Lost!

I have a beautiful edition of C.S. Lewis's The Complete Chronicles of Narnia published by Harper Collins. For the life of me, I can't find it anywhere. It was a birthday gift from my ex-girlfriend Marivic, now my wife. I can't find it in any of my bookshelves.

Did I forget it in a metal cabinet in a company I used to work for? Did we leave it behind when we moved out of Meridian because of Ondoy? Did I lend it to someone who has no plans to return it? (Warning to booklovers out there: Never, ever, lend your books. Ever.) I feel like a kid who misplaced a cherished toy. (I heard Toy Story 3 is a great movie. Must watch it with the Mrs.)

So I prayed, "God, You know everything. You know where my Narnia book is. Please help me find it. Please?"

From July 26 to August 5, Veck and I will be in Indonesia, doing community work for the ethnic groups there, and ministering and equiping the missionaries already living among the people groups. It will be a great time to learn and experience how it is to be a missionary. I believe the Lord will move mightily in our lives and transform us during and after that trip. Our eyes will be opened to the great need to fulfill Christ's commission to make disciples of all nations.

By God's grace and provision, the amount we needed to raise, which is P60,000.00, is now down to P32,000.00. God has used many men and women who generously gave financial support for this mission trip. Now, we are praying for 32 individuals who will pledge P1,000.00 each for the balance we needed to raise. We need to send in the P60,000.00 by July 15. We continue to trust the God who created everything out of nothing and owns the Universe to provide for us. We trust that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of at least 32 people to give to the missions.

God said, "The longing you feel for your lost book cannot compare to the longing I have for the lost. My Son has died for their sins. Please tell them about Jesus."

I thank God that I experienced this loss of a cherished book, at least to give me a miniature sense of what He feels for the Muslims and the Buddhists and the Hindus and all the people all over the world whom He loves.

I was at a church once (I'm not saying which) during an evening prayer gathering. The speaker talked about how a family was praying for the salvation of a loved one, the father, the head of the family. They have been praying for years. Still, the father refused to receive Jesus. God gave the speaker an opportunity to share the Gospel with this man. By God's grace, he received Jesus into his heart. Amen! In a few days, he passed away due to illness. But the bereaved were at peace. They know they'll be together with him again because of Jesus.

I applauded when I heard that story. Jesus saved a person from eternal damnation! And just in time! Woohoo! Jesus the Savior does it again!

Can I tell you that I was the only one clapping in that gathering of about a hundred people? No one else applauded. I was a bit embarrassed by my enthusiasm. I thought, well the angels are partying in Heaven for this man who repented. I just wanted to join in the fun.

The speaker then went on to tell the story of how his child needed money (for enrollment, or something I now forget) and God provided in the nick of time! It was another miracle. This time the whole congregation applauded.

Okay, c'mon. Yes, the Lord deserves to be praised. The Lord is our Provider. He is a great God. It is absolutely normal for people to get excited with stories of God's provision. But for people not to be excited about a sinner ushered into Heaven because of the work of Christ... that's scary. Have we become too familiar with these salvation stories that it's nothing new anymore?

I wanted to pray again for my Narnia book, so that I can find it or at least remember where it was, but then I thought people are more important than books. Besides, when we get to Heaven, I can ask God for a copy. Maybe the hardbound covers will be made of pure gold, and the glossy paper will never fade or age or get dusty. So I prayed for the lost. I prayed for the people who have never placed their faith in Jesus for their salvation. I prayed that somehow, God uses me to reach out to them.

But God knows my heart. He is my Daddy after all. He knows I want my book back. And He wants me to be full of joy. That's one of His fruits... joy.

I found my Narnia book. Right here, at home... on top of our wardrobe.

I am here online announcing it to the whole world! I found my Narnia book! I lost it, but now I have it back! Hooray! Do me a favor. Read Luke 15. That's exactly how I feel. Party! Just like how God and all of Heaven feels when a sinner repents.