The Shepherd's Journey
A collection of stories, reflections, and other works of Nezer
About Shepherd's Notebook
This website is a personal platform created to gather and share a collection of stories, art, and reflections from Nezer’s journey in ministry—among young people, within the global church, and throughout his personal life.
As Nezer embarks on a new chapter as a seminary student, this website offers visitors a window into his work, passions, and calling, as well as an opportunity to walk alongside and support his continuing ministry.
Early Beginnings
Born and raised in the Philippines as the youngest of five siblings, Nezer grew up in a humble but faith-filled household—his father a pastor, and his mother a dressmaker.
He has been deeply rooted in Lumban Mennonite Bible Church (LMBC), a local congregation in Lumban, Laguna, which belongs to the Integrated Mennonite Church, Inc. conference.
Nezer was baptized in May 2007 at the age of 15 and soon stepped into leadership, serving both his local congregation and the national conference. His 16 years of dedicated youth leadership have fundamentally shaped his heart for mentoring, community-building, and nurturing vibrant faith within the next generation.
Involvement with the Global Church
In 2015, Nezer represented the Integrated Mennonite Church (Philippines) as a delegate to the Global Youth Summit in Pennsylvania, USA. Following this pivotal experience, he was appointed Asian Representative for the Young Anabaptist (YABs) Network, the young adult branch of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC).
Since then, Nezer has been deeply embedded in global Anabaptist leadership, attending annual MWC meetings and bridging connections between young leaders worldwide.
In 2022, he spent six months in Indonesia working alongside the MWC Assembly Team. He was later appointed as the Young Anabaptist Mentor, guiding five continental representatives serving on the YABs Committee.
Expanding Leadership & Theological Calling
Under his leadership, the YAMEN (Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network) program—a joint initiative between MWC and the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)—was integrated directly into the YABs Network, fostering deeper collaboration among young global Anabaptists. He also helped solidify the Global Youth Summit as a triennial gathering, ensuring consistent learning and connection.
In 2025, Nezer spent nearly five months in Germany, contributing directly to the historic preparations for the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism held in Zurich, Switzerland.
Following years of cross-cultural field service, Nezer felt a distinct calling to deepen his understanding of theology and ministry. Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) stood out as the natural choice—offering a rare, dedicated theological foundation where community life, peace-centered values, and practical ministry perfectly reflect the faith tradition he cherishes.
Hope for the Future
Currently pursuing his Master’s in Christian Formation at AMBS, Nezer envisions returning to the Philippines upon graduation to catalyze closer collaboration among local Anabaptist-Mennonite communities and regional organizations.
He aspires to cultivate formal partnerships with global service and mission agencies like MCC, which do not currently maintain a permanent presence in the Philippines. His goal is to bridge this gap—linking local grassroot churches to international networks dedicated to service, peacebuilding, and intentional discipleship.
Ultimately, Nezer aims to continue amplifying Global South voices within the Mennonite World Conference, sustaining a lifelong mission to nurture a global family of faith rooted safely in peace, justice, and the way of Jesus.