The community has always been there for me through my ups and downs. They never stopped supporting my family and I. During the times when I was hospitalized or when I was having exams, they would always be there and pray for me and everyone else whenever needed. Being a daughter, student, friend and sportswoman all at once is hard but whenever I’m with the community, I am able to relieve stress and focus my time on God. During one of the MFC youth camps, the music ministry was playing without a percussionist. Hence, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try out to play the cajon. When I decided to play the cajon, I just did my best and went with the flow. After the youth camp, I was in the music ministry and played cajon for most of the activities and learned how to play the drums as well. MFC has taught me a lot of things spiritually and emotionally and I’m thankful that I was given an opportunity to grow through this community.
I first encountered Jesus during a retreat. At first, I was too shy to open up to my facilitators and peers about my spiritual life. On the last night of the retreat, the facilitators did a pray over to the attendees. I was one of the last few to get prayed over as I kept hesitating and thinking whether God would be able to forgive me and accept me as a child of God. It was very hard for me to let go of all my burdens and all the past wrongs that I did but the facilitators were always supporting me and praying over me. Once I decided to put it all aside, I let God do the rest. I decided to put my trust in Him and I let him lead the way for me. After that pray over, everything felt at ease and it felt like my life was in control. Without opening up, I would not be able to grow spiritually and be the person I am now.
Jeremiah 17:7-8. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Because of MFC, I’ve learned not only about God but myself too. Without him, I would still be shy and not open up to anyone. But because of MFC, I am able to trust in Him and know that is always there to guide and protect me anywhere, anytime. I am truly blessed to be in MFC and I am thankful for everyone who has always been there through my highs and lows. With MFC, I learned that Jesus is the pillar of my strength and the strength of my life.
Ate Pia Tolentino is a household servant in MFC Youth Singapore. She is also a part of the Music Ministry.
