7 LIVES THAT INSPIRE ME (Countdown to 23)

When I was young, our church used to have a youth discipleship training during the summer where the trainees also experience immersing in different communities and living with different families. I attended this training when I was 18 and until now, I consider it one of my first few steps towards the kind of mission work I am doing right now. Wherever I am and whatever I do, I always look back to the days we had a discipleship training where we also learned to build relationships with people, serve in humility, and become disciplined and responsible leaders. That training we had in 2008 was the last, and this year it was revived. Most of our youth went through the training, and they are now deployed to different areas. This afternoon, we visited one of the teams, and it was special to be able to share with them and hear how God is calling them. But before I share to you the seven people in the team we visited, here is what I wrote last year for my number 7: 7 EXCITING ADVENTURES (Countdown to 22)

Loriecell

She is one of the newest members of our youth, and she is the only person in her family who attends the church. She cries whenever she shares how her cousins make fun of her. She has an extreme love for her family, especially for her mom. It was special for me to get to know her and learn from her own experiences in life. Today, she shared to us that she feels that somehow, her cousins who used to make fun of her, are now also interested in going to church because they saw how happy she is being with the church and serving and learning. She has a long road ahead of her journey, and it is my pleasure to be her ate, learning with her.

Judith

She is one of the kids when I was younger, and I saw how she transformed into a beautiful lady. She has a very supportive family, and she wants to explore teaching now because she realized she has passion for children and a heart in serving. It is especially awesome to be with her and to share the same journey with her.

Rio

My bestfriend. We grew up together and shared our journey together while growing up. We've seen the worst of each other and we've been through the toughest times, but we still chose to be friends. We've seen the best of each other and we choose to uplift each other every time. It is special to hear her share about her journey and how she feels that God is leading her into another challenge, as she just finished her Bachelor's degree. We still have a long way to share our friendship. :)

Eben

My brother and bestfriend. He is on a stage where he is still figuring out what God wants him to do at the moment. What he is sure of is that he wants to serve. Wherever God leads him, we are just right beside him to support. It is a blessing that we are journeying together as biological and spiritual brothers. It is priceless.

Emmanuel

Three years ago, he was a new youth member who just wants to play the guitar. He is a gifted musician and has a big heart in serving others and sharing the gospel. Right now, he is one of the most responsible youth leaders who dreams of continually serving God and the community through the tons of gifts he has.

Emman with his girlfriend, ate Leah

Archie 

A young, smiling person who has a serious journey in life. His warm heart and noble attitude will bring him a long way. It is awesome to witness how he is slowly transforming from an apathetic kid to an appreciative young leader. 

Marklex 

One of the coolest brothers and matured in his own way. He is also sweet and caring, and loves sharing stories. I love learning with him and watching him grow as a responsible and disciplined leader.

These are seven of the many people who are part of my journey. This is my church. They keep me alive and remind me to keep going. They affirm my existence and encourage me when I'm distressed. I love these people, and I wouldn't get tired listening to them when they share their stories. I wouldn't get tired sharing them my own stories as well. :)