Bi-Vocational Pastor
Many church planters and pastors in the Philippines are bi-vocational because they pastor very small churches which are unable to support them financially. Many times it is the wife who has a job and supports the family. It can be a little tricky finding a church worker who is also an entrepreneur and can start their own small business. Let me introduce you to John Rey.
John Rey & Jazzmie (public school teacher) and their three kids live in a small barangay (community) in the town of San Remigio on the northern tip of the island of Cebu. A small group of believers was established there years ago.
Jazzmie’s family donated the land and a small church building was constructed. After the previous pastor passed away, and after a succession of very part-time workers tried to keep the church afloat, John Rey felt led by the Lord to quit his job and become the pastor of the church. His training was basically through church-based training, 2-3 day conferences, and on-the-job training. John Rey now leads this congregation of 15-20 people through preaching, visitation and evangelistic and discipleship Bible studies.
Since their home is right on the main road going through the barangay, they decided to open a sari-sari store (a small store attached to the house selling small quantities of basic household items) to supplement Jazzmie’s income. They were able to start the store with some savings they had. Hope Eternal Asia gave them a loan of $270 so that they could expand their goods sold. At 1.5% interest per month and one year to pay, it makes it affordable for them to get this loan and to, Lord willing, see the sari-sari store be successful and help provide for the family needs.
One of their major expenses is for their eldest son, Jehu, to attend Bible college here in the city. For his field education on the week-ends, he ministers at New Life Community Church on the worship team and is helping with an outreach to youth. He is also involved in a young men’s discipleship group and active in the youth group. His tuition costs at Baptist Theological College are around $540 per semester. If anyone wants to help Jehu and John Rey’s family with this need, please use the Contact Us button and send us a message.
