Articles
My Journey to the Pulpit
6 October 2024
My Journey to the Pulpit
My name is Mishael Ortiz and from a young age, I felt a profound calling to serve God as a pastor. The desire to preach and teach God's Word to His people burned brightly within me. My family, deeply rooted in faith, nurtured this passion, taking me to church every Sunday and encouraging my participation in children's Bible studies. These experiences deepened my understanding of Jesus and His teachings, solidifying my conviction to share His message with the world.
During my elementary school years, I prayed fervently for the opportunity to serve God as a pastor when I grew up. While I recognized the challenges, discouragements, and hardships inherent in ministry, particularly as a pastor, these obstacles only fueled my passion. My commitment to this calling was solidified during a youth camp in high school, where I surrendered my life to Christ on April 23, 2001, and was baptized on May 23, 2001.
In 2003, I embarked on my journey to seminary at Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary, eager to be thoroughly equipped for ministry. Despite financial challenges, God remained faithful, upholding His promise to never abandon me. I worked diligently throughout my four years of seminary, balancing studies with employment. God's grace sustained me, and I graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology.
God's grace continued to be sufficient, and His sovereignty shone through in the years that followed. We prayed earnestly for God to use us mightily in Singapore. During a visit to Singapore, I stumbled upon a Google post about pastoral work at Moriah Bible-Presbyterian Church. I reached out to Rev. Dan through his email, inquiring about the possibility of joining their pastoral team.
Two days before my departure back to the Philippines, God answered our prayers. Rev. Daniel Gan, through a video call, opened a door of opportunity. We discussed the church's needs, and he invited me to preach at Moriah Bible-Presbyterian Church.
On July 28th, I returned to Singapore and preached my first sermon at Moriah Bible-Presbyterian Church. The rest, as they say, is history.
God's providential hand has been guiding our steps, gradually providing everything we need to legally work here in Singapore as assistant pastor at Moriah Bible-Presbyterian Church. We are deeply grateful to all the members, deacons, pastoral team and elders who have prayed for us. We are very thankful for Eld. Patrick, who has been a pillar of support, guiding us through the complexities of our application process for both Moriah and Bible College. He has also been a valuable mentor, teaching us how to be more effective and healthy servants of God.
This journey is a testament to the truth that ''When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.'' Isaiah 60:22. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for His sustaining grace, which has brought us to this church. With hearts full of thanksgiving, me and my wife we dedicate ourselves to serving Him and caring for this congregation, fulfilling the calling He has placed upon us. All glory and praise belong to Christ alone.