Sharing my heart

AOT4

I was just a young lady who wanted to  support my family financially but when God opened my eyes to his task, I can only say yes. Now, I am still the same young lady, but now my greatest desire is to please Abba – My Father God.

God has wonderful plan for our lives. We can know his plan if we have an intimate, loving fellowship with Him – that is called Koinonia. God proved and reveal to me even more how great His love is and how faithful He is even when I am not. this entire 9 weeks at camp, God revealed to me His plan and what he wants me to do  and I am happy and very excited to do it. So you would understand more what I am trying to share and my koinonia with Jesus Christ, I have written a poem that I would like to share with you all.

KOINONIA WITH YESUS KRISTUS

It’s been 9 weeks in all

We are going home at last!

Treasuring all the AOT memories

With the people you grew to love as you prepare for God’s task.

The first week passed and it was a blast

Fun and learning and love so vast 

Understanding salvation given by Him who is just

His love displayed and grace was spilled

And is freely given for all who ask.

And to those who received this free gift of salvation

He also gave the task – the Great Commission

And it is for His children to complete this mission

And by the power of His Spirit this will be in completion

But sadly His children’s hearts and mind

Have been so busy and pre occupied

With selfish ambitions, comforts and desires

We have traded His Plan for the plans of this life

Looking into the lives of those who walked before us

It does us great benefit to learn from the past

We see how He spoke to them and that his mercy never stopped

Their example of faith can be a guide to our path.

And as we walk this road trials will surely come

If we respond in faith humility will abound

This will result in our growth, being yet tested we’ve won

And we can greatly rejoice knowing our future He’s planned

Though sin has brought us guilt and shame

We can confess and repent in His Name

Then forgiveness and sanctification will come

In his glorious mercy and compassion we’re home.

Days went by quickly, we are on our sixth week

AOT days will be through in just one more click

Oh men! Tears now fall down my cheeks

For I’ve found here a family, a one unique pick.

Meals are not complete without Mantoy and Mommy

And in some meals we add Ate Janet’s wild honey

Plates always full if served by Mother Earth and Gweny

Stomachs are full until another hour and thirty

On weekends we go hiking up and down the cliff

When we reach our destination there always is a sigh of relief

Fresca Tuna for lunch for that convenient and cheap

Eating lunch with our bare hands on a banana leaf!

Sixth week came with God sprinkled bliss

Entering the Fountain Gate, lessons no one should miss

Beware of debauchery! That is Satan’s tease

Instead be filled with the Spirit and God will be pleased.

Be like a tree planted by the streams of water

Deeply rooted in God’s word that cannot be altered

When storms come we need not falter

Coz’ His Word is living and active – the Bible utters

The one who steals kills and destroys

Works hard overnight rehearsing his ploys

He is the prince of this fallen world

But we ought to fear him not because we’ve got the Sword

and even be a Legion flees with Jesus’ one word.

Ready or not, Jesus is coming, certainly!

And so the gospel should be preached consistently and intentionally

to the billions of lost, to those who have not heard

so in His return they’ll be taken homeward.

Dear Lord Jesus, my heart breaks for your world

You have given me passion to bring to them your words

for believers will be judged according to each man’s work

but hell waits for those who did not believe and have not heard.

My heart so rejoices in Jesus’ teachings

But my heart aches saying goodbye to my AOT siblings

Our friendship will last and is never ending

Coz in Koinonia with Yesus Kristus we will be together still.

All my love and gratitude is to you, my King

And may all the days of my life to you be an offering,

Meaning and beauty has come to this life that once was so ordinary

To you, O my God be all the praise, honor and glory.

_ Gwen _ 22

South Cotabato

*Pray with Gwen as she continues to lead a team in iloilo. may God continue to give her wisdom and may she always seek God to lead her and the team. 

*may their team find their person of peace and be the start of a growing church in the area. 

*may their team work well together and Christ be seen in how they treat each other.

The essential meaning of the koinonia embraces concepts conveyed in the English terms community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy. Koinonia can therefore refer in some contexts to a jointly contributed gift.^[1] The word appears 19 times in most editions of the Greek New Testament. In the New American Standard Bible, it is translated "fellowship" twelve times, "sharing" three times, and "participation" and "contribution" twice each.^[2]

Gates 9 and 10: Eastern Gate - Second Coming and Inspection Gate - Judgement

HE IS COMING, ARE THEY READY?

Let us start with a question, “If I know that Jesus is coming today for the Second Coming, will I be living my life exactly the same way as I am living it now? 

Of course not! I will try to do my best so I will be ready when the Lord returns. But the fact is, I can never know. We will never know!

The lesson on Gate 9 – Second Coming helped me to remember that I should always be ready, alert and responsible with my time, money, talents, opportunity all my life. God will not ask me, “Why are you not playing the piano for My name?” or “Why do you not sing as well as those other singers?” God won’t ask me about those things because I don’t have those things. I do not have that talent. Rather, the questions that He would ask would be, “What am I doing with what I have?” (A Life that God Rewards for Teens by Bruce Wilkinson), “Did I do the best with all that was given to me.” When I stand before My LORD, I want him to say to me, “Welcome my good and faithful servant.” not “…my wicked servant.”

His second coming is a real event. If we will just look at what’s happening around the world, the signs of His coming are very evident. The things that Jesus said to his disciples about His coming have been taking place. And that day, when He comes, will both the greatest and the most terrible day for all mankind. It will be the greatest day for all who were waiting for His coming, but it will be the most terrible day for those who do not believe.

Eli (in black) with his Filipino brothers

I heard it said that, “It’s terrifying to talk about hell, but its more terrifying if we don’t talk about it. We who have put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know where we are going. But those who do not know Him, they do not know the terrible eternity that awaits them. But we do.

He is coming. Let’s be wise. Let’s be ready. Let’s be responsible.

I hope this article made you think about Jesus’ second coming more. I hope that through this how you live your life from this day on would change as it did mine. God bless you!

A man and wife asleep in bed

She hears a noise and turns her head, he’s gone

I wish we’d all been ready.

Two men walking up a hill

One disappears and ones left standing still,

I wish we’d all been ready.

There’s no time to change your mind,

The Son has come and you’ve been left behind.

-          I wish we’d all been ready

Larry Norman

click to listen to song on youtube: i wish we'd all been ready

- Eli, 25 

Indonesia

*pray with Eli and his team as they continue to preach the gospel and in the islands south-west of the south part of the country. pray that those who came to faith may grew strong and firm in Jesus. that the team may continue to work together well and finish really strong. 

pray also for safety of the entire team and favors on their travel back to their home town, and for Eli to his home county - Indonesia and where to go from there. 

A Song in My Heart

Growing young in His arms

When I was a baby all I know is to cry. As I grew up, knowledge grew and I desired to explore more. I was willing to leave my father. I asked for my share of his properties and went to a land where I can explore to fulfill my own dreams, find myself and prove that I’m already a man , that I can do things on my own. As moved farther away from home, I saw what this world can only give.  I learned things and ways and many secrets that I really wish I did not know.

All the money that I have was now in another person’s pockets – bar owners, casinos, cigarette vendors and men who claim to be my friends – and they were gone. They knew me no more. Have I really given everything just to gain nothing in the end?

I remember my father’s house. I realized that it has been such a long time since I had left home. Thoughts came to my mind: will my father still take me in, even just as his servant? Will he still forgive me for all my sins?

I decided to go back to my father’s house. As I am approaching the road, the only road to home, head down, staring at each inch of the road that I take courage to step on toward home, I felt a warm embrace envelope me. It was my father. I am in a state of shock that before I could say anything, he had already said, “Welcome home my son. I have been waiting to see you home again. Come, I’ll have our servants prepare a banquet to celebrate this day. He took me to our house. I am once again Home.

I wondered “what it was that made me wait so long?” But I wonder even more about “what kept Him waiting for me all that time? Was His love so much stronger than my foolish pride?

This is a retelling of the prodigal son’s story inspired by the song Growing Young by Rich Mullins.

Our Father in heaven still waits and watches down the road to see the crying boys and girls come running back to his arms, and be growing young. Yes. Our running away from Him has made us old – hard, proud, learned with the ways of the world. Coming home to him brings us back to who we are and who will always be - His precious children, dearly loved.

-          - Nonoy, 26

Bicol

       

*Pray wit Nonoy as he helps facilitate Bicol NT orientation and joins goes with one of their 2 teams. 

Listen to the song GROWING YOUNG that spoke much to Nonoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAkl02Gfch0

Gate 8: Horse Gate - Spiritual Warfare

IN A WAR

In Nehemiah Teams, we have a study on the gates of Jerusalem
mentioned in Nehemiah chapter 2 called Living a Life that
Glorifies God. each gate represents an aspect in our Christian life.
at one of the last evenings in AOT, participants draw a picture
for each and wrote the lies that the enemy would say and the
truth from God's word that we should keep, believe and obey as
defense for that area and weapon for offense against the enemy.

Saturate your mind with God’s word.

Pray without ceasing.

If Satan reminds you of your past

Remind him of his future.

In times you’re tempted and deceived,

Think of God’s promises and thank Him in     all situations and events.

Unrepented sins can grow and consume       us, but

Amazing is He who is gracious and just

Listen to His voice, come home and chose to trust.

When the enemy is telling you lies,

Eli, Annie, Kuya, Mich and Glad with
their illustration of NT goals

Always remember that The God on high 

    delights in you and

Reminds you: “You are my child.”

Fear not and take courage for His

Authority he has given unto you

Respond rightly and act justly for you have 

  already won the victory

Endure, and receive in His coming all that He has promised thee.

- Mich, 45

Batangas 

a Tatay from the community where AOT
serves following in baptism 

* Pray with Mich, Eli and their team in NT Zambo as they continue to reach and serve our neighbors there

*Pray that they would find their person of peace in the community who could be the start of a growing community of followers of Jesus there. 

*Pray that the team would continue to be bold and wise in sharing the Gospel.

*Pray hat Christ will always be seen in how they live among them daily, how they treat their team mates, how they pray, how they talk and relate with the people in the community 

*pray that they may finish strong

*pray also for all the other teams that they may 

see where the LOrd is at work and join Him. 

Gate 7: Water Gate - God's Word

The LIVING WORD

how long will this tiny chair hold us?

Words are powerful. Words can change a man’s point of view, it can affect a mother’s emotions, it can influence, it can touch hearts and sometimes it ruins one’s life.

But there is the most powerful word – His words. They are written in what we call “the Bible”

Though many have put meanings on each letter of the Bible – B I B L E, and some have created “deeper meanings” of the name Bible itself, the word “bible” actually came from the Greek word “biblos”  meaning “books”. And the Bible as we have them now is not just a book, but a collection of books – sixty-six in all. The Bible was written in about 1500-year period by 40 different authors, with people and places proven by history and geography. For years and years, many have tried all ways to stop the spread of the words in the Bible. But as it is God’s Word, with His power and authority in it, it has survived and even flourished and is now available for more hands that wanted it than in any other time in history. For, the words in the Bible indeed did not come from man but they were spoken by the Only One True God. (2 Peter 1:21)

God wants every people, tribe, language and nation to know Him and what He did. (Revelation 5:9) And in Christ He came into the world, the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among men (John1:14) He provided the Truth in His Son Jesus Christ. With Him, through Him and by Him all the prophecies are fulfilled. His power, authority, and who He is revealed!

Now, what is this Word for us? Well, this word is and should be everything for us – it is our life! His word is a mirror that shows us our sin and tells us about our salvation. This book is about our God who suffered and died on the cross yet on the 3^rd day He rose again and He sat at the right hand of the Father. (1 Corinthians 15) This is our salvation. His words are visible proof of His love for us. He is alive, so are His words.     

 For the word of God is alive and active. 

            Sharper than any double-edged sword,

                    it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,                     joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and                              attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

-         

    -- Lee –ann, 

   Bicol 

* Pray for Lee - an as she leads a team this summer. Pray for wisdom in decisions and team work 
*Pray also for protection, physical and emotional healing for all the members of her family.
*Pray also that her changed life will be a witness to her family that would draw them closer to the Lord to share Chriit to them.  

TESTIMONY

Sailor, are your sails up?

the GUYS of AOT4

I’m very thankful to God because He brought me to this training. Before, I already know a few things about the Great Commission and I know that we are called to go. But now, God has given me added knowledge about these things but He has put a burden and passion – a love for the lost.

God is always at work and always wants to reveal Himself to His people. But we must position ourselves in a way that we would experience Him and know Him more. It’s like a sailor and a sailboat.  The wind is what move the boat. But to be moved by the wind, the sailor must put his sails up so they could catch and be caught by the wind. If there seems to be no wind, a wise sailor will put every inch of his sails up so that when the wind blows, he will not miss it. And the wind will always blow. Spending quality time daily alone with Him in His Word, in prayer, fasting, meditating on verses, keeping a journal, sharing the Gospel  and being obedient to even the little things that He reveals through His Word is like putting all sails up to be caught by His Wind. It’s not the training that changes someone. It’s not the training that will chang

AOT4 and the Kids who have been s much a part of their
life at camp

e you. God uses training and programs, but its God’s leading that is important. But we will only know where He leads if we will spend time with Him, positioning ourselves in a way that we would best hear Him and see where He is at work. For me, this training is one of God’s invitations for me to know Him more and experience Him more. His daily revelations from the Word and daily situations made me realize that I want to change – that I want to be transformed more and more into the son that He has always planned in His heart for me to be.

From day one to the very last day of the training, I see how the Lord has changed me and brought me far from who I was days before I came. I don’t say I have attained it. I know the days to come will bring challenges, hurdles if you would call them, that would test my faith, character, obedience and my understanding of Him and His ways. But like what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Philippians, “…but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” He forgets what is behind and strains towards what is ahead. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This by His grace, I also will do for God is and has prepared me.

May God continue to bless us and make His face shine upon us so that all the world will see that He lives!

All Glory and Honor to God, in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Ecoy with Eli on our ferry ride leaving the Island

-         - Ecoy, 20

Butuan

* Pray for Ecoy has he prepares to go to Bohol to join Zanorte NT and lead a team this summer. Their orientation will start April 13 and they will return home May 15.

* Pray also for him to be able to go to college this June, or be available to join a mobilizing team that will go around to mobilize and train young people in the Visayas and Mindanao Convention. 

Gate 6: Fountain Gate – Holy Spirit

CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY

Lee-an, Gigi, Annie, Gwen

It is impossible to live the Christian life. That is something that God taught me through this gate and understanding that, the Lord taught me how I need to live my life totally surrendered to Him. Like a baby in the womb totally surrounded by water. No baby can survive in the water but babies in the womb do! The baby survives in that sack of water because it is attached to the mother by the umbilical cord through which the mother supplies everything that the baby needs.

The life of the baby is sustained by the life of the mother. If the mother would stop breathing and her heart would stop beating, so would the baby. If the mother would not eat, the baby will not receive the nourishment it needs. The total dependence of the baby to the mother  is a picture of how our dependence on the LORD should look like: that we could not survive with without Jesus; that we need to be totally dependent on Jesus with our very life.

abide by the ONE who knows the way

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – john 15:5

Through the Holy Spirit we can experience Christ-life. Like the umbilical cord, He is our lifeline. Through the Holy Spirit Christ provides us everything that we need to live His life as we walk with Him. Therefore, Christian life is a life of total dependence on God. Like what the Apostle Paul wrote, “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Just like the Apostle Paul, I have been crucified with Christ and the life I live now is not my own. He is now living in me and He is working on and working in me. My role is to live by faith and daily declare and live a life of total dependence to the Lord Jesus Christ that He may live His life through me.

Without Christ, I cannot live the Christian life. I am not holy but I train to be holy. Through the life that Christ has given me, by the indwelling and infilling of the Holy Spirit, I can live the Christian life and I can be more like Him.

If you are in Christ and Christ is in you, you can say of Him, “For me to live is Christ.”

Gigi and Gwen

-      Gigi, 24

South Cotabato

 *pray with Gigi and the Samar-Leyte Nehemiah Teams as they start their orientations. may the Lord give her wisdom as she teaches and trains the volunteers.

pray also for her as she goes back to Ulot River to continue follow up after orientation. 

Gigi plans to stay longer in Samar to continue follow up in the river villages. 

A Song in my Heart

FAITH HOPE and LOVE

sisters forever!
tears did well up from these girls' eyes. some just strong enough
to hold back until they are alone others stronger to show it even in the sight
of those that they will miss too much. 

Singing songs at the start of each session was one of my favorites in the training. Some are familiar and some are new to my ears (our ears). These songs are based on scripture and from people experiences with God.  God really used these songs to speak to me. One particular song that really caught me was “Make my life a prayer” by Kieth Green.

“ I wanna thank you now for being patient with me.” is a line  that really strikes my heart. I have countless flaws but still God has been patient with me. Looking back, I could not remember a time that I had said these words to God. I was reminded to thank Him for being patient with me. He is really faithful even when I am not.

The Lord reminded me of these three words : FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. Through this song he reminded me that He is a trustworthy God. f I have genuine faith, I must trust his ways and hold on to his promises. Devoting more time in prayer is a tangible expression of trust in Him. Pray more and worry no more because whatever God says, He means it.

Sepatu and Mom my (Annie, Mich & Gigi)
the pair of shoes will be apart from each other
and from their "mom" for a while. parting for
this three was especially hard, but we scatter 
so we may gather. they understand that it is
for this very reason that they have come
to training.

Jesus died and rose again is a fact and is the good reason to be hopeful. He has promised that there will come the time that we will be with Him forever. The trials of this life may discourage us but what is yet to come gives us hope. I am challenged to share this hope God has given me. A life without Jesus is a life without hope.

Lastly, God reminded me that His love is the greatest love of all. His love has saved and set me free. This love must compel me to share His amazing love to the people who do not know Him. I will go and tell the world that Jesus lives and His love endures forever.

My prayer now is full of thanksgiving to the LORD for being patient with me. I pray that He will continue to stretch my faith and make me diligent in praying. I also pray that he will be seen in me  and use me to bring hope to the hopeless and love everyone as he did.

-          Annie, 23

Bicol

Listen to make my life a prayer to you

 * Pray with Annie and NT as they prepare for orientation. 

pray that they will have a great team there deploying to two areas and that they may see how the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts and the lives of the people they will be reaching.