With hearts full of gratitude and a deep sense of mission, Ernie and Amera Gardose joined fellow missionaries, partners, and friends at the Asian Center for Missions’ (ACM) 30ᵗʰ Anniversary celebration held at Word for the World, Makati, on July 4. The meaningful gathering was led by ACM Founder and CBN CEO Gordon Robertson, and CBN Asia President and CEO Peter Kairuz.
The milestone, aptly themed Missions Fiesta, marked not only three decades of ACM’s global impact but also the couple’s more than 25 years of faithful service in Cambodia—made possible through God’s call and ACM’s training and unwavering support.
Amera recalls her journey began while she was praying for various people groups around the world.
“At that time, I was interceding for India when I received a clear call to become a missionary,” she shared.
For Ernie, the calling came through the testimony of another missionary who visited their church.
“His story had a deep impact on me. That was when God began speaking to my heart, reminding me, ‘You can be a missionary too.’ From that day on, He never stopped reminding me of that calling.”
Since then, Ernie and Amera have made Cambodia their mission field, committing their lives to serving the local and international communities. Amera teaches at an international missionary school that not only disciples children of missionaries but also includes local Cambodians.
“It’s a privilege to share the gospel and disciple young minds. Some of whom have grown up and now serve in the same ministry,” she said with joy.
Ernie serves alongside Amera in children’s ministry at the International Christian Assembly Church, while also ministering in two local village churches.
“I see the joy in training members who now lead Bible studies and prayer meetings. Like Joshua rising after Moses, they are now leading with hearts on fire. Not because of us, but because of God’s work in them.”
Reflecting on their mission journey, both Ernie and Amera credit ACM for equipping them with the foundation they needed.
“The six-month intensive training we received from ACM prepared us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Without that, we wouldn’t have lasted more than 25 years in the field,” Amera shared.
Ernie added, “Before ACM, we were afraid to move forward. We felt alone. But ACM gave us a platform—training, encouragement, and prayers that sustained us. Knowing we had a community behind us gave us the confidence to obey God’s call.”
As they celebrated this special anniversary, their message to aspiring missionaries was clear and heartfelt.
“If God is calling you, take that leap of faith,” Amera encouraged. “The Lord who calls is able and faithful. I’ve tasted His goodness, and I can say: the fear is nothing compared to the joy of obeying Him.”
Ernie echoed, “Keep saying yes to God. You’ll be amazed how He uses your life to bring others into His presence. It’s always a blessing to respond to His call.”
Their story stood as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and of the countless lives changed when ordinary people say yes to an extraordinary God.
Are you called to serve the nations? To learn more about how you can be trained and sent into the mission field, visit Asian Center for Missions or call 8-737-0700.
