"Don't back down when God challenges your faith. . . it would make you stronger than you ever were."

THERE’S NOTHING TO LOSE, BUT SOMETHING TO GAIN WITH GOD (Part 1)

Bishop William Auguis, one of the IT missionaries and IT Trainer experienced amazing things as he embraced the great commission. It wasn’t an instant decision, but it was the best decision he ever made. He is from the province of Bohol and has five daughters. He didn’t live a comfortable life, however, when God led him to be a part of International Teams Philippines, a mission-sending organization, his desire for missions became enormous and his leadership skills were developed. Bishop William started to believe that there is something greater God wants him to do and experience. For twenty years, Bishop William has been leading a church and was so stressed about how to grow the church ministry. He began to feel burn-out and he was seeking something else to do to increase his level of faith. Bishop William was pastoring a church in Silang, Cavite when one of his acquaintances invited him to join the IT Philippines. He sat through the mission fellowships of IT Philippines and his heart became open to the idea of exploring the world of missions. He joined the training, but he wasn’t able to sign up for the mission exposure trip to other countries. He already had an idea about missions, but his faith was still lacking. He thought that it would be expensive and since he’s not rich he couldn’t go to other countries. Then one day, God spoke to him through Pastor Gani Sison, IT’s Executive Director. “Bishop, you should fly now!” Pastor Gani spoke. It was the push that Bishop William needed. Therefore, he made up his mind to take a leap of faith and go. Although it took him two years, he believed that the first step he takes would open up all the possibilities God has in store for him. There’s nothing to lose, but something to gain with God. As he joined the exposure trip in Malaysia, Bishop William’s faith started to ascend. He was so blessed by the miracles he had experienced, especially on how God has provided for his needs. It strengthened his faith, and he continues to soar high. He didn’t have the resources, but it was God who provided for all the things that he needed. After his trip to Malaysia, he continued to visit other Asian countries. God allowed him to go to Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. It was truly an amazing experience for him for he knew that it was all God’s doing! He had nothing to boast about because he didn’t have the resources that allowed him to travel, but he can boast about the God he serves! The God who knows the desires of his heart and who is always present in all of his mission trips. Not only Bishop William was blessed, but also the places and the people he ministered to on his mission trips. The story doesn’t end here. As Bishop William challenges his faith, more astounding occurrences in his life have happened. Nothing can stop him from moving forward towards God’s purpose, not even the trials nor his financial status could prevent him. Don’t be afraid when you face some difficulties as well. When your faith is challenged, it is much like a bone that is broken. It may hurt and it might be dangerous. But if it is set properly and healed, in time that bone is far stronger than the one which was never injured. Almost everyone at times faces periods of trial and testing. From Elijah to the twelve disciples who walked with Jesus, the pages of Scripture are full of men and women whose faith was tested. However, if you just stay in your comfort zone, you’re going to miss out on a lot of things. You know that you can trust Him so take His hand as He leads your life to fulfill your purpose. And as we grow in our understanding of God’s overwhelming goodness, we will obey Him with all our hearts. May you be stirred by the unconditional love of your heavenly Father as His perfect nature is revealed to you in greater, more transformative ways. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

(Written by: Venus Jablo)