By: Ann Marie Servito
August 31, 2015
We didn’t choose God. God chose us.
From the beginning of time, the LORD calls his people by name to be His mouthpiece, His hands, or His feet. All these tasks are for an ultimate purpose—to glorify His name. It’s not about what we can do. It’s not about our own abilities. It is by His Grace!
Before September began, more than a hundred leaders took a one-day respite from their ministries and celebrated a retreat in Camp Alfredo, Guimaras Island. With a place closer to nature, a relaxing ambiance and delectable buffets, it was in His grace and nothing more that we take a stand and accept His calling and be the LORD’s servant.Granting us empowering rest for all the toil and hard work in our respective ministries.
The retreat started with the preaching of the Word by Rev. Lily Lim. The sermon was entitled The Rod as a Leader. A rod, just like a leader, was fashioned for various purposes. A rod is for shepherding, for snake killing. It is an emblem of power for the kings. The owners name is engraved on the rod. He is one with it. Our calling is a calling of grace and not because of our capabilities. The LORD anointed leaders to bear fruit and not dwell in barrenness.
After hearing the compelling message of God, all the leaders assembled for the team building games and treasure hunting. All ages participated to have fun and fellowship, accepting the challenges of the given tasks. The individual member has his own function for the success of the team like important different parts in the body of Christ. Each part is as significant as the other. Above all, harmony, team work and healthy competition are the basics of success.
The rest of the day was swimming in the pool, hiking, strolling around the camp and enjoying each other’s company. Some cozied themselves in their respective air-conditioned cabins.
Twilight turned into a dark night but the rejoicing didn’t end. All of the leaders were united again to sing songs of praise and dance around the bonfire. One remarkable part of the evening is the sharing of testimonies which genuinely blessed its hearers. Pas. Carlyn shared about her dream as a child which coincided with the preaching earlier that day.
Everyone travelled back to Iloilo with strength, joy, and enthusiasm to do God’s will. Ready to bud and bear fruits for the glory of the LORD!
