“In my years working as a lay missionary, it’s all about God’s grace. I endured, persevered, and stayed because of God.”
That is how Sean Jamir Septimo summarized his journey as a full-time pastoral worker for the Couples for Christ community, which started in 2009. It was not a smooth path, especially when he had to fulfill his mandate despite many challenges.
In addition to being homesick due to being away from his family, Bro. Sean also dealt with rejection and feeling unappreciated. There are also battles with spiritual dryness, mental fatigue, and physical ailments brought about by the packed schedule he must juggle.
Even visiting other places by himself due to his missionary work became a cause for concern, especially since he often traveled to unfamiliar territories. One such instance was when he was stranded in Calcutta, India, because he wasn’t granted the visa needed to enter the next destination in his itinerary. He extended his stay for seven days, even though there were no active community members in the area. Loyal to his calling, he navigated the cultural and language barriers while waiting for access to the next country.
Amidst the challenges, Bro. Sean never wavered in fulfilling the work of the Lord. Establishing his religious conviction on solid ground during his youth strengthened his resolve, allowing him to withstand the detours thrown at him.
A Firm Faith Planted Through Family
God’s grace inspired Bro. Sean’s parents to join the Christian Life Program in Camarines Sur in 1996. When they became active members of Couples for Christ, he got exposed to community life through household prayer meetings, music ministry practices, Bible study sessions, and fellowships. They also prayed the rosary as one family every night.
As he accompanied his parents to chapter assemblies on weekends, Bro. Sean became a member of Kids for Christ. Years later, he joined Youth for Christ with his brother. It was in YFC when the roots of his missionary life started to grow, leading him to serve as YFC Camarines Sur Provincial Youth Head in 2005.
At that time, their regional coordinator invited him to serve as a Mission Volunteer, to which he agreed. That “yes” led him to a part-time job at the CFC Provincial Mission Center while finishing his studies.
A greater call to serve God came in 2009 when he received an invitation to train as a full-time pastoral missionary for YFC. He signed up for the program, finished it, and soon offered himself to a life of service that led him to become the regional coordinator of YFC Middle East. Likewise, he received constant spiritual nourishment as he eventually transitioned to Singles for Christ and eventually, to Couples for Christ.
From Calling to Blessings
From serving in his home province, the Lord brought Bro. Sean to places far and wide. As he continued his missionary work, he shows his gratitude by doing his best to bring more people to Christ.
In return, those he had blessed have returned the favor—especially the CFC community in Oman, who helped him for five months during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lord also granted Bro. Sean a lifetime companion, Jennifer, whom he married in January 2023.
Only God knows where He will call Bro. Sean next. But with all the countless graces and blessings the Lord has showered upon him, he does not hesitate to heed God’s leading regardless of circumstance.
Written by Lawrence Andrew Fernandez | Edited by Angeli Arellano | Lay-out and Graphics by Jay Lucena
