It was in 2006 when I and Shareid first attended a Youth on Fire-Batac event (I think it was called Campus Harvest) at Teatro Ilocandia. I told her that we should go because my sister also goes to a Victory Christian Fellowship and Youth on Fire-thing in Manila. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the Teatro Ilocandia, they were already singing the last song. We were wearing our uniforms so one could easily recognize us as high school students. That's when Ate Rohma approached us and made us write our names on what looked like an attendance sheet. On the top of the paper, "MMSU High School" was printed. There was a name written: Ina Felize Ramajo, nothing follows. And so I inscribed my name, "Cheska Arla C. Agrupis" and so did Shareid. Who would have thought that I was signing up for the best thing that could happen in my life?
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| Victory Weekend 2009 |
I had my first and second altar calls (yes, I responded to two altar calls) at the golden rule building. Attended youth jams and Sunday services at the same place and at the NTA building, until the church transferred to the Novelty Building. It took two long years for me to go through the twelve chapters of one-to-one - with a lot of heartbreaks and high school dramas and rebellion and running away in between. And then there was Victory Weekend. Unfortunately, four months later, I had to leave and study elsewhere. Deciding to leave Batac was tough for me. I was building relationships and starting to love the people and the church. Nevertheless, I had to leave for my future and for me to become more equipped on what God has called me to do. I always tell my heart to hush, for at the right time, I will not have to leave Batac again.
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| High School delegates, Victory Weekend 2009 |
I remember in 2009, "God of the City" by Chris Tomlin became a hit in Victory churches because of the Lupang Hinirang Series. I was in Los Banos during that time, but whenever that song was sang and we're asked to pray for "the" city, my heart would yearn and cry out for Batac. And so every time I go home for vacation, I make it a point to visit the church. And every time, it never fails to amaze how God is adding number into the church. From the kids, to the young people, to the professionals, and the families...you just know that God is at work. It always excites me to meet new and old people whenever I go home.
For most of the time, I have been away because of school. However, there is always excitement when I go back to the place where I first encountered the love of God; where I met my faithful friends who never fail in praying for me and encouraging me despite our distance; where I found people who patiently and lovingly guided me in my walk with God - who taught me how to do my devotion, how to pray, and to share the gospel to others...you will always go back to that place called "home".
And so to my spiritual family back home, Happy Anniversary! Ten years of honoring God and making disciples in Batac and I am blessed to see that everyone who is taking part in the great commission have their eyes focused on Jesus. You are one of the most genuine, loving, and honest-to-goodness people that I know. Whenever I get too overwhelmed and caught up with a lot of ideologies and seemingly right concept in this world, talking to someone from Batac would always remind me to got back to the very foundation, that is, the word of God. Thank you for your passion to make a positive impact in Batac.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16
