Following the whisper

Following the whisper

| Phoebe Domingo

A familiar figure stands at the front of every Chapel Service, sharing words of faith, wisdom, and encouragement. Known to many as Pastor Joshua Sebastian, the Chaplain of JCSGO Christian Academy (JCA), he has become a guiding presence in the school community. Yet long before he stood behind a pulpit, his journey began with a simple decision—to follow where God was leading.

“There was no specific moment,” he shared. “But through prayer, studying God’s Word, and serving others, I became convinced that God was calling me to pastoral ministry.”

Before he became who he is today, his biggest dreams were to be a Firefighter and a Pilot. Simply saving lives and traveling around the world, guiding people to safety, fascinated Pastor Joshua. Eventually, as he grew a relationship with God, he realized that the Lord’s calling for his life was far greater than his ambitions.

His journey of faith began during his high school years when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. At the time, he could not have imagined where that decision would eventually lead him. What started as a personal step of faith would later become the foundation of a calling that would shape the course of his life.

At first, it was simply about being available—saying yes to opportunities to serve and help wherever he could. Yet with every step of obedience, the calling became clearer. God showed him that through ministry, he can lead people to Christ, encourage the brokenhearted, and make an eternal impact.

Looking back, Pastor Joshua believes that God’s hand was guiding him long before he recognized it himself. He credits much of his spiritual journey to the unwavering prayers of his parents, who faithfully interceded for him through every season of life. What seemed like ordinary prayers became part of an extraordinary testimony of grace and redemption.

As the years passed, Pastor Joshua learned that ministry required more than passion. It demanded sacrifice. One of the defining seasons of Pastor Joshua Sebastian’s journey was not a single moment, but a long stretch marked by struggle and surrender. As a pastor’s son, he openly admits that there was a time when his faith drifted far from where it once stood.

“Yes, I did,” he shared when asked about following in his father’s footsteps. “For about ten years, beginning in my college days, I struggled deeply and found myself walking in spiritual darkness.” 

Those years were filled with questioning, distance, and a gradual departure from the faith that had once anchored him. Yet even in that season, he says he was never completely alone. Behind the silence of his struggle were steady prayers—his parents never stopped interceding for him, and his wife, Ms. Giselle Sebastian, remained faithful in believing that restoration would come.

Looking back, he describes his return as nothing short of grace. Through God’s unfailing love and the persistent prayers of those who loved him, he found his way back. What was once broken was restored, his heart was renewed, and his direction was realigned. He returned to Christ not only as Savior, but as Lord and Heavenly Father.

Along the way, another influence continued to shape him—his father, Bishop Jonathan Sebastian, founder of JCSGO. From him, Pastor Joshua learned lessons that would remain with him throughout his ministry: to be patient, to love God, to hate sin, and to love his neighbor as himself. These values became more than teachings; they became principles by which he would lead and serve.

Today, Pastor Joshua understands that answering God’s call is not a one-time decision but a daily act of faith. The ministry continues to challenge him, requiring perseverance and complete dependence on God.

“Following God’s call is a challenge in itself,” he shared. “Everyday requires faith, obedience, and dependence on God.”

Yet despite the challenges, his mission remains clear. His ultimate goal is to seek and save the lost by sharing God’s love and proclaiming what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross. For Pastor Joshua, the Gospel is best shared not only through words, but through a life that reflects the love of Christ.

“My friend, Jesus loves you.”

Simple words, yet they carry the message that has become the heartbeat of his ministry. He believes that when people experience God’s love through both words and actions, they are able to know Christ and become true followers of Him. 

Pastor Joshua’s story is a reminder that God’s call is not always found in grand revelations. Sometimes, it is discovered in daily faithfulness with quiet obedience, and a grateful heart. As Pastor Joshua would always say, “I love You, Lord. I love my family. Thank You for my life. Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the best day ever!”

With this, his gratitude is reflected in the declaration he carries everyday: “I am grateful for God’s calling upon my life. By His grace, I will love God, hate sin, love people, and faithfully share the Gospel until the day I see Jesus face to face.”

And perhaps that declaration says everything about Pastor Joshua Sebastian—the man behind the pulpit—a servant who once wandered, was welcomed home by grace, and now spends his life devoted to sharing the love of Christ with others.