First Stop: The Kind of Faith in Visayas

Looking back, I am still in much awe of God’s faithfulness in the lives of our brethren in Visayas.

There were uncountable coconut trees, headless – no more sturdy leaves; no more coconut fruits hanging. Bridges under repair were left and right. Many houses, commercial establishments, schools and churches were still in the process of rebuilding. The mass grave brought us unspoken grief.

Back to the place where I spent most of my childhood years, I can’t contain my happiness for being there right beside my grandparents who are both sick and now at their old age. Although we couldn’t stay longer, it was quite an overwhelming experience to rub elbows with the people closest to our hearts, wishing we can have another time to go back and be with them.

After the long travel, the Lord has comforted us with the warmness of the people in the church both in Isabel and Matag-ob. We’re thankful for the brothers and sisters who welcomed us like no less than a real family during our stay in Leyte. Going there, we have seen closely the damage caused by Yolanda and other calamities but as much as the enemy would want to bring us discouragement, God’s daily provision of mercy and grace were just overflowing to this place.

Also, we were blessed to see how God truly works in Sis. Liza’s life. Given this terminal disease, our intention was to bring her prayer support. But God’s gift of total surrender in her heart and the faith in Him as being our Lord and Saviour who will never bring a child to this state without reason – has really brought us much encouragement more than we first thought we could give her.

What kind of faith can ever surpass the pain of losing a family, home and sources of living? What kind of perspective can replace discomfort with contentment? What kind of faith can equate pain with thanksgiving?

It was January, the first of this year's many meaningful journeys.

Posted in: itchy feet,thanksgiving,Visayas