09/08/2026
LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY
There was a man in the Bible whose life was recorded only briefly in the book of Acts. Though his story may have occupied only a few chapters, the legacy he left continues to speak across generations. Stephen was among the seven chosen to serve the needs of the believers in Acts 6. Yet, beyond his role as a servant, he became a bold witness for Christโfaithful even unto deathโand his life would ultimately become part of the story that led to Saulโs transformation into the apostle Paul.
Ptr. Meai Torralba, pastor of JIL Pigdaulan, powerfully exhorted the people of JIL Butuan through the life and legacy of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. She reminded the congregation that every meaningful beginning in ministry must be fueled by the Holy Spirit. Stephenโs legacy did not begin with a platform, recognition, or position. It began with something as simple as faithfully serving at tables.
The moments recorded in Acts 6 may have seemed ordinary, but God was using them to shape Stephen for an extraordinary legacy. His faithfulness in the seemingly small things prepared him for a greater assignmentโto boldly proclaim Christ and stand firm in his faith even in the face of persecution.
In her final point, Pastor Meai emphasized that Stephenโs legacy did not end with his death. Instead, his faithful witness became part of the beginning of another anointed lifeโthe life of Paul. Even in his final moments, Stephen boldly testified about Jesus, demonstrating that his courage was not rooted in self-confidence but in his confidence in Christ and His mission.
โEven if it cost him everything, even being stoned to death, he boldly witnessed about Jesus. It was not rooted out of self-confidence but confidence in Jesus Christ and His ministry,โ she said.
Pastor Meai concluded by reminding the church that a lasting legacy is not built by seeking greatness for ourselves, but by faithfully making Christ known.
Stephen may have served quietly, lived briefly, and died young, but his faithfulness left an impact that reached far beyond his lifetime. His story reminds us that no act of service is insignificant when it is surrendered to Godโand that a life fully devoted to Christ can leave a legacy that continues long after we are gone.
