PORTRAITS OF TRUE LEADERS OF DESTINY*

In commitment they have toiled, dedicated to fulfil God's vision. They became Elijah's to the many Elisha's; leaders who have influenced many whose lives are portraits of true spiritual leadership. As my BBC journey comes to an end I would like to open the Books of Bethel's history and once again relive Bethel's Past Leaders of Destiny.

Rev. Rodrigo Esperanza (BBC 1946 - 1948; 1962 - 1963)

A native of Rosario, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, this man of God became instrumental in the expansion of the Assemblies of God in the Philippines. Being the General Superintendent and at the same time Bethel Bible Institute president he stood as servant, mentor, and pastor to many. His experience in the ministry cultivated his sermons and evangelism is its driving truth. No wonder that those students who sat under him were all awed and captivated by his testimony. His desire was very simple; "To see young people going forth harvesting precious souls for the Master.
His life and ministry testimony had spoken itself that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

Rev. Edwin Brengle (1948 - 1949)

He came to our country serving as a chaplain during the Filipino -Japanese war. As he stepped on the Philippine's soil, he began to feel the desire to serve the Filipinos. (Seleky: The Assemblies of God in the Philippines p.41)

Upon receiving his missionary appointment after the war, he came back to fulfil God's vision for his life. He arrived in Manila on January 6, 1947 and his first assignment was at BBI. He served as faculty on his first year and on the following year he became BBI president. But it was not long for in 1950, when he felt that the Lord was leading him to Visayas he left the campus. (Seleky: p.41)

His Ministry to the Visayas became very fruitful. He founded Immanuel Bible institute in 1951 and planted several churches as years progressed (Seleky: p.41). He played an important role in training and commissioning men and women in that region for the expansion of God's Kingdom

His life and ministry testimony had spoken itself that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

Rev. Glenn Dunn (1949 - 1956; 1959 - 1962)

He came to our country in the year 1940, having the desire to impart godly wisdom to those men and women called by God in the ministry. Together with Rev. Leiland Johnson and the Philippine District Council of the Assemblies of God they organized a Bible institute. On that same year, August 1,1940, BBI was born. But when the war broke out in 1941 he and his wife transferred to China being concern of their safety.

When war was over he returned to finish the task Christ had placed in his heart. He became BBI President in 1949 when Bethel moved from Pangasinan to it present location, Malinta Valenzuela City.

A prolific writer and a dynamic preacher, his life became a great inspiration to many. His leadership abilities  was vital in establishment of Bethel Bible Institute. His life and ministry testimony had spoken itself that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

Rev. Floyd Horst (1956 - 1959)

He arrived at the campus on the early part of 1950's to serve as school business manager. He became BBI President in 1956 and in those three years of his term revival shook the whole campus. Students laid aside their books and spent time with Holy Spirit. One even commented; "It was like God came to his House." The decade was termed by many as the decade of revival for it was when God poured out His Spirit evidently.

With the Revival taking place, Bro. Horst organized city -wide crusades together with Lester Sumrall. BBI students served as counsellors and coordinators. Among the invited evangelists were Morris Cerullo, T.L. Osborne, and Oral Roberts. Thousands of people were ushered into God's kingdom with these wonderful gatherings.

The late 1950's indeed marked the remarkable expansion of Assemblies of God in the Philippines and one great contributor was Rev. Floyd Horst. The Conquerors class described him as: discreet and wise leader of sympathy and understanding. He was competent in teaching the Word of God and fervent in Christian service. His life was consecrated for the Lord's work.

His life and ministry testimony had spoken itself that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

Rev. Harold Kohl (1963 - 1967)

It was during his term as president when BBI had its educational foundation solidified. While serving the institution, God placed a vision upon his heart. It is to organize an advanced school for those who want to pursue higher learning on this side of the world. He began working on this plan and finally on 1967 the vision materialized. The name was Far East"' Advanced School of Theology (F.E.A.S.T.), Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (A.PTS.) currently.

"His executive ability coupled with keen spiritual insight is distinct. His greatest desire is to see his students develop in their fullest potential. His chapel messages emphasizing on the Biblical principles are a source of enlightenment and encouragement to the students and faculty alike." (Quoted from trumpet 1964)

His life and ministry testimony had spoken itself that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

REV. LORENZO LAZARO (1967 - 1973; 1977 - 1980)

His life was an epitome of true servant leadership. He became everything to everyone: a teacher, a pastor, a parliamentarian, and an administrator.  His life influenced many that until today we can still find ministers who are ready to share their story of this minister of the Gospel.  At first glance you won’t really recognize that he was the school president; but once he talks treasures are coming out of his mouth.  Simplicity is the word which would best describe Pastor Lorenzo Lazaro.  During his term as president, BBI’s reputation started to impact other countries.  Foreign students in the enrolment roster began to rise. soon enough BBI bloomed more and more. During his time, we saw a continued tremendous growth of the Assemblies of God in the Philippines and BBI students who went under his mentorship played vital roles. BBI graduates were sent to far reached places like Mindanao to pioneer churches. He was instrumental in enlisting BBI to be a charter member of Philippine Association of Bible And Theological Schools (PABATS). His term of office was shortlived for after three years Eleazer Javier became BBI President. His life and ministry testimony revealed that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

DR. ELEAZER JAVIER (1973 - 1977; 1985 - 1994)

A vanguard, whose heart was passionately compelled to serve the master, his dedication for the Lord’s work will always be remembered.  His ministry of almost three decades at BBI had an impact.  His pastoral principles were noteworthy and his teachings brought enlightenment.  While being the school president, he also served as the General Superintendent of the Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God.  This tiresome task did not in any way lead him to spiritual dryness but it gave him more fervency to serve the Master.  During his term the school’s program was revised.  From offering a three-year certificate course it was restructured to a bachelor degree. BBI finally became Bethel Bible College in 1985. The years that followed were historical. Record breaking enrollment marked the school register. And with his line up of formidable faculty, students' hearts and minds were sharpened. With this, BBC established its excellent reputation. Barriers were crushed down as student coming from different denominations enrolled at BBC. School facilities were changed. Improvements also marked our president's office. These were the building of the chapel, faculty housing, and classroom building. In the year 1994 after his incomparable service to the Assemblies of God, Dr. Eleazer Javier bid goodbye but not in his service for the Lord. Truly His life and ministry testimony had spoken that he was indeed a true leader of destiny. (His homecoming on BBC's 60th year Anniversary was a tear jerking experience. I can never forget that day when the Pastor of pastors walked once again the alma mater's aisle and declared God's goodness to the whole student body. You could still see in his eyes the fervency that had once characterized him).

REV. CRESCENSIO TANDOG (1980 - 1984)

He came into place as BBI President when he became General Council Superintendent. It was only for a short term yet he has set projects for the school and strictly implemented them. Improvements in the library and housing facilities for faculty members were made. And a church planting program has been established and three new congregations were pioneered with the help of the students. His life and ministry testimony had spoken itself that this man is indeed a true leader of destiny.

REV. CURTIS BUTLER (1995 - 1998)

He began his work here in the Philippines serving as coordinator of BBC Extension in Cubao when it was inaugurated in 1987.  The Philippines was in great crisis then. It was very difficult for foreign missionaries to stay in the country having fear of the danger that they would face. But through God's grace Rev. Butler survived the political turmoil as he faced the culture his heart was captivated by. In the year 1994, the office of the BBC President was passed on to Bro. Butler. He served as an Interim President while BBC passed into transition. It was indeed a challenging task. But through it all he stood firm. He continued the vision that was given by God decades past. Truly his life and ministry had spoken itself that this man is a true leader of destiny.

REV. FERMIN Z. BERCERO, Ed.D. (1998-Present)

"A silent trigger ready to 'be pulled" simply described our current president. A pastor with a persona of brilliance-clothe in simplicity. Many knew him as a long preacher only few discover it's a treasure. (I would be one of those!). The principles underlying his sermons were worth cherishing for life. He assumed office in 1998 after serving as Academic Dean for 13 years and from then on great changes took place at BBC. A new breed of professors came to stand as training officers. Missiology replaced BBC's music education department. Foreign sponsorships flooded BBC's doors and paved the way for major building constructions Administration building, audiovisual room, and currently the dormitories. Dr. Bercero was also instrumental in expanding BBC to different provinces. Extension sites were founded as years progressed. These were situated in Olongapo, Balanga, Cabanatuan, Laguna, Bulacan, Hong Kong and United States of America. His ministry story is not yet finished but is still unfolding..... He is truly a Leader of Destiny.

Looking back from what they had been before, all I could utter is truly their lives are true portraits of Leaders of Destiny, 'Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine, Oh what a foretaste of glory divine, heirs of Salvation, That was their Story, That was their song, Praising their Savoir, All the day Long. "