Modern-Day Moses, Answering God’s Call
We're all walking on this road called life, albeit in our own directions. But when God calls us towards His direction, it's hard not to answer or to be affected by it.
Just like how God called upon Abraham, Solomon, Moses, and many others—He called Joey and Amy Santiago, and just like any road, there were bumps and hurdles along the way.
Bobby Santiago, Joey's persistent brother (our brother in Christ from ICOC Rizal), first reached out to them. Though they weren't disciples yet, they were known by most as having giving and serving hearts.
When they owned a canteen near the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay,
they would offer free food to the campus disciples.
Many of these campus disciples were on tight budgets, so their acts of kindness were very appreciated.
They even welcomed disciples to host Bible Talks and evangelism activities in their restaurant—all of this before they even studied the Bible!
It was because of these Bible Talks and disciples that God was able to move Joey and Amy's hearts. A few days after the first Bible talk, they started studying the Bible. After learning God's Word, Joey and Amy were baptized, affirming Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
But no story is perfect. Even Moses was hesitant and unsure about what God was calling him to do, and so were Joey and Amy when God called them in a new direction. They, too, had their share of doubts and fears, just like many of us do.
In 2023, they were asked to lead the newly instated San Juan Mission Ministry. They weren't exactly jumping with excitement. They didn't consider themselves fit to lead a ministry, preferring to take more supportive roles. However, in the end, as Moses still chose to submit to God's will and free the Israelites, the Santiagos found strength and confidence through God's power and pushed past their fears and uncertainties.
With hearts filled with God's zeal, they responded to God’s call and agreed to lead the San Juan Mission Ministry, doubling their numbers in less than a year. This is a testament to the transformative power of God’s calling and the potential for growth within each of us.
As disciples, we can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced surroundings, allowing our jobs and responsibilities to distract us from our calling. With this in mind, Joey Santiago leaves a word of encouragement:
"We can do much more even when busy with our livelihoods. Our purpose as disciples continues beyond there. At our age, give time to God. When leading a church, you are not merely leading an organization; these are souls you will lead. And if we can succeed in leading, remember that it’s not because of us but because of God.”
Minister's Corner
“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
Isaiah 40:29-31 emphasizes the reliance on God's strength in the context of mission sending. It assures that even in moments of weakness or exhaustion or even in old age, God grants power and renewal to those who trust in Him. He said they only need to “HOPE in HIM.”
This passage encourages all who work for the Lord to wait, trust, and look on none other than the Lord, knowing that their strength will be restored, enabling them to navigate challenges with endurance and faith. Ultimately, it paints a picture of God's sustaining presence, empowering those weak and strong—young and old alike—to rise above obstacles and confidently fulfill their calling.
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