• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A book “The Hunter and His Flock” authored by Pastor Allan Castigador of Fortune Towne Baptist Church, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City was officially launched on May 23 at Apollo Restaurant, Hilado Street, Bacolod City.
The book talks about the writer’s call, experience in the ministry, personal struggle, and how he, by God’s grace, was able to overcome the difficulties related to his calling as a pastor, Pastor Armando Kole said in his message during the launching activity.
“The significance of Pastor Allan’s book cannot be overstated, for they are real, down-to-earth experience from his long years of work as a pastor. Never did he thought perhaps that one day he could write and publish a book given his background and limitations, e.g. financial and mental acuity like that of gifted writers, and yet simple and ordinary as he is, he was able to write a book, which is an exciting addition to the literary world, especially for students at Bible school or seminary, pastors, and lay leaders,” he said.
His book is neither theological nor philosophical. Its literary genre is autobiographical, describing his journey in the ministry after he graduated from Bible College up to the present. The ups and downs he encountered are real, and he is no stranger to the highs and lows relative to his calling. His resilience in the face of all that he encountered indeed serves as an inspiration; at the same time, motivates every servant of God to move on, believing that in the end, God will reward those who serve Him faithfully, Kole said.
Castigador came to the Convention Baptist Bible College in 1983. After four years, he graduated with his degree in ministry and immediately decided to work in one of the provinces in Mindanao. After four years there, he decided to come to Bacolod again and continue his studies towards his Bachelor of Theology degree, which, during that time, required one more year of study. He completed the program in 1992. Despite his full-time ministry at Fortune Baptist Church, he also finished two master’s degrees – Master of Christian Education and Master of Ministries in 1997 and 1912, respectively, he said.
Castigador is also a lupon member of Barangay Estefania.
The book “The Hunter and His Flock” is now available at the Philippine Christian Bookstore at Robinsons Place Bacolod.*
