You will go before us…
You prepare the way…
Where You go, we go;
Where You move, we move;
where You stay, we stay…
We will follow You… ?
These lines came about in a song spontaneously during one prayer time while the team was preparing for the Mission Caravan.
It was seemingly vague and topsy-turvy; all plans aren’t smoothened out yet, goal(funds) wasn’t reached yet, problems with transportation arose, all things seemed all over the place that if you were to focus on the situation or circumstances at hand, most would likely be anxious or would start to worry. And admittedly, worry started to grow in our hearts too.
We prayed, sang and worshiped God… My mind was honestly drifting to all other things we needed to do – so as to find options/solutions… A battle was raging in my heart, mind and spirit at the same time… But the Lord hushed all voices and allowed us to sit still and lay down every burden unto Him.
As worship progressed, those lines kept repeating… And I sang over those lines again and again. That came more of a reassurance from the Lord that He will go before us. “Regardless of what you’re facing at the moment, trust Me in all things. And when I say all things, really ALL THINGS – even the seemingly ‘little things’…
When anxiety was great within me (us), His Word brought so much peace and joy ?
In the afternoon, after our prayer time, what we thought could take a day or two and with just a number of volunteers at hand, all 730+ packs were repacked in just a few hours!
Thank you, Lord, that we had enough packs for the targeted areas/families!
Moreover, it has grown in the heart of our lead pastor, the desire to bless some pastors or churches and their families with some financial aid too. But we had no available funds/resources for that at the moment, and we still had to purchase additional goods. Plus, there have been logistical concerns that needed additional funds too. If fear or worry would start to creep in, the Lord reminded again to trust Him. And so, we prayed.
Sunday came, it was noon time. We were finalizing schedules and assignments for Day 1 to 4 of the Mission Caravan and were praying and looking for a solution in the need of another vehicle. Surprisingly, while in the midst of discussion, our lead pastors received a check which had P100,000 written on it which was given anonymously – to help purchase with any need! In addition, someone lent us a vehicle Ford Ranger) to be used for free all throughout the 4 days trip! Supernatural provision! What a mighty God He is!!
Monday. A few hours before leaving Core, we experienced a bit of a problem with all the supplies that are to be loaded in the army truck. Water, food packs, bread etc… Given the limited vehicles and the limited space, the team in partnership with our AFP brothers are having problems with how to make everything fit!
Tiktok. tiktok. An hour left before departure then unexpectedly, one of the team informed that a mini service truck was now available and ready for use. A few minutes later, it arrived! Supplies were evenly transferred and all volunteers and armed men were comfortably seated. God came through right on time!!! He never fails!
Moreover, unknown to me, we were only initially advised to have 5 army escorts to help with everything. We totally lacked the manpower and strength of strong men to load all 75 sacks each filled with 10 relief bags – loaded with rice, canned goods and other goods. But much to our surprise, 16 armed men from our AFP family were sent out to help! Truly God knows every need ahead of time.
We arrived at Ilog (Kabankalan) around two in the afternoon and there were already around 30+ pastors gathered for encouragement. and over 150+ families were given relief packs and heard about the message of Hope who is Jesus. Afterwards, the whole team was divided into groups gathering about 10-15 individuals each to get personal with them and at the same time, be able to pray for them.
Our hearts overflowed with thankfulness for all God was doing and yet, we are still on our Day 1 of the Mission Caravan. 3 days to go and 4 municipalities to visit.
We don’t know what’s ahead but one thing we continually hold on to – the Lord will go before us. He leads, we all follow. This is only a seed for the Gospel to spread all over Negros.
We boast of all these because this is all God’s doing! Our God is alive and certainly, with God all things are possible!
Christine Bargaso
Pastoral Staff, Trinity Christian Fellowship
