IBC's heart for children
Pastor Rick Martin.
In the yesteryears, they slept on sidewalks and lazily roamed around the city streets. Many elementary and high school students cut classes so they could help their family look for many, to provide for their daily meals. Majority of the students have no place to go on Saturdays and Sundays except with their barkadas, until they become a headache for their families.
In 1978, Rick Martin, a young pastor from Oklahoma, United States, during his visit in Iloilo City, saw many street children. With compassion for children, Rick met with Filipino church workers and planned a strategy on how to lure these kids to church so they could engage in useful activities including worship. The church workers heeded the call until the children willingly proceeded to the Iloilo Baptist Church (IBC) on Lopez Jaena Street, Jaro.
Bringing children to the church.
Today, every Sunday, the children ages three to 17 years old, are accompanied by church workers and their parents go to IBC. They are given lessons, music ministry, good manners and right conduct, useful skills, Bible study, memorization and snacks. On Saturdays, 8,000 children enroll in 700 classes with 350 workers tutoring them in city-wide squatter areas. At IBC School, children perform Bible drama and play puppet shows. Since 1978, more than 20 children grew up to become pastors and are today serving the Lord around Panay, in the IBC's 600 churches. Some children became good taxi drivers, carpenters, mechanics and workers in useful endeavors.
The IBC in Jaro is probably the only Protestant church in Panay with an orchestra and about 92 musicians and 100 choir members. John Altura Narvaez is the orchestra conductor. They also play in other special occasions.
Rick and his wife Becky Martin and their only son Ricky, have been living in Iloilo City for more than 21 years. Ricky was born in the city on Nov. 27, 1979 and can speak fluent Ilonggo.