by Ting Sindiong
October 23, 2011 marked our 8-day kick-off as Philippine delegates to the Empowered 21 Asia Congress at Sentul, Indonesia. These words summarize the entire experience: awe-inspiring and life-changing!
I was glad that some WhatMag representatives—Janina Rivera, Jasse Balag, Indira Bagatsing, and I—were there to be part of a great, significant event in the history of Christianity in Asia. The Congress was held for Christians all over the world, but particularly in Asia, to come together and discuss what the Holy Spirit was doing. If He did powerful things in the past, like in the Books of Acts or even in the Azusa Revival, then would He still move powerfully now?
A definite yes.
With over 8,000 delegates from all over Asia, the event was filled with so much of God’s anointing and presence from the very first opening ceremony until the final night, where a commissioning service was held for everyone to bring their nations to God. The power of the Holy Spirit was so evident and the weight of God’s presence so heavy that many of those in the stadium were filled, refreshed, and empowered.
I am now so ready to take on the challenge of expanding my borders for Christ. Yet in the midst of my excitement, God reminds me that His kingdom does not expand due to human strength and wisdom, but through His Spirit that works in people’s hearts. And more importantly, I realize this: expanding borders is a great experience, but expanding my heart for God and focusing on His presence is my primary pleasure. It is something that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Expand? Yes! But in the hidden, quiet place, there is Someone waiting to be found.
WhatMag would like to thank Jesus Revolution for making it possible for them to experience Empowered21 Asia. Also, being with the JREV delegates was absolutely fun!
Janina Marie Rivera is the author of the book, A Night Bird Sings of Blindness and Fear and has co-authored the devotional, Dawns, published by OMF Literature. She is a contributing poet in the books Joyful Light and Whitmanthology: on Loss and Grief by Various Authors. She is the Editor-in-Chief of One Voice Magazine.
