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The Journeys of a Preacher |
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Bro. John Gabe
February 24, 2008
W e should not be afraid to speak about God. We should be proud about our faith.
Prior to 1986, life to me was fleeting; it was more on the "physical" realm. Simply put, quite a number of men used me for (their) carnal agenda.
But life changed after I attended a Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar in April of 1986. A sister in Christ who prayed over me told me that I would be used by God for His purpose. A priest said the same.
All baptized Catholics are missionaries.
I became a "challenged" Catholic in the midst of non-Catholics especially when I became a preacher in Cotabato. Despite the conversion of my Muslim family to Catholicism, I remained a reluctant preacher for a time.
When I came to Manila in 1993, I was brought back to preaching ministry. I realized then that the Lord has used me for a purpose.
In 2001, I finally found my niche. I became a persistent preacher since then.
Amid the criticisms on my "lingual deficiencies," I continued in the service.
Pope Paul II tells us not to be afraid to speak about God. He inspires us to stand up for our faith.
Another life inspiration is Fatima. I thank God and Mama Mary for choosing and using me for His purpose.
Last year, I went back to Cotabato four times for healing seminars/talks and one-on-one counseling.
Those series of visits did not save me from persecutions, but alas, I felt vindicated by the parish priest's written consent giving me an "official preacher" seal of approval in Cotabato.
To date, I already have more than 10 communities in Cotabato.
Even the Chinese community there got my services.
I'm going back to my hometown this May for a talk.
Each one of us has a mission. Let us give importance to one another. But let us shepherd our own families first.
Together, let us grow spiritually as one in Christ.
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