About SJBC

The history of San Juan Baptist Church is a testimony of God's faithfulness and sustaining grace. Through many years He has preserved His church, raised up servants for the work, and continued to gather His people through the preaching of His Word.

The beginning of the church can be traced to the 1980s, when Pastor Solaña was assigned to San Juan from Davao City. Through his ministry the church was established and named San Juan First Baptist Church in 1983. Those early years were marked by hope, growth, and people who desired to worship and serve the Lord.

After some time, Pastor Solaña and his family returned to Davao. The church entered a difficult season without a settled pastor. Challenges were real, yet by God's grace the remaining leaders and faithful members continued to gather, worship, and keep the work alive.

In 1993 the Lord provided another servant. Pastor Ramir Quijada and his wife Ellen, after graduating from Light Bringers Ministries of Bohol, were assigned to this congregation through the leadership of Pastor Joebel Casiple. Only a few members remained. The work was not easy, but they came with a desire to serve Christ and care for the flock.

Under Pastor Quijada's leadership the church went through a season of renewal and correction. Pastoral care and church discipline were difficult but needed. Some people left, yet Pastor Quijada and Ellen remained steadfast. Life and ministry on Siquijor often meant poverty, discouragement, and limited resources. Light Bringers Ministry encouraged them to remain, seeing their perseverance.

When they arrived, the church building was also in poor condition. Together with the congregation they trusted the Lord and worked to repair it through prayer, sacrifice, fundraising, donations, and physical labor. That work reminded them that the church is not merely a building, but a people called to worship God, hear His Word, encourage one another, and bear witness to Christ.

Through the years the church has known joys and sorrows: correction, departures, and the loss of beloved members. Yet the story is not defined by hardship alone. It is defined by the faithfulness of God, who has preserved His people. Some siblings and family members from Pastor Solaña's time are still actively involved, a reminder that the Lord works across generations.

We give all glory to God. The church belongs to Christ, the Head of the church and the Shepherd of His people, who promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). May San Juan Baptist Church continue to stand on the Word of God, proclaim the gospel, practice biblical worship, and disciple the next generation for the glory of God alone.