The Great Commission step 1

Sabbath Shalom!

I thank the Lord, Jesus Christ for by His grace I was able to meet and have fellowship again with my fellow brethren from Christ Living Stone Fellowship (CLSF-DUBAI). They came here in Dibba not minding the long-drive hours just to fulfill God's will and purpose. To WIN SOULS. I am so happy and grateful to God because He is so faithful, answering my prayers. I remember months ago, I enlisted on my prayer request this kind of task and mission and that, God would send someone who can help me fulfill this great commission. 

To be frank, I am reluctant to share the gospel of salvation. I am afraid people might refuse me if I'll talk to them about Christ and I also don't know how I would start. Though, I know some useful verses to set the ball rolling but the enemy (Satan) would often distract me and would instill spirit of doubt and hesitation in my heart.Like what happened at the park when our team came. We saw some group of Filipino people unwinding at the distance so we nestled next to them. Since I am the only one who’s from Dibba, I have to come and approach their group and invite them to join us. Though they didn't refuse, they came there as well for the same purpose and that they are already belong to a different Christian denomination. Again, my heart turned weary. I feel so much pressure because I don’t want our group’s effort to come meaningless. They came here all the way from Dubai. I don’t like the feeling and I know it is something that needs to be addressed.

Thanks be to God, the point of the message that was delivered by Ate Janet was really meant for me. In doing the great commission that God has given to us, we don’t have to be afraid and doubtful if we can do the task. Jesus promise that He will be with us always until the very end. He will surely be with us and He will guide us in what to speak (speak the truth). He will never leave nor forsake us. (Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission).

I feel comforted. I have to admit, I need someone who is a mature Christian that can constantly remind me of His word. God in His faithfulness always make a way to deliver His comforting messages to me by means of my fellow brethren. I don’t know what my future holds now, the path is vague and I cannot clearly visualize my future like what I used to do. Whatever it is, Thy will be done. God will equip those He called and qualifies them. May the Lord equip me with the right wisdom I needed if Evangelism is what He calls me to do.

Lastly, I am really so amazed how the dedication of ate Janet and Kuya Joel has for evangelism. Truly, their labor in the Lord is not in vain and their time is not wasted at all. Despite the fact that they already knew that the other group who were next to us is already part of some other Christian denomination, Ate Janet and Kuya Joel still went on their way to share the Gospel of salvation and have fellowship with them while we, served as a prayer warrior interceding for them. At the end, they all prayed the prayer of acceptance. I strongly believe that, the two groups have the same spirit. The Spirit of God. We ended our fellowship with a Sabbath Dinner. What a great way to cease the day.

A day worth remembering..

It was another day to be grateful about and I was equally honored and ecstatic to spent another precious time with my sister in Christ, Sis Melanie Calicdan of Kish Fellowship. Together with my beloved CSC family (Christ the Savior Church), we went to one of our favorite place "THE FARM" and spend quality time fellow-shipping, eating, sharing, laughing, and of course crabbing. It was one of the most important night I would say though was quickly planned, but the essence of it was flowed intimately. We got to know each other as one body of Christ. I also came to appreciate more the people of same faith (CSC family) how humble and meek they were. Despite of their simplicity, I find them extraordinary and unique on its own way. To be perfectly honest, I feel in love with them more and more each day. They deserved my full respect and of course to Tito Boy (our ELDER) who accommodated us for two nights and gave us a full access tour at "THE FARM". (Sorry fellow CSC family, medyo favorite lang ako ni Lord this time) LOL. He was so hospitable and kind-hearted. Ate Melanie and I wants him to be our "tatay" and I know he would be glad to have two beautiful daughters like us.. And of course to the rest of my brothers and sisters, I felt the same way to all of you. I'm so Thankful to God for, you are the answers to my prayers 5 months ago when I was still in Kish Island.

Talking about Kish Island again, I love the place so much from the bottom of my heart. As I was always saying, it was where I became a TRUE follower of Jesus Christ. Note that I emphasize here the word TRUE. Not all who came to know Christ become a True follower. Some thought they were but sad to say they are not. To be a true follower, it requires total surrender to the Lord. More than just believing and accepting but lifting up everything to Him including what you are wearing physically to let other people see you are part of the body of Christ. People should see the invisible and not the visible. In the bible, Jesus Christ kept on telling us that only through Him we can enter the Kingdom of God. John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. This verse alone is self explanatory and i don't know why many cannot get it. May the Lord open their spiritual hearts to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven and the key is by reading the scriptures intimately.


By the grace of God the Father and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, I met ate Melanie of Kish Fellowship. The purpose of the Lord is so overwhelming. I was so blessed by her life and she, as well was totally rich and blessed. Somehow, I felt that she came to visit me here in Dibba, as a representative for the whole Kish fellowship group to witness my spiritual birth. Kish fellowship has impacted me a lot in faith and plays a big part of my total submission to God. I pray that in God's perfect time all her mourning will turn into complete joy. I believe God is healing her for whatever she felt in her body and slowly recuperating her brokenness. Glory and thanks be to God for her life. May God bless her abundantly including finding the right partner in the near future. I pray likewise.


Memories to be kept and remembered for a lifetime:

This was taken in what I called "The Farm". It was owned by a Sheikh. (ruler of Fujairah). We are so blessed that Tito Boy gave us free tour in the land. The place is so nice with lush of greens and colored flowers that are so familiar like "santan" and others that I forgot to ask for the names. It feels like we are only in the Philippines. Perhaps it is the reason why I felt no boredom and homesickness and the weather was good as well. Winter is fast approaching. I really love nature and beaches and God loves me so much that He led me to this place called Dibba. Life is simple and not complicated at all contrary to the city life. Its speaks to me. This is really me, simple things yet great joy.

Look at the aisle...Imagine walking here while someone is waiting for you, looking through your eyes with great content and happiness with a thought of how Great God is for giving Him what He deserved. 

(Hopeless romantic)I just wish I had better quality photos.

 Inside the villa and we are like little children so excited and very well pleased to see how nice and clean inside the villa was. If that's the case, how much more we would love the kingdom of heaven?I cant wait to see the things God has in stored to those who love Him.

Mandarin and Mangoes we harvested to be brought to Dubai for TFJ Family. How I wish Pastor Elmer was with us. Tito Boy Thanks so much!

The happy Kids with tito Boy...

Thank you Lord God for another beautiful life of experiences...

I love taking photos and I believe it speaks memories of the past. I love to reminisce and I already imagine myself looking at those beautiful places, people and events when I grow old. I may not become rich with lots of money being saved, at least I have enough experiences and tributes worth more than a fine gold. Most of all, by the Grace of God, He will add more and more riches to me through the things that cannot be counted with numbers. 

*Throwback: KISH ISLAND TOUR

Anyone coming to Kish Island would not miss KISH ISLAND TOUR for the world. And so am I. It's a beautiful island with lots of things to do and attractions to look forward to. Not only that, as a person with an interest in diverse culture and passion for wanderlust. I guess exploring the Island is one big time opportunity for me to start accomplishing that dream. It is far better than just sitting in my hotel room waiting for time to pass while everyone have an itch to rove. It's boring with a capital B.

If somebody knocks on your hotel room.Do not worry and stop being so paranoid. It's either:

1. Roodaki (restaurant with fil-indian food made to order and deliver)
2. Tiangge (tinda ng mga damit, sabon, make up, shampoo, pagkain at many more name it you can have it there's no need for you to stroll down as of everything is available in front of your door)
3 .Walking salon (manicure,pedicure, hair cut, hair coloring, rebonding and threading)
4. Hotel receptionists (for payment every 10 days of stay and iran visa. sucks!*in farabi hotel*)
5. KISH ISLAND TOUR invites (which available everyday and costs 10ead per/pax with rented coaster van and free welcome drinks).
6.Cleaners.
7. Solicitors.
8. Your Room mates.
9. KISH Fellowship invitation (I, myself once knocked every door in my floor to invite them to join our daily service. Too bad not all responded every time I asked. It's for the Lord people!We are lucky enough to have such kind of fellowship with hard worker servants of Christ giving encouragement and sharing the gospel of salvation in the Island).

- Quite a list but as you can see, Its fun in Kish Island. All we have to do is to make our stay memorable and enjoyable. But more importantly, to answer God's call. He's been calling everyone to repent and make quality time for Him. His grace and mercy and blessings and love has been poured to everyone who is willing to accept Him. Repentance is the key. Ask for forgiveness and you will see... I'm not promoting Kish Fellowship here. I believe it's God's fellowship and those people behind it was all God's chosen to serve Him proclaiming the good news. And I'm one of them. Thank you Lord.

Back to KISH ISLAND TOUR

 Our First stop was in what they called Traditional Water Reservoir.No available information. Our tour guide at that time was only talking to herself and those in front of her. (we are sitting at the back)

Next, was the The Green Tree. It is said to be the oldest tree around 600 years old. Young people and couples make wishes here. They said if you wanna find your soul mate you must go to this tree.haha! ( I remember way back 2010, I went here and they told us when you make a wish, you have to tie at least a piece of thread from your clothe to make it come true. I did. The result?Negative.Zero.As in WALANG NANGYARI.

The time I was there was holiday season. Most of the attractions were crowded with tourists from different nationalities. Particularly the famous Greek Ship. It ran aground in 1966 on Kish Island while it was on its way to Greece.It's a beautiful way to watch the sunset.

The Greek ship that ran offshore.

I suppose to try this but my friend refused. How I wished i really did try. 

This, I don't know what they called but it was near to the huge anchor. 

The Huge Anchor.

If I'm not mistaken it was recorded as guiness largest anchor in the world. Correct me if I am wrong. We are not well informed.

 (While uploading this photos I realize We only visited 4 famous attractions in Kish. There's a lot more pa.)

 The beach side near Farabi hotel. Only 5 minutes walk.

I survived my stay in Kish. I love it and I learn so many things from people I have met. My experiences in the Island was incredible and worth keeping. I know one thing. It was the transforming work of God that amazes me. 

Thank you, Lord.

#Throwback: My Journey to Kish Part 2

Kish Island is located in the Persian Gulf 19 kms from mainland Iran. Yes, it is part of Iran and it has become one of the most popular destination among filipinos and other nationalities port of exit while waiting for their new visas whether it is employment, husband/wife,investors,family, and tourist. The thing is, whether you like it or not you don't have a choice but to go there because it is required by the government of UAE (exit stamp) unless you have all the riches to go to some other places or go back to your own country like Philippines. When they say "Kish" always we hear negative feedback from all filipinos who have had bad experiences during their stay in the said Island. There's a hear-say about a girl locked herself inside the cabinet while taking her own life, kidnappings esp if your alone at night, rape cases, suicidal cases, horror stories,deportation issues,prostitution, drugs, and many more.Honestly, My first choice was to exit in Singapore and wait there perhaps 10 days for my visa but gladly I went to kish cause the suppose 10days waiting was extended up to 62 days.

My decision wasn't really mine I believe. It came from above when a small voice whispered to me "KISH". I really don't wanna go to Iran for the reason that if I have an exit stamp from that country I won't probably qualified to apply in the states(USA). I have an American dream since college and I don't want to mess up that dream. However, I also think that perhaps its all part of God's plan for me. I may not understand it very well and comprehend all that have happened but with the trust I have with God everything will work according to what He has in store for me. Jer.29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, "plans to prosper you an not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Indeed, my journey to the Island is not by accident but by fate and purpose. It is He who directs my path and it is He who choose me to be his servant in a place where I least expected, a Muslim country.

Kish Island is not bad at all. It's so wonderful and there's a lot of things you can do aside from hiding in the four corners of your room for the fear of unknown. Yes, there's reality with those stories of killings and all but if your with God, who can be against us?

Beach side near Farabi Hotel

My first 20 days in Kish was all spent in nonsense activities like watching movies,biking,window shopping,eating with new found friends with gazillion stories of embarrassing moments. At first, I was happy and positive until I started to feel anxious regarding my visa perhaps due to negative stories I heard with my room mates. But with constant prayer, God did not allow me to feel alone. I met a few good friends purely Christ believer and we started having small sharing inside our room, in the beach side and anywhere when there's opportunity. One day someone posted at the back of our door "Kish Fellowship schedule of services".Yes!for the first time I attended their service in zaffran restaurant and what happened next was unforgettable. God's perfect plan indeed.

(Biking,gala,shisha are few things I did to enjoy my stay in Kish)

(Luto luto din pag may time @ tabing dagat)

(Before attending Kish fellowship..We already formed a small group sharing about God's Kingdom with Kuya Manny. One of my memorable days with good and positive people.)

-AFTER 20 DAYS-

I would like to thank Kish fellowship that I have become part of this group. I learned so much from all the Pastors I've met and to my brothers and sisters who have become my strength and inspiration to serve The Lord. The dedication they had with Christ was so contagious.

with our Pastors L to R ( Pastor Ron, Pastor Rob, Bro Matt, Pastor Ruther, Pastor Elmer, Pastor Ramil, Pastor Mike, and Pastor Melvin)

After our service in Zaffran Restaurant

(Di kami mahilig sa picture taking)

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Obedience is better than sacrifice. I obeyed the Lord when He calls me despite of so many rocks I encountered all throughout. God's mercy and protection has been always with me since then. 

Thank you Lord... When I trust you, you never let me down. When I went to Kish I know i have obeyed you and now comes the greatest faith I have in you.

"Obey"

#Throwback: My Journey to Kish Island (Buhay Exit) Part 1

Like most others, I have my share of hardships and uphill battles before I landed to my present happy-not so perfect situation today. Beginning the first and second half quarter of this year, I fought so hard for countless reasons and one of those is losing a job.  My contract from my previous company ended (January 2013)that took me several times traveling around over 6 major cities of UAE just to attend interviews and submitting CV’s. I also became a victim of a scam in Ajman for my serious in need of a new employer ( Dubizzle.com mag ingat) and traveling by bus day and night without bringing pataka (ID cards) even my own passport was the most horrific thing I did. Yeah I know! I can easily get caught and jailed for being an illegal here. One last thing, I survived having only paratha and 1 mineral water for a day just to save my precious money because I was financially down at that time (until now I guess.lol). My situation had become worst when my previous employer asked me to leave UAE or else they were going to hand over my passport to the authorities.

TRUST is the word. I only hold on to that word during those times of my lows. As Prov.3:5-6 taught us to “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight”.

Yes!I have trusted Him. The one who knows me full well. I can’t travel from AL-Ain to Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman-Ras Al Khaimah- Fujairah and vice versa alone for the first time without TRUSTing Him. I can’t take risk riding a bus, taxi, and sitting comfortably in waiting areas without TRUSTing Him. I can’t escape from those scammers who tried to get the remaining treasure I had in my precious pocket and forced me to withdraw in my no balance ATM card without TRUSTing Him. Lastly, I cannot endure all the pressure and stress with my former boss who demanded me to leave right away out of the country without TRUSTing Him.

I have trusted the Lord and He lead the way. He made my path straight.  

My thought at that time was telling me to exit in Singapore but when the guy in ticketing office asked about my destination. A small voice inside me whisper, “KISH”.  

I booked a flight to Kish Island and at that moment I know I obey in His command.

And As I was saying the rest was History.

" Welcome to Kish Island"

A beautiful Island..

I arrived there n the month of March and they were celebrating their holiday. So many tourists was visiting there mostly from mainland Iran.

The Bridge that was too crowded at that time

Sunset i loved..

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos..

"TRUST"