“Be Not Faithless” {with giveaway winners}

(Painting of Jesus healing a leper. Source: storiesnow.com)

One year ago today, I posted the very first testimony that I wrote on my Minister of Mercy blog. This was the testimony of beloved Ordained Preacher Luisito “Louie” Angeles:

Upon finishing Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Brother Louie was raring to work abroad and so, without wasting any time, he applied for a job in the Middle East. But he found out that his dream would never come to reality, for after his medical exams, he was found to have leprosy. This was the start of his nightmare… Read the whole testimony.

In celebration of Minister of Mercy’s 1st anniversary, I have posted over there the amazing testimony of Brother Arvin Arica:

On the same year that Brother Arvin received the Lord Jesus as his Lord and Savior, his faith was tested to the uttermost. One day, he was accidentally electrocuted by 33,000 volts and he died on-the-spot. It was truly a miracle that he came back to life after being dead for several minutes. But his life after the accident would prove to be more trying, one that he never dared imagine. Read the whole testimony.

On Sunday, October 2 (which also happens to be my birthday :-)), Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry will be celebrating the 11th anniversary of the Victorious Mindanao Peace Mission. In mid-2000, beloved Hon. Pastor Evangelist Wilde E. Almeda, together with 12 prayer warriors, entered the camp of Abu Sayyaf in the mountains of Talipao, Jolo, Sulu in the island of Mindanao. Their mission was to pray for the sick Sipadan hostages that were being held by the Abu Sayyaf, help liberate them safely, and to preach the gospel to the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG).

Earlier attempts by other individuals including a Catholic priest, with the same mission, had utterly failed and ended in their horrific deaths. Before the JMCIM group set out for this highly dangerous mission, most of them had fasted for minimum of forty days.

After all the 21 Sipadan hostages were freed, the JMCIM group was made to stay (a decision that was beyond their control) in the mountains for approximately 3 months in the worst conditions imaginable. But despite all the real perils they encountered, they all came down safe and complete. Not one of them was killed despite many attempts by the Abu Sayyaf.

[More information on the Abu Sayyaf]

Later on, one of the ASG faction’s leaders was taken captive in an encounter with government forces and while in prison, he requested to be visited by a JMCIM representative. A prayer warrior who was one of those who entered the ASG camp in 2000 visited him. This ASG faction’s leader expressed his deep respect to our beloved pastor and made a commitment that he would come to church and receive baptism in the name of Jesus when he is freed. But before this would happen, he was killed in a riot in jail.

[Read the detailed story of the victorious Talipao Peace Mission]

On Sunday morning (around late-afternoon of Saturday in the U.S.), I will put the link to the live webstream of the anniversary celebration and spiritual revival which will be held at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park, Manila.

Giveaway Winners!!!

USA/Canada: Pamela over at Our Sheltering Tree

Philippines: Sis. Fe Marquez

Thanks so much to all who posted their comments. Blessings to all of you!

This post is linked to Walk with Him Wednesdays at A Holy Experience, Proverbs 31 Thursday, Brag on God Friday, Spiritual Sundays