Many years ago, one man asked a question during the Feast of Tabernacles. I never met him because time didn’t permit it, but all I know is, he was a great man used by God to preach the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God. That man is only known to me by the name of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. His question has echoed throughout the Church to this day. His question was very simple yet the answer is very profound.

He would ask, “Why are we here?”

When I first heard that question, through the lips of our minister, I was stunned and thousands of thoughts raced in my head, and I realized that I didn’t have all the answers to that question.

I tried to answer the question the best that I could, but I was not content with the answers I came up with. And so, I decided to just go on with the Feast.

On the first day of the Feast, I was so excited to talk with the brethren, especially those people who I only have a chance to meet once a year. I could see smiling faces while shaking each other’s hands, children were playing, and laughter filled the whole service area. I could feel the warmth radiating from everyone I talked with. I was suddenly filled with a unique sense of happiness and enthusiasm that I only feel during the Feast. I could not explain the way I felt that moment. Everything was just amazing.

On the night of the Festival Show, everyone had a wonderful time. This was the first time that I was part of the show. I felt my hands shaking because of nervousness but my partner was there to boost my confidence. At the end of our presentation, I could see that the brethren truly enjoyed the night. It was then that I realized that life is better when you’re happy, but life is at its best when others are happy because of you.

Everyday of the Feast, we had the opportunity to hear God’s inspired messages for all of us. Many messages deeply inspired me and taught me valuable lessons. Those are the lessons that helped me to focus on God’s Kingdom and make Him a top priority in my life no matter what the circumstances may be.

The youths in the church were given the opportunity to serve the brethren during the Feast. As for me, I was given the task of managing the PA System and coordinating the volunteers for the PA System. The first time I was approached about this, I was afraid to accept the responsibility because, with only one mistake, the whole congregation will look at you. I hesitated for some time... but sometimes we have to come out of our comfort zone to better serve the brethren, and at the same time our Creator. So, I grabbed the opportunity to serve as the coordinator for the PA System.

Until now, I haven’t been able to consistently get it right. Mistakes do happen, but mistakes will only remain as mistakes if we don’t learn from them. I realized that when it comes to serving, the greatest mistake we can commit is choosing to do nothing because we think we can only do so little. Indeed, sometimes we don’t get appreciated but what matters most is what God thinks and not what others would say.

The Feast was filled with so much love and joy. It truly served as a foretaste of what God has in store for us. I really treasured every moment of this year’s Feast, especially the bond we made and I know no matter where I will be, those memories will never be forgotten.
As the Last Great Day came upon us, I was reminded of the question asked by Mr. Armstrong. I realized the answer is the reason for the Feast itself. All this time I was experiencing the answer all around me. I am here because God called me. We are here to realize that the most important thing in this life is not things at all, but in reality it is God’s plan for all humanity!
Let us not lose our focus on that special calling—until God’s Kingdom comes!

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas