It has also given birth to a fledgling church in Maligaya Subdivision, Novaliches. Its members are active in personal ministry, fund-raising concerts for church projects, radio ministry, Revelation seminars, Bible-giving projects, annual medical and health education rallies, and educational tour of SDA facilities. 

The SDA Church of Lagro hopes it will be found busy doing its appointed work when the Master returns.

How Lagro SDA Church came to be

by 
Norma H. Firmalino
Church Clerk and Secretary
1985 - 1987
Lagro SDA Church

Part I - The Birth of a Church

It all started when a brother in Christ became eager to help the Lord's work in his community. However, after six months of holding continuous Bible studies in his own house, Bro. Jovito Palado became disappointed when not a single soul decided to accept baptism.

Undaunted of whatever future might hold, and with much prayer and hope in his heart, Bro. Palado decided to transfer the Bible study sessions from his house to the house of the Lumanlans at Lagro Subdivision in Novaliches, Quezon City. The words of Jesus Christ to his disciples was on his mind, "A prophet is not without honor in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." Mark 6:4. 

Though they were very much surprised of the suddenness of his decision, Bro. and Sister Magno Lumanlan agreed and started inviting friends and acquaintances right away. Under Pastor Jesse Acosta's tutelage, Bible studies were held Sundays from one to three in the afternoon.

After  almost a year, the first fruits of their efforts were harvested when thirteen souls decided to accept baptism. The newly baptized brethren together with the Lumanlan family started holding Sabbath services at the carport of the Lumanlan residence. Thus, Pastor Acosta organized this small group and called the place of worship as "The Lagro SDA Bible Center." 

When Pastor Acosta left for Hong Kong, the Bible study sessions were carried on by Pastor Pedrito Magallanes, then Church Pastor of the Manila Center Church. Two more souls had been baptized, bringing the total count of new brethrens to fifteen. They were joined by SDAs residing in Lagro who found it hard to attend worship at Manila Center Church due to the great distance and high fare rates. 

The Lumanlans offered the use of their entire house as a place of worship during Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Bro. and Sis. Apolinario Crisostomo's service and use of the Manila Center vehicle were also important in organizing the Lagro Bible Center.  Bro. Jovito Jovillana's faithful attendance, despite the great distance of his residence from Lagro, and his reliability as "snap-speaker" for Divine Worship or as a Sabbath School teacher could never be overlooked. Lagro Bible Center owes much to him spiritually.

By this time, a total of thirteen souls were already baptized. The year was 1985. Brethren from other churches, who were regularly attending Lagro Bible Center, expressed their desire to become members once Lagro was officially made a church. 

On August 17, 1985, Pastor Magallanes dedicated Lagro's Interim Officers along with the singing group called "The Ripples." On November 23, 1985, Pastor Benjamin Castillo officiated in the formal organization of the Lagro Bible Center together with those who would become permanent members. Many more were accepted as regular members of the Lagro Bible Center by profession of faith.

The rapid growth of church attendees motivated us to look for a bigger place of worship. The carport had already been outgrown by the Lagro Bible Center. Thus, on September 1985, the Lumanlans with Bro. Apolinario Crisostomo started scouting for a housing unit for sale in Lagro that can be converted into a place of worship.

The stark reality of lack of funds came face to face with the brethren. Group and individual prayers were done during Mid-week prayer meetings, Friday vespers, and Sabbath services. The brethren also included this problem in their family worships. A list of relatives and friends was drafted as possible donors.

Pastor Daniel Villoso, then president of the Central Philippine Union Mission, vowed to help in this matter. Through this, the brethren's hope were revived. And here is tangible proof of the power of prayer. Indeed, the Lord answers the sincere and earnest prayers of His children who truly desire to help finish His great work.

Official letters were written and sent by the brethren who had friends and relatives abroad. Pastor Daniel Villoso was able to solicit US$2,000 from benevolent brother and sister in Christ, Mr. and Mrs. Restituto Orden, now residing in the U.S.

The following is a list of donors local and abroad:

To all of these donors, a heartfelt and sincere thanks from the officers and members of the Lagro Bible Center. 

The Lagro Bible Center was fully recognized as a church during the turn-over rites officiated by Pastor Pedrito Magallanes on the month of January 1986. A church was born at the time "Harvest 90" was launched, and what a good coincidence it was, indeed!

Twenty souls were already baptized, three years after the Bible Study Sessions which the Lumanlans started. We thank the Lord for being with us through all the difficulties which we encountered in this pioneering work. The varied problems we met helped in strengthening us spiritually, and thus made our fellowships more meaningful.

It is sweet to believe that God is with us, for He promised, "Lo, I Am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20.

Part 2 - The Establishment of a Church