Hospital Chaplains Ordained to Ministry

CEBU CITY, Philippines (Dec. 8, 2024)—Adventist Hospital-Cebu celebrated a momentous occasion when two of its chaplains, Pastor Methu Flores and Pastor Joel Aganan, were ordained into the ministry on Dec. 7. The ceremony, held at the Cebu City Seventh-day Adventist Church, was attended by pastors and directors from the Central Philippine Union Conference and Central Visayan Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Journey to the Ministry

Pastor Methu Flores, a 2013 graduate of Mountain View College in Valencia, Bukidnon, has served the hospital for a decade, beginning as an information clerk before becoming a chaplain. Inspired by his pastor-uncle, Pastor Flores pursued his dream of ministry, culminating in this significant milestone surrounded by his family.

Pastor Joel Aganan, vice president for operations at the hospital, brings 19 years of dedicated service, including roles as chaplain, marketing director, and human resources director. A 2001 Central Philippine Adventist College graduate, he has exemplified leadership and commitment throughout his career.

These two newly ordained ministers have long served AH-C, providing spiritual care to patients and staff. They have comforted families facing emotional and financial struggles daily, offering prayer and support, especially during times of grief.

In addition to their pastoral duties, they have led worship services and spiritual seminars, conducted Bible studies with employees of other faiths, and assisted them in evangelistic meetings. Their spiritual counseling is not limited to flocks outside the fold alone but extends to both Adventist and non-Adventist employees, serving them as spiritual counselors.

Their ministry extends beyond the hospital walls. They have conducted community outreach programs, including evangelistic meetings, children’s classes, and food distribution in neighboring communities. They have also collaborated with government agencies on health-related campaigns, such as “Say No to Smoking.”

A Call to Service

During the ordination, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., CPUC president, shared an inspiring message, highlighting the virtues of prayerfulness, teachability, and availability in ministry. He reminded the attendees, saying, “God will not call you to fail. If He calls you, He alone will help you succeed in His work. We are prone to commit mistakes, but what is important is we have the willingness to recognize that we have committed mistakes. Even when differences arise in the workplace, we must unite for the sake of God’s mission.”

Pastor Barlizo also addressed the new ministerial spouses, Dr. De Lore Gay D. Flores and Mrs. January Aganan, encouraging them to support their husbands in the ministry. He said, “It doesn’t mean that the two of you will preach, but you have the responsibility to motivate your husbands to preach.”

Pastor Gaudencio Buque Jr., CPUC health ministries director, offered the ordination prayer, followed by Pastor James Rubrico Jr., ministerial secretary, and Adventist Mission/Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries director, charging the new ministers.

Pastor Lelord Arranguez, CVC communication director, welcomed the newly ordained pastors. At the same time, the Ministerial Spouses Association embraced their spouses, offering words of encouragement and guidance for their unique roles.

A Testament of Faith

The ceremony concluded with a powerful act of ministry as Pastors Flores and Aganan baptized five new members into the faith.

“One of the worshippers who witnessed the ordination said, “God’s perfect timing has brought these two leaders to this milestone, demonstrating His purpose for their lives. Let us praise Him for the dedication and service of Pastors Flores and Aganan as they embark on this new chapter in their spiritual journey.” 

 By Nancy Glad Dinoy, Central Visayan Conference

The original version of this article is posted on the official page of the Central Visayan Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists.