p a s t o ♛ e j: September 2009

Magpaka-Eagle

Six AM at the Davao International Airport is scenic. Last Saturday, I was ready for boarding the Dvo-Zam flight when I finally-finally-finally realized, it was my first plane trip alone. Haaay... Magpaka-eagle ka, Rej.

Ptr. Elizabeth Inclan of Jesus Christ the Deliverer church in Zamboanga City booked me for their 10th Anniversary Celebration and Youth Reload (premiere). I had a grand time meeting new friends--who turned to be a new family! The couples who treated me with meals and rides were warm and lovely. Sana dumami ang lahi nila! And now, I miss them all.

I especially miss...

=> Ela--who accompanied me at Grand Astoria for two nights; On the first night, we gabbed waiting for midnight--it was going to be her birthday the next day--nagkaalaman!

=> Tita Letty--I'd sure visit your friend here in Davao! Thank you for touring me at the Paseo and the Regency. sooo nice!

=> Kuya Rading and wife, Ate Letty--Your testimony still grips me now. You are a great blessing. You were my parents Saturday night! You should come visit, Davao!

=> One-month old Emerald Overdeen Isaiah Inclan--my new godson! See you soon, pastor! (he smiles when I call him pastor!) =D

=> John Kelly & Kizha Almazan--I am soooo changed. Prayers & hugs are out to you guys! Faith is----. Grace is----. Yeah, you leave me blank! (SEE NOTE BELOW IF YOU WANT THE SPIEL)

=> All those I prayed for--You gave me an opportunity to minister in another level (thank You Holy Spirit); I thought I could only do well with young people ("Pastor" sounds good to the ear, too! And it made me say--Yeah, that's who I am!).

=> Ptr. Beth and family---I miss your chabacano accent! Thank you--thank you--thank you! (Bogota seemed so near!)
=> Mighty To Save---in spanish! woooh, i so love it! Bem, Lai and I were memorizing it since last year! I finally got to sing it in corporate worship! weee! =D

=> the Mt. Apo sight @7:37am--the great Mt. Apo and the six baby mountains with it (along with the Bukidnon hills) keep us from typhoons, you are gorgeous, Ms. Mountain. Now I know what you so eagerly expect there--that in me will be a revealed daughter of God! (Rom8:19)...woooh... The sight was short-lived, but you left me fuller.

Now I am home--with a new me! (missed fam and the eagurlz during the whole trip, your text messages helped me survive--naks!)

THE JOHN KELLY STORY
John is four years old. Tumors began to grow in his eyes--September last year.

Unlike other four-year olds who toy around, his puny eyes confined him in the hospital for months. There, he and his family met the Lord. The malignant tumors grew out from his eyes and inside his head. The Enemy was clearly harassing the boy. However, out of it came a very young intercessor--Kizha, his cousin. Kizha prayed for John every day and would even cry out to the Lord in behalf of him.

The family was told that John's case was impossible. John wouldn't survive an operation. It'll damage his eyes and brain. But the daily (yes, daily!) communion (bread and wine ceremony) build the hope in them--and on Christ. Claiming Isaiah 53:5, they were more hopeful then that John's life would be spared for a greater cause.

The right eye was healed, but the left kept growing. John's case interested one doctor from Davao. He said, an operation would be possible--except that John would totally lose his vision. The family went for it--and now, John is ever better than months ago. Although, he lost his sight, he has Jesus in his heart now (and in his parents').

At the anniversary celebration, John sang the old song--
He paid the debt He did not owe
I owed a debt I could not pay
I needed someone to wash my sins away
And now I sing a brand new song
Amazing Grace!
Christ Jesus paid the debt
that I could never pay!
...
(bawling)
...
Kizha had her turn, she sang--
God will make a way where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way!
...

...

The Lord's hand is still active. Our God is alive. He works works in ways that never cease to amaze me.

Hmm... my luggage readies now for the future trips that would disclose more of the God-ways an eagle has to eye and establish. I am totally up for more learning rides (borrowed term). =)