By: Alegre De Pilipinas-Janice Israel Delima 

A Legacy Built by Families, Strengthened by Service, and Reborn by God’s Miracles

The Albuera Seventh-day Adventist Church stands as a powerful symbol of faith, perseverance, and divine providence. Its history, deeply rooted in the 1950s, tells the story of a small home church born in the heart of Albuera, Leyte, that would evolve into a thriving congregation, marked by struggles, triumphs, and miracles. From humble beginnings to a rebuilt sanctuary after the devastating Typhoon Yolanda, the church’s journey is a living testimony to the faithfulness of God and the dedication of its members.

The Humble Beginnings (1940s–1950s)

In 1950, Santiago “Tiago” Tajuda and Basilisa Meralles Tajuda, having recently been baptized in Palompon, Leyte, felt called to spread the gospel in Santiago’s hometown of Albuera. Along with their six children, they formed a small worship group in their home in Lawis, Albuera, marking the birth of what would later become the Albuera Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The church began with simple gatherings, where the Tajuda family prayed, sang, and studied the Bible together. This humble “home division” was the seed that would grow into a vibrant church, nourished by the faith and commitment of those who joined in the years to come.

The Growing Family of Believers

By 1951, other families had joined the church, strengthening its foundation. The Isoto family, led by Olimpio Isoto from Consolacion, Cebu, moved to Albuera with their five children and became an integral part of the church. Olimpio later established the Albuera Private High School, which further supported the community.

In September 1951, a momentous event took place in the home church: the marriage of Visitacion “Vissing” Tajuda, Santiago’s eldest daughter, to Francisco “Kikoy” Israel from Baybay, Leyte. This was the first wedding in the home church, officiated by the well-known Pastor Banes, who hosted the famous radio program “Upside-Down” from 1970 to 1990. Following their wedding, Kikoy and Vissing Israel became key figures in spreading the gospel. Kikoy Israel became the first lay evangelist and literature evangelist in Baybay, mentored by Pastor Banes.

The Gonos family, headed by Esperidion Gonos, joined the church with their twelve children, making a significant contribution to the early church life. Likewise, the Domondon family, led by Antero Domondon and his wife Ursula, also became pillars of the church. Antero’s son, Dr. David Domondon, went on to become the president of the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital, now known as the Manila Adventist Medical Center.

The First Church Building (1958)

In 1958, after years of united prayer and sacrifice, the families decided to build the first official church building beside the Tajuda home. Santiago Tajuda led the project, with support from Olimpio Isoto, Esperidion Gonos, and Antero Domondon, who contributed financially, provided materials, and offered labor. This collective effort culminated in the creation of a physical space for worship, reflecting the faith, unity, and dedication of the early church members.

Evangelism and Outreach in Baybay and Albuera

A key figure in the church’s evangelistic efforts was Bro. Francisco “Kikoy” Israel, whose ministry extended beyond Albuera into Baybay and surrounding barangays. Kikoy was known for his passionate preaching and for using his large sound system to conduct evangelistic meetings in the 1950s and 1960s. Through his efforts, several churches were established, including Biasong SDA Church, Balinsasayao SDA Church, and Ambacan SDA Church.

Kikoy’s work in Baybay Provincial Jail led to several baptisms, including that of Bro. Amado Sotto, a notorious criminal from Baybay. Despite facing threats and opposition, Kikoy remained steadfast in his mission until his untimely death in 1970.

A Focus on Children’s Ministry and Music

In the 1960s, the church began to focus on children’s ministry, with the first Vacation Bible School (VBS) held in 1967. Organized by Crispina Tajuda, Santiago’s youngest daughter, the VBS attracted many children, teaching them Bible stories, songs, and memory verses. Visitacion “Vissing” Israel, a children’s Sabbath School teacher, also contributed to the program’s success.

During evangelistic crusades, a trio consisting of Vissing Israel, Crispina Tajuda, and Adelaida Pendijito sang nightly, and their powerful harmonies became a key part of the ministry, drawing many to the Adventist faith.

Expansion and Challenges (1970–1980)

After Kikoy Israel’s death, the church continued to grow as more families joined the congregation, including the Rome, Caindoc, Pedro Engano, Obeña, and Verano families. In 1980, under the leadership of Layman Bro. Avenido, the Albuera Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized. Despite some families moving to other areas, the church’s foundation remained strong, thanks to the unwavering faith of those who stayed, including the descendants of the original pioneers.

Typhoon Yolanda: A Test of Faith

In 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck Leyte, completely destroying the Albuera SDA Church. Despite the devastation, Mrs. Erlinda Israel Delima (Inday) and her daughter Janice Delima remained determined to rebuild. They traveled to Cebu, seeking donations to fund the reconstruction. Janice sang in various churches, raising funds, while the church community, including donors from Canada and other areas, contributed materials and resources for the rebuild.

Through miraculous donations and the faith of the church members, the new church building was completed in just six months, symbolizing God’s enduring faithfulness. The rebuilt church stands as a testament to the strength of the Albuera Seventh-day Adventist Church and the unwavering trust of its members in God’s promises.

A Legacy of Faith

Today, the Albuera Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to thrive, not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of God’s mercy and grace. The church’s history is a reminder that when God’s people unite in faith and purpose, no storm—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—can destroy what heaven has ordained.

As the psalmist declares in Psalm 106:1: “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.”