 | I am ABLAZED after MMC - by Leila Tobias Posted by Ma. Eloisa Caluag on 8/7/2008 11:52:46 PM |
My name is Leila Tobias of Central C2a. I was invited to be a sharer for the Metro Manila Conference but due to fear I was not able to accept the invitation and testify how good our God is. All the while I was thinking that it was okay because I was busy with the dance presentation. But after the conference I felt really guilty not standing in front of all of you to testify to HIS goodness. I asked the advice of my elder on what to do, because a part of me really wanted to share. Now I am writing this sharing to do my part and glorify him.
It was 2006 when I first received an invitation to go for a mission trip outside the country. I really had the desire to join the team. But due to financial constraints I just ignored it with the thought that I will join the mission at another time.
2007 came and a unit mate of mine asked me if I wanted to join the Beyond Borders for Greater China. Without any second thoughts I said YES. But then I realized that I had so many things to consider. First, I did not have enough money to cover that trip. That time I was broke, because I just came from a trip. And another thing, my dentist advised me to have a root canal because of a tooth infection, which will cost a thousand pesos, otherwise I will suffer terrible toothache. Second, my boss will not allow me to have a 2 weeks vacation leave. The maximum leave that our company allows is 3 days. Third, I was asking myself if I am worthy to be on that mission. Can I really be a blessing to those people in China.
But truly, God is A God of Order. HE made everything possible for me. He put everything in its proper place. Oppression came but I was able to pass it victoriously because God is with me.
I also came to a point of backing out, because of that oppression. It was not easy to book a flight especially if you don’t have money and your boss was not giving you the approval of your leave. There were so many attempts to talk to my boss and I was praying that God will give him an understanding heart to approve my leave.
Truly, God listens to a sincere prayer. The moment I handed my leave form to my boss, he signed it and told me that I needed a break, “GO”. Wow… now is the time to book for a flight, but this did not come easy. After several times of trying to book for a lowest fare, I finally got one, but then my computer hanged. Upon returning to the site, the fare was already higher. I was crying then, and telling God that I really wanted to be in that mission, please give me the lowest fare so that I can afford it. Patiently, I tried again…presto I got to book a flight for a very cheap fare, a fare that was even lower than the first one before my computer hanged. God is really amazing.
Another oppression came…my FEAR. I have this inferiority complex and I was so afraid on the night of our training. I was afraid, that since the others are well off I may be out of place. But God assured me that I will be fine and true enough the entire team was very loving and friendly.
The day of the mission came, the moment my feet touched the ground in Hong Kong all my worries vanished because GOD assured me that He equips the one he calls and so I have nothing to worry about.
Truly, it is really a trip that I will never forget in my entire life. It was so nice doing the work of God in another place. It was a wonderful Jesus experience. I came back penniless but filled with the Holy Spirit. The limitless and abundant blessings from GOD were so amazing.
I encourage all of you, if you really have the desire to do God’s work, money is not a problem. Don’t worry about oppression, it will pass, like my toothache that did not even bother me throughout the whole mission (and I did not undergo a root canal). We have a victorious God who makes all things possible.
And with this sharing, may GOD be praised!
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