with a theme: still thankful! We are gathered here today to celebrate God’s faithfulness and mercy and grace with the theme: “Still thankful! Why do we need to thank God? Why should we celebrate? The work of God in this wonderful town of Kabasalan through the Christian Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines started when an Evangelist, Nicolas Cañete answered the call of God in 1931. Becau
se his is not that articulate in using the Subanen Language which is commonly used during that time; he was replaced by Pastor Antonio Limba in the following year. He was able to communicate the Gospel and won many to Christ. Two families, the Lindawans and the Simbols, were the ones who opened their homes for a Bible Study
In 1935, the Bible Study grew into an organized congregation called: “Kabasalan Gospel Center” and is now situated at Brgy. Lumbayao, Kabasalan Zamboanga del Sur. To name some, the families of Callao, Babiera, Macaraig, Sanghanan, Salba, Guanzon, and the Lamparan-Danda were added to the congregation. And a few more years, the Simbol Family began to see the need of establishing a daughter church, thus, Simbol Alliance Church was given birth. There were also lots of pastors that became a part of the growth of Kabasalan Gospel Center. Few notable ones were : Rev. Florentino De Jesus Sr. who succeeded Rev. Limba after leaving for another calling in ministry; Ptr. Fidencio Dumaran; Rev. Johnny Guevarra; Rev. Josias Perocho; Rev. Dale Faith Ruelo; Rev. Josue Lavina; Rev. Rodrigo Felomino; Rev. Eulalio Somogue; Dr. Zacarias Fronda. Felimon Anito, and Rev. Rudino Enulpe. The fruitful labor of these pastors however did not come without a problem; in fact, it was in the 70’s and 80’s that the church is dubbed as “graveyard of pastors”. This is because during these times, no pastor would stay long enough; for some reasons, the passion and energy of the pastor would be depleted so easily. It was during the time of Pastor Dale Faith Ruelo, that the name of the church was changed into Kabasalan Evangelical Church, in 1982. In 1986, led by Rev. Isaias Catorce together with his intern Pastor Wilmer Hechanova, the church was able to overcome this bad image. The revival and growth of the Church necessitates the expansion of worship facilities. Lady Minister Dolores Somogue led some women to pray for the purchase of the adjacent lot. It was in the year 1990; during the Pastorate of Rev. Arsenio dela Rosa that God granted their prayers. A decade later, Rev. Rudino Enulpe led the construction of the new church building that stands until today. Last December 2010, the Kabasalan Alliance Church celebrated its Diamond Anniversary. That means today we are celebrating 85 years of God’s goodness and mercy … Despite all ups and downs; despite all the twists and turns that goes along with the passing of time, God is faithful and good to this church. Indeed God is the owner, God is the Builder and God is the defender of this church. Hallelujah! Soli Deo Gloria! Glory be to God alone……
