When I Heard HIM Calling Me by Diana Rose Gacila

I am the youngest in the family. My Mom, though a Roman  Catholic submitted herself to my father who is a Born-again Christian, the reason why me and my family by God's grace come to know Jesus Christ. My brother Dibenson and sister Divine were both active in Children’s Ministry in our church then. I can still remember the first time they had me join Sunday School in our church, I was filled with excitement knowing that in there, we will sing happy songs, pray, read the bible, color famous bible character’s faces, and play! I don’t understand but all I know, in my young age, I’m very interested to talk about Jesus Christ and I want to know him more.

I grew up with godly people, indeed a life under God's dominion. And he doesn’t want me to just love Him, he wanted me to serve Him as well. I was 9 years old when my sister Divine and I joined Elyondoulos (formerly Tambourine Ministry) where I was given the chance to develop my dancing skill. I was also 9 years old when I first joined JIL Children’s camp at Norzagaray, Bulacan which paved the way for me to be used in Children's Ministry for God's glory. I was excited then because I will be joining Little Ms. Camper. But the second time I joined the camp, year 2001, was one of the most unforgettable events in my life. I can still remember how serious I was when listening to every session and how heavenly music touched my heart every time we sing and dance together to worship the Lord. The last day of the camp is the most awaited part not just because of the victory proclamation but also because of commissioning service. I was so surprised when I saw Rev. Eddie Villanueva, Jesus Is Lord Worldwide-Executive Director, in the site. I knew that he will be the one to anoint us with oil. When Rev. Eddie finished his preaching, teachers helped us to line up and get ready for the anointing session. We were about 1500 (or almost...I can't remember to be honest!hehe) delegates to be anointed. When the music began to play, I felt the strong presence of God embracing me. There was  an unexplained feeling of joy in my heart that made me cry a lot, I knew it was God’s Spirit and so I just let it flow and overwhelm me. When it is I to be anointed, the man of God placed his hand upon me, uttered a word of love from the Lord and a declaration of my life’s victory. Then I heard the Lord spoke through my heart, saying he want me to serve him all my life; that I belong to Him; that He has chosen me to be his very own. Though I am just grade 5 then, just a little earthling, I surrendered him my heart and responded to his call. I have a hope that his presence will always be with me and that his favor shall look after me as I respond to his call and obey his will. At an early age, he opened my eyes to see his beauty and made my heart hunger and thirst for more of him. And I am blessed and humbled that God have made himself known to an ordinary person like me. What a privilege to serve this wonderful God and be called as His very own!

Hey! Check this out!

Here are some pics of my younger years... Of service.

My First Ministry: Elyondoulos
(Our Dream Church, JIL Baliuag was under construction, that's why Sunday Services were held at the school which is also in progress!)

Looking for me? I'm the beautiful kid (on the left facing the screen. lol ) next to the first kid on the line. <3

Children's Ministry
I'm so Bibo! I know right?lol I'm always placed at the center! ^o^


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At Norzagaray Bulacan--3 day camp!
Please don't laugh! I look boyish here!:D

Surprise!I'm a grown up here! <3
Yes! If you're a tambourine dancer during that time (year 2000?), wearing gown is super in! :)

3rd from the left! :-o
(The woman at my right is my beautiful sister Divine)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,  before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Maybe, not as a prophet. Maybe not like my calling or someone else's. But when God calls, don't be afraid to answer. He will surely guide you and make your path straight! God Himself will protect his calling in your life! You just need to trust and obey him for there is blessing in obedience. Deut 28. Amen.




I <3 Jesus!