MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

The consecration service of the Philippine Bible Society’s leadership was more than just a formal transition from one leader to another. It became a sacred moment where God’s faithfulness, provision, and calling were brought into focus.

Two women stood at the center of this moment: outgoing General Secretary Ms. Victoria Esperanza “Perry” Z. Cartera, whose decades of service shaped so much of PBS history, and incoming General Secretary Ms. Laura Valledo, whose humble “yes” to the Lord begins a new chapter of the ministry.

Ate Perry: A Legacy of Stewardship and Faithfulness

Ate Perry’s gratitude flowed naturally in her response to the tribute prepared for her. She honored the Board who guided her, the former General Secretaries who mentored her, her colleagues who worked with her through the years, long-time partners who stood with the ministry, and her own family who supported her calling even when others called her “crazy” for choosing ministry work at the age of twenty-two. Yet she said she would do it all again because serving the Lord through PBS is a calling she never regretted.

“I remember my grandmother who said ‘nasiraan na ako ng ulo’ for choosing to serve at PBS. She said I can earn more as a certified public accountant and can support the family well. But I will say, if I will do it over again, I will still choose to serve the Lord through PBS. No regrets. He provided for my family and gave me experiences that can never be bought by money.”

Her message ended with a gentle yet powerful encouragement to the next leader telling her not to be afraid. She reminded everyone that the God who carried PBS through the past forty years is the same God who will carry it forward. It was a beautiful passing of a legacy of trust—not in a person, but in the God who appoints and anoints His servants.

Ate Laura: A Humble Yes to a Holy Calling

Beginning a new chapter in her work in PBS, Ate Laura stood on the stage with trembling and honesty. “I feel deeply humbled, humbled that God would entrust [PBS to] someone like me with all my limitations, imperfections,” she shared, admitting her initial prayer for God to choose someone else. Yet, in her fear, she found strength in God’s assurance. The Lord chose her, and she responded with willingness.

After taking her oath of service, Ate Laura spoke of three convictions she holds as she now prepares to lead the Bible Society: first, that the Philippine Bible Society belongs to God and we are only custodians; second, that this calling is communal, sustained by a board, staff, and ministry partners who walk together in mission; and third, that leadership requires complete surrender and dependence not on personal capability but on the guidance of God.

In this moment of transition, her message felt like an echo of God’s call throughout Scripture. God does not choose the strongest. He chooses the willing. He calls, and he equips. He leads, and we follow.

A Ministry Carried by God, Then and Now

As the two women stood on stage, surrounded by the management team, board members, and longtime partners, the consecration became more than a ceremony. It became a testimony that every season of PBS is carried by the same faithful God. From the past years of struggle to today’s growth, from a simple wooden building to an expanding ministry that reaches the entire nation, God has been the center, the anchor, and the provider.

The consecration highlighted one truth: this work will always be bigger than any one leader. It is God’s mission to bring His Word to every Filipino heart and home. And he continues to raise people who will steward this mission with humility and obedience.

As Ate Perry steps into a season of rest and reflection, and Ate Laura enters a season of courage and surrender, the Philippine Bible Society moves forward with the same declaration: God’s Word will never return empty; his purpose for the Philippines will stand, and all the glory belongs to him alone

Praise be to God for this new season of PBS!