Jelyn

Jelyn Faith M. Almario
SOL 2 Batch 10
August 25, 2013

“The Other Side”

It was a blissful morning in the 8th of June, 2013. I remembered my excitement mixed with a tint of nervousness when my batchmates and I were on our way to Sinagtala, a few blocks away from the church. My expectations were in a blur when we started skimming down the dirtpath to the houses we were going to visit that time. People were staring at us as if we were foreigners. Wide paths turned to narrow almost-unpassable walkways, the houses were so close to each other that I almost thought everyone there was one family, and an common unexplainable diffused smell wafted in the environment; having born and raised up from a different country, it was all a sight I never saw before. Then, I said to God inwardly, “Lord, I now know why you brought us to this place.” I was a little nervous, yet there’s this tingle of hope and excitement that I feel for that place.

The mission made a great impact to me personally. The Lord revealed the other side of Philippines that I never really in depth before. In Saudi Arabia, where I was raised up, I was accustomed to a wealthy country. Slums and squatterhouses were nowhere to be found there. Having been exposed to Sinagtala, where it was an exact opposite to where I lived, I thought and thanked God for blessing me and my family. I realized just how good God has been to my life. But then, I was greatly moved when I saw the people in Sinagtala who needed revival and salvation. God told me, “I blessed you so that you will a blessing to these people, too.” The mission taught me to be thankful and to really have compassion for the lost and poor.

The mission affected the church in such a way that it’s growth increased rapidly. The church became united throughout the mission, all had participated to make it a success. The whole JCMB Family all beamed with excitement and hope to see those families accepting Christ as the Lord and Saviour.

God gave me a word of confirmation and He reminded me of the verse from Genesis 12:2, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” While I was contemplating on this verse, God told me that He has great things in store for Philippines. Our nation will surely rise up as a Godly nation. Philippines will no longer be bonded to chains of poverty, but there will come a time, where our nation will be made free by the blood of Jesus. Philippines is for Jesus!

For the first visitations to Sinagtala, I was in vacation with my family so I mainly participated during the middle duration of the mission. Yet, even though I was away, I offered my intercessions to God to really move in the mission with my batchmates’ efforts and hardwork. One activity that I would never forget to have participated on is when me and one batchmate, listened and comforted an old grandmother about her life. We made several visitations to the families before the AOK event. I also helped on the preparations made for the event. I remember that time when the Singaporeans aligned the goods in front and they asked us to form a line while holding plastic bags. I was confused and unsure at first, but when they started placing the goods in our bags one by one, person after another, I was amused and realized how organized and clever they are.

What I learned the most in this mission is the importance of teamwork. The mission wouldn’t be a success that it had been if it weren’t for the people who participated and had put their hearts on what they did. The unity of the JCMB Church to invite and families to the mission with the great help that the Singaporean team gave by spearheading the mission, giving goods, and winning the people to Christ made way for the mission to turn way more than everyone expected. Our common goal to win these families to Christ and at the same time help them made me and my batchmates united and solid as one team. I’m thankful for my batch.

The person who influenced me the most in this mission is perhaps the grandmother I previously mentioned. I forgot her name but I still remember those smiling eyes she had always given whenever she sees me. She influenced me because even though she faced so many hardships in her life, her house being burned down twice, her children separating from her, her daily battles against poverty, she remained strong. She didn’t allow herself to be overcomed by these trials and she kept pushing on. As a mother, perhaps I think it was her love for her children that made her never give up.

For everyone that has been a part of this mission, I would like to congratulate you for being a part of this successful mission! All the efforts and labor made were not in vain and the fruits of this event are coming in its way to each everyone’s life! To the whole of the Singaporean Team, thank you for giving us the great opportunity to partner with you in this mission. All of those days when we were with you were all days of fun and warmth. Thank you for showing us your love and support. You have inspired us all! I am looking forward to your return and I believe it’s soon. For SOL2 Batch 10, I would like to say, “Great job, team!” I believe God used this mission to let us know that being united in Him reaps great outcome. Thank you all for being supportive and hardworking throughout the mission. God has so much in store for us! Let us claim it, in Jesus’ Name!