Joyful Service to The King of kings

August 23, 2023

LOOKING BACK

Home Assignment highlights: Celebrated my 49^th birthday with my family, graced two weddings as a godmother, at the same time wedding coordinator, was the speaker for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day celebrations at churches, encouraged the youth to pursue God intentionally, university graduation of my two nieces, joined the Women's National Congress, and the blessing to rest. These were all God’s gifts of grace. Glory is all His.

On my birthday with my siblings in Masbate.

Nieces and nephews on my birthday.

Car birthday prank. :) Two sisters and nieces were behind all the planning. I was sweating and perplexed for a few minutes but delighted afterward. :)

A well-planned birthday dinner by my family.

Mother's Day celebration at Curvada Baptist Church.

Father's Day celebration at Madamba Baptist Church.

Led by Pastor Limuel Caspi, the elders sent me off in prayer.

Mission's report at Dauis Baptist Church, Bohol. I felt loved and cared for every time I visited DBC. Their missionary care is encouraging and uplifting. Grateful heart. PTL!

A godmother to the wedding of Frank & Kim. It was the first time to sign a marriage certificate in the Philippines. Frank is the son of my dear friend at church.

Jim & JJ's wedding was a special event that the Lord blessed me with. I thought I was only coordinating the wedding, but I was officially one of the godmothers also. The couple is close to my heart because JJ is a dear nephew. I was delighted to walk alongside them in the planning and execution of the wedding together with Flindy (BSOP missionary). Both are special in my heart as they seek to honor God in their 13 years of relationship. Both joyfully exchanged vows, Serzen James Gulay (JJ) works in Dubai, while Jimelyn Hoyo-a (Jim2) works as a government teacher in Dimasalang, Masbate. Despite the typhoon, the wedding went great. Pastor Ricky Recodo (BSOP National Director) solemnized the ceremony.

Flindy & I, the wedding coordinators.

Wedding family pictures after the ceremony.

Jay-Ann & Jen Jen's university graduation.

BCP National Women's Congress in Masbate Baptist church.

LOOKING UP

Trusting God to lead every step of the way, August is a month of monsoon winds and typhoons in the Philippines. Days before sailing to Cebu, the weather was not safe due to the typhoon. In the past, we could reach Cebu within 8 hours from Cataingang Masbate, but now, it is 15 to 17 hours by ship. God is merciful; he brought me to Cebu safely as the sea was so calm the whole time of buoyage. But, I did not anticipate that I would be facing a typhoon on land. It was a rough road to take, nevertheless, God is Sovereign; He took control of the situation and His faithfulness was shown. The immigration officer, who was maybe tired and strict in her job, stamped my passport after scrutinizing my documents, and sending me back and forth to the POEA table. Great is Thy Faithfulness.

LOOKING FORWARD

Stepping up to a new season of life and ministry in Cambodia is exciting with a new leader in the country, Gen. Hun Manet, the son of Hun Sen. I believe that another three years in the field will bring new challenges to test my faith in God. However, as God calls me to a new season and new challenges, He will also bring out the best in me in terms of compassion, faith, and service. My orthopedic doctor and Physical Therapy told me to slow down in using my strength and be careful not to strain or overuse my right arm, this health advice is crucial to follow, which seems to limit me and my movement. But praise the Lord because the thing that limits me doesn’t limit Him. Thus, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13