OJ Ilocos : Makati delegates

PANGGA:

“If we are going to wait until every possible hindrance has been removed before we do a work for the Lord, we will never attempt to do anything.”
T.J. Bach (1881-1963, Venezuela)

Going to OJ is a spiritual battle and at the same time a blessing from the Lord. Throughout OJ, many circumstances tried to hinder my desire to serve God.



- I was part of 2nd batch and thus left Manila on the night of April 11. I was so worried throughout that night because my pregnant sister in Iloilo, who was due on April 28, was brought to the hospital due to a high BP (170/100). All I could do was pray for her as well as use my time to prepare for the lesson (School of Follow-up) that I was going to teach for the next morning. Thankfully, I learned the next day that my lesson was transferred in the afternoon and thus I was able to rest. I also received with joy and thanksgiving the news that my sister safely delivered the first apo in the family (caesarian).

- It was my first time to teach a school of follow-up and it was a challenge because the teacher’s manual was in English whereas the student’s material was in Tagalog. God gave me the wisdom to teach.

- Several times, the enemy tried to attack me physically. Once, I suddenly felt like I was going to collapse. Maybe because sa sobrang init, pagod at puyat narin. Another time, biglang sumakit ang ulo ko. I never had a migrane but that night pumipintig ang ulo ko at sobra ang sakit. But because my heart was always in tune with God, the Lord never left me and always protected me from harm. I took medicines, took some rest and was healed kaagad.

Some highlighs:

- I was asked to give my personal testimony after one film showing. I was amazed on how God used me mightily and gave me an extra strength.

- I really enjoyed sharing the Gospel to the patients while they were waiting for their turn during the free medical and dental. I was able to share to 12 people and they all prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.

- I was also encouraged by the church members who attended the RYW because they were eager to share the 4SL to the lost people in their place.

- We were amazed to see the moving of the Spirit of God when we prayed in unity on the last night of the Jesus film showing. Satan tried to hinder the people to come but God has other plans.

The Word of God that inspired me in OJ is found in Isaiah 52:7, says

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

“Lord, all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” Isaiah 26:12.

All Glory, Honor, Praises and Thanksgiving to GOD alone!


CHERRY:

It was my second time to join Operation Jabez and once again I’ve seen how God worked mightily and how He showed his Faithfulness to me.

I’m amazed how He answered all my prayers. I remember that before OJ, my heart was anxious about many things. My workload, my request for vacation leave, my physical health because of overtime at work, my fears and hesitations about what to expect in Oj, etc.



In all these, God made me realized the importance of PRAYER. He reminded me to cast to him even the smallest things that burden me. His word in Phils 4:5,6 speaks to me “ Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present you request to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind In Christ Jesus.” I was also reminded that in reality we do all have weaknesses, limitations, and inabilities but God’s power and resources are always available for us. I just need to learn to ask of it in faith.

True enough I’ve seen how God worked during the whole OJ. I enjoyed my assignment of being in charge of the prayer chain and in reminding my teammates about their time of praying.

I won’t forget also my experience in teaching a topic. He gave me the confidence to speak despite my natural fear of speaking in front of many people.

It was my first time to experience JESUS FILM as a way of evangelism. I’ve just heard of the stories but I witnessed the spiritual battle. One night, with the film almost over, there was a sudden black out. Another time, the sound system broke down. Our prayers were answered and it was very clear that nothing could hinder the spreading of the Good News.

I really treasure in my heart the people I met during the OJ. I was inspired of the life of the local church people, their commitment and their dedication to God. I was so blessed with the life of my teammates and their personal testimonies. I was so glad that the Lord answered my prayer. We had the bonding of friendship with other INFLUENCERS, regardless of the area. Even after OJ, we are still connected, giving encouragement and praying for each other.

OJ Ilocos is really memorable to me. The Lord taught me a lot of things through this short mission trip. He taught me to rely on Him alone and trust Him in every area of my life. When you are in the mission field, for sure there will be times you will experienced so many discouragement and disappointments but God indeed can do great things through us. I was also reminded of the importance of being a witness for Christ not just during OJ’s but everyday, reaching out to my JERUSALEM, JUDEA, SAMARIA and to the ends of the earth.(Acts 1:8) I am looking forward for the next OJ☺



Makati Delegates : Jen, Cherry, Wendell and Pangga