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CEBU CITY, Philippines — Nine years after his ministerial studies at Central Philippine Adventist College, Kim Bernabe T. Felias and his wife, Mirza, reached a pastoral milestone Saturday as they were inducted into the full gospel ministry.

The Capitol Center Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted the event, marking its first-ever ordination ceremony, a transition that culminates the couple’s shared journey through theological education and field service.

While most ordinations in the denomination take place at the conference's headquarters, church leaders opted to hold this ceremony locally to recognize the couple’s specific impact on the Cebu City congregation.

The Sabbath service drew a large crowd, making it one of the largest-attended events in the Central Visayan Conference (CVC). Attendees included local members, visiting worshipers from the Chinese-Filipino, Lipata, and Lagtang churches, leaders, and staff from the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC).

Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., first president of the ECPUC, delivered the homily, outlining a "PTA" framework for pastoral success: being Prayerful with a positive attitude, Teachable and trustworthy, and Available and amiable.

"Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people," Pastor Barlizo said, quoting Ellen G. White to emphasize compassion and humility in leadership.

The ordination marks a significant milestone for Felias, who has spent nine years in ministry, including six years leading the Chinese-Filipino Church in Cebu. During the service, Felias and his wife, Mirza, shared testimonies of their unconventional paths to the pulpit.

Felias recounted a childhood marked by hardship, specifically highlighting the "unexpected instruments" of God’s providence, expressing gratitude to a Catholic benefactor who funded his college education despite their differing faiths.

He greeted his benefactors, expressing hope that they could watch the ceremony online. “Thank you so much for your support, though we are not of the same faith, nor of the same family, nor even acquaintances. I believe God led me to your home as a literature evangelist. Thank you for believing in me and supporting my service to the Lord,” he shared, his voice breaking with emotion. “Now, I am already an ordained pastor.”

Mirza, one of 12 siblings from a non-Adventist farming family, shared her journey of becoming a working student at CPAC, recalling the long walks she made just to attend church. She eventually joined the Adventist faith and met her husband while participating in literature ministry.

The rite of ordination included the traditional laying on of hands, led by Pastor Renito Inapan, ECPUC treasurer, alongside a circle of ordained ministers. Pastor Gaudencio Buque Jr., ECPUC ministerial secretary, delivered the charge, while Pastor Bernie Maniego, CVC president,  formally welcomed Felias into the fellowship of ordained clergy.

The ceremony also recognized the role of the clergy spouse. Melodie Mae Inapan, director of the ECPUC Ministerial Spouses Association, formally welcomed Mirza Felias into the association by presenting bouquets.

The service concluded with a welcome from Errol Valencia, Capitol Center local church elder, who affirmed the congregation’s support for the Felias family as they begin this new chapter of consecrated leadership. He also noted that the ceremony's local setting allowed the congregation to participate more intimately in the couple's career transition.

Pastor Felias, alongside his wife Mirza, now serves as pastor of the Capitol Center SDA Church for the 2026-2030 quinquennium.

Deomar D. Macabugwas/ Capitol SDA Church