Joseph and Juvy

One of the most gratifying things I have seen in my eight years of partnership with Pastor Doming Valdez is the spiritual growth of young Joseph Zerna. Joseph is the Pastor of the Mayaposi Baptist Church - a mission outreach of Doming's New Life Church.

When I first became aware of Joseph in February, 2000, he was a new convert. He and his pretty wife, Juvy had a toddler boy and a baby girl. They were some of the earliest members of the New Life Church. They had almost nothing as far as material things go, but were rich in love and grace. They have been mentored by Pastor and Mrs. Valdez to be faithful - and they are!

Joseph does not have a lot of formal education, but he is diligent in the study of the scriptures, and the Valdez' have discipled he and Juvy quite well. He makes his meager living by driving an "Easy Ride" on a regular route from Dumaguete to Amlan and back, picking up passengers for fare along the way. He doesn't own the little truck, but drives it for the owner of the business. It is not likely that Joseph earns more than six or seven dollars a week. He and Juvy, along with John Carlo and Rhea Mae live in a very humble little house in San Antonio, in the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the southern tip of the island of Cebu. The house might be 12x12 at the most. Cooking is done outdoors, and that's where the "comfort room" is located as well.

We have been blessed to be able to hire Joseph and his Easy Ride for our ground transportation each year for the past several mission trips. It is a good situation for everyone involved. The charter rate allow's his employer to make his profit and pay Joseph, and it allows Joseph to be with us and take part in the ministry work. Over the years we have seen great growth in Joseph in the Lord.

His command of the English language is very weak, therefore it is a little more difficult to converse with him. He seems to understand English a little better than he speaks it, but Juvy (who speaks more English helps him a lot). In these past few years we have seen Joseph go from new Christian, to Preacher Boy, to Mission Pastor. I have been thrilled to watch him in action on these last two visits. Although very softspoken and shy in our presence, when we see him working with his people at Mayaposi and in the hinterlands, he moves with confidence and leadership, and speaks in a strong and confident manner. I have no doubt in my mind that God's annointing is on Brother Joseph, and he has great things in store for him.

Juvy is a tremendous help to Joseph in his ministry in Mayaposi. Juvy works with the children in a teaching ministry and helps lead music in the services. She has also grown tremendously in her spiritual life and has taken on many new responsibilities. The trip from their home to Mayaposi takes nearly two hours one way. In the past, Joseph had to rent the Easy Ride himself to be able to make the trips to Mayaposi. This was very expensive for him and created a great burden financially. Last January we were blessed to be able to purchase a new Motorbike for Joseph's ministry transportation needs. It is really something to see Joseph, Juvy and the two kids traveling up the coast on that motorbike!

It is unlikely that Joseph will ever be able to attend the Baptist Seminary in Davao, Mindinao, but it would be wonderful if he could. That is why this Pastor/Church Leader Seminar, "Practical Helps for Effective Ministry" that we are doing here in May is so important to preachers like Joseph.

When you pray, please pray for Joseph and Juvy Zerna as they seek to serve the Lord, in this remote place, under difficult circumstances, with very limited finances.