What will you do when the inevitable comes knocking at your door?
There was one morning of January last 2020, after all the busy schedule in the ministry doing what we called “Love in Action” from the month of December 2019 where we gave winter jackets to 3 villages,and catered visitors in the new house we rented. So overwhelmed with what God has been doing.
My husband got unexpected visitors while I and my daughter were at the school. He heard a shout outside the gate as if asking if somebody’s at home. He peeked at the window and saw ten armed soldiers waiting for him to come out. It is when he thought will be the day that he will get caught because of his ministry. He admitted that he was trembling. But he muttered a prayer of thanks to the Lord.
You might wonder why a prayer of thanks in such frightening situation? but he did thank God that we are not in the house at that time, and as if saying his last prayer, He asked God to take care of us. He mustered his courage and begun to walk towards the gate still interceding.
He asks them what are their concerns in visiting? Then the officer, with his translator asked, “From where are you?” with the leading of the Holy Spirit, instead of answering from the Philippines which is supposed to be the proper answer to the question, he said “I’m from this village, you can ask the chieftain there, he is my friend”.
After saying this, there was a sudden change of facial expressions from the authorities. From the hard and serious look to a soften voice and gentle face. Maybe because the chieftain that he mentioned is known to have a lot of friends that are in the higher position. They then ask for our legal papers.
My husband knew that their original purpose is not to check documents but to arrest him because of a neighbor who tipped him off. And authorities only come with guns if they are to arrest someone. But God has given him wisdom on how to handle the situation, with his knees still trembling of course. He then catered to them inside the premisesof the house and offered water.
He showed all the legal documents and started to have wonderful conversation. He was able to surpass that day with the strength and wisdom comingfrom theHoly Spirit. They then leave the house peacefully. He fall asleep after losing his strength and picked us out of school late, he told me what happened as soon as we arrived home.
I was reminded by this passage in Matthew chapter 10, verses 17-20, which says
“But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Indeed God will send His Helper in times of trouble. He will grant us wisdom on what to say. He will be our very present help in times of need. May we be sensitive enough to hear what the Lord is saying when the time comes that we face similar situation such as this. Or be confident enough with the promises of God that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Declaring Blessings.
Monica Las Duce is a missionary currently residing in “A” country with her husband and her daughter. She lost her second baby in 2021 but God have been so faithful to them and blessed them with another. While helping her husband in the ministry, she is also working as a primary school teacher to sustain their needs and the ministry. They have been serving for almost three years now.
