Twice a month, we spotlight the extraordinary stories of ordinary people who’ve answered God’s call—dedicated teachers shaping young minds, compassionate care home workers nurturing our elderly, and passionate pastors growing our faith communities.
What does it take to follow God across seven countries and two decades of goodbyes?
For me, it began in a small town in the Philippines, where ministry wasn’t just a career—it was the air I breathed. My father was a pastor, my mother a teacher, and their devotion to the Seventh-day Adventist Church shaped every corner of our home.
From elementary school onward, my classmates often voted me “class pastor.” I still remember standing in front of them, Bible in hand, feeling that ministry wasn’t a choice—it was destiny.
That legacy of service runs deep in our family. Today, my brother and his family serve as full-time missionaries on the remote island of St. Helena. By God’s grace, ministry has truly become our family’s calling.
My formal preparation began at Mountain View College, where a theology degree helped unbox the gifts God had given me for preaching, leadership, and music. But my journey would not be walked alone. I am blessed to be married to Hannah, a dedicated nurse who embraced ministry wholeheartedly, even setting aside her career for several years to support the Lord’s work by my side.
Together, with our daughter Zion Amber—born in Australia—we embarked on a multicultural journey of faith that has spanned over 21 years and seven countries: the Philippines, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Estonia, and Norway.
From the bustling streets of Seoul to the quiet winters of Estonia, each country taught me something new—patience, adaptability, and the beauty of worship in every language. Though 100% Filipino, I have become multicultural, learning to adapt to different cultures, personalities, and leadership styles. Each new place broadened my perspective, deepened my compassion, and made me wiser, stronger, and more dependent on God.
One of the most remarkable chapters of our journey unfolded in Estonia. We had two years to plant an international church through an Urban Centre of Influence. The task felt overwhelming. “How are we going to do this?” we asked.
Our strategy? Cooking.
It sounded almost foolish—until 50 strangers walked through the door, hungry for more than food. Friendships blossomed over shared meals, leading to game nights, health seminars, and international buffets that filled the Centre with laughter and life. As trust deepened, these gatherings evolved into fellowship lunches and, eventually, full Sabbath worship services. By God’s grace, the Tallinn International Seventh-day Adventist Church was born—a living testimony to what He can do when we offer our simple gifts to Him.
After nearly five years of fruitful ministry in Norway, however, we faced a new crossroad. For over two decades, our lives had been a series of goodbyes. For our daughter, Zion Amber, this constant relocation across continents, cultures, and languages had become emotionally draining. She never had a chance to truly settle before it was time to move again. One day, she asked, “Dad, can we stay in one place this time?”
Her voice mattered.
So, we prayed, asking God for a place where we could still serve Him while offering our daughter the stability of a true home.
Though we had the option to stay in Norway, all the signs pointed toward the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference. We listened. The transition has not been without its challenges. We are starting from scratch—financially, logistically, and emotionally—navigating visa applications while our daughter adjusts to a new school and Hannah seeks employment. Yet, through it all, we see God’s hand. The resilience and quiet trust in God that Zion Amber developed through years of missionary life are now her anchors. Hannah’s unwavering positivity remains my strength.
Looking back, I see that God did not choose me for my own might or power, but for what His Spirit could do through me. This has been the truth of my journey, perfectly captured in Zechariah 4:6: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” From planting a church in Estonia with cooking classes to now leading youth choirs here in Canada, every open door, every divine encounter, and every transformed life has been a confirmation of His calling. I did not choose this path—God did. And He continues to prove His faithfulness by doing through me what I could never do alone.
Today, as we begin anew in Canada, our prayer is simple: that every song we sing, every youth we mentor, and every life we touch will echo the same truth—God’s mission never stops, and neither will we.
We are here not by accident, but by His leading. And we are grateful, for we know the best place to be is always where God wants you to be.
By Pastor Delfred Onde
Associate Pastor, Henderson Seventh-day Adventist Church
