By Jocelyn Mendoza
I was at first reluctant because I was unsure of what I would do
there as that would be my first time. When I asked God which group I would take
part in (I believe even before I asked Him, God has the answer already – Matt
6:8), He answered that I should join the kids’ team. Upon hearing his answer,
my uncertainties suddenly turned to excitement and expectation. At this point
in time, I knew that God wanted me go to this mission.
As the departure day came closer, my desire of joining the team was
depleting again because I did not have extra money for the air fare and
accommodation expenses. God kept reminding me though Jesus’ instructions when
He sent His disciples for a mission. With this, Dey, another friend, encouraged
me to ask for financial assistance. This was really a humbling experience for
me because I am not used to it but God once again showed Himself on my behalf
as provisions poured out to my lap to the point I was able to raise more than
what I needed. This time, I was very sure that God wanted me to go. Thus, I
started packing my things and asked for my boss’ permission to take leave which
had been granted too without having my fingers crossed.
God did not stop there because while Dey and I were boarded on an
airplane to GenSan, God allowed me to have a glimpse of how high, long, wide,
and deep His love is for us. I burst into tears. I cried for nearly 10 minutes because my
human heart could not contain it. I believed that that was the kind of love God
wanted me/us to share to the people of Gen San.
The praying and group devotional time was awesome. The experience
is indeed unforgettable. I believed God was there all the time. I could see how
He touched each of us and put into our hearts the cry of His hearts for the
people of GenSan in prayers.
How God met all our needs also showed that He was indeed involved
and the master of this mission – from the wonderful volunteers of Victory-GenSan headed by Pastor Totch and Sister Pinky, to the wonderful doctors, owner of
the pharmacy, and also to the people who were with us in prayers. I believed
that God used all of them to make His glorious name known to the people of Gen
San. It was indeed all about God and we were all His workmanship. How wonderful
it was to be chosen by God to be His work mate.
The group’s unity also amazed me– each taking extra mile in doing
things for the Glory of God and taking step beyond one’s comfort zone. Indeed,
God’s work is double edged. He touched the heart of the people of Gen San and
He touched and changed us as well. Likewise, I was able to gain more
God-fearing friends, who are indeed worth keeping. I am really looking forward
to seeing them again sooner or later (in the next mission or in Heaven).
In addition, I believe doing missions need not to go very far. Our
mission is to share God’s love to other people and we can do this every day at
our own home, work place and even at our gimmicks. I pray that the flame that
God put into our hearts will be kept burning by providing us the oil we need
every day. I also pray that God would finish the work He had started in the
life of the people of Gen San, and that God would find them faithful up to the
end.
ALL GLORY TO GOD ALONE FOR HE ALONE IS WORTHY!
