I never thought of being involved in church planting ministry.. but I was certain that after graduating from Bible College that was where the Lord was leading me... I even told God "anywhere You will lead me, Lord..." I didn't know that God would be so serious to take my word... I was assigned to the farthest church planting destination of our church--Laoag City!
Just like what I've said... anywhere the Lord would lead me not thinking that would be 13 hours away from Manila... but the Lord has His plans and that was the best. I ministered there for 3 years doing evangelism, discipleship among women and mothers, establishing youth ministry and Sunday School for kids, sometimes preaching and decorating the church building, conducting training and handling small groups. Some of the people I have handled didn't stay... It was so frustrating to see them follow themselves instead of God... to control their lives instead of surrendering to the Lord.
But that was not all the ministry is all about... there were heartaches but there are also joys... It has been three years since I left the ministry in Laoag City. When the news reached me that the pastor there was transferring to another church... my first question was: Who is going to take over Laoag? Praise God when another pastor accepted the responsibility and on May 10 I had the opportunity to visit them. I was wondering if I would see old faces because I was told that many of them left already, especially those who we have trained in the mininstry.
Praise God when I see the people coming to attend the service, I saw familiar faces... The women I have discipled were still there and very much involved in the ministry. The Sunday School kids that I used to handle are now grown ups ralso involved in the ministry...
New faces for me were signs of growth... I was blessed to meet the new young people and some of the couples who are now active in the church. It was really a joy to see more people being transformed by the power of God and seeing them bring the same good news to other people in their community...
although the leaders shared their struggles with me... but in my heart I was happy to know that they continue in the Lord despite the difficulties... may they continue in the Lord and see the fruit of their labor... and realize that everything they do will not be wasted in the kingdom of God!
