Adversity

“Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcomed. It is an intruder and a thief, and yet in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which His supernatural power is demonstrated.”
-Charles Stanley

In ministering to the worldwide military community, we often find great encouragement when we see God’s touch upon those who have been tried in the crucible of adversity and emerged with a refined and shining faith! That’s the testimony of our dear brother Rommel, who currently ministers in the Philippines with Mike and Yayang Morales, Philippines Campus Crusade for Christ and International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) Directors.

Rommel was one of the young naval officers mentored by Mike and Yayang while enrolled in IGSL’s M.A. in Transformational Leadership program. Due to a personal crisis (his mother was battling cancer!) and other life challenges he was unable to graduate and soon after leaving IGSL, had to leave the Navy as well to care for his mother. Despite his obvious discouragement, he persevered through this personal adversity. He pressed on and pressed into God as he continued to serve in his local church and enrolled in a training program as he waited upon the LORD. Recently Rommel shared:

“God has given me an opportunity I never thought possible. I’ve been hired as an instructor in the newly-opened Merchant Marine Academy which is not far from my house. I get to share Christ and disciple leaders who will engage literally thousands of merchant seamen around the world. At a recent prayer gathering, several of the cadets indicated their decision to follow Christ! Next on my “to do” list is to develop a leadership training program for the cadets.”

As believers, when we face adversity, our faith is often stretched to our own human limits. But Rommel’s testimony reminds us that the promises we find in Psalm 91:14-16 have no limits and are no less true and trustworthy: “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. 11 We celebrate with Rommel that the Lord has given him a local ministry with a potentially global impact to merchant seamen. Our hope and prayer are that as we partner together to make Christ known and famous among those who serve around the world that we would not “grow weary in well doing.” For like Rommel, in our due season we shall reap a reward and harvest to the glory of our God! Join us as we also pray for Mike and Yayang’s work in the Philippines among uniformed leaders that they might continue to be fruitful servants ministering to the worldwide military community!