He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Union Theological Seminary, both in the Philippines, and received his doctor of ministry degree in parish ministry in 1980 from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Ordained a deacon in 1970 and an elder in 1973, he served as a pastor and Methodist training school director before leaving for the United States for his doctoral studies. From 1980 to 1985, he was an assistant professor at Union Theological Seminary. Between 1985 and 1997, he served as pastor at various local churches in the province of Bulacan and Metro Manila. The sanctuary of San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church burned to the ground in an early-morning fire on Easter Sunday.
Investigators suspect arson was the cause.
Set on a hillside overlooking U.S. 101, it was a familiar landmark to motorists. Outlying buildings on the church campus remain intact, and the congregation will continue using them for programs and worship. No decisions have been made yet regarding construction of a new sanctuary, Garner said. The fire has prompted an outpouring of support from other congregations and individuals in the community. One of the first responses came from the nearby Lutheran church, which invited the United Methodists to share in Easter worship services.