A Tribute to Bishop Pepito Gadallo 1963-2021

Pepito Gadallo 1963-2021

On a mountain top in the province of La Union, Philippines, on November 16, 1963, a boy was born – Pepito Gadallo. As he grew up, his ambition was to become a lawyer, but, as the writer of Proverbs puts it, “The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (16:9). Instead of studying law, he felt the call of God on his life and attended Baguio Bible Institute and graduated in 1987. Recognizing his leadership qualities, Rev. Ed Rhodes, Director of Baguio Bible Institute, encouraged Pepito to attend Asia Pacific Theological Seminary. On January 11, 1989, Pepito was ordained as a minister in the Philippine Pentecostal Holiness Church, and on March 31, 1989, he graduated from the seminary with a Master of Biblical Studies degree. In June 1989, he joined the faculty of Grace Bible Institute and thus began a 32-year ministry of service to His Lord and to the Philippine Pentecostal Holiness Church.

For 15 years, Rev. Gadallo served as a teacher at GBI, the last 12 years as the Director. But he was not content to serve just at a residential Bible school that taught courses in English. He also traveled with others to the northern provinces of Luzon Island to conduct Bible classes in the local dialects. Thus, providing the opportunity for many pastors and young people who could not attend a residential school to study the Bible in their own dialect and prepare themselves for the ministry.In May 1996, while still serving as Director of GBI, Rev. Gadallo planted a church in the town of Rosario, La Union. Jesus is Our King Fellowship is a thriving church that has given birth to other churches as well.

From 2005 to 2015, Rev. Gadallo also served as Superintendent of the Northwest Conference. The NW Conference has produced capable pastors and lay leaders because of his vision and mission. These pastors and lay leaders have pioneered and established local churches in Baguio City, La Union, and Mountain Province. Moreover, his leadership at the conference level brought stability and prosperity both in the spiritual and material aspects.

From January 2016 until his death on August 7, 2021, Rev. Gadallo served as the Chairman of the National Board and Bishop of the Philippine Pentecostal Holiness Church. During this time, he traveled extensively to conduct seminars and challenge pastors to evangelize the islands of the Philippines.

Bishop Pepito was also one of the translators for the Full Life Study Bible - Revised Ilokano Version, which was launched in December 2018 by Life Publishers International.

He never promoted himself for any office, but sought only to serve. His heartbeat was to spread the Kingdom of God throughout the islands of the Philippines. Those of us who knew him can never forget his broad smile and his hearty laugh. None of us will forget those moments when his eyes gleamed with delight over someone’s happiness or accomplishment. Nor will we forget those moments when his eyes flowed with tears over the great pain or grief someone was bearing.

The week before his hospitalization was spent conducting numerous Bible studies to various groups, including police officers. When he entered the hospital, he took his iPad, worship music, and an app for preparing sermons. He passed from this life of walking by faith to enter an eternal life walking by sight with the One he served. He stayed occupied with his calling until he drew his last breath and heard his Master call to him, “Come up higher!”

He leaves behind his wife, Mary, son, Philip, daughter, Melody and son-in-law, Raymond Padin, along with his mother, Emiliana Gadallo, his sister, Imelda, and brother, Sofronio. He also leaves behind a host of pastors and laypersons who were taught by him and who cherish his memory.