“Into His Plans”
by Ade John Gestole
His plans are always greater—far beyond what we can prepare, expect, or imagine. What we thought was a setback turned out to be a setup for something more beautiful. I’m writing this to share a living testimony of how Yahweh El Shaddai moved in ways we didn’t plan, but deeply needed, during our Youth Spiritual Leadership Camp 2025.
Everything in Caniaw was ready—the sound system, tents, mess area, and every detail had been carefully laid out after nearly two months of roller coaster planning. It was supposed to be the grand unfolding of what we had prayed and prepared for.
But then, the unexpected happened.
The skies broke open. The rain poured very hard. The campsite began to flood. In just minutes, everything we worked hard for seemed to be falling apart.
I found myself standing in the middle of the downpour, the rain hitting my face like a thousand reminders that I was no longer in control. Around me, the youth were scrambling for cover—soaking wet, clinging to their bags, trying to protect each other. There was no comfortable space, no dry ground, no shelter that felt safe. Everything felt like it was slipping.
And there I stood—“tulala”. Frozen. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. My heart was heavy, my thoughts spinning. But deep in that silence, I found myself talking to Him.
"Lord, Your plan is better than mine."
It wasn’t a declaration—it was a quiet surrender. A whispered confession in the middle of the storm. I didn’t know what would happen next. I didn’t have answers. But I chose to believe that He did. That the same God who called us to this camp would also carry us through it.
And then something shifted.
With hearts united and safety in mind, the steering committee made the decision to relocate the entire camp to our office at Palacio de Gobernador in San Vicente. No concrete backup plan. Just faith—and the will to move forward.
I almost broke down. The weight of the storm, the sudden change, and the fear of everything falling apart was overwhelming. But I held on—because this wasn’t about me. It was about the nearly 100 young participants who came seeking growth, connection, and an encounter with God. They deserved strength. They deserved leadership rooted in faith.
One by one, people began moving —not in panic, but with purpose because I did not hear any complaints from anyone in the camp site. Youth Leaders guided the participants. Hands reached out to help. Volunteers packed up soaked supplies with urgency and care. I saw faith in motion—people rising, not giving up. It was no longer about holding on to the plan. It was about holding on to each other—and holding on to God.
That was the moment I knew: this wasn’t failure. It was a divine reroute. Not a disruption, but a redirection. A holy breaking point where our plans ended and His plans began.
And then came the miracle.
Everything began to fall into place. Our unprepared office welcomed us , and the flow of the program felt as though it had been prepared all along as there are changes to make as there are activities that our office could not cater. It didn’t feel like a compromise—it felt like God is starting to take over.
We give thanks to all those who became instruments of the goodness of the Lord.
To the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, led by Governor Hon. Jerry Singson, Vice Governor Ryan Luis Singson, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, thank you for your generous and unwavering support.
To Hon. Victor Singson (Vic Singson, Vic Singson), our very supportive PPSK President, who stood with us even during the heaviest rains, who never left our side, who assured of all the things that we need and whose hands-on presence—along with his staff including his SK Feds from different towns and the PYDO —meant everything, we are deeply grateful.
To our rescue partners—the Provincial Health Office, PDDRRM Office, RHU Bantay, PNP Bantay, PNP San Vicente, Metro Vigan Water District and the Caniaw Staff—thank you for saying “We will come with you to make sure everyone is safe” to ensure the safety and welfare of all the delegates.
Within our ministry, we recognize the spiritual pillars that held this camp together. Thank you to Sir Bro Vic Nuñez, our PFCC2 Disciple Head, and Sir Nem, his ever-present support head and all the preachers. To our Council Members, Worship Team, Youth for El Shaddai Ministry, the Creatives, Facilitators, Working Committees, Core Groups, Workers of the different chapters, and every volunteer who gave their time, strength, and heart—we honor your selfless service.
To those who supported financially, who quietly and generously shared their blessings—you are the unseen lifeblood of this mission and to all whom I haven’t mentioned, you are all appreciated and recognized. Because of you, the camp did not just push through; it triumphed.
This camp will not be remembered for the heavy rain that interrupted it—but for the faith that sustained it. For the people who intercede behind it. And for the God who realigned it to His perfect will.
When I said “Rain or shine, the camp will push through,” it wasn’t just confidence—it was trust. Trust that God would be with us no matter what. And He was. He didn’t just show up—He carried us. Through the rain, through the chaos, through the uncertainty. What we thought would drench our dreams only revealed how powerful He is and to show to every kabataan that God is real, that God is present and that God is indeed Almighty.
One youth participant said, “Kung hindi umulan, hindi rin siguro kami magiging ganito ka-close. Dahil sa nangyari, nagsama-sama kami sa maliit na space—nagkaroon ng oras para magbonding, makilala ang isa’t isa, at higit sa lahat, lumalim sa pananampalataya. Ang inakala naming hindi masaya, naging daan pala ng Diyos upang paglapitin kami—sa isa’t isa, at sa Kanya.”
Indeed, "One Kabataan: Isang Bigkis, Isang Tinig, Isang Pananalig" came to life not because we followed our plan—but because we followed His.
One youth. One bond. One voice. One unwavering faith. All because we surrendered—not to fear, not to failure—but into His Plans.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
#YSLC2025 #OneKabataan