FROM FEAR TO FAITH
Testimony of Marjorie Nocillado
Written by Tricia Mari Abad
This is one of the Pre-Global Fest writing competition entries submitted by Tricia from Hope Manila. She told the story of Marjorie’s journey with God in moving from fear to faith in pioneering and leading Ablaze Taytay in the thick of the pandemic. Read on to be inspired!
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The church is not an exception to the fear brought by the pandemic. We may have gone through days and nights of anxiety and overthinking. Our faith is challenged to the core because of this frightening crisis.
Marjorie, 29, from Hope Manila, wouldn't deny that she also lived the early days of quarantine with fear and worries. There were nights where she can't figure out her thoughts, and she can't seem to hear from the Lord whenever she's talking to Him. It was a period where the darkness grew big yet silent, and little did she know the fear was passed on to her loved ones, too. She found out through her sister that the youth she's reaching out to at their place also began to refuse to have fellowships because of what's happening. Marjorie was disheartened. She repented for choosing to fear over trusting the One who controls everything.
One time happened in those days, where God gave her a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid but be excited." It brought her to confusion. 'Is there something to be excited about in such a time as this?' She wondered. But in response, she prayed to God to reveal what that vision meant. Our Sunday online services started in April and most preaching at that time was about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Great Harvest. But also, on those Sundays, only Marjorie and her mother are coming to worship and spend time to hear from the Lord.
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While shopping for communion cups, the Holy Spirit spoke to her to buy many cups, but back then only both of them were attending the service. However, she just did what the Spirit told her to do so. When she went home the same day, Marjorie saw her sister and tried to invite her to watch the Sunday Service. Her sister said yes and even brought her kids to watch the Sunday Service! That time, Marjorie confirmed what God wanted to say to her. Our God is truly amazing!
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Along the way, God removed her from that place of fear and panic because of the virus. God put an end to her season of worries and doubts and reminded her of the mission to go, not only to be physically out there but in a way she can to reach out to people. God wouldn't lack ways to bring the best out of us in carrying His work. This pandemic brought her to a realization that we should let the people closest to us draw close to the Lord. It's the greatest thing we can do for them. It's the greatest opportunity that the Lord gave us this pandemic. Even in a limited space, God is limitless!
Marjorie learned to focus on what God has prepared for her and her family, especially spending more time with the Lord through prayer and reading the Bible. The Lord's faithfulness was seen through 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Because of God's grace, she overcame and experienced a new perspective of hope that God revealed to her.
She was also encouraged not just to have her family join the Sunday services but to also start discipling her nieces. She was delighted to see the following Sundays where these youths will have one or more invites. Through that, an Ablaze Life Group was formed - Ablaze Taytay. Ablaze Taytay Life Group sessions are being held regularly, and they also conduct Word for Life classes every Thursday.
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As days passed by, some pandemic restrictions were lifted and Marjorie was called back to work. She thought that this might affect her discipleship and leading of the newly formed life group, as she will stay-in somewhere near her workplace. But the Lord's truly faithful because her niece is actively gathering the group for them to meet online. It's not alone Marjorie's guidance that keeps these young people going, but more so, the Holy Spirit's.
Ablaze Taytay is now on their everyday journey to knowing Jesus more and be more and more like Him. They are also developing a personal relationship with Him by spending devotion and by reading the Bible. The Lord is ever true to His Word and promises! Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It is the time of hardship that people were enlightened that they can trust God, and no circumstances can shake their faith in Him. A faith that can move mountains.
This is an illustration of a beautiful disaster, a story of pioneering in a time of uncertainties established through prayers and obedience. Truly, nothing can stop us from proclaiming the name of Jesus!
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