The world has marked this time of the year as the start of summer vacations, sleepless party nights and a time to pack bags and escape to stress-free whereabouts. This could be true to the world but not for the light bearers of Jesus. The moment the hectic schedule of our life subsides, it is time to spread God’s fame to where he leads us and to serve him for all His goodness. For the ETab youth team, we bring light and be God’s salt to the youth of Barbaza, Antique.
Youth as worshippers.
Four hours from the busy city of Iloilo is a paradise of hungry young souls. Unlike the world we came from, the people live in peace, away from the noise and chaos. It is just the seaside, the ocean and their homes. We have witnessed their simple lifestyle on the morning of the first day. The youth of the community were invited for the Ablaze Musical Concert of the night. We have felt their warmest welcome as they allow us to enter their homes in Ipil. God has sent young little lads to guide us on our journey in the community.
In Ipil, a small community near the Living Sanctuary Church, we have met Lola Hilda (not her real name), a great testimony of a strong woman with undying faith to the Lord. She was born with Polio and had had never experienced the luxury walking ever since she was alive. She is a mother of three daughters who are serving the Lord and a grandmother of many children.
“May rason ang Ginoo kung ngaa amo ako sini,” Lola Hilda told us while we’re seated
on their floor in a small living room they have. She was thankful that she was still blessed with a faithful husband despite her physical condition.
When asked about how she goes to church every Sunday, she answered without hesitation, “Gakamang eh.” Our talk was followed by her thankful remarks on how much God has blessed her. An attitude that is missing from some of us who are physically fine.
Youth from the community gathered in the chruch. A part of the congregation who worshipped God enthusiastically are adults. It was a picture of joy and reverence for the Lord. The Ablaze Musical Concert was an opportunity to bring our breath back to it’s only Giver, to worship God wholeheartedly, and to thank him for everything He is.
The concert was then followed by a powerful preaching about Worship, led by Bro. Marco Carado, the Team Leader of the youth from Etab. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This is true even on the Christians’ lifestyle of worship. Everyone relates to the Word, even the adults.
The team knows that this just the beginning.
Praises in the Storm and Darkness.
The second day started with the team’s devotion by the Barbaza beach. With our guitar and humble hearts, we prayed and worship the Lord. He blessed us with his presence and evident peace. This has fueled us to be ready for the next step of reaching out for the souls that day.
Nothing is more perfect than the beaches’ ambiance. The wind itself will bring you comfort and thus, a perfect place to exercise and be entertained! The team performed timely skits that tickled the audience. From being an actress, Sis. Mae Lyn Bacos from the youth team accepted the challenge of being a preacher! She talked about kindness and filling the human heart with good and not evil things. The crusade ended with a Zumba led by ETab.
The day was fine and the sun is up. Or so, we thought. It was four in the afternoon when the team got ready for the crusade to be held in Barangay Gua, Barbaza. The team divided themselves to invite people. Everything was positive until rain suddenly poured, drowning plans for the night. A part of the team was stranded in another place while the musicians watched the plaza being flooded. The young people from the community who volunteered on dancing for the crusade had their clothes wet but never their spirits down. We kept playing and praying for the rain to stop and then the power was gone. There was storm and darkness but we kept singing.
“This is called ‘Praise you in the storm.'” Bro. Marco jokingly commented.
What encouraged us are the young people from Barbaza who have shown positivity and patience even in the midst of the hard rain and sudden black-out. Truly, God wanted us to be as simple minded as the children, always eager on serving the Lord and seldom worries about what is to come.
Ablaze Barbaza
By: Ann Marie Servito
The team came up with the decision of going back to chuch and forget the plans of the crusade. However, Pas. Rizaldi asked us to just postpone it for the following day.
God’s perfect timing.
The crusade was held the following morning and we were surprised by the flock of community people who were already there. A 4Ps gathering was held in the same time as our crusade and the result was an instant crowd! The team performed the skits and the audience laughed and responded. The word was preached by Bro. Michael Barcelona and led the crowd to a sinner’s prayer. Only then, God showed us the metaphor of his plans, perfect timing and the futility of worries.
God moves. God listens. God watches. This mission trip showed us that we cannot do anything for God without God himself. A ministry will only we have God as our captain and commander. Follow His leading. Listen.
