Transition, transition, transition

The year 2024 began with an abundance of blessings and transitions, and through it all, the Lord has been gracious and faithful. It's been a season of stretching and growth, filled with unexpected blessings and transitions. As someone who wasn't naturally gifted in singing or playing instruments, I've always prayed for the skills to minister to Him through music. This year, an incredible opportunity came my way: I applied to the Forerunner School of Worship at the International House of Prayer online, along with two other staff members from our ministry. The school generously granted us a full scholarship for this semester, saving us more or less $3000 each—a huge blessing for me and our ministry. Getting into the Forerunner School of Worship with a full scholarship felt like a miracle and a confirmation that God sees my heart's desire.

Adjusting to our new schedule has been challenging. Our regular time at CHOP runs from 1-9 PM, and then I have classes late into the night or early morning, depending on the subject. But this step is crucial for training and equipping our staff, launching us into a new level of handling worship, team dynamics, and future schools or internships at CHOP. The school began during our Worship Burn 2024, a 10-day, 24/7 worship and prayer event. I had the privilege of serving the NightWatch (12:00 am – 6:00 am). It was so encouraging to meet others who share our vision. Please pray for strength, wisdom, and continued favor for our scholars as we move into the next semester.

In a bold step, our team has decided to move to a new location since our current building will be renovated soon. We set aside a week of fasting and praying to seek God's direction. We're leaving Bai Center as soon as possible and may move to Philippine Teen Challenge, where they've offered us a space to use and renovate as a prayer room. The location in San Carlos Heights, Quiot, offers a beautiful view of the city and ocean. This move could also mean our staff housing will be there, a huge relief from commuting and rent. Moving to a new location feels like a big leap of faith, but we trust that God has great plans for us there and will meet our needs.

March was special as we celebrated the birthdays of our team members born in that month. Celebrating my birthday with the CHOP family for the first time was a heartwarming experience. Sharing laughter, food, and heartfelt affirmations made me realize how blessed I am to be part of such a loving community. I am also grateful for my friends and family who greeted me online, reminding me of the love and support I have from afar.

Our monthly gatherings with YWAM Cebu-wide have been deeply enriching, filled with testimonies of breakthroughs and challenges from the mission field. We also relaunched our community night, and the response exceeded our expectations. We were so grateful for so many old and new faces that joined us in the prayer room to encounter Him through worship and the Word. As a forerunner ministry, we continue to trumpet the return of Christ and the significance of Israel. We've also launched a Zoom option for those who can't join us in person. I've been managing our social media pages and learning audio mixing as well.

Reflecting on the first few months of 2024, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the Lord's kindness and presence in my life. It's been a season of stretching and growth, filled with unexpected blessings and transitions. Through all the late nights, new challenges, and transitions, I've felt God's peace and guidance. It's a humbling reminder that even in the uncertainty, He's always with us, leading the way. I'm excited for what's ahead and grateful for the journey so far.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."—Isaiah 41:10