For three days, between May 22nd to the culmination on May 24th, 2019, Christ to the Philippines marked its 50th anniversary through the National Convention with the theme“50th and Beyond: Living the CTTP Spirit.”

For the National Office located in Murphy, Quezon City, and across the dozens of churches sprinkled around the Philippine Islands, this meant as a monumental landmark, to serve the Lord across the country for 50 years with no signs of slowing down. In turn, the organization’s 50th anniversary became an opportunity for different pastors and church leaders to meet, greet, and encourage one another, and be united together by the presence of God.

This is exactly what happened during the first two days of the event; pastors, reverends, church leaders, and CTTP national officers gathered and stayed at CCT Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center. This meeting served as the more formal and ceremonious part of the whole celebration, as this convention was not open to the general public. This was exclusive to the church leaders, as mentioned, in contrast to the sheer encouragement provided by the final day commencing. Fortunately, the rest of the church members did not have to wait for long.

By the morning of May 24th, the different ministers joined with the event’s program team and the rest of the members across different CTTP churches. the best was yet to come. Immediately, every guest was welcomed by an acoustic serenade set outside the venue. Their setlists consisted of 5 Filipino songs, all written by Norden Guevara from CTTP-Signal Village Church (CTTP-SVC). The music team also consisted of CTTP-SVC church members, along with Jolo Polinga, who performed a rap verse of the song “Purihin si Yahweh,” and Dennis Guevara, who currently resides in Day by Day Calamba Church. The whole serenade was recorded and can be watched here (permission may be required), courtesy of Jayjay B. Policarpio. Also, 3 of the songs can be bought on the unofficial CTTP at 50th Live album.

As the warm welcomes were given, and the humble and golden atmosphere was set, the program started with a committed cultural dance from different church members accompanied by various local instruments such as the Kulintang and the Gangsa.  After which, the convention was greeted by its host, Siena Estomata, along with the National Director, Bishop Bert Colosaga, who proceeded with his opening remarks.

In attendance were not only our local church leaders, but also the missionaries that came and went to the nation during CTTP’s beginnings, this included Robert “Bobby” and Rita Robinson, the McDougals, the de Guzmans, and the Kulynych family. Each of them was given time to speak a brief message to the current CTTP organization, and their own experiences as well.

However, Reverend Bobby Robinson was given the time for a proper message, relaying his experiences back then as an American missionary in the Philippines. There, he thanked the Filipino people for their warm welcomes, the de Guzman family for hosting their mission, the vast cultural differences, and how rewarding it truly meant for them to share the word of God. His whole message can be found here.

“We needed that kind of welcome and we found a real home in the Philippines!”- Rev. Bobby Robinson, CTTP at 50th

“To me, the poor are not just those who are poor financially, those who do not know Jesus are poor.”- Rev. Bobby Robinson, CTTP at 50th

Pastor Sonny Lagardo would also speak his own message during the event, which resulted in the launching of the project “One Big Faith,” which was to build the new CTTP National Office in Murphy, Quezon City. His message would inspire the people listening to donate for One Big Faith’s cause, and became one of the captivating highlights during the event. His message can be found here

"Because I came from Christ to The Philippines... I will start living like a Christ to the Philippines, with a new perspective, a greater faith and believing in the  same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."- Pastor Sonny Largado, CTTP at 50th "I will tell you all: Give until it hurts no more!" - Pastor Sonny Largado, CTTP at 50th

 Then-National Director Bishop Edilberto “Bert” Colosaga, along with Paz Colosaga, who were integral to the formation of Christ to the Philippines, were honored through prayer by the church because of their remarkable love and time serving the Lord. This became the National Convention’s final highlight before it finally came to a close.

The CTTP 50th National Convention became an opportunity to shine a light on the achievements and blessings that God has given to the people who served him, to remind us where the Church first started that became the stepping stone to multiplying disciples, to honor the stories of great faith, and most especially, to glorify God.