There are moments.
Moments in my lifetime where I know that God’s presence was felt. Where all of the crud from my human nature, all of the crap in my life just fades away and the only thing left is Jesus. Back home, out here, it makes no difference. I don’t feel like Jesus in my everyday life. But those moments come when other people see Him. And there is no one else standing there but us. There is a soul connection. An understanding. We feel the presence of Jesus in each other.
Saturday night was “Celebrate Jesus”. It is a time when ICM invites ALL of the feeding program recipients for a celebration of what God has done this year. Over 4000 people from at least 30 different churches gathered in a convention center in Bacolod City. This was special not only because of celebrating the year but also because of the reunions. I was permitted one last time to see familiar faces that we had visited throughout our stay in Bacolod. Children from various programs, adults from house visitations, and pastors that we had encouraged all greeted us with the greatest of smiles. They assured us of how much we meant to them and I argued in my mind that they had taught me far greater lessons of life. Lessons of sacrifice, trust, and discipline. These are lessons that I will not forget. But one reunion will etch itself in my memory forever…
Sitting on the front row, getting ready for our “presentation”, I was approached by Pastor Caballero. If you remember, Pastor Caballero was the one who humbly asked for money for John Ry‘s medication. Upon seeing him, I grabbed him and hugged him. Following closely behind him were John Ry’s aunt (left) and mother. John Ry’s mother(right), in the simplest expression of love leaned in and gently kissed my cheek…captured…etched in my memory forever.
“Greet one another with a kiss of love…” (1 Peter 5:14)
Pastor Caballero went on to update me on John Ry’s progress.
You will be encouraged to know, John Ry is now, by aid of a walker, playing outside with other children! His legs are strengthening every day. He will be well in no time. To God be the glory!
I was overwhelmed. After our presentation, I spent the remainder of Celebrate Jesus sitting beside this family. Just enjoying their presence. When it was all over, John Ry’s mother hugged my neck and kissed my cheek once more whispering that same simple foreign word, salamat. Jesus was in that moment.
Words are nothing on their own. With the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, they are so much more. I began considering what it would be like in heaven one day. When the saints gather together to sing of what God has done. Being reunited with those who have crossed our paths on earth. I feel like I got a taste of it on Saturday. And it tasted heavenly.
