Still Standing by the Cross of Christ

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. John 19:25

We came together for one reason. To celebrate the twenty-fifth (25th) anniversary of Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon (Lingkod). To celebrate God's call for us in Lingkod. To celebrate God's faithfulness and empowerment. After twenty-five long years, we are still standing by the cross of Christ. We came from different backgrounds and different places from the Philippines and presently living in different states in North America yet received one call from one God to live one way of life.

I met some of them before the gathering; however, few of them were simply names. But when we got together in one shed, we exchanged blessings. When we got together in one table, we shared resources. When we got together in one place, we were united in purpose.

As we worship the same God who called us in the same community, we sang the same songs. We worship the same God in the same stance. After all these years, we are the same brothers and sisters. We are still in awe by the same God. We have the same hearts with the same vision and the same mission. By God's strength, we are still standing by the cross of Christ. Through the joys of the cross, we have been sustained. Through the sorrows of the cross, we have been shaped.

It would not have been possible if not for Jesus' constant love and faithfulness. We would not have gathered if not with His Spirit who enables. We would not have gone this far if not for His grace and mercy.

We are still standing by the cross of Christ for Christ is still standing by us.