Firing and Youthful Experience

Note: I just posted this article here. Originally from my facebook note. :)

2 April 2012- This must have been the day that the Lord has made! The first Monday of the month was loaded with lots of activities that will reawaken my soul who has been thirsty for God’s presence.

When I was informed about the youth gathering which is our first ever gathering, I was quite sad knowing that I am already in the province, it is hard to go back to the city just to attend an activity which requires, of course, money. Way back then, I never thought I would have given the chance to attend the said activity because first, it is already summer and I want my parents to take a break in their financial obligations to me and second is that, I have consumed already my savings. There was a slim chance, really. And so, I said “No” to the invitation and buried the idea in my mind.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have you tried being surprised by God? All I can say is our God is a God full of surprises! I may not have been hopeful at first yet, He knew the desire of my heart. He knew when the perfect timing to surprise me is! Alas, the unexpected thing happened. And take note, he drowned me with surprises! Not just I was able to attend our youth gathering but lo and behold, I was also able to attend the 27th Local World Youth Day! What a big paycheck from heaven. I just cannot contain the happiness reigning in my heart. I saw Jesus smiling at me because I myself was enjoying my sweet reward. Everything happened so fast, attending the LWYD was the least thing I had in mind. How can you attend when in the first place, the parish priest in your town didn’t send delegates? But miracles do happen and dreams do come true! Through a friend from a nearby town, I was able to attend the most prestigious event gathering of the youth all over Cebu! Imagine that kind of feeling?

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

Oh yes, I still didn’t forget the second event.  God is just so awesome! He is good enough to make you happy 10x more and more! I was fired up that early Monday morning knowing that our first youth gathering will finally take place! The day that we have been waiting for. I can’t get enough with Mondays, indeed! Even though I was still feeling groggy after LWYD, I arrived at Family Park with enthusiasm knowing that it will be another fun-filled day with my co-youth and at the same time, a venue for expanding our knowledge on our service with God. With the passion and united effort of the youth council together with our adviser, Kuya Pat, with the talks conducted by our worship leader, Bro. Stephen, and of course, with our presence, the first gathering of the LOJ Youth Missions was a success! Bonds of friendships were strengthened, values were inculcated, deeper understanding of what an excellent service is all about flourished and joy ignited in each other’s hearts.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

With the two consecutive youth events I have attended, I am now proud to say that the youth is not just the hope of the church but the Church itself. Some youths may have gone astray, some may have abandoned God and some may have denied their true identity, but the challenge lies in our hands. As fire starters, may we, the Light of Jesus Youth Missions pass the burning passion in our hearts to infect a positive change of heart to the lives of others. May we keep the fire burning and continuously do what is pleasing in God’s eyes!

We give thanks to You, our Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17

The young ministers of God with Tito Jonathan Yogawin. :-)