IT PAYS TO WAIT UPON THE LORD (Part 2)
Sister Mary Grace Antoniette “Aynette” Salabao, IT Trainer and missionary was astonished at how the Lord revealed Himself to her on her first mission trip. As the East Asia Conference in Thailand was scheduled, she took a step of faith to go.
She thought she was going to fly alone because her husband was already done with his mission exposure trip, but the Lord has a surprise for her. She came across her batchmates in the Bible School and invited them to join IT Philippines. Fortunately, her batchmates decided to undergo the training and join the trip to Thailand! We could all see that God was working in the background while Sis Aynette was waiting.
The most awaited day came, and it was Sis Aynette’s flight to Thailand. As she waited for her flight, the airline told her and the other passengers that there was a delay, so they had to wait. Despite the inconvenience, Sis Aynette was willing to wait because she is confident that God will lead her to her destination. She was patient and grateful for what God has done for her and she couldn’t ask for more.
As they arrived in Bangkok, Sis Aynette and the other IT missionaries who were with her received an email from the airlines giving them a free one-way flight to make up for all the inconveniences. It was only the beginning of her journey, but she already received a blessing from God. Her heart was full of praise and anticipation of God’s goodness!
During the conference, Sis Aynette was so blessed and empowered by the things she learned. After the conference, she made her way to Cambodia to familiarize herself with the mission work as she and the other IT missionaries visited the long-term missionaries there. God opened her eyes and her heart for missions.
After her exposure trip to Thailand and Cambodia, she returned to the Philippines. A few months later she received an instruction from God to go to Hong Kong. However, the situation in Hong Kong was unpleasant at that time because of the riot so it was very chaotic. Sis Aynette sought Pastor Gani’s advice on whether she would go or not. She received Pastor Gani’s approval and decided to go. As she inquired the Lord, “Why Hong Kong of all places? And who would I minister to?” The Lord answered, “Remind the Christian OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) that I sent them not only to work for their families but to do God’s work as missionaries.” It was a very clear instruction from the Lord, and she set her heart on going.
However, she didn’t know the specifics, who exactly are the people she would minister to, the exact place in Hong Kong, and even their accommodation was still not confirmed. Sis Aynette placed her trust in the Lord and held on to God’s promise which is found in Psalm 23. As she and Sis Cecile, also an IT missionary, arrived in Hong Kong, God used their fellow sister in faith to pick them up at the airport. At that time, Sis Aynette and Sis Cecile had no place to stay, but the Lord used someone to let them stay in a fancy condominium near the police station and they could see how the Lord protected them despite the protest that was going on back then.
The following day, they met the pastor and the members of one of the churches in Hong Kong who were about to give up. Sis Aynette and Sis Cecille encouraged them that Jesus saves. True enough, Jesus didn’t let His church perish, and saved the church from disbandment.
One of the reasons why Sis Aynette went to Hong Kong was also to conduct training for the Christian OFWs. They arranged the first international Global Filipino Dream Seminar and it was a huge success, thanks to the prayers of everyone and God’s guidance! Sis Aynette was honored to be used by God to train His people and her journey of faith didn't end in the GFD Seminar.
After their mission in Hong Kong, God rewarded them to go to Macau and it was God who provided for everything such as their accommodation and the ride to explore around. It was truly an amazing trip for Sis Aynette and she carried in her heart the goodness of God as she returned to the Philippines.
A month later, what she declared as she joined IT Philippines happened. She and her family went to Malaysia to take part in the Cutting-Edge Leadership Training. It was a fruitful and amazing journey for all of them and again it was the Lord who prepared their plane ticket in advance. “Surely, God’s goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives!” Sister Aynette praised the Lord exceedingly!
Do not give up waiting upon the Lord because when your breakthrough finally comes, the worth of the blessing would be far greater than the days you waited. Trust Him and you won’t be disappointed. Seek His heart and know that He loves you and will give what’s best for you and sometimes it will require waiting. Almighty God, You are the author of life. We are in awe of Your greatness! All glory and praises belong to You!
Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(Written by: Venus Jablo)
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