Passion and Faithfulness

It was Bing’s* smile that first caught my eye.  Her long legs make her taller than most Filipinas, but she is a lovely lady with dark eyes and long flowing dark hair.  In her smile, I saw eagerness and a love for Jesus. She wanted her friends and family to love Jesus too, but like most Filipinos, she thought she would have to wait for her busy pastor to have time to share the gospel with them. Bing had invited her acquaintances to church before, with little success. 

When we announced training for those wanting to be true disciples of Christ, Bing was one of the first to join. She faithfully attended the sessions week by week and completed her assignments. Some in the group dropped out, but Bing was willing to do anything necessary to be a disciple of Christ. 

Bing learned that to be a true disciple of Christ, she must obey all of her Master’s commands.  She learned to hear her Master speaking and immediately obey His instructions.  Although timidly at first, she began to share her testimony. Before long she was leading Bible Studies and experiencing the unsurpassed joy of seeing others come to love Jesus and accept Him as their own personal Savior and Master. She now leads a group of new believers each week.

Last month, Bing and a few other ladies from the church raised enough money to go on a mission trip to another Asian country. This in itself was quite a testimony to their faith in Jehovah Jirah – God who Provides. She returned from this experience unable to contain her joy and her passion for Jesus!  She testified with animated enthusiasm about praying specific prayers, just as she had been taught, and how God answered those specific prayers. One day, she and her companions were running short of funds.  They asked God to provide a free meal for them that day, and God answered! A brother in Christ took them all to lunch unaware of their prayer and of God’s hand leading him to be the instrument of His provision.

Bing also testified that she is burdened by the laziness of so many Filipino believers. While Filipinos are free to worship, to read their Bible publicly, and to share the gospel, few do so. Sadly, I had to admit that my fellow Americans are guilty of the same impassionate response to God. Bing’s heart was burdened for the peoples throughout the world who cannot freely confess Christ or hear the good news. Bing’s passion and love for God is contagious. Is yours?

*Bing’s name has been changed to protect her identity

Pray that:

Bing’s enthusiasm and eagerness to share the gospel will be imitated by the new believers whom she is discipling.

God will continue to provide for Bing’s needs and will make it possible for her and other Filipinos to share the gospel cross-culturally.

Training sessions will result in more Filipinos, like Bing, developing an eagerness to share their faith.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.