September 10, 2016
Tabernacle Church, Calinog
By: Genevie Yap
“God works in mysterious ways.”
Prior to the said date of our commission, we had been excitedly preparing and expecting for great things to come. We set off for an early 6 am start last Sept. 10, 2016, with great hopes and excitement!
Upon arrival we received the disheartening news from Pas. Eduque of the apparent “bad timing.” It was the height of harvest for the mostly agricultural locality, plus a major Boy Scout/Girl Scout event ongoing, and to top it all a funeral to be conducted on that very day. To think of the preparation, expenses, manpower involved and the situation at hand, left many of us worried and discouraged. At that moment, there were only 5 – 6 guests including kids. It was a make or break situation.
However, we decided to run the second mile by doing an intensive house to house visitation and invitation. Unfamiliar as we were to the people and locality, we went by faith knocking on doors.
At around 9:45 am we decided to start the service, and with only a handful of people. To our amazement, as the session began the people started coming from nowhere. We kicked off our service with a ‘zumba’ session to everyone’s delight, followed by a time of praise and worship. MJ Carado shared on “Everything is a blessing,” and “The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Almost everyone responded to the sharing, and ministry time continued during the small cells conducted after the sharing session. Majority were truly touched, and 12 adults accepted Jesus Christ into their lives. Hallelujah!
Simultaneously, we also conducted a kiddie hour for the kids who enjoyed their very own session. Overall, a total of 41 adults and 40 kids attended the service, much to our surprise. We had prepared 40 gift packs for adults, and 30 for the children. God did send us added ‘surplus.’
God did show Himself strong. He did things beyond our expectations. He reversed all hindrances to our advantage. He is so wonderfully awesome in making our first commission a soul winning and satisfying experience! To God be the Glory!
We want to thank Pastor Eduque and team, for their valued assistance and great hospitality. God bless you all!
And to my fellow ‘sisters in Christ’ who yoked in this Essential Commission … Keep it Up!
