bahrain christian fellowship

Pastor Vic Magpantay is an associate pastor looking after BCF-Area 8. His area includes Sitra, Maamer, and Nuwaydirat He has been with BCF since 1988. How did God steer your circumstances, which led you to sense and accept God’s calling on your life as a pastor? I affirmed God’s calling when I was given an opportunity to preach during BCF’s worship service in 1989, a few months after I arrived in Bahrain. More than 10 souls were saved when I invited

them to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. That experience encouraged me to believe that I can be God’s mouthpiece in reaching lost souls for Him.

On hindsight, was there a Bible verse that leapt out at you and spoke to you as you soul-search and seek affirmation from God of His calling?
Romans 12:1 tells about presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice to God in having a reasonable service. Being called is a life of sacrifice especially when you are in Bahrain as a full-time employee.

How easy or difficult was it for you to arrive at a decision to become a pastor?
Accepting the pastoral calling was not a difficult decision for me. Being an elder of BCF for eight years before becoming a pastor in 1997 gave me the confidence in pastoral role. 

How did you prepare yourself for pastoral work?
Pastoral work means being ready to care and support others. Being prepared is just being willing to share your life with other people.  Pastoral work involves continual preparation. 
When I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior on October 18, 1976 as a college student, I immediately immersed myself in Christian training and ministry. My personal time in studying God’s Word became so intense. I gained some units from Alliance Biblical Seminary before coming to Bahrain in 1988. Currently I am enrolled in PBTS-SEE for a masteral course. Continuing study of the Bible and a constant walk with the Master, I believe, would prepare each Christian for pastoral work. Competence comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Why do you think God called you to be a pastor? What areas in church ministry are you most uniquely gifted in?
Every child of God has a gift, and I believe that one of God’s gifting to me is teaching. The calling to pastoral work strengthened the gift.

How did you become part of BCF?
Sister Leng, Pastor Freddie and I were churchmates back in the Philippines. The first time I attended BCF in December 1988, I was immediately introduced as a church worker.

What are your immediate plans for Area 8?
For our area, I’m planning to do the following: