Word Circular Operation Jabez (April)

- Special Issue -

Operation Jabez 2018

WORD CIRCULAR Vol. 9 Issue 1

WORDCOMM Word Community Church

How it works

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BOARD of TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN Jun Uy Ptr. Dave Darwin

Ptr. Woolim Ma

Eric Perdigon

Mike Velasco

Ellen Perlado

Aikee Enciso

Liz Padolina

Albert Salazar

Some pages feature QR Codes. Each code is unique and leads to a specific URL. Scan them using your phone's Facebook app, and your browser will open the link .

STAFF Martin Sarmenta

Kyleen Sayas

Go to the SETTINGS page on your phone's Facebook app.

Then drop down the SEE MORE tab and click on QR CODE.

ADVISER Shiloah Matic-Ma

CONTRIBUTORS Ptr. Zaldy Lanuza

Ptr. Jireh de Oca

Marichu Arenas

Jayjay Antonio

Mary Gil Bobis

Amy Canseco

Elaine de Oca

Efi Fermin

Ellen Fermin

Patricia Fermin

Eve Lanuza

Rjoy Lanuza

Carol Marin

Oliver Marin

Verna Marin

Abel Raule

Tettet Sayas

Special Thanks Everyone who supported OJ Velprint Corp.

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DISCALIMER: You'll need to download the Facebook App on your mobile device.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF

a tale churches FEB RUARY 4, 2018: A COU PLE OF MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS WER E H IG H LIT TH IS PARTICU L AR SUNDAY, INVITING EVERYONE TO SIGN - U P FOR T WO B IG EVENTS: OU R 21ST ANNIVERSARY AC TIVITI ES AND OU R 1ST WEEKLONG MISSION TR I P. BOTH TOOK A LONG TIME COMING AND IN A WAY, TH E Y FOR ESHADOW A FUTU R E THAT'S FAST APPROACH ING.

A Tale of Two Churches

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- PA R T 1 : WO R D CO M M -

I remember two years ago, Bro. Efi Fermin and I dreamt for WordComm to experience and be involved in Operation Jabez (OJ), a week long short term mission trip that involves training a partner church in a region with the Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ (PCCC or CCC) staff Ptr. Zaldy Lanuza Missions Director

and Christian volunteers from Metro Manila. It is inspired by the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10.

OJ is an activity that promotes evangelism and discipleship. This was one opportunity to become more and more of a ‘missional’ church. During that time, WordComm was adjusting under the direction of a new leadership team. We agreed to pray for God’s timing in our preparation for this because we both know how beneficial it would be for our church.

Last December 2017, I asked Bro. Efi regarding CCC’s OJ plan. He shared the vision of church planting in the Visayas region through OJ to jumpstart and augment church planting in a region considered to be one of the unchurched areas in the Philippines. I considered this an answered prayer for our congregation to experience firsthand mission work in an area outside of our comfort zones. God slowly unraveled His plan

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A Tale of Two Churches

for the trip. We prayed for the people who would join the team, the specific area in Visayas

THIS [IS] AN ANSWERED

where we would minister (now

PRAYER

we know it as Ptr. Ji’s father’s

FOR OUR

church, Concepcion Fellowship Baptist Church or FBCC), and the financial aspect of the trip (such as the amount needed to be raised individually by the participants and how they would raise it). There were many more discussions as to what the team would do to help support the local partner church in the area.

Part 1: WordComm

CONGREGATION TO EXPERIENCE FIRSTHAND MISSION WORK IN AN AREA OUTSIDE OF OUR COMORT ZONES.

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It’s already a highlight for me that God put together the team and His plan is an answered prayer for us—to experience Him at work in the mission field by consistently drawing people to Himself. All we had to do was go and introduce the Gospel to them. I saw how God used the individuality (gifts, skills, talents and passion) of each volunteer, plus the willingness of both WordComm and FBCC to learn and serve as we made Him known to the different communities we went to.

Thank you, WordComm, for giving to the Lord by sending us as your missionaries. More than that, your support was a concrete answer to the prayers of a church who has been similarly praying to be equipped in becoming God’s heart and hands in their communities.

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A Tale of Two Churches

THE LORD SAID, “THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL , BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. THEREFORE , PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST.”

Will you be His harvest hands?

Watch out and pray for mission opportunities this year and the next OJ.

Part 1: WordComm

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- PA R T 2 : CO N C E P C I O N F B C -

In behalf of my father, Ptr. Joel de Oca, I would like to thank you, WordComm, for sending us to bless his church, Fellowship Baptist Church, in Brgy. Concepcion, Talisay City, Negros Occidental. It’s been a privilege to witness the work of God, and to work hand-in-hand with my father during Operation Jabez.

Ptr. Jireh de Oca Project Director

Even before I approached my father about the short term summer mission trip, his heart’s desire is to see every member of their church engaged in the work of the Lord where they are. He wanted to start a church in Sta. Rita, a nearby town, and see every member get involved.

He believes that all Christians are called to do the work of the ministry, as established in Ephesians 4:10-13.

That means, you and I are called to do the ministry; that’s how God designed all of us to be.

While my father knows that his role is to equip his members for the work of the ministry, his knowledge and

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A Tale of Two Churches

capacity were limited. When he learned about the Operation Jabez, he was very excited! He knew it was the answer to his prayers. Thank God for our trainers from PCCC: The National Director, our very own, Bro. Efi &, Sis. Ellen Fermin, together with Joy Bobis, his Executive Secretary, and of course, the volunteers and supporters from WordComm. From those of us who prepared, to those who went, and all who joyfully and sacrificially gave—we were all answers to my father’s prayer and many others’.

His heart was filled with joy from seeing the members actively and joyfully engaged, working hand in hand with our people, and sharing their faith in their community made him come alive. He was energized!

He said, “This is the kind of church I desired Concepcion FBC to be: A church filled with people engaged in the ministry and passionate to make God known in their community.” He knew this is going to

Part 2: Concepcion FBC

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[PASTOR JOEL]

be the start of something greater, one which God had prepared in advance.

KNEW THIS IS GOING TO BE THE START OF SOMETHING GREATER, ONE WHICH GOD HAD PREPARED IN ADVANCE .

Definitely, he was inspired by how we ministered to them. He was so touched by our kindness, our generosity, and our sacrifices— to go out of our way, leave our comfort zones, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.

He was even more joyful, energized, and inspired after seeing the fruit of our labor on the last Sunday culminating our activities when a group of people

came to the church for the very first time! They were the ones whom we shared the gospel with in Habitat Homes, one of the two communities we visited. He felt so much joy from witnessing people come to Christ, and are thirsty to get to know their Lord and Savior.

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A Tale of two Churches

Experiencing all these makes me so thankful to God that I crave for more endeavors like this. The joy my father showed because of our presence melted my heart. Hearing him say that seeing me, his beloved son, serve God and become involved in the ministry makes him so proud and fulfilled as a father and as a pastor. Even more, seeing his grandson, Elijah (the youngest missionary in the team), take part in Operation Jabez. He plays a very crucial role in the team, you know? He takes away our stress and tiredness!

On a final note, I would like to say that our obedience to God, our sacrifices, our generosity, became the key that God used to unleash the potential of Concepcion Fellowship Baptist Church. And because seeds were planted, fruits will be reaped. That’s why right after we left, my father rallied his members to continue what we’ve started. They went back to Sta. Rita, and officially started an outreach ministry— targeting kids who eventually would be the keys to reaching their parents. In due time, churches will be planted.

Part 2: Concepcion FBC

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I HOPE AND PRAY THAT WE , AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS, WILL NEVER GROW TIRED NOR WEARY

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A Tale of two Churches

IN FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION, THROUGH WHATEVER WAY WE CAN.

Part 2: Concepcion FBC

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sight - A Leader's Perspective I am grateful that members of our home church can experience something like this!

I am thankful that they were able to go through the Multiplying Churches and Communities Bro. Efi Fermin

training twice. More importantly,

National Director, PCCC

sharing the gospel.

most volunteers experienced

I am hopeful that all have caught the vision for the Great Commission and have been greatly encouraged by what they have seen and heard.

I am glad to have experienced being part of an OJ team that is non-Campus Crusade for Christ.

I am happy that our teammates witnessed how our presence impacted Fellowship Baptist Church and heard how thankful the church is for our coming.

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Oversight

- Field Results At Habitat Homes & Sta. Rita, Talisay March 27 - 29, 2018

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E X P O S E D TO J E S U S F I LM

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I am grateful that Ellen and I chose to join Word Community Church. It is gratifying to see the fruit of our partnership. I remember when Pastor Woolim met with different mission organizations one Sunday

HOUSE TO - H O U S E E VA N G E LI S M

morning at Starbucks. Then, our

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enhance our partnership.

P R AY E D TO RECEIVE CHRIST

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B I B LE S T U DY / FO LLOW - U P

team leaders met with him during the NLC to explore how we can

The experience also strengthened our relationships as Word Community Church.

Our devotional and debriefing times have been meaningful and enjoyable. Serving Jesus and reaching out together for a week has solidified our relationships.

The partnership between Word Community Church, Fellowship Baptist Church, and Campus Crusade for Christ is a pattern to follow, study, and improve.

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- Field Results Overall OJ 2018 Visayas WIN

6,060 PERSONAL E VA N G E L I S M

4,610

PRC PE RSONAL E VA N G E L I S M

13,396 E X P O S E D TO JESUS FILM

BUILD

5,639 I N D I C AT E D INTE REST IN F O L LOW - U P

1,126

B E G A N FO L LOW U P D U R I N G OJ

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BAPTIZE D D U R I N G OJ

6,680

SEND

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OJ T E A M S S E N T

638

D E L E G AT E S

1,449 CHURCH MEMBERS TRAINE D D U R I N G OJ

1,010

PRC FROM JESUS FILM

CHURCH MEMBERS WHO SHARE D THE GOSPEL

3,725

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OT H E R M A S S E VA N G E L I S M

CHURCHES PLANTE D D U R I N G OJ

2,506

P R C TO OT H E R MASS E VA N G E L I S M

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23,191 13,796

TOTA L OJ E VA N G E L I S M TOTA L OJ P R C

* PRC : Prayed to Receive

- Volunteers' Perspective WE ASKED TH E VO LUNTEERS A FEW QU ESTIONS TO ENCAPSU L ATE TH E H IG H LIG HTS OF TH EI R OJ TR I P. FROM VETER ANS TO FI RST-TIME EVANG E LISTS, LET'S R EAD WHAT TH E Y HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HOW TH E Y EXPER I ENCED GOD AND TH E NEXT STEPS.

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

experience, as wonderful as His love (and plan) for man is.

I was so overwhelmed. Our

MARICHU ARENAS

My OJ experience was always about God’s presence, in my life and in others’. Doing 4SL (Four Spiritual Laws) in Talisay is God’s greatest commission to man. That means He will be there as we share His Good News and disciple His people.

In my experience, things have been orchestrated perfectly according to His plans, as we knocked on doors at Sta. Rita and Habitat community.

Finding the lost and being saved is a wonderful

devotions, sharing, Jesus Film showings, feeding, exercises for the study, and going doorto-door in the communities in Talisay were surely an answer to prayers. I have always wanted to experience Jesus’ presence, talk about Him, know about Him, and let people know how much receiving Jesus as personal Lord and Savior makes me happy.

What lessons did you learn?

Reflections

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The most valuable lesson

also stop merely claiming I

I’ve learned is to have every

am a Christian, but instead

listener read to themselves

take big steps. I will continue

what the 4SL booklet

participating in multiplying

contains, and sincerely pray

churches through follow-up

to receive Jesus as their

sessions; after all, moving

personal Lord and Savior.

to see a bold generation of

I also learned to claim it in

Christians emerge is what

my heart again and again.

MC2 (Multiplying Churches

This compels me to do this

& Communities Training) is

more because the feeling

all about. I will bravely and

of winning souls for Christ is

courageously share the

complete happiness! Them

teachings of CCC to people

receiving Jesus also makes

whom I can read the 4SL with.

our Sovereign Lord happy.

Thank you, WordComm,

What will you start, stop, continue doing?

for allowing me to grow by

I will continue to walk

experiencing 4SL is indeed

conscious of Jesus’ presence with me as I share the 4SL to many more people. I will

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knowing God more through this experience. At my age, a gift! It’s like starting a new journey in life by walking the talk of being more Christcentered.

Marichu Arenas

* * how God changes the

weather from extremely hot to just the right temperature that we could enjoy riding at the trunk of the pick up truck; * * how God sustained us

physically that even

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

though most of us got

ELAINE DE OCA

illness;

colds and pains, we never experienced any major

I experienced God through His

* * how God softened our

provision in everything:

hearts to be humble and

* * How God touched the

low so that we will be His

hearts of many to support

channel of blessing to

financially—starting from

others; and lastly,

our fare back and forth, to the stomachs of about a hundred children that we were able to feed;

* * how God allowed us to

enjoy and participate in the works of His ministry through OJ.

Elaine de OCa

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What lessons did you learn?

for more missionaries.

I will also continue to pray for the workers in the field

I learned the following: * * Service to others is an act

of humility. When you serve you are becoming selfless because you become

for strength, guidance, comfort, wisdom as they share the Gospel. I will stop making excuses.

sensitive to the need of others. * * You are serving God when

you serve others with the purpose of bringing glory to Him and not to yourself. * * Participating with God in

His ministry of winning souls doesn’t necessarily mean going to the

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

frontlines (evangelizing, preaching, teaching).

EFI FERMIN

We can participate in

I experienced God as the

so many ways (sending,

God who answers prayers.

praying, etc.) according to

His presence, protection,

our gifts and talents that

and power accompanied not

God gave us.

only our team but also every other team that went to the

What will you start, stop, continue doing?

I will start to pray for people whom I can share God, and

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Visayas. He heard the prayers of Pastor Joel and the church leaders of Fellowship Baptist Church as well as those back home in Word Community Church. I also experienced

Elaine de Oca

God as the One who enables

I will start using the 3/3rds

and strengthens. He is truly

process in my teaching

our Provider. In a short time,

and discipleship. I will start

God provided abundantly for

reaching out to a particular

our financial needs for OJ.

target area to win, build, and send multiplying disciples. I

What lessons did you learn?

will start promoting Multiplying

My understanding and

I will stop not giving priority

appreciation of Multiplying

to the local church. I will

Churches and Communities

continue to mobilize churches

deepened as I taught parts of

to partner with other churches

it and heard others teach it.

in planting new multiplying

I learned the 3/3rds Process

churches.

Churches and Communities to denominations and churches.

as I taught it. I think I finally caught the emphasis on multiplying.

What will you start, stop, continue doing?

Efi Fermin

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our understanding: He healed me and we were able to raise even more than the required amount! All we had to do was to trust, have a willing heart to obey, to be used, and to GO! The Lord showed how each

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

volunteer in OJ had a role

EVE LANUZA

baby Elijah was used by

Truly God's faithfulness and

God to be our stress relief,

love was visible before and

and his presence served as

during OJ. Before we went

our joy. I experienced the

to Negros, I was excited and

love and unity of one family

wondered how I could raise

working together in same

the big amount of money

spirit. We started every day

needed since there were

with excitement. Day in and

three of us in the family

day out, God's presence was

going, and most of us were

palpable. From our morning

raising within WordComm.

devotions, He gave words of

Also, four days before the

wisdom that strengthened

flight I got sick. But God does

me for the whole day and

in handling the small things up to the bigger ones—like

immeasurable things beyond

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Eve Lanuza

reminded me to be a good, humbled servant of God. Indeed God's protection, provision, and guidance was with us as we took part in His Great Commision to share His word.

What lessons did you learn?

I learned the importance of willingness to be used and obedience to the will of God— nothing is impossible to God! I remember a line from the song " The Mission," that says, “To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of a Mission.” It also says, “Proclaim the Word in Jesus Name!”

How did you experience Go d during OJ? RJOY LANUZA

I experienced the Lord through the church members of FBC. The overflowing desire and passion that was brought out during the time of our stay there was intense and amazing to see.

It's always good to see lives being changed by the Lord.

What will you start, stop, continue doing?

I learned that God never looks at the age of a person. No

I will continue to share God's love and forgiveness to every one in need of Christ. I’ll also teach them to share to others.

matter how old you are, the Lord can and will use you for His kingdom—the same is true for having different talents and skills. Big or small the Lord can use it to bless others or even change their view in life.

Rjoy Lanuza

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I will stop comparing my

our individual schedules to be

capabilities and talents to

there, and it is evident how

other people. The Lord uses

he prepared the hearts of the

us in different ways, in ways

team, the church of Talisay

that we are more effective

and everyone that heard the

and able to do. I will also

4SL. Too many miracles, even

share the lessons I learned

the weather God took care of!

to my friends who are fellow believers.

What lessons did you learn?

I learned that in fellowshipping with the OJ team and with the church of Talisay, we both grew in strength and in faith.

But my biggest learning is to swallow my ‘hiya’ and allow God to use me in sharing the gospel to save souls. After all,

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

what can be more important than that!!!

VERNA MARIN

It’s amazing how God arranged my schedule and

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What will you start, stop, continue doing?

Verna MArin

I shall START a conscious effort to ask “Who do you want me to share the gospel to this week, Lord?� I will STOP making excuses just do it. And, I will CONTINUE to beg for the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I am also sharing these

* * how He touched a member

lessons with my kids and

of Concepcion FBC to lend

sharing my faith with the list

a pick up so we will have

God has placed in my heart.

extra transportation; * * how the members

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

volunteered to cook for our lunch & dinner; * * how each member of OJ

ABEL RAULE

cared & worked as a team;

In all these I cannot deny I did experience His presence during OJ:

* * how He gave a cool

weather whenever we went out to evange; and lastly,

* * How God provided a big

house for the team;

Abel Raule

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What will you start, stop, continue doing?

* * how God has removed

my fears and gave me boldness instead to share

I will stop ignoring the

the 4SLs.

leading of the Holy Spirit

What lessons did you learn?

when prompted to share the gospel, and be reminded that it is not about me—it is all

I learned obedience to the

about God.

leading of the Holy Spirit, and surrender everything to God. Apart from Him, we cannot achieve anything. To quote what was written in the training manual, “Success in witnessing is taking the initiative to share Christ in the

Lastly, as Thomas Fuller said, “Charity begins at home but should not end there,” and so I will share the lessons learned to my family & relatives then to my circle of friends.

power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”

“SUCCESS IN WITNESSING IS TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO SHARE CHRIST IN THE POWE R OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND LEAVING THE RESULTS TO GOD.”

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Abel Raule

Gospel. I was so surprised at how smoothly she steered the conversation to a meaningful sharing. I felt embarrassed a bit, because I wasn’t even thinking of doing that. But the Lord opened my eyes at that very moment to see how that

How did you experience Go d during OJ?

was supposed to lead into, to

TETTET SAYAS

that leads to sharing Jesus.

what we were being trained to do: finding an opening

For me, everything about

May I also acknowledge how

the OJ journey is worthy

the Lord provided for me by

of a highlight since it’s my first time. But one instance that stood out to me was

women who voluntarily gave money for the sponsorship

when Ellen & I were in the

without me asking them.

market buying food for the team’s breakfast. I was talking casually to a lady selling melon, and I was

What lessons did you learn?

I learned that when God

teasing her that made her laugh a little. Then the lady asked where we were from, to which Ellen started to tell her who we were, where we were staying, and why we were there. She smoothly shifted the conversation from an inconsequential topic to Jesus and our activities that centered on sharing the

touching the hearts of some

invites you or presents you with an opportunity to work with Him—even when you’re filled with thoughts of inadequacy, full of fear, or when you lack the courage— JUST GO. Go just as you are.

Because at the point of need, He will give you the grace that enables you to do what

t e t t e t S aya s

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"NOT BY NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWE R, BUT BY MY SPIRIT,' SAYS THE LORD.”

- Zechariah 4:6 -

needs to be done. It’s like God saying, “It’s not about you; it’s

What will you start, stop, continue doing?

all about me. I am God, and I will cause my plan to come

I will start asking the Lord to

to pass.” He is the Almighty

make me alert and sensitive

God; He is the sovereign God;

to the opportunities He sends

and He makes things happen

me in sharing the Gospel. I

according to His plan and

will stop being timid, and be

purpose. All He wants from us

brave instead / be intentional

is our willingness to be used

in sharing.

by Him, to be a willing vessel for God’s kingdom works.

I will also share with other

So just go & leave thes rest

believers what I have

to Him, just as the scriptures

learned, and persuade if not

says in Zechariah 4:6, “'Not

encourage them to try and

by might, nor by power, but

join, too.

by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.”

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T e t t e t S aya s

How did you experience Go d during OJ? KYLEEN SAYAS

I've experienced God in OJ through documenting the most significant moments of the trip. From the onset of me being assigned to lead

I was having doubts at first

that 'department', I already

because the material felt a bit

knew that I wouldn't be able

rigid, but there was a reason

to experience evangelizing

why this has worked for

as much as the others.

decades and decades—it's the

Despite the long days which

Holy Spirit who draws people

are anything but sedentary,

in, regardless of language

the Lord strengthened me

and cultural barriers. I actually

in spirit and in action. To

had an alarming experience

my surprise, the photos and

after OJ, but because we

footages I took turned out

were trained well (inspite of

okay. But more than that, the

my excuses and distractions),

stories I was able to witness

I knew that I can use the 4SL

from a macro view point are

to lead a family member to

definitely going to touch more

Christ.

people beyond us.

What lessons did you learn?

What will you start, stop, continue doing?

I learned the commitment

I will start practicing, and actually having faith in the

required in servanthood.

While I may not have an epic story of my own to share, I was humbled by the way the Lord excited every one we trained with.

Lord who moves rather than my ability to deliver, and continue to participate in ministry, not just in the arts, but also in discipleship.

K y l e e n S aya s

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More photos

via Dropbox For participants, feel free to view and download more high resolution photos via Dropbox. This link is only available for 60 days.

JAB EZ CR I ED OUT TO TH E GOD OF ISR AE L , “OH THAT YOU WOU LD B LESS ME AND EN L ARG E MY TER R ITORY! LET YOU R HAND B E WITH ME , AND KEEP ME FROM HARM SO THAT I WI LL B E FR EE FROM PAIN.” AND GOD G R ANTED H IS R EQU EST.

- 1 Chronicles 4:10 -