30/05/2026
Tribute to Bishop Beamboy
The year was 1998 when our paths first crossed. At that time, Bishop Beamboy was serving as the CMAC Program Coordinator for CEN. As the Ministerial Formation Committee of CMAC was preparing to recommend the approval of my apprenticeship to the Conference in session, Bishop Melzar raised an objection. He believed that my ten-month apprenticeship at UCCP Gusa should not be credited because it had not gone through the proper process and because an apprenticeship in one’s home church should not be allowed.
Despite his objection, the Conference, my local church, and I were able to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement. As a result, my apprenticeship was extended by two months at UCCP Macanhan. Looking back, what initially appeared to be a challenge became an important part of my journey in ministry.
The rest, as they say, is history.
After graduating from the seminary in 2003, Bishop Melzar became one of my closest friends among the church workers of CMAC. He was a trusted confidant during my struggles as a young pastor, and I came to regard him as an elder brother in the ministry. Our bond grew even stronger when, during his second term as Conference Minister of CMAC in 2004, he appointed me as Program Coordinator for CSRD. From then on, our partnership in ministry continued to deepen.
Later, when he was elected Bishop and assigned to NWMJ, he once again entrusted me with leadership responsibilities by appointing me as Program Coordinator of NWMJ, a role I served from 2010 to 2018. My years working alongside him in the NWMJ Office provided invaluable opportunities for growth and leadership development. Those experiences significantly shaped my ministry and ultimately helped prepare me for my election as Conference Minister of CMAC in 2022.
During some of the most difficult and challenging years in the history of our Conference, Bishop Melzar stood firm in the face of adversity. His courage, vision, and unwavering commitment helped pave the way for CMAC to become what it is today. Countless church workers and lay leaders were inspired and influenced by his life, leadership, and ministry.
Before my term end as Conference Minster and embark on my new journey as Bishop of NWMJ allow me to extend, on behalf of CMAC my deepest gratitude for Bishop Melzar’s sacrifices, dedication, and tireless service to the Church. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May future pastors and church leaders always look back with gratitude and remember the life and ministry of this faithful servant of God—a proud child of UCCP Lapasan and a devoted church worker of CMAC.
Thank you, Bishop Melzar, for your life, your leadership, and your enduring witness to God’s calling. Your CMAC Family is very proud and grateful to you. We love you!
-Bishop Rey Alejandro L. Lazaro
