https://www.facebook.com/504304892913157/

Calvary Baptist Church, #39 Camerino Avenue, Dasmariñas (2026)

20/10/2022

To all the victims of spiritual, verbal, emotional and mental abuse. To all those who have no voice because of fear and manipulation. To each one of you who think you’re all alone. We see you. We hear you. You’re not alone. We’re here for you.
__

Servant-leadership, that's what he wants the members to have. But not once did I see him as a Servant-leader. If he can't do this, how much more will the member he manipulates follow through? Those in his inner circle always say that Pastor is just like that in the pulpit, but when you talk to him personally you can understand him and he is kind.

This claim is a huge paradox based on my experience as a member for over ten years. The inner circle says that he is kind when you talk to him, that is not kindness, but one of the strengths of his personality which is being “charming” or good at flattering. Flattery with deception because when you talk in person, it's all good and fine but when it comes to the pulpit, he tells nothing but lies regarding what you talked about.

I was one of the victims of his being a Spiritual Narcissist. He uses his spiritual practices, experiences, and insights too much or pretends to the members that he has come to the point where he puts himself as number one, or his self-importance, not God anymore. The gaslighting or psychological manipulation he and his son did and has been doing was way too much. They always liken God's judgment, feelings or emotions to what they want to happen. When they are angry, they say that God is also angry and bad and awful things will happen to people who makes God mad.

Because of their use of God's emotions or feelings, they often twist Bible verses just to show that God's emotions agree with them. They change the interpretation of Bible verses for their own benefit and cause. Like once upon a time, he compared King Solomon to himself. He used 1 Kings 10:8, Queen Sheba said here that King Solomon's men were happy because they continued to serve him to also hear wisdom from King Solomon. It is very evident that his analogy is far from what is happening in the church and members who are his "followers". We are no longer happy, and no wisdom is gained because his agenda and all of his preachings are purely self-serving.

He also denied several times that he was not full of anger, but it was showing his compassion and love to the members. Why didn't I feel it? Where is the compassion there whenever he curses the people or members to whom he has benefitted a lot from? Well, that’s him, he's like that. When he sees something in you, he can use you or benefit from you, he's kind. But when there's nothing more left to benefit from you, he will attack you in the pulpit, as if you have committed such a great offence towards the Lord.

Because of these experiences, every time I get close to him and his son who is a preacher in the church, I can't understand what I am feeling. There is no anger but there is great fear. I don't want to see them and talk to them closely. It is already my body’s reaction that is constantly refusing to get close to them. I am sick to my stomach and shaking frequently, something was damaged already within my system. Perhaps, this is the result of my knowledge and experiences in their manipulation and blackmailing. They constantly threaten us and they even use God in this threats, curses, and hate they have. Like what he says to parents with babies, don't make me an object of fear for your children. But that's what he does to the Lord, He makes God appear like a bully and executioner when he can't manipulate and control his members.

27/09/2022

We challenge and ask for accountability that requires action. We challenge that financial records be released and an audit from a third-party agency be done for all the funds that have been misappropriated from CBC and all its ministries. Because there is financial support coming from US churches, we challenge that receipts be furnished and records clearly shown that the flow of funds is above reproach and there is accurate delineation between personal and ministry transactions. We also challenge that every church service of CBC be livestreamed and recorded from here on out.

We’re asking for a public acknowledgement that abuses were committed and a sincere apology to all of the victims who suffered. We stand with the victims, their stories, and advocate for their continued healing and vindication. We stand for the church members who are either still trapped inside because of fear or have been displaced due to the hurt they can’t withstand anymore, and the community that’s been broken because of this. We stand beside those US supporters who have been generously giving for years and feel like their resources have been wasted.

We love Jesus and we love the church. With this call to action, we believe that it shows our desire for the church to be a safe place for people to come, meet Jesus, and to find healing and restoration, not pain and abuse. We believe the church is the place for people to find community, relationships, and encouragement as they navigate through life. We believe that the church is where people can learn about the truths of God’s word, and how they can apply them daily. We believe that the church should not be a place for manipulation, coercion, narcissism, blind loyalty, and mistrust. We believe everyone deserves better from their church leaders both past, present, and in the future.

31/08/2022

The victims are still being discredited and maligned, and their stories are being dismissed or swept under the rug. We will continue to provide a space for their voices to be heard, and to warn others who are still in harm's way.

__

TW: Sexual Assault

I was a victim of emotional, mental and sexual abuse.

I was a CBA student from preschool.. For me, it became my second home. Growing up in CBA helped me establish an adequate foundation to my Christian life, or at least thanks to all my teachers who guided me.

Back then, my family was quite rounded with the Principal and his wife. His wife even always asks me if she can adopt me.

Some time during grade school, I was sitting in the staircase on the way to the auditorium, when Mr. Nemuel Lesada, together with a colleague ( I think a visitor at that time) came approaching the auditorium.

I was fixing my stuff when he (Mr. Lesada) started shouting at me because of the small piece of trash he saw. It was far enough for me to notice.

I clearly remember what he said “Pulutin mo ‘tong basura kundi ipapakain ko sa’yo ‘yan!”

I felt ashamed of what he did, it was loud enough that people around looked.

Until this day, I still haven’t forgotten that moment.

Then time passed.. And to be honest after that, I was no longer comfortable. I was scared around him thinking he might embarrass me again.

Then 2005-06, I was in my [redacted] when my classmate told me Mr. Lesada was calling me to go to his office. I was already nervous thinking I did something wrong.

I went to the Principal’s office. It was cold and quiet. He asked me to sit on the bench and then he started asking me about obscene things.

“Do you watch pornographic videos?”

I was utterly confused and scared why he was asking me.. But I answered. “No.”

“Do you ma******te?”

This was the time I first encountered that word.. And had no knowledge as to what he was talking about..I didn’t know how to respond so I uttered “Ano po?”

Then he started doing hand gestures and asked me “Nag f-finger ka ba?”

I was extremely afraid.

I shook my head.

I remember his words “Alam mo para ko na kayong anak…” “And I am here to guide you” “I am like your second father” “ Halika nga”

He asked me to stand up, “Alam mo ganito ako sa mga anak ko..” He started hugging me tight with his right hand squeezing my behind. I didn’t know what to do when he lifted me. At that time, I felt his hand tightly pressing in my gluteal cleft. He tells me “I’m like your father. Ganito talaga ako, kahit sa mga pamangkin ko.”

I was freaked out with what just happened and as he put me down I stepped back, “Sige po”

Him: “O sige anak.”

I went back to class blank-faced, I wanted to cry. That day, I talked to my best friend and a teacher that is very close to me. I told them what happened as I was crying my heart out. We tried telling one of my older schoolmates since he is also a good friend of mine.

The incident was controversial because it didn’t only happen to me. I knew it was raised to the administration.

I was disgusted with myself, I felt molested and embarrassed.. I wasn’t able to tell my parents right away..

Then at home I became aloof, whenever my parents would try to hug me. I would get mad. I would even raise my voice to my father so that he would stop hugging me or holding me because Mr.Lesada’s words kept on resonating in my head.

I remember feeling so angry. I hated it whenever my parents would try to show affection. They started asking me what my problem was and why I was acting that way. Finally,I told them what happened and I saw how broken my parents were. But I cannot do anything about it. I never had a memory of us reconciling or him even addressing the problem with us.

And then I promised myself after I graduated that I wouldn’t want any more encounters or interactions with him.

I had to keep going through life with that lasting effect in my heart and mind..

And now, though it was tough and painful, I praise God for indeed He is sovereign and just for shedding light over this matter. I couldn’t believe I would be able to speak up about my trauma after so many years ...I’m coming out not because I’m seeking attention nor do I want to take revenge. I am speaking not to stir up anger and hate.

Rather to RAISE AWARENESS and to SPEAK THE TRUTH WITH LOVE and to stand up for what is right..to empower and to enable healing, for myself and for the people who need to...

I would like to end by saying:

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SIN IS NOT CONDEMNATION, IT’S INTEGRITY AND A WAY TO FREEDOM.

Having said that, I also believe that the church is the Body of Christ. That is why I do not agree with the statement where some church leaders may say, “I am only accountable to God, not the church.”

He who is elected by the church should be accountable to the Body of Christ who is the church. Being held accountable for your actions by the people you are accountable to is not condemnation. It is recognizing your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions. We are human, and apart from Christ we are bound to our sinful nature.

Calvary Baptist Academy will always be a part of my life journey. That is why it breaks my heart to see it crumble. However, I believe that my God is a God who can restore. And He can use my pain and suffering for His glory.

25/08/2022

TW: Sexual Assault

I became close to [redacted] when I became active at Calvary Baptist Church. I became a member in 2006 and became close to [redacted] and [redacted] as well. There was also a time when I was visited in my workplace by Pastor Nemuel and [redacted]. I was working in Taguig and my parents moved to [redacted], so I had to rent a place close to my workplace, and my time for church activities was affected.

[redacted] invited me to sleep in their place so I can rest and attend church on Sundays. I was not fully comfortable with the idea, so they offered to just let me sleep at the four star room every weekend. This is so I can pick up kids in the morning for church. One Sunday morning, [redacted] asked me to go to Pastor Nem’s office. I did not have any idea what it was about. I went there around 6:00-6:15 am. I was shocked because he hugged me (I thought he was just happy to see me as his daughter) and asked me to kiss him. Because he was like a father to me, I kissed him on the cheek, and then he asked me to kiss him in the other cheek also, to which I complied.

But then, he asked me to kiss him on the lips which I declined. I remember him asking me if I was still a virgin which caught me off guard, but I thought probably because they asked me to pray for someone, so I thought it was part of it. But it made me feel uncomfortable. I decided to just forget about that incident and continue going to church.

I stayed in the four star room every weekend. One Sunday morning, Pastor Nem was knocking on my door. I was in the shower so he had to wait for like 10-15 minutes. I dressed up but while dressing up, I asked “Pastor why are you knocking?”. Then he said, “Open the door, anak.” So I did after dressing up, then he came in and closed the door and started hugging me. I started to push him away and asked him, “Why?”.

He said, “What are you going to do this morning?” I said, “I will be picking up kids for church that’s why I prepared early.” Then he asked me if I was already okay because he was aware that I had a sebaceous cyst. I said, “It’s ok already Pastor.” Then, he asked me where it is, pointed to the middle of my chest, then he said, “I want to see it”. Then I said, “It’s okay already”. After that, he left. I was so scared and shaking and I did not know what to think.

That’s when I decided to ask for ate [redacted] help to join me every weekend at the four star room. At first she was not able to join me, so the following Sunday, Pastor Nem came knocking on my door again. But I pretended not to hear him and just stayed in the bathroom for a long time until he left. Then the Sundays after that were okay because [redacted] joined me already, and sometimes [redacted] was there also.

Those Sundays were very uncomfortable for me because I was thinking of [redacted] all the time. I love her like my own mother, and [redacted] and [redacted] were close to me, and I loved them dearly. Until I decided to leave the church quietly for everybody’s sake and especially for [redacted]. I do not want to tarnish the love and respect of the members to Pastor Nem who they look up to, and until now I am still unsure if I am ready to let the people know.

24/08/2022

Majayjay Bible Baptist Church

24/08/2022

TW: Sexual Assault

I am a former student of Calvary Baptist Academy, and attender of Calvary Baptist Church. What follows are facts based on my experiences during the years I was studying at and attending CBA/CBC. This statement details Mr. Nemuel Lesada’s mental and sexual abuse against me.

The first time Mr. Nemuel Lesada laid his hands on me was during our class picture taking. I stood at the back row with a female classmate, a teacher, and Mr. Lesada. I was standing close to that classmate and teacher. As we were taking our class picture, somebody poked my behind, specifically in the intergluteal cleft region. I faced my female classmate, thinking it was her who had poked me, and gave her a threatening look because it was inappropriate. That poke happened again, and this time I called her name out oud and got the teacher’s attention. That female classmate said she was not the one who was doing it. The teacher just dismissed us by not paying attention.

I then saw Mr. Lesada looking at me, grinning and he gave me a wink. I already knew that that he was the one doing it. Afterward, I told my classmates about it especially those people I was close with. After a week or two, we were called out one by one to have a conversation/meeting with the Pastor. Only a few girls in the classroom were called out. When it was my turn, I went inside Mr. Lesada’s office, he pointed to where I needed to sit, and he asked me malicious questions.

He first asked me how was my spiritual relationship with God. I answered that it was okay and I think the school and church are helping me understand things better. Then he asked the question, “Do you have a boyfriend?” I answered, “No, I don’t have.” His next questions was, “Do you watch pornographic videos?”. I answered him, “NO sir!”

His last question was, “Do you ma******te?” I didn’t answer right away and gave him a questionable look as I don’t understand what was going on. The questions were not righteous and appropriate, and they made me feel uncomfortable. He then repeated the question with a hand gesture of how to ma******te. I quickly answered, “No”. He then asked me to pray with him, and after that he asked me to stand up. He gave me a hug and touched my behind all the way to my back.

I went back to our room crying. I told some people what happened. The same thing happened after a few months. The last time it happened again was after my [redacted]. He asked another student to ask me to come to his office. When I entered Mr. Lesada’s office, he was writing something. So I took advantage to sit away from him. I remember I sat on a long sofa or bench. We didn’t talk for more than 15-20 minutes.

When he was done writing, he asked me how was the [redacted]. I answered him quickly and pretended to check my watch, and let him know that my dad will pick me up anytime soon. He then stood up, said that he is proud of me, and he reached out to me for a hug. I just stood straight, he hugged me while touching my behind to the side of my breasts. I was so thin back then so he was able to squeeze me and reach both of my side breasts.
I started sharing these incidents to teachers, leaders, and other former students of CBA. A lot of them asked me about what happened and I willingly answered every question as I know this will help me. But they didn’t do anything. Then, another classmate of mine experience the same thing. It was almost our graduation when her family decided to file a case. I decided to participate, but we were threatened that they will hinder our graduation if we pursue or continue the case.

Not one teacher or leader sided with us. I remember Mr. Lesada called me again to his office. I believed he knew what was going on, because he explained that what he was doing is just being like a father to us, and that it is not bad to joke around with his children. After that, a teacher talked to me as well and told me, “Our Pastor is just human, it is normal to make mistakes.”

They convinced me that what happened is okay, that I need to just forget it and move on. Teachers and leaders pretty much helped cover up the situation. Victims were left unheard.

19/08/2022

Dear Calvary Baptist Church Family,

In light of recent developments regarding Pastor Nemuel, here are some information that would help bring clarity to the situation.

Upon discovery of overwhelming evidence of financial misconduct, mental, emotional, and spiritual abuse, and moral failures, a group of Calvary Baptist Church and Mission pastors, concerned members, and church staff confronted Pastor Nemuel and Preacher Jolli last Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The result of the confrontation is an admittance of guilt concerning the accusations but an absence of remorse and the refusal to step down from leadership despite the evidence clearly proving that they are no longer fit for ministry.

The situation is still ongoing and fluid as the leaders are working alongside other pastors to find a resolution. A senior pastor, who is well-versed in handling sensitive matters, already has full knowledge of the evidence and current situation and is scheduled to meet with Pastor Nemuel this Saturday, August 20, 2022. The prayer and hope is that the meeting brings repentance, humility, accountability and much-needed permanent change.

As more information comes to light, it will be updated through this page.

22/05/2022

May 18, 2022 | Mid-Week Prayer Meeting Service
Preacher Jun Villanueva (Recorded Preaching)

09/04/2022

Only 2 days to go before its . Have you already registered? Make sure you and your friends already did! 😊

Let us all experience what a Christian Bible Camp ought to be! See you there campers!

Calvary Baptist Church

20/10/2022

27/09/2022

31/08/2022

25/08/2022

24/08/2022

24/08/2022

19/08/2022

22/05/2022

09/04/2022

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Place Of Worship

Shortcuts

Share

Category