The changeover in the leadership of Radiance of Christ Ministry International (RCMI) took place last December 3, 2023, during its 38th anniversary celebration in the presence of all the pastors, leaders, members, and guests.

The outgoing Senior Pastor, Pastor Ricardo Gilbert Castaneda retired as the lead pastor of RCMI but will continue in his calling as a Pastor with the faith that God will continue to use him in a greater field.  He faithfully served RCMI with passion and dedication as a Senior Pastor for the past 20 years and eight months or a total of 25 years as a Pastor of RCMI.

Before the leadership handover, Pastor Reggie quoted Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.”  He passed the leadership to the incoming Senior Pastor, Pastor Lleonard Esguerra with his family behind him.

Pastor Lleo graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a degree in BS Mathematics major in Computer Science. He came to know the Lord when he accepted an invite from his friend, then and now his wife, to attend the church service 28 years ago. He became a member, then a volunteer worker and was elected as one of the Board of Trustees in 2001 where he served for several years. He continued his ministry by being one of the primary leaders of Pastor Reggie until he accepted God’s call as a Pastor by starting the Satellite church in Marikina. Before coming in as the new Senior Pastor, he retired from his job as an Associate Director in one of the leading IT consulting companies in the world, to fully focus on the ministry, serving the Lord and His people.

In his message, He said that when He started in the Church, he never imagined that he would be a Pastor but is thankful for the opportunity to be one.  He added that it’s a BIG blessing to be a Pastor in RCMI.  He reassured everyone that as he leads RCMI, THE JOURNEY AHEAD IS CLEAR, citing the key areas as follows:

I. Leading to meet God is a priority. – Exodus 19:17

II. Raising up the next generation of leaders is key. – Jeremiah 33:22

III. Great humility and sacrifice are needed.  – Acts 20:19

Furthermore, he said that as he prayed, God assured him that the journey ahead was full of God’s promises and greater things and that God’s presence would be with RCMI (Exodus 33:14-19b). It’s full of God’s goodness, rich in mercy and grace.

He highlighted that the journey ahead is not about one person. It’s about One Church, One RCMI. Hence, he encouraged each one to join him in the journey ahead, carrying on God’s calling to RCMI, which is to SHINE where we are.

It was indeed a memorable and significant event for RCMI that showed a smooth and seamless transition. We thank God for this momentous event, giving all the glory to Him.

 

Written by:

Marita D. Dagot