The Cainta church of Christ

October 25, 1998 at East Garden Chinese Restaurant along Ortigas Ext. in Cainta Rizal, the Antipolo and Pasig church of Christ joined hands together for a “Sending Out” worship and special prayer for the three would-be workers in Cainta. Two weeks later, on Nov. 8, Don Williams (WBS director at that time), Rajahpad M. Buo and Eduardo “jhun” C. Ma Jr. (currently the minister/preacher in Tuao), together with the rest of the pioneering members of Cainta church began their first service at an unusual place, the old and unused Catholic chapel just beside the house of Sis. Rebecca Tajor. Bro. Jhun Ma delivered the very first sermon in front of enthusiastic worshippers composed of 18 adults, 5 teens and 5 kids.

Pressure and unfavorable remarks from the neighborhood forced the congregation to move out to a rented place just only after three weeks of its existence.

The infant church was blessed with six baptisms on its maiden year. However, Jhun Ma left the church barely four months before they celebrate its 1st anniversary. Don Buo, (younger brother of Raj) filled the leadership void and joined them on Sept, 1999. The changed of leadership occurred followed with another changed of location when the growing church leased an old two-storey apartment that became their home for five blessed years.

The Lord also, in the past years, sees us through separation-grief and difficult times when two leaders and church families left Cainta – Don, Deanne, Alisha and Anela Williams went back to the States for good. While Don Buo left on August, 2004.

I’ve been alternating with the Buo brothers in delivering sermons and Bible Study lessons since joining them in 2002, but I became “official” church worker when Don personally requested me to replace him and to assume all the job and responsibilities he left with the congregation.

The church is currently worshipping at a warehouse owned by Sis. Rebecca’s parents. We are actually located on the abandoned 2nd-floor, just below us is the hardware store fronting Greenland Subdivision, a few meters away from our former location.

The church decided to move due to the abrupt termination of fund it receives from sponsoring congregation overseas. The preachers are now left out-of-their own and the church unexpectedly become self-supporting.

From totally abandoned uninhibited area, the place suddenly transformed into a lively place of worship during Sundays. Minor repairs had been done in its leaking roof, canvass of sackcloth serves as the temporary ceiling, roughly cemented walls had been plastered by inexpensive wallpapers. The place is rental-free but we share the electricity we consume at a minimal rate. Major renovation has been put on hold due to budget constraint.

To others, a presentable place of worship is a must in order to have a decent and lively worship service. But for us, what matters most is presence of every individual soul who worships with us, giving honor and glory to God. We count not what we’re lacking, but thankful for what we have. Praise Him forever and ever, amen!