I’ve been pretty excited to tell this story, but I will be a little vague with the details. I wanted to make sure it was ok to share his testimony because it is a true example of God’s transformational powers and how God can truly change the heart of any man.
When I first met Mark, it was at the college Bible study we do each Sunday night. His English is so perfect that when he told me he had never left the Philippines, I was completely shocked. He even has a strong enough American accent that I almost questioned whether or not he grew up on this island. That night, I got to spend a lot of time with Mark and a few of the others leaders and I was able to hear most of their stories. Mark is one of the main leaders of this campus ministry and is looked up to as a big brother for many in the group, but he wasn’t always such a fine example.
Mark was lucky with the family he was born into, because unlike many on this island, he was able to have a pretty good bit. His family provided for him, but much like the beginning of the Prodigal Son story, at some point it just wasn’t enough. Mark shared with me how he was introduced into a new lifestyle and a new way of making money for himself. This new “business” of his was not something that he was completely proud of, but who could complain with the amount of money he made? The only problem was that he couldn’t bring the money home because it would arouse suspicions within the family. So each night, he would spend his money on whatever he wanted. Afterall, tomorrow would bring another pay day, so why withhold the pleasures when you have the means?
After a little while, this new business began to catch up with him. Mark had a plan not to get caught, and it worked well for a while. As he road the public transport in and out of town to neighboring areas to sell his goods, it was difficult for him to be tracked. It wasn’t until one day when he saw his name on a “notorious criminal” list that he realized his time was running out. He knew people were after him, not only from the law, but also from the streets. It was time for him to get out, get clean, and leave this old life behind.
Luckily, Mark had wise teaching while he was growing up. He knew where he had to turn and what he had to do. Mark couldn’t hold onto his old life any longer, no matter how tempting and financially pleasing it was. It was time for the clean break. So he owned up for the life he had been living and sought how he could get out. Over the next several months, the grace of God was on his side and he was able to work his way out the hole he dug for himself. I still don’t know how he was able to get out of the mess he was in, but I also can’t see my friend living the life he used to live.
Mark is a leader and well respected within his group and on campus. He’s now working on his own farm and producing crops that will help in the medical field as well as serving and working alongside his dad. He truly is a new creation and has left that old life behind. He is one of the guys I have welcomed into my intimate community and I can honestly call him a friend. I want to see his impact continue to grow in our ministry, on campus, and even in his family. He has so much potential to do big things.
I love to compare lives of the people that I’m ministering to and with, by looking at who they used to be and who they are now. We all have pasts and stories, but out here, many people will do anything to survive or make a few pesos. Satan is working magic in this place by showing people how to make a way for themselves. Our biggest ministry is showing the other way and how God chooses to provide. It’s not always how we expect it, but it is faithful and it is pure. My prayer is that these people can be proud of how they live their lives and how they provide for themselves and their family…
