History of Biyaya...a message from the Pastor

BIYAYA COMMUNITY CHURCH is the product of years of prayers and efforts of the Ethnic Partners for Christ of the New Church Development of the Presbytery of New Covenant (PC(USA)). It started with 14 adults and I child who met on an Easter Sunday in April 1999 for Bible study at the Rutledge Room (now the Fellowship Hall) of the Southminster Presbyterian Church in Missouri City, TX. From the original list, only 7 are left active in the work of the church. But God added more people who come together to worship every Sunday, attend the prayer meetings and the Bible studies during the week to bring BIYAYA into what she is today. We believe that there is still more to these as she continues to witness to the community where each member lives and moves.

During the years, it was not an easy, smooth road for BIYAYA. She experienced "bumps and humps" as she strives to grow with souls who just knew the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ. But God is really faithful to His promises that He "will never leave us nor forsake us" and that even "the gates of hell cannot prevail against it." He showed BIYAYA through all these and made her more faithful to her declaration of her mission in this part of the world.

BIYAYA, where are you now? When I came to Houston in 1998 to start the Filipino Probe I was all alone knowing no body here. I have to use the yellow book to find and call if possible some probable Filipinos. I did not fail as I was able to contact a pastor who was also doing pioneering work among Filipinos for the American Baptist Church and to our surprise we both graduated from the same seminary in the Philippines. I attended some of his Bible studies where I was able to know a man who was willing to accommodate me in his home.

The Probe was supposed to be for two years only. But, 18 months into the probe we found out that there is more to do for the Filipino community. We then decided to start a new church development.

After 8 years of ministry, BIYAYA has become a family of and for families. Each member felt that they belong to one big family where each one felt they are cared for and considered unique and important as an individual. It has also developed leaders in the national and regional levels. Our youth and young adults are actively involved in the leadership of the Filipino-American Young Adult Council (FAYAC). Our women are represented in the National Asian Presbyterian Women (NAPW). Our pastor is involved in some multicultural activities in the Synod level. Our music ministry is a vital part for a vibrant contemporary worship. These are talents committed to the service of our God. Our children ministry is growing strong with the leadership of our teacher-members Merceflor Herradura, Nadine Gelladuga and Marie Palalon. These children used to shy away from people but wait till you see them perform.

BIYAYA, where are you going?

BIYAYA has dreams and aspirations: that all those who come to her doors would come to know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and establish a personal relationship with the Savior. Physically, she hopes to have her own place of worship. We are ever grateful to Southminster Presbyterian Church for allowing us to use their facilities until now, but we still want to see ourselves in the place where we can call our own. All efforts are that only gird towards raising funds to buy a lot for our church building like garage sale, karaoke night, soda cans collection and many more; but also towards evangelization which is the vital role of the church. We accept donations from friends and those who believe in our cause. But most of all, BIYAYA dreams to let people realize that they need Christ in the totality of their lives and reach out to them in this particular need.

The challenge now is to share BIYAYA --- in doing so, we are sharing the grace of God however, wherever and whoever we are.