author

Edwin Joseph

Full Name: Edwin Joseph Sotomango Villagomez
Age: 22
Hobbies: Writing Articles, Searching For Christian Sites, Listening Christian Music, Searching For Christian Bloggers
Church Ministry: Youth Ministry
Affiliations: City of Praise For Asia, Gideons International, Kjam Astig Kabataan, GYMN Asia

PERSONAL MISSION:

“I will live, so that others may live.”

I am not an extraordinary youth. Not a skillful musician nor a popular public speaker. I am an ordinary youth but have extraordinary plans for God.

- To Be A Good FOLLOWER
– To Be A Good DISCIPLER
– To Be A Good ADVISER
– To Be A Good WITNESS

MY LIFE: Who is Edwin Joseph?

Edwin Joseph is known as “Jeff” or “Coach.” Second child of a Pastor, an Evangelist which is also a Missionary. A brother of a youth pastor in our church. Basically, I am part of a deep christian family.

Just like any other youth, I never dreamed of being like one of them. Since childhood till my high school years, I regularly attend church services, no absence. But ofcourse, attending church does not make me a christian. All of us know, christianity starts when we put our faith on the redemption that Jesus did on the Cross, not just simply believing.

Problem starts when I went to college. I lived a separate life because my school is 8 hours distance away from our house. In my first 2 years of college, I was not able to regularly attend church. My parents wouldn’t even know if I’m attending. In short, that time, I became too lazy going to church. I lived a live which I prefer. I do what I do. I AM THE BOSS!

MY PROBLEM:

After those years, unusual things started happening in my life. As far as people know, although I am skinny type of guy, I am naturally healthy. I seldom feel sick, I never had experience of being brought to a hospital because of sickness. But then came a time when I was strucked by a very unfamiliar illness. It made me feel sleepy all the time, even in school. I don’t have appetite as if I don’t like any food. Whenever I eat, I vomit. I feel weaker and weaker everyday.

Guess what? There is no one taking care of me that time. My parents and relatives are far away. I don’t have my best friend near me. I just hoped I had a girlfriend that time haha

My point is, I am all alone!

I know that a lot of people care for me, but none of them was available. Imagine, I am weak most of the time however, I still need to stand up and walk just for me to buy my medicine and food to eat.

I am all alone!

Back then, I started asking myself and God, “Will my life end here? Is my purpose in life fulfilled?” (Not that I’m doing anything to fulfill it ) There are a lot more questions that keep popping into my mind. I lost hope! Everyone in that kind of situation will think the same, because it feels like no one cared.

All of a sudden, unconsciously I turned my eyes on a wall poster which says, “Be still and Know that I am your God. Psalms 46:10.“ I’ve been staying in that same room for 2 years but I never noticed that poster before. Funny thing is that I was able to read it the time I needed it most.

I never had any choice but to cling on God. (Sad to say that most christians cling to God at times they don’t have any choice. Normally God is our last resort!). Instead of questioning God of my situation, I just thanked Him. I realized that we can’t truly rely even to our friends and family, only to God. He stays the same. He never changed even though we keep hurting Him.

BRIGHTER YEARS STARTS!

God is the great comforter. A great friend. A great Father! He made me realize that our life will never be peaceful, struggles will be thousands upon thousands, problems will never stop.

Even if we are walking with God, He did not promise a stress free life. However, we can always be assured that He will stand in our behalf to make us feel comfortable and safe.

That moment on, I desired knowing Him deeply. I invested more time reading my bible, enjoying my prayer and regularly attending church. In fact, most of the time, I testify God’s greatness in front of the congregation. I never feared speaking towards a bunch of christians. I feel encouraged sharing His works in my life.

Everything changed! My lifestyle, my attitude, my way of thinking, my plans, MY LIFE!

HERE’S SOMETHING INTERESTING:

As I look back on that previous life experience, I have 2 great memories I can’t forget. I may have forgotten the church name, the pastors name, even the members in the church, but I never forgot the song I heard. It was the song which made me realize that my life will not yet end, that God has a better plan for me – something that is yet to be fulfilled.

The song was entitled, “Rise Up” and “New Season“. (To hear the song, simply browse on the music devotional category) When I heard these 2 songs, I know that it has a deeper meaning in my life. It’s like a prophetic song; a personal declaration of God’s plan for my life.

WHEN PROPHETIC SONG BECOMES REALITY:

Four years have gone through since that life threatening experience which changed my life. Again, although I am part of a highly called christian family, I never thought of being like  them. In fact, I never knew that one day I will be serving the ministry… God’s plan always prevail!

“Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, said the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

He orchestrated everything. It was out of my consciousness to be the person He wants me to be. The prophetic song is now being fulfilled! He is now equipping me, training me for a much higher call for service. If before I started supporting our church ministry, now, He is giving me one of the church ministries – The Youth Ministry!

It was never a part of my plan. I just woke up one day, it’s with me…

MY STORY CONTINUES…

My work is directly related to internet marketing. I have a boss who owns several websites  and at the same time sells websites and internet products. My task is basicallyto manage his sites, to create promotional campaigns, to boost his popularity online, and to write self help articles for him.

I have already written hundreds of self help articles for my boss. It was an achievement for me although my boss put his name as the author, personally I’m proud that he loves posting my writings online.

Then came a time when God reminded me of a preaching which says that  “We can serve God anywhere, anytime.” I told myself that if I can write self help articles for other people’s reading, might as well write my daily devotional experience in a blog.

I am just an ordinary youth. I may not be a pastor who preach at the pulpit, but what encourages me to share my devotional writings is because I do believe we are all called to share His gospel. Not all are born preachers, however all are called to be teachers of the Word.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Most people usually refuse to share. You know why? They constantly tell themselves that they don’t have skills to teach. In reality, God does not  require skills for us to be worthy to share. We need to realize that we are nothing apart from Him. When God pour out His anointing, any miracle could happen. We simply need to obey and step forward.

PURPOSE OF SITE:

My goal for this website is to raise christian youths who will share their daily experience with God. Devotional writing doesn’t need to be very complicated. Even famous pastors like Max Lucado don’t write long devotionals!

What’s important in writing devotionals is that the writer should know that the message freshly comes from God. In fact, you don’t need to be a copywriter or a licensed writer. As long as you know how to tell stories, it’s enough!

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

We can serve God anytime, anywhere…

We are all ordinary persons even pastors, but what makes us extra-ordinary is when
God pour out His anointing on us.

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