Fresh Start Daily

Today, we went straight to the Mangyan Village in Talipanan after our morning prayer and breakfast. The handicrafts shop where the Mangyans display their own products welcomed us. A man named Angelito approached us and volunteered to give us a tour of the place. He said that he really guides tourists in their area. We told him our purpose and he gladly accommodated us. We gave candies to the kids we passed by and introduced Jesus. When we asked one girl if she knows Jesus, she said no. It’s sad that many of them do not yet know the Lord.

The first house that we visited was Kuya Angelito’s. To be honest, Anna and I were not able to practice the message we wanted to share. Anna suggested John 3:16 to be our main verse. However, when we started sharing, God impressed upon my heart the message from John 1:12. I emphasized that those who will believe and obey the Lord will become children of God.

We were able to visit 4 families. One household belongs to a pastor. We really just let the Holy Spirit guide our feet. Even before going to Puerto Galera, Anna and I asked God to prepare their hearts to receive His Word. Praise God, the people were very receptive. The people gathered around us to listen to the gospel. Wow! Such humble hearts! They did not sneer at us. They were very welcoming. Nahiya lang kami ni Anna dahil konti lang ang dala namin na goodies. Our main purpose was really to share the gospel because that’s the most important thing to leave them with. Even if we don’t give enough food, when they truly know God and have a personal relationship with Him, when they learn to call on Him for everything, they will always be provided for.

Kuya Angelito, drove us back to the resort free of charge! We declined his offer but he insisted. God is really amazing! We didn’t know anyone there and He gave us kuya Angelito as our guide. We didn’t even have to ask him. He volunteered to help us. Everything went well. We know that it was God’s plan for Anna and I to go on a mission trip. Honestly, we had more time for the mission than our vacation and it was great. We only had little time to relax but the trip was worth it. I had a smile on my face the whole time. 🙂

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to serve. I only get to serve You because of You. Everything is by You and for You. It is You and only You I exalt in my life. All the glory, honor and praise are Yours forever. Continue to use me, oh God. I want to serve You for as long as I live.

Anna asked me a couple of months ago if I want to go to Puerto Galera for a vacation. I hesitated at first but with much persuasion, I was convinced I needed a break. 😁

I thought about sharing the gospel to the people there but I did not verbalize it to Anna because it was supposed to be our vacation. The next day, she suggested that we share the gospel there and I was ecstatic! I told her that I was just thinking about it. It’s amazing how we are one in Spirit! My cousin told me one time that Anna and I are soulmates. She said that when I told her about the dream I had about Anna. In that dream, Anna told me that she and Johnny were having a child. About two weeks after telling her about the dream, she found out she was pregnant!

Anna also told me before that when I left our previous company, she used the computer at my station and she got to listen to the audio sermons I downloaded and she was delivered from her struggles. That time she was under a great spiritual attack. I never got to listen to the audio sermons from that particular pastor because I prioritized other sermons. It was really meant for her.

She also told me recently how our being co-workers again is not an accident because we encourage one another. I told her that she encourages my spirit every time. One of my prayers before the start of the year is for me to stop being a weak Christian and to start being an encouraging Christian. This year, I truly feel God’s empowerment through Anna. I feel stronger spiritually through her encouragement. I’m not as emotional and sensitive as I used to be. God really knows who we need in our journey. 😊

Anyway, we got to Aninuan in the afternoon today. We left our things at the resort, had late lunch, then headed to a nearby beach. Sadly, we were not able to swim because we were advised to leave before it got dark because there were no light posts in the area. We just strolled along the beach and took pictures which were equally fun.