President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, January 16, recognized the contributions of the Baptist Churches in the country particularly with their efforts in maintaining lasting peace as well as giving the Filipino people sense of fulfillment and purpose in their fellowship.
President Duterte joined the Baptist Churches in celebrating their 120th year of ministry in the Philippines during the event held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“By always seeking to express God’s love in the pursuit of justice, righteous governance, progress and prosperity for all Filipinos, you have enabled our people to see fulfillment and purpose in your fellowship,” the President said in his speech.
“As we journey on the dynamic path towards nation-building, I trust that you will continue to join us in praying for good leaders who will embody Christian values and ideals in governance.”
The President has assured that the government will remain committed to upholding human dignity and welfare and looks forward to the continued support of the Baptists in the Philippines in all its endeavors.
He expects the churches to remain vibrant, inclusive and relentless in serving the people, especially those who are in need.
“May your enthusiasm in proclaiming the Good News of salvation not only touch our people’s lives but also stir transformative change within them,” he added.
And as the country faces adversities both here and abroad, President Duterte said that now, more than ever, the people should stand together in faith, prayer and unity.
He called on everyone to work with renewed fervor and hope in bringing forth a strong and progressive Philippines for the benefit of the next generations.
The Baptists first came to the Philippines in 1900s and established the ministry in Iloilo in the Visayas region. Thursday’s event is a recognition of the significance of the presence of Baptist Churches in the Philippines.
The Baptists in the Philippines are churches and groups of churches that are grounded on beliefs that the Bible is the sole foundation of faith and practice and that believers who received Christ as the Savior will have eternal security.
Baptists also submit themselves to work with the government to attain peaceful and quiet society guided by godly fear, honesty and justice. PND
