Madalas itanong sa akin bilang pastor, “Paano ko po ba malalaman na ako’y tinatawag ng Panginoon upang maging misyonaryo?” Mahirap na tanong ito at marami na rin ang hindi nakatugon ng positibo rito. Ang pagtanggi sa pangunguna ng Panginoon sa ating buhay ay isang mabigat na kasalanan. Ang pagsuway sa utos ng Panginoon na maging kabahagi ng gawaing misyon, anumang gawain ang ipangusap ng Panginoon, ay pagkawala ng isang pribilehiyong matagal na inaasam ng marami. Ang kahirapan ng mga tungkulin sa misyon ay madaling nakakapanghina ng loob sa mga taong hindi tunay na tinawag ng Diyos. Ang kakulangan sa pera upang tustusan ang pangangailangan sa misyon ay nagtutulak sa iba na sumuway sa panawagan ng Diyos. At ang iba naman ay tuluyan nang diniskuwalipika ang kanilang mga sarili sa pagiging lingkod ng Panginoon.
Minsan ay may isang talentadong kabataan ang nagnais na magsilbi sa Panginoon sa gawaing misyon. Ngunit ‘di naglaon, ang panawagang iyon ng Panginoon ay naglaho sapagkat ito pala ay ‘di tunay bagkus isa lamang pansariling ambisyon. Nagkarelasyon siya sa isang babae at nagbunga ang kanilang kasalanan na siyang nagdiskuwalipika sa kaniya mula sa panawagan ng Panginoon. Anong kapighatian ang bumalot sa mukha ng lalaking iyon, katulad marahil ng naranasan ni Kain, nang marinig niya ang pagtanggi sa kaniya ng Panginoon! Anupa’t ang ‘di makapaglingkod sa Diyos ay tulad ng pagkawala ng pagkakataong makamit ang pinaka-mataas na pribilehiyong maaring makamit ng tao sa mundo. Ito ay tulad sa pagkakamintis na makuha ang minsan lamang sa buhay na pagkakataon!
Sa ating pangkasalukuyang sistema at sa ilalim ng normal na situwasyon, minsan ka lamang maaaring mahalal na pangulo. Marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit gagawin ng mga kandidato ang lahat, makamit lamang ang posisyong inaasam-asam. Kung minsan, ang ganitong espirito ay makikita rin sa mga pundamental na mga Kristiyano na nagnanais na pumasok sa pagiging misyonaryo o pastor. Lumilipat sila sa iba’t ibang simbahan upang makuha ang pinakamainam na alok. Babagsak sila sa isang iglesia na hindi sila kilala o ‘di kaya ay handang kupkupin sila (marahil ay isang kompromiso!). Sa ganitong mga pangyayari, ang taong ito ay matatawag na ambisyoso. Kung ang pagkatao ng isang tao ay maka-Diyos, hahayaan niyang ang mga pangyayari sa iglesia ang magturo sa kaniya ng direksiyon ng Diyos sa kaniyang buhay. Ang pagiging ambisyoso sa kapinsalaan at pagsuway sa 1 Korinto 12:12-27 ay kasalanan at mapanira. Kapag hinayaan ng Diyos na itama ang isang Kristiyano sa biblikal na pamamaraan, ang nararapat na gawin ng Kristiyano ay sumunod at magpasailalim sa pagtatama. Ang paglisan sa pananampalataya upang magbigay-katuwiran sa pagtalikod sa tama ay mapanira. Kaya’t posible na manatili ang isang Kristiyano sa ministeryo ngunit ‘di nakuha ang pagsang-ayon ng Diyos dahil sa siya’y tinanggihan na ng mga maka-Diyos na alagad ng Diyos dati pa. Nawa’y ingatan ng Panginoon ang Cornerstone laban sa ganuong mga ambisyosong manggagawa!
Tingnan kung paano si Pablo at Barnabas ay tinawag ng Diyos at pinili ng lokal na iglesia na kung saan sila ay miyembro upang maging mga misyonaryo. Ang tekstong ito ay nagpapakita ng maliwanag na mga alintuntunin upang malaman ang katanungan na inilahad sa itaas patungkol sa pagtiyak sa panawagan ng Panginoon.
Una, ang mga napiling misyonaryo ay naglilingkod na sa iglesia ng Antioquia (bersikulo 2a). Ang dalawang kalalakihang ito ay kabilang sa mga guro sa iglesia. Buhat sa iba’t ibang pinanggalingan o may iba’t ibang pinag-aralan ang mga guro sa naturang iglesia (bersikulo 1). Bago sila tinawag ng Banal na Espiritu, sila ay aktibong naglilingkod sa iglesia. Kaya’t matututunan nating ang isang Kristiyano ay makatitiyak na siya’y tinawag ng Diyos habang siya’y aktibong naglilingkod sa iglesia. Hindi ka papasok sa Bible School upang matawag sa pagmimisyon. Papasok ka sa CBMS dahil sa kabigatang ipinadama ng Diyos sa iyo nuong una pa man. Maaaring makapagtapos ka sa Bible School ngunit hindi ka magamit sa lokal na iglesia o sa gawaing misyon. Minsan nang nangyari sa atin ito, sana’y hindi na maulit muli.
Hindi sinabi ng mga misyonaryong ito ang kanilang naisin sa mga lider ng iglesia sa Antioquia. Tunay silang tinawag ng Diyos at ipinagdasal ito sa Panginoon (Phil 4:6b). Pagkatapos, habang sila’y naglilingkod sa Diyos ay isiniwalat ng Diyos sa kanila ang Kaniyang panawagan. Nakita rin ng mga lider ng iglesia ang panawagang iyon ng Diyos sa kanila. Kadalasan, tanging mga bayarang manggagawa lamang ang magsasabi ng kanilang ambisyon sa harap ng mga tao dahil gusto nilang makatanggap ng pantustos sa kanilang pangangailangan kahit na hindi pa sila handang dalhin ang kabigatan o hindi pa nararapat sa gawaing misyon.
Paano mo malalaman na tinawag ka ng Diyos? Una, magsimulang maglingkod sa isang partikular na gawain sa lokal na iglesia. Manatili sa gawaing iyon hanggang sa alisin ka ng Diyos. Isiping ang gawaing iyon ay tulad din ng gawaing pagmimisyon na may kaakibat na responsibilidad. Pangalawa, sabihin ang iyong mga plano sa Diyos at hindi sa mga tao. Pangatlo, kunin ang lahat ng kinakailangang paghahanda upang maging mahusay sa pangkasalukuyang gawain at hindi sa panghinaharap na ambisyon.
Pangalawa, ang mga napiling misyonaryo ay tinawag na nang Banal na Espiritu bago pa man sila napili, (bersikulo 2b). Una nang tinawag sila ng Diyos bago pa man sila pinili ng mga tao. Dito, ang desisyon ng mga tao ay kahalintulad ng desisyon ng Diyos. Ito ay patunay lamang ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos. Pagkatapos ay minarkahan sila ng Espiritu sa pamamagitan ng mga malilinaw na patunay na sila’y tunay na tinawag nga ng Diyos. Ang Banal na Espiritu ay nagpakita ng mga indikasyong madaling malalaman na sila’y pinili nga. Sa madaling salita, gumawa ang Diyos ng mga pangyayaring magkukumbinsi sa mga lider ng Antioquia na tunay ngang tinawag sila ng Diyos. Makikita natin dito, hindi lamang ang pagkakasundo ng pagkilos ng Diyos at tao, kung hindi pati ang subhetibo at obhetibong aspeto ng panawagan sa pagmimisyon. Ang subhetibong aspeto ay ang kagustuhan nating magmisyon at ang paniwalang tayo nga ay tunay na tinawag ng Diyos. Ang obhetibong aspeto ay ang pagkilala ng panawagang iyon ng mga lider ng lokal na iglesia at ang kanilang lubos na kumpiyansa sa ating ‘di nagbabagong pamumuhay at gawain kumpara sa ating sinasabi.
Paano mo matitiyak na ikaw ay tinawag ng Diyos sa gawaing misyon? Una, ikaw ay nakasisiguro at tapat na naniniwala na binigyan ka ng Diyos ng kabigatan sa gawaing misyon. Kailangang maihiwalay mo ito sa iyong kagustuhan lamang na magkaroon ng trabaho o ‘di kaya ay makilala. Pangalawa, kailangang hingin mo sa Diyos na ipakita ang panawagang ito sa iyong pastor at iba pang lider ng iglesia na hindi mo minamanipula ang mga pangyayari. Pangatlo, umasa ka na ang mga tapat na lingkod ng Diyos ay tiyak na makikita ang pagtawag at pagpili ng Diyos sa iyo. Ang kanilang saloobin ay mahalaga sa pagtiyak kung tunay ka ngang tinawag ng Diyos. Ang iba’y hindi nakinig sa payo ng kanilang pastor at humayo upang sa lumaong panahon ay masira lamang ang buhay.
Iwasan ang ‘di pagsunod sa maka-Diyos na mga payo. Tiyak na ikasisira ito ng iyong buhay at gawain. Ang tagumpay sa iyong gawain ay hindi patunay ng pagtawag ng Diyos. Kung mayroong paglabag sa partisipasyon ng lokal ng iglesia katulad sa nasasaad sa talata, ito ay maaaring basihan ng ‘di pagkilala sa panawagan ng Diyos. Ang pagsunod sa desisyon ng pamunuan ng lokal na iglesia ay kinakailangan. May karunungang makukuha sa paghihintay at pagtiyak sa panawagan ng Diyos.
Pangatlo, ang mga napiling misyonaryo ay opisyal na pinadala ng lokal na iglesia, (bersikulo 3,4). Sila’y kinilala ng lokal na iglesia. Ito ay nagpapahiwatig na may ginawang pagsusuri ang lokal na iglesia. Upang magawa ang pagsusuring ito at makagawa ng desisyon, gumamit sila ng maka-Diyos na panuntunan. Sila rin ay nagkipag-ugnayan sa gawaing misyon. Ito ay makikita sa pagbalik ni Pablo sa lokal na iglesia na ito pagkatapos ng kaniyang una at pangalawang paglalakbay. Ang ganitong ugali ay nagpapatunay na marahil ay nagpadala ang lokal na iglesia ng tulong sa dalawang misyonaryo, bagama’t tahimik ang talata ukol dito. Ipinagdasal din sila ng lokal na iglesia.
Marami tayong matututunang aral dito. Una, ang lokal na iglesia ay iyong institusyong taga-sugo. Ang lokal na iglesia ang magsusuri at kikilala ng iyong kaangkupang humayo sa gawaing misyon. Sundin ang kaniyang desisyon at alituntunin. Kung ikaw ay hindi pinayagan ng iyong lokal na iglesia, huwag pumunta sa ibang iglesia sa pag-asang sila ang magsusugo sa iyo bilang misyonaryo. Ito ay pag-ikot lamang sa malinaw na direktiba ng Panginoon. Ang lokal na iglesia rin ang magtutustos ng iyong pangangailangan. Ang magagaspang na aspeto ng ating buhay ay tunay na mahahasa sa panahong ito ng paghihintay.
Pangalawa, nuong panahong iyon, ang lokal na iglesia ay naging matagumpay sa pagsugo ng mga misyonaryo kahit na walang mga missions board na labas sa lokal na iglesia. Ang isang lokal na iglesia ay maaaring magkaroon ng isa munang kapatid na iglesia ng walang mapanghalinang kalakihang ipinapangalandakan ng mga indipindiyenteng ahensiya ng pagmimisyon. Ang misyonaryo ay dapat nasa ilalim ng isang lokal na iglesia, hindi ng maraming iglesia. Ang kagustuhan ng tao sa malalaking numero ay kadalasahang nagiging dahilan upang magkagulo ang mga iglesia at mga organisasyong tulad nito na labas sa iglesia.
Tumigil sa pagsabi sa mga tao na ikaw ay tinawag ng Diyos. Ipinalangin ito sa Panginoon. Hintayin na ang Diyos ang magsiwalat nito sa mga taong gagamitin Niya upang suriin ang iyong pagiging angkop sa gawaing misyon. Kunin ang lahat ng pagsasanay at pag-aaral upang maging mahusay sa pangkasalukuyang ministeryo.
Mamuhay tayo ng naaayon sa isinaad sa mga talata at isulong ang gawain ng Diyos sa Cornerstone bagama’t may kahirapan. Isiping ito’y ginagawa natin para sa Diyos na Siyang nagsugo sa atin. Siya Nawa!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
2008 Vietnam and Cambodia Mission Trip
Romans 15:30-32
Last Sept 1-12, I had the privilege again to visit the work in Vietnam. In this trip, I also went to Cambodia to discuss with the Filipino missionary worker in Phnom Penh the details of missions work. I want to share with you, Cornerstone people, the blessings and insights in this recent mission trip. I am greatly thankful to the Lord for this trip as His hand was so evident in many ways. So let me focus on what God has done in this missionary journey.
But before I discuss what God has accomplished in this trip, let me update you of some significant details concerning these two nations. Vietnam is an economically growing nation. Its economic capital—Saigon or Ho Chi Minh, is coping fast with the rest of the world. Last year when I was there, there were very few taxis. But in this trip, I saw many Innova and Adventure taxis plying the busy streets of Saigon. Luxury cars abound as well. Construction work seems to be unceasing. Together with these, worldliness and sins grew also. In this city of approximately nine million people (with the country’s population totaling 70 million), you could imagine its great need of hearing the message of Christ’s salvation. There are now nine Filipino missionary workers of our persuasion in that city.
In Cambodia I saw great difference. I learned that there are only nine to ten million people in the whole country. But Cambodia seems to be lagging behind its neighbors in terms of economics and infrastructure. There are also street kids who roam around there, while in Vietnam I did not see such. Cambodia is like a large city outside Metro Manila. But here there are many Filipino missionary workers who diligently work in the Lord’s ministry. There is more freedom here than in Vietnam. In both nations you can engage in tent making tasks as a means to obey the Great Commission.
Going back now to what God has taught me there and the insights I believe will benefit you, let me discuss each blessing. First, God allowed the entry of ten complete and five New Testament King James Version Bibles into Vietnam. This was a great victory! We rejoiced much for this as the brethren there would have the opportunity to read the word of God. This was accomplished according to the request of the missionary there. It was also a result of courage and confidence in God’s power to let these books into that needy nation. One has to be courageous to experience God’s power.
Second, God gave me sickness for three days while in Vietnam. I suffered from urinary tract infection coupled with fever and blood in the urine. It was diagnosed later here in the Philippines. While there, Dr. Yul Raquintan whom I contacted by texting prescribed medicines with the thought that it was probably a kidney stone problem. I thank the Lord that medicines were available there though not without difficulty. This was the first time I had this sickness. I had urinalysis two months before travelling. Both the host missionary and I endured worries during the sickness. I asked the Lord for the reason of the sickness. Then I found out His will – to humble me for the recent victory and learn not to trust in myself but in Him alone.
Third, God led me to discover that engaging in tent making mission strategy in the field is highly possible. The missionary partner there verified that scheme with some details of hourly rate in English teaching work. I found out many Filipinos are already working there as overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Some missionaries and/or their wives are themselves engaged in the same work nature – tent making. They are either employed by international language school, by private language tutorial, and/or in some multi-national companies. In Cambodia some are employed by non-governmental organizations or foundations. With Saigon’s bustling economic growth coupled with their desire to learn English for employment and travel, some tent making strategies for future Filipino missionary workers abound. This discovery encouraged me much in the feasibility of Cornerstone missionary philosophy – tent making towards indigenous local church. Though we are a small local church with meager resources yet reaching ASEAN region is not impossible. It is now within our reach. Cornerstone will provide education, training in missionary work, and partial support. The rest of the needed financial support will come from the missionary’s tent making engagement. One has to get the necessary degree, engage in teaching experience, and obtain the necessary license and language fluency to qualify there. You may use your trade skills or occupational expertise. In this way we are imitating Pauline methodology. We become closer to the scriptural mode of mission work. The missionary need not deputize to other churches. It will diminish possible compromises. It will also strengthen the local church supremacy in missions work.
Fourth, I also observed the improvement of Vietnam in its openness to the message of Christ. Although there are still raids and crackdowns on unauthorized religious gatherings yet there is a felt improvement to the positive. In the past, hardly could you see house churches gathering for worship freely. But in this recent trip, in one Vietnamese pastored house church, believers freely assembled and sang in their worship provided they stick to certain allowed number of people to gather. This is a marked development. Let us pray God will freely speak in the hearts of the national government and local leaders to freely improve this religious climate. I am personally excited in praying and in waiting to see the fulfillment of this request. Nothing is impossible with God. He can move the heart of kings and rulers. Consider Proverbs 21:1 for your meditation. May the day come that the nation will graciously permit churches to gather without fear of reprisal from the police authorities. May the day come that churches will be allowed to buy lands and erect edifices for the ministry.
Fifth, I discovered the existence of Filipino congregation in both Vietnam and Cambodia. The preaching services of the former is purely in Filipino language while the latter is in English as there are other nationalities. The one on Vietnam is very young and is still going through infancy stage, while the one in Cambodia is already mature and able to support other missionaries. It has also sent other missionary couples into other nations. As people move out of Cambodia due to their work or occupational reassignment they use it as avenue to spread the gospel to other lands. This is very scriptural as seen in Acts 8:4 and others.
Sixth, I noticed the slight weakness of existing churches or ministries in the area of music and dress standards. In Vietnam, ladies culturally wear pants due to their mode of transportation. But Christians are now learning to change to the biblical standards. Bringing in the right music and music teachers are significant elements in effecting positive change to protect the faith and godly standards among Vietnamese churches.
Seventh, I experienced the need for the missionary worker to learn and speak the language of the people as an effective strategy of reaching and discipling them. Language acquisition is a must for all workers. Diligence in this aspect of study is a necessity. Would-be workers need to learn the language even before final departure so as to reduce the time spent in learning the language at the mission field. Thereby time could be spent wisely on actual missions work, i.e., befriending people, earning their trust, sharing the gospel, baptizing them into the local church, and grounding them in the faith.
Eight, I learned the priority of prayer life and meditation on God’s word at the mission field. During the days I was recovering from sickness, much time was spent on communion with God. I was closer to Him than before. His word was my comfort and assurance as well. This sickness prepared me for the teaching and preaching tasks to follow. Then God answered prayers that I recovered for the Cambodia mission trip. The healing God gave was crucial in seeing His hands at Cambodia work and openings for us, Cornerstone.
Ninth, I learned the generosity of both Filipino missionaries in Vietnam and in Cambodia. Their graciousness evidenced divine presence and abundance in their lives. God rewards generosity and brotherly hospitality. The warm and hospitable reception I received in both mission fields shows the Lord’s blessings upon the missionaries’ lives. We were given the best accommodation according to their best ability while in their residences. I pray God will reward their hard labors with saved souls, changed lives, and abundant provisions for their ministry.
Tenth, God has protected us with His hands in the midst of dangers. In Vietnam, there were instances of police raid and discovery of Christian assembly and ministry that resulted to deportation of some foreigners. The fact that we accomplished our mission shows God’s protection from disclosure of our tasks there. I taught and preached the word of God without disclosure and disruption from the authorities. God has chosen to secure us.
Finally, both missionaries in the two fields assure Cornerstone of their willingness to help when we need it when we send our very own missionary workers. Both affirmed the great need for more workers. This is the greatest divine provision for Cornerstone in the future as we prepare to launch for the field. So why not decide to surrender to the Lord’s call to the mission fields of Vietnam and Cambodia! As you respond to His call to become missionaries, start serving Him diligently in whatever local mission assignment He gives you. Give your all to Him through the local church as He rewards you with promotion. Amen.
But before I discuss what God has accomplished in this trip, let me update you of some significant details concerning these two nations. Vietnam is an economically growing nation. Its economic capital—Saigon or Ho Chi Minh, is coping fast with the rest of the world. Last year when I was there, there were very few taxis. But in this trip, I saw many Innova and Adventure taxis plying the busy streets of Saigon. Luxury cars abound as well. Construction work seems to be unceasing. Together with these, worldliness and sins grew also. In this city of approximately nine million people (with the country’s population totaling 70 million), you could imagine its great need of hearing the message of Christ’s salvation. There are now nine Filipino missionary workers of our persuasion in that city.
In Cambodia I saw great difference. I learned that there are only nine to ten million people in the whole country. But Cambodia seems to be lagging behind its neighbors in terms of economics and infrastructure. There are also street kids who roam around there, while in Vietnam I did not see such. Cambodia is like a large city outside Metro Manila. But here there are many Filipino missionary workers who diligently work in the Lord’s ministry. There is more freedom here than in Vietnam. In both nations you can engage in tent making tasks as a means to obey the Great Commission.
Going back now to what God has taught me there and the insights I believe will benefit you, let me discuss each blessing. First, God allowed the entry of ten complete and five New Testament King James Version Bibles into Vietnam. This was a great victory! We rejoiced much for this as the brethren there would have the opportunity to read the word of God. This was accomplished according to the request of the missionary there. It was also a result of courage and confidence in God’s power to let these books into that needy nation. One has to be courageous to experience God’s power.
Second, God gave me sickness for three days while in Vietnam. I suffered from urinary tract infection coupled with fever and blood in the urine. It was diagnosed later here in the Philippines. While there, Dr. Yul Raquintan whom I contacted by texting prescribed medicines with the thought that it was probably a kidney stone problem. I thank the Lord that medicines were available there though not without difficulty. This was the first time I had this sickness. I had urinalysis two months before travelling. Both the host missionary and I endured worries during the sickness. I asked the Lord for the reason of the sickness. Then I found out His will – to humble me for the recent victory and learn not to trust in myself but in Him alone.
Third, God led me to discover that engaging in tent making mission strategy in the field is highly possible. The missionary partner there verified that scheme with some details of hourly rate in English teaching work. I found out many Filipinos are already working there as overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Some missionaries and/or their wives are themselves engaged in the same work nature – tent making. They are either employed by international language school, by private language tutorial, and/or in some multi-national companies. In Cambodia some are employed by non-governmental organizations or foundations. With Saigon’s bustling economic growth coupled with their desire to learn English for employment and travel, some tent making strategies for future Filipino missionary workers abound. This discovery encouraged me much in the feasibility of Cornerstone missionary philosophy – tent making towards indigenous local church. Though we are a small local church with meager resources yet reaching ASEAN region is not impossible. It is now within our reach. Cornerstone will provide education, training in missionary work, and partial support. The rest of the needed financial support will come from the missionary’s tent making engagement. One has to get the necessary degree, engage in teaching experience, and obtain the necessary license and language fluency to qualify there. You may use your trade skills or occupational expertise. In this way we are imitating Pauline methodology. We become closer to the scriptural mode of mission work. The missionary need not deputize to other churches. It will diminish possible compromises. It will also strengthen the local church supremacy in missions work.
Fourth, I also observed the improvement of Vietnam in its openness to the message of Christ. Although there are still raids and crackdowns on unauthorized religious gatherings yet there is a felt improvement to the positive. In the past, hardly could you see house churches gathering for worship freely. But in this recent trip, in one Vietnamese pastored house church, believers freely assembled and sang in their worship provided they stick to certain allowed number of people to gather. This is a marked development. Let us pray God will freely speak in the hearts of the national government and local leaders to freely improve this religious climate. I am personally excited in praying and in waiting to see the fulfillment of this request. Nothing is impossible with God. He can move the heart of kings and rulers. Consider Proverbs 21:1 for your meditation. May the day come that the nation will graciously permit churches to gather without fear of reprisal from the police authorities. May the day come that churches will be allowed to buy lands and erect edifices for the ministry.
Fifth, I discovered the existence of Filipino congregation in both Vietnam and Cambodia. The preaching services of the former is purely in Filipino language while the latter is in English as there are other nationalities. The one on Vietnam is very young and is still going through infancy stage, while the one in Cambodia is already mature and able to support other missionaries. It has also sent other missionary couples into other nations. As people move out of Cambodia due to their work or occupational reassignment they use it as avenue to spread the gospel to other lands. This is very scriptural as seen in Acts 8:4 and others.
Sixth, I noticed the slight weakness of existing churches or ministries in the area of music and dress standards. In Vietnam, ladies culturally wear pants due to their mode of transportation. But Christians are now learning to change to the biblical standards. Bringing in the right music and music teachers are significant elements in effecting positive change to protect the faith and godly standards among Vietnamese churches.
Seventh, I experienced the need for the missionary worker to learn and speak the language of the people as an effective strategy of reaching and discipling them. Language acquisition is a must for all workers. Diligence in this aspect of study is a necessity. Would-be workers need to learn the language even before final departure so as to reduce the time spent in learning the language at the mission field. Thereby time could be spent wisely on actual missions work, i.e., befriending people, earning their trust, sharing the gospel, baptizing them into the local church, and grounding them in the faith.
Eight, I learned the priority of prayer life and meditation on God’s word at the mission field. During the days I was recovering from sickness, much time was spent on communion with God. I was closer to Him than before. His word was my comfort and assurance as well. This sickness prepared me for the teaching and preaching tasks to follow. Then God answered prayers that I recovered for the Cambodia mission trip. The healing God gave was crucial in seeing His hands at Cambodia work and openings for us, Cornerstone.
Ninth, I learned the generosity of both Filipino missionaries in Vietnam and in Cambodia. Their graciousness evidenced divine presence and abundance in their lives. God rewards generosity and brotherly hospitality. The warm and hospitable reception I received in both mission fields shows the Lord’s blessings upon the missionaries’ lives. We were given the best accommodation according to their best ability while in their residences. I pray God will reward their hard labors with saved souls, changed lives, and abundant provisions for their ministry.
Tenth, God has protected us with His hands in the midst of dangers. In Vietnam, there were instances of police raid and discovery of Christian assembly and ministry that resulted to deportation of some foreigners. The fact that we accomplished our mission shows God’s protection from disclosure of our tasks there. I taught and preached the word of God without disclosure and disruption from the authorities. God has chosen to secure us.
Finally, both missionaries in the two fields assure Cornerstone of their willingness to help when we need it when we send our very own missionary workers. Both affirmed the great need for more workers. This is the greatest divine provision for Cornerstone in the future as we prepare to launch for the field. So why not decide to surrender to the Lord’s call to the mission fields of Vietnam and Cambodia! As you respond to His call to become missionaries, start serving Him diligently in whatever local mission assignment He gives you. Give your all to Him through the local church as He rewards you with promotion. Amen.
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