YFC GAT '09: The truth never changes, but the truth will change you
By AARON ESTRELLADO (YFC Canberra)
Before GAT, I questioned a lot of stuff that I sacrificed for my service...
I questioned whether declining a scholarship, was the right choice. I began to become hesitant in my service and stepping up as a brother. So I went to Gat for spiritual nourishment. But as GAT passed and as things went along I continued to realize that GAT gave me more then spiritual nourishment, it gave me the ability to really rely on GOD to
give me strength. When I was tired or frustrated, it soon was replaced with something more fulfilling...
peace, love, joy and happiness. But it was something more than just the feeling of happiness. I can't really explain
it, but I guess it’s the feeling that you can be yourself, give your all and know god is working through you; a sense of
a rekindled heart.
GAT is one of the places you can truly experience God's love, through the poor and the love and care
shown from a brother and sister. During GAT we were no longer friends but family.
GAT goes for 16 days, but the friendship, relationship and bonds you have will last you a life time. It was humbling for anyone to single out anyone as inspiring because to me everyone has their own inspirational story. They all have so many hardships but especially after GAT I know they will use this to make them strong. God's love is really there, and we learnt this especially from the poor. They aren't as well off as us, they don't have many possessions but they are happy with what they have. They didn’t want our money or gifts, they only wanted our time; this is what affected me the most.
Here in Australia, I guess I'm used to living a luxurious life. My family owns 2 houses, both houses are 2 stories tall and materialistic things possess my life. But I still had many things that made me unhappy. I learnt that living simply is the most effective way of living, sure its ok to buy nice things from time to time, but I realize I don’t need to spoil myself, what I truly desire is relationships and service. So after GAT I realised that I have changed, not a great deal, but enough to impact others. GAT increased my spiritual maturity and my faith in God. I believe that God
will continue to work through me, mould me and change me for the better. I will continue to press on and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ, possibly becoming a missionary in the near future for the truth never changes, but the truth will change you.
Take care and God Bless
Aaron
