Before I'll share my experience in the Leaders Camp, let me share my journey.
3 weeks before the camp, I told my mother that I will join the Leaders Camp. I told her that the venue is in Davao and the money for the registration is 1,500php. I also told her that aside from the registration money, I might need additional money for expenses. Her initial reply to me was (verbatim) "Tan-awun lang nato kuy ha kay wala pa ta nakabayad sa kuryente og tubig." I told her that I'll register my name ahead and just pay when we have the money for the registration. Later that day, I prayed in my room. Prayed for financial breakthroughs and for blessings to come.
17 days before the camp, I decided to edit the countdown pictures of the camp so that I can enhance my editing skills. (That time, I was also practicing GIF making) I didn't expect that our team leader assigned me to do those stuff when he saw my first edit (which was my timeline cover photo on Facebook that time). Well, I happily accepted the task because I want to help the team and use the talent (that I started to practice more) that God has given me.
1 week before the camp, I reminded my mom about the camp and still her reply was the same. At first, I am sad and thought that I might not be able to join the camp but then a question popped out from my mind -- "Why am I focusing on my mother when I have a God that is able?" The question made an impact and my views about the registration changed. I prayed for people that will help me in the registration and believing that I can join the camp.
5 days before the camp, I went to Centrio to play arcade (I play DDR, PIU and Kinect btw) before going to the Youth Service. After playing, someone approached me and talked to me. Since I was a friendly type of person, I entertained him. Until I noticed something different about his actions -- he starts to massage my shoulder area, he starts to invite me to his house (even stay there overnight). After an hour of talking, he then openly admitted to me that he's gay. After confirming what I feel, I asked God "How do I react in this situation? How do I say 'no' in his request when he is persistent on inviting me? (given that we just met an hour ago)"
Then ta-da! I was reminded in Titus 2:11,12
And then, another verse came into my head:
To end this journey, the day before my departure to Davao -- my mother gave me 2,000php for the camp. And wow, that was more than enough for me. Great things happen when you obey to God. :)
17 days before the camp, I decided to edit the countdown pictures of the camp so that I can enhance my editing skills. (That time, I was also practicing GIF making) I didn't expect that our team leader assigned me to do those stuff when he saw my first edit (which was my timeline cover photo on Facebook that time). Well, I happily accepted the task because I want to help the team and use the talent (that I started to practice more) that God has given me.
1 week before the camp, I reminded my mom about the camp and still her reply was the same. At first, I am sad and thought that I might not be able to join the camp but then a question popped out from my mind -- "Why am I focusing on my mother when I have a God that is able?" The question made an impact and my views about the registration changed. I prayed for people that will help me in the registration and believing that I can join the camp.
When I thought that the journey ends there, God gave me another one. :)
Then ta-da! I was reminded in Titus 2:11,12
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present ageI declined his request and then he was like in shock (maybe because I was the first one that declined his request? IDK) and then asked me why? He then added me that he can give me anything that I want, I just need to come to his place. (While talking to me, he get his wallet and slowly counting his money) In my mind, I was like "He can help me in my registration for the camp. TBH, the money was tempting but no, I cannot accept it."
And then, another verse came into my head:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. -- Romans 1:16 NIVI don't know why this verse came but I instantly answered his question, "Because I am a Christian. I cannot do things which are not good in the eyes of God." He then apologized to me. I told him that it's okay and talked more, this time it is about the God I am serving for. After the talk, I handed him my baller (with the words, "nothing is impossible") and told him, when we see each other again I hope you are wearing that and update me with your life. (He's not from Cagayan de Oro) We prayed before departing from one another. I didn't share this experience agad because I don't know how to start. Yes, it was an experience. I was afraid, I admit but when I allow the Holy Spirit to move within me nothing is impossible.
To end this journey, the day before my departure to Davao -- my mother gave me 2,000php for the camp. And wow, that was more than enough for me. Great things happen when you obey to God. :)
