I am Lola, Reazel Z., Rea for short, and I’ve been a Christian for almost eight years now since 2017. In the beginning, I wasn’t fully committed and would often attend church only when I felt like it– basically a Christian in name only. I went through many challenges like everyone else, and even lost myself for the sake of one person. But despite all that, God never left me, and looking back, I can see how He was always there. As 2025 began, He brought healing and peace, and that’s when I realized how He had always been calling me back to Him, my first love. I decided to find a community to help me rebuild my relationship with God because I knew I couldn’t do it alone, and that’s how I came across Cru, specifically Here’s Life Next Gen. I saw Kuya Ge’s comment on a group post, messaged him right away, and that’s where my journey began anew .

As I continued my walk with God, I was asked to join MDC. I was hesitant at first but through faith, I attended– and the conference exceeded  my expectations. Around 60 people attended, although  a few could not make it. The flow of events, hotel accommodation, worship sessions, food, plenary, and training sessions—everything was exceptional and well-organized. Although we couldn’t  go out to the field to apply what we had learned due to  sudden bad weather, the experience remained  meaningful and unforgettable.hose three days felt far too short.

I learned so much from the conference, especially in the plenary where we are called to be radical disciples and faithful exiles– returning to the roots of who we are and living radically dependent on God. I was reminded that we walk and work with Him– not merely  for Him And this life of surrender opens us to His radical love, guiding, empowering, and equipping us to the fullest.

After the conference, I had a strong urge to self–reflect: to examine  what I’ve done so far, what more I can do, how to fill the gaps, and how to improve what needs fixing. I am fully aware, however , that through God's grace, no matter how imperfect I am, He loves me and I am saved. That three–day conference began  and ended beautifully and it changed the way I see many things. I’m now starting to work on my old ways– from running away to willingly reaching out to my friends and my sister to share the gospel; and be accountable to my “I will” and “by when” statements. If there’s one thing that truly struck me, it’s the importance of accountability and commitment – being as passionate as the people I met there, but doing everything for and with God. I admit that I’ve been scared and tried to run from what God has called me to do: share the gospel. I was fearful and often overwhelmed by anxiety. I lacked courage, and I thought that I wasn’t capable of doing it. Speaking and communicating has always been my weakness; what more sharing something so  important? But I realized I wasn’t alone in that fear – many of us were scared and doubtful. Then I was reminded that on my own, I really am incapable, but through faith, I can. The Holy Spirit dwells within me, so whatever God calls me to do, I can accomplish  if I let go of self-reliance and allow Him to take full control. We are not called to be perfect– we simply cannot be. We are not called to teach or preach flawlessly, or to share the gospel seamlessly. We are called to follow His leading, trust Him, and obey.

Writer:

Reazel Z. Lola
Delegate