God really works in different and mysterious ways. Sometimes He moves explicitly. Sometimes He moves subtly. At first we may think He’s not working at all. But in truth, He really is working. That was what happened during our ministering at Guinayangan. As our pastors have discerned, there was a stronghold that kept the youth from responding to God. It kept them from fully absorbing God’s message. It kept them from letting go. But that did not stop God from doing His work. And it did not stop us from doing what He told us to do. It even increased our faith. We believe that God was doing something in the hearts of these young people. And so we strived on—cultivating the soil; sowing God’s message; not settling for past victories; always crying out for fresh anointing. And we know God was also working with us.

And in the end, the victory belongs to the Lord! “Strongholds came tumbling down!” And the youth of Guinayangan chose to fear Him and made their vessels available for the Master’s use. God was simply… amazing! And He did not only fill the youth in Guinayangan, He also filled everyone in the YR Team and gave fresh word and revelation.

One of the most memorable part for me in this trip was when the YR team was divided into 4 groups to visit the 4 different churches in Quezon. The three groups took 45 mintues to 1 hour trip to their designated churches. A jeepney ride on a rough-rode; two-bus rides to the boundary of Bicol; and a 45-minute boat ride across the sea. Each faced a different battle. But though we were scattered in placed, God united our hearts and spirit.

As for our team, we went to Jesus’ Good News Church in Tagkawayan. We took two bus rides and reached the church, without knowing that we already crossed the boundary of Bicol! It was a small church with more or less 25 members. Less than a kilometer from their place was a military headquarters. And maybe—just maybe—some wandering NPAs near the vicinity. Deep inside I was so scared. But God gave me peace and confidence.

I had the privilege to lead the worship for that Sunday service. It was my first time to write my line up songs on a manila paper. I could hardly imagine having the entire Song Base written on a manila paper and bringing it with you wherever you go. I appreciated God’s blessing of technology even more. But thank God He made me experience it. J God doesn’t look on state-of-the-art sound system, or cool multimedia and instruments. He looks on the heart of the worshippers. And that’s the only thing that matters to Him. That’s what He taught me as I lead the worship while flipping the manila paper every next song or every next chorus. J

Before Ptr. Rey preached God’s word that morning, an old lady testified God’s faithfulness in her life. I was so blessed because in her old age, she is still so eager to serve the Lord. She used to visit houses miles away in her youth days just to share God’s Word. Now that she’s old, she could no longer do what she used to do. But her passion to share the Gospel is still there. It turned out that she was one of the people that God used to start their church.

Almost everyone was prayed for during the altar call—youth, workers, and the rest of the congregation. One soul received Christ. He’s an old man and a stroke victim. Though he could not speak much, tears were in his eyes when Ptr. Rey lead him through the sinner’s prayer.

And praise God again for another victory He has given to us! I realized, mission trip is really a challenge. But if it’s the way to obey God and bring joy to Him, and to share His love to others, it’s all worth it!

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For the two mission trips I joined, God always had something for me. Before going to Guinayangan, I had some struggles in worship leading. I always keep on thinking that it’s not my forte, I don’t sing well like others, I get intimidated with the crowd… But in this mission trip, God taught me to obey Him and put my complete trust in Him. To make my vessel available for Him, willing to be used anytime. Then Tita Oss prayed for me, and it was somewhat confirmed. Worship leading may not be my forte. But God is calling me into it. I’m not worthy for such duty, but I am willing to obey Him and my complete trust is in Him. Then God also impressed on me that I should stand firm on my decisions. That I should make strong and firm decisions of running the race, never looking back, and finishing strong, so I could breakthrough the stronghold that keeps me from being fully used by the Lord.

I can imagine ourselves like warriors going out to battle... then finally coming home with songs of victory. All glory belongs to the Lord most high!