“I Will Walk By Faith And By My Feet.”
Even before God led her to International Teams Philippines, Sister Maricel Pelpinosa had the desire to go on missions. She has done local missions in her church in Davao City because it makes her so happy but deep inside, she felt that there’s something else she needs to see. “The joy of helping others is all worth it” Sis Maricel quoted. However, she desired more, and that is, to go on missions in other countries. She tried to apply to one of the mission organizations and participated in the training. What she didn’t know was, she had to take an examination before they let her become an official missionary. She was so confident she could pass the test because she knew that God has put in her heart to go on missions. Unfortunately, she failed the test and began to wonder “Lord, I thought you wanted me to go?”
She started to lose hope but then a friend of hers told her about IT and that there’s going to be an Access 1 Mission Training in Davao City. So, she came to the venue of the training, but she was unaware of the registration fee. She had no money at that time, so she called her mom who was in Japan working. Sadly, her mom also didn’t have the money, so she didn’t insist anymore. Sis Maricel prayed, “Lord if you want me to go, I know you will help me”. For the second time, her mom called and told her she will send the money the next day. She was delighted and excited that she could continue her Access 1 Training. The training really inspired her and made her become more determined and excited to go out to the mission field.
After her training, she really wanted to go and attend the Access 2 Training in other countries, but she got discouraged because of the expenses. She was worried about where to get the money so her plan to go on missions got delayed. The fire in her heart was slowly fading. It’s been a year since her access training.
When there was another training in Davao City, she encouraged others to join, and she also sat and listened. The flame started to ignite again, and her heart was filled with excitement to go on missions. She became so eager to join the Access 2 Training in other countries this time. God spoke to her and assured her “Even if you don’t have anything you just have to trust Me.” She believed and never wanted to back out again. The schedule for the Access 2 Training in Malaysia is in May. It was already April, but she still didn’t have any money. “I will move forward, and I will go because I know you’re with me, God” Sister Maricel declared. As her faith becomes stronger, she told herself “I will walk by faith and by my feet”. Even if it takes for her to walk so that she can go, she would. Nothing could stop her. God saw her determination.
Consequently, someone sponsored her roundtrip ticket to Malaysia and her registration fee as well! Her excitement continues. Now, all she needs is her air ticket from Davao to Manila. She has a few days left before her flight to Malaysia, but she hasn’t booked her flight to Manila yet. On her birthday, God gave her another gift. That evening, someone called her and vouched to book her ticket going to Manila! It was the best birthday gift! It was just the perfect timing! I would say God’s timing is perfect!
She flew to Manila for her flight to Malaysia, but she forgot the fact that she didn’t have any pocket money. But she wasn’t so worried because of the past weeks' miracles she just experienced.
A day before her flight, someone handed her 4,000 pesos. On the day of her flight, what she had left was just around 2,000 pesos after paying the travel tax. We all know that 2,000 pesos is not enough, but she wasn’t worried because she knew God will take care of her. She arrived safely in Malaysia, and she had the most amazing time of her life there. She thought she would spend all her money but to her surprise, her 2,000 pesos wasn't spent at all. On top of that, she was able to bring some souvenirs and she had some Malaysian Ringgits left which she exchanged as she arrived in the Philippines, so she had more than 2,000 pesos. How did that happen? It was so unbelievable!
Sis Maricel’s heart was overjoyed and couldn’t contain her happiness from her mission exposure in Malaysia. It was a one-of-a-kind event in her life, but it will be a great reminder that God makes all things beautiful in His time. God is never late and the desires He puts in your heart will surely come to pass. What a great comfort it is to know that! Praise to the God who guides us daily! You are El Roi, the God who sees us, and you are Eternal, Lord. How great are you and your faithfulness, God, day in and day out!
Up to this day, Sis Maricel continued to believe in the amazing things God has in store for her, and she has traveled to dozens of countries, with or without money, for she already knew that her Father in Heaven will always be with her and will provide whatever she needs.
Habakkuk 2:3
“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”
(Written by: Venus Jablo)