Last weekend was one of the most humbling and powerful moments in my life. I can’t remember how many times I was brought to tears but it was all worth it! I literally feel like being put on a dialysis machine and now I feel cleansed, rejuvenated, and peaceful. Suddenly everything seemed so clear. Last weekend, God answered three prayers that Mich and I have been praying for in the last few months and it has really changed the way I see the world.
Faith’s Graduation
I love my sister dearly, and I would do anything I can for them. Our family has been having financial difficulties lately and Faith was unsure if she would be able to graduate because of the remaining balance of her tuition fee for school. Just a few days before her graduation, my other sister, Danielle, decided to set up a fund raiser in order to get the funds to pay for Faith’s tuition fee.
It took only 2 days to raise the funds as a lot of people suddenly blessed us left and right. Last Sunday, March 29, 2009, Faith finally marched, graduating from Reedley International School.
Danielle’s Pregnancy and the birth of Scarlet Ople
On the same day that Faith graduated, my younger sister, Danielle, felt contractions during the ceremonies. We rushed her first to a house of our cousin, but eventually we had to leave the graduation a bit early so we could bring her to the hospital.
In less than two hours, Danielle gave birth to a lovely, healthy, and adorable baby girl! There were no complications and you could really see how much Danielle has matured and grown as a person because of this experience. I’m sure she will become a great mom to baby Scarlet. 
My Baptism
On the same morning of the day that Faith graduated and Danielle gave birth – I became a real Christian. Okay I have to admit I was really apprehensive about going to Victory Weekend. Mich has been praying for my spiritual renewal for the longest time now. I’ve been going through the motions of being a Christian, but I never really felt that connection with God. Maybe it’s because of all the things that happened in that past that made me really jaded about friendships, life, and family. However, going to Victory Weekend proved to be the most significant decision I’ve ever made.
It’s there that I finally felt something again – that love for God that was first manifested itself during my Youth for Christ days way back in High School. Finally, I heard His voice again and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a living, breathing, and moving God. This time I knew that this was a real relationship with God, and not something that I was being forced to do because society just dictated that there is a God. It was a conscious decision on my part to let go of my past life and embrace a new destiny that God has prepared for me.
I’m posting this because I want to become accountable to everyone on my decision to become a Christian. I don’t want to let go of this feeling because this is the happiest I’ve ever been in my entire life and everything pales in comparison to this feeling of calm and peace.
“Savior He can move mountains, my God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save.”
Trials and temptations will come and I will put my faith in God that everything will be alright. I know that everything will be alright. My prayer now is for God to use me as an example. I don’t want to be preachy and lecture everyone on having a relationship with God (I’m sure that will just offend people haha). I just hope that through example, Mich and I will be able to inspire those around us and for them to eventually believe.
Lastly, let me just thank Mich for always believing and never giving up on me and my family. Your faith in God and in us is just awe-inspiring. You asked me a while ago what Elbert’s comic strip meant at the end. While writing this article, the comic strip suddenly made a lot of sense, hahaha.
That’s me, with the God-shaped whole in my heart. That’s you helping me fill it up again with God
Waaah! You made me cry!!!!
(
You took the words right out of my heart. God really has moved mountains for you and your family. Last Sunday was a milestone, and I’m so sure He has more of the same in store for all of you. Keep the faith. I’ll be here beside you, praying with you every step of the way
carlo ur a big man with a soft heart
we love you and we are blessed with your
openness and honesty
God bless you more
Im glad that God used me a tool to lead you back to Him bro, I’m blessed to see your life changing in a new direction, you will be once of those crowns that I’ll have when we get to heaven, hehe! malaking crown to, hehe.
Ang galing ni Lord how he made that weekend so memorable, ayaw niya malimutan mo yung weekend na yun. Also, your relationship with Mich is awesome, lalo na ngayon na both of you knwo what real love is.
excited ako for the destiny niyong dalawa!
btw, sali ka na sa kids church! :p
Hey Carlo!
I am so proud of you. This is the greatest decision of your life. Greater things to come bro!!!
@Pastor Chinkee, Bu, Mich, and Pastor Dennis -
You 4 have been very instrumental in making me meet Jesus again. Thank you so much for your patience and for constantly believing in me. See you guys in Church!
You know when I saw the pictures of your baptism in Mich’s multiply I cried, like I said, welcome home
And by the way I think the name Scarlett Ople is just so cool, I grew up with Gone with the Wind