An ordinary night can turn extraordinary

when people come together for worship and

prayer. That’s what happened on June 29 as

the campuses of Metro Manila Regional Unit

(MMRU) met together for the first monthly

Night of Prayer (NOP) of the academic year.

It started with a round up of twenty (or more)

inhibited students. It didn’t remain that way

though. After tossing around names and ac-

tions to describe the person whom those

names belonged, the atmosphere became

lighter. The joy became richer as everyone

gathered around to sing praises to God.

The night was dedicated to prayer. Everyone

celebrated in the IVCF Student Center. Each

person had the opportunity to pray not only

for his/her personal and campus concerns, but

also for two or three others and their respec-

tive concerns. After which, everyone heard

and saw a video of a people group called

Qiang. Qiang was divided into 11 more peo-

ple groups around China. Their practices are

similar to the early Jews, yet they know noth-

ing about Jesus. Pagan practice is in place of

having the Messiah whom they have been

waiting in their hearts.

The night had to come to a close. The total of thirty-eight students

from twelve schools was represented in the NOP. All came to hold

hands and pray: “…that… a new song will be awakened in our

(your) hearts and in our (your) mouths… Missions is bidding the

nations, sing with us!” –John Piper (emphasis mine)

Jacqueline Rosete, IVCF Phils.