Pastor de Gracia in Baliwaet with one of the Negritos from the village. Numeriano de Gracia and his wife, Eugenia, pastored among the primitive tribal people. They taught them basic hygiene like washing with soap and at the same time preached the gospel. There were headhunters among the tribes and so they warned them about hell and told them about salvation through Jesus Christ.
Pastor and Mrs. de Gracia lived among the tribal 'Aeta' people (Negritos) of Mapurac, Cabangan. They spoke the provincial language of Zambale and their children grew up here.
Pastor de Gracia and his family later moved across the river from Mapurac to San Juan where they built a church. The Negritos from Mapurac were still able to cross the river and attend the meetings. Pastor de Gracia was a part of the ministry of Don Stewart Miracle Revivals
Steve and Josa Dulwich arrived in the Philippines in December 1983. Josa is from the Faroe Islands; Steve is from London. They soon met Pastor de Gracia and in 1984 began working together to begin a Bible School in Cabangan.
In June 1984, Jehovah Jireh Bible Institute began. Here Pastor Numeriano de Gracia is seen helping to prepare the land for a bamboo dormitory so students can come and live at the new college.
The first students stayed here in the bamboo dormitory.
The first students at Jehovah Jireh Bible Institute.
Pastor de Gracia teaching some of the students.
Pastor Capaldo from San Felipe was one of the first teachers at the Bible College.
Meal time for the students (1985).
Students washing their clothes in the river.
The Bible School began in 1984 with 8 students. By 1985 there were 16 students.
The first Bible college graduates (1986). Eugene and Robert are pastors with the I Can Ministries team. Noel and Imelda lead a church and ministry in Cabangan with another organisation. Arnold has a ministry in Ilocos Sur. Imelda has five children and lives in New San Juan.
The college cooking facilities. The students preparing lunch.
Pastor de Gracia watches as the students minister.
Pastor de Gracia and the staff prepare the students for the graduation services.
Some of the students who studied at the Bible College in 1987
Dina and Gennie wearing the College tee shirts. The organisation is registered as International Christian And Native MINISTRIES - I CAN Ministries. Philippians 4:13 says 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'.
Cecelia and the children from the Kinder School.
The Kinder School was originally sponsored by Don Stewart Ministries - 'Childrens Hope'. This stopped in the mid 90's since then Evangeliihusid in the Faroe Islands have helped to continue this ministry to the children.
Steve and Josa Dulwich with some of the staff and students
Josa speaks to the Church.
More graduating students from the college. Many of the graduates form the Bible College are in full time ministry.
The Mayor speaking at the graduation in 1987. Chrissy who leads Philippine Outreach Center is sitting with Josa in the background.
Pastor de Gracia translating Steve Dulwich as he speaks at the graduation service.
In 1987 Lewis Harrison from Sydney Australia visited the ministry. He is sitting in the Jeepney that he purchased for the ministry.
Land was purchased in 1987 and at the end of the year work began on building a center for the Kinder School.
Pastor and Mrs de Gracia and the staff at the graduation of the Harvester class at Jehovah Jireh Bible Institute. Robert and Eugene are staff having graduated with the first students at the Bible College.
Roger de Gracia took over the leadership of the ministry when Pastor and Mrs de Gracia moved to San Diego in 1988. Two students graduated in 1989. Rey de los Reyes (on Roger's right) and Avelino Briones (on Roger's left).
June 15, 1991 - Mount Pinatuba erupted devastating the area.
The church roof collapsed when Mount Pinatuba erupted on June 15, 1991.
Other buildings were also damaged or destroyed. Everyone is sad in the picture because the bamboo dormitory that was built to begin the Bible School was totally destroyed.
