Last Thursday, Nov. 26, I flew to Laoag City for the annual 2-day national convergence of Master's Commission Philippines-Asia. This year, our theme is "Greater", which was inspired by 1 John 4:4 and the chorus of the song "God of This City".

First of all, I must say that the flight to Laoag was one of the fastest plane rides I have ever taken. It was like we got in, took off, had a bag of peanuts, then landed. I was like, "Wh...? But you just gave me my snack..."

At the airport I was fetched by the husband of MCIN [MC Ilocos Norte] directress Doris Guzman, kuya Bong. With him was 'Councilor' Connie and the brother who owns the Pajero, whose name escapes me right now.

Of course, one must have one's priorities...so we went to McDo for lunch. From there, they took me straight to their home church, Praise Charismatic Church, where Doris was waiting for me.

We had the incubation and prayer time for the MCIN peeps. I shared a Word from God about how He is "With Us". He did, He showed up. TNXJC!

They gave me enough time to rest in my hotel room afterwards. They put me in the Isabel Suites. Nice place. I was starting to get all lonely so I turned on the TV and, lo and behold, I saw another sign that I was at the right place at the right time - Iron Giant was on! =)

After a few hours of rest, Doris and Bong came back for me, this time with their cute son Samuel, who has now grown up to be a handsome little man! They graciously took me to dinner at the La Preciosa. And what a dinner it was! Yum!!! We had bagnet [sinful pork!], pakbet [with more bagnet!] and sinigang na tanguigi. Ooooooohhhh my.... goo-hoodness! Then, we topped it off with brewed coffee and home made carrot cake. Oh yeah!

Problem was, I was gonna hafta speak to a roomful of Ilocos' finest with all dat food in my belly. I could just see myself now, burping through the whole message. Not good.

They took me to the venue of the Convergence. There, a roomful of young people from various places had gathered for their youth inter-fellowship. Once again, the Lord showed up as we opened His Word to Rom.12:1 and heard how He wants us to come to Him as "Living Sacrifices".

After that, we called it a day. They took me back to Isabela Suites where I took my rest, expecting Greater Things in the new day ahead.