A third class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, Villasis is the home to the first mission church of Cornerstone Baptist Church (CBC). Located between the bustling areas of Urdaneta City and Carmen, it is a witness to the love and dedication of CBC men and women of God who brought the Word of God to the hearts of the Pangasinenses.

Mission work in Villasis started in 1989 as a result of a burden of a young Christian lady to bring the gospel to her family in the province. That lady was Annabelle Ragsac. Upon getting saved, Annabelle was determined to let her family know of her Savior. So she made known her desire to win her family to Christ to the leaders of CBC.

Though Pangasinan was far from Manila, Pastor Livioco (the Pastor of CBC then) did not allow distance to hinder the progress of God’s work. He sent Bro. Franklin Daco and three months later, Bro. Jed Raquintan to minister to the lost souls of the Ragsac family. And so salvation came to the Ragsac household.

The two CBC men alternately conducted Bible study every Saturday at the Ragsac residence with only the family members attending initially. Gradually, relatives and friends started joining them. But growth was slow. It would be long before the dry ground would bear much fruit. Albeit, the CBC men continued, mindful of the fact that their task is to plant and water the seeds of God’s word. God will bring the increase.

When Pastor Jed took over the pastorate of CBC in Quezon City in June 1993, he continued ministering in Villasis. In 1994 when he assigned Bro. Louie Hitosis to handle the work in Villasis because his responsibilities in CBC Quezon City grew. It was God’s providential moving as Bro. Louie then was contemplating working overseas.

Yet the number of people attending the Bible Study remained small. The much-prayed-about increase was nowhere in sight! Should the work continue? Is the presence of Aquilla and Priscilla (i.e., the Ragsac family) in Villasis enough reason for the work to stay?

Pastor Jed would often say that as long as the door remains open for the Gospel, we must continue to minister. No matter how narrow or wide the opening is, the Bible must continuously be taught. Though much tears and prayers would be needed to soften the hearts of the people we are ministering to, we must keep on. Was it worth the effort, the time, and the resources? Oh yes it was! Bro. Louie and his wife, Sis. Rose were chosen and sent by CBC Quezon City to be their missionary couple in the Villasis Church on January 31, 2002. That same year, they moved their residence from Manila to Villasis. The worship services were at first held at the Ragsac residence. Then they transferred to a school and rented its hall for its worship services every Sunday. Then God miraculously allowed them to win a bid given by Philippine National Bank on a repossessed house and lot. On January 30, 2005, the first Sunday School and worship services were held in their newly acquired property at Poblacion Zone 1, Villasis, Pangasinan. Truly God is gracious!

From an attendance of eight people in the early years, Sunday attendance today ranges from 17 to 25 adults. Baptized members now total 29. More than 30 children are also attending the children’s Sunday School. They are now facing the “good” problem of space.

Indeed, much has been done in the CBC Mission Church in Villasis – several home Bible studies are now being conducted by Pastor Louie and a discipleship training every Friday evening is also held. But much remains to be accomplished. Let’s continue to pray for the spiritual growth of the brethren there. Pray also for the spiritual and physical strength of Pastor Louie and Sis. Rose that they may be able to minister effectively. As God expands the work there, let us ask God for more able and willing co-laborers.