I went to church Friday night, which was not unusual because it was Good Friday. I started the day feeling alone and ended the day feeling blessed. Something that often happens to me. How I went from one to 3 attending the evening service is a "God sighting" worth sharing. Easter here is different. Entire roads are shut down in order for floats to pass through the streets telling the story of Christ's death and resurrection. But that is a whole other blog. Long story short, to avoid commuting 3 days in a row for services, I ended up staying at Amy's apartment (she is the youth director for Union Church where I have become more involved since January). Her apartment is part of a 40 floor complex including a pool and work out center. It felt almost like staying in hotel.
Anyway, I had gone to the pool earlier that day and since I had not found her movie collection, I decided to go back to the pool for a second time. I am very glad I did because it was all part of Gods plan. As I laid down to try and get some sun, I thought the lady next to me looked very familiar. So, I decided to speak up and ask her if she attended Union Church of manila. To my surprise she did look just like a lady from church but had just arrived Tuesday from the UK to visit her daughter and granddaughter, who were having a jolly time in the pool.
As we continued to talk she acted very interested in Union Church. Feeling lead by the spirit, I mentioned the Good Friday service, the sunrise service, and the two other Easter services scheduled. I was sure I had her attention which was very encouraging. Before you know it, we made plans to meet in the lobby at 6:15 so she and her granddaughter could walk over to the Good Friday service with me. She was very happy about taking her granddaughter since her daughter is a not Christian. Who knows I thought maybe another time down the line after she leaves, I can continue to be a light to her family.
After a wonderful service, she thanked me for inviting her and made plans to meet again in the lobby Sunday morning to attend the Easter service. After I told her I would see her then, hugged her, and said good night, I did a little jump for joy in the air and told the first friend I saw my excitement, not for my good work but for God using me for His glory. In the end, I am not sure what exactly happened but she did not make it on Sunday and I never saw her again which is a little disappointing. It was still an uplifting Easter service and time to celebrate...Happy Easter! Praise God for His Son is risen indeed! Many blessings to all.