I was born into the 4th Watch not only by name, but by legacy. My journey did not begin with me. It began with those who came before me, who carried the flame of faith and made sure it would never go out.
I am Sister Charis Anne Ferriol, the eldest daughter of Pastor Daniel and Pastor Celia Ferriol. I was born in 1995 in Taipei, Taiwan, where my parents were designated at the time. Even at a young age, I witnessed them boldly preaching the gospel in public, in a place so foreign to them, with unwavering conviction.
One day, I was looking through my baby photos and came across a picture of myself standing on a chair behind a pulpit mimicking my father and quoting the words of Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” In that moment, I realized that I was not only born into this legacy but destined to carry the torch.
But my life and ministry have not been smooth sailing. In fact, it has felt more like a roller coaster filled with highs and lows. As the child of ministers who were constantly designated to various pioneering churches, I had to grow up moving from place to place. It was not easy transferring to seven or eight schools. I struggled to find a sense of belonging and had difficulty forming close friendships, always fearing another inevitable separation.
There was a time when my parents had to entrust me to the care of others while they went abroad to continue their ministry. What I appreciated most, however, was their reasoning. They would say,
“We want to entrust our children to those who are closest to God.”If there was one thing they consistently hoped for, it was for us to remain as close to the church as possible. They believed this was the safest and best choice they could make for our future.
Eventually, they entrusted my siblings and me to the family of Bishop Domingo Ferriol in Calamba. It was there I learned not only life skills and responsibilities, but also deeper lessons in faith and character. I had the privilege of witnessing the late Bishop Dodoy and Presbyter Luningning’s dedication to prayer and fasting. I saw firsthand how their faithful ministry transformed and strengthened countless lives.
Perhaps the most difficult test of faith I experienced was during our designation to Japan. As a youth, I also longed for a simple life, one filled with fun and freedom from burdens. But what I faced was the opposite. I had to live as a pastoral staff member, supporting the pioneering work of my parents. At one point, I thought, “I did not even choose this path, so why do I have to live it?” But over time, I began to see how blessed I truly was to be a child of ministers.
Many of my high school peers lost their way at a young age, becoming entangled in vices and worldly desires. Meanwhile, I was given the privilege of offering my youth to God’s mighty work. I was involved in evangelism in the shotengai (shopping districts), learned foreign languages like Japanese and Korean to break language barriers, and practiced living a frugal and disciplined life. Under my parents’ guidance, I was taught not to focus on personal wants, but to be generous and faithful in giving to the church. I also honed the skills that would prepare me for pastoral duties.
There were times when I questioned whether I should continue in the ministry, especially in the face of hardship. I did not realize then that each trial was shaping and preparing me for the future. What kept me going was the reminder of the late Apostle Arsenio Ferriol before we flew to Japan. He told my siblings and me, “Magpatotoo kayo doon.” His words stayed with me.
I witnessed the growth of the church in Kawasaki, now Yokohama. I saw how many souls were saved and how the brethren’s faith was strengthened through the ministry of my parents. I came to understand that I was not just helping with their work. I was already part of it. That joy – seeing lives changed and the church flourish – was something I could never gain from pursuing my selfish dreams. It was not something money could buy. It was my calling. Not simply because of my grandparents. Not because of my parents. But because I chose this path. I was born for it.
When I returned to the Philippines, I remained committed to the ministry. Before entering Bible school, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from STI College Calamba, an accomplishment for which I am truly grateful, having achieved it with the help of the church and the unwavering support of my parents’ ministry. During this time, I also earned a certificate for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). I was even offered positions such as IT thesis adviser and college Japanese language instructor, opportunities that could have allowed me to thrive outside the ministry. But even with these possibilities, my desire to enter Bible school never faded. I followed the footsteps of my grandfather, Pastor Tim, who served faithfully until his final breath. I carried with me the advice of Bishop Dodoy: “Magpakabait ka lang, magiging mabuti kang pastor.” Along with the continuous guidance of my father, Pastor Daniel, the loving encouragement of my mother, Pastor Celia, and the mentorship of Presbyter Luningning during my ministerial training, I was able, by the grace of God, to finish and graduate from Maranatha Bible School International. Today, I serve as a full-time minister of God and a teacher at Maranatha Christian Academy.
For pastor’s children, the pursuit of the ministry, for those who may be navigating uncertainty or hesitation, remains a calling worthy of them. While instability and chaos define the world, the work within the ministry offers a divine sense of fulfillment, security, and also purpose. A calling higher than any profession allows for lasting impact to be made and God-given potential to be fully realized. Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol once declared that we are responsible to carry the torch forward, to keep the flame of faith burning, as well as to preserve the Apostolic legacy for generations to come.