FROM THE DESK OF THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Months ago, I wrote an article, “Just a Glimpse of God’s Smile”; it was a testimony of God’s amazing provision – a reassurance of God’s approval for the ministry that He has entrusted us with. As Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given thee, Seek, and ye shall find, Knock, and it shall be opened to you,” so the Lord answered the ministry’s desire to soon acquire a lot and construct facilities of its own. We have been ‘wanderers’ since the ministry started 32 years ago. Yet, in God’s perfect time, we rejoice as He showed us a glimpse of His smile through an anonymous and generous sponsor to start us off with the project. The initial amount is just enough for purchasing the lot and starting off the foundation for a building. We believe that the Lord wants us to seek Him more through prayers towards the completion of the SMO Training Center and Campsite, (which will house the Bible Training Institute, conference hall, and campsite). This is also a way for us to seek His leading. Definitely, this is another opportunity for our Christian brethren to glorify God in sharing the financial burden for the project.
Our hearts are exceedingly delighted by the Lord’s steady unfolding of His purposes and plans for the ministry.
We have been negotiating to purchase a farmland, but there were some major concerns regarding that property. This has led us to consider looking for other possible locations that is less costly, but good enough to accommodate the growing needs of the ministry.
We have gone to check with banks’ acquired assets for a variety of property choices that would match the ministry’s needs. We have surveyed several farmlands and checked their legal documentation; but then, the Lord has not given His “go” signal yet. This has led us to persevere some more and to be persistent in our asking, knocking, and seeking the God of heaven to lead us to His will.
Interestingly, God might be leading us to acquire a 5-hectare farmland that was first offered to us at US$53,000, but was lowered to US$32,000 after a series of negotiations. This by far, we considered as the cheapest and ideal location to put up the facilities. The good thing is that the property is large and suitable enough for us to start an agriculture-based income-generating project for the ministry. To top it all, it is situated at a nearby river fronting the picturesque Mt. Kanlaon, such a charming and refreshing view of God’s perfect creation.
Matthew 7:8 continues with the promise, “For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Thus, in humility we bow down and worship the Lord with hearts overflowing with praises and thanksgiving. In His faithfulness, He continues to reveal the next step that we should take as we learn to completely trust and wait on Him everyday. This is just the initial step towards reaching the promise of God. And yes, there are still ‘giants’ to meet along the way; may it be the ‘giants’ of economic crisis, the ‘giants’ of religious and political oppositions, and other giants, but our assurance rests in the character and the power of our God. He will enable us to be more than conquerors as we continually ask, seek and knock for His will to be done in us. Therefore, we should not be anxious and fearful.
Let us go forward to conquer the Promise Land!
(Pastor Renato S. del Mundo)
