Bodie Cruz is now a pastor and member of the discipleship of the Christian church Victory Alabang in Muntinlupa City.
The second son of actor Tirso Cruz III and Lynn Ynchausti was ordained in a ceremony on Tuesday, June 18.
"Promise fulfilled," the 33-year-old former actor wrote in his Instagram post.
"Forever grateful to God for calling me to serve Him, for giving me a supportive family, and for sending mentors and friends who identified, confirmed and affirmed this calling and who are continually helping me grow in it.
"This is just the beginning. Long and exciting journey up ahead!"
Proud mom Lynn expressed her joy in a video of this announcement.
"This is the day the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!" she began.
She also uploaded photos of Bodie through the years to mark her son's milestones leading up to his ordination.
Bodie was a consistent honor student at the International Christian Academy, Southville International School, Shekinah Christian School.
He worked as a computer programmer after graduating with a degree in Computer Science from De La Salle University.
He joined the second season of Pinoy Big Brother in 2007, his first exposure in showbiz.
Bodie did his rounds in the industry, doing "a few movies, singing, acting (became part of a couple of teleseryes at GMA7 & ABS-CBN)..."
But as Lynn revealed, it was through one of his stage plays that the young Cruz realized his calling.
Lynn wrote it was in Bodie's last stage play, Joseph The Dreamer, "which led to the turn of events that made him realize how much he loves the Lord & want to serve Him. Proud of you Bod!
"... Congratulations Bod! We are all proud of you! Shine for Jesus & in everything you do, do it for the glory of God!
"I love you my Pastor son!"
Lynn ended her posts with two Bible verses: "James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
"1 Peter 4:13 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."
Bodie's sister Djanin also gave her brother a short but sweet congratulatory message on Instagram.
BODIE IS NOT FORGETTING TJ
In Lynn's post, the mother of three confessed that the occasion brought bittersweet feelings to her and Tirso.
Their eldest son TJ passed away eight months ago on November 21, 2018, after his six-month battle with cancer.
Part of Lynn's caption read: "Just as when you get this feeling that it is a struggle everday coz you miss your eldest son (TJ) more & more each day, then you hear this good news that your other son (Bodie) is going to be ordained as one of the Pastors of Victory Church @victoryalabang!
"Isn't God truly amazing?! You cry because you miss your son so much who is in heaven, and then you cry also because you are overjoyed as your other son is going to be ordained as a Pastor!"
Tirso, for his part, talked about Bodie's ceremony through his daily letters to TJ.
The veteran actor called the occasion as "a very special day for us."
He wrote the same quote Lynn had written: "As we Christians would say, 'This is the day that the Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it!'
"Today Bodie will be ordained and officially become a full fledged Pastor of Victory church.
"We are all very excited for this event as I know you would have been too if you were here.
"I know how much you love and how proud you are of your brother.
"I hope and pray the Lord allows you to look down from heaven and watch the commencement exercise.
"Missing you a whole lot. We love you TEEJ!"
In his second post, Tirso posted photos from the ceremony.
The father of three also thanked the people who have helped Bodie in his spiritual journey.
Talking to TJ again, his caption read: "GODly heavenly morning TJ. Today is a continuation of yesterday's events. With pictures of course.
"As expected, it truly was a happy fufilling occasion. Now, we have to get used to calling your brother Pastor @bodiecruz. I must say it has a nice ring to it.
"And no one can be more prouder than me. Except your mama of course & @djanincruz.
"Many thanks to Pastor @arielmarquez, Pastor @ryangidor, Pastor Jonathan Ramirez for guiding Bodie.
"Thanks also to Pastor Nomer Bernardino, and to all our dear family friends, all the Victory church people who came to celebrate with Bodie.
"Oh how I really wish you were there yesterday. But as I have said, you will always be with us. For in our hearts and minds you will continue to live.
"Miss you and love you much TEEJ."
BROTHERS BODIE AND TJ
On the day news broke about TJ's passing, Bodie turned to the Bible for comfort.
He quoted Psalm 23:6 in the beginning of his farewell message to his Kuya.
"'Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' (Psalm 23:6)
"The battle with cancer for the past 6 months was tough, but it was also a time we got to experience God's love and faithfulness in abundance as a family.
"I am so grateful to the Lord for your life that was filled with passion, boldness and love.
"You desired nothing but to serve God and to glorify Him through dancing. Now, you will be able to do it free from sickness and pain, and in front of our Creator Himself — and you get to worship Him there forever.
"I love you, Kuya. Thank you to everyone who stood with us in prayer.
"Today, Kuya TJ has received the miracle of healing that we have believed God for. He is faithful."