A Victorious Decade After Saying "I Do!"

Our little friendship that sparked 17 years ago paved the way to a marriage that is made in heaven but being relished on an earthly plane. We continue to honor God in our relationship amidst the test of time and circumstances. Ten years ago, the sacred vow we made before God, our families, friends and the church will always remind us that God had designed our hearts to love each other as husband and wife. Ten challenging yet fruitful years in marriage is indeed a milestone! It’s been exactly a decade since we made a solemn vow before God and man that we will love each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part”. A successful marriage is built on a firm foundation and that foundation is no other than the Lord Jesus Christ. For we confidently believe that God’s love is the foundation of all human relationships. Since day one, we have allowed God to take center stage in our husband-wife relationship. God is continually nurturing us in every facet of this fleeting life. His love, mercy and grace are evident in the continuous existence of this marriage. God has also commissioned us together to be of service to His ministry and glorify Him through our life and testimony. As a married couple, God spoke to us through His Word that we need to level up our giving: worshipping and honoring Him through our financial giving, offering to Him our time, talent and energy and our very life. He enabled us to understand that we have to prioritize Him and pursue things that have eternal value, things that will allow us to strengthen our relationship with God. By His grace, we got promotions in the workplace and Shem finished two graduate degrees in a span of ten years. Also, God granted our desire to own a car and build our dream house that will be used in the ministry we call, “hospitality”. But, who says walking by faith is all bed of roses? Of course not! It is made clear to us through God’s Word that if we want to follow Jesus we need to take up our cross daily. Shem went through a major operation on the 8th year and she survived by God’s healing power. Sim’s minor health problems are taking a backseat and we are continually declaring that he is completely healed. The absence of babies in our union is a battleground. And yet, we always choose to rejoice in every circumstance believing by faith that amidst the difficult times God is still at work and that His purpose and wonderful plans prevail. This year, God impressed upon our hearts that we will desire to be a prayer warrior – winning life’s battles through faith and prayer. In line with this, we designated a space in the attic of the house as our “Prayer Room”. We are currently handling a cell group made up of young couples at Baguio Christian Center and we are continually beefing up our desire to grow more in the Lord and to minister to people by attending the Leaders’ Mentoring Sessions spearheaded by our church pastor. Our simple life is a resonating reflection that God is alive, He is faithful and loving and there is always victory by the power of the resurrected Christ! We will continue to explore the wonder and the power of this special union we share. To God be the glory!