Palauig, a small town in the province of Zambales--five hours north of Manila--has a population of 30, 747 people in almost 5, 945 households. People residing in this town lives a very plain and simple life and tend to be shy. It was said that years ago, Palauig was a well-known hideout for rebels, where there were frequent military combats. But praise God for leading Pastor Echon to do mission work in Palauig.
Through their hospitality and heart for missions, Palauig Baptist Bible Church (PBBC) with the leadership of Pastor Moses Echon, hosted this year's summer-ending OAE-MRT dated May 18-22, 2011.
Coming from different churches, mostly from Manila, the team traveled by dawn in May 18. The work of the enemy was ever present as we encounter various trials. Fourteen delegates commuted going to camp due to lack of transportation. "The laborers are many but the vehicles are few," quipped Pastor Rodemar. The other vehicle that was to be used over-heated, and therefore was "shipwrecked" as others exclaimed.
Many got sick and minor road accidents also happened. Though thoroughly exhausted with travel and almost running out with patience, everyone arrived at the campsite with joy and hope for the coming OAE-MRT days. For with God, victory is ours.
The team was warmly welcomed in a campsite by the beach prepared by the brethren from PBBC. A hall was temporarily set up and several tents were built to accommodate the team. The team didn't care if they had to walk kilometers during door-to-door evangelism and street meetings; waking up by dawn to get water from the "poso" to take a bath, enduring tent-life and having lots of mosquito bites, and other first-time experiences. This was the reality of experiencing missions.
Challenged by the verse in Acts 17:6, also the theme verse of this OAE-MRT, "..these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also" the 128 participants and volunteers underwent training on creative tools, music, mime/drama etc. that can be used for sharing God's message of salvation.
By God's word and challenge through the Word of Life pastors and our guest speaker, Pastor Francis Michael Tampo, the team was equipped of the KNOW (abiding in Christ), SHOW (living testimony) and GROW (fruit-bearing) principle in making an impact in this degrading world.
One of the highlights of this event was when the team ministered at the Zambales Provincial Jail. To see hopeless people in need of a Savior looking for love and care was indeed an emotional and humbling experience for everyone. They may not experience freedom in this world but those who professed to receive Christ was freed from their sins and experienced real freedom in Christ.
Five days of staying in Palauig, Zambales was truly a memorable and unfogettable experience and everyone would agree that they wouldn't trade this experience for anything. The real mission doesn't end in that 5-day trip for we know that God called us to be missionaries wherever we are. Once again, like what your theme song says, "WE WILL DO OUR BEST FOR JESUS!"
Praise be to God!
-Maranatha Alvarez, OAE organizer&volunteer
Yung nabasa niyo...yan yung article ko sa OAE-MRT Zambales newsletter. Pero aside from that marami pa akong gustong ishare sa mga na-experience ko doon...ika nga, mga behind the scenes!
*to be continued*
~ 3Ms featuring Chris (pwede na ding Mhris ;p) ~
< From planning to accomplishing..praise GOD!=) >
