Choosing to come on the World Race required sacrifice: quitting my job, leaving my family and friends, leaving behind independence for community living. I haven’t been able to walk with one of my best friends as she has been courageously facing chemotherapy to fight cancer. I wasn’t able to experience the joy of seeing my sister’s belly grow as my nephew formed inside of her. I didn’t get to feel him kick or throw her baby shower and write down who bought which gifts as any proud aunt would do.
One of the hardest moments of my Race has been missing my nephew’s birth. I didn’t get to hold my sister’s hand and pray for her before she went to the hospital to be induced. I didn’t get to be in the hospital room with my family, excitedly awaiting to see Elijah. I didn’t get to hold my perfect nephew in my arms the day he was born, hear him crying for the first time or cooing.
When I found out my sister was pregnant shortly after training camp, I was upset with God. I had already told all of my friends who are married they could not conceive until December. I informed my single friends that they could not get married until I returned. I said nothing to my sister and brother-in-law, as they were not planning to have a baby. What happens? My sister gets pregnant.
God knew. It wasn’t a surprise to him. The timing wasn’t a mistake. Would I still say yes to God, even if I have to miss out on things that are important to me?
I said yes to God, knowing this day would be difficult. It was. I cried. I was homesick. But God was faithful. I had access to wifi (which has not been the case many months) and got hourly updates. I FaceTimed with my mom and saw Elijah in real time through the glass as Brad held him and the doctors checked him. I am so grateful for God’s goodness in letting me still be a part of this beautiful moment from a distance.
Elijah was born March 18, 2016 around 7 p.m.. However, it was March 19 2016 about 8 a.m. in the Philippines. The same day as the multicultural festival at the Plaza in downtown Bulakan, Bulacan.
I celebrated the birth of my nephew in the morning, and in the evening spread the good news of Jesus to around 300 or 400 people (people were constantly coming and going). We performed traditional Filipino dances, dramas, shared testimonies about freedom from pornagraphy, sexual abuse, masterbation, sexual sin, and lesbianism. The gospel message was preached and translated into Tagalog.
About two weeks ago, as we were leaving the school after sharing about Jesus, we were told to do street evangelism. Half of my teammates had already headed home and so my team leader gave the remaining 3 of us the option to go home or do street evangelism. My response: “Why not? Let’s talk to some people on the walk home.”
We took a random street which ran into a basketball court. Basketball is the biggest sport in the Philippines. I sat next to a 12 year old boy named R.J. and later met his friend L.A. We immediately became friends and saw them several more times.
We invited them to come to the Plaza festival. The event started at 6 p.m., and there was no sign of our friends. As I was preparing to perform a drama to the song Everything by Lifehouse, the boys arrived! Just in time for a powerful presentation of the gospel and the gospel message.
I couldn’t be more excited to tell you that about 30 people gave their lives to Christ, including R.J. and L.A!!
For the second time that day, tears streamed down my face as I witnessed a miracle of God. Forgiving people of their sins and giving them new life in Christ.
My friend Felicia and I chatted with the boys after to make sure they understood. They did. (:
This is worth it.
Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
By saying yes to God, I got to experience two miracles on March 19. The miracle of my nephew being born into the world, and the miracle of about 30 people being born again. New life and new life in Christ. Both physical and spiritual.
Though it requires sacrifice, God’s way is always better. Will you say yes to God?
