Training Day Friday - Story of the Three

STORY OF THE THREE (written by Anne Benavidez - as seen in Breaking Grounds March 2011, YM's Official Newsletter)

Mery Grace, Joy and Wendy - these are the three youth leaders from our partner church, Hills of Savior Christian Church, who attended our Overnight Modular Training (OMT) last March 2009 in Dinalupihan, Bataan (3 hours drive from Manila). This OMT was held in Valley of Grace Campsite. Pastor Romy, the pastor of Hills of Savior Christian Church gathered youth leaders from different churches in Dinalupihan, Bataan.

(Pastor Romy preaching at his church, Hills of Savior Christian Church)

Last month, I was able to talk to their pastor and I took the opportunity to ask how his three youth leaders are doing. The pastor testified that it was such a great help to him when these three youth leaders took over the responsibility in leading their youth ministry. 

“Now they are the ones who are doing the planning, programming and goal-setting for our youth ministry. They continue to apply everything they have learned from the OMT.  Sometimes they amaze me by the creative programming they are doing in the youth services and fellowships. I could see that what they are doing are so effective because many young people keep coming back to their gatherings,” the pastor excitingly testifies. “They are also very active in evangelism by inviting young people to our youth ministry. I could see that they are growing in attendance,” he added.

He also testified that they were so fired up that they decided to enroll in a Bible School. Two of them have already graduated and the other one is still studying. All three of them are not just being used in their youth ministry but the Lord is also using them now in preaching the Word of God in their church. We can see the many potential in their lives that are just waiting to be revealed. We are indeed privileged to be part of what God is doing in their lives.

It was a great encouragement for me to hear what the Lord has been doing in the lives of these youth leaders. Their lives serve like fuel in our engine that keeps on burning so that we can continue doing what God wants us to do. Honestly, sometimes I am thinking if what we are teaching is really making an impact in the lives of the youth leaders and in their youth ministry. Hearing these testimonies is really encouraging. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Our prayers and our hearts desire is to see many youth who will have the desire to serve God - serving their own churches and communities.

Thank God that our labor in the Lord is not really in vain. To Him be all the glory!!