Four years ago, I asked God for a church. It was a very specific prayer that goes like this: 1) I want a church that accepts Jesus as God, a church that no one is lifted up but God alone. 2) I want a church where I can grow in my walk with God.
When I took a leap of faith and walked in to Victory Christian Fellowship alone, without anyone invited me, I began to know about Every Nation Ministry, and God gave me more than what I have asked for.
There, I found not a new religion. I found Jesus. Jesus as a real Person whom you can talk to anytime, Jesus who is my Savior, the only ticket to heaven, Jesus who is a friend, a Lord , A FATHER.
I cannot describe the three-day convention (July 22-24) I've been in one word like masaya or enjoy. It's beyond those words that up to now, I cannot really find a word fit enough for me to express what has just happened. After hearing speakers from different nations like Africa, Europe, US, India, China, Iran, Australia, Philippines, etc., though I struggled to understand shifting English accents haha. I can't help but to think that this God I know is so vast.. He cannot be bounded in a single corner of the universe.
One thing that really caught me was the testimonies of God’s people from nations where being a Christian risk being persecuted.
This is a privilege that I am in a country where I am free to declare God’s name, where I am free to worship and praise Him.
Speaking of Praise and Worship, one thought came to mind. I remembered people throwing a party at night clubs, bars, and the like. In those places, they dance. At this convention, we also danced. They sang. We sang, as well. They scream. We did the same. They jump in ecstasy. We also did! The only difference is the Music played and the intention of doing it.
I believe that every energy God gives for us to sing, to dance, to jump, and to scream can also be used for Him. It’s a sad thing that most people prefer to use it for other stuffs more than God.
Even King David “leaped and danced before God..” (2 Samuel 6:16) And when despised by her wife because of his act, he said, “I will become even more undignified than this.” (2 Samuel 6:21)
For years, I ‘ve learned that being in the presence of God is not at all sober like most who confess to know God used to believe. :)
In this world conference, it was amazing to see a former Jew and former Muslim in one stage. A terrorist turned campus missionary. A Communist turned Pastor and a lot more!
I once told this to a friend: “I’ve never seen visions like others did. I’ve never seen an “extravagant” miracle like others might have already seen. I never saw Jesus tangibly like others had. I’ve never heard Him talk to me audibly, though I wish I did. I’ve never seen anything in the spiritual realm, though I believe it exists, but every time I see ONE life being changed or has changed because of Jesus, that’s enough for me to believe that my God still exists and is alive.”
(photos by Jerrik Legaspi on EN2010 Manila album on facebook)
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