I DID NOT CHOOSE GOD, BUT GOD CHOSE ME (Part 2)
Choosing to obey God takes strength and determination, as this glittering world will try to distract us and lure us off the path that leads to God’s Kingdom. It requires much discipline and conviction to do the right things before God. Pastor Glenzon Andal, an IT missionary chose to obey the Lord despite the trials he had to face, for he knew in his heart that only Jesus can lead him to the right path. This is the continuation of Pastor Glenzon’s story.
Pastor Glenzon wanted to resign from his work to pursue missions. However, his wife persuaded him not to resign just yet. Then after three months, he received an instruction from the Lord that he will go on missions and got an affirmation when his boss gave him a monetary gift even when he just passed his resignation. At that time, he really needed the money and God provided it. Pastor Glenzon and his friends planned to go to Korea. As he and his other friends applied for a visa, they were denied, and it made Pastor Glenzon really sad. He was planning to go to South Korea as a tentmaker for three months. He was confused about why he got denied and he was also worried about how he could support his family because he has already resigned from his job. His wife comforted him and told him that God has far greater plans, so he just needs to be patient.
Soon after that, there was a short-term exposure trip to Thailand. Pastor Glenzon prayed to God about whether it is His will for him to go. If it is, then He would surely provide for him. Pastor Glenzon rested on God’s sovereignty and continued to pray. Then God affirmed him through His provision. His mother-in-law gave him 30,000 pesos! He was surprised to receive this amount for he never asked anyone but God. Pastor Glenzon saw the power of prayer and it made him more confident to pursue going on missions. He booked his ticket and left some money with his family. He only had 4,000 pesos as his pocket money when he went to Thailand. He believed that God would sustain him, so he just had to put his faith in Him.
Pastor Glenzon followed God’s instruction to go to Thailand with his partner in Christ, Pastor John Lee Pamilaran. He didn’t bring his wife yet, but he already got her a passport so she could follow him to Thailand anytime soon. He planned to stay for three months in Thailand, but it wasn’t that easy. It was very hard for he didn’t have enough money and had to exit every month to extend his stay in Thailand.
It was October 1, 2017, when Pastor Glenzon and Pastor John arrived in Thailand. As they arrived, they met Marge, who is an acquaintance of Pastor Glenzon. She was supposed to bring them to Pastor Gerry’s place, an IT missionary in Thailand. However, she couldn’t find Pastor Gerry’s place, so she brought them to a Baptist church. Later that day after the worship service, the pastor spoke with them and they were offered a job if they would decide to stay. However, Pastor Glenzon and Pastor John refused the work that was offered to them for they were looking for a ministry to be a part of first. They went to Thailand to do missions and if there’s a possibility of getting a job, it would be a blessing from God. They knew in their hearts that it isn’t the place God has called them, so they gave thanks to the people they met and left.
That’s when they look for Pastor Gerry’s place who just lives nearby which, fortunately, they found. They met and spoke with Pastor Gerry. They have found out that around the time they were applying to go to South Korea, was the same time that Pastor Gerry was praying for missionaries to help them for the church planting. They were glad to be a part of the church planting ministry. After a month, Pastor Glenzon and Pastor John had to exit again, and it was costly. But the Lord used the people around them to bless them, so they could exit Thailand and extend a bit longer until they could get a visa.
As they continued to stay in Thailand, they could see that there was a great need for missionaries. There are so many people to reach out and to share salvation through Jesus, for there’s only 1.17% Christianity in Thailand. Therefore, Pastor Glenzon is encouraging those aspiring missionaries to include Thailand as one of the countries they are praying for as they consider going on missions.
Pastor Glenzon’s story doesn’t end here. God continues to use him as he surrendered his life to His will, and he became a blessing to the people around him. It is amazing how our Great God provides, guides, and protects His children! How gracious and merciful is our Lord! He always remembers His covenant and He has shown His great power to His people by giving them the lands of other nations. All He does is just and good, and all His commandments are trustworthy!
Psalm 127:2
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
(Written by: Venus Jablo)
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