Finding my way back to God

It was last November of 2004 when I experienced the greatest test of my faith. Because of wrong decisions, my life suddenly changed. It cost me my friends and some people that were important to me. I lost my ministry and my church that help mold me and where I grew as a Christian. In pain, I cried to God desperately.

And then early this year, my longtime friend Cherry invited me to attend the Prolink of Makati Influencers. The speaker, Kuya Fel, spoke about Hope in Jesus Christ. He narrated his own life stories and struggles and how God answered all his questions through His Word. Hearing his testimony, I realized that I really have no other option but to trust God and surrender my whole life to Him all over again.

I also joined a discipleship group led by Kristy Leyble. A few weeks after the Prolink, Kristy challenged us to join Operation Jabez in Mindanao. I immediately decided to join. I prayed to God for wisdom if it is His will for me to go to Mindanao. I admit that I badly needed a break, but I asked God to change my heart and make the trip as my step of faith. I don’t want to go there for selfish reasons. I want to spend more time with God and respond to His Great Commission. I don’t want to spend time blaming myself nor let Satan remind me of my problems. I want God to heal me by sharing Jesus Christ to others. I remember what my pastor once told me, if I’m weak spiritually, sharing the Good News to others will remind me of God’s grace and it would help me to feel better.

And that’s what I did in Mindanao. We shared the Gospel to the people of T’boli tribe. We were also given a chance to share God’s love to M’s through the medicines and gifts we brought them. It was a trip that was full of fun but more important, it was very meaningful. While we shared God’s love to others, I gained it back tenfold.

I praise the Lord for bringing me to Makati Influencers. Not only did I gain new friends who became constant encouragement to me, it gave sisters and brothers who help me grow more in faith and appreciate God more. Their lives really speak of their faith and I praise God every time I see their loving faces. I praise the Lord for they helped me persevere in faith.

- - - Lani Laolao