oning

It’s been more than 8 years since I’ve seen these two hard workers in the Kingdom of God. They are Adela Lambojon AND Ronnie Polistico. They are working full time in the ministry as a pioneering church planters. They’ve already planted two churches. When I heard where they were serving, I decided to visit them right away. It was a 45 minute drive from my wife Nene’s family. I wanted to take them a gift since it was Christmas but since I didn’t know that I’d be seeing them I hadn’t prepared to get them anything but in my heart I really wanted to give them something that would impact their Christmas. As I looked around our room I saw five Bibles that had been purchased with Speed the Light funds that I hadn’t distributed over this past year. So I decided to give it to them. They were so happy because they really really needed Bibles for their pioneering churches. God met their needs through the generosity of iRock Ministries and Speed the Light.

Our whole conversation with them while we visited was very interesting. Their experiences in ministry and their persecution from other christians was similar to what Nene and I have experienced. God is so amazing. My experiences of persecution acted as a guide that allowed me to connect to their feelings and emotions. Because of the advice that I received from my friend and mentor, Terry Williams when I was going through similar hardship, I was able to encourage them like a wise man. Now I understand why I had to go through such difficult circumstances and thank God for the experiences I’ve have.

If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain. (Go to the bottom of this post for a little background on that saying) Similarly, If the kids or people won’t come to church then we will bring the church to them.
Every Saturday at 1:00 pm, Nene and I would prepare and travel to the small group at Matina Pangi which starts at 3:00 PM (if no rain). Riding my cute and nice motorcycle, with my wife riding at my back and holding a lot of props, we thought that we would be the earliest people to arrive, but we were wrong. The kids were already there and waiting for the small group Bible study. As we walked through a small alley to our meeting place the kids were shouting our names, “Hello ate Nene, hello kuya Oning!” We said, hello. How are you doing? We greeted them and talked about their week.

We’d play with bubbles or anything that would make them feel good to break the ice of silence.We’d laugh together and start singing and praising God with songs like “Oh magnify the Lord for He is worthy to be praised…………..!!!
We’d do objects lessons and share practical examples during our small group time. We’d tell a story and for the new comers, we’d make sure that they had an opportunity to accept Jesus into their heart. We never know if that is the first time they’ve ever heard the gospel of salvation or perhaps the last. Only God knows. We always grab the opportunity to add more members to God’s family.

After the message, depending on whether or not we had been blessed that week with resources, we would give out prizes. We would all pray for the snacks and eat together.

Before everyone went home, my wife Nene would administer first aid medication and we would pray for them, their needs and protection for the whole week.

God is doing an amazing work in this small village and we are excited to be used by God to reach the children that have been forgotten.

Saying: “If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain.” This expression is based on a tale that Muhammad once sought proof of his teachings by ordering a mountain to come to him. When it did not move, he maintained that God had been merciful, for if it had indeed moved they all would have been crushed by it. [Late 1500s]

When he preached, he preached on top of the mountain or high grounds so as the people can hear him and see him better. People kept asking for proof that he was a Prophet, as many prophets before him, did many miracles and he never did any. So, one day he decided to order the mountain to come to him, but the mountain did not move, and as usual, the Angel comes to his rescue and explained though Muhammad that the mountain didn’t move for the protection of the people!!

Now, you have to ask yourself why Muhammad asked the mountain to move! Islam draws many comparisons from the life of Christ. Jesus himself said, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Where Jesus teaches that nothing is impossible in our humanity, Muhammad teaches limitations because of our humanity.

From Pastor Terry Williams of iRock Ministries: We believe that the ministry Pastor Oning and Nene have started in Matina Pangi will see many miracles, people will develop the faith to move mountains and that nothing they desire to do is impossible with Christ.

Our paths cross again!

Matina Pangi Church Plant

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