Salubong 2009 - Onward to the Overflow

Salubong 2009 – Onward to the Overflow

 

 

Finally, it was that time of the year again. It had always been a mixture of sadness and delight – sadness brought by saying goodbye to the days of old, a friend whom we have all been accustomed to be with for the last 12 months; and delight brought by excitement for the days to come, a new friend who will be accompanying us through our journey for the next 12 months. It had always been a moment where somehow my heart would be slightly pricked and I would drift to the land of nostalgia for a few minutes of my time. Nevertheless, nostalgic as I would have been, this had also been a time of great rejoicing for me, not only because of another year of greater opportunities and abundant blessings but also because each year is always a gift given through the grace of God.

 

Last year had been declared as the “Year of the Conquest”, and surely God had shown wonders by drawing more people to Him, filling up His sanctuary, and raising up more leaders and workers to work in the harvest. He had manifested in many ways through the lives of those who are willing to “go forth, and make disciples of all men”. The conquest has not yet ended, but the Lord has been preparing His people for more.

 

As the Salubong for 2009 commenced, the congregation responded to the call to praise with great anticipation. More and more people entered the sanctuary – some of them might have come from their workplaces or maybe directly from their homes. Regardless of where they had been earlier that day, it had been a joy to see most of them together with their families, ready to face the year united and strong. Even those whose families were not with them physically were still overjoyed by the overwhelming presence of the Spirit and the warmth of the strong bonding of the JIL family. And how could I forget about the newly-arrived families who had spent their very first holiday in Canada or those families who had joined the annual Salubong for the first time? They, too, had been truly blessed by the Lord through the entire program held that evening.

 

As the Year of the Conquest glided its final flight, testimonies of those who had gestured prophetically that they would receive what they had asked for became exhorting words that sprung up hope for the great year ahead. Also selected music ministers had serenaded the Lord that evening with beautiful songs directed to Him. Pastor Gody Binalla exhorted the people as the New Year drew closer. Truly that God will do great and mighty things that has never been seen, heard, or felt before. Moreover, intercession followed after the Word of the God. It was truly amazing to see the unity of people’s spirits in prayer.

 

The Festival of Praise, which was one of the highlights of the evening, was one of the most amazing celebrations I have ever seen, and I am honored to be part of the ministers who ushered the people into such jubilation that brought glory to the Lord. Truly that it was a night of undignified worship, a night of dancing to the overflow. Song after song, action by action, the atmosphere was building up from the hype of expectant worshippers. I knew it would be different than if I were just at home waiting for the clock to strike 12. This was a different kind of euphoria. After all, we’re entering the year declared as the Year of the Overflow. The joyful jumps were followed by loud cheers as the timer on the screen hit the midnight call. Finally the clock struck 12!

 

Fellowship and serving of refreshments came right after the “Happy New Year” greetings. Indeed the tables were emptied as the congregation ate to replenish their strength after a very energetic and enthusiastic praise countdown to 2009. When everyone managed to settle down, the raffle draw begun! I have always been a fan of colorful and shiny stuff, and seeing numerous shiny baskets lining up the corners of the stage made me feel good inside. It would have been a satisfying sight already but lo and behold – we won one for our family! But the most important part of that giving, I believe, was the giving of baskets to those families who had spent their first Christmas and New Year celebration here in Canada. It is always a great feeling to know that even though they may be miles away from their loved ones, there will always be a great family welcoming them with the overwhelming warmth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge – the JIL family.

 

Before parting ways, we have proclaimed the victory for the night and the year ahead through another set of undignified worship and dancing. This had been a very victorious celebration indeed as the congregation – men, women, and children alike – had sung, danced, and shouted with much vigor that the heavens had definitely been shaken by the praises. It was definitely free na free as we lalalalalala-hey-ed to show off our most undignified poses!

 

It was definitely a great night to remember. The end of one chapter is the beginning of a new one. As this door had been already closed, God has opened not only just a mere window, not just a door, but the floodgates of heaven which has begun to overflow for all His children to receive more than what they could’ve imagined. So get the barns and the storehouses ready, for the Year of the Overflow has officially begun!