This was my first Operation Jabez (OJ) experience, which truly altered my heart and way of serving God. I am thankful to my family, the pastors around me, my ministry partners, my discipler, and my church family, who were God's confirmation for this mission to Catanduanes. Despite initial resistance and feeling overwhelmed before going, the fire in my heart kept burning. God kept pursuing me. Indeed, God qualifies the ones He calls, even if I don't feel qualified. No excuses, restrictions, or shortcomings stopped the working of God in my life. 

One of my highlights is a prayer time I attended in a church in Bato, a place in Catanduanes. The prayer meeting there was unlike anything I'd experienced before – so much humility and dependence on God that I was moved to kneel down publicly for the first time, laying all my worries before Him. God’s people there were so spirit-filled. Everyone was kneeling and declaring a revival in their island. It was a deeply personal experience of letting go and trusting in His work, not my own. 

Sharing the Gospel there had its share of challenges, sometimes I was like talking to a wall, and a lot would reject and ignore me. But throughout my stay in Catanduanes, God taught me to let God take over. And He did. The team didn’t just share and connect with local churches there, but we were able to empower church leaders and the youth to evangelize and even journey with the people they reach.

Witnessing God's powerful work in Catanduanes, touching lives, and empowering local believers for continued ministry was a heartfelt and fulfilling experience. It not only allowed me to serve others but also brought  personal growth and a deeper reliance on God. And I’m still overjoyed that I’m one of the volunteers He called to minister to people in Catanduanes. I will never forget their hospitality, heart for missions, love for God’s people, and ultimately, love for God. Seeing the confidence and joy in the newly trained youth as they shared their faith highlighted the movement God started in Catanduanes. And with the seeds planted, may God equip His ministries there more. 

Catanduanes will forever have my heart. And I hope the joy, fulfillment, and love I felt will be experienced by more volunteers there. Ultimately, I pray that students like me will be able to experience and have that burden to step out and step into God’s mission in places like Catanduanes, a beautiful island with beautiful people longing for God's saving grace. May they also feel the fulfillment, joy, and love we felt, ministering and loving the people in Catanduanes.