BRETHREN GLOBAL PARTNERS: PHILLIPPINES

OUR PARTNERS


Gary Castro

THEIR STORY


Gary Castro (a graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary) oversees the various ministries of the Brethren Church in the Philippines. The ministries of The Brethren Church in the Philippines are designed to promote connection and discipleship. One of the churches, Jesus Our Firm Foundation (JOFF) Church, recently celebrated its 20th year in ministry in early 2023.


NEWS & NOTEWORTHY


By Scott Soden June 17, 2025
What a truly special and joy-filled season it has been in the Philippines, as two vibrant Brethren churches in Bocaue and Caypombo celebrated public declarations of faith through baptism. These events, occurring days apart, marked profound moments of transformation and commitment to Christ, highlighting the flourishing of faith and life in The Brethren Church of the Philippines. In Bocaue, ten new believers took the powerful step of baptism, surrounded by friends, family, and the overwhelming love of their church community. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s grace in action—a fresh start and a public embrace of the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. “Such a special and joy-filled day as we witnessed lives made new through water baptism! A group of amazing individuals took this powerful step of faith, surrounded by friends, family, and an overwhelming amount of love. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s grace and the fresh start He gives. ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!’ – 2 Corinthians 5:17. We’re celebrating each of you and excited for all that’s ahead!” Each life made new was a testament to God's redemptive work and the unity we share as members of His body, regardless of where we are in the world. Shortly after, JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Caypombo Brethren Church welcomed eight new members through baptism. This congregation is barely a year old, and the atmosphere there was filled with joy and worship as the church family witnessed hearts transformed and lives renewed. As the church proclaimed with gratitude, “What a glorious day it was as we witnessed hearts transformed and lives renewed through water baptism! Heaven rejoices as our brothers and sisters boldly declared their faith in Jesus!” These words resonated with the truth of Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death… that we too may live a new life.” Together, these celebrations in Bocaue and Caypombo represent more than just individual milestones—they reflect a larger movement of God’s Spirit stirring across the Philippines. The commitment and faith of these new believers are a powerful reminder of why we continue to pray, serve, and give: to see lives transformed, communities strengthened, and Christ’s love embodied in tangible ways. To all who support Brethren Global Partners, know that your investment is not just fueling ministry—it’s multiplying life-changing moments like these. Through your partnership, churches are empowered, disciples are made, and the hope of the Gospel multiplies across the globe. Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
By Scott Soden April 9, 2025
On Sunday, March 23, the Brethren Church in Cay Pombo, Philippines gathered as usual to lift their hearts and hands in praise and worship to God, their Father. Yet that day was far more than a typical Sunday; it was a joyous celebration of God’s goodness and all He has accomplished in the church during its first full year of ministry. “As we celebrated our 1st anniversary, we're reminded that God has a plan to prosper us and give us a hope and a future. We're excited to see how He will continue to work in the lives of many through the JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Cay Pombo Church. We've seen God move in amazing ways. We've witnessed lives transformed, relationships built, and how Jesus moves in everyone's lives, and yet, we know that this is just the beginning. We're trusting God to guide and direct us always. To God be all the glory! Happy anniversary, JOFF Cay Pombo!  As we celebrate this first year of ministry and Kingdom growth, may this moment inspire the church here in the United States and around the world to boldly witness for Jesus in our neighborhoods, communities, and nations. Amen!!! Scott Soden Coordinator, Brethren Global Partners
By Scott Soden February 12, 2025
The past year has presented significant challenges for our partners in the Philippines, including six powerful typhoons and devastating flooding. Yet, even amidst these trials, the light of hope and joy has shined brightly, revealing remarkable reasons for celebration. In March 2024, a vibrant new church was established in Cay Pombo, a rapidly developing neighborhood outside Manila. This journey started with a humble gathering in Pastor Rolly Gubala's garage alongside his devoted friend and ministry partner, Pastor Efren Corido. By God’s grace, the church has begun to flourish, reflecting His love and purpose. One new church would be reason enough to celebrate; there’s so much more to this story! In the aftermath of the floods, the churches came together, inspired by Christ’s command to love our neighbors. They reached out to assist those who had lost everything, helping them relocate to a new neighborhood outside Bocaue. In their service, they addressed urgent needs for food and shelter while also ministering to the spiritual hunger within the community. This compassionate outreach led to the formation of a thriving Bible study that engaged hearts and transformed lives. On Sunday, November 24th, the first service of JOFF Brethren Church in Pandi was joyfully celebrated. Since that day, the church has continued to grow, filled with worship services, Bible studies, and outreach efforts that reflect the heart of Jesus. This is a powerful testament to what God is doing through the Brethren in the Philippines, showing that even in adversity, His light and love can shine through us.  Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners