Here are some reflections about 3rd Wave from one of the Filipino participants, Jana Suyat.

Day 1: (Sunday, Dec 31) - “Remember what the Lord has done.”

“Just taking a trip doesn’t mean anything”, Brian Woolery said, but He has a purpose for me why He made me come to this event. Before I even knew and wanted to go, the Lord planned it already for me. Because he will prepare me and use me for His purposes.

The provision the Lord has given was really amazing. Honestly I don’t have that much money but God is a God of Wonders.. I really felt ashamed that I did not trust him fully but He has a plan, and He provided.

It was so nice to meet people from our region: Our regional Director Rev. Vern and wife Natalie Ward, peeps from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Micronesia, New Zealand, Japan, Solomon Islands, and East Timor.

There’s not enough rest when we arrived but we put up a prayer room for the event which was really different and it was a cool experience.

Day 2: (Monday, Jan 1) - “God is author of variety.”

We went to Safari and as we were going to Pilanesburg, the place was different, different kinds of trees, different soil, different animals: from what we usually see… God is the author of variety. Creative God is He.

The experience of seeing the animals was so heart warming. I met the Lord through his creation. And it was so cool being with the region at the bus being crazy taking pictures. Met the Carribean region as well and made friends with Kadri, Dhariana, Christina etc.

Evening Devotion reminded me that as a Christian, I should evangelize. Because God’s heart beats for the lost. My heart should share the beat of His heart. I should have intentional conversations.

Day 3: (Tuesday, Jan 2) - “Meeting the creator before the creation.”

Call time was 6, Ate Rhona and I were left by the bus for the first three hours of safari, but when we got back to our room, I realized that the Lord wants us both to meet the Lord first before the creation. The Lord met us there when we shared and prayed for each other. We were encouraged by his presence!

Food was great at Third Wave but, hehe, no rice. but it was nice to eat different meals

Safari again, and we went to crafts market. At first, I kind of ranted that I don’t have money and don’t have more to buy stuff to bring home, but I was reminded that the trip alone was a big blessing already so there’s no more room for grumbling. I praise the Lord for that alone.

The Asia-Pacific formed prayer groups, and that really made the biggest part of what we learned as a region. Prayer is mostly important.

We had our presentation practice and it is so nice to see our region dance, and sing and practice together, united, and enjoying what we do.

Day 4: (Wednesday, Jan 3) - “God is the Lord of the Cultures.”

We went to Apartheid Museum and the experience really made me so depressed. I can’t imagine how so much discrimination has happened that people can even hurt other people physically. But I started to realize that I can’t just point my finger to the people who did all this harm and immorality but I should remember my own share of discrimination towards others as well. Esp. people from other regions of the Philippines because of their language, diction, skin, status, and personality.

When we came back of the Convention Center in the afternoon, Registration was on going and we had praise and worship team meeting. There were different languages for the songs, and it was cool to know we can worship as one because we have one and the same God.

The first worship night for Third Wave started and it was overwhelming to see that I am a part of this Big family. The different cultures gave their own special numbers and that was so exciting I met people from all over the world.

Day 5: (Thursday, Jan 4) - “Jesus says: By My power alone.”

I’m supposed to lead worship in the evening but I woke up without a voice, and with a bad cough. The Asia Pacific Family prayed for me.

Our Region met and talked about the problems of our region

Met with our Partner region, USA, and I met Chelsey Webber that shared their own share of struggles in the ministry in their region. I was encouraged because what we have in the Philippines and the other countries may be different but we all need God’s power to help us reach the lost youth for Him.

Worship Night came and the Lord really stripped me off my pride and self-reliance. At lunch, He relieved me of the cough and that was an answered prayer, (it was a miracle) and we were able to lead worship wonderfully for God’s glory.

Day 6: (Friday, Jan 5) - “Focus your eyes on me.”

We went to Hector Pieterson Museum, and Regina Mundi Church. Here, we saw once again how the South Africans have undergone so much struggle and pain. The Lord spoke to me saying “focus on me.” If I focus on my own hurts, I would start to blame others. I wouldn’t be able to see forgiveness through Jesus’ eyes, and love. “Focus on me.”

Service in the morning was great and we had service at Regina Mundi Church.

Talent Night was really fun, our region sang and danced and we had World Market.

Day 7: (Saturday, Jan 6) - “Reach Them through the eyes of Jesus.”

When we knew the other night that we will be going to a Children’s Home, It made me excited. But when I knew that they have AIDS, it made me step back. I felt ashamed after awhile, because there’s already discrimination in my part. But the Lord said to me: “So you won’t reach them now for me? I love them as well” I really felt ashamed. I’m ashamed my reaction showed me I don’t really understand what ministry means. I was rebuked by the Lord. But that experience turned out really good! And I was blessed by their voices. Africans have the gift of singing. The experience was humbling and inspiring.

That night, it was really fun hanging out with the young people and seeing them do their own stuff. some played jump rope, and pinacolada, some danced, played cards and had hours of talk. It was good.

Day 8: (Sunday, Jan 7) - “Serve Jesus by Serving Others.”

This day was very challenging as we heard the Lord’s message through Rev Warrick. The Lord wants us to offer our “5 breads and 2 fishes.” All of them… our whole self. and he will work wonders through what we have. It was a call for entire Sanctification, and it was really nice to approach God’s presence.

It was a time of testimony, and I was able to share what I’ve learned:

“The Lord has been consistent in his message to me since I arrived here at South Africa.” As I am seeing how real discrimination is among the races or colors of skin, my heart is always breaking… My eyes were opened to the reality of injustice that the people from around the world are experiencing, because I’ve always focused on my own hurts. But as I’ve seen the injustice that has happened here at South Africa, my mind raced to how I’ve discriminated a lot also… not because of the differences of races, nor culture, but because I’ve focused on myself… I would love those who give me the attention that I need and those that have hurt me, I’d never show kindness. And to this sin that I have committed, and the injustice that is happening everywhere, there is only one answer. Jesus. That if I should focus on him as the hope, He is what this world needs. And instead of focusing on my hurts, I should focus my eyes on Jesus… the world will never really give me the justice that I need nor the satisfaction that I need but Jesus.Thus, As I focus on Jesus and be filled by His Spirit, my life would be a reflection of his grace, my life would be able to share the real answer and hope for this injustice that is happening around the world. I’d never be able to end my own discriminating attitude if it would not be through His Spirit. The Lord kept on reminding me that it is His Spirit at work in me. It’s neither my ability nor my strength but it’s Him.

The Lord has given me his word. As I go back, I need to have this intimate relationship with Him so that I would reflect his holiness, love, and grace. He will use me if I continue having a willing heart so that He will be glorified in me.

We had communion, and we washed each other’s feet. It was so humbling. And very encouraging.

It is always sad to say goodbye. But it was so nice that partnerships were formed. I praise the Lord for new friends. I know I’m never the same again.

Link to Third Wave Photos

- Jana Suyat (Philippines)