A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!

I’m blessed, I’m touched! I’ve run out of words to describe how I felt last night… I was really surprised to see the members of my small group gather together in one special event.

How did it go? At around 6:30 pm right after the afternoon service in Victory Fairview, I was in a rush. My old friend was waiting for me at MRT Ayala station and I need to meet her there at 7:30 pm. But suddenly, I was delayed to go early. Karen called me up in my mobile phone asking me to go to Leny’s house. She was persuading me to come but didn’t give any detail so I wondered what happened… Leny also sent a text message that my presence is badly needed because she needs prayer… Stef followed me inside the center as I was talking with Karen and offered to accompany me. In short, we went together to Leny’s house and Karen opened the gate for us.

I was speechless when I saw the table filled with food, a birthday cake and a birthday banner with my name on it. Wow, these ladies really exerted their effort to prepare a small party for my birthday. It was a nice feeling and didn’t expect them to do it. Then I realized how they avoided me earlier just to surprise me. I didn’t have a hint of it but was slightly suspicious that they were up with something… Well, I never thought it was all about “me”.

Each one of them revealed their own version of the story and we laughed at how the “plan” succeeded. Earlier in the afternoon, they were anxious upon knowing that I need to leave early. So Stef asked some close friends to stop me from leaving and thought of ways to completely persuade me to stay, or else their prepared event would be a failure, hehe!

Next was a speech from everybody. Who would ever know, we were only five when we started our small group but we are now divided into three groups with over twenty members in all and still counting. Despite the absence of some members, others were there: Stef, Karen, Stella, Joy, Judy, Myra, Leny, Jackie, Jonah and Joy Anne. I was greatly encouraged with their words and the impact that I made in their lives. Seeing them grow in their faith, becoming active in the ministry and following up newcomers are enough to compensate the time and effort that I spent with them.

I was teary-eyed when I gave my message, I can’t believe that the women in front of me would be able to appreciate what I did for them. Yes, I’m not perfect, I have my own character flaws, I even have bloopers but I thank God for making me an effective leader to look after them. I never asked for honor and fame, I just obeyed and answered the call. Now I say, these women are my greatest achievement, they are my trophy and they are my greatest reward.

Date: March 29, 2009

Place: Leny’s Place