LOOK AT ME

By Ian De Ocampo

I've been a Christian for about five years now.  Looking back, it's really amazing how God has changed my life.

I had a lot of vices back then and I was not a diligent student. The Gospel was shared to me one time. Actually not just one time – it was a constant barrage from God through my classes, sermons, and the like. But I didn't immediately accept it until I realized how wasted my life really was.

It was then that I started serving God through the ministries in GCF. I was a regular at SATJAM, and I've gotten to know some people through youth camps. There were signups and... I enlisted. God has used me more ever since.

I'm currently focusing on my ministry within the Worship Team and UP Frontline. I first got involved with the Worship Team because I knew technical stuff, and at the same time I really wanted to serve God. I also got involved with the Fellowship team, since I loved making friends. UP Frontline, though, is something special.

I knew I was not worthy of getting into UP Diliman, seeing as how bad I used to be. I knew that if I got in, it would be because of God alone, working His will. Thinking about that, I committed to God the decision to let Him use me to minister in the campus... and indeed He has.

I find that it is important to put to action what I learn from God and grow spiritually in it. It's a matter of commitment and time management, but really, it's an issue of passion. I love serving God, because I love my God who has delivered me from where I used to be. I love my God and I want to express my love for Him by serving Him.

I'll be the first to say, though, that I am unworthy to serve God. But look at me now. I am able to serve in the ministry because Jesus has already bridged the gap between me and God with His death on the cross. It actually is a privilege to serve God. Hey, I know it's hard, but if Eternity with God is the payoff, then all that hardship is worth it. Paul says it very clearly, “… Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Again, it is in service that we grow in faith. If one doesn't grow in faith, it's like he's a plant that stayed as a sprout or a seedling, not being of any use. But if that seedling grew into a tree, it would be a blessing; we all know how many uses a tree can have. That's service to God, and that's growing in faith.

Anyone who wants to grow in the faith can start with reading the Bible and talking to God through prayer. That's what my discipler, Pastor Herbert, always reminds me with as well.

I have to represent Jesus to those who don't know Him, that's what an ambassador for Christ means. We can't stain His name. We should show Jesus through our lives His love for the lost and let them know about His saving grace.

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Interview edited together by Aldrin. Share your testimony about how you got into serving God below.