Raw Worship

Sitio Pantalan People

On the 2nd day of the convention, we spent the whole day playing this game patterned after "Amazing Race". We were divided into 10 teams and I was assigned to the ever (loser) energetic "Peach team". After breakfast we gathered at the venue lobby quite excited or just plain sleepy (The sleeping quarters were dusty and the weather was hot and I'm sure everyone did not have a good sleep including me). Our leader, Mae, met with the game staff for instructions. Then as the game began, we were first given the first clue on how to find the second clue. We were to find a solitary tree in the grounds and there by the far end was the lone coconut tree. At the coconut tree, we found the 2nd clue to find a book called, "The Blue Book of Mysteries" at the Barangay^FYI library, so the whole pack went off outside and roamed the streets of Toril. People were watching as these a hundred or plus young people ran off in every direction wearing their distinct orange IDs. I was worried that my right foot will be inflammed again for walking so I really prayed and trust my foot to God.

Barangay - a community unit similar to a town

When we got there at the >Barangay library, I saw my teammates opening every book along the "Fiction Section". The librarian also helped us to find the book. After 10 minutes, still, no one found the book called "The Blue Book of Mysteries" or something like it. Mae sent a text message to one of the game staff to clarify which book is it. One of the library staff, suddenly said that he found some paper posted on the bulletin board and thought it was some trash so he threw it. Everyone scampered to the garbage bin and there we found the 2nd clue, it says:

Go to "Love The Children Foundation" along the way to Eden (Nature Park). Teach 2 or 3 children memorize a verse. The verse should be at least 6 words.

Everyone gathered to decide whether we walk our way towards the foundation or ride a tricycle. Since not everyone brought their wallets, we decided to walk. When we got there, several teams were already there and were teaching some children new songs and others let them recite some Bible verses. We looked for a spot where we could find "our children". Two little girls were already seated, anticipating for our arrival. We gathered round them and made them memorize Genesis 1:1. For your information, "Love the Children Foundation" is an organization which takes care for homeless and orphaned kids. The children ages range from 3 to 13 or 14.

Love The Children & Peach Team

When the kids memorized the verses, some of my teammates gave them words of comfort telling them not to worry or be lonely or discouraged because they don't have earthly parents. There is God who will love them very much. He loves you more than any earthly parent can. Another teammate gave them her spare accessories and the smiles on their faces are priceless. Before we ended our meeting, we thanked them for their cooperation. I prayed for them before we go and in my prayers, I bless them that they will be of great use to God, that they young minds be filled with things that matter, things that love, things of excellence and things worthy of praise. I took a picture of them together with the whole Peach team (shown above).

The game staff tested the children if we have been successful teaching them. The children we taught were very good and even sang a song they knew even if we hadn't taught them. When the testing was done, the children of the foundation had prepared a number for us so we sat down and listened. Four boys come up the stage to play the drums, the electric guitars and the keyboards. I thought they will just "pretend" to play while the music will be played. However, I was amazed when those guys start to play the instruments. They are so good and the music was good even by adult standard. Even the guys in our worship team were like dumb struck seeing these boys who aged like 7-12. The crowd were cheering for them and I can't help to be awed by how God used these boys' talents despite the lack of encouragement and love only a parent can give. God's love is seen on these boys. When the boys were done with their intro, 4 girls came onto the stage with their choreograped dance routines, and singing their hearts out. These girls showed enthusiasm and you can see the joy in their faces as they sing songs like "We Wanna See Jesus Lifted High" and "Jesus, Lover of my Soul".

When the program was over, our team walked out for the next stop. Personally, I was ministered. There are times when I feel so lax in my service for God's ministry (Music Ministry). I was confident in my abilities that "enough" is just enough for a particular crowd, that our level of service depends on what crowd we will be ministering. I felt I don't deserved such ministry from children whose hearts are pure and shout wholeheartedness in what they do. I realized that when we serve, God is and our only audience and we give our very best to bring people into His presence. No one is greater - from the person on the platform to the person at the corner of the back row. In God's presence, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are. What matters is your heart longing after Him.