Part 23: A Door Opens
—When love meets the mission field, and the next questions begin to rise.
The church van pulled into the rural town. The air smelled like sunlight and soil. Children ran barefoot past the gate, chasing chickens.
Shine smiled as she stepped down, hand holding the tote of crafts for the kids. Jhay, meanwhile, carried the big speaker box like it was nothing. (The boys from the local team may or may not have whispered,
“Solid si Kuya Jhay ah.”)
The missions trip wasn’t grand. No huge crowds. Just a few local families. A small barangay hall. And hearts wide open.
You and Jhay ministered together. Prayed over youth. Sang with kids. Taught side by side.
And during one lunch break, as you shared rice and tinola on a bench, Jhay got pulled aside by two young couples from the local church.
They sat under the tree— simple people, joyful, married young.
One of the husbands grinned and asked,
“Kuya Jhay, tanong lang po… may balak na ba kayo ni Ate Shine?”
Jhay blinked.
Jhay (chuckling):
“Grabe agad? Di ba pwedeng kumain muna?”
They all laughed.
But one of the wives leaned forward, kind and sincere.
“No pressure po, promise. We’re just curious. Kasi... minsan, ministry couples wait too long. Tapos kapag ready na sila, parang pagod na sila to even begin.”
“Do you feel ready?” “Kung kasal na ang sunod?”
Jhay grew quiet. Not because he was unsure. But because the weight of the question was holy.
He glanced at the barangay hall, where you were wiping a little girl's nose with a tissue and laughing like the world had no shadows.
His heart swelled. But he still answered carefully.
Jhay:
“If we’re talking about feelings, I’m sure.” “But love isn’t just about feelings.” “It’s about being able to lead, protect, and provide.” “And right now… I’m called to serve. And I do have work.” “But marriage is another kind of stewardship.”
“So... I'll pray. I'll ask the Lord again. Because I don't want to move ahead of Him— even if my heart feels ready.”
The couples nodded, deeply encouraged.
One of the husbands clapped him on the back.
“May discernment si Kuya! Pero pag nag-propose ka na, sama mo kami ha!”
Jhay laughed. But the words stayed with him, even as the conversation ended.
That night, back at the small mission house, he sat outside with his journal.
And for the first time in months, he wrote this down—
“Lord… if it’s nearing time—show me how to prepare. Not just spiritually, but practically. I want to lead her well. According to Your pace, not pressure.”
Inside, Shine was leading a bedtime devo for the kids. You caught Jhay’s gaze through the window, and mouthed:
“Okay ka lang?”
He nodded. Then looked down at the journal.
And smiled to himself.
Because he knew— This season wasn’t just about serving together. It was about asking deeper questions. Counting the cost. Praying for readiness, not just romance.
