The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways we live–including how we serve in the Lord’s ministry. But even if there are physical restrictions, our being fishers of men cannot be deterred.
For Sis. Maricris Pammit of JIL San Isidro, Cabuyao, Laguna and Sis. Karylle Cabugatan of JIL Peace Village/Inarawan and Pinugay, Antipolo City, sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ must continue. This pandemic is all the more reason for them to obey Jesus’ command to go out and proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Sis. Maricris: rich harvest of souls online
Two weeks before the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, Sis. Maricris received a revelation from the Lord that made her pray more for family members who were yet to receive Jesus’ salvation.
She held on to God’s promise in Acts 16:31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” His Word reassured Sis. Maricris that the Lord would never turn His back on her heart’s desire for the salvation of her family members.
And then she acted on her faith. Sis. Maricris invited her mother and siblings last April 10 to an online bible study and, to her surprise, they agreed to join. It was an unforgettable date for her as it was also the day that her mother and siblings finally recognized and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. To add to the blessing, her mother who had just received Jesus in her heart requested that they do the online bible study every day. Her heart burst in joy.
Henceforth, they hold their online Bible study every day at 8:00 p.m.
Sis. Maricris also encouraged their other relatives to join the online Bible study. They eventually did and they also received Jesus’ gift of salvation. As of now, 12 family members have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior through the online bible study that Sis. Maricris pioneered. Praise God for this rich harvest of souls!
Sis. Karylle: salvation at the perfect time
Sis. Karylle had one precious prayer: that her father would open his heart to the One she serves—Jesus.
Amid this pandemic, she prayed even more that God would answer her precious prayer, especially because her father had a lingering illness due to his old age. She always reminded God of Mark 11:24 that says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Sis. Karylle felt the urge to make her father watch the JIL Worship and Healing Services aired on Light TV. She admitted that, at first, it was difficult to persuade her father into watching. But by unceasing prayers and perseverance, her father eventually obliged. Sis. Karylle was in awe of the Lord for the answer to her long-standing prayer about her sick dad.
As they watched together Bro. Eddie’s televised messages, she would see her father intensely listening to God’s revelation. There were even instances when tears freely fell from her father’s eyes. Her heart melted every time at the sight of it. Then there was that time when he joined the prayer of acceptance led by Bro. Eddie during the Worship and Healing Service. As he prayed, Sis. Karylle sensed the humility in her dad to come to Jesus.
So when her father passed away last April 28 due to his illness, there was assurance that he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Savior. While her father’s passing is still painful, Sis. Karylle is thankful because the Lord embraced and comforted her dad up to his last breath.
Sis. Maricris’ and Sis. Karylle’s testimonies are proofs that the God we serve is a God of turnarounds. That even at such a time like this, God can produce something good out of it.
Theirs are testimonies reminding us that if we still have loved ones or friends who have not yet received Jesus’ salvation, we must never give up on praying for them. Because in God’s perfect time – even in the midst of a pandemic – they shall be part of the harvest. Like what they always say, “Faith it until you make it!”
Photo courtesy: Sis. Maricris Pammit and Sis. Karylle Cabugatan