By Ranon Mak
At the start of my one-year teaching course at the National Institute of Education (NIE), God reminded me of the passion I once had for global missions. God then challenged me to step out in faith and avail myself to serve in global missions during my final extended NIE semester break. I soon reached out to Cornerstone’s Missions Department and was introduced to the Apprentice Programme. Through this Programme, I was sent to Cornerstone Miracle Central (CMC), one of our Cornerstone Global Network churches based in Bacolod, Philippines for almost two months. Even though the mission stint was relatively short, I knew that God would fulfil His greater eternal purpose through this time.
Upon reviewing my past ministry experience and CMC’s ministry needs, I was assigned to serve in the men’s, youth, and children’s ministry. As part of my preparation, I underwent a week of missions training with the Missions Department. I also met with various Cornerstone leaders and ministries (Elijah 7000, Generations, Children’s Church), and connected with the CMC leadership team in the Philippines via Zoom.
As Proverbs 16:9 states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” I saw how the Lord moved beyond what I could ask or imagine through my time at CMC. This was a theme that resounded throughout my Apprenticeship.
Initially, I was worried about cross-cultural differences and interacting with people from the slum community. However, God integrated me into the work supernaturally upon arrival. I started meeting with youths and actively ministering to them. On a lighter note, an unexpected challenge was the pest situation! On my first night, I killed more than eight cockroaches and saw many more hiding around my room. But I ultimately prevailed over them, many thanks to pest control!
During my time there, the team of staff and volunteers saw the hearts of the mothers, fathers, and youth rekindled. The men began to understand what it meant for them to take up spiritual authority within the family and environment. The mothers on the other hand were trained in bible study and discipleship. We had a youth harvest event and a series of youth revival nights, leading to the official launch of the youth service and live worship ministry. The children’s ministry also had a breakthrough, and the children started to hear the voice of God for themselves. I even had the privilege of baptising 20 new converts!
Through it all, the grace of God was constant in my life, without which nothing could have been accomplished. I was nothing but a conduit for His grace to flow through. I remember being very burdened for the youths on the last leg of the apprenticeship. I felt that the youths had so much potential within them, but they were held back by pervasive levels of spiritual lukewarmness and a lack of ministry structure in the group. I fondly remember sharing my heart with one potential youth leader at Jollibee, and right then, the Lord reminded me of Proverbs 16:9. Shortly after, the Lord encountered the youths supernaturally during a revival night meeting.
On a personal level, I experienced multiple breakthroughs in the gift of prophecy. I would receive words for individuals that would speak to their situation. During the baptism service, some were touched by the Holy Spirit when I released words of prophecy to them.
God also brought my wife, Grace, and I even closer through this stint. Despite being separated by distance since she could not come with me, our communication improved tremendously. Grace was my source of wisdom in many ways, and she faithfully supported me from Singapore through prayer. The Lord also began planting seeds in our hearts about His calling for us as a couple. He promised us that as we build His house, He will establish ours.
Looking back, I am grateful for the level of exposure and spiritual growth attained through this journey of Apprenticeship. I remain in constant contact with CMC’s pastor, staff, and the many others whom I built relationships with. I encourage all our church members to consider and pray about devoting time to establishing His house in the nations. Whether it is through a short or long stint, the Lord can use you mightily. May you be a conduit for His Grace and Power to flow through to the nations!