Salcedo Jr., Joel Obsid
Rev. Joel Obsid Salcedo Jr. is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service.
The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.
Joel Jr. is a provisional elder in the Northwest Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference. He is currenly serving at Dugong UMC, Dugong, M’lang, North Cotabato. He is in his fifth year of full-time ministry.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, majoring in enterprise management at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum-Mabini Campus, and a Master of Divinity in theological studies at Bishop Han Theological Seminary, Laguitas, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
“During my fourth year in high school,” Joel Jr. recalled, “I surrendered myself to God and seriously praised God. I continued soaking my soul in Jesus every Sunday, and practicing with the praise and worship team every Saturday.” His family started doubting him, asking why he was late coming home because they did not know where he was. After the pastor visited Joel Jr.’s mother, the family decided to attend Sunday worship.
At a district event called “Christmas Institute,” one activity was a revival.
“I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior,” Joel Jr. said. “I was transformed and motivated.” He wondered if God was calling him to ministry.
Joel Jr. met Pastor Jerson Sanggo who was studying at Bishop Han Theological Seminary. Joel Jr. wondered, “Where am I supposed to be?” He prayed and sought God’s guidance.
After Joel Jr.’s high school graduation, his pastor told him he would endorse him in Mindanao Methodist Bible School in Tagum City. He wrote a letter to Rev. Choi Yong Hee, a Korean missionary.
“The letter was accepted,” Joel Jr. said. “After four years in college, I decided to go to seminary because I wanted to continue serving God and engaging in God’s mission. Now I am here in the field, working full time in the ministry as a pastor. I know God is working within me and is still calling me.”
As a committed United Methodist pastor, Joel Jr. lives out his faith by serving God’s people in the church and the community. “I want to grow my faith in as many forms as I can,” he said. “I think Global Mission Fellows will help me to widen my view in ministry.”
He is especially motivated to enter the program because of the life experiences outside of his country. “I am looking forward to what lies ahead for me,” he said. “I am driven to further contribute meaningfully to the community, [make] positive change and empower others.”
Joel Jr. is passionate about impacting his community. He believes Global Mission Fellows will enhance his skills in collaboration and community engagement, and will offer invaluable experience. “I want to connect with other people, cultures and races,” he said, “to grow as an open-minded person. I want to develop my leadership skills. I know this program will mentor and train me to refine my strengths and address some areas that need improvement for my personal growth as a pastor.”
He is eager to expand his capabilities to engage in new ministries, explore new avenues and seek solutions to community problems.
“As a pastor, a servant leader,” Joel Jr. said, “I must foster inclusive communities, and develop and promote social justice and equality. We must design and implement comunity-driven initiatives to achieve change and empowerment. We must set our goals to contribute to our communities and increase understanding of community needs. We must empower others and expand and widen awareness of what is happening in our communities.”
As a Global Mission Fellow, Joel Jr. aspires to use his skills, interests and education “to encourage, educate, empower and equip other people,” he said. “We need to drive positive change by addressing social issues and concerns. We must be passionate, committed and dedicated in doing these things for the welfare of the community.”