THE STORY OF CBMBC

A Brief History of Copenhagen Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Humble Beginnings:
1990–1992 Copenhagen Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (CBMBC) traces its roots back to 1989 when Bro. Gerry Calba visited Denmark. At the time, a group of Filipino Christians residing in Copenhagen had been fervently praying for a pastor who could minister to them. Their prayers were answered when Bro. Calba, under the authority of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tatum, Texas (Dr. Roy W. Culley), was invited to become their missionary pastor.

After a challenging visa process and two initial denials, Bro. Calba was finally granted permission to enter Denmark in 1992. The work officially began that same year, with services held in the rented facility of the Danish Baptist Church a space that CBMBC has used faithfully ever since. From the outset, the church committed itself to proclaiming the sound doctrine of the New Testament and reaching out to the international community of Copenhagen. Transition and Independence In 1996, Maplewood Baptist Church in Martinsburg, West Virginia (Pastor - Dr. Carroll Williams) took over sponsorship of CBMBC. Through their support, the church grew spiritually and numerically. By 2007, the church had become fully self-supporting, a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of its members. Church Planting Across Continents Malmö, Sweden (1996) The first mission outreach was established in Malmö, Sweden, in 1995. This marked the beginning of CBMBC’s growing burden for Europe. Over the years, members in Malmö Bethel Missionary Baptist Church have faithfully continued the work. Barcelona, Spain A few members who relocated to Barcelona reached out to CBMBC with a desire to continue in the faith. The pastor encouraged them to start a small group. Although initially composed only of women, God added a brother (a former member from Sweden) to assist with preaching. Previously, they relied on video sermons from CBMBC. In 2009, the mission officially became Barcelona Bethel Missionary Baptist Mission. In The Netherlands (2023) In 2023, a family migrating to the Netherlands connected with CBMBC. With the pastor’s guidance, they began a mission.

​The husband, Bro. Erick Cahigas was recently ordained, now leads this growing work. The mission will celebrate its second anniversary on June 29, 2025. Helsingborg, Sweden (2024) A group of believers in Helsingborg began earnestly praying for a local ministry, and by God’s grace, monthly services were established. The work is being led by Bro. Nonong Ortega, Jr. and his family. It is now a thriving and growing mission, with its first anniversary scheduled for August 2, 2025.
​New Zealand (2008) In 2008, Bro. Louie Galang, a former CBMBC member moved to Auckland, New Zealand, and, unable to find a sound Baptist church, was encouraged to begin a work through the support of CBMBC. By God's grace, a church was born and later connected with a sister church under the American Baptist Association. The brother was ordained, and the church continues to thrive. The Philippines • In 2005, a mission work was started in Buhi, Camarines Sur (Northern Philippines). It continues to grow today. • A similar burden led to a ministry in Cebu also in 2005. • In Southern Philippines, the family of Bro. Gerry’s wife donated land and a building in Baroy, Lanao del Norte. This location now houses a church and a Bible Institute Efforts in Scandinavia and Beyond In 2023, a new Danish-language ministry began with the aim to reach Danish-Filipino youth and Danish speakers. What started as a Bible study has steadily grown, with the long-term vision of planting a Danish-speaking church under CBMBC’s leadership.