3 persons + 1 God = CHURCH
Pastor Romel Insular
Yes, that’s absolutely
right. However, it is not just a church that I’ve found in this group of young
guns; but a FAMILY… a strong and bonded family. I will forever be thankful for
that moment when Pastor Romel asked me, “Do
you want to join our life group?” I was like, “Of course!” since that was my goal in the first place. So I
grabbed the opportunity and since then, I never had any regrets… at all.
It was a Wednesday evening; at exactly 7:00pm I
went to the center and looked for Pastor Romel’s group. At first, I was kind of
uncomfortable, thinking that it is my first time to join in such activity. I
was never into sharing and stuff, so I was a little doubtful in every word that
I said. But that feeling didn’t last long, for these people were like Walking Smileys! They always wear a smile like they never get tired of it. These total strangers made me feel at home in just a
couple of minutes. Then I realized that it was God who never left me. He guided
me all the way on that day and made me feel that everything’s going to be
alright just as long as I follow Him. So it was already set. Wednesdays,
7:00pm, Center. I was always so excited to go to our Life Group meeting, ‘coz every individual has their share of
stories to tell. Experiences, feelings, problems that definitely help each
other improve their faith in God.
Kiel Lorrence – Teacher who preaches. I really admire this guy. He has this passion of
preaching God’s existence in every way he could. He inspired me to do well in
my blogging, ‘coz he’s one hell of a blogger too! Though we didn’t have enough
time to finish my one2one due to our conflicting schedules, I am still thankful
for everything that we’ve accomplished by far. He is in a relationship with
God, and I’m so happy with him.
Teris Lee – Man of Conviction. Teris was the first person I became close with from
the group. If you’d be judging him according to his appearance, you’d be
surprised if I tell you that he’s super-duper
kind and friendly. But what I liked the most about him was his conviction; he’s
full of it. He seeks for the path to righteousness and never wants to get off
track. He is blessed with a good heart and I am proud to witness that goodness
in him.
Alex Lorenzo – PNP (Pulis na Pastor). Haha. Yes, I know; when he reads this he’d be
surprised ‘coz he’s actually not a pastor (yet). But I prefer calling him one,
for he acts like one. He’s like a Big
Brother to us. Whenever Pas Romel’s not around, he’s the one leading our
life group meetings and he never fails to share a wonderful insight. I am
really fond of Pas Lex, since the
time when he told us that he doesn’t bring any firearms during his duty. I
mean, he has that utmost confidence in God to the point that he no longer
needed the use of a gun on a job as risky and dangerous as his. He is really a
blessing to many people. And that’s why I can truly say that God never looks at
your resume to do His works; whether you’re a dentist, painter or a police, He
has plans for you in advancing His kingdom and save lives.
Rector Nodado – Rectified Soul. I was really amazed on how God made his way back into him. He is the man who found comfort in God; a living
proof that God never leaves us. Well, aside from his testimonies about life and
God being so wonderful and inspiring, he was the Organizer of the group. Actually, I really appreciate his efforts
especially during the time when he organized a farewell party for me. I am
really privileged to be his friend, and I believe that God will use him for the
greater glory of His name.
Ryan Abutazil – One of God’s Doctors. This man is AWESOME. We’ve been together at the Singles’ Retreat and I had the chance to
know him much better there. He is a true gentleman and a follower of Jesus. I
can still remember him telling me stories about his life and some of his
experiences with God and love (The Love Doctor). I learned a lot from
this guy, I can say that he really made an impact in my life.
Francis and Raymond Ng Thoe –
Chinese Representatives of God. They are the ones who never fail to bring food every meeting. But what I
like about these guys is their ultimate trust in God, especially in their
business. It is from them that I really understood the truth when they say “What you sow is what you reap.” They are
business tycoons that have a humble personality. You see, that’s what I like
about this group; we all are from different levels – age, race, culture, etc. But
we all have been gathered because of just one reason, Christ. We all honor Him
and rejoice in His presence.
Paul, Dar, Jeff, Rommel, Jusy, Joey – The
Mainstays. Yes, these
are the faces that I always see in life our group meetings; always present and
always pumped up! They all share stories about their jobs/business and how God
makes a way in helping them overcome every obstacle they encounter. I just want
to thank Paul for the funny comments; you’re one of the reasons why our group
never became so serious. Thank you Dar for the inspiring words and prayers that
always makes me feel that I’m not alone. Thank you Jeff for being so kind and
humble; you have a pure heart, take good care of it. Thank you Jusy for being
so transparent and righteous; I wish you well on your job, and always stay
strong and courageous. Lastly, thank you Joey for your prayers; I know you will
do great on your job just as long as you continue honoring Him and making
disciples.
Pastor Romel Insular – Role
Model. He really is to each
and every one us. If it weren’t for him, it could’ve been difficult for me to
get along in such an environment. He made me feel that ease when I’m with the group. Well, since idolatry is a sin, all I can say is that I really really really
admire this man. I mean his conviction, his self-discipline, his love and faith
for God; I can see all of them in him. He was God’s instrument in drawing me
much closer to God. He is an inspiration to me, his encouraging words that
pierces through my heart always gives me a reason to continue pursuing God
whatever it takes. He’s my first “Pastor
Friend”, and I will forever be thankful to be one of his friends.
And for those who I haven’t mentioned – it’s not
like you weren’t important at all, it’s just that I’m worst in remembering
names, but surely I do remember you by your face. Still, thank you for all the
shared memories and experiences. I learned a lot of things from you.
There is certainly a different depth of connection
with our spiritual family. We are blood relatives, because we are bound
together by the blood of the Lord Jesus, Who bought us for Himself. We share
spiritual DNA and the privilege of being family as well as friends (http://blogs.bible.org/tapestry/sue_bohlin/spiritual_family_gatherings).
When I hang out with them, important conversations
can happen simply because we’re together. I always feel that immense
satisfaction with these guys. It is only to them that I can easily
exercise the real me, the NEW me, without hearing any side comments, and they are the only people who call me by the name, "SOSLOW", which is totally awesome. They became my family
here in Zamboanga and I will never
ever forget them. I believe everything was not a coincidence, having read the Purpose Driven Life telling me to find a
small group, stepping inside the center, attending a Sunday service, getting
noticed by Pastor Romel who offered me to join his life group, and being a part of KADAWEDZ group. They wrote a Chapter in my life with a permanent
marker – with inerasable, bold letters
that will surely be worth remembering.
He who walks with the wise grows
wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. – Proverbs13:20. Life
group is FREE for ALL. That’s why I strongly encourage you to have
one. You will surely benefit from them and they will make you become a better
person. These are your spiritual people. They have nursed you and built
you up. They are cheering for you when you are not around. They will join their
prayers to yours and hope the best for you comes to bloom. These are your
people and a few of them are also related to you (http://www.christchurchsummit.org/Sermons-2005/050424-TheBlendedSpiritualFamily.html).
Testimony: Other things may
change us, but we start and end with family. – Anthony Brandt
Life
Lesson: God
never leaves you.
Godly Passion: Rejoice in the Lord,
and He will give the desires of your heart.
Good News: Church.
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