Silent Soliloquies: Inked Untouched

27

"Without a prayer life, you cannot tap into the wisdom of God." - Pastor Rick Banks

Ptr. Rolyn;

Hello Pas!

I can still remember po how we met. April 2022, Holy Week po. That was the time when Pastor Mai informed us that one of the Pastors from Visayas will go to Manila. She mentioned that, the Pastor was a Prayer Pastor from Manuyod.

As a youth leader, I really looked forward for that day. I made sure that I didn't miss that opportunity to meet a Pastor from other church or site.

April 16, 2022 was the exact date po that we officially met. You were accompanied by Auntie Joy, Manong Michael and the other leaders from Manuyod. That night, we had our Prayer and Soaking. I can still remember what happened that night. We sat in a circle at the rented center in Makati. We introduced ourselves. I was very vulnerable that time because my grandfather undergone a heart operation. You told us your life testimony as well. And that testimony move me as well. During prayer and soaking you prayed for each soul present that night. I cried my heart out to the Lord, surrendered everything to him as I received.

Then as we share what we received that night, you asked Pastor Mai to pray and ask God for the verses God would give us wherein we will also use as our life verses. I was one of the youths that night who first received the verses given to us. Psalm 46 was given to me. Psalm 46 tells us that 'God Is Our Fortress'. You explained to me why and it will always be embedded in my heart.

I can also remember how quickly we got close to each other. Before the service, I was one of the leaders you requested to accompany you to Uptown Mall so you could prepare your preachings with having coffee in a coffee shop. After service, I was blessed to be with you and the rest of the team for an after service bonding. And that was the time I received a call from my mom that my Aunt was rush to the hospital. I was being tested. My faith was being tested. You talked it out with me, Pas. I felt better. So, thank you.

Ever since that first meeting, every time Pastor Mai would tell us that you will be coming to Manila, I always made sure that I am free from any other duties so we could meet.

End of January 2023, you flew to Manila with all the Intern Pastors and Senior Pastors we have in HLM. We attended the Intentional Discipleship Conference in CCF Main. I wasn't able to join you po on the first day due to my classes but I was able to attend the rest of the scheduled session on the following days. We had a chance to talk Pas., you mentioned to me again to stop running. To embrace what is ahead of me. To refrain from being scared and take the risk. You prayed for me that night as well.

January 29, 2023. You attended the Sunday Service in Makati with your relatives here in Manila and the rest of the Pastors from different HLM Sites. It was quite overwhelming. So fast forward, after service and after Pastor Greg talked and prayed for us (Josh and I) regarding the campus, I personally looked for you. I saw you and talk to you in private. I personally asked for you to lay your hands and pray for me. You asked why but I couldn't hold back tears due to the weight of the baggage I was carrying. And without any hesitations, you prayed for me.

We met again last July 17-21, 2023 because of the YX Tribo Camp: Xtreme Hunger Games 2023. As a Prayer Pastor, you taught us how to do devotionals. You also prayed for the youths who joined the camp.

As October is Pastor's Appreciation Month, I just want to say that I appreciate you for what you do. I thank God for your life, Pas. He had created a wonderful soul who evangelically touch people's heart through your own life testimonies and the gift that God gave you. I am blessed to have a Pastor like you who is very passionate to serve God's Church. May God bless you and your family with blessings, opportunities and good health.

Hope to see you soon, Pas.!

xoxo,

Zoe