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SA pagdiriwang ng “National Baptist Day,” hinimok ni lawmaker-pastor Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. ang mga kapwa educator ng Baptist community na patuloy na magsilbing “liwanag” ng bansa at tumulong sa pagsusulong ng mabuting kaugaliang Pilipino tulad ng pananampalataya, pag-ibig at pag-asa.
“To our Baptist educators and communities, you are more than teachers and congregations – you are stewards of faith and character,” pahayag pa ni Abante, kabilang sa may-akda ng National Baptist Day Act (Republic Act 11897) sa tuwing ikalawang Huwebes ng Enero.
“National Baptist Day is more than a celebration; it is a recognition of the indelible impact that Baptist communities have in uplifting lives and spreading the teachings of faith, love, and hope across our nation,” dagdag ng mambabatas, na tumatayong chairperson ng House Committee on Human Rights.
Si Abante ang founder ng Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church, na naitatag noong 1975.
Ang RA 11897 ay naisabatas noong July 2022 kung saan itinakda ang ikalawang Huwebes tuwing buwan ng Enero bilang isang “special working holiday” bilang pagkilala sa patuloy na pagsusulong ng evangelical mission para mapatatag ang sambayanan.
Para kay Abante, hindi aniya matatawaran ang pagsisikap ng mga Baptist educators sa paghubog sa puso at isipan ng mga kabataang henerasyong Pilipino, pagbibigay inspirasyon upang ang mga ito ay maging responsable, mahabagin at mamamayang mayroong takot sa Diyos.
“Let your (Baptist leaders) leadership and example continue to serve as a guiding light of hope and a force for good in our nation,” wika ng kongresistang pastor kasabay ng hirit na ang paggunita sa National Baptist Day “serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to reflect on their values and actions.”
“Faith is the light that guides us through the challenges of modern society, and shields us against its temptations. It compels us to do the right thing and to take the morally upright path when confronted by the corrupting influences that have eroded traditional family values,” dugtong niya.
“Our shared faith reminds us that despite our differences, we are all called to love one another and work together for the common good. This is the spirit that Baptists embody and inspire in others,” sambit pa ni Abante.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven; National Baptist Day challenges us to live out our faith, inspiring others through our actions and glorifying God in the process.” (Romeo Allan Butuyan II)
