Rev. Romeo R. Velasco BTh, MDiv.

Born on May 30, 1953 in the Philippines of Christian parents, Federico Velasco and Dionedes Rojas, Velasco. Married to former Nieves Valin of Santiago, Isabela Philippines. Blessed with three lovely daughters: Romini VELASCO Sembrano– 39, Alodia VELASCO Gallagher– 38 and Omega VELASCO Bautista- 35. Four adorable grandchildren: Gerick Sembrano-14, Leon Bautista– 9, Aiden Gallagher-7, Lydia Gallagher -4

Entered the ministry in 1970 and has been a pastor of The United Methodist Church for 28 years in the U.S. and 16 years in the Philippines a total of 44 years of service. Served God with joy and energy, talents and skills, passion and commitment to sharing the gospel of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Pastoral services included the episcopal areas of the Philippines, West Ohio, Virginia and California Nevada Conferences.

Earned Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pangasinan and Philippine Christian University in 1972 and a Bachelor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary, Dasmarinas Cavite, Philippines in 1976. Ordained elder in full connection in 1977. After several appointments in the Philippines, moved to Ohio in 1987 and earned a Master of Divinity at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio USA in 1991 Became a Full member of the West Ohio Conference in 1992 and served several appointments in the West Ohio area; Cygnet Cloverdale, Kings Creek, Ohio City and Peace United Methodist Churches. Moved to California in 2000 and served several appointments; Red Bluff First, Salinas First, Firebaugh Mendota United Methodist Churches. July 2007 – 2010 served as “on loan Pastor” to the Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley   Virginia Conference. Back to California in 2010 and appointed to serve the Gold Country Community Parish United Methodist Church combined ministries of Colfax, Placer Hills Community, and Dutch Flat United Methodist Churches until June of 2015. Moved back to Ohio in July of 2015 to be closer in proximity with his children.

My Life’s Spiritual Journey and How I feel called to do ministry?

My life’s spiritual journey is one of Care. Service and obedience to the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20. As a Christian I have to be God’s hands, eyes, ears and voice, therefore I want to be with people regardless of who they are, where they came from and where they are dealing with the ‘hand that has been dealt to them’.

I do really see the world as a Care Center, where people are in need of both physical and spiritual care. This is an important focus. This is my spiritual identity. I am after what’s involved in my experience, and in my reality of being filled up with God’s spiritual presence and power and authority.

My motivation for serving and caring for people was a sense of giving back the gifts and graces that God has given me. I am called by Christ to live as a person empowered to care for people and to proclaim the word of God.