FBC Damascus Partners With Philippine Church

By Sharon Mager

DAMASCUS, Md. — First Baptist Church of Damascus sponsored a youth mini-camp on April 11, with Pastor Danny Moore addressing the boys and girls gathered. Sharing a message centered on John 3:16, his theme was, “You Are Loved.” That’s special, of course, but even more so when you realize the youth camp the church sponsored, and the teens listening to Moore, were in Davao, Philippines — 9800 miles away with a 12-hour time difference.

Pastor Danny Moore shares with children at summer camp in Davao. (Photo courtesy of FBC Damascus)

Moore and FBC Damascus have a unique partnership with Grace Baptist Church (GBC) in Davao and their Pastor, Nayonito Ganzon.

“I actually spoke for 30 minutes by Zoom to over 300 youth,” Moore said. “It is absolutely amazing.” GBC gathered the children on the church grounds and around the riverbank for a Backyard Bible type of event. FBC Damascus provided school supplies for the kids as well as a bag of rice, beans, and fruit for each family.

The youth camp was a success, but it was just one part of the ongoing relationship FBC Damascus has with the Filipino congregation. Every Sunday, Grace Baptist Church live streams FBC Baptist Church services—after they have their own service! Moore said, “They also interact with private messages and comments as the service goes on. They’re very connected. It’s really a family-type of atmosphere, even though we’ve never met any of them.” Also, once a month, about 40 GBC members, of all ages, gather together in Ganzon’s home, and Moore leads a Zoom Bible study.

Last year, the church sponsored a summer camp and 27 people accepted Jesus. They sponsored 199 children who received school supplies, treats and food for their families.

The partnership began about six years ago when Moore was pastoring Barnesville Baptist Church. Barnesville had a relationship with the multi-cultural Crossroads Community Bible Church in Laytonsville, and Moore became friends with now-retired Pastor Nardito Mangalang and later, Inerim Pastor Jeff Lovin, who was a missionary to the Philippines. It was through these mutual friendships that connected Moore with the Philippine church.

A few years ago, when Moore transitioned to begin his ministry at First Baptist Church of Damascus, the new congregation adopted the partnership, continuing its work and support. “Damascus picked up the torch and kept things going,” Moore said.

Teaching children at the FBC Damascus-sponsored summer camp at Grace Baptist Church in Davao. (Photo submitted)

The connection between the two communities has also fostered a meaningful Christmas tradition. Members of First Baptist Church of Damascus “adopt” children from Grace Baptist Church by making donations to support gifts for the children.

“We made paper dolls representing 150 children and hung them on clothes clips around the church,” Moore said. “People took the paper dolls and put them in their homes to remind them to pray for the Philippine children.”

The Christmas funds were sent to Pastor Ganzon, who oversaw the purchase and distribution of gifts. Ganzon sent FBC Damascus videos of the kids opening their presents, allowing FBC Damascus members to feel a part of the celebration.

To further strengthen the relationship, FBC Damascus member John Hilton crafted two wooden tabletop crosses. One features the Filipino flag and sits in the foyer of FBC Damascus as a reminder to pray for their brothers and sisters in Davao. The other cross, adorned with the American flag, was sent to Grace Baptist Church to serve the same purpose.

“It’s such a neat way to remind us of our connection,” Moore said.

FBC Damascus member John Hilton crafted two wooden tabletop crosses. (Photo courtesy of FBC Damascus)

Over six years, the partnership between the two churches has deepened, and both congregations know they have “family” across the world who care for them and pray for them. They also know that one day, they’ll see each other face to face.

Pastor Danny Moore shares during a Zoom Bible study, from Maryland to Davao (Photo courtesy of FBC Damascus)