God Spoke to Me in Camp

For the past two years, I have been complaining to God that it seems I am already tired and stressed out in nurturing and discipling young people.  Most of the time, when I train our young people, others gets all the benefit.  I was having these thoughts because every time I would need these people's help, they are always unavailable because they already have other commitment.  Maybe some will say I would be selfish but I just wanted to have some or little benefit with fruits of my labor... hehehe.

I have stopped discipling new young people since then.  Though I still have a group of young people in Student Fellowship for the last two years, I really did not gave my best to teach or nurture them.  Though these young people have been drawn very close with me, it seems I was hesitating to discipline them to the fullest form on how I disciple young people before.

Two weeks ago, as I prepare have been reflecting on the last things I wanted to do in UECP before I move to my new ministry, I have decided to really disciple them to love God more through prayer.  We have started doing this for the last two week, and I saw them learning a lot for this training.  It was indeed a blessing for me.

These young people were part of the graduating batch this year. I wanted to make a difference for them before I leave. Originally they were around 30 youth in my group, this year I have to cut down with those who really wanted serious commitment because many comes on and off my meeting last year.

I have 12 remaining from the original group, Menalyn, Sheryl, King Wai, Aliza, Krisitne, John, Kevin, and Mary Sunday, with additional this year of Robbin, Franchesca, Shariz and Christine.

In this retreat, during the first message of Manong Don, he asked, "Where are the elders and deacons?  Can I ask them to rise up?"  No one rose, because there was actually none.  And I realize, I was the only UECP pastor present in this retreat.  Manong Don was saying, where are they?  They should be here in this retreat.  Manong Don threw was the question in his first message was actually to highlight to the students how the church values tthem but there was none.  Actually, for the past Seniors' Retreat, it is always studded with many pastors, elders, and deacons.

At the end of the day, I tried to reflect on my own by strolling around and praying to God.  I was enjoying this wonderful view and quietness with God with the cool breeze going around me.

As I was praying, suddenly, God spoke to me.  I think it was intentional of Him not to allow any pastors, elders or deacons to join this retreat.  I also discovered, that my staff and counselors more than half of them were actually my former Scouts and disciples for the past few years, who have really been attached with me in their spiritual journey.

And God was telling me, "See Leo, your work is not in vain."  "I have remove all the church leaders out of this camp, to let you see that you have actually help and nurture many in order to carry out the task and legacy of the gospel to the next generation."  "They are now actively serving and you can count on them to carry out the discipleship ministry you have started."  "The church and school is in good hands with these people you have disciples for Me."  "You can now go in peace to your next assignment."

After that long prayer, I was so filled with peace within me, which I have not felt for a long time.  I praise God for such peace, I am now very much ready to move on to my next assignment in the academe.  I am now again more excited to continue discipling others to prepare more people to serve the Lord.

My spiritual gift, which is almost the same with my personal slogan: Equipping God's People for Every Good Work, has been refreshed by God in my heart.  Allowing me to recommit myself to equip more people for His ministry.

I believe God has indeed spoken and He is truly faithful!  Praise the Lord!