PASTORS are 24-hour servants of God. Unlike political leaders who are elected by the public, pastors are called and chosen by the Almighty.
They say their job as pastors is a vocation. They are there to always help those who have spiritual needs, those who need counseling, and assist people in crisis situations.
To celebrate the gifts of vocation, the Servant Of All Global Inc. or SOAGI hosted a gathering to honor the more than 400 pastors from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
Pasko sa mga Pastor is a joint Christmas celebration with the pastors of Cagayan de Oro Evangelical Ministry Association (COEMA) and Metro Cagayan Ministers Fellowship (MCMF) with pastors from the municipalities of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
"First time in Cagayan de Oro history nagka-unite dinhi sa atong lugar sa Downhills Drive, Pagatpat, nagkahiusa ang lain-laing pastor," Michael "Mike" Salvador, the project director of SOAGI, said during the event held Friday, December 7, at 101 Treewood Park, Downhills Drive, Pagatpat, this city.
"Although divided, but nagkasabot tang tanan through respective precedence sa duha ka ministry association, nagkausa karon, nagkasabot tanan," Salvador added.
The two aforementioned ministries, COEMA and MCMF, have been conducting several activities throughout the year, and although separated, they have the same aim which is to promote and teach unity, peace, and love.
"We believe that kung dunay unity, there is peace and love. We teach about peace and unity, harmony, that's why gipaubos namo ang among mga pride, we humble ourselves, and then we agreed, all of us, that we will organize... the SOAGI will be the host of this unity party Pasko sa mga Pastor," Salvador said.
During the event Friday night, Jerwin Ancajas, a professional boxer who held the IBF Junior Bantamweight title since September 2016, attended to give an inspirational talk, expressing gratitude to the Almighty God and to the pastors who prayed for his victory in his fights.
Ancajas also received a unity prayer, presided by Bishop Bing Gadian, from the pastors and guests for the planned fight in February 2019 against a Thai boxer and his future fights.
The pastors filled their Friday night with laughter, entertainment and gratitude to God, united as they praised the Lord as His servants.
Salvador also mentioned their planned activities for the next year as the Christmas party for the pastors serves as their last event in 2018.
According to Salvador, they are planning on having a feeding program for the kids and extending a helping hand to the elders who needed it.
"The National Government is very happy about our mission and vision because usa ta sa ilahang organization chart nila as an NGO (non-government organization nga motabang sa ila, magamit nila," Salvador said.
"Regardless of unsay imong religion, you are entitled to avail our heartily service to the community," he added.