N.O.L.I.

During a retreat of the Middle missionaries,  in one activity, they were asked to write down their life mission using their very names as the acronym.

Kuya Noli in Qatar giving an exhortation

Now
One, the
Lord and
I

A very fitting description. 
Let us try to get to know him more; 
the man behind the mission in the Middle East.

1. Timeline of service before and while a fulltime missionary (YFC and SFC)

 I started service in community in October 1991 with YA (Young Adults) which then became YFC. I became a FTW in 1998 after finishing college and continued to serve with YFC until 2004. I joined SFC in 2000 but have been serving with them since 1998 when I became a FTW. In 2005, I started serving as a full-time worker (FTW) for SFC until present time.

2. What made you decide to be fulltime missionary for CFC?

God has been really good, not only to me, but most especially to my family. Through CFC, the Lord has changed my life and my family’s life tremendously. I came to know the Lord more through my many experiences in the community. I know no other way to thank God but to offer my life to Him as His servant – so I decided to become a missionary. This is my offering to the Lord for the faithfulness and goodness He has shown to me and my family. 

2.1. What were considerations before finally deciding to be a fulltime missionary?

        

I had to choose between two things. One was to get a high paying job to be able to support my family financially, buy anything I desire, and live a very comfortable life and the other was to become a FTW which was the complete opposite. These were basically my considerations back then. 

The need to help out in the family made it difficult for me to decide especially since I was the first graduate amongst siblings. It was no obligation imposed upon me but I felt I had to support my family. I had offers from the corporate world which could have been materially rewarding and definitely would provide better financial support to my family but I decided to become a FTW instead and answer to the Lord’s invitation and calling. It was a clear and peaceful decision.

After 10 years of service as a FTW, all I can say is – ‘Thank You, Praise God’. He didn’t fail me and my family.

Life as a missionary is not materially rewarding but the fulfillment in doing the Lord’s work is far greater than anything that this world can offer.

3. In terms of pastoring,

- what is most joyful/fulfilling?

Seeing brothers and sisters develop deep love for God and community. It always brings me joy to see others grow in their personal relationship with God. Kapag OK ang relasyon sa Diyos, nagkakaroon ng tunay na pagbabago at walang kapagurang serbisyo sa Diyos.

-       what is the most difficult/painful?

Seeing brothers and sisters lose their passion for God, life, and community. Mas masakit kasi natagpuan na si Kristo tapos nawala pa.

4. You think you will be a fulltime missionary all your life?

I simply want to say that following the Lord requires a lifetime. I really don’t know where the Lord will lead me in the next 5 or 10 years, I just choose to follow Him everyday of my life.

This is God’s gift to me that’s why I hold it dear in my heart. It is clear to me that this is what God wants for me and I’m enjoying every moment of it.

5. When you became fulltime missionary, how were you changed as a person?

I learned to value GOD more - the Lord showed me the real treasure in life and that is Jesus himself. Jesus is my greatest treasure. I cannot live a life apart from Him.

I learned to value OTHERS - valuing others is seeing the goodness in every person. I seek to see Christ in every person I meet each day.

I learned to value FAMILY - I believe that my family is God’s gift to me and it is my gift to God to take good care of the family that He has given me.

I learned to value MYSELF more as God’s creation - I choose live a HOLY and HEALTHY life. I strive to live a life pleasing to the Lord - a life that is right with God.

Kuya Noli with his wife, ate Sam and their son, Mico

6.  ***People say missionaries are amongst the people whom God chooses to work His wonders on “more often” on a more visible aspect.

Can you give us instances wherein you have felt that God worked His wonder on you?

The Lord works His wonder on anyone He chooses and anoints. When I serve Him, I always experience and witness His wonder.

7. What is your message for SFC brothers and sisters who are thinking of being a fulltime missionary?

Grow in your relationship with God. Everything stems from your deep love of God. It is when we seek to grow in our relationship with God when;

-       we are able to die to ourselves (point where God’s will is what’s most important to  us and not our own desires)

-       we are able to accept His will for us

-       we are able to surrender to Him our entire being

When the Lord calls you, it is CLEAR and you cannot run away from it. If you feel you have the calling, respond NOW. Jump, the Lord is waiting to catch you and take you for the greatest adventure of your life.

8.  If you are not a fulltime missionary, what would you have been?

I took up a pre-med course in college to become a doctor. After my finishing my pre-med course in college, I went straight to fulltime work. If I didn’t become a FTW, probably, I’d be pursuing my dream to become a doctor

9. kuya, fulltime missionaries have life verses , what is yours?

Romans 8:28 – ‘For in all things, God works for the good of those who love and serve the Lord, those whom He has called according to His purpose ’.

10. To God Be the Glory forever – why do u always use this ‘signature’?

Everything should point back to Jesus. He alone deserves all glory and praise. This is to simply remind myself that everything I do, say and think of should give glory to God.

(this question & answer was done in 2008 initially published through an SFC newsletter in DXB)