STAY FOCUSED
“Starting the race is always easy, but finishing it is another thing.”
A Christian’s life is oftentimes compared to that of an athlete’s. Both are called to start a seemingly difficult task which is to finish the race that has been set before them. Of course the race is not a quick sprint – it is bound to be long, rocky, and exhausting. Bumps and weeds are sure to be along the path, but all these are part of the pursuit of completing the race and winning the prize.Especially in this era wherein lots of distractions are just all over, a number of believers nowadays have gone astray. Some choose not to continue the race that has been marked out for them. Quite a lot grow weary, a few stumble, and several lose heart; these reasons have become endless. On the other hand, some still continue but then they aimlessly wander in the race they are running in.
Seeing the gravity of this growing problem among Christians, the theme “Staying Focused” was put up by the Victory Church International Christian Ministries for this year’s National Conference. It was held on May 12-16, 2008 at the Faith Fellowship Center. The said conference basically aimed to instill in the attendees the burning desire to finish the race with persistence and tenacity.
During the conference week, the attendees certainly got their doze of spiritual strengthening as the distinguished guest speakers Pastors Paul and Al Pimentel from Praise Chapel California imparted messages of encouragement. Topics which have something to do with redirection of focus and overcoming obstacles were tackled by them, as well as VCICM’s own notable speakers. It was evident that though the topics seemed different, there was one recurring message for each person present at the event: as Christians, problems, trials and failures will inevitably come in each and everyone’s life but if we will continue to fix our eyes on Jesus, we will surely be able to overcome everything and finish the race with gladness and pride.
Of course, even though the theme tells everyone to stay focused on their walk with God, the attendees still did not forget to have fun during the weeklong event. Basketball games for the pastors, bonding activities for the youth, and fellowships for the women took place in the afternoons so as to relax, unwind, and catch up with their friends and acquaintances. So, who says now that Christians do not know how to have fun?
Above all, the most remarkable thing in the conference which is definitely not missed by everyone is the overwhelming presence of God that was at work during the conference. It’s as like the Holy Spirit was embracing each and everyone – healing broken hearts, tired bodies and crushed spirits. Tears flowed during the altar calls which are a mark of their surrender and commitment to continuously work for the advancement of God’s kingdom and finish the race that has been set for them.
To culminate the week, 46 new churches all over the Philippines were planted. Just like everyone’s own struggle to finish the race of his or her faith, the Victory Church International Christian Ministries, as a church and an organization, has also its race to finish -- to win souls, build churches, and send people to spread the Gospel throughout the Philippines and throughout the world.
This year’s conference indeed was a time of refreshing for all the attendees. As everybody goes back to his or her own local church, the burning desire to continue and complete the race is certainly in the hearts of everyone. Lifting this passage from Steve Troxel’s book Into His Presence, “Our race is long and sometimes very difficult. We often may even wonder why we’re running – but being a participant in this eternal race is infinitely more rewarding than standing on the sidelines.”
written by Alex Monton, Victory Church Mandaluyong