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.
