CTTP pays tribute to the late Rev. Bobby Robinson

Christ to the Philippines (CTTP) Inc. honors Rev. Robert Vincent “Bobby” Robinson, co-founder and former National Director, whose life and ministry helped shape CTTP’s foundations. From its early years, he poured himself into discipling pastors, strengthening churches, and embracing the Filipino people with genuine love. His leadership during the Martial Law in the 1970s, marked by sacrifice and perseverance, left a lasting imprint on CTTP’s identity and mission. Rev. Bobby’s legacy continues to inspire the movement he helped build, reminding us of a servant who gave his all for Christ and the Philippines. Below is the tribute from CTTP, read by Ptr. Clarence Hurd, President of Philippines Missions, Inc. in his memorial service on November 18, 2025 (PH time).

Remembering Rev. Robert Vincent “Bobby” Robinson 

(Oct. 21, 1943–Nov. 9, 2025)

Rev. Robert Vincent Robinson, lovingly known as “Bobby,” was more than a missionary. He was a brother, a father in the faith, and a true friend to the Filipino people. “Among the missionaries who served The Christ to the Philippines (CTTP) Inc, he stood out for his deep commitment in embracing the Filipino culture, customs, and language. He spoke Filipino just like us, a reflection of his genuine love for the nation and its people,” Bp. Bert Colosaga remarked. According to Rev. Danny de Guzman, this love was further demonstrated when Rev. Bobby extended his stay in the Philippines even after all other missionaries had returned to their home churches. He maximized his limited time in discipling the pastors and helping them with their needs. He shared his allowance to help pastors in dire need, sometimes going into forced fasting just to meet their needs.

His journey in ministry was remarkable: first a printer, then a preacher, later a pastor, and eventually the National Director of CTTP from 1973 to 1978. Through the turbulent years of Martial Law, he remained steadfast in his calling, never wavering in his devotion to God’s mission. Together with his wife Rita, Rev. Bobby’s love for the Philippines was evident in every conversation. Ptr. Thom Ridenour recalls that upon the return of Rev. Bobby to the US, he operated a restaurant in the city where he — as well as many pastors’ children — worked. Rev. Bobby’s presence was unforgettable. He was known for greeting customers with his trademark blessing: “Have a beautiful day” or “Magandang araw.” For over 30 years, he faithfully led as President of the Philippines Mission, Inc. based in Maryland — always speaking of Jesus and the Philippines with passion.

Bishop Bert Colosaga also remembers him as a man whose voice carried such intensity that he did not need a microphone when delivering the gospel message: powerful, clear, and full of conviction. Chairman Dave Camiwet reminisces seeing him twice as a child during his visits to Apayao. As an epitome of a true missionary, he saw him visit the hinterlands despite the difficulty of travel  to fellowship with the local pastors and their members. Later as he became Chairman, he spoke with Rev. Bobby by phone, and finally shook his hand at CTTP’s 50th anniversary. Rev. Bobby may not have been accorded the title, but Chairman Camiwet personally regarded him as an apostle.

Rev. Bobby Robinson’s legacy is one of faith, perseverance, and love. He gave his life to the mission, to the Filipino people, and to the Gospel of Christ. His impact will continue to echo through generations, and we give thanks for all that he did for us. Rest in peace, Rev. Bobby. Your voice, your love, and your example will never be forgotten.

Saturation drive caps 3-day Reset and Retreat in Davao

The saturation drive was the highlight of CTTP Davao - Jesus Disciples Church (JDC)’s ministry week as six teams went house-to-house, praying for families and sharing the Gospel. By God’s grace, 70 people heard the message, and 55 requested follow-up Bible studies, making the evangelism initiative a meaningful moment of the 3-day Reset and Retreat.

Before the evangelism, 25 leaders gathered from November 8–10 in Cabantian, Davao City for the “No Longer I: Discipler's Workshop Reset and Retreat”, a time of equipping and spiritual renewal to refocus on the heart of the Great Commission. 

The Saturation Drive energized the team and reaffirmed CTTP–JDC’s commitment to live out Galatians 2:20 and pursue intentional, Christ-centered discipleship.

Batasan emerging leaders spearhead own retreat

In a true display of discipleship in action, CTTP Batasan took the initiative to organize the entire No Longer I Retreat on October 18, 2025. With Senior Ptr. Johnny Espejo at the helm, the next generation leaders of CTTP Batasan stepped up to serve as the main facilitators and coordinators for this run.

CTTP Nagcarlan provided support in the program and in co-facilitating the small groups. This exemplified one of CTTP's core values of partnership. 

A total of 32 participants joined the retreat — 27 from Batasan, and 5 from Caloocan. Meanwhile, a total of 16 team members served — with 11 from Batasan and 5 from Nagcarlan. 

Ptr. Johnny Espejo, exhorted participants to yield to God's call on Holiness, Accountability, Love, and Obedience (HALO). He was supported by Ptr. Allen Ravago, Associate Pastor of CTTP Batasan, not just in the program but also in carrying out the discipleship mandate as they start the CDR journey in Caloocan church. 

New pastors added to Reset and Retreat facilitators’ roster in NTD

Pastors Eva Calica, Shirley Calica, Estrella Romano (NTD) and Ilda de Asis (CTD) joined the Reset and Retreat at CTTP San Isidro as new facilitators. The activity was held last October 9-11, 2025, and offered spiritual renewal and reflection to 48 participants from nine churches.

There was an open forum towards the end of the three-day activity that further clarified the mission of discipleship and inspired leaders to recommit to Christ’s Great Commission. The retreat equipped attendees with a deeper understanding of the biblical model of discipleship, where intimacy is practiced in a small group. They were reminded that true discipleship advances not personal agenda, but Christ alone, and that small groups are vital contexts for accountability, intentionality, and spiritual growth.

The three-day event concluded with a meaningful abrazo, affirming the unity and shared commitment of every participant present. It was a beautiful season of renewal, equipping, and recommitment to Christ’s call: “Go and make disciples.”

LEAD Seminar draws high turnout of DGroup Leaders

On October 4, 2025, CTTP Nagcarlan ran the Leadership Enrichment, Alignment and Development (LEAD) Seminar, a full-day gathering from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM that featured updates on CTTP’s discipleship journey. This second run built on the foundation of the initial seminar held in February 2024, which aimed to strengthen the disciple-making process and enhance the leadership skills of current and would-be DGroup leaders.

The assembly welcomed not only D-Group leaders and ministry heads but also members eager to grow in their walk with Christ. A total of 48 participants joined the sessions, including two from CTTP Bulihan outreach. The seminar highlighted Christ-centered leadership, the four Ms (mission, motive, model, method) of discipleship and transformational indicators of a growing disciple, among others.

Updates on the church’s vital signs were also shared, providing a clear picture of the current status of CTTP Nagcarlan’s DGroups, ministries, and outreaches. The program concluded with an apprenticeship role play that reinforced the learnings from the earlier discussions, followed by question and answer, reflections, and takeaways from the participants. The LEAD seminar series continues to serve as a vital platform for equipping leaders and inspiring members to faithfully carry out the Great Commission, reminding everyone that discipleship is both a calling and a shared journey.

North Bicol District adopts Christ Discipleship Roadmap after Reset and Retreat

Thirty-three (33) participants were present at the conduct of the Reset and Retreat in CTTP North Bicol District (NBD) last October 15-17, 2025. Beyond offering rest and renewal, the gathering became a pivotal moment to engage with the Christ Discipleship Roadmap (CDR) as presented by the national team. The CDR is a framework designed to provide long-term direction and sustain the momentum of disciple-making beyond the three-day event.

Ptr. Jose Bergantin, Senior Pastor of CTTP Balaynan, expressed gratitude for the roadmap, emphasizing its value in providing a comprehensive guide to producing quality disciples. He recalled how CTTP once faced a ministry plateau due to lack of workers, and shared plans to cascade the CDR across local churches — ensuring unity in the district’s discipleship journey.

The event concluded with Rev. Voltaire Pablo, CTTP National Director, leading a prayer for the pastors as they continue to lead disciple-making efforts. Pastors likewise charged the district’s church leaders to embrace the same calling, ensuring that the vision of the Christ Discipleship Roadmap is carried forward. The Reset and Retreat closed as both a time of reflection and launching point for sustained discipleship across North Bicol District.

Love binds at PGL #24

St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City became a place of unity and grace during the Philippine Glow of Love (PGL) as #24 held on October 28-31, 2025. This batch gathered 76 participants — including 57 from CTTP — together with 87 Filipino team members and 48 team members from IGM US and Busan.

Embracing the theme “Love Binds” from Colossians 3:14, the week became a vivid display of God’s love connecting people across churches, cultures, and nations. His love was experienced through the care of the team members, shared meals, prayer times, teachings, the program, and even through simple gifts. Every moment showed how Christ’s love binds us together in perfect unity.

Many participants testified that they felt the boundless love of Jesus Christ throughout the retreat — some for the first time, others in a renewed and deeper way. Their stories reflected restored joy, strengthened faith, and a fresh desire to walk closely with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The next PGL — PGL #25 — is scheduled on March 31 to April 3, 2026, as CTTP and IGM continue to partner together in extending Christ’s love to others.

Pastors share insights from South Korea mentorship trip

Fifteen (15) CTTP and local International Grace Ministry (IGM) pastors, most of them with their spouses, joined the IGM-sponsored trip to Seoul and Busan on September 16-19, 2025. The IGM-CTTP partnership began way back in 2010. Since then, the partnership has been supporting CTTP in its discipleship initiative.

Ptr. James Shin, Senior Pastor of IGM California, together with his wife Smn Julie, provide continuing mentorship to “D9 churches”, a group of nine CTTP and IGM churches, in the Philippines. The mentorship demonstrates how to share one’s life in discipleship, how to walk with one another, how to grow together in faith, and how to learn through a community. They also teach lessons on  spiritual leadership and church management that have proven very helpful for pastors. A recurring component of mentoring sessions is the sharing of practical lessons on how pastors can further improve themselves in a holistic way: spiritually, relationally,  financially, physically, and intellectually — with the end in view of setting a strong learning culture in the pastors’ respective churches.  Another part of mentorship includes vision trips, like this trip done in South Korea. 

Below pastors share their insights on this travel experience, a new ministry perspective or a new direction that God wants them to pursue.

Discipleship is most powerful when modeled through devotion and sacrificial service. Our mentors didn’t just teach principles — they lived them out by serving selflessly, showing genuine care, and remaining devoted to God’s mission and to the people they lead. True leadership in discipleship is not measured by position or ability, but by a heart willing to serve, sacrifice, and remain faithful for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.  — Ptr. Arjay & Niña Cruzin, CTTP Nagcarlan

The IGM family and the trip were truly a blessing. With our spiritual experience comes also the lighter side - sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the food. But, there is this heart that is behind it all. Imagine, a partner church organizing something like this just to bring joy to pastors and to their spouses! Beyond the fun is a time of deep spiritual refreshing, personal growth, and even strengthening our marriage. Every fellowship, every casual talk, every laughter-filled moment — these were all opportunities for life-to-life impartation. We’re so grateful to the Lord for giving us mentors and supporters who lovingly coach us in our Christian walk. All glory to God! —Ptr. Norden and Lea Guevara, CTTP SVC

IGM embodies the phrase “blessed to be a blessing.” And this, obviously, comes out of love — a love that is more than lip service and one that does not expect something in return. We are truly blessed to be a part of D9! —Ptr. Miguel and Ptra. Dona Pabilonia, CTTP Rock

The Seoul and Busan short mission trip was a great blessing to me. I thank God for allowing me to witness how the IGM USA and IGM Korea are working harmoniously together, sincerely serving God and us with the abounding love that comes from the Lord. I thank God for the life of our D9 mentors Ptr. Shin and Smn. Julie for taking care of us, sharing with us their time, energy, life’s experiences and their knowledge of the Word. Their lives are truly inspiring, modeling what a true and genuine disciple of Christ should be. My heart rejoices on how the Lord blesses Korea through the years and am hopeful that He will do great things for the Philippines as well. For the Glory of God! Ahoo!! —Ptr. Jonito Yap Oquina, CTTP Parañaque

It is with much pleasure that I say thank you to Ptr. Shin and the IGM family for showing us Korea and its wonderful culture. What a great experience it had been. It's such a beautiful thing to see blessing and gratitude go hand in hand.  Our IGM partners’ kindness, sacrifice and love have motivated us to further exemplify this in whatever we do just as the Lord did. May the Lord continue to bless the IGM missions for God’s glory! Thank you Ptr Shin and the IGM team! God bless.  — Ptr. Sherwin Sandoval, CTTP Rock

An exposure trip like this is more than travel. It is helping, listening, and sharing life with one another.  The acts of love and service afforded to us by the IGM family is a reminder of how we should serve one another in Christ’s love. After all, ministry is always about sharing the Word though our presence, compassion, and sacrificial love in action! Our gratitude to God and to our mentors, who do not just share lessons, but also their lives in our discipleship journey.  —Ptr. Voltaire and Maloy Pablo, CTTP Nagcarlan

Seoul trip 2025 is another experience of pleasure and opportunity to be with the IGM family. I am filled with gratitude by the kindness and hospitality rendered by IGM US, Seoul Busan and Jeju through the leadership of Ptr. Shin and Smn. Julie. The beauty of South Korea always amazes me with its infrastructure and cleanliness and I can't help but wish that our beloved country the Philippines can have the same. I thank our God that He just made us connected with each other through our Lord Jesus and have this wonderful partnership for His glory. —Ptr. John Talagit, IGM Iriga

During the trip, we were reminded of the genuine love that comes from God — a love that moves us to love and serve others. In discipleship, this love goes beyond words and prayers; it must be seen in our actions — through sacrifice, service, and commitment without expecting anything in return. This is exactly what IGM exemplifies — modeling God’s love and the heart of true discipleship through their lives and ministry. —Ptr. Johnny and Beth Espejo, CTTP Batasan

I really thank God for making it possible for me to join this trip again.  He always amazes me with new things like the Busan trip, the bullet train, the generosity of the whole IGM Church, our time of worship and fellowship and the timely words of wisdom from the Shin couple. All these made this trip an unforgettable one. As PWD, I can't thank IGM enough for the extra effort given to me. I feel their love and concern. Praise be to God! —Ptra. Nina Salonga, CTTP SVC

Testimonies and Insights

Resets and Retreats

Reset and Retreat was truly a reset in my life. Before attending R&R, I felt so lost and empty. For a long time, I stopped doing my devotions and I wasn’t even asking God for guidance or direction. I was actually hesitant to attend the retreat because of so many reasons. But thankfully, I still went—and that decision ignited the fire within me again. Ang saya at ang ganda ng experience because I never imagined that I could open up my deepest secret to people I had just met. But I knew it was the Lord telling me to trust, and that my test would one day become a testimony. On the other hand, the saturation drive or evangelism experience taught me so much, especially about evangelism. Natutunan ko na ang pag-e-evangelize ay hindi lang isang event na ginagawa kung kailan kailangan o kailan mo gusto. It is a Christian lifestyle—something we practice as we follow Jesus every single day. —Von Gerald Petilo (CTTP-JDC Davao City)

“The lessons were not just informative; they were truly transformative. Sa Reset, naremind ako muli bilang isang DGroup Leader sa aim ko: walking with people, loving them intentionally, and guiding them towards maturity in Christ… Isa sa pinakamalaking blessing doon ay yung nabigyan ako ng opportunity na maging part ng small group handling kasama si Sis Kaye. Habang nagfa-facilitate kami, doon ko na-realize na discipleship is not about being perfect — it’s about choosing to grow, follow Jesus daily, and let Him shape [my] heart step by step… It helped me to have a clearer direction, a deeper understanding, and a renewed passion to serve and disciple others.” —Eulavel Trinidad (Victoria)

Sa retreat na ito, ipinakita ng Panginoon ang tunay na kalagayan ng puso ko—marumi at makasalanan. Narealize ko na sa isip ko, ilang beses ko nang “pinapatay” ang kapatid ko dahil sa sama ng loob. Pero tinuruan ako ng Diyos na umunawa at magpatawad. Tinanggap ko ang mali ko, pinatawad ko ang sarili ko, at nakita ko ang kabutihan ng kapatid ko. Unti-unti rin na-restore ang relationship namin, at ngayon ay naibabahagi ko na sa kanya ang tungkol sa salvation. Salamat sa Panginoon sa pagmamahal at kapatawaran—siya ang nais kong paglingkuran nang buong puso. —Virginia Moldes CTTP Caloocan

Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord dahil through sa mga events like sa retreat na ito, marami pa rin Siyang nirereveal sa akin, kagaya ng kung sino talaga ako sa harap Niya. Para akong saging na unti-unting binabalatan —isa-isang nahuhulog ang mga maskara, pagkukunwari at takot, at unti-unting lumilitaw ang totoong ako. At sa bawat balat na tinatanggal Niya, ramdam kong mahal pa rin Niya ako despite of my flaws and patuloy Niya akong hinihilom, kaya wala nang hahadlang para buong puso ko Siyang sambahin at paglingkuran. —Bryan Fabillar CTTP Batasan

“Dahil sa layo ng aming church sa ibang churches ng CTTP, bihira kaming maabot at maka-attend ng mga seminars. Isa sa nakatulong sa amin ay ang pagpunta ng aming mga kabataan sa city upang mag-aral ng college at mula sa church na napupuntahan nila ay dinadala nila ang kanilang natutunan tungkol sa discipleship dito sa aming church sa Casiguran. Naging dahilan ito ng paglago ng aming mga kabataan. Kaya naman nung mag-conduct ng unang seminar tungkol sa discipleship ay agad kaming tumugon at masaya kaming ibinahagi sa church. Subalit hindi namin agad nakita ang tagumpay nito. Salamat sa CTTP Reset and Retreat, nagsilbi itong follow-up at higit naming naunawaan ang maraming bagay tungkol sa discipleship.” —Sis. Rizalina Soriano (Casiguran, Aurora)

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