Let’s Celebrate 60!

2021 is special for The Church of Jesus Christ in the Philippines. This year, the Church celebrates its sixtieth year since it was formally established in the country in 1961, which was marked by the commencement of missionary work.

For over 800,000 Filipino Latterday Saints now found throughout the archipelago, this is a wonderful time to reflect on the past, rejoice in the present, and look forward to the future with faith, the same faith that guided the first pioneer converts to the waters of baptism.

“Never did I imagine that I would have that privilege of seeing the Church grow from a handful of members to the number that we have now,” shares Sister Nenita Gapiz, one of the first six members of the Church in 1961. From meeting with a handful of fellow pioneers in a small apartment to joining thousands of other members in welcoming a prophet of God in a huge coliseum, Sister Gapiz has witnessed the Church’s remarkable progress.

“The gospel came into our lives when we were just starting our family,” relates Elder Augusto Lim of his conversion in 1964, “which resulted in having a home where love of God and His teachings were observed as best possible.” Elder Lim has helped lead the Church in the Philippines, from serving in a branch presidency in 1966 to being called by President Gordon B. Hinckley as the first Filipino General Authority in 1992.

With the theme “60 Years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in the Philippines: A Celebration of Faith” and hashtag #60YTheChurchOfJesusChristPH, the celebration will commemorate the lives of pioneers who helped shape the Church, highlight the restoration of the Church, and honor the name of the Church.

Various commemorative events have been lined up for the celebration, all bearing a specially-designed logo featuring elements of the Philippine flag and the restored gospel. These include:

The launching of a beautiful history book recounting the remarkable legacy of the Church in the Philippines.
The unveiling of an online museum, to showcase the growth of the Church in the country and to commemorate the lives of pioneers who helped shape the Church.
A lively Celebration of Faith concert and a special devotional with selected pioneer guests.
Personal Service Projects, where members will devote 60 man-hours throughout the year.
Special Open Houses under the theme “Come and See” in chapels where members are allowed to meet.

A big highlight will also be the unveiling of a beautiful marble statue of the First Vision with associated gardens and walkways in front of the Missionary Training Center, with distinguished guests participating. Both Sister Gapiz and Elder Lim are looking forward to the forthcoming events. Both pioneers rejoice that this year’s celebration will give focus on the blessings afforded by the restored gospel.

For Elder Lim, the opportunity to be in the presence of latter-day prophets is one priceless blessing: “To have five Presidents of the Church lay their hands on my head and be entrusted important callings with corresponding blessings were experiences which I will never forget.”

“I was in total darkness about any religion when I first joined the church, Sister Gapiz shares. “Now I have greater knowledge of God’s existence, of His power and glory. There’s no fear anymore of what will happen to me and my family when I leave this earthly existence.”