Making Holes in the Darkness

“As evening shadows faded and dusk turned to darkness, young Robert Louis Stevenson pressed his nose against the window pane of his home. He was fascinated by the lamplighter coming down the street setting the old-fashioned gas street lights ablaze in night.
When someone asked the intrigued little boy what he was watching, he replied, “I am watching a man punch holes in the darkness!”

This simple yet powerful picture of creating holes in the darkness inspired the theme for our church’s mission conference, which was “Making Holes in the Darkness.” Throughout the conference, this theme was restated in numerous messages, songs, and special presentations.

Fifty-six pastors from various islands of the Philippines, as well as a few of the church’s missionaries, traveled to attend, speak, and share testimonies at this week’s mission conference. Our family was so blessed as we heard humble testimonies, listened to passionate messages, and observed the evident love for Christ.

The church members willingly gave of themselves in many ways at this week’s conference. They served by washing dishes, preparing music specials, and also offering extra services for the missionaries such as free pedicures, manicures, reflexology massages, and even ironing their clothes for the day! We were so touched as we observed their thoughtfulness and willingness to minister to others.


Meeting each missionary couple and Filipino pastor as well as hearing their testimonies was such a blessing. It was encouraging to see God working in their lives and to learn how God led each of them to the place where He now has them.








Mr. Espino, who is currently serving the Lord in Vietnam, gave a message on obeying the Great Commission. His fervent desire to serve the Lord was evident and contagious! :-) He emphasized that we Christians should not stall by talking about the Great Commission, but obey it. He mentioned that we often “talkie, talkie about the command, but do not walkie, walkie.” :-)

He also reminded us that Christians should have such an eagerness and excitement about the Gospel that we long to be a part of the spreading of God’s Word to others, whether that be through prayer, support, or service.
“The Great Commission is one of God’s commands, yet, are we obeying this important command?” He questioned us. “While we wait, souls are dying. While souls are dying, they are wasting, and while they are wasting, Christians are [often] playing. We should not ignore this command,” he challenged us.

Throughout the week, the Holy Spirit convicted us that we must be a stronger testimony wherever He has us right now. God spoke to our hearts saying, “Are you willing to share the Gospel with others? Whether it be next door or to an other country, will you be a light for Me?”

“The call is to all. Will you go? Will you support? Will you pray?” – from one of the missionary slideshows.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?

As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10: 13-17.