A Day of Days

There are some days that pass by and, while you enjoy the day, there are no lasting memories. The majority of our lives are filled with fairly normal routine days ... but some days are pure dead magic! Some days fill the future with wonderful memories. Yesterday was one of those days for me. A day when three really great things happened.

First, I met a lady who should have died 5 years ago but who today is alive, kicking and beautiful! Some of you know her story but for those who don't, here's the basics!

Pastora Julie has ministered many years in the mountains of Jones, around 30 mins from here. She is a remarkable woman who has shown amazing courage in the face of many threats from the NPA (Communist Guerrillas). In 2006, she felt sick and after going to Bagiou for checks she was found to have a huge tumour in her stomach. She underwent chemo for 2 months but it was too late. She was sent home 'to die, so she would not waste any more money." Here she was back then.


When I heard this, the gift of faith rose up within me and I told Pastor Nemi, "bring her to Sefton, we must pray for her." They carried her in and she was bald, weak and could not speak. As we prayed we rebuked the spirit of death. Something happened! For 3 months we prayed and she became stronger and stronger. Her hair began to grow and her appetite returned! She went home alright ... but not to heaven! - to her family.

And yesterday I saw her for the first time for years. She was beautiful, smiling and full of joy. She has planted some more churches and still wants to go where very few would dare! Amazing. Isn't God just amazing? There is never a lost cause for Him. It's never too late. Here she is today!


Second, it was the first official day of ministry at Cornerstone of Architect/Pastor Bong Lagmay! Bong is a dear friend and we worked together to build the Fire Centre. he's one of these guys that can do everything! He helped us when we started Cornerstone but in 2006 he went to Dubai to work for a British company as an architect. In Dubai he also became one of the Pastors in the Filipino Church. God has been preparing him!


In October he was suddenly told that his job was finished and he had to return to the Philippines immediately! A shock! But God's timing is perfect. We have been praying for a Manager at Cornerstone for a number of months - someone who could oversee the ministry of our new building (Cornerstone Centre Point) as well as manage and organise our Pastors and Office. I kept on thinking, "If only Bong was here!" And God heard my cry!

So after a few meetings and a few words from God to Bong and his wife Margie...he's started! He brings so much enthusiasm and excitement to us all and I know he is a significant key for the future of Cornerstone. Love that guy! Welcome aboard Bong!


Thirdly, I was sitting in my car thanking God for the first two things when I was sent a text asking me to out in 1143 AM on my radio. Yesterday was the first day of test broadcasting of FEBC Radio live from Sefton Village! As I listened to the music, I began to weep and thank God for HIS faithfulness. A dream delayed is NOT a dream denied!

God showed me in a very clear vision in June 1999 that one day we would have a Radio Station at Sefton. It seemed impossible ... but with God ALL things are possible! It is called DZMR and the MR doesn't stand for Mark Ritchie but Missionary Radio! The whole purpose of this station is to win the lost and reach the different tribes for Christ! I think they are aiming to reach around 15 people groups and languages to begin with ... exactly what God showed me in the vision!

Good things DO come in threes ... sometimes!

By Pastor Mark