A few disclaimers before I start.

1. This is my testimony

2. I’ll be speaking for only the Karens that I have met.

Here’s my testimony in two questions, “What I got from God through the Karens, and what they took away from me.”

Who knew, I’d be a part of this missions trip? Who knew I’d even have a heart for missions, a heart for people not of my own, a heart for refugees, a heart to live for a greater cause? Who knew that God would use the suffering of these people to touch my heart? I didn’t, but God did!

Before I go deeper, let me share a little background of the Karens. They are an ethnic group that settled within Burma close to the Thai border. They are peaceful people and not to mention very easy to love. Ever since then, there were already maltreated, abused, taxed heavily, oppressed and persecuted by the Burmese. These were observed by the pioneer Baptist missionaries in the 1800’s who went into Burma. Long before the missionaries came to them, they believed in one Eternal Almighty God, and this made them not to worship any idols unlike many cultures. Another, because they don’t have writings, there is an interesting old story that says they came from Noah’s son, Shem. They believed that their forefathers had the Word of God — a book that has been stolen from them and they are waiting for someone to come with that book.

And so when Adoniram Judson and the other missionaries that later followed him came in contact with them, they openly and with joy accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many Karens came down from different regions of the mountains to hear the good news! And do you know that one of the first Karen pastors in early 1800’s was tortured and killed by the Burmese by hanging on the cross! This fact encouraged me that with the few and simple words that the first Karen Christians learned, they took the Gospel as simple as it is, to spread it to the other Karens! That is primarily one reason that most of them are Christians. And soon after the World War 2, they have been facing genocide until now.

What I got from God through the Karens:

1. Suffering as part of God’s design.

On a pedestal in the camp inscribes, “True ‘till death – Rev. 2:10Rev. 2:10
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.  

WP-Bible plugin”, A verse that is addressed to the church of Smyrna which is known for its myrrh. A spice used in perfumes and in incense that is highly prized in the ancient times and often more worth than gold by weight. You can only get its worth when it is pressed, squeezed, crushed. As Peter says, “These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold may be proved genuine..”. I got to an understanding why suffering is one of God’s design for His glory, to bring about good. They are a living testimony to show God’s sovereignty through persecution and suffering as how Paul writes in his letters (2 Thess 1:42 Thess 1:4
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4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:  

WP-Bible plugin) saying, persevering (abiding under pressure) and keeping the faith in all persecutions and trials they are enduring. Through them, my faith IS being strengthened, to praise God in all circumstances. And have received the promise of Jesus, as the final authority, that “He will be with me until the end of age (Matt 28:20Matt 28:20
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  

WP-Bible plugin).” I say, WHAT MORE CAN I ASK FOR?

2. Passion for God’s word.

My job description there was to simply teach conversational English, but I thought would it be fun if I incorporate IBS (Inductive Bible Study) in the lesson plan! A simple desire to help them, who have very limited vocabulary understand what they are reading. For the reason that, they would not be persuaded by anybody that is preaching a gospel other than what they’ve accepted (Gal 1:9Gal 1:9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.  

WP-Bible plugin). As I’ve noticed that there has already been an infiltration of Catholicism within the community. In reference to Nehemiah 8:8Nehemiah 8:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  

WP-Bible plugin, My desire is that they’ll learn how the Word be made clear, and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Imagine, with what little I know about IBS and the Bible, by grace, it was being used by God to teach them how to observe, interpret and apply the Word to their lives. I thought that teaching them this would go a long way. In my class alone, there are about 4 that wanted to be missionaries after they graduate, to mention K’neh Mee Wah and Ly’Dia.

They hunger for God’s word! They have daily 5 AM devotions, daily 7:30 AM service and evening Bible studies. It was hard to walk up and down through the slippery mud at the darkness of the night to do Bible studies, even though tired “I prayed, Lord, You have brought me this far. This is what you want me to do. Grant me grace Father.” And on Sundays, 4 services in the morning and 1 in the afternoon! Such a blessing to be used by God to share His Word! Through them, I got a deep passion for God’s Word! And this convicts me every time that we are in a church gathering, and if we are not looking into God’s Word and in prayer, then we are missing something big time! These people wanted it every time! That makes me ask myself, what am I doing and how am I responding to God’s grace?

3. JOY in all circumstances.

I’ve learned that many of them have sleeping disorders resulting from the horrors that they’ve seen. The uneasiness of thought that what if the soldiers come suddenly. Many lost their families and loved ones. One evening, I shed tears when I was listening to Saw Hsa K’pru Htoo’s testimony, hearing a girl being raped on the nearby village and he was completely powerless as a boy. I prayed, Lord, have mercy! On another occasion, I asked Phu’ Dhe if she’s angry/bitter with the SPDC (Social Peace and Development Council, Burmese soldiers for short), she said, Jesus says in the Bible to forgive, to love our enemies and bless them who persecutes us. Those words convicted me! How can these people forgive? How can they sing hymns and praise God after all they have been through? How then, that they are still hopeful for things that are unseen? How then they have JOY inspite of? The peace in their faces through those little smiles? Then, it must be God, no one and nothing else! The peace they have WITH God, and OF God, and that peace that transcends all understanding has been giving them that JOY!

4. Awakening.

At the age of 30, I always thought that I’m too late for anything. I admire those whom God called early on. But then, the Lord proved me wrong, He awakened me to a reality that I haven’t seen before. An awakening not to waste my life chasing after things that pagans do. An awakening for a greater calling, counting the cost of being a follower. A deeper understanding and deeper perspective. And most of all I just entered into that place of SATISFACTION and COMPLETENESS with God.

In closing,

The one thing that the Karens took away from me is…

My heart… They will always be a part of me…

Hello,

I would like to share with you a testimony of my life changing experience with the Lord while battling with the disease of breast cancer.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer August of 2008. I consider it as one of the most severe and difficult trials I have ever gone through in my life. I admit that during the most difficult moments, I experienced being weak and afraid . And I honestly even sometimes wavered in my faith. I remember asking God questions – questions that I know that are asked not only by me but also by other Christians who are undergoing similar trials: Why should it be me Lord ? Why Breast Cancer? What have I done God that you sent me this kind of affliction? Are you displeased with me God ? But what stood out for me was that during those times that I was in pain, confused, lost, discouraged and weary, the Lord would always fill me with His love and comfort. I experienced this through His powerful Word, through intimate worship, prayers and through people. The Book of Psalms deeply touched me, especially where the Psalmists sang out their praises to God. That even in the midst of severe sufferings and trials their hearts were overwhelmed by God’s goodness in their lives. The Psalmist’s story and wonderful appreciation for the Lord deeply touched and inspired me. These passages from the Holy Bible directed me to fight back the disease of breast cancer with our loving God.

He showed me a way, His way.

Fighting this terrible disease was not easy. Aside from struggling with emotional anxieties and confronting a spiritual battle with the enemy, I worried about financial matters. Cancer is a very expensive disease. After it was confirmed that I was positive for cancer, I immediately thought of applying for a loan at some government agency to finance my medical expenses. I knew I needed a huge amount to complete my treatment so the best recourse was to avail of loans. However, the Lord had other plans. He showed me a way, His way. Something so much better than my own plans. He needed for me to know that He alone is my Source and Resource. I was truly amazed and I was in constant awe of Him. God touched a lot of people in my church, Calvary Chapel Dumaguete, to share their financial resources with me. Not only material resources were given but also care, love and unceasing prayers. I am grateful to each and everyone. And to you church, your support inspired me and encouraged me to move on. I am also thankful to the leadership of this church for all the support given to me. I would like to especially mention two very caring people, my friend Janice and my boss Pastor Jo. By God’s grace, my three treatments were all financially covered without me having to borrow money. Indeed, God provides and is fully aware of our material needs. His provision is beyond that we can imagine.

I praise God for our medical doctors here in our church.

My surgeon in Cebu recommended neo adjuvant chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy refers to drug treatment given to people with cancer prior to surgery. The aim is to reduce the size of the cancer before surgery, thus making surgery easier and more likely to be successful.There were a lot of medical and laboratory examinations I had to undergo before I could go through with this kind of treatment. I praise God for our medical doctors here in our church namely: Dr. Moleta, Dr. Rosario, Dr. Limbaga and Dr. Lucille Teves who patiently looked after me and helped me out in all the preparations that I needed to speed up my chemo treatment in Cebu. All their professional fees they waived for my sake. I’m glad the Lord sent them here in this church so I may know them and consult their professional help with confidence. May God continue to bless your hearts and the work of your hands.

The Lord never left me nor did He forsake me.

In Cebu, though so many miles away from my comfort zone, the Lord has proven to me that His resources are not limited. His love and faithfulness carried me through regardless of where I was. At first, I was hesitant to go to Cebu for treatment because there were a lot of concerns in my heart. First, I don’t know a lot of people there unlike in Dumaguete, Next, accommodation would be very expensive because I would be staying in hotels or pension houses and thirdly, I only have one friend to run to in case I’ll run out of money. Lots of odds and disadvantages to consider but I clearly heard God’s voice to go with the assurance that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are not ours. God changed my perspective by instructing me to proceed to Cebu regardless of those uncertainties. He reminded me to just put my full trust in Him because He is a trustworthy God and His grace and power are sufficient for my need.

True to His promises, the Lord never left me nor did He forsake me. He used a Christian couple, the wife, my batch mate in high school to open their house for me to stay for free as long as I wanted to. So, every time, I go to Cebu for chemo treatment, I stayed at their place in Lapu-Lapu with the special privilege of using one of their vehicles to take me to the hospital and take me home with an assigned driver. They were so kind to me and saw to it that my needs are well taken cared of. Aside from my friend, God also used my nephew who is presently assigned in Cebu to assist me in every way that he can. He has been so very accommodating and willing to do some errands for me. These, I really am grateful and thankful to the Lord for sending and using wonderful people like them to take care of my needs.

I wrestled with God…

I had my operation for modified radical mastectomy last November 26, 2008r 26, 2008
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin. Before that, I had three concerns I wrestled with God: First I needed two blood donors of my blood type because I needed to undergo blood transfusion before the said operation. Second, I wish one of the medical team of Dr. Coronel is a Born Again Christian, Thirdly, enough financial provision and fourthly, my fast recovery with no complications or infection whatsoever.

He worked in ways I could really never imagine.

Amazingly, the Lord favorably granted all the above requests beyond my expectation. He worked in ways I could really never imagine. As for blood donors, the Lord used ABS-CBN blood letting program two days before my blood transfusion to supply the blood type that I need. Through this program, I was able to save some amount because I only paid the hospital the screening fee of P6,970 for 2 bags of blood instead of the total amount of P16,000.

The day before my scheduled surgery, one of the medical team by the name of Dr. Lee came to my room and did some interview with me. She is the assistant of Dr. Mary Allene Rama, my Anesthesiologist. Later, I found out that she is a Christian and long been attending church at Bethany Church in Cebu City. Before she left my room, she prayed for me and I was so blessed and filled with joy because the Lord indeed heard my heart’s desire. We met again the next day at the Operating Room and her presence with the medical team built my trust and confidence that the Lord is surely with me all throughout the operation.

God sufficiently provided.

When I left Dumaguete, I only brought along P70,000 with me in cash to be used for my operation. I knew it was not enough to cover my hospital bills but I chose to trust the Lord for financial provision. I did not ask any financial help from my family because I just let the Lord work in His amazing ways. It was only me and my niece who went to Chong Hua hospital during my admission. The next day I was thankful to the Lord because my 2 sisters came to assist me during the duration of my operation. Our eldest sister handed me some money and I praise God because it covered some of my medical bills. The following day, I received a text message from my officemate that our midyear bonus was already released and I could check it out with my ATM. I was overwhelmed with joy because the Lord’s timing is really perfect. By God’s grace, I was able to fully pay my account with Chong Hua because the Lord sufficiently provided.

God is Sovereign!

I did not stay long at the hospital. I was only confined for five days because my surgeon saw no complications insofar as my operation is concerned. The Lord has faithfully sustained me especially at times when I was in pain and during those times I thought of giving up. He always touched me with His care and love through the medical staff at Chong Hua Hospital and the people around me. He always listens to my cries, prayers and struggles in life.

My beloved church mates, this is the God we know and we are worshipping now in this church. He is not confined by our finite imagination. If I can trust in God with my circumstances, then, you can trust in God with your circumstances as well.

Now I understand why God allowed me to be afflicted with breast cancer. That I may be able to testify of His goodness and faithfulness in my life to others. Psalm 118:18Psalm 118:18
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.  

WP-Bible plugin says: The Lord has chastened me severely but he has not given me over to death. God is still sovereign despite what happens in our lives and He alone deserves our praise and worship.

Finally, please do continue to back me up in prayer. My next chemo treatment is scheduled on January 5, 2009. I still have three more chemo treatments to go and honestly, it’s not easy for me. The side effects are sometimes hard for me to handle. But one good thing is, we have a God who remains steadfast and true in His promises. He who started a good work in our lives is committed to complete it. Let’s continue to hold on to Him and draw our strength from Him alone. Let His mighty name be exalted and praised by all His creation both now and forevermore. Amen.

Thank you very much.