Yesterday was quite an interesting one. I have honestly been running on fumes the past week or so and it was beginning to take its toll on me. I know I need to rest, but it’s hard sometimes to take a break when so much hurting in the world often never lets up. However, the man that runs KIM (the organization I’m with out here) Jeff, came out for a routine visit. After a little over an hour, he just looked at me and asked me to join him in Manila for a few days to see their operation but also take a few days break. I’m pretty sure it was obvious that there was no way I was taking a break while I was still in Malaybalay. So, less that 24 hours later, I’m in Manila and sitting in a fairly empty guest house. I almost forgot what quiet sounded like.
For those of you that know me, know I love travel days because there are so many people out there to meet. Today, I had about a 2 hour drive to the base because of traffic, so I was able to really get to know KIM’s first Filipino worker, Rollie. I’ve heard the name thrown around a few times, but didn’t really know anything else about him. Well, there’s a lot you can learn about a person in such a long one on one drive, so we had some quality time. I found out that he has been with this organization since it began a while back and has felt a strong calling for missions and full time ministry ever since he became a Christian.
I asked him about his salvation story and it was fun to watch him replay it. He came to know Jesus “later in life” according to him, at 17 years old. Within two years of being a Christian, he knew it was time for him to live full time for the Lord, so he signed up to go on a trip to one of the Filipino islands that was very primitive at the time (no roads, electricity, mineral water, etc.). The pastors discouraged him because he was still young in his faith and didn’t really know what to do. Instead of being turned away by this, he knew the calling that was on his life, so he pursued it. He stood up at the pulpit one Sunday and asked the church for help and support and was sent out shortly after. I loved watching him recount his house to house visits where he didn’t really know what to do, so he just told them about Jesus. Nearly 80 not only hear the Gospel from Rollie, but accepted Jesus.
Why did we have to go and make the Gospel so difficult. People can’t accept Jesus anymore without knowing where they stand on the Trinity, predestination, and female leadership. Sure, all that stuff is great to have a stance on and seminary is excellent for some people, but our doctrine and theological debates are turning people away from Jesus. Why can’t we just tell people about Jesus and leave our thoughts to ourselves? If we can all agree on who Jesus was, what He did, and why He did it, then can’t we all just agree to preach that? Then we can share our personal stances later. People need the Gospel, not our doctrine. That can (and NEEDS) to come later. I’m thankful for Rollie’s story today…
