Sharing Experiences #1

[Naomi]

As I stair at the blank screen of my computer I notice that we are crossing the International Date Line. I attempt to count the hours in which I have been sitting in the same position without typing even a single letter. I’m lost in the clouds, so to speak. I am attempting to process the many stories, memories and endearments which occurred in a very short period of time.

Perhaps I should explain: I am returning home after completing a ShareHim/Quiet Hour campaign in Central Philippines. I spoke in the Talisay church which was a few kilometers from our hotel city, Bacolod City.

Last Sabbath over 300 precious souls was baptized. It was an emotional experience to see the candidates who made their commitment to our Lord. Adding to the elation of the moment were the multitudes that came to support and welcome them into the Family of God. As the newly baptized individuals knelt for prayer I am sure the heavenly hosts were singing joyous songs of praise.

The numbers were impressive and we were thankful for everyone who made their decision for the Lord. However, it was the individual’s reasons which brought them together on this particular Sabbath. Every individual had a story to tell. Every story was important.

My first evening at the church I met a lovely but sad lady. She had been a life-long member of the church, and raised her children in the church. Her children and their families had become passive and gradually slipped away. Early in the meetings one son came, and then a daughter, then others began to come. After a few nights her family filled the entire row. She was glowing! Then three (the number may be off by one or two) of her grandchildren requested baptism. The last Sabbath they were baptized. I wish I could adequately convey the joy of our sister when her family was reunited in the church. It has to be a minor representation of the great reunion in Heaven.

Equally important was the affect of the mass baptism on the crowds who gathered to witness and support their brother and sisters on this most holy day. There were stories of re-commitment to our Lord, to the church. It was a time in which church members were re-uniting. Sadly, also present were those who were being pulled in two directions; towards the cross and towards the world. They need our prayers.

Soon I will send detailed stories of individuals: A story a young lady whose life was threatened by her mother. There are numerous accounts of those who would loose their employment and income if they could not work on the Sabbath. Many who, if they made their choice for God, would loose, their entire family. Be sure and ask me about the heartwarming story of a 9-year boy who left home and went to Manila to live on the streets for the next 10 years. There is a happy ending, he found God. Yes, they are real people with real stories.

By day many worked under difficult circumstances, yet after working all day every night they would come to the small church. Some by automobile, some by jeepney, some by bicycle or motorbike, and some walked. One evening after a heavy rain, a lady and her young daughter were at the church when we arrived. Their small home had flooded, but she told her husband that they must go to the church. The husband and father carried them out of their home and through the streets to dry ground. He waited in the street, in front of the church for the meeting to conclude. The next night the flood waters had receded, but he escorted them. A few nights later he came inside and sat with them.

Each night in the back room, in a little pot over an open flame, a dear sister would cook hot soup and prepare juice for those in attendance. She was so grateful to have an opportunity to have a part in the meetings. With perspiration running down her face, and a brother fanning the flame, she would sing ShareHim and stir the soup.

So many memories: Memories of no air conditioning inside the open church which had high walls and was low in the ground. No air could circulate. Memories of riding for close to an hour with no air conditioning and visualizing my personal deodorant dripping to the floor. Memories of futile attempts by dear sisters working night-after-night to repair my perspiration soaked mass (mess) of hair. Such love and devotion have I never encountered! They saved the best for last. When I arrived at the airport for my departure there were bunches of balloons and people in front. I thought it must have been a party. However, as George, my driver smiled and opened the door I heard familiar voices singing what had become a much loved song, “ShareHim” It just doesn’t get any better than that!!!

On second thought perhaps it does get better than that. Kathy McKey once said that you could not go and preach a campaign and be the same person when you finished as when you began. I do agree, but I submit that no matter how many campaigns you preach you will never be the same as you were when you finished the previous campaign. Yes, it just keeps getting better!!!

I wish to thank everyone who supported our campaign, in any capacity.

[LynnDel]

Thank you for sharing these experiences, Naomi. I am looking forward to reading the next one.