Before entering the full-time ministry, my life was headed in a very different direction. I graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and worked as a sous chef in a five-star hotel. I had plans to pursue my dream course, Architectural Engineering, and was offered a full scholarship. My family encouraged me to continue studying in Hollywood or pursue a master’s degree in hospitality and business management. They had high hopes because I was the breadwinner.
Prior to my decision, I faced many personal and outward struggles. Even now, those challenges remain, but by God’s grace, I press on. I first came to know the faith through Maranatha Christian Academy. My two sisters, although baptized, were not involved in the church. To put it plainly, they were borderline unbelievers, attending only during major events like international conventions, and mostly when I was home in the Philippines. I was the only one in my family actively serving. They didn’t understand my decision to enter the ministry, and I couldn’t blame them. They simply couldn’t grasp why I was so passionate about serving the Lord, why I would devote my time, make sacrifices for the church, and even dedicate at least two years of my life to the mission.
Adding to this, I suffered from chronic asthma, which I consider my “thorn in the flesh.” In March 2020, I collapsed during a severe asthma attack, went into cardiac arrest, and was revived after 30 minutes. I underwent multiple surgeries and still battle health issues today.
All these made me question: “Am I enough for the ministry? Can I keep up? Am I becoming a burden?” On the outside, I tried to appear strong, but internally, I struggled.
But in my lowest moments, God’s Word revived me. In April 2020, our local church in Calgary, under Pastor Dan and Pastor Celia Ferriol, began daily threefold prayers and chain fasting. I was physically weak but spiritually revived. Through prayer and the abundance of God’s Word, I found renewed consecration and strength. That was when I decided to fully surrender to the ministry-no excuses, no reservations.
Despite the opposition, the health setbacks, and financial limitations, I gave myself wholly to the Lord. I quit my job, committed to Bible School, and trusted God for everything. As one of our leaders once said, “The only thing that will keep you in the ministry is love.” And truly, I fell in love with the ministry.
That surrender led to open doors I never imagined. In 2022, my heart condition worsened, and doctors recommended a pacemaker. I prayed and gave a thanksgiving of $10,000, believing in a miracle. In 2023, I gave another Thanksgiving of $12,000, as I was taught sacrificial giving by our apostolic leaders. That same year, I was able to win 35 souls to God through the Home Free Global Crusade. Most miraculously, my own family, those who once opposed my calling, were saved. My mom, my sisters, my titas, and my uncles now serve the Lord. My older sister is now active in the Toronto local church and supports me in the ministry.
By God’s grace, I served as the Media Head in Toronto from 2021 to 2024-a humbling experience that allowed me to grow in many areas, from graphic design, illustration, video editing, and camera operation, to assisting churches and traveling for the Home Free Global Crusade in Hawaii, Australia, and Spain.
I was sent twice to pioneer in the Cayman Islands. Pioneering alone in a different culture was overwhelming. I walked long distances, faced language barriers, and often felt invisible. But every time I prayed, God showed up. He sent people who gave me rides, food, and souls who opened their homes and hearts to the gospel. One faithful Caymanian donor even gave his car and pension to support the church.
This year, I was given the trust to be the student pastor in the local church of Gatineau, Quebec, a French-speaking city. Despite the language barrier, we continue to evangelize. Our congregation is growing. One contact even used Google Translate to follow the service. A newly-baptized family attended the Canada District Conference and witnessed the Edmonton Home Free Global Crusade.
I was once deported, told to return to the Philippines. But I’ll never forget what the Apostle told me: “Asikasuhin mo ang papel mo. Malaki ang pangangailangan ng Global.” And God fulfilled that word. In January 2025, I received my Canadian citizenship. From a Sunday-goer to a global worker in the Lord’s vineyard-that is God’s grace.
Now, as I enter the final stretch of Bible School, I can truly say: “I have been given a second chance at life, and I want to use it fully for God.”To our late Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol, the Goodman of the House, and to our Chief Executive Minister, Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol, thank you for your obedience and for being living examples of “No Retreat, No Surrender!” To Presbyter Joseph and Pastor Genalyn Concepcion, thank you for your training and love. Your leadership helped me fall in love with the ministry even more.
You won’t always feel strong. You’ll face doubts and persecution. But in those moments, cling to God more. His grace will hold you. He will provide, heal, and sustain you. Love the ministry more than life, and God will take care of everything. To God be all the glory! <
“It is the face of challenges in the ministry that the power of God’s grace shines the brightest.”