CPBC Director for Mission and Evangelism; Ms. Henna Baclagon, CPBC Director for Development Ministries; Rev. Rosan Tabaodaja, Mr. Jeff Legita and Mr. Alvin Legita.

During the said event, Rev. Dr. Narciso presented his paper entitled “The Church’s Response to Armed Conflict in Southern Philippines.” His study presented a background for and the history of the armed conflict in the southern part of the country and the ideal response of the church in reaching out to the said areas.

According to Malaysia Baptist Convention’s website (https://mbc.org.my/), in this consultation, the mission and evangelism committee created sessions led by experts to explore ways in which the Baptist churches that exist as a minority group amidst dominant religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam could do ministry within such contexts. The sessions also included workshops in which the experts and participants could discuss methods applicable to each participant’s circumstance. Most importantly, the committee planned to explore ways of introducing the Baptist faith to countries where the faith had not yet been formally organized.