I am Sister Ruchelle Reyes, a minister from Suva, Fiji. I grew up in Batangas City as the youngest in my family. My father was the first to be converted to the faith. Because of this, I was raised in the Church, often referred to as a “Handugan,” “Laking Sunday School,” and “Laking Iglesia.” From a young age, I was immersed in various Church activities, both local and national.
The Finest Denial
I grew up in Batangas City as the youngest in my family. My father was the first to be converted to the faith. Because of this, I was raised in the Church, often referred to as a “Handugan,” “Laking Sunday School,” and “Laking Iglesia.” From a young age, I was immersed in various Church activities, both local and national. I joined the pastoral staff in public evangelism—after school, still in my uniform, I would go straight to join the street corner evangelism. Every Saturday, I would participate in market evangelism, where I enjoy playing guitar while singing hymns. Some Saturdays, we do preaching in ships. I loved preaching and as far as I can remember, I was the youngest preacher in my local church.
Sundays were spent entirely in the Church. I was also part of Church planting efforts in a nearby city and crusades held in barangay basketball courts. I was blessed to be the Local Church Department President, from the Cadets to the Youth. When I was still a kid, my pastor once told me, “Someday, you will be a pastor.” In college, my pastor called me a “living-out probationary” because of my active involvement in the Church.
After graduating from college, the Church introduced the VFCM (Volunteer for Christ Mission), and by God’s grace, I was among the first batch of volunteers. I rendered two years of voluntary service as an NCLC High School Teacher. But as my parents’ needs grew, I worked in different places, seeking ways to support them.
I worked overseas, first in Abu Dhabi, where I balanced the demands of my job and family with my commitment to the Church. However, I was deported due to Christian practices. Undeterred, I pursued work again, this time in Doha, Qatar. Yet, no matter how far I went, it felt as if my journey was a pathway leading me back to the Lord. In my heart, I feel that the voice of God is calling me – calling me for a greater ministry. A ministry beyond ordinary, fully dedicated to the Lord.
My heart grew uneasy, my conscience restless—especially whenever I heard our Church leaders calling for those who would enter the full-time ministry, particularly during MBSI Night and Dedication Services. Deep inside, I knew where I truly belonged. But despite it all, I still couldn’t say yes.
What held me back were my parents—they were too old to support themselves, and I couldn’t bear the thought of abandoning them. I loved them too much. On top of that, I had a boyfriend, and we had already decided on our future together. So I thought, “I’m good enough. After all, I am active, and I serve not just like an ordinary member. I will just do my best to give and to support the Church financially.”
Until I broke up with my long-time boyfriend. This time, I moved to New Zealand. Once again, I became active in helping the pastors and the Church. One Saturday morning, I joined Pastor Noli Campus and said, “Kailan ka magtatalaga? Sinasayang mo ang alam mo sa pangangaral…” Something stirred within me—it felt like my last chance. If I turned it down again, there would be no more chances. It was as if I would never hear those words again, as if God would finally give up waiting for me.
Less than a week after that conversation, I entered full-time ministry. I was scared. I was so afraid to know how my family would react. I thought about my parents’ needs and how they would manage without me, but then I was more frightened of losing my chance at God’s grace.
On July 18, 2018, Pastor Noli, Sister Julie, and I arrived in Fiji Island without a place to worship or a congregation—only a mission to turn that beautiful place into a “4th Watch Island” in fulfillment of Evangelist Let Ferriol’s declaration. That first Sunday, we stood outside a mall, waiting for Filipinos. By God’s grace, we met a group who opened their home for our first service.
A week later, Pastor Noli returned to Auckland, leaving Sister Julie and me to register the Church. Three months later, Sister Julie left for the Philippines, and I was alone. Yet, God never forsook me. We found favor with other churches, using their house of worship for nearly a year, rent-free.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, grief struck—I lost my father. A year later, my mother. I couldn’t go home, and the pain was unbearable. Yet, my mission in Fiji became my refuge. God’s mercy sustained me in my sorrow and rewarded me.
On August 28, 2022, our pioneering church in Fiji became a full-pledged church. Today, we stand stronger with two churches—one in Suva and another in Nadi.
Being a woman in the mission field comes with advantages and challenges. On the positive side, people see you as harmless and respectable. However, challenges exist—some believe that women should not preach. Moreover, as a single woman, men sometimes show unwanted interest. To avoid misunderstandings, I wear a fake wedding ring to make it seem like I am married. Security is also a major concern, primarily when serving alone.
Through all these experiences, I hold on to my life verse, Romans 9:16 (AMP): “So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses—it is His sovereign gift].” and to Apostle Arsenio’s teaching: “Huwag mong layuan ang mga pagsubok. Yakapin mo. This is Christ—with His crown of thorns and the cross of suffering [without that, you have no Christ]. So never turn your back on Christ. Embrace Him. Love Him. Give Him your life.”
I believe, in doing so, I found the finest denial—denying myself to say YES to God.