Angels - They are here to protect God’s Servants!

The ministry of Church Planting has been my passion since the time the Lord called me to start IBBC in 1987.

Previous to this, the Lord already exposed and used me in different ministerial works such as Music Director, Assistant Pastor, Youth Director, Soul-winning Director, and a Bible College Instructor and Professor for many years; here in the US and in the Philippines. Without a doubt the Lord allowed these experiences to prepare me fulfill the works that I have today. 

God gave me and IBBC the Mandate to reach the total man and all men with the gospel of Christ; not only to enjoy heaven forever, but to exercise the faith He gave us through right living and faithful service until He comes. 

God’s work is never easy. It is a work that can only be done with the power and by grace of God. We have been called to continue the Father’s Will. It started with His Son Jesus who gave Himself as a sacrifice on the cross to allow men have a personal and everlasting relationship with God. After Jesus fulfilled His work of redemption on the cross, He rose again victoriously and gathered again those whom He saved, baptized by John and those He trained in Galilee to spread the same message of repentance and faith to the whole world. 

They met in Jerusalem and those who obeyed and were present were empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent them out into all the world and do the work of Harvesting those whom God has saved to teach them the whole counsel of God.

God’s Word made it clear that the mission field given to every local body of Christ, the Church is not only the locality where we live. It is the whole world! To struggling churches and Pastors, that would be difficult to understand. For me to understand this Works and Greater Works mandate, the Lord again showed and assured me to not be afraid for He is with me “Alway.” 

Let me share with you another miracle God did not only to me but also with those who were with me during my Mission trip to Edmonton and Calgary, Canada.

My miracle testimony #5

It happened in 2017 before Pandemic, when I, together with my wife, Angie, Jeremy Teh, and Pr. Roland Arines decided to travel to Edmonton, Canada from San Leandro, California via a rented van. This would be our first long drive to Canada that usually take 25 hours to drive. 

I have travelled many times with them before; sometimes together with any one of them to Las Vegas and LA. I really appreciate their love for mission and their willingness to drive for me and serve as my personal assistant in my travels. It is something I will cherish for eternity.

This particular trip was different and extra-ordinary. We left California on a good weather but upon reaching the Canadian boarder, we were met by a heavy snow storm. I always love and enjoy playing snow but this time it turned out different. At first, we were enjoying the white landscape and the snow-topped trees and mountains that we rarely see in the Bay Area. 

After on the road for several hours and excited to meet our IBBC Edmonton brethren, we encountered a heavy snow storm, driven by strong wind that our driver, Pr Roland, had to slow down. To be sure we were on the right path, we would simply follow behind big trucks; not only to stay on paths already cleared of snow, but to also protect and shield us from the blinding blizzard brought by a strong wind. 

Since there was no clear sight of where to stop safely and the whole landscape was white with deep snow, we kept driving until we got to the next city. We dared not stop on the side of the road for obvious reason. I was starting to get anxiously worried of stress and my heart condition but I refused to let them know what I was thinking and feeling.

At last the storm weakened and we started seeing the horizon. After gesturing thank you to the truck driver who gave us company and protection, we went ahead on our own, looking ahead for a place where there would be gas outlets and fast-food restaurants. We all sighed feeling relieved to finally found one. When it was time to exit, there was no way we could see the road we were on. The place was all under several feet of snow. I told Roland to at least give it a try and focus on the middle road to stay out of the deep side. He did with caution and slowly…when all of a sudden, the van went into a deep end. If you could imagine the snow was up at the hood of the van so that there was no way to know where we landed. 

All 4 of us got out of the ban and started pushing while Pr Roland was maneuvering the steering wheel but nothing happened. After pushing many times, Pr Roland tried driving the car but the wheels were just moving and going even deeper. We rested for while, hoping and waiting for a rescue truck to come. Btw, the cell phone was also weak. We could see trucks and cars on the freeway but nobody was making an exit to where we were. 

I have been praying silently for God to send help. Afraid to be stuck deeper because of the incoming snow, we decided to pray as a group and again tried to move and drive the van to no avail. It was a 7 seater van and heavy. All 4 of us were heavy as well. We were cold, frustrated, stressed, and worried because nothing was happening. The van would not move or budge. 

I was already feeling exhausted and frustrated that I said, let us wait inside until someone comes to rescue us. Then all of a sudden, while I was about to get in the van, i heard a voice from the back saying, “you need help?” With a feeling of relief I said, “oh yes. Thank you!”

He was a tall white guy, about 6ft with a blond hair. He wore a Levi pants and a black coat with a snow boots on and he had something on his head. I figured all 4 of us plus this tall, big would surely move the van free! Well, this gentleman did not wait for us to position ourselves to help him. He pushed the van by himself and moved it to a safer place. I was touching the van to help but I did not even exert any effort. The same way with my companions. 

We were all thankful and when I started to talk and thank him and shake his hand, even give him food and drink, he was gone. He simply disappeared the same way he appeared! We all started looking for shoe trace to track where he went. There was none. We were so relieved that we were not fully comprehending and totally realized what happened until we were safely on the freeway… then we started to wonder…

“Where did he come from.” 

“We did not even get his name.”

“How come there was no shoe tracks on the snow?”

“How did he appear and disappear so quickly!”

Since we could not think of any rational answers to those questions, we all came into conclusion that God heard our prayers and He sent this special angel to rescue us. This angel had no wings, no glow, no sword. He looked so human physically but with an incredible strength and a great heart!! I am sure he will introduce himself to me someday and say….”Remember that time in Canada?”

Hebrews 13:2 KJV

[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.