She didn’t want to go to China at first, but the Lord told her she had to go. What will she do then?

“YOU HAVE MY FULL YES, LORD!”

God does speak to us and we need to develop a listening ear and recognize His voice. We need to trust Him and take action on what we hear. But what do you do when God speaks to you? Do you find yourself dismissing it when it seems too unfathomable? Or do you obey Him even though it sounds impossible? Sister G, one of the IT missionaries in China had been equipped by the Lord before she was led to International Teams Philippines, a mission-sending organization. As she sought the Lord for her journey of faith, she found herself often asked by others whether she would like to go to China since there were so many unreached people there. She didn’t like to go to China at first, but the Lord told her she had to go. It was a struggle for her, but she surrendered to God’s will. Then, she was introduced to IT by her churchmates. It was an answer to her prayer as she prayed for an organization that could lead her to go on missions. In 2001, Sis G started her Access 1 Training in IT, and everything was set into motion. The moment she said yes to the Lord, the process of going to the mission field went smoothly. After the training, Sis G made up her mind to pursue a long-term mission in China. Through International Teams Philippines, God opened the door for Sis G to go to China. She knew in her heart that God had called her there. She was affirmed by God in so many ways and even in her dreams, so she told God, “You have my full ‘yes’, Lord!”. Going to China seemed so challenging at that time but Sis G set her heart on going for she believed that God was calling her to go there. When Sis G arrived in China, she studied the Chinese language at a university in the southwest of China because she knew how important it is to communicate with the locals since English wasn’t widely used by many. During her second year in China, she was able to teach in a language center. Also, she and her other friends had the opportunity to challenge others to pursue God’s calling. One sister in faith came up to her and told her about God’s calling years ago, but she hasn’t responded yet. She already has her own family and kids to take care of, so it seemed impossible for her to go on missions but deep in her heart, she knew that God is calling her to be a part of the great commission. Sis G who had the same dilemma in the past encouraged her that responding to God’s call is the most fulfilling thing to do and that there’s nothing to worry about because it is the Lord who will provide and make a way once we obey Him. Then in 2008, things were a bit tough for Sis G financially for she didn’t have any support from the church, and she was living by faith. Just then, God asked her to study the Chinese language and the tuition fee cost $1,000 for a semester. The economy was bad at that time, but she didn’t lose faith and prayed fervently. Sis G was a part of a prayer group in which she would meet up with other believers often. But then, there was a time when Sis G was asked to look after the children instead. Therefore, she couldn’t join the prayer group, so her prayer request was just relayed to them.

The following day, one of the people who attended the prayer group called Sis G. Sis G didn’t know her well because she only attended at that time. She got Sis G’s phone number from her friend and asked whether there was a nearby bank at Sis G’s place. She was asked to meet up at the bank. It was puzzling for Sis G as to why they should meet at the bank. When she arrived at the bank, she was asked how much her tuition fee was and it was given to her without further inquisition. Sis G was so overwhelmed and thanked her, to which she responded “Don’t thank me, thank the Lord. It is the Lord who gave it.” It was truly from God, for Sis G didn’t know that woman personally but the Lord touched her heart to pay the $1,000 tuition fee of Sis G. She was overwhelmed by God's provision and praised Him greatly for this amazing experience! It was just one of the blessings Sis G received from God the moment she obeyed God’s call. For the years that she has been in China, she experienced the miracles God did for her. In return, she has become a channel of blessings to others and a beacon of light and hope as her life radiates the love of God. Praise God that He is love and that because of Jesus’ sacrifice you know what love looks like. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He is your solid Rock, your Fortress, your Rescuer, your Shield, your salvation’s strength, and your place of safety. There’s none like Him!

1 Peter 4:10-11 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.

(Written by: Venus Jablo)