A NEW DENOMINATION IS BORN -
"$MISSIONARY$ $PRIMITIVE$ $BAPTISTS$"
Church News
A New Denomination is BORN
"MISSIONARY PRIMITIVE BAPTISTS"
In 1994 a new denomination was formed based on records gleaned from Philippine court records. According to testimony from Ricardo Tabanyag, Sr. in court testimony, a missionary preacher from the United States made a visit to the Philippines.
According to further testimony it was declared under oath that this effort was under the authority of the "Missionary Primitive Baptists."
Elder Tabanyag stated that Elder Jeff Harris was the missionary from the United States.
This new denomination has been readily received by many Primitive Baptist churches in the U.S. Primitive Baptists of the "old line" have refused to recognize this new denomination, citing various points they consider disorderly in both the order and lack of scriptural basis for such a movement. Many Primitive Baptist churches remain ambivalent toward this new denomination, not willing to either support or disfellowship these new churches.
This reporter was told by a Primitive Baptist minister from the undecided camp that “if this work was of men it will come to nought.” This is an apparent reference to a statement made by an unbelieving Pharisee.
How it started
Jeff Harris states that he received a "macedonian call" from a Ronald Jacutin to come over to the Philippines. On his first visit Harris baptized seven men and the next day ordained them to the ministry. The list is as follows:
Ricardo Tabanyag, Sr. Brother Hospitality
Ricardo Tabanyag, Jr. Brother Zeal
Rosalio Ramirez, Sr. Brother Devotion
Ric Sardalla. Brother Diligence
Ronald Jacutin, Jr. Brother Pastor
Felix Dilag. Brother Servant
Vismundo Lisundra. Brother Loyality
According to Jeff Harris, four of the seven men ordained in his first visit have left the new denomination and returned to another missionary Baptist order.
He has stated that Ronald Jacutin, the one who initiated the “Macedonian call” is a false prophet.
A non-profit corporation “White Unto Harvest” has been established to gather funds for distribution to ministers and churches in the Philippines. “White unto Harvest,” the foundation, sends funds to Gus Harter, the head of the Primitive Missionary Baptists in the Philippines.
A questionnaire has been sent to ministers in the Philippines requesting information and plans for church growth. Inquiry is made into whether “percentage giving” is being taught to the church members.
Here in the states, Michael Rodgers recently delivered a sermon at Grace Chapel in Memphis, Tenn., pastored by Zack Guess. Rodgers declared that the Primitive Baptists had a mandate to preach the gospel in all the world. He lamented the fact that Primitive Baptists had not been sending out missionaries in recent times to fulfill this mandate. He declared that this mandate was now being heeded by some churches.
According to church newsletters there are missionary efforts by this new denomination in India and Africa as well as the Philippines.
This report compiled by Elder Frank Thomas from newsletters, court documents and books published by Elder Jeff Harris.
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