Kamsa New World Mission, Kamsa for the new world of Nestor

By Florence F. Hibionada

Late bloomer.  This is precisely what former broadcaster and columnist Nestor de la Gente has become.  Not to the local media industry where he spent decades of broadcast work that marked his earliest years as among the chosen few of the now defunct Republic Broadcasting System’s DYOO back in the ‘70s.  Chosen then as one of the three luckier hopefuls in over a hundred who auditioned for the job, the “Nong Nestor” that he has become to the younger generation of peers may well soon be “Pastor Nestor.”

Late bloomer this writer considers him for at 52, from microphone he vows to have found his new passion in the pages of the Bible.  From critical commentaries then, he is now fired up with the Gospel.  From a ‘wordly’ existence, he said he is finally home in his new world, the New World Mission.

Not much has been known of this man whose pursuit for his craft took him to the many faces and phases of media work.  Anchorman, news caster, news writer, drama talent and eventually his venture into the print media, Nestor now counts his blessings not in the victory he once enjoyed over a dismissed libel case nor in the number of perks he got while on the ‘exciting’ world of local journalism.  Today, he counts his real gifts in the daily lessons learned inside a classroom in Molo District, president of a class of fellow full-scholars studying Bachelor in Theology.

Why now at 52, I ask? Why not at 52, he quickly counters.
“My mind is not old.  My humor is not over.  My strength is not gone.  My opportunities did not vanish.  And most important of all, my God is not dead,” he simply said while recalling how this reply got him the scholarship offered by the New World Mission Bible School.  “And a lot of so-called ‘old men’ accomplished so many great things.  We have Noah Webster who wrote his monumental dictionary at age 70.  Socrates the Greek Philosopher gave his wise philosophies also at 70.  Benjamin Franklin helped frame the American Constitution at 81.  Michaelangelo was in his late 80s when he painted some of his masterpieces.  And Moses, he was called by God to lead the Israelites at age 80.  I am only 52, that makes me 28 years younger than Moses!”

In every question posed, Nestor would have a line or two of a Bible passage to guide him by.  Same source of wisdom and strength he said he leans on to when challenged by friends in the industry as to why and how he chose to embrace an entirely different world from what his 52 years of existence has made him.

“They think I am crazy for being here.  They say it is such a waste of my time trying to become a preacher.  I say no to both.  This is the best decision I have ever done.  And like the second life given to my parents when they rediscovered their faith, I have been given the same chance.  In Jesus’ words, “As the Father hath sent me, so send I you..” and blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he said with a smile.

Come October, Nestor will have his first taste of missionary work.  Like his earliest days as radio talent, he will soon venture into a new world with a new assignment entrusted into him as senior pastor of the New Life Mission Church in Barangay Dalid, Alimodian, Iloilo.

“I was instantly promoted by God!,” he told this writer happily.  Located about 5 kilometers off the town proper, the church was realized thru the efforts of Pastor Gilbert Shim, a Korean missionary about five years ago.
 

In an interview, Pastor Shim shared his joy over the small group of Ilonggo scholars the mission has at the moment.  This, as he happily announces that their doors are open for more willing Ilonggos who would want to follow the footsteps of Nestor and the eight others who heeded the call for a new world of New World Mission.
 
The requirements are almost as basic as what other scholarships usually demand.  For instance, on top of the paperworks and certificates, an aspiring scholar must have “the heart for missionary work.”  And resume’ will be in the form of a “Personal Statement” where instead of further personal background, what would be asked is the “Christian experience and reasons for seeking theological education.”

“They are our first batch.  We are here because God wants us to be here.  I am called by God to come and serve here.  Nestor and company, they are good,” he added.

New World Mission as an institution remains committed “to equip men and women of different denomination/religion through Bible-based education, to serve Christ and men.  The school seeks to produce leaders who could offer effective and relevant spirit-filled ministry and leadership in the church and in the world.”

Its vision, “to see laborers and leaders developed and empowered for God’s service, living a growing commitment to Christ-likeness and transforming communities through the gospel of Christ.”

Kamsa Hamneda.  In Korean, that’s “Thank you”.  Kamsa New World Mission for the new world of Nestor.