An evangelism encounter became an encouragement to me

During my business trip to Philippines, I was hosted by my local colleague throughout my stint there. During this trip, I learnt that he is a Roman Catholic and could tell that he is very faithful to God. Due to the long hours driving around, we chatted about everything under the sun and from our conversation, I could also see that his life was truly very blessed. A happy marriage, very smart children (3 of them) and they all lived in a nice big house. Moreover, he was sharing with me how God has fulfilled many of his dreams he desired during his days of youth. He did not specifically prayed to God and asked God for the things that he desired. Nevertheless God knew and made them come to pass gradually over the years. One great example was living in a double storied house on the side of a mountain overlooking the city of Manila. When he first came to Manila from another province, he started off with nothing. But today, I could see he was very proud to be able be the owner of such a big house. I was truly encouraged by his testimonies.

I then took the opportunity to ask if he has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. He said, “No” and when I asked if he was interested in receiving this gift from God, he immediately said, “Ya ya ya. Sure, why not!!?” Personally I was pretty taken aback by his response. When I asked people this question, most of them were a little apprehensive but this colleague of mine was really eager to receive it. Praise God. I took some time to briefly explain the meaning behind speaking in tongues and demonstrated to him how it might sound like. I was surprised by his reply. He told me that for all his years of life as a Catholic since young, this is the first time he heard someone praying in tongues although he has read about it in the bible. So before I left for Singapore, I laid my hands on him and prayed together to ask God to give him the gift of tongues.

From this evangelising encounter, God gave me a real life case study that shows speaking in tongues does not make you a more spiritual person or a better Christian. God still loves you as who you are. Although my colleague had not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, God looks at my colleague’s heart of faithfulness and He has blessed him tremendously in all areas of his life. Nevertheless, it is God’s will for all of His children to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit; to give them greater power to do greater things for God.

JY