BCI History: Blessings

  • Nov 21, 1992
  • Series: 10th Anniversary

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “ and see if I will not throw open the flood gates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

Malachi 3:10

BCI started with a zero budget. A Congregation raised from nothing has truly been a divine intervention from our Lord. The unbending faith of the thirty believers, who were confident that the Lord will build His Church and provide for its needs, was the driving force in the establishment of BCI. They were committed in supporting their Pastor and ministries from their tithes and offerings. The Lord blessed their faithfulness two months later when financial assistance started coming through the Metropolitan New York Baptist Association (MNYBA) after they affiliated with Southern Baptist Convention. The result of their faith was $39,000 annual budget for 1983. At the end of that year, the actual collection amounted to $42,000 in addition to $7,000 raised towards the Church Building Project. Subsequent actual receipts have always exceeded the amount budgeted for each year. Currently, BCI budget is almost 100% more than the first year, which reflects an amazing growth in ten years. BCI is committed to utilizing its income in support of multiple ministries and mission fields. To date, it is one of the twenty-five highest contributors to BCNY Cooperative Program, which has provided financial assistance to BCI during its formative years.

In BCI’s first few weeks, the “house of worship” rotated among the homes of the members of the new Congregation. Every single room in the house was utilized as a Sunday School classroom. Sometime in December 1982, while Rev. Prieto was at a print shop, he met Dr. David Purushothaman, who was pastoring Calvary United Presbyterian Church (CUPC) in Jersey City. It was undoubtedly a divine meeting for it led BCI to its first home. The Congregation started holding services in the facilities of CUPC before the end of 1982. In addition to BCI’s monthly rent, the two congregations mutually agreed to share responsibilities in the maintenance of the church building.

In the beginning, Sunday weekly attendance increased through word of mouth until an evangelistic ministry was developed. Filipinos longing to feel at home worshipping with fellow countrymen came from several miles of Jersey City. The CUPC facilities started swelling up within the first few years and the need for a bigger facility became evident. On its first anniversary, the Church Board launched a church building fund drive. Early in 1985, the Lord gave vision to Rev. Manansala to move BCI to its own home. On April 7, 1985, the Congregation voted to purchase the present facilities in Garfield, New Jersey, which include a pastoral house, a two-storey education building and a sanctuary, which can accommodate 300-400 people. Although the cost of the properties surpassed the Church’s financial means, the members’ faith in the Lord that He will provide prevailed once again. Furthermore, they committed to support the decision both prayerfully and financially. On November 24, 1985, BCI held its inaugural and first worship service in its new facilities. Today, an ongoing church building fund project makes available the resources needed to rehabilitate and maintain the properties.

The Lord has also filled the buildings with modern electronic equipment, appliances, furniture and other materials necessary for the operation of the church, enhancement of services and ministries and comfort of the people through the unselfish offerings and donations of BCI members and friends. Truly, great is the Lord’s faithfulness!