"But God"

It was last year of November when we were invited to attend the first True Life Retreat in Taiwan where we experienced God's love in action with our fellow servants from different parts of Asia. We also had the privilege of sharing our testimony about our Father's love even in a seemingly "unanswered prayer".

"Dahil nakaattend kayo ng TLR sa Japan, kayo na ang mag head neto satin". - these were the exact words our Co-servants here in Japan uttered during our yearly planning early this year.

We started with the preparation as early as July because we decided to outsource the retreat kit (T-shirt, ID, Tote bag and workbook) in Hongkong so we could make the retreat fee affordable for everyone. The initial plan was just to cater 60 participants but so many people wanted to attend so we had to stretch everything up to the last minute just to cater 81 participants (plus the workers).

The initial plan was to have Kuya Von, Bro Julius and Bro Franz as speakers but Bro Franz decided not to join since his wife would be 7 months pregnant by then. Bro Popit was then asked to join in lieu of Bro Franz. Weeks later, I was informed that Bro Franz decided to join so we’d have 4 speakers.

Exactly 11 days before the retreat, while we were in Bali, we found out that Bro Julius’ visa might not be released on time because of the sudden changes in Singapore’s process. We prayed and we trusted that whatever God would allow is always the best.

It was not released on time.

But God, in His amazing way has already prepared for us to still have 3 speakers. Otherwise, our 2 speakers would be needing to work like a Trojan to speak on 8 topics for 2 days.

It was also God-ordained timing that ALTs here in Japan usually have one month summer vacation that enabled me with the help of my husband to do the prep like printing, cutting, purchasing etc. at the comfort of our home.

We left Japan for Indonesia on September 2^nd to attend the Asia Table talk. We decided to extend for 2 more days to explore Bali since it was our first time there. When we went to the airport on September 9^th, the roads were wet because of rain. We didn't really mind until the following day, we saw the news that Bali was hit by a strong typhoon which left the country flooded and sadly, many people died and were stranded.

Should we left Bali a day late, we would have been stranded there.

BUT God, once again, saved us and we landed safely in Singapore then Japan. (even though I literally spent my Birthday on the clouds and sky)

I went back to work the following day.

4 days before the retreat, I struggled to do the rest of the preparations like editing testimonies, adding extra T-shirts for last minute participants etc.

So many changes and adjustments needed to be done even days before the retreat and I’m not gonna lie, all of those added stress to me.

We went on and just did all the things we could and surrendered to God the things that were beyond us.

The day before, we went to the Center to arrange the tables and prepare everything.

On its first day, before leaving, we prayed for God’s protection and surrendered everything to Him. We left before 7AM to be at the venue before our 7:40-Volunteers’ devo since the hotel we’re staying at was only 15 minute-drive. We were surprised when we checked our Navi and several roads were closed in preparation for the two-day marathon.

At first, I didn’t think it would be a problem since we left early. But then, even though we followed the instruction given, it led us to closed road repeatedly. We were feeling desperate so I prayed hard and decided to call my sister to instruct her what needed to be done. Good thing, we left everything at the venue in perfect order and almost ready for the day.

It took us over an hour to arrive which was very frustrating as the lead coordinators of the retreat. Instead of letting that annoy me, I decided to not be affected and go on as planned.

1^st day was done.

It was a success where we’ve witnessed people sobbing, laughing hard and just enjoying their special moment with God as they understood His love through the cross, the nail and the crown of thorn.

The next day, we left early again and prayed a really earnest prayer for God to lead us straight to the right road even with all the closed roads again.

And He did. We arrived at the venue earlier.

We proceeded with carrying out all the preparation for the day. Once again, everything was great until an incident happened.

I am at no liberty to share what transpired but I know that it was meant to discourage, steal and kill.

The involved people felt really bad about it and even thought of just leaving and to not finish the retreat. I was also being tempted to blame myself for not being able to make sure that the untoward incident wouldn’t happen but I prayed and decided to just focus on the task. It was a struggle.

But God worked in the hearts of the discouraged ones through the timely message about letting go of bitterness and forgiving just as the Lord has forgiven us. They have their own testimony of how the Holy Spirit worked in them and all I can say is, indeed, all things work together for good.

While deliverance of stronghold was being done, I was praying at the back knowing that the enemy was not happy about what was happening.

I couldn’t help but tear up when the participants tore their stronghold paper and declared that they are free and victorious!

There were also 5 people who decided to get baptized in a portable bath tub in the men’s comfort room. It was unconventional but heartfelt and impactful.

Everything is worth it.

It was not the “good job” and the “thank you” of the people, nor the almost perfect rating from participants' feedback that made it worthwhile, it is the fact that me and my Kingdom partner have become the conduit for this retreat to happen which was a beautiful way for people to be transformed by the love of God as manifested on the cross 2500 years ago.

Thank you to all the Speakers who flew all the way from HK and SG with their respective wives, volunteers, facilitators and most specially the COS who became tech, emcees, praise and worship team and instant facis (to cover for facis who couldn’t come) just to let the participants enjoy and focus on the retreat.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Special mention to my husband who had to keep up to my OCD when it comes to materials, layout etc, for carrying the tables, putting water in the bath tub, purchasing the crown, nails, and so on and for driving whenever, wherever. And for understanding I couldn’t cook some days because of busyness.

My Love, it is always a joy serving God with you.

And to our “But God” kind of God, You are worth it. Truly, Jesus, Your Love, is a transforming love.

You are the only One who can give us True Life.

 “He who gave His life for us on the cross deserves nothing less than our lives in return. His sacrifice compels us not just to believe, but to serve.”

Thank you Captain Franz Torres for the awesome shots and facis for sharing yours too.