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Woke up at around 5, got ready, and left the house at 5:45. My brother and I went biking from San Felipe to Carolina, to Pacol, then to Panicuason. We were supposed to go to the foot of the mountain but I didn’t realize mountain biking requires high stamina.
Anyway, on our way back, we didn’t even have to pedal because our tires literally just rolled down the street. It was really just the way up that was difficult but the way down was a breeze. We were able to get home at 9.
Persecution has been a part of my life ever since I became a Christian. I understand that persecution is certain in the life of a believer and follower of Jesus but it’s always painful. When I got home tonight, I asked God to speak to me through His Word. I was led to Isaiah 43 and my eyes were glued on “Fear not”. I continued reading and saw “Fear not for I am with you.”
I read chapter 44 and again encountered “Fear not”. When I read chapter 41, “Fear not” was mentioned three times. The words that were repeated many times in those three chapters are:
“Fear not, for I am with you…”
“You are My witnesses…”
“You are My servant…”
“I have chosen you…”
“I will help you.”
I had goosebumps when I read those. I know it was God speaking to me. He wants to assure me that I should not fear persecution because He is with me and that He will help me as I witness to people. I broke down after reading the second “Fear not”. I know that God is real and that He knows everything that happens in my life but I can’t help being astonished every time I experience His manifest presence.
What an honor to be chosen by the Lord of lords and King of kings to be His servant—to be His witness. Just like the apostle Paul, I am not there yet. I am only able to press on because God continues to breathe life into me and give me strength and hope.
Guess who joined our group today? It’s Matty!!! I told him to join the other teacher’s group because I was thinking he would find it awkward to stay with me but he did stay with me. When he was four years old and he saw me wearing the NxtGen uniform, he was so surprised. He said he only wants me to be his aunt and not his Sunday school teacher. That was not possible at that time though because I was handling ten and eleven-year-old kids. Hehe!
The girls I used to teach in Sunday school have all grown up and are to graduate in March. I prayed about the next group of children I should teach this year and I was led by the Holy Spirit to start with six-year-olds. I plan to follow them as they grow up in Sunday school and as they grow in Christ.
Honestly, I had apprehensions in teaching young kids because they can be a handful. The first time I handled 6-year-olds this month, my throat hurt. I’m not used to raising my voice. However, since it’s a heterogeneous group who loves to play and run around, I have to exercise my vocal chords to be heard. I was overwhelmed by their number and their exuberance.
The second time, it was right after the prayer and fasting week, I did ask God to help me handle the children that He has entrusted to my care. I was surprised to know that our group was one of the most behaved. Praise God! Prayer always works! I cannot do this on my own. Kids are suuuper cute and cuddly but they can also be very challenging. I believe God is training me. I will learn and grow along with the kids. 😃
Day 1 (Dec. 27)
Day 2 (Dec. 28)
We arrived in Naga (from Caramoan) in the evening. I requested that we have fellowship/Bible study before going to bed and though we were all dog-tired, they were still very generous of their time and energy. Talk about kingdom women!!! Always on the go for God’s work. Praise God for their lives. Mommy Pheng facilitated the fellowship. Her testimonies are whoa!!! They’re the kind of testimonies I would like to have! However, of course, no two followers of Christ can have the same testimony.
The missionaries left at 5:30 in the morning. Before they left, they laid their hands on me and prayed for me. I appreciate the gifts they gave me—prayers!!! Prayer is the sincerest and most loving gift anyone could give. It’s the kind of gift that does not tarnish.
Abba, thank You for giving me another day to live. Thank You for allowing me to witness my 34th birthday. My prayer is that You continue to use me. My life is Yours, O God. I am nothing without You. I am only breathing today because of You—because You still breathed life into me today. You are in control of my life. You know until when I will be on earth. I am Yours. May Your will be done in my life. Your plans are my plans. Your dreams are my dreams.
When we stopped over at Mandaluyong to have breakfast, we waited for one car to leave so we could take their parking space. The driver smiled at us in acknowledgement. Suddenly, someone maneuvered hurriedly towards the parking space we were waiting on. We looked at them in aghast. We were shocked because somebody stole our parking space.
An old man from the passenger seat went out and glared at us. Then the driver who was seemingly in his twenties went out at stared at us, too. We were still looking at them because we couldn’t believe what just happened. The old man shouted at us and said, “May problema kayo?!” Whuuut?! They stole our parking space and they had the nerve to ask that question conceitedly.
Papa was tempted to say something back but mama and I were able to stop him. Papa just steered away from that area and looked for another spot. Of course we were upset. Who would be happy with what happened? I always ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit because it’s easier to be evil than to be holy. We act like animals when we don’t have God in us. We live by instinct. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
I’m grateful to God because though my parents are not perfect (like me), they seek God’s heart. I prayed and fasted this morning for my family’s safe trip today (mama, papa and I from Manila to Bicol, and the Tans from Manila to Japan).
We got stuck in traffic for 3 hours total in Quezon province (in Gumaca, Sariaya, and Lopez). Two buses broke down in bottle neck areas and some parts of the road we passed by were being fixed. Plus it rained the whole day. I just kept praying that God would keep us safe. I learned (and I am still learning) to be grateful for delays because God sometimes uses delays to protect us. When I’m stuck in traffic, I just think that God is keeping me from accidents.
It was still dark when we left Manila (5 a.m.). We arrived in Naga at 9:40 p.m. We were on the road for almost 17 hours! I’m just really grateful we’re home safe and sound.
Perfect with cheese 😊