this is the story of a girl: who is passionate about her city

I attended a conference calledTRANSFORMNATIONS last Saturday and yet again the burden in my heart for Japan was awakened. I grew up in Japan and most of my traits and values, I owe to that nation, to its people. That is why when earthquake and tsunami shaked their nation, my heart really broke and I was one with the millions who prayed and believed for restoration in that country.

Since I became a christian, the vision of going out to the nations and preaching the gospel has been imparted to me. And if God calls me on a mission, I would really want to go to Japan. But truth be told, there is a greater burden that God placed inside of me than the nations. Some may call this small, that I am limiting God, but

hey, this is where God placed my heart. More than the nations; more than the Philippines, the burden and the cry of my heart is my city: BATAC.

HOME of the GREAT LEADERS - that is what Batac is known for. The birthplace of the former Pres. Marcos, Artemio Ricarte know as the 'Father of Philippine Army', Gregorio Aglipay who is the first Filipino Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church. They are the top 3 "Pride-and-Honor" of our city, as they call

them. But for me, Batac is not called the 'Home of the GREAT LEADERS' for that sole purpose. *my heart is on-fire right now* This is what I believe in: Batac is called the Home of Great Leaders because in this city, leaders will rise up who will be catalyst of change in this nation.

There are a lot of choices before me now. But one thing I know, I will never be successful unless I do what God designed and called me to do. At the age of 16, God already gave His heart for this City to me. It is such a burden that even when I'm not there, I find myself crying out in praying for peace and deliverance in that place. God is in the move, God is right now moving and preparing the hearts of every Bataquenos, preparing Batac for the greater thing that is yet to come.

I am calling to every Christians in Batac to never stop praying and believing. Never loose hope, never give up. Be excited, and with your whole heart cry out to God. He listens, trust me He does :) And because of your faithfulness and unending prayers, God is elevating our City from glory to glory. Be prepared to be one the GREAT LEADERS of this city :)