Elaine V. Ogmar recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Adventist University of the Philippines. Uncertain about her next steps, she received an offer to work as a Media Volunteer for Hope Channel North Philippine Union Conference but delayed sending her resume as she was also accepted as a leader for a Literature Evangelist group in Legazpi City, Albay.
During her ministry, a family acquaintance encouraged her to apply to AWR CDE as a Digital Missionary, but she hesitated for months due to concerns about burnout and focusing on her sister’ s upcoming 18 th birthday on September 12, 2024.
After returning home, she struggled with emptiness and reconsidered her decision, ultimately applying to both AWR CDE and Hope Channel NPUC. She sent her resume on a Monday, and AWR CDE responded first, inviting her for an interview.
A week later, she completed a second interview but still felt unsure. While praying for guidance, she surrendered her future to God.
Soon after, she received a call informing her that she had been accepted at AWR CDE, a surprise given the recruitment timeline, but she thanked God for the opportunity.
Elaine had previously served as a media volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling her desire to become a missionary. After pausing her studies in 2022 due to a serious illness, she grew determined to help others strengthen their faith. By God’s grace, she recovered, finished her studies, and pursued mission work.
In 2023, Elaine eagerly looked forward to joining the mission field, telling herself, “Just wait until I graduate, and I’ll join as a missionary abroad.” However, concerns about her relationship with her younger sister and her sister’s upcoming debut made her consider postponing her plans for 2-3 years.
When Elaine arrived at CDE, she was amazed to find that she was living her dream of being a missionary, working under the General Conference, which she hadn’t expected. She realized God was orchestrating her journey behind the scenes.
This experience deepened her understanding of God’s goodness. Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope,” she learned the significance of surrendering to God. Her biggest lesson she learned after coming to AWR is that by allowing God to take control, he provides blessings beyond imagination, leading one to unforeseen opportunities and ministries.
