Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
MELISHA ANN D. BATIANCILA
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
National College of Science and Technology
Missionary, Companion With The Poor, Inc.
My first semester in college was not that easy. My mother is a housewife while my father is a security guard. His income was just enough for our daily needs. By the grace of God I survived the first semester but I stopped schooling to do tutorials just to earn money. The Lord said in His word, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” I did not give up. Instead, I just put my trust in the Lord and held on to His promise that He would never leave me nor forsake me and that He would give me hope and a better future.
One day God answered my prayers. I was overwhelmed by the news that I was chosen as one of a foundation’s scholars. I thank God every single day that I was able to have a scholarship that served as an instrument in order for me to finish my studies. On March 31, 2017 I was one of the blessed students who graduated and I am now a degree holder for Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. I pray to God that He will bless the people in the foundation, their business and family. I hope that they are blessed to be a blessing to us.
The first time God brought me to the dumpsite in Wawa, Bacoor, Cavite to help my aunt with the feeding program, I cried out to the Lord, “Please use me in this place.” The lively mood and smiles on people’s faces despite their situation (most of them were scavengers and fishermen) were heart melting for me. Many were empty, broken and on the verge of giving up, but as I spent time with them I saw their thirst for God. I felt a pull in my heart to continually reach them and share about Jesus to the mothers, youths and children during feeding and my Saturday classes.
When I flew to Cebu, my plan was only to enroll in a review school and take the board exam, but the Lord led me to a meaningful journey— to be part of His work in Buhisan, Cebu. As I was up in the mountain, this verse really kept echoing in my mind and heart, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) I let God’s story transform me. Failing the CPA board exam at my first try did not hinder me to answer God’s call for me. I signed up to be part of the missionaries-in-training in
Companion with the Poor. The training helped us to be thoroughly equipped before engaging in the community.
Being a missionary of Companion with the Poor is a great privilege to continually be a part of God’s work in different areas. Missionary life is one of a kind. Before I decided to be one, I focused a lot on what was I was giving up. Would my family and I be okay? Would God be faithful to me and take care of my concerns? I realized that God is really faithful to provide. I know that in my journey, God can show me more of his faithfulness as I continue to walk with Him and live with trust that I can lose nothing when I give all to Jesus.
MELISHA ANN D. BATIANCILA
Youth Leader, Worship Leader
Missionary of Companion With The Poor,Inc.