I was born and grew up in the tropical area of Aurora, Philippines. Though I was raised in an Adventist home with both Adventist parents, my spiritual life was void and meaningless. I did not have an intimate relationship with God, the giver of life. But God is really good that He never gave up on me. Since my parents followed God’s instruction in Proverbs 22:6, that says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I was 17 years old when I had a misunderstanding with my Dad, he sent me away and I left home with a plan that I will support myself and live on my own. But the Lord has different plan for me. Since I don’t know where to go, ironically, I still turn to God when I do not know what to do. I asked Him to show me the way, and I found myself with my cousin, who is a pastor.

One evening, I threw a huge rock at the roof of the church, disturbing the night’s worship. But instead of being reprimanded, I was asked by my cousin-pastor to join their worship service and he even gave me a Bible. I was asked to read Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” For the first time in my entire life, I was able to understand the meaning of that verse. It left a deep impression in my heart. From then on, it changed the whole direction of my life. I decided to serve God and studied theology at Adventist University of the Philippines.

When I finished my BS Theology degree, I was asked to serve in the University as a youth chaplain for a year. After that, God led me to be an intern pastor in Central Luzon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in the Philippines. Aside from being an intern, I was given the chance to join the Clinical Pastoral Orientation program in the Adventist Medical Center, Manila, Philippines. In that Clinical Pastoral training, I learned to use my listening skills more because that is how God created us; with two ears and one mouth. Through those experiences, I believe that God is calling me to serve as a pastor and a chaplain in His vineyard.

My passion is to disciple the youth for ministry. I love to see my fellow believers being active in God’s service. I am very excited every time they join me in outreach programs, camping, hiking, Bible Studies, prayer marathons, and other church activities.

I first come to the U.S.A. in June of 2016 as a permanent resident. I went back to the Philippines to finish my pastoral duties. I graduated in Master in Ministry at Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), and at that same year I was ordained in the gospel ministry.  In October of 2018, I came back here and proceeded to Andrews University to study Master in Divinity, which will be finished by December of this year with God’s help.

My wife’s name is Donna Edielene A. Remocal, and she finished her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Adventist University of the Philippines. She has worked as a Registered Nurse here in the United States for eight years. After being married for six years, we are blessed to be expecting our first baby in October of this year. I enjoy hiking, camping, biking, surfing and snowboarding.

It is my honor and privilege to be serving the Lord, together with the members of Durand SDA Church and be involved with Christ’s healing ministry as chaplain of AdventHealth Durand. Let us all pray that our church family will be united to work harmoniously, lifting Christ to the community while waiting for His soon return.

Ivandale Remocal, Pastor for Durand SDA Church and Chaplain of AdventHealth Durand