Three Days Mission (my first "go"ing)

When something's so overwhelming, I find it really hard to put into words.
Here I am attempting to immortalize one of the best three days of my life. :)

It's been more than a week since the Hike For Christ's Movement's three days mission trip in an Aeta community (specifically in Sitio Banawen, San Felipe Zambales). We went there to make disciples and to get to know the community more so that we can serve God better through them.

Looking back before the mission, I was so grateful for the spiritual preparation that we had. We heard and learned from different missionaries who's "been there and done that" in the mission field. One is currently working in reaching out our Muslim brothers and sisters, one is a Discipleship Pastor on one of our congregation and lastly, a group that has the same heart beat as ours in reaching out the tribes in the Philippines. I was inspired with their stories, excellence and boldness. I was touched with their heart to really honor Christ in their ministries. We were so fired up.

But then, I also learned from these exhortations that there will be attacks from the enemy as we attempt to expand the Kingdom.

Days before the mission, it became evident. Internally, I had that unexplained and extraordinary tiredness. Externally, I was suddenly being threatened to be homeless.

 The attacks were great, yes, but I also learned that when the attack is great, it means we're doing something great for the Kingdom as well. That excites me. Moment by moment, I was amazed with His grace and strength that carried me (and the team) through and was able to resolve to "go" no matter what.

Day 1

I had the privilege to lead the group devotion. I was personally reminded that even before we do something, God already affirmed us and is  well pleased because of our faith in Christ. That gave me the confidence to look forward of how He's going to move on our behalf in the next hours and days.

After the devotion, off we go for the three-hour trek under the scorching weather. It was indeed VERY challenging (I could still remember my numb arms, tired feet,dry throat etc.). But more than those, I remember singing worship songs with our not-so-pang-music-team voice, vlogging (haha) and the start of becoming intentional in connecting and knowing the locals. We're grateful for the children (April Boy, Daniel and Christian) who became our guide and the families we met while taking a refuge under the shade of some trees.

And finally around 11 AM or so, we made it!  We then ate our lunch, took a rest and prepare for the house-to-house discipleship.

We were then divided into teams (I was part of Team Grace with Glenn) and we went to different houses with these goals: to know them and make Him known in their life.

We've  heard their stories, hobbies, health concerns, dreams, struggles etc.
We've shared His story of salvation, Lordship and even Repentance.

It's amazing to witness how He's touching lives and I'm so in awe that He allowed us to be part of it!

Day 2

I think this is the most productive day of my life so far. A lot of things happened in a day and seriously, there were moments when I thought "Really, that also happened today?"

We attended the local church. We were welcomed with children singing praises! Tears shed when people shared their testimonies of how amazing God is. How He provided, healed and how He brought people back to Sitio Banawen. We met Ate Rachelle (one of the people supporting the ministry in Sitio Banawen). Her heart for community could be seen writ large while crying over gratefulnes for being back in the Sitio.

 Tears shed again when Ate Chaye spoke on our behalf and said that there are acually many people behind us who are also one with us in loving and reaching the community. Indeed, we're so grateful for those who sent us!

We're also able to finally connect with the local pastor there (Pastora Divina). We prayed for her and believe with her for the community.  She then invited us for a fellowship night and we agreed. Suddenly, we just found ourselves going to her home for lunch (am not so sure what happened,hehe).

We brought adobo and bananas. Pastora prepared pansit, fried fish,rice and.... snake. Yes, you read it right. It's not that she hates us or something. They really cook and eat snakes in the community. I wasn't brave enough to taste it though. :(

After lunch, we had a chance to meet few locals outside Pastora's house. I was so glad to see Judith again. She's one of the children I met on my first visit last year. She's a little bigger now and I also met her little sister!

After that short fellowship, we continued spending time with the kids. Some of us focused on discipling the little children while some focused on the youth. I was able to help out in handling the later.  Ate Chaye encouraged them that they're not too young to be used by God.

We then had a small group to process the Word. This was also my favorite moment since God allowed me to share my testimony to four young women (Jessa, Shiela, Anabelle and Reina). The testimony of how a girl like me (who's so unlikely to go on studying) was able to have a degree. The testimony of how I found my value and identity in Christ alone (not in other people OR in crushes hehe).

They played volleyball after that and I served as a scorer. I was proud that my girls won! :) Yay!

The team then distributed "sopas" to them. Yum!

At night, we had some time and played Uno!!! It was a challenge to play in the dark but it was so much fun!

Time pass by and we ate our dinner. We didn't realize that the people we're actually waiting  for us for the Fellowship night. I'm grateful that God didn't allow us to miss it. When we realized that they're waiting for us, we hastily went!

In the fellowship night,  they danced their traditional Aeta dance for us  and suddenly, they  asked us to dance with them. It was really, really, really an amazing time. We danced and sang (we sang "Awit ng Bayan" for them) praises together too, encouraged one another and pray. I was hoping the night wouldn't end. Awww..

Some of my personal funny moments was when Nanay Luz called me Kenkoy (Nay? why? hahaha). And when one of us thought that the English of "Gawa" is "Job" instead of "Acts".

Really, all of that happened in a day!

Day 3

We woke up early to prepare breakfast. It was a challenge to start a fire and to find the utensils sa madaling araw. Grateful na nakaluto kami just in time.

We resumed our house-to-house discipleship to reach out those who are really far from the community. When we're about to go, we're surprised na sila na mismo yung pumunta sa area kung nasan kami. Nandon na pala sila!

I'm reminded of the verse John 12:32 " And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." - Jesus

Wow, may Jesus be lifted higher! He is the One drawing people to Himself!

I was amazed with the report that 4 Aeta fathers received salvation at that time.

 I was also able to share the Gospel to Aileen (one of the first girls I met in the community last year) as we went through the One 2 One. This was actually an answered faith goal! "To one 2 one an Aeta girl" I wrote and pray at the start of the year. Nakakaiyak when I'm teaching her how to find the verses in the Bible we gave her. HUHUHUHU. I told her we'll have Chapter 2 when we meet again.

When we're about to leave, one woman went to us so that we can talk to her as well. She went too from afar. She ran so she can catch us! Hirap magpigil ng luha. I was then able to listen to her and shared the message that we're saved by grace alone. I pray I encouraged her as well through prayers.

This is just too sweet of Him!  Thank You Jesus!

We then took some group pictures, bid goodbye and went home. I can't believe it's over.  Talagang nakakaiwan ng puso.

Who would've thought that after being rejected for mission trips multiple times,I was finally able to go? It's amazing  that the then "go" of my God in now "went".

Here's to more "go" ing.
Here's to more of His enabling power.
Here's to more for His glory.

It's just the first.



*Views and opinion expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hike for Christ Movement.

P.S. (What to do on your Single years)

Dear God's princess,


        February is just around the corner and you know very well  what it means. SAD or Single Awareness Day is coming. It's more popularly known as Valentine's day.  Can you imagine? There will be chocolates, teddy bears, roses and couples everywhere again.

        As a single woman, I remember one  particular Valentine's day.  It was really such a dreadful day. I was just sad the whole day and I  felt like crying (I think I really cried)! Ako lang ba 'to? Minsan kahit hindi din Feb. 14, it happens, right?

        But then as I learn more/ relearn more from the Author of romance Himself, as I spend time with Him, really listening to Him...  I slowly learned a lot through this season (or should I say "subject" ? haha)  called "Singleness". I didn't actually know na enrolled pala ako sa subject na magtuturo sa akin ng maraming bagay. Haha!

       My major learning is that this season is actually a gift from Him. It's not a problem to be solved, a basis of my security or beauty or a season of punishment that I should hate. It's a season of an undivided devotion to Him actually.

        It says in 1 Corinthians 7:34, “The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy in both body and spirit…”

         It sounded too impossible for me at first. Too impossible! How can singleness be a beautiful thing?  But He continued to patiently  reveal that indeed, it's a beautiful season of Him and me (insert You and me by Lifehouse :D).

         I  kept on learning and relearning to surrender the longings of my heart before Him and rest in the fact that if He wants me to be married, He will make a way. He's powerful. He wouldn't even need my help!


         So now, as we desire to honor God more in this season,  how are we to spend this beautiful season if it's not for Pursuing marriage (Surprise!Surprise!) nor Searching for future husband ('cause he's the one who will search and fight for you)?



      Two letters we (yes, me too) need to remember:   P.S.



      Pursue Jesus Christ

           Pagod ka na ba mag assume? In Christ, you can take  a rest. Yung love ni Jesus for you, you don't need to assume it. It's sure, clear,  real and proven.
           He proved it by giving His life, His blood for YOU and me on the cross.
           With that, I'm convinced that He's worthy of our love, of our devotion, of our emotions.
           With that, we can now pursue this Jesus who loves so much above all else! Yes, even more than marriage!

           It doesn't mean that you'll hate marriage or you'll be "boy-hater" though or you will not be friends with your brothers in Christ. It simply means that you will start making Jesus your all-in-all.

As in  legit. Not just a cliche'.

            How will you know that you're pursuing Jesus or other things?
 
             Isa sa mga natutunan ko is to ...  Check your thought life! Sino at ano ba ang lagi mong iniisip? Yung sinabi ba ni Jesus or yung chat ni crush na binigyan mo ng napakaraming meaning?

            Practical way to fight that is once you notice you're thinking of things you shouldn't, start reminding yourself of a scripture or pray for someone to know Jesus or an open door for the nations etc. ;) It's not an automatic thing though, you need to be intentional. ;)
       
           Now ask yourself, where is your fulfillment? Is it in the hope of marriage or in Jesus Christ?

Let me share this verse that I really appreciate these days:

Proverbs 27:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 A person who is full refuses honey,

but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.

         If you're so hungry,  kahit ano lang basta ma fill ka. You really have the tendency to compromise. "even bitter food tastes sweet" sabi nga.  But, if you're full, you can even refuse  the things that would  seemingly  satisfy you. Full ka na eh. You can choose better what to add in your life. Hindi nalang basta-basta ang pagpili mo. HAHAHA. Am I making sense? Sana na-gets mo. I pray you'll be so full in Jesus, so in love that  He alone is more than enough to fill that void in your heart. Mapa February man or December.  :) 

            In every season, you're okay, you're full of joy because YOU  have HIM! Seek to honor  Him even with your emotions. Guard your heart, guard your emotions (cliche' but we obey) and ask Him to protect it.  It's going to be a daily journey of surrender and passionate love for your Heavenly Bridegroom.

              Basically, it's going to be:  Jesus Christ >  marriage hopes and dreams

              Impossible? Nothing is impossible with Him! Let's  ask for His enabling power.

      Serve 

       
              Instead of searching and searching and searching for your future husband, start serving and serving and serving. Look beyond yourself and start looking around. There's a dying world. A lot of people are dying without even hearing what Jesus did for them, without someone who will encourage them. Your purpose to share Him to the world is not on hold. You are called to make a difference in the life of the people around you... NOW!


             Go pour out yourself for the sake of Gospel, go disciple, go serve God in the ministry that He's given you, go serve your family, go do your best in your studies or at work for His glory,  go pray, go give, go encourage someone, go and be used by Him mightily in this season. By His grace, we can be the woman for others that He wants us to be.


           Kaya ba 'to? Kaya! :)

P.S.

I hope you know He loves you. You're precious. You're beautiful. He got you. Smile, princess. Keep running to Him. Let Him have the pen of your  story. He's trustworthy and He's worthy of our all-in-all.




                                                                                                                              Love,
                                                                                                                              princessinawe

For more, please listen to this Podcast:  http://setapartgirl.com/podcasts/how-to-spend-your-single-years



                                                                                                                    Photo by Nine Köpfer on Unsplash

Writing for Him

For the past months, I've been doing things that I've never done before or things that I've never even imagined of doing. One of them is writing a newsletter for an outreach event. When it was first brought up, I was too hesitant (because I only write blogs and I almost forgot that comm was my major!). I was reminded though that I declared in my heart that I will not put any boundaries on how He'll gonna use my hands, feet and life. 

I am blessed to be part of the Core team of Hike For Christ Movement now and this was my first task. I resolved to rely on His grace.

Days after, I was so happy to actually come up with this (though this is still for approval!). I was like, "Whoa, this really looks like a newsletter!" I can't believe this! I thank Daddy God for His Word for me last night..

Generation after generation stands in awe of Your work;

each one tells stories of Your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4 MSG)

Your marvelous doings are headline news;

I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness. (Psalm 145:6 MSG)

I'm amazed when the author of Psalm said "I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness." I realized it's a great privilege to write about Him and what He is doing! 

So here's the newsletter I tried to do for Hike For Christ Movement's Balik-Eskwela missions (this is not the official newsletter) : 

The text isn't  that clear so if you want, you can read it here:

Balik-Eskwela Missions 2018 

We are very much grateful for your partnership in blessing our Aeta students in Sitio Cawag and Sitio Banawen, Zambales through our Balik -Eskwela missions last May 19, 26-27,2018. We are privileged and humbled that God is continually using us to bring hope and faith in the said communities.


At Sitio Cawag


It’s great to go back to this community. It’s been 5 months since we last visited and it’s heartwarming to see familiar smiles all over again. Our team (which was composed of 54 volunteers) was expectant of what God will do in and through us this time.


In this one day missional outreach, we’re able to give 115 school bags with school supplies. Initially, we thought that we will only be able to give school kits, but because of God’s provision through your generosity, we’re amazed that we’re also able to bless them with new school bags.


In addition, we also gave toys to the preschool children, prizes for the games and fed them physically by cooking and distributing snacks (“sopas” and juice).


Most importantly, we’re able to feed them spiritually.


We praise God together, conducted Bible story telling and had a discipleship time with the youth. Specifically, we taught the children to love others as Jesus Christ loves us. We’re grateful that we’re able to share the Gospel to the parents as well. We believe that they could and should be our partner in leading the next generation to Jesus. We must always go back to our mission. We exist to reach out different tribes around the Philippines to share His hope and His love.


It wasn’t only a wonderful time for the community but for the volunteers as well. We had a chance to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ, had a deeper revelation of why we were doing these things through our time of devotion and we were able to use our different skills and gifts so that we can serve more. Some had fun cooking, ministering, preparing the place, teaching, singing, dancing and even acting! Yes, some tasks were challenging, but we declare that we’re unstoppable in doing what God wants us to do. We’re grateful for the spirit of fun, faith and family in our midst. The outreach shaped our faith and we’re forever grateful that we’re there to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.


At Sitio Banawen

It’s the second time that we blessed this community and it’s great to be back. The 2-3 hours trek just to reach them was really worth it. Our team was relatively smaller (we only had 33 volunteers) this time but God still worked mightily through us.

In this two-day missional outreach, we’re able to reconnect with the children and bless them with snacks, 85 school bags with school supplies and toys. It’s our prayer that they will be able dream big and believe that nothing is impossible with our God.

Just like in Sitio Cawag, we were intentional in sharing what they ultimately need - the saving knowledge Jesus Christ. We shared the story of Joseph the Dreamer to the young ones and presented John 3:16 to the youth. We were also able to reach the parents with the Gospel.

It was also a great privilege to lead the children as they sing and dance for Jesus. To celebrate His great love with them is a sight to behold.

The volunteers had a great time of fellowship on the second day. We reminded each other that Jesus is a compassionate God who can relate to us. We also ponder on what He did on the cross for each of us. We can only love the community that we’re in because He first loved us.

Again, we thank God for you. We truly appreciate your prayers and support to our Balik- Eskwela Missions.

God bless you always!

Hike For Christ Movement

After a series of meetings and heeding suggestions, here's the final look of our Balik- Eskwela missions newsletter: 

This might be not as long as a book but this is from my heart to our God and our partners. 

LORD, have Your way as I write for You

Masasa Beach 2018

In the midst of all the news that  the Masasa Beach is too crowded and becoming dirty, we went there and prayed to still be in awe of God's creation! Being with spiritual sisters in this adventure made it even more fun and delectable! I will be forever grateful that Daddy God allowed me to walk this life with these women - My Victory Friends! Anyway, here's how we went there and what happened (I hope my memory will serve me right, so the time here is only an estimated time, hindi ko na talaga masyado matandaan):


12:30 AM I met Jo and Gab in KFC (near Kia Theater) and then we walked (yes! We went there on foot! HAHA) to Jam liner's Kamuning Terminal (near GMA) 

1:20   AM We arrived in  Jam Liner Terminal. Bought and ate Spaghetti! I was too hungry. Hehe. Waited for the other girls and start na ng tawanan. :)

2:00   AM   We rode a bus going to Batangas Grand Terminal. It's the bus with a signage:  CALABARZON / Batangas Pier   (Php 165)

4:20   AM  We arrived at Batangas Grand Terminal. We then rode a jeepney going to Anilao port (Php 40)

5: 00 AM   We arrived at Anilao Port.  We paid for the environmental fee (Php 30). They will write a number on your environmental fee's ticket. For the boat ride, they will call out the number written on your  environmental fee's ticket.  I saw a watermelon-designed salbabida and we bought it hehe. You'll see how it looks later.

5:30 AM  We rode the boat. Supposedly, it should go to Tingloy port, pero sa ibang port pala ang punta nung boat na nasakyan namin. I can't remember the name of the other port though but it's still near Masasa so don't worry. It's just that it's more expensive. Instead of Php 80, we paid Php 100. Parang nasa bus lang ang singilan dito. May parang kundoktor na maniningil ng bayad habang nasa byahe. More than an hour ang travel time. It was so exciting! It's my first time to ride a boat!!!! I met Ate Millet and her son. She shared to me that she grew up in Batangas and she always ride a boat but until now, she's still a little scared of the waves. I always wonder if I'll have seasick if ever I'll ride a boat but it was tolerable for me. It's great to discover that.

Speaking of waves, I was so surprised nung biglang nabasa ng alon  ang mga natutulog kong friends and nagising talaga sila!  (It was hard for me to hinder myself from laughing! Peace girls. ;))

Life jacket! (it's my first time to wear it hehe)  :) 

6: 50 AM     We arrived at the port (Victory port? just kidding! HAHA). And then rode a tricycle going to our transient  house.  (Php 20) It was one of the most challenging tricycle ride ever AND YET ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOO! Challenging because nakasakay ako sa likod bitbit ang malaking salbabida, tapos sobrang taas nung paakyat!!! We had to move forward para hindi tumaob ang tricycle! Oh my! And then one of the most beautiful because makikita mo na yung dagat sa ibaba!!! We then walked going to our transient house.

7:00 /7:30 AM (not sure na talaga) We arrived in Teacher Benny's Transient House. I recommend  to make a reservation in  a transient house before going to Masasa. We're blessed in our transient house! Baka gusto mo din sa kanila?

It is near the beach!!

No need to ride a service boat or tricycle

Rate: We paid  Php 350 per head per night 

Offers:

8 rooms with fan, 4 bathrooms & cr, with standby generator in case there's brownout, free use of gas stove and kitchen wares, with grilling station, free use of videoke

May tindahan din sila!!!

Activities:

Snorkeling 

Island hopping 

Mountain trekking to Mag asawang bato 

Visiting a lagoon 

Contact numbers: 09178048427 / 09997762755

We prepared our brunch (rice, maling , kamtis,  itlog na pula and pritong talong) . Ate some bread. Prepare for our photoshoot (wahahaha!) and Island hopping! The price of Island hopping varies and it's optional. For us, we paid Php 365 per head. 

Then we went to the beach. It's true that there are a lot of people (well, not so many I guess compared to the crowd during the Holy Week). Anyway, I was fine with it. I focused more on the fact that the water was sooooo clearrrrrrr!!It's breathtaking!!! (Buti pa yung water, malinaw. HAHA) 

Then these happened: 

Time for Island Hopping!!!!!

Saya "tumindig" sa bangka! ;) 

The watermelon Salbabida! HAHA

First Island : Sombrero Island. Pero, umikot lang kami dahil may bayad ang pagdaong sa Sombrero Island. Php 200 per head.  It's a private property. 

Second Island: I forgot the name. Huhu. Was it "Seyuc Island"? Not sure. It was the island na almost kami lang yung tao. We ate lunch there and went swimming. 

Naging Morena na. HAHA. a pic with Kuya Vic, our bangkero! :) 

For our Magazine spread. HAHAHA

Linaw!!!!

Third Island: Don't ask me the name. HAHA. Pero kami lang yung tao. It's where we had our training for snorkeling. I was soo grateful to learn!!!! #learner . It was too amazing!!!!

Picture muna bago sumabak. 

When we finally knew how, it's time to snorkel!!!!  My mind and heart are still trying to repeat what I saw and felt until now. It's like wala akong word for this. I'm too in awe. It's true when Daddy said that He will let me see "great and marvelous" things. I was singing a worship song or talking and praising Daddy (in my head of course haha) while snorkeling for letting me experience this!  I saw corals, fishes and starfishes. They're soooo cute!!!! I was like in another world for  a while. Whooooooohoooooo!!!!!

After seeing God's wonderful creation below!!! 

Going back to Masasa... 

Some of my friends have to go back to Manila right away.. so we went back to our transient and  settled  the payment.  The girls (who will leave) still need to pay the transient house since may mga nagbago yung sched. Dapat 6 kaming mag overnight pero naging tatlo na lang. Need pa din bayaran yung na reserve na slot so make sure to be sure kung ilan sa inyo ang mag oovernight. :)

We had our short VG. Dessie shared to us about making a difference in the workplace and  prayed "Lord, help us to be there for each other as You are there for each of us".  Then it's time to say goodbye. Awww.

Naiwan kami ni Ana and Arl. We sang in videoke while waiting for the sun to go down a bit. Feeling namin quota na sa sun rays ang  balat namin. HAHA. We also ate cucumber with magkakaiba ng sawsawan. Hihi.

We eventually went back to the beach and found a great spot because the sand is powdery. :")
I love the girls. Grabe. They made my dreams come true... like pagsakay sa salbabida and matabunan ng buhangin. yayyyy!!!

Chat and chat and chat. Sunset.

Prepared for dinner and took a bath.Ate dinner and sleep.


Day 2

5:27 Woke up

6  AM went to the beach. Worshiped God together. Encouraged one another. Sought God individually. Shared what Daddy spoke to our hearts and prayed for each other. I'm too blessed to have them as eternal friends and sisters :")

date with Daddy 

Thank you Mars for capturing and for your life! 

How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. 

 They cannot be numbered!

 I can’t even count them;

they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up,

You are still with me!

Psalm 139:17-18 

#tears

Prepared breakfast , ate and prepared to go home. We're supposed to go to the famous lagoon pero 24 hours lang dapat sa transient house. Lagpas na kami and may paparating na bagong guests so nakakahiya na. hehe. 

We left at around 10:10 AM. 

We rode a tricycle going to Tingloy Port (Php 20 each) . 

Rode the boat (Php 80) going to Anilao Port.

Bought some candies and pasalubong. 

Took the jeepney going to Batangas Grand Terminal (Php 40)

Rode a bus going to Cubao. (Php 165) 

We arrived at Cubao around 3PM. Parang panaginip ang lahat. :) 

P.S. If you'll go there, please.... BE DISCIPLINED. Magtapon ng mga basura sa mga trash bin not in the seashore. Wag na din mag bonfire kasi nakakasira din sa beauty ng Masasa. Thank you! 

May more people and generation enjoy the beauty of this place.

Ana: Mars, balik tayo!

         Yes, Mars! Tara!!!!!

                                                   *Photos are from Ms. Desserie Dionio and Ms. Ana Fatima Morauda 

To the girl who just met Jesus

I've seen the oceans, the mountains and the snow. But you, accepting Jesus, is still the greatest sight to behold.

I'm excited for you.

You smiled beautifully when we first met. I asked if you've been coming often and you said it's your third. I'm excited. I asked how old you are and you said "Fifteen".  I'm so excited for you. I'm too excited for you.

We're about to sing a song that speaks gratitude for His love -  "Beautiful Love" and you whispered to me "Ate, favorite ko yan". I'm excited. I'm so excited for you. I'm too excited for you.

At the end of the most beautiful message of all time, the message of His great love and great plan to save you.  You responded. You responded to His great love.  I'm excited. I'm so excited for you. I'm too excited for you.

My heart beats fast.. oh girl.. Do you have any idea what awaits?

You will finally stop waiting to know your identity.

You will finally stop seeking  love in other places.

You will finally stop trusting in yourself and your good works .

You will finally stop being out of place.

You will finally stop wondering if you have value.

You will finally stop compromising.

You will finally stop being hopeless.

You will finally stop waiting to be complete.

You will finally stop searching for happiness in circumstances

You will finally stop living for yourself.

You  will finally know more about this God who loved you first.
The God who never stopped loving you and never will.

Oh, I'm rushing things here! Know that I'm just  excited. I'm so excited for you. I'm too excited for you.

Some of these things will happen in an instant,  but most will be a process.
A beautiful process that you will not trade for anything.

My hearts leaps as I remember myself in you.
I'm excited. I'm so excited for you. I'm too excited for you.

Oh the places you will go!
Oh the faith that will arise!
Oh the calling that you will answer!
Oh the love that you will give away!
Oh the prayers that you will utter.
Oh the relationships that you'll have!
Oh the dates that you'll have with our  Daddy God.
Oh this great adventure with our Savior.

Every moment will be red-letter.
And you will know that He's the sweetest.





But little sister, it'll not be easy. There are times that it'll be bumpy and stormy.
Be still. Know. Know that He is God. He is God. He will forever be.
And this awesome, loving, mighty, powerful God is in you, with you and gone ahead of you.
He will never let go of your hand.

Be encouraged. Nothing in this world will ever separate you from His love.

Can I just pray for you?

Daddy God,

I thank You. I thank You for the life of this girl who just met You and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I thank You  for orchestrating this moment from the beginning of time. I'm excited. I'm so excited for her. I'm too excited for the both of you. I'm excited of how You will mold her. I'm excited of what she'll become in Your love.

I know, You will always be her best "Yes".  I pray that You'll just give her the grace  to choose You everyday, to love You and other people more and more each day. May You strengthen her and train her for battles. May You surround her with people who will walk this journey together. May You save her family. May You use her mightily for Your Kingdom.

Thank You, for NOTHING in this world will ever separate her  from Your love.  In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

To the girl who just met Jesus,

May your soul forever sing your "favorite" song:

Oh what love, how can it be?

From that cross You looked at me

Oh what love, poured out for me

What a beautiful love

Love

So glorious

Came down unashamed, You called me Yours

Caught up in Your grace, You're all I need

There's nothing more beautiful than Your love

(Beautiful Love by Victory Worship) 

To the girl who just met Jesus,

Remember not to forget.
Never give in to familiarity.
Never ever forget His love. The love that saves. The loves that secures.

The love that cost Jesus His blood and life.

The love that's for you.

Personally.


 I'm excited for you. I'm so excited for you. I'm too excited for you to be a princess in awe.

                                                                                 Love,

                                                                                  Ate Ycah 

*Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

First Hike For Christ

I wanna set the world on fire

Until it's burning bright for You

It's everything that I desire

Can I be the one You use?

I want to put  the lyrics of  one of my earliest favorite Christian songs - Set The World on Fire by Britt Nicole in this post because it's been my anthem since I heard it in a youth service. I loved and prayed this song.  I believe that God used this to give me a vision that one day.. He will use me, one day, I will be beyond myself, one day,  I will set the world on fire. That's a big vision though and I felt so small...

Just like how it is in the song:

I, I am small but

You, You are big enough

I, I am weak but

You, You are strong enough to

Take my dreams

Come and give them wings

Lord with You

Nothing I can not do

Nothing I cannot do

...but He is big enough and strong enough.


Last Saturday (February 10, 2018) marked my first participation in an out of town outreach event. It happened over at Sitio Banawen, San Felipe Zambales.

My journey towards this event and the event itself was simply amazing.

Last December, we had a dinner bonding with my Kids ministry family. I wanted to give something to my co-volunteers to remind them of God's faithfulness over the year 2017.  I thought of giving them printed pictures of some of the highlights of their year. I visited their timelines and chose pictures! One of the pictures that I loved was the picture of the children smiling in Teacher Jayson's post (he's a part of a movement called Hike for Christ Movement  and they had an outreach event in a community last December). I chose that picture and gave it to him. He talked about it and the movement over our dinner and in my heart, I uttered "Dad, I hope I could also do something like that".

I wanna feed the hungry children

And reach across the farthest land

And tell the broken there is healing

And mercy in the Father's hands

Days after, my grandmother passed away and the brevity of life was taught to me and I also eventually discovered the beauty of outward-focused life . I really wanted to do more for Him in this lifetime. It became a faith goal to serve more and to do more for women, children and the Gospel.

I liked the facebook page of Hike for  Christ Movement (HFCM) sometime last year and I started to see their posts. I was thrilled to discover that they will have an event soon and it's an "Engage" event!  Children + Evangelism! Oh, my heart. Hehe.  "Dad, can I be part of that?"

I remembered  this Word:

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

He planned for me to do good things. He created me anew for these things. WHOA.

I sent them a message, clicked going, last two slots na lang but still can't help but be so excited!

But a few weeks before the event, doubts crept in and so does fear.

I doubted  my motivation and intention. Am I really doing this for Him alone or am I just gonna do it for myself? :"( I needed some time to think about that because, I'm not so sure of my heart.  I needed  to surrender to Him and to His purposes and will alone. "Dad, I don' t want to go if this is just about me and my selfish desires."

Fear crept in too. I talked to my friends about it and one well- meaning friend asked me if I'm sure about it  because she heard some volunteers  died few years ago while crossing a river for an outreach event. The other volunteers were also traumatized.  She asked if we have to cross a river, and I said I'm not sure. She advised me that if we have to cross a river, please, if possible, ask for another route.

I started asking, "Dad, is this wise?Should I back out if we have to cross a river? Is this really Your will for me? "

I'm really amazed when He let me encounter these words:

"...stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Princess. in awe. indeed.

GRABE. Okay, so stand firm daw. Trust tayo.

He knows I needed more encouragement so eto pa..

 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9b
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  Exodus 33:14

YAY!!!! Okay, Lord. Let's do this!!!!

Along the way, I'm amazed at how supportive my friends and co-workers are. They gave hygiene kits and donated. I'm beyond grateful for their beautiful hearts! This made me so excited.

Feb. 9    Prepared and slept for an hour
Feb. 10  Walked around Cubao at almost midnight. I'm not sure kung may jeep pa from SM Fairview na dadaan sa may P. Tuazon. Inhale. Exhale.

And, yay! Meron pang jeep! I had a little accident though. Biglang nag preno yung driver because of a cat. Hindi ako nakahawak. My right knee hit the metal at the back of the driver. Huhuhu. "Dad, please. May it not be serious."  I started to kinda panic because it's painful nung tatawid na ko, bigla pang may truck na mabilis so I had to walk faster. Wahhhh! Whew. Great thing that I could still walk well. (Right now, I noticed na may pasa pa din yung knee ko. hehe)

Anyway! I arrived at the meeting place (Jollibee) and awkwardly asked a woman  inside if they are from HFCM. She  shaked their head though. Texted someone from HFCM and asked where they are. He said that they're outside near a speaker.

Yay! I found them! I met Grace and Mat (Hi girls! It's so lovely to meet you!) . It's Mat's first time too and we had good chat. I also met Van and eventually, Jayson arrived and introduced Pao to us. It's her first time too! She is such a sweet young woman. I'm so happy that we're on the same van - Van 1!

We also met the other volunteers  inside the van and prayed before we go.  It was kinda hard to sleep. I don't know.. did I sleep? Maybe I did.Hehe.   It was cold and I regret  not bringing my sweater. :"( Anyway, I'm happy that the other volunteers could finally have a good rest. Hopefully. Hehe.

Ate at Jollibee for breakfast. (I don't know kung saang Jollibee na haha)
Chaye (HFCM's founder)  said something that made me blush. HAHAHAHA.  Ayoko na sabihin. I'll just keep it in my heart. I'm sooooo grateful to finally meet her!!!! (Hi Chaye, if you're reading this, I also want to say to you what you said to me (I hope you remember)  and even more because I also saw a glimpse of your beautiful heart!!!)

Went  back to the van. Tried to sleep and the sun is rising.

Eventually, we're there! The mountains greeted us.  Had a huddle time.Prayed. Got my shirt (Oh, the shirt's awesome!). Carabaos arrived and flashback starts. I remember riding it when I was young in a harvest season (pauwi galing bukid at nakahiga sa mga sako ng palay). Hehe. This time,  walang palay (just our bags) and sumakay kami. :") It's wonderful to experience it again.


Nung tamawid na kami ng unang ilog (eto na, yung ilog!), I was riding the carabao and I was staring at my feet and the water. I remember His word for me:

 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

Biglang nagkapakpak yung kalabaw sa paningin ko. It's like an angel used by God for me at that time. HEHEHEHE. Kasi nga na amazed ako na nakaangat yung paa ko sa ilog habang tumatawid!

Glad to have good chat and hugot with other volunteers too like Dina, Albert and Earl!

Pao and I  eventually walked and encountered yung iba pang mga  ilog  na mababaw lang.  I thought,
"eto ba yung mga ilog na kinatakutan ko? Awww Dad, sorry."

Now, when I close my eyes I can still remember the lahar on my feet, the clear water, yung mga talahib and the mountains!!!!

We arrived at Sitio Banawen at around almost 11 AM. We had  our morning devotion and I'm amazed that Lorainne shared the Word that God gave to me for the new year - Ephesians 2:10!!!!!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. :")

We had a delicious early lunch (tinola and tilapiaaa)!!!! And I got another answered prayer (It was a prayer to Daddy to really help and not be a burden)! Earl asked me to help him as he share the Bible story to the kids. (Earl, I hope I did help you. HAHA)

Find Me. HAHA

Had a huddle time with the kids! I talked with two girls and three boys with random ages. It's warms my heart  that they know Jesus. I think when they know Him and call unto Him, they are rich in life already. Why did I say that? because I experienced talking to well-off children who doesn't even know His Name. One once told me, "Jesus, what's that?" That's  one of the most heartbreaking thing and worst than being poor for me.

Okay so back to our  huddle time, I pounded more how great God is in creating things and even greater because He sent Jesus for us. He gave His best for us and nothing is impossible with Him. I wanted to inspire them to keep on dreaming and lift their future to Him. I asked them what they want to be and they answered that they want to be a soldier, policeman, teacher and ...a Pastor! An 11 year-old boy said it! WHOA. Oh, I really hope he would be!!!

We had a group picture and we started giving the hygiene kits, Chicken Joy, toys,  juices, Bibles and some clothes. It was challenging at first to keep things organized because the people we're pretty aggressive and ... excited? hehe. Eventually, it was okay and I had a  little chat with other kids as well. I met Aileen, a pretty girl and had a small talk with her and her sister-in-law too.  I'm surprised when she asked for my number. hehe. I also had a chance to talk to a grandmother. I asked her if she's happy that we're there and she smiled brightly with her yes.  :")

We ate an egg sandwich, cleaned the place, took some pictures, took the group picture, more pictures and rode the carabao again going home.

After 2 and a half hours of staring at the mountains, sharing stories, jokes (HAHAHA PAO!!!!!) , sound trip, praise and worship, we arrived where our vans are. Changed clothes, went inside the van, prayed and exchange stories and funny moments.

Slept and woke up to eat dinner. We ate at Rico's (I think that's in Subic).  Listened to a love story and ate Sinigang na Hipon after a long wait. We went back to the van and sleep... ... .... ....woke up at times and then sleep... ... ...sleep. And tanannnnn! Hello Cubao! :")

Thank You Daddy God for our safety!



Awww. It's time to say goodbye to one of the best 24 hours of my life.  Bid goodbye to the other volunteers  and I'm sad. I walked with Van and Renjo going to Farmers. Arrived at home at around 1 AM and slept  with a supeeerrrr happy heart. :")

Oh what a privilege!
 I'm excited to go and make JESUS famous again in the mountains!

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 40:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

My hands, my feet

My everything

My life, my love

Lord, use me


1st Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash
Other photos are from Pao, Dina and Kuya Ronald :") 

In a journey of surrender

This season has been nothing but overwhelming.

Most cliches are being so real in my life , there are  lessons that I want so much to embrace and treasure in my heart and there's a  new revelation that makes me repent.

-  Cliche's being so real  in my life:

Jesus is everything.
Jesus is our all in all.
A life that's fully surrendered to Christ.
Jesus is in full control of my life.
Fully trust in Him.
All I am for You.
Take it all, take it all.
Only Jesus.
He completes.
He is our sole completion.
You can only be complete in Jesus.
Everything you need as a woman is found in Christ.
Jesus is THE ONE.
I am totally surrendered to Jesus.

Everything. All in all. Only One. The First. All. Fully. Totally.  Sole completion.

Those sayings and words sound so familiar and all this time, I thought I grasp

them well.
I thought I'm doing good in this, but not really. I realized that I'm still learning

and by His grace,  it's  becoming real. Like a flower's petals that bloom in it's time.


In the past, I had the tendency to just fit Jesus into my life, but now I realized that I should be building my life around Him. That He really got to be the reason for  living. Learning about the brevity of life made me think of my life and my  purpose more. In conclusion, life is still and will always be about Him.

Jesus, be my everything.

- Lessons that I want so much to embrace and treasure in my heart:

-Outward-focused life

When I'm so focus with myself, my problems, my issues, my pain, I noticed that I  was not being  productive and it feels like I'm not living out my purpose.  God just  recently opened my eyes to see the need of other people. I happened to stumble upon stories of some  Christian Women in history who changed the world  through their outward-focused life. Women like Elisabeth Elliot, Carrie Ten Boom, Sarah Edwards and Amy CarMichael inspires me in serving more and  in doing more. Their lives are really His and His purposes. They loved Him and others so much and made a great impact in lives of people. I loved this part while reading about the life of Amy CarMichael (a missionary to the children in  India in the 1900s):

"When the children were asked what drew them to Amy, they most often replied 'It was love. Amma (Amy) loved us".

Their lives and situation were not perfect but they trusted God and allowed Him  to use them. Oh to have an outward-focused life!

- WOW Project

This stands for Woman of Word Project.

We're learning about the Bible (it's authority etc.)  these days in the church and  the importance of meditating His Word was pounded on me. I learned that meditating is also repeating and memorizing. Thus, it became goal to memorize  at least one verse a week.

I'm happy that last January I memorized the following:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's masterpiece. Created anew in Christ Jesus,  so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 3:20

Now all glory to God who is able according  to His mighty power at work within us to infinitely accomplish more than we might ask or think.

Colossians 3:16

Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly, teaching and admonishing one  another in all truth, singing  hymms, psalms, spiritual songs with thanksgiving to God in our hearts.

Revelation5:9b

For you were slaughtered and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people and nation.

This is not just for the sake of memorizing it is for the sake of future use. I'm also learning that  His word is meant to be used. It's not to be displayed. After all,  His word is our Spirit's Sword. We fight the lies using them and grow more in the knowledge of Him.

Let's be women of the word yeah?

-Life is Short

Finding it hard to breathe sometimes, my grandmother's wake,  a booklet entitled "Life is Short (enjoy mo ang buhay)" by William Girao and a talk in our Victory Group in the office about the brevity of life made me think more about life, my purpose and what I'm doing about it. It made me long to prioritize the activities that will just impact the eternal destiny of a person. I'm praying to share the Gospel more and to serve more. Nawa  ang buhay ko'y maging gamit na gamit Nya! Amen!


New revelation that makes me repent:

Proverbs 31: 12

Oh how I'm doing my MOG harm all this time.

Thinking and longing for someone else other than Him and him is not honoring at all. Imagine talking about your man about another man right? oh oh.  I've been writing to MOG about my crush weeks ago and God just made me realized that it's not right.  "All the days of her life" means even today, I've got to honor him. Yes, it's permissible to have a strong  crush on someone today but is it beneficial? I know it isn't. It just make me have unnecessary kilig , thoughts and pain. HUHU.  Nothing against crushes it's just that, I noticed  it's not good for me. Learning to just go and  focus more on what He wants me to do in this season.

I know it's easier said than done (like naiisip ko pa din si crush at times,  I have to just snap it and focus my thoughts on Him and  talk to Him)  I'm just really clinging to His grace in all these.


After all, all things are possible in His Name.  :")

So there, I pray that the cliches that I mentioned above to be more real in my life , for the lessons to be embraced well  and for my repentance to be proven true.

This season has been nothing but overwhelming.

                                                 ***Photos (first and last)  by  Larm Rmah and  Christopher Campbell  on Unsplash