Catch the Presence

I believe God actively moves the hearts of men.

Several people prayed for relief and comfort for the victims of the mudslide in the Philippines a few weeks ago. Shortly after that, the Asian Employees Association at my workplace sponsored a bake sale to raise funds.

Now the destruction of Guinsaugon did not receive as much publicity as the 2005 tsunami and hurricane Katrina. It was almost inconsequential to most of the world. But it's effect on the lives of the people of Leyte was every bit as much as the recent and more publicized calamities - a total loss.

My generous co-workers worked together on the bake sale. I'm bragging on the generosity and efforts the organizers and supporters put into this fundraising activity.

But the one I really want to brag about is God. God sent people! People from HQ and other facilities came to support the effort. Some who couldn't come, sent money! Some loved sweets while others just came for the cause. Some brought homemade and store-bought cakes. Some gave $20/$25 for a slice of cake while some $100 for whole cakes. After only 2 ½ hours, we raised more than $1,000!

God multiplied the Association's (about) $250 worth of cakes more than five times to give us $1,127.21 (net of $250). Plus, we had so many left overs, we were giving them away just so we could close shop. We were giving away so much that some couldn't take all we were giving them. It reminded me of the miracle Jesus did when He fed the 5,000 from five loaves of bread and two pieces of fish. The multitudes of people were fed and there were twelve basketfulls left over.

When Jacob was resting in Bethel on his way to Padanaram (Gen 28:12), he dreamt of a ladder going to heaven. He realized the Lord was in that place and he was not even aware of it. I hope we don't miss this. Just as Jacob caught the presence of God, I hope we catch God's presence in seemingly normal places amidst seemingly ordinary circumstances.

God still answers prayers. People may forget but God hears His people and provides.

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for comfort for the victims and that God will use this to draw people to Him.