Micaela Chan

At eight years old, after staying with my grandmother, we went to the house of the man who was supposed to help us. To my surprise, he turned out to be someone who facilitated people’s travels. We embarked on a journey to different places without knowing much about them. We spent 2-3 days in a part of Mexico where many people were making their way to the United States. During our stay, we witnessed things that were distressing and not meant for our young eyes. Afterward, we traveled through the desert, walking day and night, wrapping ourselves in bags for protection. We woke up the next day in the scorching heat. Many would get lost and perish in the desert. We even saw the remains of those who had died. We faced food shortages and had to share what little we had received from others. There were times when we ran out of water, but we found ways to obtain it. Once, we discovered a cabin with tired travelers resting inside. We rested and ate there. It took about a month, maybe a month and a half, to reach the United States. When we finished crossing the desert, we traveled riding on the back of a large truck, concealed for the journey.

Upon arriving in the United States, I heard my mother calling the man who had helped us to check on our well-being. We arrived at a house where we ate and showered. He called my mother and informed her that we would be arriving soon. My sister and I were shy and scared. We had seen our mother in pictures, but seeing her in person was surreal. She spoke to us and introduced herself. I couldn’t help but cry. We had believed that the man who assisted us was our uncle, but my mother revealed that he was simply a man who worked to bring us here. Adapting to a new place and environment was challenging for us.

I came to know the Church through evangelism. When I became independent, one of my commitments was to draw closer to God. During that time, while waiting at a bus stop for a salon appointment, I encountered Brother Raphael Gregorio, a 4th Watcher who engaged in Saturday evangelism. He handed me a tract and mentioned that I should join them in their Firebrand service or Divine Worship whenever possible. He asked for my phone number, and I didn’t hesitate to provide it because I was searching for a church. However, due to my work schedule, it was difficult for me to attend. I remember receiving a few reminders from Brother Raphael, and my responses were usually about having work or finishing late. On the third invitation, I happened to have the day off. Brother Raphael reminded me and offered to pick me up if I could make it. I confirmed my attendance and went to the church. I had envisioned a large church, but it turned out to be small and humble. The fact that it was a church of a different nationality didn’t bother me. The brethren were warm and caring. Brother Jan Dago served as the pastor at that time. After the service, Brother Jan Dago and the Firebrands (the young people) encouraged me to attend more frequently and asked about my experience. I enjoyed it, and it was during a Bible Study that I started attending regularly. I remained steadfast in my commitment to attend every church service. In November 2019, Brother Raphael went to the Philippines. During a Family Devotion on November 3, 2019, I went evangelizing with the Firebrands. When we returned, Elder Flor and Elder Marlyn testified to me, urging me to get baptized. Their words moved and encouraged me, leading me to make the decision to be baptized.

During the Antioch Vision Night at the US District Conference of 2020, as the Great Hispanosphere Outreach was unveiled, Apostle Jonathan and Sister Virginia were preaching and translating. The Holy Spirit touched my heart deeply as Apostle Jonathan preached. I started crying, remembering my promise to God even before coming to the United States that if I ever returned to Guatemala, I wanted to serve Him. It felt like God was reminding me of my love for Him and my desire to serve Him. That experience pushed me further, to the point where I dedicated myself to the ministry. It was unexpected. I didn’t anticipate it happening. It was the Holy Spirit speaking through Apostle Jonathan that night, saying,

“Especially if you are young, if you are a youth, don’t waste your time on the things that the world finds satisfaction in. Dedicate your life to the ministry. It doesn’t matter how old you are.”

On that night, I dedicated myself to the mission as an AMP intern. I am grateful for the leadership and guidance of Pastor Even and Pastor Madeline Macatol.

During one of the missionary services, Apostle would often mention, “The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.” When I heard that, I agreed with it and asked the Lord to use me more if this was His plan for me. After attending two missionary services, I decided to dedicate myself to full-time ministry because I saw the urgent need to reach out to my people. That was when Reaching Regions Beyond was established. It was through that initiative that God confirmed His need for me and His plan for my life. Looking back at all the trials I went through, especially during my early high school years when my mother prevented my sister and I from attending church, I questioned God, asking why my life was so challenging and why it was difficult to serve Him. Those were tests from God, testing my faith and how I believed in Him. Now, I can see that everything was part of God’s plan and purpose, leading me to find this Church.

As a 1st Year Bible Student, it has been a challenging journey. Initially, when I dedicated myself to the ministry, my family was unaware. Only Brother Raphael and the pastors knew about my commitment to full-time ministry. I kept it to myself for about a year. Now, my mother supports

my decision, but she still has doubts and fears that I may return home. For me, I know that I have already given my heart to God and there is no turning back.

I thank the Lord for blessing the PMCC (4th Watch) with Apostle Arsenio Ferriol, Evangelist Leticia Ferriol, Apostle Jonathan Ferriol, and Presbyter Marites Ferriol. Through the Apostle’s ministry and leadership, we have witnessed the fruitfulness of God’s work throughout the years, including firsthand through Reaching Regions Beyond.

“IF YOU ARE YOUNG, IF YOU ARE A YOUTH, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THE THINGS THAT THE WORLD FINDS SATISFACTION IN. DEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO THE MINISTRY.” – Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol