Ordination

In less than two months, Lord willing, after defending my thesis on church restoration and bombarded with questions during my review, I will be standing in front of a congregation in Cebu City Philippines ordained into a life of ministerial work. 5 years in the making, but you can argue it's been closer to 13. It's been hard work, and at 10:30pm Sunday evening, January 18th, 2009, I submitted my final draft for my thesis.

But this post isn't about me. It's about another ordination.

Pastor Jason Ricafranca.

At Cornerstone International Christian Church in La Puente, CA, Jason was ordained into full time ministry by his pastor and my grand uncle, Ptr. Paul Lacanilao.

I have but known Jason only for a few months, but he has left an undeniable impact in my life. As I sat, listening to the responsibilities befall upon him, I witnessed him sitting in front of his congregation, eye closed, hands in his lap, deep in meditation and prayer. He understood the magnitude and importance of this day. He understood how critical of an undertaking this position was.

And this is why he is the perfect, God-ordained person for this job.

He exudes passion. He exudes fervor. He spills over in desire, commitment, and love for his youth and fellow believers. He instructs and lead kids into a life of selflessness, humility, desire to serve the Lord. He made them focus on others, not just themselves, evidenced by the entire theme of summer 2008: Missions.

Attending Skid Row in LA on a monthly, if not a weekly basis. Providing and witnessing to those less fortunate. Jason made these kids realize that there is a world outside of Ipods and Wii's, shoes, clothes, and other nonsense.

Jason came into this position with an uphill battle. Confused and mislead, his group was unsure of authority, unsure of theology, unsure of what was the truth. Jason comforted them, embraced them, set up damage control and earned their trust.

All while speaking the truth of God's Word.

He inspires, not only those who are directly under him, whom he leads, but those who share his vision, his ministry, his burden from afar. I am encouraged by his strength, not in his own ability, but in the strength of his humility to let God use him. Above all else, my admiration for Jason is his unwavering position to compromise the Word of God.

Jason, you have affected lives more than you know. I walk this journey with you. I fight the battle at the front lines by your side. Not to challenge you, but because I am pushed, encouraged, and incited by you to fight, not in flesh in blood, but in the spiritual realm, in principalities and powers.

By your side because I am honored and blessed to be taking this journey, running this race, and fighting this war with you.

Congratulations my friend. The excitement is only beginning. My patience runs thin waiting to see how God will use you.