A heart to impart (Virac mission trip)

DESIRE.
During one of my prayer times on the early days of March, I felt a strong conviction to pray for the youth group of our daughter church (outreach) in Virac, Catanduanes. I subsequently reached their youth leader (thanks, Facebook!) to communicate my heart’s desire to help their youth group grow. A month later, my dad assigned Pastor Rodel to visit Catanduanes. It’s humbling that I was the first person he asked to be part of the team. Above the reason that it’s gonna be my first time to see Bicol, what made me most excited was seeing how God has provided a venue for the desire he’s sown in my heart to be materialized.

TRIP.
May 2 (Sunday), 9 AM, I left for Virac together with three more youth leaders – my sister, Vanj, Jett, and Giovan, and eight other church leaders and pastors. Travelling for 26 hours has not been boring for us at all – it was full of all kinds of good conversations! (more side kwentos next time). Sure, it was tiring to have to be in a vehicle for more than a day, but I believe because I had the mindset that I am going there to bless God’s people by being an encouragement to them, the long trip seemed to rather be a journey of excitement and just being prepared to do the works of God.

We arrived at the place the following day, May 3 at 11 AM. 26 hours on the road! 26 hours!

DAY 1
It was made known to me from the start that our main purpose on visiting Virac is to empower their youth group so I have been fully occupied by the notion that I am not leaving that place without being used by God to make an impact in the lives of the young people there. Well, I can say that I was able to truly minister to their youth group having that mindset. In the afternoon of our first day there, I've met with their youth group (together with my colleagues) for a special youth service. We initially got to know each other so they’d be at ease with us ministering to them and leading them. I began the service telling them that my heart is not only to share information, but to have impartation.


I preached about fruitfulness in terms of Christ-likeness and multiplication. I think the message was extra powerful because I have always mentioned of my experiences in the youth ministry in the past, and how we actually begun the youth ministry from a very small and young-in-faith group of budding youth leaders (more like them). They were challenged and were given hope that if God was able to do it in our youth ministry, He too can move in their youth group. After the message, tuwang-tuwa ang pastor nila. I was told that I’ve scored a bull's eye! Glory to God!

Not wanting to waste a moment, in the evening I’ve stayed up ‘till 11 with some girls who didn’t want to leave just yet (did I mention they were hungry and eager for fire?)– taught them the significance of doing devotions, and having accountability over each other. Ayaw pa talaga nilang umuwi by 11, but I insisted na kasi baka mapagalitan sila ng parents. :-D [Note to leaders: don’t neglect balance.]
So yes, first day pa lang God has already made such great moves na! Oh how I love to partner with the Holy Spirit!

DAY 2

I had to wake up before 8 the following day for a special church service. I didn't preach in that service but I shared with them a short testimony about our ministry. Told them to love and support their pastor because our ministry in San Jose City wouldn't have been this successful so far if there weren’t people who worked hand in hand with my parents in our early years in the ministry.

We’ve joined their anniversary celebration in the evening. I know that church started from a small family a few years ago, so it’s my joy to see how they’ve grown through the years. They may not be the biggest church in their place (YET, I tell you. YET!), but God has manifested Himself greatly through the advancements made on the local church.


After the celebration, I was told that there were young people who asked their parents’ consent about sleeping over at the church so they could spend the whole night with me and my colleagues. Well, since it was our last night in Virac, I’ve made up my mind that I will really maximize the time I could spend with the eager ones.
At 12 AM, I’ve asked the girls to take a nap before we start our sharing. Meanwhile, I’ve spent I think two hours with some male young people (who were murdering chickens! Haha. JK) along with Giovan. We’ve basically talked about relationship within the (boys') group. They were inspired to build a deeper relationship with each other, especially that boys are somewhat rare in the group.
After our conversations, Giovan was amazed at how I dealt with the boys. Told him I’m following Jesus’ model --- a Jew to the Jews, a Gentile to the Gentiles! :)

The girls got up at around 2AM. We’ve begun our sharing then along with the boys. We talked about the importance of having an active personal relationship with Christ, and its role as a prerequisite to multiplication. They were sooo hungry for the Word! They also shared of how they became determined to really get deeper in their relationship with Jesus. It’s a very simple matter that I highlighted, but I think it’s what really matters. Everything else regarding ministry growth will only be outcomes of perfecting that. Anyway, we wrapped up our fellowship at around 4AM.

As our team left at around 6 AM, the youth were still up as they wanted to bid us their goodbyes and see-you-soon’s. They were grateful for the fire they have received!


Well, I too am grateful for such a great opportunity to minister and encourage my sisters and brothers in Virac. Truly, God never runs out of venues for us to serve Him and His body. Sure, my trip there was not that luxurious and comfy, but I believe because God has blessed me with a heart to impart, God was able to maximally move through me in that place. No, by saying that I don’t desire to bring glory to myself but to the One who planned this all.

What God has revealed to me through this whole trip is that when there are hands that desire to serve, He’ll provide areas for them to work. Not only that, He’ll also equip those hands with His anointing, fire, and strength.

I thank God for a great opportunity to work for His Kingdom! What a great master/boss I have.