WE LEFT CANADA TO FOLLOW GOD’S CALL

From Canada to the Philippines for Full-Time Ministry

“Madaming mga Pilipino ang gustong makarating dito sa Canada, pero kayo naman ang kabaliktaran.”

That was one of the common reactions we heard from our churchmates in Toronto when they learned that we had decided to leave Canada and return to the Philippines for full-time ministry.

For many people, it didn’t make sense. Lalo na’t may permanent resident status na kayo!

Why would we leave Canada?

In 2022, we began seriously praying about one of the biggest decisions we had ever made as a family. We had the opportunity to stay in Canada, work, and eventually become Canadian citizens. But at the same time, God was bringing us back to something He had been calling me to for many years.

Pastoral ministry.

This is not just my story. It is our family’s story. My wife, Norma Bacate, and our daughter, Abigail Maey Bacate, were part of this journey. The decision to leave Canada was not mine alone. We prayed, talked, wrestled with the decision, and together sought God’s will for our family.

And as we look back, we realized that this was not a sudden decision. God had been leading us to this moment for years.

THE CALLING I TRIED TO RUN AWAY FROM

Let me go back to 1991.

I had just finished my theology studies at PBTS in Baguio City. By God's grace, I became one of the blessed students who had the opportunity to serve as a student pastor.

You would think that after graduating from Bible school, I would immediately become a full-time pastor.

But that didn't happen.

After graduation, I went to Manila and started a different career. Since my college degree was BS Psychology, I became a medical representative.

And honestly, at that time, ayoko talagang humawak ng church as a head pastor.

I was willing to help. I was willing to serve. Pero ayoko ng responsibility na maging pastor ng isang church.

So from 1993 to 2009, I did not pastor a church. I went into business and pursued a different career.

Looking back now, I can see how many times I tried to take a different direction from what I believed God was calling me to.

I SERVED, BUT I STILL DIDN'T WANT TO BE A PASTOR

In 2010–2011, I became involved in leading a church again—not officially as the pastor, but as the head church leader.

Again, I was serving.

But deep inside, I still wasn't ready to embrace pastoral ministry.

Then another chapter came.

My daughter and I went to Baguio City because I wanted her to study college there. At that time, I thought Baguio might also give me some distance from pastoral ministry.

Parang iniisip ko, “Baka dito ako makapag-focus sa ibang bagay.”

But God had another plan.

A church in Baguio called me to serve as a co-pastor, and eventually I was ordained as a minister.

Once again, I found myself doing the very thing I had been trying to avoid.

Pastoring.

After about four years, we eventually went down to Laguna to pursue my business—and, in a way, to get away again from pastoral ministry.

At that time, my wife was already in Toronto, Canada.

Then something happened that completely changed the situation.

The pastor of the church where we were serving went home to be with the Lord.

So the question became:

“Ano na ang susunod?”

And eventually, I became the pastor.

But in my mind, I was still thinking of it as something temporary—a part-time commitment while waiting for our opportunity to migrate to Canada.

At the same time, I also established my business.

I thought I had already figured out my direction.

But God was still writing the story.

THEN CAME CANADA

In 2019, we finally went to Canada.

For many people, this would have been the fulfillment of a dream.

And yes, Canada was a blessing to our family.

But even while we were there, I continued coming home to the Philippines every year to take care of the church and our business.

For about three years, I was going back and forth.

Canada.

Philippines.

Canada.

Philippines.

Then came the moment when we had to make a major decision.

Our opportunity to become Canadian citizens was getting closer.

And we had to ask ourselves:

“Where does God want us to be?”

CANADA OR THE CALL?

Our daughter was already established in Canada. She was registered as a medical technologist and was working for a good company.

From a human perspective, staying in Canada made sense.

We had an opportunity to build our future there.

We had a good life.

We had opportunities.

We could stay.

But we prayed.

We talked.

We sought God's direction.

And eventually, we made our decision.

We would return to the Philippines.

Not because Canada was bad.

Not because we didn't appreciate the opportunities God gave us.

But because we believed God was calling us back to full-time ministry.

WE CAME HOME

In August 2023, we returned to the Philippines and committed ourselves to full-time ministry.

And today, when I look back at our journey, I can finally see something that I couldn't fully understand before.

God was never really letting go of His call.

From 1991...

to the years I worked in Manila...

to business...

to serving churches...

to Baguio...

to Laguna...

to Canada...

and finally back to the Philippines—

God was patiently leading us.

There were times when I thought I was changing direction.

But God was actually preparing me.

There were times when I thought I was running away from pastoral ministry.

But God was simply waiting for me to understand His purpose.

ALL THESE ARE GOD'S GRACE

Today, I can say with confidence that I have seen my purpose—and, more importantly, we have seen God’s purpose for our family.

We left Canada not because Canada was not a blessing. It was. But we believed God was calling us back to the Philippines for full-time ministry.

We chose to follow God’s call.

And for everything He has done in our lives, we give Him all the glory.

To God be the glory!

Rev. Wesley Bacate
with Norma Bacate & Abigail Maey Bacate