Church Strengthening Ministry, Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary with a banquet last September 21, 2019 at the Vikings Venue, Pasay City, hosted by DZAS personality Haydee Bernardo-Sampang. The anniversary theme was aptly called “A Journey of Faith,” reflecting CSM’s faith-filled story over the course of three decades.

This special event was attended by CSM’s ministry partners in retail, printing, social media and para-church organizations, CSM authors, volunteer trainers, book display volunteers, CSM scholars, board members, previous and current CSM staff members, and their families.

CSM’s first director and Chairman Emeritus Dr. William Gopffarth along with his wife, Darlene, flew in all the way from Texas, USA to be part of this milestone event. Dr. Gopffarth recalled CSM’s humble beginnings as it shifted from publishing for a denomination to publishing for all evangelical churches in the Philippines. He believed that the best way to minister to Filipinos is through equipping fellow Filipinos to write for them. This has been the key to the start of Church Strengthening Ministry, Inc. CSM’s current President and CEO Mr. Abner G. Lacson shared how CSM continues to grow through various ministry opportunities, product innovations, and adaptation to industry challenges, which has brought CSM to its position as one of the leading Christian publishers in the country today.

CSM’s longtime board of trustees chairman Ptr. Romy Elbinias, Mr. Abner Lacson, and Dr. William Gopffarth each received a Plaque of Appreciation for the key roles they played in the ministry and their untiring commitment and hard work for the Lord.

CSM author Ptr. Willy Chua served as the guest speaker, and his message was both an affirmation and a challenge. He reminded the listeners about God’s faithfulness for the past decades, and of how important it is to know the “whys” of what we are doing so as not to lose our “ways” or our direction. CSM was started by God and God alone, and only through Him will it go on. He posed a challenge to recalibrate as we are only starting this journey and the best is yet to come.

CSM also launched its new corporate logo which will take effect in 2020. The new logo represents the organization’s core values, mission, and vision. Its simple, clean, and modern look speaks of the company’s direction as it ushers in another decade of carrying out God’s purposes in ministering to this new generation.

To cap the evening, the entire CSM staff led the guests in offering songs of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Then everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet feast. It was indeed a night of fellowship and celebration of a continuing faith-filled journey. And by God’s grace, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for CSM, for we are “confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 1:16).

Dr. William Gopffarth, with wife Darlene, receiveshis Plaque of Appreciation and special gifts from BOD Manager Aida Faustino (lady in white dress)

 

Ptr. Romy Elbinias, with his wife, Rosie (who is celebrating her birthday on the same date) receives his Plaque of Appreciation and special gifts for serving as BOT Chairman for 15 years, from Production Manager Lyra Villarante (lady in blue dress).

 

CSM author and DZAS broadcaster Beth Mortiz-Flores renders a song she especially composed for CSM’s 30th Anniversary

 

(L-R) Mr. Abner Lacson, Dr. William Gopffarth, and Ptr. Willy Chua giving their respective talks

 

(L-R) Marketing Manager Riza Rivera introduces the new CSM corporate logo; CSM’s new corporate logo which will take effect in 2020; CSM President and CEO Mr. Abner Lacson, Retired Army Col. Romeo Solina, and CSM Graphic Artist Nadz Balingasa—three people representing different generations who conceptualized and executed the new logo

 

 

The CSM staff presents their beloved CEO a surprise gift: three painted canvasses bearing the colorful handprints of each staff member—symbolizing CSM as one body made up of unique members, who are joyfully working and growing together

 

CSM’s Retail partners (L-R): Romy Minggoy, Lourdes Villareal, Arlene Mallari, and CEO David Ong of Philippine Christian Literature, Inc. (PCLI-PCBS); Digna Camacho of Back to the Bible Bookstore; Deedah Macinas and Jing Abarientos of Christian Literature Crusade

 

(L-R) Printer partners from Optimus Graphix, Color One Digital, and MG Reprographics (the couple at the right)

 

CSM’s pool of local authors has grown to over 50and continues to expand. (L-R top): Ptr. Willy Chua, Dr. Jason Richard Tan, Ardy Roberto, Sam Alibrando, Dr. Andrew Liuson, Nelson Dy, Ptr. Joey Umali, Dr. William Gopffarth; (L-R bottom) Ptr. Nathan Montenegro, Donna Castillo-Tan, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto, Bessie Rios, Sonia Silbor, Pilar Pilapil, Beth Mortiz-Flores, Grace D. Chong, Ptr. Rommel Guevara, Susan Guevara, Daffodil Dedel

 

CSM volunteer trainers for Sunday school, VBS and specialized training topics

(Front row, L-R): Czarina Joy Indiongco, Jennifer Macaranas, Grace Ann Garcia, Eden Iniego, Eliza Valladolid, Joanna Quindoza, Patricia Dela Peña, Joy Villegas, Rhea Fernando, Training Officer Ptr. Reuel Alfonso with daughter Cia; (2nd row, L-R): Nonette Gatpayat, Aurora Decena, Hannah Quindoza, Raquel Lomugdang, Ptr. Reuel Espino; (Last row, L-R): Marvin Kenneth Santos, Training Assistant Catherine Santos, Mark Rivera, Midz Ferrer, Liza Bartolabac, Cristina Torio, Vanessa Evangelista, Millie Espino, Sharon Alfonso

 

Our book display volunteers play a major role in bringing our resources closer to the market during events and Sunday worship services.(L-R): Aurora Decena, Rosalie Isagon, Nilda Mongado, Raul Mongado, Princess Joy Vailoces, Jessa Mae Paningbatan, Marissa Castro, Spencer Ross

 

CSM scholars: The CSMI Scholarship Foundation was launched in 2017 and has been supporting students who are pastor’s kids, children of CSM staff members, and students from Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (PBTS) and Southern Baptist School of Theology (SBST). The foundation so far has assisted a total of 12 scholars and some have graduated with honors. (L-R): Joseph John Montenegro, Ainalie Pearl Bosi,Jasmin Joy Reyes, Jennifer Santos, Caleb Jalmasco

 

(L-R) CSM’s outsource partners for translation projects, Ptr. Cris Llantino and Arlene Gallos, and for editing, Belen Agullo

 

CSM’s Ministry Partners for VBS curriculum: Ms. Fe Foronda, National Director of the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network, and Ptr. Nonnie Lesada, Board of Director member of Crossover World with wife Aidyl (lady in red dress)

 

All-male members of the CSM Board of Trustees (L-R): Bro. Wilson Sy,Bro. Bernie Sicat, Bro. Teddy Lim, Dr. Mario Bildan, Ptr. Romy Elbinias (BOT Chairman), Atty. Lhyl Rondario, Ptr. Cris Uy

Not in photo: Mr. John Go Hoc (BOT Vice Chairman) and Ptr. Jun Vestidas

 

CSM Board of Trustees with their wives (men from L-R): Bro. Bernie & Gemma Sicat, Bro. Wilson & Jeannette Sy, Bro. Teddyand Jenny Lim, Dr. Mario and Judy Bildan, Ptr. Romy and Rosie Elbinias, Atty. Lhyl & Marietta Rondario, Ptr. Cris & Marlyn Uy

 

CSM Administrative Team with CSM’s first director Dr. William Gopffarth (at the back): President and CEO Abner Lacson, Production Manager Lyra Villarante, Marketing Manager Riza Rivera, Building Operations Manager Aida Faustino, VP for Publishing Joy Solina, Administration Manager/Executive Secretary Myra Alibrando, Editorial Manager Daffodil Dedel, Sales and Distribution Manager Menchie De Guzman, and Finance Manager Weng Ulla

 

Current staff members with Dr. William Gopffarth (tallest at the back), Mr. Abner Lacson (leftmost), and Ms. Lily Tellano, Finance Service Provider (fifth lady from the right)

 

Closing the program with songs of praise and thanksgiving led by the entire CSM staff before feasting on the buffet spread

 

The celebration ended with abundant food: a feast for the eye as well as the palate

 

 

Watch CSM’s 30 Years Timeline Video here: