United Prayer Rising 2016

 

It was during a JREV Night after the Nazarite Training in 2014. I have previously said that I didn’t have the heart for the nations, yet. 

I think God heard me right then and there. So, when we prayed, I have asked for a nation. And He gave me, KOREA.

Back then, the only idea I had with Korea are the TV shows dubbed into Filipino, and their famous Kimchi, which became one my favorites. I didn’t know about the DMZ border. I didn’t know that there is “North” and “South” Korea. I didn’t know anything about this nation. But God told me I’m going. 

Do you know that feeling about not having your heart into doing a task? That’s how I felt. I didn’t feel any connection to Korea. Maybe it’s the reason that the “desire for the nations” faded away. Until one time, I was prayed for and I’ve been told, “God wants to remind you that He is still working on the prayers you don’t even pray for anymore.” (I will be honest that at first, I thought it was for another thing. I would like to believe that God meant it for something greater.)

I can share other instances where God met me and told me, “I have Korea for you.” I tried to run. To run away from the responsibilities. To throw away my inheritance. But God is always persistent. He didn’t force me to this. He just reminded me of who I am and whose I am. Next thing I know, I found myself running back to Him and asking, “What to do now, Father?”

And that, my friends, is why I’m going to Korea this July. I will be among all the DAVIDS from around the world to engage in the battle on our knees. I will join the thousands who will worship, fast, and pray for the unification of North and South Korea. I will join the United Prayer Rising.

Would you love to join us? Message me. 🙂

Tuldok

Mahal na mahal kita.

Sa dami ng pag-iyak at sa haba ng panahon, sa iyo ko nagawang maging komportable. ‘Yung tipong kaya kong sabihin ang lahat nang hindi nag-alalang magbabago ang tingin mo sa akin. Noong una, ayokong maging totoo sa’yo kasi masyado kong kilala ang sarili ko. Mabilis akong mahulog, at mabilis akong nahulog sa’yo. Mabuti na lang at natakot ako, naiwas ko ‘yung paningin ko sa’yo.

Ang daming nangyari sa ating dalawa, kasama na ‘yung mga tao sa paligid nating pareho nating kilala. Nasubaybayan nila ‘yung mga away-bati, ‘yung tampuhan-asaran, pati ‘yung pagmamahalan-hiwalayan.

‘Yung mga away-bati. Natatawa ako kasi binest friend-zoned kita. Naramdaman kong masyado na tayong nagiging malapit sa isa’t isa kaya sinabi kong “Gusto kita maging best friend.” At pumayag ka. Ginawa ko ‘yun kasi takot ako. Ayokong mapalapit sa’yo lalo, kaya akala ko, maigi ‘yun. Pero alam natin pareho na hindi. Ang daming umalma dahil sa katotohanang may kasintahan ka. Dapat daw, siya ang best friend mo. Hindi ko naintindihan noong una, pero, tinanggap ko. Kaya siguro tayo puro away-bati na hindi ko alam bakit ganoon. Hinayaan ko.

‘Yung mga tampuhan-asaran. May mga tatlong buwan na hindi mo ako kinausap nang sinabihan kitang wala kang kwentang leader. Siguro napahiya ka noon kasi kaharap natin ‘yung iba nating kaibigan. Sinabi mo sa akin paglaon na hindi ka nagalit sa akin. Nagtampo ka lang. Na hindi mo inaasahang pagsasalitaan kita nang ganoon. Hinangaan kita sa abilidad mong hindi magalit. Kabaligtaran ko. Kaya siguro mula sa pagkakataon na ‘yan, natuto akong habaan ‘yung pisi ko, kasi nakita ko kung anong pwedeng magawa ng pagka-mainitin ang ulo. Ikaw lang din ‘yung nang-aasar sa akin na ‘di ako napipikon. Sa totoo lang, wala ako masyadong maalala na pagkakataon na inasar mo ako. Palagi mo lang pinapalakas ‘yung loob ko kapag andoon na ako sa puntong susuko na ako. Ewan ko ba. Noon, parang hindi tama kung hindi ko naririnig ang opinyon mo. Pwedeng hindi gugustuhin ng pandinig ko. Pero, sapat na sa aking alam mo.

‘Yung pagmamahalan-hiwalayan. Ayoko na sanang sumulat pa patungkol dito. Kaya lang, dapat ko nang tuldukan ‘yung piyesang ang tagal-tagal ko nang hindi matapos.

…

…

…

Hindi ko na alam ‘yung sasabihin ko. Hindi na rin naman siguro tama kung isasalaysay ko pa kung gaano naging masakit noong tinapos mo kung anong meron tayo. Ilang panahon din kitang sinisi. Ilang gabi kong iniyak na sana mapatawad na kita kasi ang sakit-sakit na. At ilang pagkakataong hiniling kong sana, hindi na lang kita minahal.

Minsan, iniisip ko kung paano nagagawa ng ibang tao ‘yung magpakasaya kahit alam nilang may nasasaktan sila. Napagtanto kong pinili nila ‘yun. At pwede rin akong pumili.

Pipiliin kong ‘wag ka na nang sisihin, dahil ginawa mo lang din ‘yung kung anong tingin mong tama, ‘yung tingin mong ikabubuti ng lahat. Pipiliin kong magpatawad, dahil ibig sabihin noon ay ang magmahal nang muli. At pipiliin kong humiling na maging masaya ka, kahit wala ako.
“Best friend kita, eh.”

‘Yan ‘yung lagi mong sinasabi sa akin noon. Hindi ka lang naman naging kasintahan sa akin. Kaya kung may mas masakit sa lahat ng ‘to, ‘yun eh yung pagkawala ng best friend ko.

Alam kong ayos ka na. Hindi ko akalaing kakayanin kong sabihin ‘to. Pero, masaya ako para sa’yo, para sa inyo. Alam kong hindi ka na nasasaktan, at alam kong naaalagaan ka na.

Mahal na mahal kita.
Pero, ngayong gabi, at sa mga susunod pa, hindi na. 🙂

Salamat. Salamat at natuldukan na.

 

January 2016

Time flies so fast when you’re having fun.
But I say, it can also get by so fast when you have plenty on your hands.

Hello. 🙂 I did try to have a 2015 year-ender post. However, I cannot seem to find the exact words to explain how my 2015 went. Everything went on a blur and I got lost in my own whirlwinds of all sorts.

Anyway, can you believe it that we’re already one month down of 2016? That’s crazy! I have planned so many things — to travel to a lot of places, if I may say — that I am sort of panicking on how to go about all of it, considering the responsibilities that are there and the priorities that I need to stick to.

Still, I am not complaining. I love how my life is right now. And to be really honest, I’ve never been this happy in my 23 years of existence.

I’d want to detail out how my January went. The problem is, I cannot seem to remember intricate details now as I did before. (Maybe some trick I made my mind to get used to HAHA please don’t tell my brain.) Instead, I will share two of my highlights from this beautiful month.

KINGDOM INVASION (KI) 2016 — January 12-16

I waited for this trip for three months. Initially, a friend and I were planning to go to Baguio and visit our happily place. When we asked our other friends if they wanted to join us, an ate of mine did mention about this conference — in Singapore. Crazy, right? From Baguio to Singapore. From a bus ride to an airplane ride. Things escalated quickly. LOL. I did some research about this Kingdom Invasion, and really, I cried when I watched the summary video of the previous conferences. I wanted to go. However, doubts came crashing in, and mainly, my top-of-the-list question was, “How can I financially provide for this trip?”

Prior to registering, we were challenged to base our faith (regarding the trip) on God’s word. And so, I did. I can remember that I was in one of our Saturday small group fellowships when God revealed His confirmation of me going to KI2016. It was John 15:1-17. It was during that time that I saw “pruning” as one of God’s way to love me. I am being pruned not for the sake of being pruned. I am going through the process of pruning so that I can bear much fruits. God impressed to me that going to the conference is one of the places I need to go to so there, I could be pruned. In there, I could receive so much. And I did. I really did.

A few days before the trip, I was talking to a sister-in-Christ on how excited we were for the trip. We both had this weird feeling of being excited, yet, nervous at the same time. With everything that the Lord already revealed to us, we just knew that there’s something more. And, yes, there’s so much more.

I hope I can put into words how amazing KI 2016 was. But, I guess, there are things that are only meant to be experienced in a particular moment — that only the heart can comprehend. That is how I feel. It was so life-changing that when I went home, up to this day, I have decided that I don’t want to be the same person again. I don’t want to be chained to my fears. I don’t want to be captured by my emotions. I want to live out who God says I am — His child.

One last thing to share about this trip. I realized that out of all the expenses, I only paid for the registration to the conference. Everything else — airfare, hotel accommodation, and ground fee — were covered up by the generous people who are continually sowing seeds into this whole journey of mine for furtherance of God’s kingdom. I take this as the Father’s way of telling me, “I got you covered, My child.” He is a good, good Father. 💗

UPRISING 2016

Now, this another conference is about to happen in July. However, I consider it as but another highlight for I have already registered and booked my flight to Incheon, Korea. I cannot believe it! I’m still trying to embrace the fact that I am going, while claiming, on the other hand that I will be granted a visa, and that there will be another seat sale for our trip going back home. Nevertheless, I am very excited!

I’d be honest, though, that a few weeks back, I struggled with whether I should go to UPRising or not. It felt like I was running away from a responsibility. Until the Lord made me come face-to-face with situations that confirmed I will be going to Korea for the UPRising. From discussions of how the youth of today is, to making me come across a local movie wherein the location is in South Korea. You can never be so funny, Lord. I love it.

You may visit www.unitedprayerrising.com for more information. There is an on-going Early Bird promo for the registration you wouldn’t want to miss!

Dependence.

When we had set our faith goals for this year, I thought that my 2016-prayer to the Lord is to have full dependence on Him and Him alone. Yes, it is a “dangerous” prayer. But, I know how it is to get tired from doing everything on my own. And I don’t want to go the same path again. To feel this peace and warmth of love from God is something that I wouldn’t let go of.

Will you also please have me in your prayers? I’d appreciate that a lot. 🙂

1 out 12 of 2016 — done! I am really excited for the 11 months of an overflow God’s favor and love. (And 11 more posts for monthly blog posts from me. :D)

Blessings!
Daine

11152015

Relationships are not for kids. You shouldn’t be in one unless you can handle it as an adult. Relationships require a lot of hard work. It isn’t just for fun. Not always for “kilig.”

Relationships are no joke. You dont get into one just because the other person likes you very much. It isn’t something you just get because your friends have it, too. It isn’t something that is beneficial to you, in a certain season of your life.

Relationships are not for the faint of hearts. You slay the giants together. You pray without ceasing; until the oceans are split for you to walk right through it. You look at the person as the most loved — beyond the pain, frustration, desperation, and tears — even if your own emotions tell you to hate the other half.

You can’t do it on your own. And you can’t be so sure about these things without the utmost guidance from the Lord. He knows what is right for you. He knows who is the best person for you. He knows everything about your life. So, rest in the assurance that in His hands, everything is worth the wait.

I can go all night talking about these things. Being in love and being loved are beautiful things. It’s just that, having it in the perfect season makes it more beautiful. I have gone through so much for me to be able to say these things. But, beyond everything, I have come to learn that the most beautiful love is that of the Father’s. Be crazy in His love first. Then everything else will follow.

Of cliffs and one hand holding on.

For the past three months, I have been going through something that everybody said that is too obvious even if I did not really tell people about it. It wasn’t the first time that I have gone through it. So I said to myself, “It’ll be just like last time. You were able to overcome it. It’ll be just easy.”

I was wrong.

I have spent so many moments just throwing out questions with no answers coming around. There were nights that I wasn’t able to fall asleep because of the pain in my chest that seemed to be just there, never going away. Instances have risen that I chose to disconnect with people and be just on my own because I thought it was easier. It was, for a time.

It was easier in a way that I didn’t have to worry about them asking me how I was, for I didn’t even know how and what to respond. It was easier that I didn’t have to think about others’ feelings, for I didn’t even know how to handle mine. And it was easier to just shut down my emotions, for I thought that it was easier not to feel anything — at all.

I was also so open about being hurt, being in pain. (So I guess that made it so obvious). I have come to embrace the brokenness; to pick up the shattered pieces; to just feel all the pain there is. And from a psychological standpoint, there’s nothing wrong with it since I really need it to bring back balance in my hormones.

I was like that for three months. Or maybe, longer than three months. Maybe, I have been like this for so long that I was just in denial.

Yes, God has promised me strength. Yes, I know He heals the broken. Yes. His grace abounds, it overflows. But, I have forgotten something for so long. And it’s something that I think caused all of these. I have forgotten that God is my Father. That not only He provides, but He loves me so much like no one else could ever do. As simple as it looks like, I AM A DAUGHTER OF MY KING. And nothing can separate me from His love.

Sometimes, we think trust is just a simple term. But if you dig deeper, trusting the Lord means full surrender to HIS plans for you, and full acceptance that HE works for the good of everything in your life — in HIS perfect time.

I have learned all of these after a lot of heartbreaking moments and endless, sleepless nights. I thought, I already know everything. I thought, I can handle situations on my own. I thought, I should stop at being better.

Forgive me, Father, for picking up what I’ve already laid down at Your feet. Trusting You may be hard, but I choose this path than to be on my own again. Tonight, I decide to trust You once more. And I’m asking for strength not do otherwise anymore. Thank You, Father, for reminding me that I belong to You.

~~~
Hi, you. 😀 I feel like there’s the slightest of chances that you’d be reading up to here — that you’d even read. Heehee. 😀 Anyway, just wanted to let you know, and everyone else who’d be reading, too, that nothing has changed. I still love you the same. And it’s so hard to stop when I continually see you through Jesus’ eyes. On how He shows me the potential you have in you, and the plans that He has for your life. It’s so hard, too, to pray for someone who’ve hurt you so much. But, when I do, God just keeps on telling me to love you even more; to see the worst things in you, and still see you the best person I know you are. Forgive me for pouring out my heart here, and letting everyone know all of these. But, I believe that this is a chance for me to let them know that I am okay, and that you are a great person. Really. You don’t have to worry about you not being able to reciprocate these feelings. Because, I know, that when the timing is right, and when God finally says so, I will be loving the one God has intended for me — with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul. It might still be you. Or it may be not. (I am still working around that idea, but I will get used to it, by God’s grace.) Do not worry about me. I belong to our Father. I will be okay. No matter what. 🙂 Always praying the best for you. See you around. 🙂

Guard your heart.

Has it ever occurred to you why you need to protect your heart, when you are already certain that God holds it?

Simple. Even though God created it, even though He holds it amongst many other things He has in His hands, He does not have a tight grasp around it because God is a gentleman. He does not put a leash around it so that you will do what He tells you to do. He wouldn’t force Himself to you, that’s why you were given your free will. You have the ability to decide for yourself because Jesus’ blood enabled you. You are victorious. You are loved. You are free.

And as much as you know this grace-filled fact, the enemy knows it, too. He knows how to go around your mind, and trick it into something that would contribute to his selfish plans. He is too afraid that you would experience the joy and peace and hope that are coming from Jesus. He is exerting all his might so that he could snatch your heart away from God’s hands. The enemy is a thief. He comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy. That’s why you should protect your heart.

That’s why you should come near the Father and immense yourself with how great and how deep His love is for you. That’s why you should listen to His voice above all else because He will tell you where to go and what to do. That’s why you should seek Him more and more, so that He can show the many things that would be done with just one “Yes.” That’s why He is God. He knows everything. And I’m so glad that He does.

“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23 (AMP)

#‎ChristmasRocks‬ is right around the corner! Ask me on how you can take part in this very awesome party we’re holding for 50 kids, and extending the fun and excitement to their families!

I will be the first one to tell you that #ChristmasRocks will bring you so much joy by just seeing the children’s smiles, and hearing the testimony of their families

Want to know more? Watch our music video to see what happened during our 2013 run.

I will be more than happy to share with you the details you would need

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My Naked Truth

NAKED TRUTH.

Rings a bell, right? Everyone has been talking about this “Fashion Show” that has been held a few days ago by a local clothing line. Days prior to the event, I was on a bus along EDSA and saw a billboard about this. I asked my friend, “What is the point of this fashion show?” I got the answer, “To create noise.”

Lo and behold. They have created so much noise. A very loud one, actually. And it’s not the kind of noise that would damage my eardrums. It’s a noise that made its way to my heart. A noise that’s so loud that I cannot afford to be quiet. It’s disturbing. It’s distressing. I need to let it all out.

I don’t have much idea about this event, nor do I intend to know more about what happened and who were the celebrities who walked on that catwalk. I have only seen images on my feed in Facebook and Twitter, but I didn’t tap on it to read what they have to say. Because I am not interested. At all. So I won’t talk about how the crowd went on as they saw every underwear piece there was.

If I play around the idea of “Naked Truth,” it gives me the impression of exposing a statement or an idea that is mainly accepted by many. Assuming that the event organizers did not just put together these two words, maybe, they were aiming to tell the whole world the truth they are believing; the truth that they are holding on to; the truth that they are embracing so tight. So.. Uhmm.. What is that truth again?

I understand that it is a fashion show of underwear. But, the last time I checked, those wardrobe pieces are worn underneath our T-shirts, pants, and what-have-you. Do you buy undergarments and wear it in public without any other clothing on? What is the point of having these shows if they are not to be seen by everyone when you wear it? Also, it is a basic human necessity that even without holding this kind of event, people would buy it just because we need it in our everyday lives.

So again, why did this clothing line had this event? Let’s go back to the statement I’m answered with: “To create noise.” Maybe it’s an advertising gimmick. (I am not sure about this one. Advertising friends, care to shed some light?) If it is, then, I can say that they did a pretty good job. It is quite evident that before, during, and after the show, they were talked about. Posts, tweets, and images made it to the headlines. It will still be for the next few days, weeks, or months. It is already written down in history. It is something one cannot simply forget.

However, I think, the whole point of this event is to give what the society wants. It is to answer the call of a sexually-hyped audience that they made a decision to appease an unquenchable thirst. It is to feed on the growing urge to satisfy the hunger of the flesh. It is all directed to “me.” Where in the whole part of the event shows the intention of baring the truth? Actually, what TRUTH was in there?

Is it the truth that we want to leave around for the future generation to talk about? Is it the truth that we can stand on and fight for until everyone turn their back on you? Is it the truth that we urge to spread so that others can be lifted up while they’re on the verge of giving up? Please. Tell me. What do they mean by Naked Truth?

We have this famous phrase that says, “The truth will set you free.” Indeed, it will. Only, and only if, you know what is the truth, and where to look for it.

The truth is that, mankind is created in God’s own image (Genesis 1:27). Basically, we don’t have any right to distort this reality, or in any way lower the standard that God has for us.

The truth is that, it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8). You were released from the chains of sin. The precious blood of Jesus was shed to cleanse you. He said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) And because this is so, I say, it’s time to break free from the lies we have all grown accustomed with. We should stop chasing the things that took the place of the Almighty God in our lives. Stop the immorality. Let go of selfishness. Crush your pride. You don’t need those where you are supposed to be.

The truth is that, God loves you so much. So much that He gave His only Son for you to have an eternal life (John 3:16). This is not some famous verse that we see everywhere. It is the living truth of life. Of my life. Of your life. If it wasn’t for the love of the Father and the blood of the Son, you and I wouldn’t be here today.

Think again. To whom are you living for? What is the influence you want to leave behind? Where do you decide to go?

For me, I don’t want the naked truth. I want the living truth. I want the One who lights the way for me. I want the One who embraces me despite my imperfections. I want the One who carries me when I can no longer continue. I want the One who understands my wordless groans. I want the One who tirelessy whispers His love for me. I want the One whom I can always run to. And you know what? As much as I would desire Him for the rest of my life, and in the eternity that awaits, that won’t compare to His level of affection for me. It can never be surpassed by anything. And that, my friends, is the ultimate truth.

Jesus Christ is the truth. My truth. I give my life to Him because He knows how to take care of it. He knows its purpose. He knows who I am. No fashion show, no ridiculous statement, no other else can say otherwise.

How about you? Who (or what) is your truth?

It is in our brokenness that we are made whole.

I can always go on on how things have changed over the course of twenty-one years of life. I can just enumerate the so many ups-and-downs that are already there even if I try so hard to change some parts of ’em. I can tell you of who I was before and the things I did to be here today. But, no. I didn’t know who I was, and looking back, I think I’m not liking the “Daine” I have made myself to be.

Just like any other kid out there, I had a pretty good childhood. During grade school years, I was always a part of the honor roll, been elected as class officer, and graduated with flying colors. Those were the days that being a kid felt like the easiest thing to do. All that was demanded to me was to go to school and study hard. I was pretty much okay until I learned how some people looked at me. It made a mark on me and somehow affected on how I looked towards myself. It wasn’t a nice feeling; to hate yourself because you chose to believe what they have told you.

Then come high school. They said that it was the time to discover and enjoy things of this life. And I did learn so many, sometimes I think I already know everything. I was in first year high school when I first had my mobile phone. I remember saving up my week’s allowance so that I would have some money to buy some prepaid credits. (During that time, it costs 30pesos for one day unlimited texting. Ang mahal, ‘no?) And I can attest to what they say that it’s a crazy world out there. I met random strangers over text messages. Spent hours and hours talking to them with nonsense and pointless topics. Mobile phones? Tsss. I was even scolded by my parents because of it. But going back to my highschool life, it was awesome. I found friends that stood up for me. And actually, that’s already more than enough. Highschool is highschool. I would always want to go back and laugh at all the stupid things I did.

Even before I start discussing my college years, I want to share with you that after I graduated in highschool, I had a romantic relationship (RR) with the then-boyfriend. This would quite help in pacing up the feels of my college life.

Then come college. It didn’t sink at first that it was the make-or-break moment of my life. I didn’t take my studies seriously for I was so taken aback by the RR, that I spent more time exerting more effort into it than studying for my exams. I also wasn’t able to join my planned out extra-curricular activities for I just wanted to focus all my attention to the then-boyfriend. (Gosh, was I really okay with that?) I have compromised study times and bonding moments with my friends, again, for the RR. Then eventually, the RR ended and I was devastated. Literally. I didn’t attend my classes, didn’t pass homeworks, projects. I failed quizzes because of my absences. I’ve withdrawn myself from everyone and carried the pain and brokenness all by myself. I didn’t want anyone telling me what to do. I just knew that I can do it on my own.

I continued pacing this earth after deciding to numb everything that felt so painful. I looked for medications that I thought would end the sleepless nights. I continually gave a piece of myself to what this world promised. I lowered myself to the point that there was no love, no respect even, was left of me. Nothing, as in nothing, was left of me.

It is in our brokenness that we are made whole.

I was so broken that I knew no one would ever take me in. But Jesus defeated death so I can live out His plans for me. I was so blinded by pain, but Jesus made me see that everything works out for good of those who love Him. I didn’t listen to anyone, but Jesus hears my soundless cry for love. I was really, really nothing. But today, Jesus says I’m everything.

I can never understand how God’s grace works, but I am so grateful that I was saved by it. The time that I needed saving, most specially from myself, His grace rescued me. I cannot imagine how far His love goes that I’m still standing today with victory written all over me. I can never be worthy of what Jesus did on the cross, but He said I am never worthless.

Do you know this saying that goes, “If only I had a chance to go back and change some things in my life, I would…”? For me, if I’m given that chance, I would not take it. Everything that happened to my life, every decision, every mistake, I would leave them at that. It’s in the broken pieces that I was mended to what God has planned for me. It’s in those broken pieces, no matter how it scarred Jesus’ hand, that I am built to become more like Him. And it’s the broken pieces that I have learned that I needed God to do it for me. Because if it’s only by my strength, I never could have done it.

If it wasn’t for all of it, I wouldn’t be here today to tell you that God can use our deepest miseries for His greater glory. I can tell you that giving up is never an option when you know it’s for and from the Lord. And I can confidently tell you that God isn’t finish with you, yet. Have the honor of living out the Kingdom’s missions for His glory alone. And you would then understand the reason for your next heartbeat.

So, do I like the Daine now? Well, if Jesus says I am the person He created me to be, then, it’ll be more than enough for me.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8-9‬ NIV)

Seed of faith and RC

No one forced me to be there. I just woke up one Sunday and told myself, “I have to be in RC.”

It happened again the next week. Then next one. Then the next. It just kept on happening until I realized it is no stopping now.

I first went through its doors during its second anniversary. I cannot remember what happened during those times, except that there were balloons, see-through-glasses that enclosed the room, and that I stood in front of what they call as an “altar.” I did not know what was happening. I did not understand why I was there. I did not even care for I was there to do a favor for a friend, and I wanted to be distracted from the pain I was nursing caused by a recent breakup.

During those moments, I never knew that my life would be taking a 180-degree turn. I am becoming speechless when I try to really explain how it happened. But I will try.

The Rock Church, or RC as it is fondly called, has only one goal: Inspire to Impact. And I am one of its many living testimonies. I see how it strives to win more souls for Christ. I see the way it honors the Holy Spirit’s works. And I see how it obeys what the Father tells it to do.

I have been there as the pulpit changed its backdrop series after series. I have heard the band instruments during practices. I have held those little cups during Communion. I have placed the envelopes for the tithes and love offerings on the chairs. I have prepared sweet little gifts for our little surprises.

I have covered water baptisms (even participated in one), anniversary services, and Christmas parties. I have edited a video for a service launch. I have played around images for promotional ads. I have captured moments during special days.

I have been dancing crazily which makes my sprained foot from three years ago hurt. I have been singing my heart out up to a point that I have a course voice afterwards. I have been crying and crying until my body begins to shake. I have heard testimonies after testimonies. I have listened to preaching after preaching.

Then I realized, I have done many things in church. But it has done much, much more for me.

RC has showed me that it never hurts to have a group of people around you who will support you, rebuke you in love, and prays for you and with you. It has taught me that the best companionship next to God and my family are the ones who love Jesus. It has engraved in my heart that being a Christian means being the imperfect being you are for the perfect One.

RC has helped me improved my skills for the sake of my ministry and for His greater glory. It has taken away my fear to talk to new faces and intently know who they are. It has built up my confidence to ask simple questions and start a small talk.

RC has showed me how to honor those who you love (We have planned numerous surprises during birthdays, and I can say that we are pretty good at it *winks). RC has thrown a number of parties that are filled with fun times and good memories. RC has brought me to worship concerts, trainings, small group discussions, CBTL nights, and an outreach mission.

The Rock Church made me understand why I stood on that spot three years ago. I gave my life to Christ and I am never ashamed to say that. And do you know why it seemed easy? It’s because I have a family in RC that can testify to the faithfulness and goodness of our God.

But it wasn’t easy. I have gone through a lot in my life before I have come to this point where I am now. You may say, “Why still believe in someone you don’t even see? What good does it bring you? You are not loved!” I know you have these in your minds. Believe me; I once had them in mine.

Yes, I don’t see Him. But He said that the one who seeks finds (Matthew 7:8). I was once afraid to seek God’s face, but today, I yearn for His presence and embrace more than anything else. Yes, my faith does not bring me any good because it brings me peace with God (Romans 5). That peace, I wouldn’t trade even for the most precious gem of this world. And no, Jesus loved me first before anyone else ever did (1 John 4:19). I won’t even have my next breath if it wasn’t for the love He demonstrated on the cross for you and for me.

I know RC would take just a tiny bit of credit for all the help it has selflessly given me. But I will always be grateful that I have the privilege of knowing Jesus through this family. I will forever thank the Lord for the obedient hearts that took that leap of faith for the four walls of this church be built up to inspire to impact many, many lives. I will praise the name of the Lord for the hearts that never hesitate to demonstrate how it is to live under the authority of the Maker of the heavens and the earth.

I love The Rock Church. I love RC. I am excited for this new season. I am expectant for the greater things. If one day I would be called to be in another church, in another nation (claiming!), I would always look back to where I have started, to where I was planted. I am so glad that I have this family to go back to.

One last thing to share: On the 27^th, we are launching our new time slots of the services. Starting this Sunday, we will have 2PM and 4PM services. Yes, we are shifting to the afternoon feels. \:D/

I am inviting you to join us during on this day, so that you would understand and experience all the things I have had ever since I said “Yes” to every challenge that has been charged to me through RC. Take my word for it: It is an incredible feeling to have your life surrendered to the magnificent God. See you Sunday!

It does not matter now what time of a Sunday I would wake up. What’s important is where to spend it and be made meaningful. 🙂