“TOMORROW IS PROMISED TO NO ONE”!

This statement was made by Sean Connery to Nicholas Cage in the movie “The Rock”.
Connery was playing an ex-British spy named mason, imprisoned for thirty years by the Americans without being charged. His crime: he kept a microfilm containing dangerous secret information (like who really murdered JFK).

Now, what about the statement? “Tomorrow is promised to no one”! This is absolutely true! Man does not control his future. God does!

Remember the song “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow.” Well, it is a good reminder to all of us that we have no control whatsoever about the future. It is beyond us. The future is God’s domain. No finite human being can really know what lies ahead. To say that one can, is presumption, if not outright lie.

But Praise God, we can be assured & be at peace in our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:4-7) that God is Sovereign. He is in full control. We know that the “One who knows, our God and Savior The LORD Jesus Christ” controls, knows the future. Praise His Holy Name!

The words of the song “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow” follows:

I don’t know about tomorrow I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sunshine for its sky may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future for I know what Jesus said.
And today I’ll walk beside Him for He knows what is ahead.

Chorus: Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow & I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter as the golden stairs I climb.
Every burden’s getting lighter every cloud is silver lined.
There the path is always shining there no tear will deem the eye.
At the ending of the rainbow where the mountains touch the sky. (Repeat chorus).

Child of God, leave your daily cares, doubts, fears, & worries about the future at God’s “Throne of Grace” (Psalm 42:8, 11; Isaiah 41:10; 2Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 4:16).
Don’t carry them unnecessarily. The LORD cares and desires to carry those burdens for you. You need only do what He says (1Peter 5:7). Cast them upon the LORD. When you do, you become “care less”!

Trust Him with your future (Proverbs 3:5-6). God is more than able because He is the Almighty God of the Holy Scriptures (Ephesians 3:20-21). Hallelujah!!!

For the person who is not God’s child, the LORD JESUS gives an invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him with your sin(s).

Repent (Mark 1:15) of your sins.
Believe (John 3:16-18) on the LORD Jesus.
And Receive (John 1:12) Him as your Savior & LORD.

When you truly & sincerely call upon the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10), He will save you. Yours sins will be forgiven, blot out, washed away by the BLOOD of Jesus (Hebrews 9:22). You become God’s child (John 1:12). You receive the gift of eternal life (John 6:47) and the promise of eternity in heaven with God (John 14:1-3).

This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Scriptures Used (KJV):

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalms 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

A Good Reminder of God's Love

Tonight, as I have done in the past, I found myself browsing through the Documents in my desktop. I happened to click on an article that I saved. It was sent by email to me in the past. I begun to read again said article. I scrolled down using the mouse.

Lo & behold, God the Holy Spirit, as in the past when I read it the first time, touched me afresh, yes anew. I found myself not only touched but stirred in my heart. My heart was "literally warmed" by the message of the article. It brought tears to my eyes. The Holy Spirit brought into remembrance:

Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. and
Psalms 56:8  ¶Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

It not only reminded me of the LORD Jesus Christ's command in Matthew 28:18-20, but has encouraged & challenged me more than ever, to continue to be "deliberate & intentional" in obeying the Great Commission. I felt compelled to post this in my blog to encourage and challenge God's people, believers in the LORD Jesus Christ, as it did to me. Here it is for your consideration.

A good reminder of God's Love!

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.

This particular Sunday
afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The
boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready."

His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?"

"Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain."

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going
to Hell, even though it's raining?"

Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?"

His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son."

"Thanks
Dad!"

And with that, he was off and out into the rain. his eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet
and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.

Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have any testimony or want to say anything?"

Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away." I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and
more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, "Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU." Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to
my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just
in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."

There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated.

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for One.

Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Don't let this message die, read it again and pass it to others. Heaven is for His people!
Remember,
God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.

Please share this wonderful message...

"Faith is the affirmation and the act that bids eternal truth be present fact."
Coleridge


Just 3 Words

Three things
in life that, once gone, never come back -

1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person -

1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose-

1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -

1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three
things in life that are never certain -

1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person -

1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant -

Father - Son - Holy Spirit

I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today;
to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way.
God's love is always with you, God's promises are true.
And when you give God all your cares,
you know God will see you through.


Pass this along to People you want God to Bless - I just did!



~~~***My God Reigns***~~~

NO one falls in love
by choice,
it is by CHANCE.
No one stays in love
by
chance,
it is by WORK.
And no one falls
out of love by chance,
it is by CHOICE

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If you love this
man
please forward this message.

He did something for you,
now do something for him.
Spread his word,
and you'll be rewarded.

How will you be rewarded?

Matthew 10:32
"Whoever acknowledges
Me before men,
I will acknowledge him
before My Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns Me
before men, I will disown
him before My Father
in heaven"

“You’ll Never Walk Alone”

Remember this song of years gone by? “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” It reminds us of the goodness & faithfulness (Hebrews 10:23)of our God and Savior JESUS CHRIST (Titus 2:13) who promised through thick and thin, never to leave us nor forsake us (Matt. 28:20b; Hebrews 13:5). Praise His Holy Name!

Sing the song with thanksgiving in your heart (Col. 2:7). Look back & reminisce. Remember, recall all the blessings He has bestowed upon you: salvation, forgiveness of sins, eternal life, His daily grace & mercy, protection, preservation, provision and many other countless blessings (Eph.1:3) He has graciously poured upon you.

Let our hearts be filled with praise and thanksgiving (1 Thes. 5:18) moment by moment. Hallelujah!!! Here’s the song of yesterday. Daily remind yourself of the goodness, faithfulness and love of our God & Savior the LORD Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve until He comes again! Maranatha!!! The just shall live by faith.*

“When you walk through a storm
hold your head up high,
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the rain,
Walk on through the wind
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with faith in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never walk alone.”


Scriptures from the KJV Bible

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Ephesians 1:3 ¶Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Galatians 3:11* But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Ministry Report on Trip to San Antonio, Quezon

Sometime September, I was asked by Pastor Ronald Reyes of Pury Wesleyan Church, San Antonio, Quezon to speak at the church 15th anniversary on October 14 sunday at 3:00 pm in the afternoon. I accepted the invitation. I then asked Rev. Bayani Gabrillo, National Central District Superintendent if he can come with me that sunday. He said he will. His wife Ptra. Orpha & youngest son BJ actually came with us.
I suggested we leave saturday morning so that we will not be pressed for time. Pastor Bay was to make the arrangements. A few days before the trip, Pastor Ernie Largo asked if he could come. I knew why this fellow pastor wanted to come. It is because he was actually, with his wife, who started the church in San Antonio, Quezon 15 years back. Told him we were leaving the day before & would be sleeping overnight. Brother Ernie Santiano of Cainta Wesleyan Church asked also if he could come. Said the same thing to him.

And so saturday October 13, 10:30 am, the Gabrillos’ were at my place. We left for Quezon immediately thereafter. As soon as we boarded the car I said, Let us pray. Commiting our trip and my driving, thanked God for the covering of the Blood of the LORD Jesus (Rev. 12:11) upon us. Commanded God’s angels to be encamped round about us (Psalm 34:7; Psalm 91:11; Ps. 103:20). “The Blood” is a shield & hedge of protection & God’s angels guarantees our safety. HALLELUJAH! Drove the entire way. We took a longer but scenic route by way of Antipolo, passing through many towns & municipalities of Rizal, Laguna & Quezon. We stopped three times along the way.

First, to buy some fruits (lanzones);
Second, we stopped, as we were going through the zigzag, overlooking the Laguna Lake, to take some pictures and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. I remember the scriptures in Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.; and Psalm 8:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Psalm 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Third, we ate lunch in a nice, clean restaurant at about 1:00 pm. We enjoyed our lunch of fish (pangat), chicken (very tasty), vegetables & rice. The cooking was typical Filipino food but pleasantly superb.

We continued on passing through the towns all the way to San Pablo and on to San Antonio, Quezon. We arrived safely at about 3:30 pm. Praise the LORD for His traveling mercies!

We saw Pastor Ronald at the church and were informed that we are to stay with the Lanto family. We then proceeded to their house and met Nanay Lita, her daughters Joan with little Audrey, Judith & Mr. Pablito Lanto, the head of the family. Nanay Lita was a very gracious host. She made sure that we were fed right during our stay. We slept in an air condition bedroom, Praise the LORD!

After dinner that night, I asked about going to another church for sunday worship, considering that the anniversary was to start at 3:00 pm. I was informed about Bethany Church, whose pastor is a friend of Pastor Ronald. What I did not know was that Pastor Ronald must have texted the pastor of said church about my desire to come to his church.
At about 8:30 pm saturday night, while talking with our host, Pastor Hernando Ico came and I was introduced to him. He asked me if I am willing to speak at his church the next morning. I gladly accepted his offer. We then had a very open conversation. I learned that he, with his beloved wife Shirley, are church planters. They have planted a number of churches in Quezon. The church I am to speak at is his home church where he is the pastor. I made sure that he also knew were I was coming from. I shared with him my passion for ministry: That my calling from God is that of an evangelist and as pastor teacher (Eph.4:11); that I have sought since I was born again September 1975 to center my life in the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20); and that my daily confession is: I am a soul-winner (Prov.11:30). I am a fisher of men (Matt.4:19) & I am a worker in the harvest field for souls until the LORD returns (Matt.9:37-38)!

Slept intermittently that night. My heart and mind were thinking of the church celebration, the people that will be coming. Also, I found myself praying much for both the morning service at Bethany Evangelical Missionary Church and the Pury Wesleyan Church 15th anniversary.
Next morning, a hearty full breakfast consisting of sinangag, hot meat soup, & tasty looking grilled pork meat (tenderloin) were prepared by Nanay Lita & her girls. I then prayed for our host as I was holding Nanay Lita’s left hand with my right hand. Ate a full, good meal to have all the energy that I would need for ministry all day. Praise God for the marthas’ in our churches. I remember a passage of scripture from Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

At 8:45 am, we rode with Pastor Ronald and Brother Cris de Torres to Bethany Evangelical Missionary Church. When we arrived at the church, God’s people, were already wonderfully worshipping the LORD. The praise & worship team were enthusiastically leading His people into His presence. Truly God inhabiteth the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel).
The pastor ushered me, Pastor Gabrillo & Pastor Ronald to the front. After the worship, Pastor Ronald was asked to introduce us. He then asked Rev. Bayani Gabrillo to introduce me to the congregation. Then for the next hour or so, I preached on the text the LORD wanted me to preach on, Psalm 1:1-3 & Psalm 19:7-11. The title of the message: “GOD’S WORD: THE KEY TO SUCCESS & PROSPERITY.” The following is the text message I sent Pastor Hernando Ico at 3:11 pm October 15th that best describes the atmosphere in his church.
Dear Ptr. Hernan, thank u so much 4 having me preach in ur home church. It was a privilege & honor2have ministered God’s Word 2 ur people. Praise God 4 open hearts & minds. I looked at their faces as I was preaching, everyone was very attentive (Prov.4:20-23) soaking in God’s Words frm d lips of His messenger. I praise d LORD 4d work dat u & ur wife w/ ur sons r doing in dat church & I know in d other churches God has enabled u 2 start. Be strong & courageous, my brother (Joshua 1:7). Ur labor will not, never b in vain in d LORD! (1Cor.15:58). Our work is 2 build d Kingdom of God in d hearts & lives of people tru d Gospel of d LORD Jesus Christ & it is a labor of love (1Thes.1:2-3; Heb.6:10). Prayng4u, ur family & ministry d prayers of d Apostle Paul in Eph.1:15-23; 3:14-21; Col.1:9-14. In Christ Love, Ptr. EPS..
As I closed the message, I prayed for the entire congregation.
Pastor Hernan was to pray for the sick. He asked me instead to pray for his people who came in front to be prayed over. Seven women came, one of whom was a 39 year old mother of five, diagnosed with cervical cancer. Pastor Hernan informed me of her condition. I then spoke to them God’s Words on healing and prayed for them.
I requested that I be able to talk to the woman with cancer before we leave. After some snacks were served, I sat down & talked with her. Anointed her with oil in the name of our LORD (James 5:14-15) & proclaimed healing over her. Instructed her to fill her heart & mind with HEALING SCRIPTURES and speak them over her body again & again everyday. This is how she will maintain her healing. (Proverbs 18:21; Mark 11:22-24; Romans 10:8-10).

We said our parting words to one another. Proceeded back to our home base for a sumptuous lunch. After prayer for God’s blessing for the food, Pastor & Mrs. Largo, woman companion with Pastor Jun Guinto arrived. They joined us just in time for lunch.

After I ate, was asked by Nanay Lita to talk to her Kumare whose name is Juliet. I jokingly asked: where is Romeo? She said that was in fact the name of her husband. She was carrying a baby girl who I thought was her grandchild. A young girl came & got the baby from her. She was Juliet’s daughter. I then began to talk to the two of them. Asked them proving questions such as: Is there true & false? They answered yes. If so, is there such a thing as true faith & false faith. Again, the answer was yes. Then I asked: are all people God’s children? Answer both yes. This is their answer because this is the teaching of their religion (Roman Catholic). I said if we are all children of God, then we did not need to talk anymore because then, if they die they will go to heaven. I then shared with them God’s Word like John 8:44; 1 John 3:8,10 to let them know that not all are children of God. Yet God desires all to become His children (John 1: 12). I emphasized to the two that there is such a thing as true, genuine faith and false, fake faith, therefore counterfeit. I did not have much time with them because we had to go to the house of Joan, for house blessing, Nanay Lita’s daughter. Before I ended my time with Juliet & her daughter, I suggested when they got back to their house, they get a notebook & pen, write down everything they believe in. There religious beliefs and everything they are holding on to that has been handed down to them by their loved ones. Then, with a Bible, check & make sure that everything that they have written down in the notebook agree, line up with God’s Words. If it does not, then they MUST MAKE A CHOICE: God’s Words or Man’s words. Left them with the scripture in Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Proceeded with the Gabrillos’, Largos’ and the rest of the group with Joan to her new house. Everyone made confessions & prayed over the house and the family of Joan (daughter Audrey & husband in Korea). I then closed with prayer.

On to the 15th Anniversary of Pury Wesleyan Church. Actual celebration started at 3:30 pm with the Praise & Worship team led by Geraldine Austria, a singing champion in the whole of San Antonio, Quezon. She actually grew up in this church. With her beautiful booming, firm, strong, whole voice, she led God’s people that afternoon into God’s Holy Presence! Hallelujah! She was assisted by Pastor Ronald, who looked like a noontime matinee. Two young men were playing the guitar & the drums.The church was packed. Believers in two other churches came. Pastor Hernan, wife Shirley & members of Bethany Church (where I preached in the morning) came. Pastor Paulino Torres, Jr., wife Edna and his whole church came in full force.

Scripture reading was supposed to be read. Instead, to the surprise of everyone, two beautiful identically dressed girls (actually sisters), came in front. With mike in hand, they recited by memory verbatim Psalm 23 (KJV). It was a beautiful & powerful recitation of God’s precious Words. Noted this in my message and pronounced blessings upon those two precious daughters of a policewoman member Mrs. Irene Ilao Garcia. She belongs to the San Antonio, Quezon Police (PNP). She testified that she was on duty that sunday. Did not know what to do because she was yearning to be in the celebration. Noontime, one of her daughter became sick. She then called in sick because of her daughter. It was because of this that she was able to attend. She testified with tears in her eyes of the goodness & faithfulness of the LORD!

A member of the Austria family read the history of the church. The reading was interspersed & sprinkled with testimonies of the many men & women, their families who have become part of the church family. Included were the faithful workers and pastors that the LORD brought to San Antonio, Quezon for the last 15 years led by Pastor & Mrs. Largo, many others and now Pastor Ronald Reyes.

Another member of the church Marissa (if I remember her name right) gave a powerful testimony of her conversion. She used to be a “tomboy”. She was jealous of her youngest sister for years. It was because the youngest was her father’s favorite. Did everything that men did: drinking, smoking, & many other ungodly deeds. God used the healing of his late father to bring her to Christ! Hallelujah! She said that before she was born again, she thought of such people as weird, emotional & crazy. She stood her ground against her own clan & family when she got saved. Before she ended her testimony, she sung a powerful song with all her heart. Praise the LORD for the work He has done in the lives of these people in San Antonio, Quezon. Truly God’s Word in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” is true.

It was time for the proclamation of God’s Words. Time: 5:00 pm. With out any introduction, I commenced. My message was about “Faith: The Christians’ Way of Life in this World.” Text: Romans 1:17; Gal.3:11b; Habakkuk 2:4. As it was in the morning at Bethany Church, so it was in this celebration. I felt such a sense of freedom to preach God’s Word. The words just flowed from out of my mouth. The words of the LORD Jesus in Matthew 12:34b “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” is very pertinent & relevant in the ministry of preaching. God’s messengers must be so full, overflowing with God’s Words, therefore skilled, so that what comes out of his mouth are words that are alive & powerful (Hebrews 4:12), literally “Words of Life”. The opposite of this is also abysmally, profoundly true. When I was done after an hour, I was literally wet because I was perspiring all over. It was good to have ministered God’s unchanging & wonderful Word. Praise the LORD!

The preacher must be expectant & optimistic. He must await, foresee and reckon that the promise of God in Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” is true and must surely come to pass because God is faithful. One has no business preaching if he does not believe this. This promise is anchored on Isaiah 43:26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified and Isaiah 44:26a That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers.

These truths have been confirmed and seen in the lives of His people in San Antonio, Quezon. Their lives has once again been encouraged, energized, revived, stirred, strengthened, touched by God through the preaching of His Words. They are once again ready & equipped to face the challenges that life will surely bring.

After the service, the people were treated to a combination of spaghetti, bread, puto and drinks. Fellowship was on going among the members of the three churches. Love for the saints and friendship was very apparent.
A sumptuous dinner was prepared for us by Nanay Lita and her girls. Give aways (pasalubong) were generously given to us all. The words of Paul ring true 1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father. We then said our goodbyes to everyone, promising that God willing, we shall again behold their faces in the near future.

We left San Antonio, Quezon at 7:35 pm. We took the faster route through San Pablo City and on to the SLEX. By 9:50 pm, we were in Katipunan Avenue, in front of Ateneo, were the Gabrillos’ alighted and took a taxi. Praise God for His goodness and faithfulness!

PRIORITIES

When our priorities in life are RIGHT
and our hearts PLEASE God,
then we can truly TRUST the Lord.

He is faithful, and will not fail to do
what He has promised in Scriptures.

ONLY THEN!

“LORD PREPARE ME TO BE A SANCTUARY”

This contemporary song has been sung in countless christian churches both in North America and even here in the Philippines. The song’s lyrics are very touching. The writer must have been anointed by the Spirit of God when he wrote the song. The lyrics follows:

“Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary.
Pure and holy, tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for you.”

Read Psalm 24:1-10. Take special note of verses 3 to 5. Let this song be the cry, desire, longing and prayer of our hearts moment by moment day by day (Psalm 42:1-2). As we seek to live and walk with God daily as Enoch did (first book of the Bible Genesis 5:24), may God Almighty empower us with His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Praying for you the reader: the prayers of the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, in Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; & Colossians 1:9-14. In Christ Love!


SCRIPTURES USED (KJV BIBLE):

Psalms 24:1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 ¶Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7 ¶Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Psalms 42:1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Ephesians 1:15 ¶Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 3:14 ¶For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Colossians 1:9 ¶For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 ¶Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Flash! “Answers to Believing Prayers”

Since my ministry trip in Hongkong September 26 to October 3, 2007, a number of
communications, both by text messages and email, have reached me. These are testimonies of the faithfulness of our God and Savior the LORD Jesus Christ.

In one session I had with the OFW Filipina women at the World Hope International, Inc. Shelter in Hongkong tuesday night (Oct. 2nd), while I was sharing & teaching, the telephone rung. Pastor Josiah Gagarin, Supervisor of the Shelter, answered the call. After a few minutes, he hang up and said that the caller was a Filipina OFW. She was in church sunday morning. Before I preach, she asked for prayers for her HK visa to be released by tuesday, which was Oct. 2nd. I distinctly heard her say: “I hope” I get my visa tuesday . In tagalog, the statement is “Sana makuha ko ang visa sa martes. I turned to this sister and said: You will have your Hongkong visa in Jesus name by tuesday (not “sana” or “hope so”). Such words are words of doubt and unbelief.

And so tuesday night, Pastor Josiah said: she called to say thank you so much for that day she got her visa. Praise the LORD! To God alone be the glory (Isaiah 42:8). Truly, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b). Meaning efficacious, effective. Why? Because it is a “Prayer of Faith.” (James 5:15a). With rejoicing in our hearts that night, I asked those present what they desire for God to do for them. Every one said for a new employer, except for Martha who was to go back to the Philippines next day. I knew somethings about her (marriage & family). I asked everyone to stand up. We held hands in a circle and prayed earnestly for these women. After the prayer, a loud amen echoed in the Shelter. Literally, everyone in the circle were in tears including myself. It is because we knew in our hearts that our prayers has not only been heard but answered in Jesus name.I said that in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, they will get new employers that are good, giving & gacious (mabait, mapagbigay at maunawain sa pangalan ng Panginoong Jesu Kristo).

Back in Manila, received text messages from a number of these women. 7 October, sunday 8:39 am, got a text message from HK cp# 85292085551 “Good morning pastor thank you so much sa prayer. May employer n Korean couple bigay n Lord. GOD BLESS ALL YOR FAMILY. Im on my way to churh.” In my heart I know who this person is. Texted her back Praise God4His goodness & faithfulness. 2Him alone b d glory. Eph.3:20-21. Prayng4u. Ptr.EPS.

She then texted me again 9 Oct. 6:35 am “Good mrning Pastor & all your family.I praise & thank God napakadali ang processing ng contrak naming ngaun. Oct.18 mag pick-up n k ng visa k.thank you nbsa k n email ipaprint k para meron k mpag aralan. Take care GOD BLESS YOU.” Translation: The processing of our contract this time is so easy and fast. By Oct. 18, I will pick up my visa. Thank you. I read your email and will print it so that we can study them. Truly, our God hears and answers the “prayer of faith” of His children. Hallelujah!

An earlier text was sent to me from HK cp# 8526929185 Oct. 4th 8:39 am “Pse god pas2r u arve safly. We pry dt god wl cntinue 2 bls u as u cntinue 2 srve our lord. Thnks also 4 ur enriching ministry. Rgards 2 ur family. Gbu.” This too is a precious sister in Christ that I ministered to in Hongkong. To the readers of my Blog, pray for the OFWs in Hongkong regularly.

My One Week Ministry Sojourn in the Island of Hongkong

On September 26th, a Wednesday, my eldest daughter Maines drove me to the Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport. I took Cebu Pacific Air on Flt # 5J118 for Hongkong. The Airbus A320 jet took off at 4:50 pm Manila time, 10 minutes off the schedule. The flight took exactly two hours to reach the HKG Chep Lap Kok Int’l Airport arriving at 6:50 pm. Manila & Hongkong time is the same. It was my first time to fly via Cebu Pacific Airline and my first real trip to Hongkong.

At Hongkong Int’l Airport, I was picked up by my host for the week Rev. Josiah Gagarin, Philippine Wesleyan Church missionaries (with wife Lydia) to Hongkong. Their ministry reaches the Filipino domestic helpers in two ways: 1st, Pastor Josiah is the Pulpit Minister of the Hongkong Wesleyan F ellowship comprising of women who are members of Wesleyan Churches in many part of the Philippines, finding themselves working as OFWs in this island. So, it is natural for them to seek out their fellow Wesleyan born again believers in the LORD Jesus Christ in such a setting as Hongkong. Many others have been added to the church for the past 13 years. The church meets on sundays at the 4th Floor, Wing Hing Commercial Bldg. #16 Sutherland Street, off Des Vouex Street West, Tel. # 25605394. 2nd, he is the Supervisor of World Hope International, Inc. Shelter in Hongkong with his beloved wife Lydia. She is an indispensable help in the ministry of touching the lives of many Filipina OFWs who find themselves in difficult situations in Hongkong. Cases like termination, unfinish contract and many other circumstances that bring havoc in the lives of many of these OFWs. Those times, the Shelter is a haven of rest and a place of hope & protection for such Filipinas.

Flashback! Early this year, Pastor Gagarin & his wife were back from Hongkong because their temporary visas expired. They stayed at the West Avenue Wesleyan Church, Quezon City were I had the pleasure of meeting them while waiting for their visas to be approved. In a number of occasions, I got to talk, share and pray for & with him together with his wife about their visa application. I shared with them the testimony of how the LORD provided my US Greencard by faith in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! Encouraged them to believe in their hearts that the LORD will open the door for both of them to return to Hongkong, and that they will (not maybe) get their Hongkong Visas approved and that they will be back in Hongkong to pursue God’s call upon their lives. In one speaking engagement I had at the Sta Maria Wesleyan Church in Bulacan April 15th, they asked to come along. By August, God made to come to pass the “prayer of faith.” Their visa application was approved. Pastor Josiah invited me to come to Hongkong & be the church 13th anniversary speaker on the last Sunday 30th September, 2007.

And so, I safely arrived in the beautiful island of Hongkong. We took a two-decker bus (E11) from the airport on our way to the shelter. The fare was HK $21 which my host readily paid for. It took almost an hour to reach central Hongkong. Along the way, I got to see the beauty and splendor of the island. We passed two tunnels. Pastor Gagarin told me that the first bus stop after the 2nd tunnel is where we are to alight. We walked approximately 300 meters and we reached the bldg. where the Shelter is located # 31 Des Vouex Street on the 9th floor. At the shelter, a sumptuous meal was already waiting for us prepared by Pastora Lydia. The time was about 9pm. Praise the LORD for the safe arrival and for the appetite to partake of such blessing.

After an energizing meal, my host thought that I was ready to go to bed. Rather, I begun to get to know the Filipina OFWs temporarily residing in the shelter, eager to learn about their lives and experiences. As they talked and shared from their hearts, the LORD allowed me to start ministering to them God’s precious, powerful, healing Words. Hallelujah! These women started to open up & be transparent. Praise the LORD for the MINISTRY OF THE WORD! It seems to me that they have so many questions. Questions that need answers.. And the answers are all in the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. One OFW, Joy was only staying overnight and was to fly back to Manila next morning. I shifted my attention to her as I presented the Gospel and urged her to put her trust & faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. Early next morning, before Joy left the Shelter, Pastor Josiah talked & prayed with her. She received the LORD. Praise God! “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” Prov. 11:30. He then brought her to the bus stop for the airport.

That first night in Hongkong, I lay awake in the bed sacrificially provided for by my couple host, unable to sleep. My mind kept of thinking of these women in much predicament. I found myself talking to our Heavenly Father, asking in the name of my LORD Jesus Christ (John 16:23-24) that He gives me the hearts and minds of these OFWs including those that I will meet during the one week of my stay. I earnestly prayed for the members of the Wesleyan Fellowship and the visitors that they will come (sunday morning, 30th September for the church anniversary) with open hearts & minds; That they will be receptive to the Gospel message and the proclamation of God’s Holy Words. The theme of the celebration was: “Growing in Faith and Glowing in Love.”

The next day thursday, I got to see where the church meets. Retired Wesleyan Pastor Rabago & his wife, together with their son Pastor Stanley, where staying in the church. Praise God that during their stay, Pastor Rabago painted the whole church walls. Pastor Stan, his son, fixed everything he could lay his hands on especially the sound system and the wirings. He even did the front of the church in blue and it came out very nice. Sunday came and many had their pictures taken with the background the name Hongkong Wesleyan Fellowship. This is what opens up to anyone when you reach the 4th floor as the elevator door open. I had a hearty meal for lunch together with the Rabagos and Gagarins. Praise God for the brethren!

In the afternoon with my Sony Cyber-shot camera & video, I decided to take a walk to see for myself that part of Hongkong. A hundred meters or so from where the shelter, is a park for the residents where one can seat and enjoy the greens all around. There is a statue of Buddah at the right front entrance of the park seemingly standing guard. Obviously, Buddhism is the majority religion in this Chinese dominated island.

Back in the shelter and after the evening meal, I had my second session of Bible study with the OFWs . Some of these women are: Brenda, Rufina, Cristina, Martha, Lourdes, Vilma, Ana Lee, Dora Acosta, Nida & Wilma (precious sisters in Christ), Joy, another Vilma, Jane (daughter-in-law of Sis. Wilma). During the week, there were other OFWs coming and going in the Shelter. In my sessions on the Word with them, I sought to impress and imprint upon their hearts & minds the importance of the Bible, God’s Word.
That every question they have, any problem or difficulty they face, whatever predicaments in life, God’s Word The Bible has the ANSWER. They need only look into God’s Book and they will have the solution they are looking for.

Friday the whole day, I stayed at the Shelter mingling with the OFWs. They shared a lot about their lives in Hongkong. They talked about their hardships & hardwork even about their undesirable abusive employers. They shared even their heartaches about their families back home in the Philippines. Husbands not working (batugan) and even has the temerity to be womanizing on top of being drunkards (lasengero). They wait for the monthly remittances from their wives. The OFW mother, whose very lifeblood is being sucked by indifferent abusive husbands, children and relatives, is very loving and patient. So-called loved ones seem to think that money falls from heaven. They demand that money must not stop from flowing regardless of the situation of the OFW wife, mother or daughter. My heart goes out to many of them I have personally met and talked with.

After dinner friday night, Pastors Rabago & wife, Stan, Josiah, and I, took a taxi to Star Ferry to see the other side of Hongkong. There Pastor Charlie was already waiting for us. The fare for each passenger was HK$2.20 for the upper deck. The lower deck is only HK$1.70. If you are a senior (65 years above) like Pastor Rabago, you get to pay only HK$1.00. Hundreds of tourist from many parts of the world all around the area are waiting for the show of lights, shown on Cable TV. Overlooking the tall, magnificent buildings of Hongkong, at exactly 8:00 pm, the show started which lasted for about fifteen minutes. Their lights all lighted up, streaming from the left and right, side and top of the participating buildings, a woman’s voice can be heard all over the area giving a narration about the show of lights. With my Sony Cyber-shot camera & video, I got to record for posterity’s sake the magnificent display of lights.

After the show, we walked towards a building housing many businesses in search of a good Hongkong restaurant with fine food. We ended up at a Chinese restaurant that serves “Hot Pot” meals where your orders are actually uncooked. They provide you with a pot with water inside on top of a small stove-like stand. The waitress lighted the so-called stove with fire. We started to fill said pot with the ingredients in a very big platter. After a few minutes, we were ready to eat. We kept on replenishing the pot with the remaining ingredients until we consumed what we have ordered. It was a very good meal to say the least. It was filling but did not feel heavy in one’s tummy. Afterwards, we headed back by way of the Star Ferry to our temporary home. Arriving at the Shelter, it was time to rest after a hectic day.

Saturday was spent in putting finishing touch on my message for the next day. It was also a time of recharging one’s spiritual battery thru God’s Word and much prayer. We had lunch at church graciously prepared and cooked by Pastora Lydia. All throughout my one week stay in Hongkong, I got to try and taste her home-cooked meals. Her fish sinigang is one of the best I have ever tasted. I even asked her to give me the recipe and how she actually cook said viand. Reason, I plan to do some cooking back in Manila.

Early Sunday morning, woke up quite early to prepare myself for a day of ministering God’s Precious Words. Had a beautiful and wonderful time conversing with our Heavenly Father. Asked and by faith received the filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) to have the anointing that comes from on high. Asked, both for myself and the people that will be coming to church that morning. Did spiritual warfare, binding and rebuking Satan and his works. Took authority in the powerful name of our LORD Jesus Christ over every scheme of the enemy and presented the BLOOD of Jesus against him (Eph.6:10-18; Luke 10:19; Matt.18:18; James 4:7; Rev.12:11). Claimed and proclaimed victory as done even before the sunday celebration.

Arrived at the Hongkong Wesleyan Fellowship at almost 9:00 am. Seated myself and waited for the celebration to start. I was informed that sunday school has been scrapped for the day to give more time for me to speak. I was originally asked by Pastor Josiah to speak for 35 to a maximum of 40 minutes. I promise I will abide by the time limitation. There was a sense of anticipation that I felt. Met Tessie Lumahan, the church Director. The previous Sunday, I spoke at the San Juan Wesleyan Church and met the Lumahans’, her parents.

People kept on arriving. After a short devotional by Pastor Stanley Rabago, the actual worship celebration begun. Made ready my camera & video because I wanted to record both by pictures and video, the 13th Anniversary Celebration for myself. The theme was: “GROWING IN FAITH & GLOWING IN LOVE.”

The worship service begun. The church choir comprised of all women in their beautiful white gowns, led in the worship. Two precious sisters danced while God’s people worshipped with all their hearts our God and Savior Jesus Christ. A video presentation about the church history was shown by the church Director. I was introduced by Pastora Lydia Gagarin. I stood to bring God’s Message to God’s people that morning from the Word! I spoke of Faith and how to live and appropriate faith for the believer. The message lasted for 1 ½ hours. God’s people kept on soaking and receiving God’s powerful, precious Words from the lips of God’s servant that morning. Praise God for the freedom to proclaim, declare, preach God’s Unchanging Words. After the service, I was asked how long I was visiting. I said only a week and that I was to fly back to Manila wednesday night. Many said how they wish I can stay for a month. I said I will be back, the LORD tarrying, and stay longer. Picture taking lasted for more than 30 minutes. Everyone wanted for their pictures to be taken . The pastors present obliged.

The church, with many of the women preparing food the day before, served in individual styrofoam containers, lunch for everyone. The church was packed with people. They were asked to just stay in their seats. Food were given to everyone by the ushers. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! After lunch, opted to go back to the Shelter because I was sweating all over and wanted to take a shower before returning for the afternoon celebration. Came back refreshed and participated in the afternoon fun among God’s people. Talked and mingled with our brethren the rest of the affair.

At about 4:00 pm, Pastor Josiah & I left for Central Hongkong. Took a Tram ride (HK$2.20) and reached the place that is well-known to Filipino OFWs. World Wide Plaza and almost all the surrounding area is Filipino country. Sundays & holidays, thousands of Filipina OFWs descend on WWP like a swarm of locusts (not to devour anything) but to spend their time with fellow OFWs, friends but most importantly to remit money to loved ones back in the Philippines. Many, I was informed by Pastor Josiah, gambles away their money among themselves. They have a way of hiding what they are actually doing because of fear of being caught by the police. Many have also become drunkards, drinking their worries, insecurities, problems both with their employers and loved ones back home, away. Seemingly, such an action just hides the deep heartfelt disappointments, frustrations and fears of many of these OFWs. These women needs the LORD JESUS CHRIST in their lives. The challenge for true, authentic and genuine believers in Hongkong, is to be the light and salt of the earth. The True Church of Jesus Christ (not the Mormons even the INK) must heed the call for EVANGELISM.

Two precious sisters during my stay seem to take advantage of my presence. Wilma, the saturday group leader of the church found time to be with us even during lunch, dinner & other times. The same was true with Dora Acosta at the Shelter. Found myself with these two: talking, sharing, teaching and encouraging them to center their lives in obedience to the Great Commission (Matt.28:18-20). Challenged them to fill their hearts and minds with God’s Word. Then, surely God will use them mightily.

Sunday night, resting, sleep did not come easy. Spent much time lying in bed, thinking of the morning service and the many women, I considered to be heroes of their families. By the way, I recorded my morning message. That night I replayed my own message. Put the recorder beside my right ear to listen to God’s Word. Sleep came in time. Hallelujah!

Next day, October 1st monday, back in church at 9:00 am. The day was a mandatory holiday in Hongkong. Meaning no work for the OFWs, Praise the LORD! I was to speak on the subject of giving. It was a wonderful way of tying up this morning’s session with yesterday’s message on faith. I was given the rest of the morning. I ended early past twelve. Spoke for almost 3 hours including the time for questions. Surely the LORD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26b). His grace and strength was more than sufficient for the task of preaching and teaching.

And so, my ministry to the local church ended monday noontime. But the ministry to many women in the Shelter and a number of church women continued for the rest of my stay until I flew back to Manila Wednesday afternoon.

Rufina, a wife and mother to her children has been staying in the Shelter for sometime. She is trusting the LORD to give her another contract with a good, gracious and giving employer. The meantime, she lives at the Shelter. She attended both the Sunday morning celebration and the monday session I had in church. She was very attentive even the time I shared, talked and taught at the Shelter. I personally observed the earnestness coming from this OFW. She was soaking and absorbing God’s Word like a sponge. In the monday morning session, she testified about returning the Tithe. She had to borrow money to help her while waiting for a new employer. She paid tithe on what she borrowed. My heart was touched. I wanted to do something for this sister. I have been preaching and teaching about giving; sowing & reaping; giving & receiving. The Spirit of God spoke to my heart to give her something. I was to sow money into her life. Next day in the Shelter, as a pretense, I called Rufina to ask about where they hung their clothes, she showed me. I handed her some money (US$), and she was so touched. I look at her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks with gratitude and thanksgiving all over her face. We are God’s hands to meet the needs of others, to give the love of Christ that has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5) to those that are hurting and need of God’s touch upon their lives.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at the Shelter. I sought to continue ministering to the women every opportunity I had. One has to be intentional and deliberate to be able to touch the lives of people. Wednesday 2:00 pm, made myself ready to fly back to Manila. Dora, unbeknown to me, cooked a special spaghetti. Pastor Josiah & his wife,, with the following women in the Shelter before I left (Brenda, Rufina, Nida, Lourdes, Anna Lee, Dora) and I joined in prayer led by Pastor Gagarin. I then had my last meal in Hongkong.

Three women from the Shelter decided to bring me to the airport. They were insistent, Dora, Nida & Rufina. Dora handed me an envelope saying thank you for coming to minister to them. We walked to the bus stop for E11 near the Shelter. The three of us rode the almost an hour bus trip to the Hongkong International Airport.

We arrived at the airport at about 4:30 pm. I was able to checked in early for the Cebu Pacific Air Flt # 5J119 leaving at 7:40 pm. I was to get my boarding pass at 6:40 pm from the airline agent and a wheelchair was to transport me (I have an ICD Pacemaker). Meantime, the 3 wonderful women stayed with me. The LORD opened for me to witness with a young Filipina DH, Winnie Estrada (23 yrs. Old) from La Union. She terminated her contract because her employer was abusive. She said she was crazy and told her story to us. For 2 hours, shared the Gospel based on John 3:1-7 to her while waiting for our flight. Got her address in La Union, her parents name and cell number. Promised to give it to one of our Wesleyan pastors in Luzon. Dora, Nida & Rufina then bid me farewell. I wish to see them again in the near future.

The Cebu Pacific Air Flt #5J119 was on time. I was first to board with Winnie the plane. Lo and behold, my seat C4 (aisle seat) was right beside Winnie’s. She said truly the LORD worked out everything even for her. Our plane arrived safely at NAIA at 9:50 pm.
Went through the usual immigration and custom proceedings in a wheelchair. Got my small baggage. All the while, shared the Gospel with the one who pushed my wheelchair. The same was true in my coming to Hongkong the previous Wednesday. Handed him a good tip. Did the same thing with the Chinese lady who helped me with the wheelchair at the HK Airport. Everything in life is sowing & reaping.

Was out of the NAIA at almost 11:00 pm. Waited for a few minutes. My daughter Maines and her husband Levi picked me up. I was back home safely midnight. Praise God for a blessed & fruitful ministry in Hongkong! I promised to return in Jesus Mighty Name!