The History of the Philippine Evangelical Friends Church


The Philippine Evangelical Friends Church started sometime in December 1977 in Sta. Lucia, Pasig City. Pastor and Mrs. Jaime P. Tabingo launched out by faith conducting house to house visitations and home Bible studies. Within a few months, he was able to make some responsive contacts and prospects. One prominent contact that Pastor Tabingo made was the Perez family whom he happened to know through a relative who is living in Mandaluyong City. At that time Pastor Tabingo was pastoring the Bible Christian Fellowship in Mandaluyong. He became more interested to win this family to the Lord especially when he knew that the son-in-law, Doroteo Jugo made a decision in the recently concluded Billy Graham Crusade held that same year. Through this family, a regular Bible study was set up. People around the villages came and joined the class.

The progress of the work was so rapid that Pastor Tabingo felt he should give his full time. On January 15, 1978, he officially resigned from the Bible Christian Fellowship to attend to the work full time. He then concentrated in Sta. Lucia, Pasig City. More house visitations and home Bible studies were organized. He encouraged and challenged the new believers to visit and conduct Bible studies with him in the homes of their friends and relatives around the neighborhood. Thus, on February 19, 1978, the first morning worship service was held at the residence of Doroteo Jugo and family. There were seven present including the Pastor. The six were Brother and Sister Doroteo Jugo, Hermon Perez, Adan Perez, Linda Ferran and Perla Herrera.

When Pastor Jaime Tabingo launched out full time in his pioneering work the problem of finance came up. The Lord provided in a very mysterious way. The coming of Brother Jaime Prieto from the United States as a Balikbayan was a blessing to the Tabingos. He mentioned to them about a group in the United States that was willing to financially support them. This group was no other than the Evangelical Friends. It was not the first time he heard about a group called Friends. In the seventeenth century, he learned from church history books about Quakers and Quakerism being started in England. Brother Prieto explained that they were the forefathers of this Evangelical Friends Group. Thus, in March of that year less than a couple of hundred dollars started to come in as subsidy to Pastor Tabingo’s support. The local brethren have always financially supported the Pastor even from the very start of the work.

Pastor Tabingo’s joining the Friends and identifying himself with this Evangelical Quaker Group was not primarily because of financial considerations. He saw from these Quakers real brotherly love and empathy towards one another. He felt that to continue with the work patiently and faithfully one needs moral and spiritual backing. The Friends showed and extended these supports. They came from far away places and gave him a right hand fellowship. What a privilege to see a brotherly relationship developed and continued to mature.

In the early part of 1979, we were informed by Mrs. Marilyn Samson, one of our members, that a lot in Marietta- Romeo Village was for sale. Upon knowing the location, all of our members were convinced that it was an answer to our prayers. The Lord added another blessing by allowing us to purchase it at a low price compared to the current prices of residential lots in that village. Mrs. Luz Ho, the former owner, declared that she had peace and joy to sell it to the Church for the Lord’s use. The more happy we were upon learning that she knew the Lord in a personal way. The Lord tripled His blessing by leading Mrs. Luz Ho and daughter to become official members of our Church. Praise the Lord!

Pastor Tabingo believes that we have enough methods and materials for Evangelism and Discipleship. He tried to use them all as long as they are effective. At the very start of the work, he tapped the assistance of Christ fro Greater Manila through Fred Cea, the head of their Evangelism and Outreach Department. He and other CGM staff members assisted him in several open- air meetings. Pastor Tabingo followed the ones who made decisions for Christ through house visitations and home Bible Studies. During its first year too, we were privileged to have a three night evangelistic meeting with Brother Owen Glassburn which was held in the house where worship services are conducted. Several souls committed their lives to Jesus Christ. We will continue to use whatever methods and materials available for the propagation of the Gospel.

As the Lord tarries His coming, we will continue to expand our horizons. We will continue to strengthen our daughter Churches and start some more new ones especially around the town of Pasig City. In this town alone, there are 30 barangays (Barrios) where we can evangelize and put up local churches. We will challenge our local brethren to do the job both financially and in manpower. We will also appreciate any outside financial help form local friends and abroad. We will continue to strengthen our friendship and fellowship with the Evangelical Friends in the United States. We appreciate and continue to welcome their prayer and financial supports. But we will always look up to the Lord as the source of our provisions. We will train our laymen to conduct Bible studies and shepherd a starting church. We will send promising young people to Bible Schools and urge them to come back and help in the work. We will attempt to cover the entire country. We will win the battle in His strength and for His glory and honor. So help us God!