ccm Cross 0090
November 5, 2015
Mt. Apo Alliance Bible College
Makilala, Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines
ccm Cross 0090
GPS/DMS Location
Additional photos after Testimony
3939 cdd The Humble Farmer
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 16 Number 233
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Scripture: Matthew 6:33
“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well” NCV
Hello my name is Pastor Jolle Malik from Mt Apo Alliance Bible College in Cotabato City, Philippines. This is my Cross testimony of how out of humble beginnings the Lord has shined his light on me for His purposes.
I grew up on a farm not far from this Bible College. I was the eldest of five children where my mom was at home with us every day while my dad worked his farm fields. As we were growing up my father became ill. He had good days and bad days but the work of a farm required something every day. At a very early age as the oldest I was required to step up and help my mom run the farm.
While the work was exhausting it taught all of us to have faith. We were a church family. Each season we planted new seeds and committed them unto the Lord in prayer — we had faith that an ample crop would arrive if we were faithful. Faithful to the Lord and faithful to do the work.
At the age of 25 I left home and went to another province. I became a tenant of a certain landowner. Farming was what I did every day and with the Lord’s help I did it well. Then one night I was passing by a church near the farm. There was a Chinese Pastor speaking to a group of young people gathered outside the church. I was a good 10 years older than most of the youth and could be considered an outsider — but his words caught my heart. I stopped to listen. The Chinese Pastor was speaking about finding peace in this life. The kind of peace that passes all understanding. Yes, I wanted it. The Holy Spirit touched my heart that night and I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. That day church became more than a social club. I spent time with the Chinese Pastor and the youth sharing my testimony at evening meetings. Church now became an opportunity to learn more about Jesus. The more I learned the hungrier I got.
Then I had a dream. In my dream I was in the middle of a burning ring of fire. The only way out had an exit sign with an arrow pointing HELL THIS WAY. Then the Bible verse Matthew 6:33 flashed before me and the flames disappeared. I determined that I must do what the Bible was saying. It was clear the Lord had a plan for me.
Later that afternoon I heard a voice. It was as if time was up and I needed to make a decision. The voice said, “What kind of a life do you want?” The Holy Spirit prompted me and I shouted, “To follow Jesus.”
I had very little education so I looked for a place that could teach me about Jesus.
“I found the Mt Apo Alliance Bible College. I asked if there is an available scholarship of work for a humble farmer who wants to work for Jesus. I enrolled that day when they said, ‘yes!’
There study program was four years. I was the oldest student but the youth accepted me.
Two years later I met and married my wife Helen. Helen was a teacher at the college who was one year younger than me. When we married Helen resigned from teaching as it would not be right for her to be married to a student.
I finished Bible College and I knew farming was no longer for me if I was going to serve Jesus. My wife and I were preparing to leave the college to do church work but the college administrators requested us to stay. They only had a position as a janitor — maintenance man. I was happy to have the position. Every day I went to work I was working for Jesus. Every project I was given was completed to the Lords standard. It was as if I didn’t have any superiors — just Jesus. As long as what I was doing met His requirements I was happy. And you know, when I did it unto the Lord it was always better than anyone ever expected.
Two years later the President of our College resigned. The Business Manager was picked to replace him. Then I received the shock of my life. The Business Manager refused to take the position as President unless I would be appointed as his replacement. When asked why he picked a maintenance man as Business Manager the President said, ‘If I am going to lead this institution for Jesus then who could do a better job as Business Manager than one who is dedicated to do every project, every task and every assignment to the standard of Jesus Christ.’ I was so honored. Together we built the Bible College in ways only the Lord knew.
While Business Manager I decided to study on a part-time basis to receive a Masters Degree of Divinity. Once I received this degree I continued to my Doctorate.
There were three presidents of the college while I was the Business Manager. The first two had retired and then the third President retired. He recommended I succeed him as President. When asked why — he said, ‘Who could possibly do a better job as President than one who is dedicated to do every project, every task and every assignment to the standard of Jesus Christ. It worked for us in the past and in following Jesus He will to do it again.’
Can you believe it? I was walking down the street one day as a humble farmer tending a small tract of land and the Holy Spirit touched my life. And since then everything I have ever done was unto the Lord. Now I’m President of the Bible College. To God be all the Glory!
Since that moment on the street, by that church, Matthew 6:33 is still my favorite Bible verse. It has worked for me. And in love I can assure you it will work for you.
The Cross is a reminder of what Jesus Christ did for me. He died for my sins and gave me the victory and blessed assurance of life everlasting with Him.
This specific Cross planted defines who we are as a Bible College. And all who pass by will understand that Jesus Christ is King of our lives.
It is my prayer to the Lord that as the Apostle Paul described in 2 Timothy 4:7, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ NKJV My desire above all else is that I complete this race running strong for Jesus on my way to meet Him in glory.”
Prayer: Father help me to be one who is dedicated to do every project, every task and every assignment to the standard of Jesus Christ. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Building the scaffolding
Lining up the Cross
FIRE IN THE HOLE
Entrance sign for the campus
A view of the campus
Recreation area with basketball backboard
Dormitory
Pastor Jolle Malik and his wife Helen
Plaque “Declaring God’s Glory” over
Mt. Apo Alliance Bible College,
Cotabato City,
Mindanao Island,
and the entire Philippines