When I was a child my parents, Mae-Myrna Blaza Joel Blaza and grandparents, Federico-Restie Blaza kept on telling me and my siblings to go to school, study hard, and finish a degree in order to earn money to provide for our needs. My Uncle Boy, Jon Blaza and Auntie Rae Rachel Blaza Brown, encouraged us to study well so someday we will become like them, medical professionals. My aunt is a nurse and my uncle is a doctor. We used to call him “Uncle Doctor” when we were still kids; both of them are now working in America. They encouraged us to take a medical course so we could also go to the U.S. and work with them.
We belong to a middle class family. Not rich but could buy our basic needs. Our fellow church members considered us as a wealthy family because my grandfather (my father’s dad) was a church leader in our denomination. He loved doing missionary work, church planting, spending a lot of money for these efforts and giving donations. He and grandmother have experienced poverty in life but because of their determination, hard work and faith in God, they were able to send their five children to school to earn a degree. In fact my uncle (the eldest) is a doctor of Medicine who is now working in Kettering Hospital. They are now residents of Ohio, U.S.A where my grandparents are staying.
I remember when we were still kids, my grandmother used to show my uncle’s picture and the rest of her children including my father’s. She hung it on the wall near the sofa where the visitors sit and could see it. I felt the feelings of parents who are proud of their children’s accomplishments. Since then, I inculcated in my mind that I need to make good with my studies in order for me to have a white collar job someday. My father is a graduate of BS Commerce. He worked at Philippine National Bank for ten years and went out of the country to work as a Manager in Saudi Arabian’s SHELL Company.
I remember when we were yet little, my dad would send a cassette tape and we would listen to his recorded voice. He would remind us to study hard and make good in school so we would have a decent job someday. So we would not be like the people in the pier who carry the baggage of other people just to earn money. When I was yet a lad we seldom met with my father because he was working in a foreign country. I would only meet him once a year when he comes home. He would spend three weeks with us as his vacation and would go back to work after that. My mother is a graduate of Medical Technology but she was not able to practice her profession. Instead she opted to have her own business. Both of my parents were working to support us in school. When we were young, my younger brother and I were fond of watching action movies. Like a soldier being sent to war. I have an uncle (my father’s cousin) who is a Police Officer. My younger brother and I have had a lot of toy guns-action figured toys. Our house before was close to one of the camps of the soldiers or Arm Forces of the Philippines. I really admired how brave they were. During my elementary days in Zamboanga City, we experienced war against AFP and Rizal Ali’s group. I’ve experienced crawling and hiding in the classroom every time we hear the sounds of machine guns. Since then, I dreamed to become a Military or Policeman so I could protect myself and my family. I liked their attractive uniforms. They were highly regarded by the people. And they have guns!
I remember the first time my grandfather asked me of what do I want to be when I grow up. I immediately answered, “To be a soldier!” He discouraged me on that profession and told me, “You will be sent whereever the war is…” I inculcated in mind those words from my Grandfather. Sometimes it made me wonder. Furthermore, my uncle who is a policeman was silent about this and he never influenced me to be one. My Grandfather is an active leader of our church. He is a faithful follower of Jesus and I admired him so much. Until now though he is already eighty-five years old, he is still preaching, giving Bible studies as well as supporting God’s work.
When I was nine years old, I used to accompany my grandparents going to church, doing Bible studies in the houses of people, doing a jail ministry, attending a camp meeting and fellowship meeting with the brethren. I even preached in the pulpit in front of many people at the age of ten. My grandfather would make me a sermon. Then he would let me memorize it and would teach me some gesture in delivering a sermon. I preached so well at that time. In fact the brethren noticed that I preached like my grandfather with all the gestures and intonation. I even won in a Preaching Contest when I participated in a preaching competition. Fortunately, my grandfather was one of the judges. Well, that sounds humorous. However, I am humbled that by God’s grace I preached so well at that time. Since then, I always preach in the pulpit every time we have our children’s crusade yearly during my elementary and even in my high school days. My teachers noticed that I have the gift of preaching. I accepted the challenge every time my teachers would ask me to preach. It was kind of hard because you need to memorize the sermon of three to four pages. But they offered me an incentive that I’ll be exempted in four subjects during our Mid-term examination. I could choose four subjects of which I would want to be exempted in and automatically I could have a perfect score in the exams. Immediately, of course I chose Mathematics because I was having a hard time with it. Sadly, of all the subjects, Math is where I would get the lowest grade. I dislike Mathematics! When my grandparents wanted me to accompany them in every Missionary effort and Church Activities I did not even think that my Grandfather was already training me to be a Minister someday.
Unfortunately, when I was in my High School, my grandparents migrated to Ohio, U.S.A, they were claimed by my Uncle. I have had a remarkable experience at the age of nine, when we transferred to our new house. It happened when we were having our family worship in my mother’s room. I knew the front and back door of our house were locked. My mother was reading the Bible. I was sitting at the door of her room. Suddenly, I heard a footstep. As I turned my head, I saw a stranger, a handsome Filipino guy who was dressed in white including his shoes. As I looked on him he smiled at me and it seemed like he will pass on the side of our house near the front door. I did not have an intention to follow where he was going. That was nothing to me when I saw that strange man dressed in white.
After a week, I told my parents and my dad rebuked me, telling me to forget about it because it was just my imagination. But when I told it to my Godly grandmother, she had a different reaction. I was happy when she told me that what I saw was an angel who is watching over our house. Since then, my grandmother realized that someday I would become a servant of God. I remember, my uncle (youngest of grandpa) told me after my graduation in college that since my grandfather is a devoted follower of Jesus, he wants to have a minister son. Unfortunately, among his four sons no one was interested. Until, my grandpa sent him to Philippine Union College to take up Theology which after 1st semester the Dean wouldn’t allow him to continue his course because it seemed like he was not interested in the ministry. So he shifted to another course. Although my grandfather failed in his expectations, he hoped to fulfill it through his grandchildren. And I believe he was guided by the Holy Spirit when he had chosen, nurtured and trained me to be prepared in the ministry. So my uncle assured me that grandpa was so happy when I decided to take the career of being a Minister and especially when I did graduate in Theology. Much more by God’s grace I’m already a Pastor now. So since they left in my high school days, nobody mentored me in missionary work as what my grandparents have done. My parents were not really committed in serving the Lord as my Grandparents. Except for the legacy that they have left me— the talent in preaching that I have developed since when I was nine years old. But even though I preached yearly, it did not make me think that I’ll be a minister someday. In fact, at the age of thirteen during my high school days I dreamed to become a Medical practitioner someday. Either doctor of medicine because my Uncle has influenced me. Or taking up Nursing because my Aunt is a nurse and my two siblings were taking up nursing then, otherwise, taking up Optometry because my cousin is an Optometrist. These were my options.
Finally, when I graduated in high school I wrote in our year book that I want to become a nurse someday. We have not experienced this career testing or career guidance in my high school days. Like what we have done in January 2012 in West Visayan Academy where we have students and clients. Do some testing and counseling especially if the student do not know yet the course that he is going to take. Sorry to say, a month after my graduation in high school, I heard a bad news from my father in Saudi Arabia that something happened to him. I could not imagine a worst thing happen to him that affected our family. That he could no longer work and support me in my studies. What a sad thing happen to him! I was thinking that I could not pursue my dream to become a nurse anymore. Although, I got the result that I had passed already in an entrance examination in Ateneo. I was qualified to take up Nursing. My mother told me that we were financially affected when it come to our studies. After a month, my grandfather called me and offered to support me financially in my studies provided I’ll take the Theology course. At first I was hesitant, although I know that I have the gift in preaching, I consider myself as not worthy to be a Minister. I accepted the challenge after my mother told me of her experience three years before I graduated in High School. One day when I had a stomach ache my mother thought that it was just a gas pain or peptic ulcer. After I took my medication, the pain still remained. So finally my mother decided to admit me in the hospital. Immediately I had my blood test. And the doctor
discovered that it was a ruptured appendix. It was confirmed that I have appendicitis. What amazed the doctor was that my appendix has ruptured for three days already but I was still alive. Supposedly, an hour after the rupture the poison would spread in your body and it can cause sudden death. Or if the patient has strong resistance, he can live for just a short time – the most is three hours. Immediately, the doctor scheduled me for operation for my life was at risk. I could have died. For eight hours during my operation in the operating room, my mother prayed in faith to God that she will dedicate me to Him if He will give me another chance to live. The operation was successful. Yes, I’m alive by the grace of God. It was an answered prayer for my mother. But I did not know why God did not permit me to die. Perhaps He preserved my life because He has something for me to do. I owe my life to God for a second time. Because when I was five years old, I almost drowned when my siblings, cousins and I were swimming in the sea. Good thing that my older brother saw and asked for help that saved my life. When my mother told me her experiences, it melted my heart, that I have no reason why I would not serve the Lord. So I accepted the offer of my grandfather. All my life until my teenage years I never thought that I would take this kind of course. Since my grandparents left me, no one nurtured me in my spirituality. I did not even consider myself as a faithful follower of Jesus. I was spiritually weak specially that I was influenced by my friends in high school. In worldly philosophy, pursuits and entertainment and it did create numbness better yet, it paralyzed my soul. I didn’t consider myself as an active member of our church. When my mother and I went to Mountain View College, my heart was not in this major. In fact we were still arguing during the enrollment. It seemed like I was being forced to take up this kind of career. As we kept on arguing my mother assured me that if I can finish this program after four years, I can take another major that I would love. Since then, I did take up the AB Theology, and bear in my mind that I would still pursue my dream to become a medical practitioner. If somebody would ask me, I would be ashamed to tell them that I was taking Theology. My roommates and some schoolmates told me that I was not fitted to become a minister. I did not even join in any missionary activities. Or even in something that could enhance me in the ministry except from joining singing group inside the campus. After two semesters in the Theology program which I did not like, my parents talked together and my father encouraged me to take the course that I was interested in. So, I decided to shift to another course on the next first semester. However I did not know what came into my mind when during summer after the second semester. My roommates encouraged and invited me to join in the Canvassing work to be a literature evangelist. This is some kind of missionary work like selling Christian books, as part of the program of the school to train the students in Missionary work and at the same time could be considered as a summer job to earn a little income in every delivery of books. For one summer I joined the work for the sake of curiosity and adventure. Especially that you can choose wherever place you would want to work in Visayas and Mindanao. I have chosen to be assigned in Visayas because I wanted to visit the territory near the place where I was born.
I did join the Canvassing work and I was assigned in Bacolod City. For more than two months, I have experienced intensive house to house visitation, devotional, prayer and fasting, meditation, distributing of pamphlets with the group. For the first time, I grow spiritually in Christ. Although I was baptized and accepted Jesus as my Savior seven years ago this is the only time that I met Jesus personally. I learned to be independent and earn money on my own. When somebody asked to give a message during the church service, I preached and my colleagues were surprised when they saw that I have a gift in preaching. Since then, I experienced the true value of joy in serving Christ. Though I sacrificed but it was worth it because I gave all the glory to God. I was very happy in serving Him. I realized that godliness and contentment is the source of true joy. I reached the goal given to me in selling Christian books. I was revived and transformed by the grace of God from sinner to a renewed Christian. After summer, it was time to go back to school. I have changed my mind. I decided to pursue my course in Theology. However, my mother wanted me to shift to another course. It was no longer the desire of my heart. So I cried and called my grandmother to please support me and I would pursue the Theology. Providentially, I was so happy that she granted my request. Apparently, my grandfather was really delighted to hear that. By God’s grace I was sent again to Mountain View College to pursue my degree and this time, I already love my course. I was no longer ashamed in my chosen career and I’m proud of it. I even announced it to the crowd during our enrollment. I was really enthusiastic then. I actively joined in all missionary activities inside and outside the campus. I even met a faithful theology student who became my close friend. He influenced me to enhance my skills in the Ministry. I believe God used him as an instrument for I was actively involved in every effort. In fact I was elected as the Vice-President of the school of Theology in our Department and Executive secretary in L.I.G.H.T (In-campus Evangelism). I was so passionate and cheerful in serving God. In my last year in college, I have had a chance to talk with my classmates. There were some discouragements that we encountered about our future—where we were going to work. Some of my friends told me that in the conference there is no vacancy, no hiring in our denomination especially for us fresh graduates. We would need to gain experiences. There are some theologians who graduated ahead of us who are now ranking as applicants in our Conferences. They only hire one applicant every year. It seemed like there are too many applicants in this
chosen career. But I was not worried. By the grace of God, I knew He has something in store for me. I believed that God has already prepared a place for me to work; even the people that I would evangelize. So no worries. I just kept on praying and relied on God. Three months before my graduation I received a letter from my home town in Sta. Cruz Church in Zamboanga City that I was already accepted to work as a Church Pastor. (Of course this was just like a volunteer with little or no stipend at all). I was so pleased when I received that letter. Graduation was over. Three days before I proceeded to Zamboanga City, I was praying to God asking Him if He was really calling me to work in my home church. I was like, “Lord, if it is Your will then let it be done, but if not then find some ways to hold me back and please guide me.”
Three days later, God answered my prayer. The Dean of Theology called me and said that he received a letter from Guimaras telling they need a fresh graduate of Theology to work as Lay intern Bible worker. I consulted my grandfather and he encouraged me to go. He gave me money to proceed to Iloilo City. It was my first time to step in the land of Iloilo. I did not know what lay ahead. I did not even know where to stay. I consistently prayed to God that if He really called me to work in His vineyard, I asked him to empower and qualify me in the ministry. It’s my first time to be in the field work. By God’s grace I worked as lay intern Bible worker in the town of Guimaras under the territory of West Visayan Conference. As a youth my passion in working for the Lord was burning. I did house to house visitation and conducted Bible study and Evangelistic meetings. And the Lord had blessed my ministry.
My foster parents have encouraged me to apply in West Visayan Conference so I would be officially employed as regular worker—to work as a Pastor not just a Bible worker. But when I applied, I got the information that there were thirty-three applicants waiting to be employed, and the conference is just going to hire one or two applicants every year. This information made some applicants to be discouraged. I thought I was the 34th among the applicants. Does this mean that I need to wait for the next fifteen years before I would get a regular employment? But I did not have to be discouraged. I just worked hard and spent more time in prayer to empower myself. My principle in working is as if I’m working for the Lord and not for man so I need to work to the best of my ability. I gather more experiences in evangelism. I read books, attended seminars to equip myself in God’s work. After five months in working so hard, I got a memo letter from the conference president that my name as applicant is now ranking as the next ministerial intern to work as District Pastor and they will just inform me if the need arises. That letter made me so blissful and gave me more inspiration to work passionately for the Lord. After two years I was called by the Conference to work as Ministerial Intern as District Pastor in Northern Iloilo preferably in the islands of Carles, Iloilo. I could not imagine it because as what I have known there were thirty-three applicants. Does this mean that I surpassed them all? I believe it was only because of the grace of God. In the ministry as a young man, working as Ministerial intern in the field the conference would observe your performance after two years to prove if you are really called in this ministry. It was not easy for me. There were a lot of challenges, trials, and temptations in the ministry. I have experienced crossing in the islands with huge waves, but by God’s grace I overcame it. My passion in working for the Lord is still here. The Lord had blessed my ministry and it bears much fruits in working for the salvation of our fellowmen. I reach my yearly goals in soul winning. I am humbled to be able to receive a Certificate of Award from the Ministerial Association. Currently, I am now a regular worker of West Visayan Conference and working as Church Pastor in Jaro Adventist Center in the city of Iloilo. This is the first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Visayas and Mindanao. At present, I am considered as the youngest Pastor in West Visayan Conference. I am happy and blessed in serving the Lord. Helping His people to be drawn closer unto Him, witnessing for Him, and fulfilling the great commission that He had given us. I am having my Master’s degree now in Guidance and Counseling to upgrade myself in order to be more efficient in the ministry, hopefully, to be a Licensed Guidance Counselor someday. I believe in the quotation that says, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the Called.” God wants our willingness to serve Him. I really love our Lord Jesus Christ—The great Career Planner Who has been guiding me and put me in the right track as He called me in the Ministry. First Timothy 1:12 says, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” Glory to God!
NOTE: Pastor Joward Blaza was field secretary of Northwestern Panay Mission for 4 years and then was transferred in Mountain View College. He passed the licensure board exam for guidance counselor last 2022 and accepted the call as Guidance counselor of Mountain View College.
(Thank you, Mommy Reva for your inspiration, encouragement, support and prayers. God bless you more.)