lyn-peace: SOT Mission to Manila

Sun 17 July

Mixed feelings on our last day @ Batangas.
Our day started early. As usual, I was the first to get up but this time not by the alarm but by this…

We actually overlooked to get our breakfast the night before so when Pst Nilo dropped us a sms to ask about breakfast, we don’t know what to reply also. We were ok not to take breakfast but Pst Nilo don’t.

Pst Nilo is so thoughtful, he drove us to a fastfood place. His intention was actually for us to sit and take a proper meal. We were shocked by his move cause then the time was already approaching 9am, service time. But thank God we managed to convince him that we be fine with just a quick bite from 7-11. We did and we had yummy BIG bao - a quick one cause it was a short drive to the worship place.

The worship place is not a church building actually the house of Pst Nilo. It was not a big place but it definitely can squeezed in many people. There were even people standing at the back of “living room”.

It was a pity we didn’t managed to join them right from the beginning of the service. It was already approaching end of worship when we reached. We quickly settled down and get our heart and everything.

First up, they played a video which showed much of Batangas ministry and their works etc. It was amazing to see how though they are a small congregation which are not even in the city impacted, are and will be impacting lives and doing so much for God‘s Kingdom.

Pst Nilo greeted his people and welcomed us, the missionaries. He shared about our days’ schedule - the places we went, the people we ministered to etc. He shared he was blessed and thankful by our visit. His welcome speech caused the five of us to have jaw-dropped expressions.

The most SHOCKING happened - “Certificate Presentation”.
We were presented certificate (the one on the right) for our first mission work.

There was also gift for each of us which they wanted us to open on the spot. We were almost in tears by their love, thoughtfulness and generosity. It was a personalized printed t-shirt, designed by the Pastor from Youth Ministry.

After which, Pst Nilo passed the time to us. My team and I really felt very honored cause despite us being “beginners” in mission, Pst Nilo entrusted us the ENTIRE service.

I kicked off by saying “hello” on behalf of the entire team. Think I was so nervous that I forgot to start with a prayer before I passed the time to the first segment.

Teammate YG shared her testimony while Teammate ML translated for her. Two thumbs up for Teammate ML cause actually she seldom speaks Mandarin so it was a challenge for her to translate. But she did it! So proud of her!

Teammate JL did offering, her second time sharing fully in English. She prepared well the night before, she was serious in the words-to-use and the pronunciation etc. I did helped her with some and also the phrasing of sentences. Though she went up nervous but she kicked off and ended strong - words that she was afraid that she would pronoun wrongly, she did it correctly and confidently.

The moment - the Word of God by Teammate SM and translated by me. Actually though it was not my first time translating but this round I was more afraid as I know the importance cause it was for the main service.

I also learnt that translator’s job is crucial cause if the preacher preach well but the translator didn’t do a good job, it would be you know you know. Teammate SM showed and went through his sermon with me the night before so thank God I had time to prepare.

He preached with fire and feelings, I did so to the best of my ability. Thank God we had good team work and everything went well.

The next challenging moment came - ministry time!!!
As this cant prepare beforehand and don’t know what to expect so this really got to depend fully on the Holy Spirit. The people were hungry and opened for His touch and His anointing.

Words cant describe how the entire ministry time went. Just want to thank God that He showed up. We prayed for the people, the youth leaders, the youth pastor, the elders and even Pst Nilo himself.

Pst Nilo ended the service with a prayer in Tagalog… though we don’t understand but we felt his passion and fire.

Pst Nilo challenged his people.

Last but not least, on behalf of the team, I gave a “thank you” speech to Pst Nilo, Pastora Ella and everyone @ Batangas. The lousy me got “choked” by my tears once. Haha!