A
DREAM
COME TRUE
By:
Sis. Luann Petit
At
the tender age of eight years old, I gave my heart and life into the hands
of God. I was a very timid and backward child, but I had a burning desire to
serve the Lord. I was raised in a Pentecostal preacher's home. Our entire
lives revolved around church and the ministry. I remember as a child being
spellbound, as I sat in missionary services, and heard their stories about
foreign fields. I read every missionary biography that I could get my hands
on. From an early age, I had a heartthrob for missions.
I was gloriously filled with the Baptism of the Holy
Ghost, at the age of twelve at
Free Gospel Adult Camp
at Export, Pennsylvania. I had been "seeking" for over a year for this
infilling. But at this camp meeting, the Evangelist took the time to explain
how to yield to the Spirit of God. After receiving this instruction, within
minutes, I was fluently speaking in tongues as the spirit gave the
utterance.
A few weeks later, at the
Free Gospel Youth Camp, I had an
unexpected encounter with God. I heard His voice speak to my heart in a very
clear, distinct manner. After hearing such a message, it gave my life new
purpose, and I realized that God had His Hand on my life, and had a specific
plan for it.
It was at missionary prayer time, that I came into
contact with His voice, speaking to my heart. The campers were praying for a
Brother Paul Corpez, who labored for the Lord in the Philippines. As I was
interceding on his behalf, the Lord revealed to me, that one day I would be
minister in this man's church, and be a missionary to the Philippines. I can
hardly explain in words, what took place in this heart of mine. It was like
the Lord placed this "dream" into my heart. My first reaction was a state of
awe. But when the reality of the words spoken sank into my head, I was
overcome with the feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Remember, I was an
introverted child, that had many fears within and without. I remembered who
I was, and all the obstacles that stood in my way of embarking on such a
mission.
I made an inward decision to keep all that I had
learned and felt, deep within my own soul. I so desperately wanted to share
my spiritual experience, but who would believe that God had actually spoken
to me? I pondered on how God could possibly work out all the details
of my life so that I could actually fulfill such a divine call. For years, I
never shared the depth of this experience with anyone. It was like a secret
between me and God.
As I continued my education, and entered high school I
was forced to face one of my greatest fears. The fear of people paralyzed
me. When I received my class schedule for that year, I was alarmed. The
piece of paper in front of me stated that Public Speaking was of the classes
I was to take this semester. I knew immediately that a great mistake had
been made. I went with haste to the guidance counselor's office, to get this
matter quickly straightened out. As I spoke to her, and explained my
problem, she so sweetly informed me of what had taken place. My father had
rearranged my schedule of classes, so that it would include Public Speaking,
and since they honored parents' wishes, I was going to have to take the
class.
I tried with desperation to appeal to my father
concerning this matter, to no avail. Even tears, did not alter his decision.
It was final. I was taking the Public Speaking class. He felt strongly that
the hand of the Lord was on my life, and this would be a necessity further
down the road for me. He was going to push me through the obstacles that
hindered me.
I struggled so within, to just enter the classroom, and
actually face the other class members. How could anyone expect me to stand
in front of this many people and give a speech? I lost much sleep at night,
because I was so anxious about this class. The dreaded moment finally
arrived, when I was to give my first three-minute speech. With legs of
rubber, I arose and started for the front of the classroom. As I passed the
first row of desks, everything went black and I fainted.
Upon rising from such a state, I went home after
school, now assured that my dad would finally see the light on this matter.
How foolish I was to think that a Pentecostal preacher father would change
his mind over a little fainting spell. After hearing my account of what
happened, he simply assured me that God would grant me His grace to overcome
this great fear in my life. He surely didn't change his mind. if anything,
he was more determined than ever to see me over this mountain. I wanted it
removed from my life, he was sure that I was going to climb it clear to the
top.
The life altering moment came, when I had to give my
last speech of the year, to that Public Speaking class. We were instructed
to share a speech about the most influential person in our life. As a
Christian, I knew I had to share my salvation testimony. The words of the
scripture flooded my mind, "whosoever, therefore shall be ashamed of me and
my words - of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed." Mark 8:38. This was
a God given opportunity to let my light shine for the Master. The dreaded
moment came and I got up to go to the front of the class, still petrified,
and then it happened. The Holy Ghost in a public school classroom spoke
these words to me "Be not afraid of their faces." Instantly he quickened me,
and I spoke fluently without hesitation, about a change God can make in a
life. I went into that classroom paralyzed by a phobia about people and came
out delivered by the power of God. I left that classroom with such a
victory. I couldn't wait to share this news with my father. He wasn't even
surprised that God intervened on her behalf. From that day to this day, the
tormenting fear of people is gone from my life. I now look forward to every
opportunity I have to minister, and I no longer am plagued by fear. I just
have a deep sense of responsibility within. If the fear of people paralyzes
you, God can set you free! I am a living example of that!
I waited for about thirty years to see my childhood
dream fulfilled. I went to Free Gospel Bible
Institute for three years. I got married, and entered the full time
ministry as a pastor's wife. We spent twenty-two wonderful years laboring at
the Free Gospel Bible Institute. During this time of waiting, God was
developing and shaping my character, so that I could be more useful on a
mission field. As I look back now, I can see how the Lord carefully directed
my steps over these years. He provided numerous tasks that molded me for my
present labors here in the Philippines.
Finally in the year 2000, the opportunity came my way
to visit the Philippines for three weeks. It was miraculous, the way God
worked all the details out. So on June 9, 2000, I boarded a plane at
Pittsburgh Airport bound for the land of my dreams. I had many hours on a
plane to contemplate what might occur as I visited this mission field. I was
full of anticipation when I stepped of the plane in Manila, Philippines. It
was about 10:30 p.m. when I saw that city for the first time.
After climbing into a jeepney taxi, I had time to
survey the land of my calling. I was immediately alarmed, when I saw them!
Dogs and more dogs, and none of them leashed. I had carried a tremendous
terror of dogs, since I had encountered a German Shepherd at the age of
eight. If I saw an unleashed dog it would paralyze me with fright. In my
heart, I felt like I had better just get back on the plane, and head back to
Pittsburgh. How was I going to do a work for God with all these dogs? We
arrived at the mission guesthouse and settled in for the night.
When I laid my head on the pillow, all I could
visualize was dogs. The enemy of my soul spoke to me in a very clear manner.
"You thought you were going to do a work for God here, but I have sent the
dogs." Immediately something in my soul snapped, and I determined to pray
this matter through once and for all. As I lay on my bed, I poured my heart
out to God, while everyone else in the room was asleep. I felt the
deliverance of the Holy Ghost and a sweet peace covered my soul. Upon
arising, I wanted to be the first one out of the gate of the mission
gatehouse. As I opened the gate, the unleashed dogs could still be seen, but
I had not even a drop of fear in my heart. After being tormented by
this fear of mutts for years, I had overcome another mountain in my life.
I can't even describe the freedom I felt in my soul! It was almost
ironic. During my ministering times in the Philippines, I was usually
accompanied by at least one dog, which seemed content to be my bodyguard.
One Sunday morning, I was asked to bring the
message to a particular congregation. As I entered the church doors that
morning, an elderly sister introduced herself. She informed me that she was
Bro. Paul Corpez's sister, and I was preaching in his church that morning.
It still perplexes me as to the reason she felt compelled to share this
tidbit of information with me. It was here, that my childhood dream
came true. God had kept His promise! What God had revealed to me
in that youth camp missionary prayer was now, over thirty years later,
coming to pass! I was moved to tears at the awesome God works His will
out in our lives!
But one of the greatest moments in my ministry still
awaited me! I was invited to speak at an outside crusade service on a
Friday night in an outstation in Sinait. I ministered a simple
salvation message and gave the altar call. Ten people responded to the
message who had never heard the Gospel plan ever before. I was
overwhelmed to think that God used me to bring the message of His Son to
people in the Philippines for the very first time. I had heard all my
life that there really were people who had never heard the gospel message,
not even once. Now I found myself face to face with them, helping them
to accept Jesus as their person savior. There is nothing that can
compare to the joy that filled my soul as they prayed! And people
wonder what has drawn me back to this country? I long to share the
story of Jesus with others who have never even once heard.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first missions trip to the
Philippines. I felt like I linked with these Filipino people in a special
way. I loved the way they responded to the Word. The altar calls
were the highlight of my trip. As we headed back to Manila on a bus, I
inwardly knew that I would be returning to work as a full-time missionary
here. Little did I realize then that there would still be a few more
years of waiting. During this waiting time, sometimes the vision
looked dimmer than ever before, but my heart still ached for the
Philippines. How was God ever going to bring all that He had promised
to pass?
Within a few years, God spoke to my husband and
burdened him for the Philippines. I had much to learn about God and
myself during these years. The sooner we leave a matter in His hands,
the sooner He can work on our behalf. I thoroughly enjoyed our months
of itinerating as we traveled through the States sharing our burden.
As each service went by, a greater burden seemed to grip my soul. I
couldn't wait to board that plane bound for Manila.
On February 9, 2004, we said a tearful good-bye to
family, but boarded the plane with hearts full of the promises of God.
I appreciate the support of our families as we endeavored to step into this
new adventure in our life. On our first holiday here, Easter Sunday,
God made His presence so real in the morning service. I knew, beyond a
shadow of a doubt, the peace that comes from being in the center of His
will. Tears flowed down my cheeks, not from homesickness, but from
being overwhelmed by His presence! It is such a privilege and honor to
toil for the King of Kings. I am happy in the service of the
service of the King! It is my desire to be His hand extended to
these Filipino people.
It is my prayer that, as you read this testimony,
God might spark a new flame within you to fully answer His call. Remember!
There is no peace, there is no rest, until the Lord has His way! If
the calling of God is on your life, but you have many obstacles to
overcome, rest assured He will do what He says! Many times He is busy
working on our behalf, behind the scenes. Yes, I carried a dream
within for many years, but daily watching it be fulfilled! "Faithful is He
that calleth you who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24. God's
timetable, but He knows what is best!
THE MID-LIFE
MISSIONARY
God
has many different opportunities, in store for each of us, if we would just let
Him work in our lives. I was not raised in holiness, and did not realize that
there was such a multitude of holiness believers. In the summer of 1974, God
miraculously saved me from a life of sin. Alcohol had a hold of me even at 17
years of age, but praise God He delivered me.
In the spring of 1975, I went to Free Gospel Bible
Institute's Holiness Convention. There God called me into the ministry during the
Wednesday night service. Since I was new in the faith, I simply answered the
call of God. I did not realize that others at times resist the call. When He
called I gladly said yes the first time. I felt it was an honor to receive such
a call.
In the fall of 1975, 1 began my three years at Free
Gospel Bible Institute. In 1976, Rev. Royce Roy was home on furlough from Sierra
Leone. He went to the Philippines, for a short mission trip to investigate the
conditions of the work there. When he returned, he preached a stirring message
at the Bible School. It was during that service that God really stirred my heart
with an interest for missions, especially the Philippines. After my junior year,
I helped pastor a small church. It was while I was there that God dealt with my
heart that someday I would go to the mission field.
After graduation from Bible School, I went as an
assistant pastor to my home church in New York for a year. I left there to begin
to pastor a church in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. In my second year as pastor, I
began teaching at the Free Gospel Bible Institute. After seven years of laboring as
a pastor in two different churches, my family and I moved to Export to become
resident faculty members, and teach and work closely with the students. In many
ways it seemed as if we would never go to the mission field. We knew in our
hearts that God would eventually send us to the mission field, we just did not
know when. During the school months we kept a very busy schedule with our
responsibilities at the Bible School. Our summers were also filled with
ministerial opportunities, and the practical work of the ministry. How we thank
God for all of the opportunities we had there for service, and the many friends
we made among the holiness people. Free Gospel Bible Institute will always hold
a special place in our hearts.
When my wife took a short mission trip to the
Philippines I was so glad for her. In my heart though I wished for the same
opportunity to go. I had not yet felt though that God wanted us to leave Export.
There was still ministry at the Bible School that I believe God wanted to use us
in.
During the Free Gospel Church Camp missions service in
July of 2002, God dealt with my heart that now was the time to go to the
Philippines. We felt that it was only right with our responsibilities at Export
that we give them a year’s notice. In September 2002, we notified the school of
our intention to leave after May’s graduation, and begin itinerating for the
mission field.
We began weekend itinerating the summer of 2003. In
September 2003, we began full time itinerating. How grateful we are for the help
of God’s people. If it had not been for their generosity we would not be on the
mission field. It was exciting to watch as God worked out all of the details for
our departure. On February 9, 2004, we left the United States for the Philippine
Islands. God had us go to the mission field, after a relatively short time of
itinerating because there was a tremendous need for laborers.
It has been thrilling to see how God prepared us
through all the experiences we have had down through the years in the United
States. The things that happened there, were all instruments He used to prepare
us for this present task.
When you land in a country like the Philippines, it is
like stepping into a different world. Many of the modem services are available
in larger cities. Even in the larger cities you have everything, from the modern
to the extremely primitive way of life. When you get into the more remote
regions, even the simplest conveniences are unheard of.
My wife and I have been visiting the various Free
Gospel Churches, since we have been in the Philippines. It has been a privilege
to get to know the pastors and their congregations. We also have been given some
great opportunities to minister. Many times the unsaved Filipinos will come out
to church simply because an American is speaking. After service the pastor and
his family enjoy feeding you, and fellowshipping with you.
One thing that is becoming more difficult is to eat
food in the homes in the more undeveloped places. This is not due to the lack of
sanitary conditions. You pray and eat what is set before you in that case. The
difficulty comes when you realize the sacrifice that the people are making for
you to eat. For example recently we had fried fish, rice, igado (a pork dish),
and fruit. It was all delicious. We ate in the pastor’s home. The pastor lived
in a bamboo attachment to the back of the church. This family’s living quarters
broke our hearts. In a conversation with another pastor’s wife she told us that
her son, who is 2, really enjoys having meat with his rice. Sometimes when all
they have is rice, if he asks for meat, she will put ketchup on it, and say it
is spaghetti. When people are having this much difficulty meeting their own
needs it is hard to take from them, even though their feelings would be hurt if
you refused to eat.
People who have never been to a foreign field might ask, why don’t they get a
better job? The best jobs pay relatively little. There is very little money to
earn for the average person in the Philippines. For this reason many individuals
choose to go abroad to work as domestic help, and send money back to their
families. No matter how skilled an individual is they will still only have a
hand to mouth existence in the Philippines. One young man we know is a skilled
electronics repairman, and barely makes enough to take care of his own needs.
Most pastors and their wives that labor with the Free
Gospel Churches are very dedicated men and women. They have a burden to see
their people won to the Lord. Many of them in addition to pastoring their own
church hold services in other barangays throughout the week. There is a concern
to see as many brought into the kingdom of God as possible. This is the spirit
that has pioneered many of our churches. We are grateful for their commitment,
even though the earthly rewards may be minimal.
Bro. Berg mentioned the jail ministry the students from
Faith Bible Institute are involved with. I have had the privilege of preaching
there. It is so different from American jails that I have ministered in. When
you drive in the walled compound area, there is no telling who you will meet.
Most of the prisoners are roaming free. The man rubbing shoulders with you could
be a robber or a murderer. They listen so intently as you preach. When it is
time to come around the altar, it is not unusual to see some there with tears in
their eyes. A couple of weeks ago one man answered the salvation altar call,
stood there and just wept and wept. It is exciting to know that no matter where
the Filipino’s are we are having an opportunity to reach them. The brother that
is presently in charge of this ministry used to be single. There were times he
would come, and stay overnight in the jail, just so he would have more of an
opportunity to witness to the inmates.
One time I will not soon forget was when I was
preaching on the porch of a house for the first time for a Sunday morning
service. Everyone that passes by gets to hear a part of your message. Some will
stop and listen to what you have to say. I thought that the congregation would
be backward about responding with the whole group of people watching. However,
we had a wonderful move of the Spirit of God, right there on the porch. As we
prayed for people, they were slain in the Spirit and began to speak in tongues.
You should have seen the response of those that were passing by. Then we had a
wonderful communion service in the presence of the Lord. As a preacher one soon
must learn to blot out the distractions of people, vehicles and animals on a
foreign field.
One of our first trips was to the church in Camanga,
Badoc, where Pastor Jean Mahor labors. On the one and a half-hour trip about one
half of it is on paved roads. When we left the paved road, we traveled most of
the rest of the way through the river bottom. We actually had to cross the river
twice. After the message it was refreshing to see the altar filled with hungry
hearts reaching out to Him.
Pastor Jean would never tell it, but in order to go to
her church, you must cross the river. In the rainy season, the river is swift
and deep. Twice, she has almost lost her life crossing the river. The area she
works in is plagued with NPA (communist insurgents). Her life is realistically
in danger each night when she goes to sleep. Pastor Jean may be short in
stature, but she is very tall in courage in her circumstances. She is determined
to do a work for God in this area.
Preaching through an interpreter is a unique
experience. Most of the time, you must use an interpreter for all of the people
to really understand the message. This is the reason my wife and I are trying to
learn Ilocano. This is the language of the region we are working in. Our
teachers, although they are very educated, have made it clear,
that Ilocano is
simply a language that is learned in the home. English and Tagalog are taught in
the public schools. Although, Tagalog is the national language, many people in
the remote regions that we minister to do not have an understanding of it.
Ilocano has many rules, which don’t hold true all of the time, and sounds that
are not generally made in English. We long to be able to speak to these people
in their native tongue. People have a greater respect for you if you can talk to
them in their language. Please pray with us, that we can learn Ilocano quickly.
The mission field is a rewarding place to work for the
Lord. Easter Sunday I preached at our church in Refaro. I ministered how Mary
was in such despair at the tomb, but how God makes Himself so real during those
times. After the message there were several people who sought the Lord for help
in their trials. Many of them wept as they poured their hearts out to the Lord.
At the end of the service the pastor was so emotionally touched that he had to
stop a couple of times in his closing prayer to cry and regain his composure.
After the service he told me that the Lord had really helped him.
Easter Sunday night, after preaching on the baptism in
the Holy Ghost at our church in San Nicholas, a large portion of the church
was at the front seeking to be filled with the Holy Ghost, or to get a fresh
touch of the Spirit in their lives. How we thank the Lord for His presence and
help in these services! We’re grateful to God, that even though there is a
language barrier, He is working through us.
I was blessed to be able to preach several times at
Faith Bible Institute before graduation
in March. Our hearts were touched as we prayed around the altar with the
students as they cried out to God for His will in their lives, It felt almost
like we were back at Export. Pray that the Lord will help the enrollment to
increase so we will have more laborers for the harvest field. Any individual who
shows promise educationally is encouraged by their family to go on to a secular
school and try to make money. This is why it is such a battle for Filipino young
people to answer a call into the Lord’s service and especially Bible School.
The mission field is not all preaching and teaching the
Word. Sometimes the Gospel has work clothes on. There is much physical work and
office work that needs to be done. One day, I found myself on a tin roof, in 97
degree weather with several other preachers painting the roof to make it last
longer. Another day, I was making certificates on my computer for a Daily
Vacation Bible School for another pastor. During Graduation, when there was a
problem with two of our wells, we all labored, to implement a solution.
There are also the times when you must play the role of the Good Samaritan to
those in need. Each is a part of the real work of the Lord.
Our desire is to see the Free Gospel Churches of the
Philippines grow in number, and in quality of character among the saints. There
are so many barangays that have no real Bible preaching church. In Manila, there
are all kinds of preachers. Come with me though to the remote regions. There are
people but there are no churches. It is too difficult in those regions. These
people have souls that need to be reached. We need the power of Pentecost to
once again sweep through our churches. Many of the believers are not filled with
the Holy Ghost, or have not spoken in tongues in a long time. We must work, it
is yet day, for the night cometh when no man can work