By: Maranatha M. Manginsay
Being in an unfamiliar city for the first time to spend time in college can be overwhelming. Apart from learning in school, there were new places to explore, a new set of people to get acquainted with, and even a new language to learn. That is why the first thing I did was to find a church to help me grow spiritually and soothe my homesickness.
God really answers prayers. A classmate invited me to attend their church (JIL Church Dumaguete) because they had this KKB gathering. "That sounds fun," I thought and cordially took the invitation. I became a member from 2004 to 2008.
The Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB) really had a huge impact during my college years, which I’m going to bring for the rest of my life. The important values KKB has taught me are to be selfless and cultivate Christ-like attributes. It has taught me to be “a person who is willing to carry his own cross and follow Jesus.” “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it" (Matthew 16:25). We develop them as we journey our living faith with God.
Back then, I was a volunteer, taking pictures during KKB events and gatherings. I was glad to work behind the scenes because it served as an eye-opener for me to be exposed to different environments like the feeding and outreach programs held outside Dumaguete City. Indeed, there really was a need to preach the Gospel in cities and in provinces. The Gospel says, “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him" (Psalms 22:27).
KKB has imbibed into our hearts and thoughts that it is God’s plan that His message would go out to places. Moreover, being a part of a youth group is not a hindrance to sharing his Word but rather an opportunity to preach and be bold with one’s faith in the Lord. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).
I praise God for the lives of Ptra. Mardy Manguinimba and Ptr. Edgar Manguinimba, whose godly leadership and fervent prayers led to a fruitful ministry. Their profound service is immeasurable, and now, the church is experiencing the fruit of their labors.
It is such a joy knowing that most of the KKB members during my time are still active members and have also become church leaders of JIL Church Negros Oriental. Their passion for serving God and the hunger in knowing Him more just keep on growing. I have to meet them yet because I moved out after graduation. Social media is the only communication we have now.
However, let us continue encouraging one another to advance God’s Kingdom. As the Word of God says,
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
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