Some interesting happening with Operation Mobilization missionary organization
In 2007, I went on a missionary trip to Ukraine via Operation Mobilization. Prior to that, I was in India for a few months, and it was there that the LORD confirmed to me that he wanted me to go on the Ukraine trip. I remember a dream from that time, which I did not fully understand at the time. The dream was of a Ukrainian man speaking with me. My impression of him was that of a very honest man seeking the truth. Much later, I realized that Paul had received a similar dream of a man of Macedonia speaking to him. As I was praying whether to go or not, a previous co-worker of mine emailed me an encouraging message based on John 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
I took that as God speaking to me. And, I went to Ukraine in July 2007 from India, and participated in weekly Christian camps held there. One week we were working with some children in Odessa, and some members of our group were staying with a brother from South Africa, Stefan. As we were sitting one evening before supper, he prophesied to me that the LORD would restore my emotions. I politely acknowledged what he said, but did not understand what he spoke of. A few weeks later, when it was time for the trip to end, and others were exchanging phone numbers and email addresses, I was aloof, because I knew that I did not miss anybody. I had not had any other emotions either for years, and was used to this way of life.
When I got back to the US, I experienced something I had not for a long time – I missed terribly the brothers and sisters I had worked with in Ukraine. I earnestly tried to get their contact information, and found it. I also found some pictures they had shared from our trip. I saved the pictures, and cherished each one.
Emotions I had not felt for years were restored. About a month after brother Stefan prophesied to me, God’s word was fulfilled.
The next year, in 2008, I went to serve with Operation Mobilization again. This time, on board the MV Doulos. I finished out all my finances to pay for this trip. I even emptied out the change from my car. I was scheduled to board the ship while it lay in port at Subic Bay, Philippines. Once my flight landed, I was supposed to meet up with a brother coming in from Singapore, Anand.
I waited in Arrivals, but not notice that brother. I had not seen his picture, and was looking for someone who looked like my imagination of Anand. We were also supposed to meet up with two sisters from USA. After waiting a few hours at Arrivals for Anand, I decided I needed to have something to eat and drink. I had no idea what to do about Anand, or where to meet up with the sisters coming from USA. I had not seen pictures of any of them either. I also knew this meal would not fit into my tight budget. Nevertheless, I sat down in the airport cafe. Soon after, the sisters from USA walked in, and I instantly recognized them. We had some refreshments together, and then took a ride to the bus terminal. From there we were supposed to take transportation on a type of mini-bus to the ship. I did not have money left to pay for that trip. I did feel up to asking anybody to cover my fare either.
We got in this mini-bus with others going to that area. A man got on with our group, and the sisters started talking with him. He was the captain of a ship berthed next to the MV Doulos. When we arrived, we were supposed to pay our fares, and exit. The other ship’s captain got up before us, and paid the fare for our entire group. Thank God! I boarded the MV Doulos with some change to spare.