It has been my second time in Kenya. I was part of the very blessed and joyful Middle East (ME) mission team of 2007.
On the day that we left Kenya to return to Dubai last year, I know a big part of my heart stayed in this beautiful country.
The experience of God’s love was so beautiful. And I believed that this second time will be equally revealing and amazing.
God fulfilling His promise made me an honored delegate of the 1st Singles for Christ African Conference, which is a culmination of the 2008 African Trails.
It has been a privilege and an affirmation.
Even if, initially, there were several considerations that made most of the ME team hesitant in confirming our attendance, we came and rejoiced with our African brothers and sisters.
It was indeed a 3-day celebration of being ONE in God’s love.
In a continent wherein the cultural diversity and deeply rooted tribal indifferences are prevalent, God’s way is truly amazing, having given the theme for the 1st SFC African Conference – BE ONE – from John 17:21 that says “I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in You. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.”
Throughout the talks and through the liturgical celebrations for the duration of the conference, the constant and loving reminder of unity in Christ’s love has been the main message to all.
The SFC in Africa is being challenged to be agents of humility, peace and love among their families and communities.
His loving presence in their lives ought to be their source of strength to overcome selfishness, insecurities and immoralities as young Christians and as future of Africa.
We are no different from our African brethren as we also go through the same temptations, the same challenges of being sons and daughters in our families, being citizens of our country, being morally upright in our daily decisions, being upright for God.
With this, I would like to share God’s message to me through an inspiring brother, Kuya Shok Ariola:
Love never fails. If you could hold to something for forever, make sure these are the people, things, lessons that brought you love.
Everything will fade but LOVE endures. It will never fail you.
Decisions are going to be made easier if you decide with LOVE. Follow your heart. It will lead you to Christ and His plans.
Let His love overflow in your lives, as how His love overflowed in my life in the beautiful days I spent with you.
A part of me feels the same pride for you as for my own country- Philippines.
Even if we are from countries which belong to the “third world” as per global standards, our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is steadfast and inspiring.
It goes beyond and across our differences in color and language.
Now, you are not just another continent across mine.
I have brothers and sisters in you. I have family.
You and I are called poor but ablaze and rejoice for we are special in the eyes of God. Remain faithful…the best is yet to come.
It has been an honor to BE ONE with you in praise and worship to our Lord.