I raised my hands and spirit for Him

This is all started when I enter senior high school in Bacoor, Cavite. Actually, I didn't plan to enroll to school that was far from our home, but I guess I was really destined to enroll there. I never thought that my life would change drastically that even my faith was restored. I can called it destiny because all of the sudden things changed that I didn't expected.

To give you insight about my family, my mother's side family was religious. They always attended on mass every Sunday and have a Bible study. I don't know if you know the Couple for Christ (CFC) and Youth for Christ (YFC). They were member there and constantly having a Bible study in houses. I was a member of CFC for years and I really enjoyed serving the Lord.

However, I stopped serving for unknown reason. I felt like I was not needed anymore and my self-pity hikes even more. That was the struggle I had back then. I didn't questioned the Lord to those bad things happened in my life. I just know that He is in control and all things are according to His will.

Moving forward, when I entered senior high school in Bacoor I was stunned for how long I traveled. It took me at least an hour and a half to get there. From Tanza to Bacoor is far, and traffic consumed my time too. I struggled at first because I didn't used to it. But, you know I adjusted after a week and traveling that far became normal.

How did I ended up to Christian church?

I found it funny and amazing how the Lord brought me in His kingdom. As you all know, I am very active in school. Academically speaking, I was an achiever. It was nutrition month and I was competing for quiz bee. I forgot to pass my project in particular subject because I was focused on quiz bee. I submitted my project, but my teacher denied it. Why? Because she was really strict in terms of deadline. I asked her with a sincere voice and let her accepted it.

But still, she didn't accepted it. After my last class, she approached me and she told me she would accept it IF I would attend in their church because they will be having a youth worship. So, I was desperate that time because my grade will be severely affected if my project wouldn't counted in. Then I said yes! After that, I felt like a new beginning and path was opened. My heart for Jesus was burning.

This is our tribe leader, kuya Glen. He was our leader and his heart for the Lord was so big. What we were holding was a card. The verse printed on the card is Roman 3:16. The very first verse that crushed my soul and spirit. The verse that always reminded me to flee from the sins. I hold that verse for so long until now. Kuya Glen taught me how to be dependent in the Lord all the time and made no excuses to miss worshiping Him.

This is one of my photos while worshiping. I was the young man at the back. I found this photo on our official Facebook page. I was tagged. I didn't knew this at all. Worship is my way of giving my entire being to the Lord and surrendering everything I had. I felt good. I felt fulfilled. I felt peace. When I was worshiping, I didn't mind whatever happened in my surrounding at all. I was really focused on singing and praying at the same time.

The Lord taught me to speak about my past and darkest experiences. He pulled off every tiny details of my existence and used it as testimony. That time, I didn't realized that what happened in my past will be my greatest testimony which I can use to inspire youth like me. The voice I was insecure about turned into voice people loved listening. I loved to speak and share the Word to youths I encountered.

Above all, I started to embrace my potential. Many people believed on me, but I doubted myself sometimes. I would like to share that the time I met the Lord, I decided to become inactive in my academics. I wanted to test the Lord myself. I didn't do my best at all. I didn't joined any contest or activities which I loved. Surprisingly, at the very end, can you imagine I still got five medals and certificate to recognized my academic performance. The Lord's promised was real. I tested and proven it myself.

I wanted you to know that whatever happened in the past and happening today that you feel like the Lord left you. No! He is making something big for you. I always remind myself that whenever I faced big challenges. There is a big reward and blessing after. I knew it because I know the Lord. Isn't amazing if you experience it all for yourself too?

Thanks so much lovely sponsors! Sending love to you all. Also, some of my sponsorship ended and I will renew it on Monday.

My previous articles you might love to read:

• Is tracking money effective or not?

• I stayed in Kawit for PHP2,000 with a wine

• Trust the process, becoming successful academically

Thank you for reading! I'll see you next time!