FOCUS

Being invited by a friend to join IV fellowship last 2000, my heart once more rejected to do what I had used to a couple of years ago. I had been a regular fellowship goer of one of the Christian groups in the campus; but when my BS leader moved to another place, Our BS also stopped. When I was in second year Vet proper, that friend’s invitation paved the way for my serious involvement with Inter-Varsity. I was oriented and later encouraged to consider LCDC that semestral break. Without any hesitation, I attended as a first-timer. There, I really enjoyed the company of Christian friends and much more the moments I spent with God during quiet times and sessions. When the second semester came, I was bombarded with responsibilities. Though I refused many times, God indeed made His way of touching my heart in a least expected time and way. I was then pursuing the most difficult stage of my Vet Med years. I really asked God then not to demand even a single minute from me.  I said to myself, “Sayang, mag-mememorize pa ako!”. My loads then were seriously difficult especially my pharmacology and pathology subjects. But because I was chosen, I obeyed.  There was really a time when I came running (helplessly crying) to ate Norie, informing her that I want to give up my BS groups so I can concentrate with my head-breaking subjects. Embarrassing though, I almost gave up attending fellowships, prayer meetings and leaders’ meetings; much more when I lose hope of going to KC which I had been praying long before. But God heard my prayers and sent me to KC months later. There I was rigidly equipped, nurtured and challenged to serve God more. As I came back, expectations shadowed me. Scared though, I entrusted my concerns and fears to God. He changed me and I was never the same again.

            As a chapter president, leadership crisis was the first trial I encountered in the ministry that lasted for months. Being a “baguhan” in the leadership, I was so shy to take my responsibilities considering that there were others who knew more about the “ins and outs” off the ministry than I did. Maybe, I was just afraid of not meeting their expectations and of committing mistakes. But with the encouragement of our advisers, and the empowerments of the Holy Spirit, I was challenged to go on.

            Aside from my involvement in IV Kabacan, I was also asked to be the camp directress of LCDC  2k2. Ate Nellie often described me as a “gin-washing machine” because of that quick step. That camp imparted to me much life transforming experiences. It was indeed a humbling experience.

            As a student leader, difficult though, I believe that every single moment spent for God’s glory, every page of notes to be memorized being sacrificed and every student I care for along the way are not worthless. In all these, God gave me joy and contentment. There were also times of God’s silence which were like horrible nightmare experiences to me. But God’s abiding love and comforting presence keeps my heart hopeful over and against every bit of bitterness and pain. My experience of God’s faithfulness is behind all my present longings and enthusiasm in serving Him more and in responding to whatever calling He has for me.

            As I wait for Him to unfold His plans, I am challenged to remain faithful in serving Him. Indeed, together with the service accompanies joy, peace and contentment which I found nowhere else but in the center of God’s will.
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Ms Luchi Sorilla is the outgoing president of IVCF-USM Chapter in Kabacan. She’s now in her 5th year in Veterinary Medicine.