19/09/2026
Today, we thank God for the four years He has entrusted you with our branch. More than anything you have accomplished as our Branch Leader, we are grateful for the kind of person He has allowed you to become in the course of serving Him and loving His people.
One thing we have come to appreciate about you is how you carry the weight of being a leader without making people feel that they are carrying a burden with you. You listen before you decide. You take time to understand. You think things through, and when a decision has to be made, you have the courage to make it. Even in challenging moments, you have always tried to look at things not just from what is easiest, but from what would be good for the people God has placed in our care.
You have a gift for making things feel less complicated. You bring structure when there are many things going on, find practical ways forward, and somehow manage to make a plan out of all our ideas. And beyond the plans, what makes it meaningful is that you always think about the people behind them. You make space for everyone, and you make sure that the branch remains a place where God is the ultimate leader and His voice is the only one we follow.
We also love that you are always willing to go along with us. Kahit minsan nahihiya ka, sasabay ka pa rin. Kahit kung ano anong trip ng members, game ka. 😂 These simple things may seem small, but they have made you someone we can laugh with, approach, and simply be ourselves around. You remind us that leadership is not about being above everyone else. It is about being right there with the people you serve.
And we are especially grateful for the way you speak life into others. There are words you have shared that stayed with us because they came at the right time. Your words often bring perspective, courage, and hope, and we see how the Lord has used you to remind people of His goodness when they needed it most.
Rino, thank you for giving your yes to God again and again. Thank you for allowing Him to shape you through the joys, pressures, surprises, and even the difficult parts of serving. Thank you for being our kuya, our friend, our problem solver, our planner, and our brother in Christ. More than the things you do, we are grateful for the heart with which you do them.
As you begin another year of service, we pray that the Lord will continue to renew your strength and deepen your joy in Him. May He give you wisdom for every decision, patience for all of us, courage for every difficult situation, and a heart that always knows when to pause, listen and discern His voice. May He bless your family, your work, and every good work He has placed in your hands. May you always remember that you do not have to carry this calling alone. We are with you, and most of all, the Lord who called you is with you.
Happy 4th Service Anniversary, Rino Baluyot Jr.! We praise God for you and for the beautiful gift of having you as our Branch Leader and brother. 🥳