A Visit to Agape House San Carlos
By Jeff Walsh
PHILIPPINES – One of the highlights of our recent trip to the Philippines was a visit to the newest Agape House ministry, Agape House San Carlos. Located on the picturesque island of Negros in the central part of the Philippines, San Carlos is a very pleasant port city. San Carlos is also the home of the Despi family. Juliet, one of the Despi daughters, is married to Rodel Baylon, brother of Rowena Cabrizos. Juliet and her husband Rodel live and work in Japan. They are also the ministry leaders of Hakata Agape House in Fukuoka, Japan. Another Despi daughter, Carlita continues to live in San Carlos with her husband Renato.
God used these family connections to stir up a vision for an Agape House ministry in San Carlos. It started with a feeding program initiated by Juliet’s former high school classmate. That classmate requested a pastor she knew, Pastor Deo, to share the Word of God before the feeding program. As Rowena Cabrizos began hearing about what was happening, she felt the need to see the feeding program for herself. During her initial visit, Rowena sensed God’s leading for the development of further ministry. She talked with Pastor Deo, his wife Joann and Carlita about the potential for a church plant. Unknown to Rowena, Pastor Deo already had experience in church planting. Through Rowena and Juliet’s constant encouragement, the feeding ministry continued and expanded, leading to Bible study groups and many coming to faith in Christ. Finally, they decided to gather every Sunday and form a church.
Five years ago, Agape House San Carlos didn’t exist. But today it is a vibrant church with over 40 members. Every weekend the church provides a gospel feeding program for the community, especially catering to the children of the community. This weekly program brings relational connections with families and provides opportunities for teaching Bible stories and lessons. There is also a lively youth ministry at the church. Many of the youth are actively involved in the feeding program and in the worship activities.
Pastor Deo and Joann know several other church planters. A number of these are interested in working with Pastor Deo to plant a string of new Agape House churches extending southward from San Carlos throughout the southern regions of Negros. God is clearly at work in exciting ways through Agape House San Carlos. We were grateful to meet the ministry leaders and get a taste of what the Lord is doing. We are thankful for our missionaries Erwin and Rowena Cabrizos, as God continues to use them to inspire new ministries like this.