This past month was another great experience for me as I went around visiting some of the churches in my denomination, Grace Communion International in Mindanao. I thank the Lord that he has given me this privilege — what a blessing and privilege! — of being able to go around and see friends and family there. Thank you Lord!
From Davao to Bukidnon, CDO and Agusan del Sur
From Manila, I flew to Davao City where I was picked up and brought to Bukidnon to preach to our church members having their 2018 worship festival in Kiara, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. The following day, I was already in Cagayan de Oro to again preach to our church members gathered for their worship festival at Grand Caprice. I stayed there for a few days and then went on to my home province in Agusan del Sur to visit my 86-year-old mother, siblings and relatives in Bayugan City. It was really well worth it. I guess I needed that boost. I had a great time there just relaxing and enjoying the people and the place where I spent my boyhood years.
Back to Davao City
After that short family visit, I went back to Davao City where I conducted a preaching workshop for our church leaders in the southeastern part of Mindanao. I also preached during their worship festival the following day.
Preaching at Festivals, Preaching Workshops
It’s truly a great privilege to have shared in all three festival sites God’s great and abiding love for all of humanity and all of creation and that in response, we all ought to abide as well in his abiding love and love him in return. It’s that’s simple but profound. By the way, our church leaders in Mindanao invited me to preach to them and our national director sent me there in response to their request because I can speak their language, Cebuano, fluently. I’m also from Mindanao. Happy to be always invited and sent hahaha!
God Created Us for Relationships
God created us for relationships — loving relationships. I felt that love as I went around visiting church members in Mindanao. It’s always good to see long time friends and family. During my visits in the various areas, I saw some of my friends who are now senior citizens already just like me. Some are already frail and weak, some are sickly and some are still quite healthy despite their age. We all enjoyed seeing each other again although just for a short while. I was also in Zamboanga last July by the way and I felt that same love from my friends out there.
Enjoy Life and Love in the Triune God
God wants us to enjoy life and love in him right now as well as in the future when Christ returns. It’s all about relationships. This is what Christianity is all about. It’s not really that complicated. God is love. He loves you and me. The Triune God wants to share his life and love with us now and for all eternity. Isn’t that great good news?