A voice for His glory

(This article is one of my assignments in my writing class. Just wanted to share it.)

           

    With his tranquil and comforting voice plus his enigmatic personality and gleaming smile, he can capture everyone’s attention and even girls can go gaga over him. He just sings with a bang hitting the most heart rending harmonies. But for the 22-year-old Civil Engineering graduate of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, he sings not to impress the crowd but to show his unceasing love to God.

                Lou Evert Bocaling, or often called as Lou, started singing for God when he became a Born Again Christian when he was 17. At first, he doesn’t have any plans to enter the Music Ministry.  But his leader in their Church pushed him to join. “Bago pa ako sa church nun, tapos sabi ng leader ko, O lou, di ba kumakanta ka dati sa choir? Sabi ko, opo. Oh, sumali ka sa music team. Tapos wala kong magawa kaya sabi ko, sige po.” He chuckled as he recalled it.

                But never did he expect that his engagement in the Music Ministry will be the starting spark to burn his passion in singing. His engagement on it soon transforms his heart and character and strengthens his talent.      

                “Sobrang laki ng tulong nang music team sa akin kasi ang heart ng music team hindi siya for your glory. Every time na umaakyat ka sa stage, nagle-lead ka ng people sa worship, at nakikita ka ng tao, ang heart mo doon, hindi na ikaw yung nandoon. Hindi na ikaw yung makikita. Ang heart mo doon, ay maging instrument ka ng Diyos, para yung mga tao na ‘to kahit for 15 minutes of their lives, ma-experience nila through music, yung love ng God sa kanila. Yung presence ng God sa buhay nila na kahit madami silang problema, madami silang iniisip, through music, magkakaroon sila ng peace and comfort.” He explained.

                What’s comic to his journey as a front singer of their church is that he never imagined being part of the Music Ministry. His far-fetched dream of becoming a stellar artist or a grand winner of a singing competition on the television was something that he really envisioned before.

                 He humbly said, “Actually, iniisip ko dati, kakanta lang ako sa contest. Ganun lang talaga. Hindi ko talaga inakala (to be part of the music ministry). Akala ko lang hanggang banyo lang yung boses ko, pero hindi pala. Gagamitin pala ko ni God for greater things”

               Singing became his manner of worship and offering to the One who has given him the gifts that he possesses and his  growing  

During the interview

relationship with God motivates him not just to bring out his best in singing, but also to lead people for the glory of God. “Nagmomotivate talaga sa akin ay yung pag-ibig ko sa Diyos” He expressed.

             Aside from singing, he plays guitar and what is commendable; he cooks which sounds extraordinary for a guy. “I cook, talent ba yon? (laughs) Pero marunong ako magluto” He stated in jest.

            As a gifted singer with an eye-catching physical feature plus still single, he didn’t deny the fact that there are some girls who admit to like him. But he assures, “Pagdating sa mga ganoong bagay, hindi ko ine-entertain. Pero ‘to para hindi ako maka-offend, pinapansin ko sila at kinakausap but I set my boundaries na huwag gumawa ng something that will stir up their emotion, na hindi dapat dahil bata pa sila (referring to the girls admiring him)” He still doesn’t have plans to enter in a relationship, but he ensures that it will be his priority in the future.  “As of now, my priorities are getting my license, having a job, building my team in the church, and becoming a blessing to my family.” He added.

                  Likewise, behind his gift in singing, he is thankful to God for his transformed life that behind all his trials and triumph, he managed to overcome it. He even shares a verse from the bible that simply describes his life, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).  Naniniwala ako na pli-nano lahat ni God yung mga nangyari sa buhay ko, pangit man o maganda.  Kahit bago ko siya makilala para sa dulo makikilala ko siya ng lubusan at mas tumatag pa yung pag ibig ko sa kanya. (Naniniwala ako na) Lahat ng bagay (na nangyari) ay para sa ikakabubuti ko”

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With my interviewee, Kuya Lou