29/06/2026
Life Testimony of Maam Razen Grace J. Algar
75th Church Anniversary
Good morning to our beloved Pastors, Deacons, church leaders, brothers and sisters in Christ, and everyone gathered here today!
By the way, I am Razen Grace Jacosalem-Algar, one of the first batches of young people when Pastor Pax was still the Youth Pastor.
First of all, all glory, honor, and praise belong to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Happy 75th Church Anniversary to my beloved Silay New Hope Baptist Church!
Before I begin, many of you might be wondering, "Why am I the one standing here today to share this testimony?"
Actually, this was never part of my plan.
Last June 12, while attending my pictorial, we happened to meet Pastor Pax. During our conversation, he asked me, "Where's Nang Meril? She would be a good one to give the life testimony during our 75th Church Anniversary."
But after a few moments, he looked at me and said, "No... ikaw gid dapat ang mahatag."
So, I just smiled because Pastor Pax knows me well—I have always been shy whenever I'm asked to speak in front of many people.
Then he added with a smile, "Dhai, sino bala ang first generation sang youth nga na-handle ko? Diba isa ka gid sa una. Dayon ginbak.it pa gid sang pastor."
We both laughed... and honestly, I don't even know why I immediately said, "Sige, Pastor." (Maybe I couldn't say no anymore! )
Then, as Pastor Erwin, Nathan and I were traveling back to Salong that day, Pastor told me, "Langga, that's a wonderful opportunity. God must have a purpose for it."
From that moment on, I slowly began writing this testimony. Because I knew the following weeks would be very busy—with my birthday celebration, our trip to Cebu for a wedding ni Jepoy & Harriete, and my graduation preparations. Yet through it all, I kept thinking that this invitation was not an ACCIDENT.
I believe God appointed this moment.
As a teacher, there is one term we frequently hear in the Department of Education—MPS, which stands for Mean Percentage Score.
But today, I would like to borrow that familiar acronym and give it a different meaning.
For me, MPS means Molded, Preserved, and Sustained by God.
As I look back on my life's journey, I can clearly see that God has been writing my own "MPS." He molded me through the ministries of this church, preserved me through life's challenges, and sustained me by His grace every step of the way.
This morning, it is my joy and privilege to share how God has faithfully written that story—one that began right here in my spiritual home, Silay New Hope Baptist Church.
It is truly a privilege to stand before you and share how God has walked with me through every season - He molded me, preserved me, and sustained me through the years.
My journey began with my dear Lola Mar Ganon. Sa mga nakakilala sa iya, she was strict in disciplining us, a strong and independent woman ever since Lolo Carding passed away. Back then, I thought, “Lola, ngaa ka super strict gid?” But later in life, I realized: her strictness was actually her love. That was her way of showing she truly cared for us, her children, grandchildren as well as her great grandchildren kay naabtan nya pa si Aliana. Then, si Lola may ara gid na sya words that I will never forget every sunday morning: “Bangon na, kay sunday na, adlaw na sa pagsimba.”
Those words stuck in my heart forever. Little did I know, through her discipline, God was already preserving me and shaping me for a greater purpose. Just as it says in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
God used Lola’s firm but loving guidance to keep me on the right path.
Looking back when I was in Grade 6 that was in year 2000, it was when I truly met the Lord through VBS Ministry. That is why VBS holds such a special place in my heart. I naturally love it and always strive to make every preparation and program the best it can be—because I believe many souls find salvation through it. Proverbs 11:30 reminds us: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
And it was also in VBS that God slowly began to train me, giving me the desire and love to serve in His work.
That is why I am so thankful for Mam Rachel Hechanova, our Biblewoman back then. She was so persistent in visiting us, even when my brother Ricky and I would hide behind doors or under the table just to avoid her at first! We weren’t yet sure or excited to join the Young People’s activities. But because she never gave up, the seed of faith slowly grew in us. Truly, Galatians 6:9 says: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Thank you, Mam Rachel, for not giving up on us!
Then came 2003—a memorable year for our church. After more than six years without a full-time pastor, we were like a family waiting for direction… and then God sent three shepherds our way! It felt like heaven opened and said, “Here you go, enough waiting!”
First, we met Pastor Erwin Algar, a second-year student at Doane Baptist Seminary, serving in Aidsisa, one of the outreach churches of Silay. At that time, Tito Andrew Fernandez and Tito Ramon Taquiso were the deacons. A week later, Pastor Pax Agudo arrived to supply the pulpit, followed soon by Pastor Abi Gabinera, and we welcomed him all the way from Dumaguete as the senior pastor of the church.
At that time, I was in 2nd Year High School—young, full of energy, and very excited! Pastor Pax became our first Youth Pastor after those long years. That whole year was unforgettable. We were fed spiritually through leadership trainings, cantatas, and monthly themes. Psalm 23:2-3 was true for us: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
Also, i thank God for the singles back then—like Nang Bingkol, Nang Beths, Nang Faye, Nang Rai, Nang PJ—who helped teach us; Pastor John Digno, our Music Director; and Nang Joy Inion, who always made time to join music leadership training.
Then, we traveled far for conferences, and as one of the younger youth, I learned to obey our leaders: kag indi ko gid malipatan ang una nga youth officers: Nang Vanessa, Nang Janet, Nang Fauvel, Nong JV, Jethro, Jairah, Me and Ricky. Our youth days were full of adventures—including our first trip to Kalibo, Aklan! We were young, but God was already teaching us: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over you as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
But God molds us not only through happy times, but also through struggles. Our youngest brother, Gyle, was born with a heart condition. Those days were heavy—facing hospital bills and seeing him struggle to breathe made us realize: we cannot do this alone. So, we leaned harder on God. Psalm 34:17-18 became our anchor: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
By God’s amazing grace, when Gyle turned six, God used the Aloha Association to sponsor his successful operation! Only God can open doors where there seems to be no way.
This experience also shaped my education. I told myself: “I must study in a state university, so I won’t burden my parents.” And God answered! I finished my degree at CHMSC, while Ricky studied at Doane Seminary. Truly, Philippians 4:19 says: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Little did I know, someone was watching my heart for service—Pastor Erwin, who is now my husband for almost 14 years! I guess God was already planning our story long before we even realized it.
Before we married sang 2012, God led me to teach at Fellowship Baptist College in Kabankalan in 2009, when I was only 21. I thought, “I’m ready to be independent!” but the journey there was not easy—there were days I wanted to run back home! But God surrounded me with mentors: Nang Tingting Agudo, Nang Hazel Magaso, and my accountability partners here in Silay: Nang Jonalyn, Nang Sarah, and Mam Ginny.
Looking back, all those years of training, serving, and even struggling were God’s way of preparing me. Jeremiah 29:11 confirms this: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I would not be where I am today without the foundation laid right here in Silay.
Whether life is easy or hard, we must remember: GOD HAS A GREATER PURPOSE. I am proud to be one of the fruits of the labor of Pastor Abi, Pastor Pax, Pastor Erwin, Pastor John Digno, and all our faithful workers. Even without a full-time Biblewoman back then, we saw that when hearts are willing, God fills every gap. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
And no matter where we serve—Kabankalan for 14 years, or anywhere else—there is truly no place like home. Silay New Hope will always be our spiritual home.
I also thank God for my Master’s and Doctorate studies. We didn’t have extra money ni Pastor Erwin, but God used my family (mama, and papa), friends, and church members to help me finish. My studies became a provision: kay isa sa reason ko why nageskwela ko if God calls Pastor Erwin elsewhere, I can help support our family and ministry. Right now, sa bugay sang Ginoo nakatapos nko study sa Carlos Hilado, and while Papa often wishes we could return permanently, I just say: “Let’s wait on God Pa—if it is His will, I am ready to obey.”
And to my cousins: I am sorry if sometimes I turned out as strict as Lola Mar! Because I kept saying, “Join the ministry! Be active! gid” But seeing you all serving God now brings tears of joy to my eyes. God turns even our “strictness” into blessings!
As I look back on my high school, college, and single years while I was still here in Silay, I can honestly say that one of God's greatest gifts in my life was allowing me to grow in a church where ministry was not just an activity—it became a lifestyle.
I realize that every ministry our pastors and church workers faithfully organized was God's classroom for me. Every activity, every training, every correction, every outreach, and every opportunity to serve became part of His process of molding me into the person I am today.
It all started with Vacation Bible School (VBS)—the ministry that will always have a special place in my heart.
When I first joined, I was only an assistant. I simply followed instructions and helped wherever I was needed. But little by little, my leaders began entrusting me with greater responsibilities until eventually I was asked to teach Bible lessons myself.
To be honest, I felt pressured. I knew children deserved my best because I was serving the Lord. Yet today, I realize that what I thought was pressure was actually God's training ground. He was teaching me responsibility, faithfulness, preparation, and dependence upon Him.
One thing I always loved about VBS was that no two years were ever the same. Sometimes we had station-type activities where children rotated from one area to another. Other years, one teacher handled everything from beginning to end. There were camp-style VBS programs, creative themes, and many other unique approaches. Every setup taught me to become flexible, creative, and willing to adjust—all for the purpose of reaching children with the Gospel.
As God continued to mold me, He also allowed me to become involved in our Mission Emphasis Ministries.
Before every outreach, we gathered together as a church family to pray, asking God to prepare hearts that were ready to receive His Word. Then we would go to the Silay Civic Center where different church members were assigned to personally share the Gospel. I still remember Maninoy Garin faithfully sharing God's Word with visitors while others ministered in different areas. Afterward, we simply offered snacks as an expression of Christian love.
Our mission work did not stop there.
We also reached different barangays through musicales. We would sing, distribute Gospel tracts, and personally share Christ with people one by one. Looking back, what many people saw was only the actual presentation. But behind every outreach were countless hours of prayer meetings, training sessions, practices, planning, and preparation. Those experiences taught me that fruitful ministry never begins on the platform—it always begins on our knees before God.
Another ministry I treasure so much was our Easter Cantatas.
Every year, we eagerly looked forward to the dramatizations. Our leaders carefully assigned roles that matched each person's character. One memory that always makes me smile is seeing Manong Ram portray Jesus—perhaps because everyone admired his famous "six-pack abs!" Meanwhile, Jethro and Rhys Karl played the Roman centurions and seemed to enjoy their roles a little too much whenever they acted out the scenes. (Just kidding!)
Looking back now, what amazes me most was not the production itself but the joy behind it. We never really noticed how tired we were. Instead, we looked forward to every rehearsal, every practice, and every church activity because serving the Lord together brought genuine joy.
God also molded me through our continuous leadership trainings.
Many times, we traveled to retreat places where we intentionally disconnected ourselves from our normal routines. Those gatherings were never just seminars. They became opportunities for discipleship, Bible teaching, fellowship, team-building, recreation, and spiritual growth.
Those moments strengthened not only our leadership skills but also our relationships with one another. We learned to serve together, laugh together, encourage one another, and grow together as one family in Christ.
Another unforgettable part of my youth was attending our district youth camps and conferences.
Because we were so eager to join, we became creative in raising funds. One of the funniest yet most memorable experiences was collecting recyclable materials and even garbage around Robinsons just to earn enough money for camp.
What impressed me most was seeing Pastor Erwin and Pastor Pax working alongside us without any hesitation or embarrassment. They never asked us to do something they themselves were unwilling to do.
We laughed through our exhaustion because our desire to attend camp was greater than the inconvenience. Those simple experiences taught us humility, sacrifice, unity, and joyful service.
As the years went by, God entrusted me with another ministry when Junior Church Worship was opened under the leadership of Manang Ginny together with Nang Jo.
It was there that I learned how to organize children's worship services, recruit volunteers, prepare programs, search for lesson materials, and coordinate every detail needed for children's ministry.
By this time, I had already begun teaching professionally at Fellowship Baptist College in Kabankalan.
Although my salary was small, one truth had already been deeply planted in my heart through the years:
God's ministry always comes first.
There were many occasions when, after giving for ministry needs, very little remained for myself.
Yet those became the very moments when I experienced God's amazing faithfulness.
Again and again, He used people to meet my needs in ways I never expected. Through those experiences, God taught me that when we sincerely put His work first, He never fails to provide for His children.
Truly, everything has always been by God's grace.
Lastly, God allowed me to serve in the Awana Ministry, alongside Sunday School, VBS, and Junior Church Worship.
Although each ministry had its own unique responsibilities, all of them shared one common purpose—to faithfully teach God's Word to the next generation. They required careful preparation, patience, teamwork, consistency, and above all, a genuine love for children.
Today, when I look back over those years, I realize that none of those experiences were accidental.
Every VBS lesson...
Every mission outreach...
Every Easter Cantata...
Every leadership training...
Every youth camp...
Every fundraising activity...
Every Junior Church preparation...
Every Awana class...
Every correction...
Every encouragement...
Every opportunity to serve...
God was using all of them to prepare Pastor Erwin and me for the ministry He would later entrust to us.
Nothing was ever wasted.
Beyond the skills we learned, our pastors and leaders faithfully instilled in us biblical principles that continue to guide our lives today. They taught us to remain teachable, to receive correction with humility, to respect spiritual authority, and to willingly submit ourselves to God's leading.
Through their example, I learned that obedience is never a burden when we trust the One who is leading us.
Indeed, I can confidently say that obedience to God's will is always the best decision.
If there is one challenge I would like to leave with everyone today, especially the younger generation, it is this:
Make yourself available for God's work while you are still young.
Allow God to use your life.
Because if we choose not to make room for God in our lives, the world will gladly occupy that space. Worldly pleasures may offer temporary happiness, but only serving Christ gives lasting joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
Many of us have dreams, ambitions, careers, and educational goals.
Those dreams are not wrong.
But never allow them to replace God as the first priority of your life.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I used to believe that education and career should always come first. But through the years, God lovingly corrected that way of thinking.
True fulfillment is not found merely in achievements, degrees, or promotions.
It is found in putting Christ first.
Many times, I witnessed God work in amazing ways whenever I chose ministry over my own convenience. There were postponed exams, unexpected class suspensions, schedule changes, and countless situations where God Himself made a way because I chose to honor Him first.
That became one of the greatest life principles God has ever taught me:
When we prioritize Him, we can confidently leave everything else in His hands.
He already knows how to accomplish His perfect plans and fulfill the desires He Himself has placed in our hearts.
Everything I have achieved—including my education, my ministry, my family, and every blessing I enjoy today—has happened only because of God's grace and His perfect timing.
That is why last June 26, during my 2-in-1 Thanksgiving Celebration for my 39th Birthday and Graduation, my heart overflowed with gratitude. It became an opportunity not only to celebrate God's faithfulness but also to honor the many people He graciously used throughout my journey.
Without those faithful servants whom God placed in my life, I would never be standing where I am today.
Indeed, it is so sweet to experience the goodness and faithfulness of God.
My prayer is that each one of us will continue to seek the Lord, keep Him at the center of our lives, and allow Him to continue molding us, preserving us, and sustaining us until the day we finally see Him face to face.
To finally end my testimony, let us be reminded: God is amazing! He uses ordinary people, ordinary moments, and even our struggles to build His kingdom. He molds us, preserves us, and then uses us for His glory.
Romans 8:28 sums it all up: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Kabay nga ang Silay New Hope Baptist Church will continue to be a light, a home, and a place where lives are changed for generations to come.
To God be all the glory, now and forevermore!
