Tagaytay City, Philippines — After more than two decades of mentoring young people, developing leaders, and serving the Church, Rev. Elsid Paragas has been named a recipient of the Timothy Award during the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Youth Conference held in Tagaytay City, Philippines, on 22-26 July 2026. For Ptr. Elsid, however, the award is not simply a celebration of personal achievement. It represents the many young people he has walked with, encouraged, mentored, and helped prepare for ministry.
“I was completely surprised and overwhelmed,” Rev. Elsid shared. He said he never imagined being nominated, much less selected for such a significant recognition.
His journey of investing in young leaders began through Nazarene Youth International (NYI). From 2004 to 2009, Rev. Elsid served on the Metro Manila District NYI Council, where he was mentored by Rev. Jordan Escusa, Bro. Joel Arro, and Rev. Raquel Vargas.
He later served as Metro Manila District NYI President from 2009 to 2013 before becoming the first Philippines-Micronesia Field Youth Coordinator, serving from 2013 until June 2022.
At the heart of his youth ministry has been the message of 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers…”
Ptr. Elsid has consistently reminded young people that age should never become a barrier to answering God’s call. Instead, he has encouraged them to discover their gifts, grow in Christlike character, and faithfully serve wherever God places them.
Along the way, youth ministry also became the place where God shaped Rev. Elsid himself.
“NYI was not simply a ministry I served—it was the training ground where God formed my character, strengthened my faith, and affirmed His calling upon my life,” he reflected.
Today, Rev. Elsid serves as Senior Pastor of Blessed Church of the Nazarene in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where he continues to preach, disciple believers, equip leaders, and shepherd families. He also serves professionally as a Facilities Specialist at Compassion International Philippines.
One of his greatest joys is seeing young people he once mentored now serving as pastors, missionaries, district leaders, local church leaders, and even as a District Superintendent.
Rev. Elsid describes this through 1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” For him, those transformed lives are a greater reward than any title or recognition.
The Timothy Award therefore carries special meaning. It affirms a ministry philosophy Rev. Elsid has lived for years: the greatest legacy of a leader is not the position he holds, but the people he prepares. His own life verse, Galatians 6:10, reflects that commitment: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Even with this recognition, Rev. Elsid believes the work continues. He holds firmly to 1 Corinthians 15:58, which reminds believers that their “labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
His encouragement to the next generation remains simple:
“Trust God, take the first step in faith, and let Him write your story.”
For Rev. Elsid, receiving the Timothy Award is not the conclusion of his ministry story. It is another reminder to keep investing, mentoring, and preparing a new generation to carry the Gospel farther.
