By Erlinda Ramirez
The following day, Joanna asked me to go with her for their first medical mission meeting. I came just to accompany her but Ate Mary Ann saw me and with conviction and gladness in her eyes, she said, “Earl, you are here today for a reason. God put you here because He intended you to be here!" Those statements immediately reminded me of my prayer so by faith, I signed up not knowing whether I could actually take a vacation leave or not. I told myself that if God really wanted me to be part of this team, He would take care of my vacation leave and everything that would follow.
As the date for the mission got nearer, I became anxious on how we could actually raise S$7,000. Ate Mary Ann gave us updates about the solicitation and I knew that we were still far from hitting the estimated cost but her faith is just contagious. It was like climbing a mountain with God on our side.
Joana and I decided to set up a Spring Cleaning Bazaar. Through the period of raising funds, God showered us with His blessings and favors. We were overwhelmed by the people who donated clothes, books, accessories, cash donations and even by the people who volunteered to help in the Bazaar.
I would also like to share a testimony on the day of the Bazaar. March 4, 2012 was supposed to be the first day of Spring Cleaning Bazaar in Orchard but for some reasons, the organizer of the event was not there and the event was actually canceled without our knowledge. RJ and I came at the venue but nobody was there. I kept calling the organizer but she never picked up my calls. I was quite disappointed so we went back carrying the heavy items that we brought there from the church. However, I believed that God had some better things in mind and true enough because that evening, I received an email from the organizer telling us that our slot would be moved to next Saturday with extra day for sponsorship booth and a 100 % refund. We had 2 days of free rental and full refund of our booth rental fee. I was blown away on how God could turn disappointment into blessings. He is just amazing! More than that, I knew that He was also teaching me how to handle disappointments and to always trust in Him. Overall, Joanna and I raised S$1350. God is indeed a great provider!
The first day of the Medical Mission was tiring but there was a joy in our hearts and we really had great time. Just before I went to bed, I talked to God about our concerns on the mission. I said, "Father God, will this mission make a difference? Can we give any impact on the lives of the people here? The time we have here is just too short. I am not sure if we can advance Your Kingdom on this mission. Everything may be forgotten as if we did not do anything. Lord, I hope that what we are doing here will not go to waste.” After my so called faithless moment, I opened my Bible and I was struck by God’s words “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,” - Matthew 17:20. God is saying that nothing is impossible for Him. We should look our situation not through our limited perspective but through the eyes of faith. Faith can move mountains. He is more than able to do great things. As we plant seeds to the hearts of the people, God can make these grow on His own way. God made me see that a small mustard seed could grow into a big sturdy tree, and by faith, I claimed that the word of God would spread to the people of General Santos and His Kingdom would reign in their hearts.
We had great time at General Santos. The people at VCF-General Santos were so supportive and their willingness to help was just humbling. We had the chance to share our testimonies with them and we even developed friendship with them. I can say that I am glad that we were able to achieve our purpose to the people there: to extend blessings, to bring smile to the people’s faces, to give encouragement and to share the word of God and give Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
I was also encouraged with the testimonies of Mary Ann about the doctors and the medicine supply. (I believe Ate Mary Ann will give the full details of this). Truly God was with us and was on this mission.
On April 7, just after we finished the second day of our group prayer and worship, Joanna came to me and said “God is looking down from heaven and He is smiling and He is pleased with what we are doing." Praise the Lord as this has been my ultimate prayer, that my King will be pleased!
I was grateful that I was part of this team. I saw each member’s hard work, unity, love for God and people. I praise and thank God on how He had protected us, provided for us and brought us together in unity and joy of serving Him. He just always amazes us and shows us His goodness and mercy and the mighty things He can do. God knows our needs and as we obey Him and serve Him, He will supply our needs and bless us more that we can imagine.
After the mission, I received a blessing in disguise. I have wanted to go overseas to travel but I always hesitated, basically because of time and money. Just this week, I was sent by my company to Malacca (Malaysia) to conduct training from 15 April to 05 May. That was my first time to go Malacca and it was great to be there. I had free hotel accommodation, allowance and our transportation and meal expenses would be reimbursed to us. I was surrounded by wonderful people who have helped and accommodated me very well. There was a good atmosphere in the entire training sessions and I felt very welcome. The money that I have spent in going to the mission trip was returned to me through the allowance given to me and the reimbursement of my meal and transportation allowance. God is so good! As we bless others, God's blessings will continue to overflow in our lives as well.
Praise be to our God Almighty!
Psalm 105 - Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
