I grew up in a devoted Roman Catholic background. My parents were
devout Catholic. My elementary days were in a Parochial school and high school on a university run by Jesuits or the Society
of Jesus. Mom would always make sure I am off to Church every Sunday, all Holidays, my birthday, and Ash Wednesday. She pushed
me to the confessional occasionally. At one point I served as a sacristan (altar server) at Naga Cathedral.
Like
most Filipino families, we were very religious! However, as a teenager, going to church became boring. Heaven or hell was
not a concern to me. I had no clue about salvation or how to get to heaven. My belief was that being baptized in the Church
was enough to get to heaven.
My church attendance became seldom. Going to church to me now meant
spending a few minutes at the back of the church near the door, say a little prayer and then leave. I was more concerned
with hanging out with my friends.
At second year high school, we started to learn vices –
gambling, drinking and smoking. As our “barkada” bonded and aged together, so did our vices. Marijuana, cough
syrup and even a bit of shabu was added to our arsenal. High on drugs, we once damaged school properties, got caught by the
police and spent hours in police custody.
It was embarrassing and my parents’ name was dragged
to embarrassment. Luckily, I was still doing good in school, but I knew that my parents were frustrated with my ways.
At 5th year college, one of my friends became a born again Christian. He started to share
his faith with me, but I just laughed at what he became. I thought he had gone crazy. “Naloloko ka na yata” is
what I said. Needless to say, I was crazy for not hearing him out. Because it was always my dream to work overseas and earn
dollars, I applied for work in the Middle East and was approved after the war in Kuwait ended.
I
arrived in Bahrain in April 1992. Bahrain, being an open country and I being single, free and with money, continued with my
SBG (sunog baga gang) days: heavy drinking and smoking. During weekends, my new-found friends and co-workers would spend overnight
fishing and drinking near the seaside just close to our accommodation. Even my girlfriend at that time, could not stop me
and eventually left me.
To offset my vices, I joined a group called Legion of Mary. They would
come to our accommodation and pray the rosary then we would bring an image of Mary to different accommodations every Wednesday
to pray.
But my religiosity was all a show or an act, for this did not stop me from
going down the path of self-destruction.
I was happy with my life for awhile, until
our company started slowing down and eventually shut down its operations. I told my employer to give me a month to look for
another job and if I cannot find one, they can repatriate me back to the Philippines.
God
clearly had a purpose for me because in a few days, I found a new job. God orchestrated everything. In April
1994, I joined my second employer where two Filipino Christians were employed, Jhun Dualan (who is here with us) and Leo Ladica.
Before I joined the company, they both prayed to the Lord that whoever will join them at that department will experience
God’s grace and salvation and become a Christian.
God answered their prayer and He led me
to that department. Bro Jhun started to share the Good news to me at our flat (apartment), and even at the office. He
had a Bible tucked in his drawer and would always share God’s word when possible. Though I was listening to him, at
the back of my mind, I was also convincing myself that I will never become like him.
They were
church going people and had Bible studies daily. Bro Jhun would often invite me to come but I had lots of excuses. Tired,
laundry, grocery, and so on. When they would leave the apartment, I would sneak out to nearby clubs and pubs where Filipino
bands perform. I would get a few cans of beer and call it a day. Since I knew that they don’t want any vices in our
flat, when I smoke I would cover the gaps of the door of my room with tape and towel to cover my cigarette smoke. All this
time, I had with me the image of Virgin Mary in my room.
With Bro Jhun’s constant prodding,
I finally went with them one Sunday night during a Bible study. It was June 24. That night, the bible study teacher shared
the good news of the Lord Jesus: the message was that out of God’s love and compassion, He gave His one
and only son Jesus to die for my sins.
That even though I was a sinner,
His forgiveness was available for me if only I would come to Him and genuinely repent and receive His gift of eternal life.
That night, God captured me I responded to His invitation.
The message was very clear
and I understood my position in God’s Kingdom.
I realized I need God, not a religion,
I needed a Savior.
That day, I exchanged my religion for a true relationship
with God.
From that day as well, the Lord started to remove my bad habits one at
a time. His Words started to cleanse me. It is written that as a believer of Jesus Christ, my body has now become: “
the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in me and whom I have received from God… Therefore honor God with your
body.”
With this truth and the power of His words convicting my heart, my cravings
for nicotine and alcohol disappeared and was replaced with obedience to His words. I also surrendered the idol that I was
having in my room. For the first time in my life, I have experienced God’s love. He plucked me out of that dark road
and brought me into His marvelous light.
Sooner, I began to give my life to serve Jesus and
serve others. I joined Bro Jhun in his ministry of transporting Church members from their homes to the Church during bible
studies on a daily basis. We were the first to leave our flat and the last to retire at midnight. But the sacrifices were
nothing compared to the absolute joy that was in my heart.
To grow in my walk with Christ, I attended
many trainings in the church and from different Christian groups from abroad like the FIN, CEF-VBS and Campus Crusade for
Christ and now the JIL-12 and Gospel Presentation seminar here in JIL Burnaby. God used me not only as a driver for people
but also in sharing His word during Bible studies, worship services and to the kids.
In our company,
Bro Jhun and Leo had been long gone, but the prayer in our design department continued. With the Lord Jesus’ help, I
was able to share God’s word to the people who replaced them and they too served Jesus in every possible way.
The bible study that was started by a few faithful men became the longest bible study in the church in
Bahrain. The latest update was that many of the new attendees/members from that bible study have just recently been water
baptized, praise God for His faithfulness.
One thing I learned from a mentor, when we share God’s
word, we share it in the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results up to God. Our duty is to share Jesus and His words,
and it is God’s duty to transform them. God’s word will not return without accomplishing His purpose.
Sometime in the future, God will bring people to a relationship with Him just like He did with me. The important
thing is that the seed gets planted to people’s hearts through us until they truly find Jesus.
I
thank the Lord because people such as Bro Jhun and Leo entrusted their life to Christ so that Jesus can also use them to change
the lives of others.
I stand here to say that I am that life changed. I am one of the
harvests out of the many seeds sown.
There is no accident in God; this
place could be where the unique and wonderful plan of God in your life will start.
He
who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ;
He
is not yet finished with His work in us but He will see us through completion until the Lord’s Day.
God bless us.
Touched
by God - A Healing Testimony
Debbie Ann Orbizo
On March 9, 2009, I arrived here in Canada under the Live-in Caregiving program. Just like any Filipino looking for a greener pasture outside of my homeland,
I came here with very high hopes, beautiful dreams and visions of bright future for my family. I am so much thankful to God
because He had blessed me with very nice employers.
After a month of working with my employers, I started feeling very ill. I vomited on many occasions. My vision was blurred and I had difficulty sleeping
at night because of persistent cough. I approached my employers regarding my problem and they acted swiftly and brought me
to the nearest walk-in clinic. The doctor took my blood sample and sent me home with some medications to relieve the symptoms
I was experiencing. These drugs didn’t help at all and I even got worse which prompted my employers to bring me to their
family doctor. I have gone through a series of check-up, X-ray and all the laboratory tests needed to diagnose my worsening
condition. Initial findings showed abdominal problem and I was given some new medications to take. We went home hoping that
things will get better.
That night, I wasn’t able
to sleep because of heavy and bothersome coughing.
Although Saturday was my day off, I decided not to go out because I was feeling really bad. On that day my employers decided
to drive me to my Aunt’s place because they were expecting buyers to visit their house which they intended to sell.
On May 9, 2009, my Aunt rushed me toSunnybrook Hospital because I could hardly breathe. I coughed
and vomited persistently making me really weak. While waiting for my name to be called at the Emergency room, I had so much
anxiety and I no longer remembered what happened next.When I regained my consciousness, I was already
at the ICU. The doctor’s diagnosis was kidney failure. I was then transferred to St. Michael’s Hospital while
I was unconscious.
Later I would find out that again
I was at the ICU with all the apparatus and medical
equipment around my bed. On that night, I had a vision while I was sleeping and I saw the sky in its clearest blue.I saw God’s face and a feather on His side. I also pictured my Aunt Julie Ann lifting my hands up high and then
I heard the voice of God. It was a very clear and loud voice saying “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM THE GOD WHO
WILL HEAL YOU.”
I
was thankful to God because I had found inner strength
that can only come from Him. I knew He touched not only my physical body but my life as a whole. God had also put a song into
my heart (by Darlene Zchech) which invigorated me. The song goes this way “AND LET THE LIFE OF GOD FEEL ME NOW,
LET YOUR HEALING POWER BREATHE LIFE AND MAKE ME WHOLE AND LET THE PEACE OF GOD, LET IT REIGN.”I
always remembered and sang this song while at the hospital and I felt my body recovering quickly. The doctors and nurses were
amazed by this dramatic turn around and I was then taken out of the ICU.
One day the doctor came into my room and informed me that my kidney has failed badly and the only way to survive this predicament is through transplantation
or a lifetime dialysis. While they were talking to me and explaining scenarios, I knew I was at peace because God has already
prepared my heart. Shortly after they left the room, I prayed earnestly to God entrusting my whole life unto Him and also
prayed that His will be done in my life. I remembered His word in Proverbs 3:5-6 “TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL
YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING;IN ALL YOURWAYSACKNOWLEDGEHIMAND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.”
The next morning Ate Jasmin visited me at
the hospital and that was the time the doctor spoke
to us about the medicine, called cyclophosphamide, that they will administer for my lungs. They also explained the side effects
of this strong drug – major hair loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, bleeding of bladder, possibility of affecting the
reproductive system by 5% as it can damage the ovary, and the possibility of cancer.On top of that there
is only a 50% chance of healing the kidney. The doctor also mentioned that I would be on dialysis for the rest of my life.
When the doctor left, Ate Jasmin and I cried out to God to bind the negative side effects of that medicine and instead turn
it to positive effects in my body.
I
stayed in St. Michael Hospital for 18 days and then
I was again transferred back to Sunnybrook on May 18th. It was June 25th when I was released from the
hospital and then eventually went home to my friend Ate Jasmin’s apartment where I live up to this day.
The greatest blessing I received from the Lord was that I didn’t have to pay my bills in the hospital. Everything
was taken cared of including my medicines. During my stay in the hospital I spent time reading the word of God. I soaked myself
in God’s presence. I thanked God for He comforted me especially when I felt lonely and missed my family in the Philippines.
I thanked the Lord for the life of Ate Jasmin who stood by me and was always there for me. I thanked God for
her never ending prayers as we knocked the door of heaven. I thanked Pastor Nelson and Ate Elsa for visiting me and supporting
me through their words of encouragement.I thanked my husband and my family for although they were not
here during that time, they earnestly prayed for me and sent me encouraging words. I felt God’s comfort through the
people who surrounded me and remembered me in their prayers. I pray that God may bless you abundantly and reward your kindness
in multifold.
Today, I am doing great and waiting
patiently and expectantly for the complete recovery
of my kidney. Looking back, I can only be thankful to God for turning things around and putting me into where I am today.
I pray and I know in my heart that great and amazing things will happen into my life. God has promised me in Luke 1:37 “FOR
NOTHING IS IMPOSIBLE WITH GOD” and in Jeremiah 29:11 “FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU DECLARES
THE LORD, PLAN TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, A PLAN TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A GOOD FUTURE.”
I know that everything that transpired in the past and, that is happening to me now and that will be happening
in the future are all part of God’s wonderful plan for me.I am grateful to God for my everyday life.
Our Father loves us very much. He loves us enough to give us His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for our sin; enough to give
us His spirit as our guide; enough to never leave us nor forsake us, and enough to finish the good work He began in our lives.
Let us rejoice in all things even in times of difficult circumstances and trials. Let us learn to look with new eyes and see
His hand working around us each and everyday. Let us praise Him and look for new revelations of His love, even as we are sent
into the storm of life. God said in His word in Philippians 4:13 “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO GIVE ME
STRENGTH”.As I continue serving the Lord, I always find strength through His word and promises
in my life.To God be all the highest glory and honor!
STEPHEN
FULO’s TESTIMONY
In February 12, 2007, our 5 year old son, Stephen Fulo, who is very well known as Mico in the
church visited the pediatrician. The doctor noticed his paleness and ordered a CBC (complete blood count), and that
night I received a phone call from the doctor telling me the scary news to rush Mico to the Emergency room of the Sick Kids
Hospital due to the very abnormal blood count results.
Confused and scared, we rushed Mico to the hospital.
At the emergency room, nurses panic about the CBC results. They found out that Mico’s Red blood cells which help
transport oxygen to your tissues, platelets which help to form blood clots and white blood cells which are the soldiers
in your immune system have all dropped from the normal level. This is why he looks pale but there were no other symptoms
other than this. Due to these, it is now called Pancytopenia, which means: an abnormal reduction in the number of red
blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets in the blood; and Neutropenia, a part of white blood cells that helps
kill the bacteria in our body. With all these, the only treatment can be given to Mico is Red Blood cells or platelets
transfusion. He was in and out of the hospital since February 12, 2007. Series of tests has been done from his
brain down to his feet. He had X-rays; CT scan on his brain, nostrils, stomach; Gallium scan on his entire body; Ultra
sound on his stomach, spleen, liver; 2D echo; 4 times of Bone Marrow Biopsy, Skin Biopsy; Total body bone scan; Even his teeth
was all checked to look for any virus or infection that may be causing this. Bone density scan and most of all numerous blood
works everyday which lead for him to have PICC line on his right arm (implanted on his right arm straight closed to his heart),
to avoid poking him everyday. Glory to God because God is a miracle healing God and all these results are normal. Several
types of medicines were tried on him to treat the symptoms but nothing worked. Basically, doctors did their research
through my son to find the answers to all their questions. One medication cost him to have a great pain on his stomach
which lasted for 5 days every time this is administered. He’d be in great pain for at least 2 hours. Screaming
in pain, yelling or singing unusual words. We helplessly embraced him and sing song of praises to God until the pain goes
away. He would ask to be prayed for, while we rubbed oil on his tummy. He also needed to be drugged down thru
morphine. Thank God that later it was found out that my son was only having an adverse reaction to this medication called
Tazocin and this was the effect on him.
On April 4, 2007 during his follow-up visit,
while waiting for the blood, he caught a high fever and started coughing. He was shaking because of the fever 40 degrees,
his blood pressure started to dropped, his heart beat went down. Since his neutrophils was zero (normal is 1.5). This
condition called the attention of the Critical Care Unit and the Intensive Care unit doctors. Immediately they put on
another I.V line on his other arm which made both arms filled with I.V’s. It was one of the scariest moment.
While 8 months pregnant to my second child and as a mother, fear came to me but as God says in Jeremiah 30:17 “But I
will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD.” And we started declaring this promise
of the Lord. After a few days he got better until his both feet got swollen, painful and developed an early childhood
arthritis which cost him not to be able to move and walk. For several days he was bedridden. Back to diapers as
we cannot even carry him due to unbearable pain when we moved him. This time bedsore is what we worry about. No
one knows what and why this happened.
In April 11 while watching Mico going through all this hardships my husband
Marco said “Mico, don’t worry Jesus will heal you”. Mico said a few seconds later “Daddy, Mommy,
when is Jesus coming?” Then he looked by the door and waiting for an answer. We surrendered him to the Lord that night
and we hold on to Jesus promises and stayed faithful to His words for we believed that only Jesus can help us go through this
tough moment.
During that time he was already so skinny, his stomach is almost rejecting foods, he’s in critical
shape, could not drink fluids due to his low level of Sodium that can lead to brain seizure if we give him more fluids; Needed
to have blood work every 4 hours to monitor his body and organ functions; Bruised all over his both arms, after a week they
decided to put on the PICC line. Later, things started to get better when one evening, Mico was picking on his nose
when blood started dripping and vomiting blood, like he lost more than a cup of blood within an hour. Platelets and
red blood cells transfusion were both needed. Few hours later, he sneezed with so much blood which again lasted for
an hour of continuous flow of blood from his nose. In between, Mico kept saying “I am healed now, wait look, I
am healed now” while we hold on to his nose. Mico himself asked me and his Dad to pray for him while his Dad is
holding his nose to stop it from bleeding. He followed me in prayer saying “Lord Jesus please stop my nose from
bleeding, in Jesus name, Amen.” And HALLELUJA! The blood stopped from bleeding totally….We started
praising God and Mico shouted, while raising his hands up high reaching for God “HALLELUJA, PRAISE THE LORD, THANK YOU
LORD, I’M HEALED NOW.” Mico said. Doctors and nurses could not believe what we’ve told them what happened.
Miracle healing of the Lord is no ordinary; our God is mighty and powerful. Despite of this affliction, Mico’s
passionate love and faith in God never failed. Before he sleeps, his lullaby song is “God will make a way”
and we read Psalms 91 to him. When he will be poke to get blood from, his song is “Jesus loves me”. He thanks
God for everything he has even for the doctors who are looking after him. He asked God’s blessing for all his
medicine before taking it, even laid his own hands on the blood that will be transfused to him. He maybe sick but he
never failed to pray for his family, and say “I missed my family” which he meant family in the church, his friends,
cell group members and other playmates.
For me and my husband, we used to take advantage of sleeping in our own
bedroom, taking a shower in our own bathroom, eating on our dining table and do not pay much attention on what a wonderful
feeling we have when we go to church as a family. We meditated on these things while we lived in the hospital for 2
months. Whenever one of us gets the chance to go to Sunday service, our only prayer is “may the Lord God’s
healing power be upon Mico, so we can all go back to church as one family, to serve God, sing praises and to glorify His name
alone”. God spoke to my husband in prayer through Psalms 41:2-3 “The LORD will protect him and preserve
his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his
sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.” God reminded us to be faithful in many ways. In Exodus
14:14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Mico was discharged from the hospital
in May 14, 2007. Welcomed by family and friends from the church, seeing him happy to be back home is an answered prayer
from our Almighty God. Several sessions of Physical therapy got him back to walking, running, jumping and also had an
Occupational therapist help for his arms, hands and all the muscles that was lost. Mico was back on track. Public
nurse would come every single day to flush Mico’s PICC line. We wouldn’t be here if not for God’s
goodness, His grace, His faithfulness to all His promises. It would have been easy to give up, loose hope and carry
this entire burden in our heart. But instead, we chose to be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ who is our divine protector,
our healer, our strength and our deliverer who is the only answer to all our prayers. Time came when we ran out of food
in the hospital and even at home. But even before we say our prayer, God had already answered and bags of groceries
started coming like it was sent from the heaven above. I called it “express delivery from the Lord”.
May it be financial, emotional blessings, specially “PRAYERS” from every JIL churches in Canada. God gave
us the support for our family, friends and church family.
In May 25th, 2007 a new bundle of joy was born.
Mico’s baby brother, Titus Joshua Fulo who is now 6 months old, very healthy, perky and sweet. God’s blessing
again was poured out to us, while Mico is on his road to recovery God is using Titus to be Mico’s companion, strength
and joy.
Today as I write this letter, Mico is doing great in school. Walking, running, playing, singing
praises to the Lord. We are embracing the opportunity to go to church as a family, enjoying eating dinner together,
sleeping on our own bed. Most of all, happy to see our son praising the Lord singing, dancing and jumping with joy.
He was on steroid for 3 months which helped his body to recover. His last blood transfusion was in July 3rd, 2007.
All his blood counts are normal, no need to worry about anything. ALPS (AutoImmune Lymphoproliferative syndrome) remain
as a preliminary diagnosis. Doctors won’t stop until they found the answers. Mico is still going through
some more tests but God is the only answer. We will rest in God’s presence and His greatness and power will continually
be upon our lives. For in God’s presence there is healing, peace, joy and harmony. Psalms 121:1-2 says “I
lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
God also reminded us in 1 Peter 5:7-11 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and
alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in
the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God
of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore
you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
By Bro. Mark &
Sis. Sheela Fulo
JIL Scarborough Church
WIN
Leadership Congress, Vancouver, B.C. Canada
(May 17-19, 2008)
“I was
sent to war and conquered! All Praises belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ!
Joel 3:9 says, “Proclaim this
among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.” (NIV)
It is an announcement to all the godless nations: A battle has been prepared! Fighting men of God are on alert! Ready
to attack!
May 16th , while getting ready to go to the airport…Satan as usual, was uncomfortable…he
was doing his best to stop me from leaving…I was ill with fever, cough and colds. But I said to him…”get
away from me Satan! I am advancing this time and you can not stop me! My God is going to prepare me for something…and
I am going for it, in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen!”
Together with other delegates, we reached Toronto
Airport at around 5:30 PM. While waiting for the rest of the delegates to arrive, we hang out to our favorite coffee
shop, ‘Tim Hortons’. Looking around, seeing God’s people posing for photos, I asked myself, “Lord,
what is your gift to me on this WIN Congress?” God was silent.
Time to go in the plane! As one
family of God, I have seen the caring of one another. Time to settle…did we sit still? Oh no! We
laughed like little children…just enjoying the moments. And one thing that struck my heart and it seated there until
we arrived Vancouver was when Ptr. Bong Gonzales said, “Do you notice that there is no ‘reverse” for airplane?
It is always forward?” And I said to myself, “Lord, in serving You, there is no reverse…no turning
back…and whatever it takes, whatever you have in store for me there at the WIN Congress, no turning back.
Arriving at the Vancouver Domestic Airport…we were happy
to see Ptr. Raymund Dagampat who had helped us get on our shuttle bus to Radisson Hotel.
And the day has come! Saturday, the Congress was opened with the welcoming anointed praise and worship by the
CYN Music team. The first session was shared by Ptr. Bong G., “The Unavoidable Warfare”! What a remarkable
opening! It is true, the target of the enemy is you and me, God’s creation, God’s covenant people and God’s
redeemed. And identifying who the enemy is, his works and goals, including his strategies and even his strength and weapons
– “there’s a need to fight! To do the spiritual battle! And yes, the Spiritual Pearl Harbor
will attack!” From this session alone, I believed each one was already encouraged to ‘rouse’ and attack!
Carrying the weapon for victory: submitting to God’s will, to His Word, putting on the whole armors of God, declaring
God’s goodness, united with fellow fighting men of God, carrying the Name of Jesus, I declare that it is true when he
ended up with this words, “every human being is in warfare of life! God wants us to choose to wage war and win
every battle!”
And victory is upon God’s people! (1 Sam. 17:47)
The “Preparation
for Warfare” shared to us by Ptr. Mary Juarana during the second session was enlightening! Why we need to be strong?
Because the Bible says so! (Joshua 1:9). Being strong is having a proper relationship to God with constant confession
with an open heart, and not by compulsion, for the higher our calling, the higher the standard. She added, “We
must possess a radical spirit always filling up with the love of God for when God wants to use us, there is no limit to His
ability.”
Ptr. Rose Gonzales, the JIL Canada WIN
Pastor shared during the 3rd session the “Strategies for Effective Warfare” (cascading of WIN strategy).
Jesus is our model, in praying and in warfare! WIN means simply standing in the gap before the church, nation, people
and government. Amazingly to know that in JIL all over Canada, there are at present 2738 members of the WIN and 1224 are Fasting.
Glory to God! I believe after this WIN Congress, there will be more members to join because these 219 delegates who
attended the congress will share and testify that there is a MASSIVE NEED for more Warriors and intercessors! There
is a call for a job to be done. For those who are willing, loving, with zealousness, dedicated fervent and persistent
enthusiastic spirit to perform in demolishing all plans and wiles of Satan through the Living God by prayer or intercession
and warfare, transforming all believers to be Passionate, Prophetic and Patriotic Prayer Warriors in winning the world for
Christ’.
Sunday, no one seems had slept through the night! I could hear that very early morning around
2:30 a.m. the rushing of waters! I thought I was dreaming! But no! One of my roommates was already taking shower,
singing “Amazing Grace” getting ready for the High 5 Prayer Service – “Drawing Near to the Lord of
Host”. To be honest, that was one of the best Dawn watch or High 5 Prayer Services I had attended so far!
The best because, though I did not have sleep that night, I managed to prepare myself ready in the very early morning with
joy as if I am going to meet my God in person! Like a bride meeting her groom! Approaching God’s throne when I did my
step of faith to go and kneel down before God while the Music Ministers were singing “The Power of Your Love”,
I just talked to God, saying, “Lord, just hold me please! Hold me and never let me go! Hold me close. Let
your love surround me. Bring me near to you, Lord! Draw me to Your side!” I thought, I was really hugging
God at that moment! It seems so real! And I don’t want to let Him go either! I don’t want to end that
moment! A very precious moment with my God!
Ptr.
Evelyn Licayo entertained us with the truth regarding the “Dangers and Pitfalls of a Warrior” during the 4th session.
I was laughing to some examples and illustrations, but I can’t deny it…the truth hurts! (John 8:32). Yes, many
do not know that they are deceived because of a hidden or not easily recognized danger or difficulty that falls on as a pitfall
of a warrior. One example is the “becoming demon conscious”…being so over spiritual that could make
one a “weird warrior”…that everything that we see bad is of demon’s. Another example
is the “Spiritual Arrogance” – being people conscious instead of magnifying the Word of God. (Miriam
and Aaron Nu. 12:1-9). Staying close to God, walking in holiness, in purity while seeking Him daily through reading
of His Word and being with fellow Christian would protect us from falling into this pit!
Another session (the
5th) is I considered part of my preparation as being equipped shared by Ptr. Monette Navo. Learning and knowing the
importance of “Spiritual Mapping” (seeing the world as God sees it). There is a need to going into the stronghold,
identifying the spirit on that place as if scouting the land and used it as a tool for effective prayers. (Ja. 5:16).
I learned that it is the warrior who goes for the spiritual mapping and the intercessor will pray on behalf. And I felt
this when we had our Monday tour passing the place called “East Hasting”…I have seen the very low and very
bad affluence on that area! And something crawled around my neck, a heat that I can not explain as if choking me. My
heart was crushed seeing people on the street while Ptr. Raymund D. was talking about the people’s way of living. And
I said to myself…”ah, this is a serious business, we need to wage war!”
The 6th Session was
about “Taking Over the Enemy Territories” by Ptr. Aldrin Navo. Yes, enemies are around and we must secure
our perimeter fence! The devil’s scheme and plot to destroy God’s people is rampant, everywhere. As
warriors and intercessors, we have a job to do! There is an urgent call: To take over the enemy territories seriously!!!
Look around! Consider where you live, your physical location, be more politically concerned, what is the financial and commercial
influence in your community, in your family, is there any religious fanaticism? The enemy is a defeated foe yet, will not
stop to snatch us from God. He is even trying to penetrate our health system through human services, schools, education,
mass media and culture. It is not a joke! It is real! The truth: learning to be contented (1 Cor. 10:10),with
a faith though as a size of a mustard seed (Mat. 14:30), and doing things as Christ strengthening us (Phil. 4:13), we will
gain a territory for Christ!
Finally, the Commissioning! My heart is full of gladness that I participated
to this last activity, The ‘Enlistment’. It is God Who enlist, therefore I accept it. (John 15:16).
When I went back to my seat, God gave me His Word in Jeremiah 17:5, 7 “Cursed is the one who trusts in man who depends
on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord….but Blessed is the man that trust in the Lord,
whose confidence is in Him”. Then after, it followed the “Empowerment”. It is God who empowers
and I received it through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, through God-inspired persecution mentioned in Acts 8:1 and through
the laying of hands with prophetic word (1 Tim. 1:18-19). Finally, the “Deployment”. It is God who
deploys, therefore, I set out. (Matt. 28:18-20/Luke 4:18-20/Acts 1:8).
I received a Prophetic Word that day. When Ptr. Aldrin called me and said, “Warrior ka!”,
I received it and I claimed it. I am a conquering Warrior that prays for Christ! But the question ended up when
I sat still on my chair: “Are you ready to die for your faith?”
Monday, before we heading back to get our luggage (departure time), we were given a nice tour to see the Vancouver
“Prayer House” or the “Mission House”. The place is so beautiful not only because it is surrounded
with trees, flowers, green leaves and grasses, but because it is also surrounded by mountains…it is so peaceful and
it is really conducive for being with God alone! I am happy to know that I am a part of it. All the Praises and
Glory belongs to the Son of the Living God, my Lord, Jesus Christ!
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