Jobbie Dinio Yabut, youth director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, passed away December 20, 2019 in Silang, Cavite, Philippines at the age of 56. Yabut’s passion towards empowering the young people and training young missionaries who will disciple the next generation of leaders is his top commitment in serving the church and his Savior.
His heart has always been close to young members of the church even since the day he started his pastoral ministry in 1989. This burning desire to reach out to young people all across the division is a calling he cannot afford to turn down. He believes that our young people are called to serve in different capacities that they may be utilized for the furtherance of His work.
Jobbie Dinio Yabut was born on March 3, 1963 to Jose and Vicenta Yabut of Angeles City, Pampanga. He is the younger of only two siblings. Baptized at age 11, the jovial teen showed early signs of pastoral leadership especially in the Pathfinder and Voice of Youth programs of the Angeles City church where his dad was an elder, and his mom, considered a “Mother of Israel” by many.
Jobbie was not only known for his leadership skills, but was also popular for his love for the game of basketball. Despite his love for the game, the young man never waivered when it comes to his desire to become a minister for the Lord. He took AB History, Philosophy, and Religion program of the Philippine Union College (now Adventist University of the Philippines). During his years in college, he was elected as the Ministerial Association president and spearheaded several ministries, evangelisms, and camp activities on and off the campus.
Jobbie Yabut is blessed with a wonderful family. Jobbie is married to Aurora Guevarra in December 18, 1988. They were gifted with three children, Dino Robbie, Afhleen Joy, and Joraleen Dion.
Jobbie began his ministry as a district pastor when he was assigned in the Central Luzon Mission (now Central Luzon Conference). After several years being assigned in different provinces within the conference, he was then called to serve as the youth director of the same institution in 1999. His unique approach and relationship towards the young people inspired thousands of youth in the region who are now leaders and young pastors in their own respective ministries.
Yabut was called to serve as a youth director in the North Philippine Union Conference on January 2006. Two months after, he was then called to serve in the same department under the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
While in SSD, Pastor Jobbie strengthened the One Year in Mission (OYiM), Mission Adventures, among others. His responsibilities demand frequent travels to the 14-member countries in the SSD territory. Yet, together with his entire family, all of whom are Master Guides, he would inspire their home church in Tubuan, Silang, Cavite until it has established Master Guide, Pathfinder, and Adventurer clubs. For almost three, five-year terms Pastor Jobbie actively served the SSD youth and young adults.
Jobbie spent his life living in the adventures that God gave him through the youth ministries.
Several friends and former colleagues shared words in remembrance of Yabut.
“A father to all the young people here in SSD. He will surely be remembered and honored as a great man of valor. His testimony is such a blessing to me. Thank you for all your dedicated service,” said Edgar Bryan Tolentino, Assistant Director of the Ellen G. White Center in the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS).
“Jobbie is a very good friend of mine. I remember the years we spent together in the ministry, Jobbie and myself, it was a good, nice, journey together. He may not be continuing his journey right now, but I am positive that we will continue a beautiful journey when Jesus comes back,” said Jonathan Tejel, youth director of the Inter-European Division (EUD).
“I will be waiting for that day to come to hug my friend again and spend eternity together with Jesus,” Tejel added.
“Jobbie was a man who had incredible integrity especially regarding youth ministries. He was the embodiment of the theme “Pass It On”. He effectively used his position to equip and mentor young people into leadership,’ said Gary Blanchard, current youth director of the Adventist World church.
Jobbie was always quick to smile and could quickly make you feel like you’ve been friends for years. Our division youth directors are already feeling the loss of this wonderful and great man of God,” Blanchard added.
Jobbie's body was laid to rest on December 27, 2019 at the Abraham’s Bosom Memorial Garden in Silang, Cavite, Philippines.