More From Philip Polo

When we talk of storms in life, they come at different times and seasons of our lives. One common denominator about them, though, is the fact that the storms come when they are least expected. I have recently been reflecting on this closely and trying to put it in perspective at a personal level as I marvel at the mystery of God’s miraculous love and care for humanity.  

Last year, the government compulsorily acquired our land where our home of 9 years was built in 2010. Ordinarily, the law requires the government to make prompt and due compensation for any private property that is compulsorily acquired by the government for any development project. This allows for resettlement of the affected families with the least possible inconvenience to them. For us, however, this was not the case!  

At the turn of the year 2019, most people were busy making plans and strategies for achieving their New Year’s resolutions. But instead we were greeted with an eviction demand to leave our property so that a contractor working on the government-sponsored railway line could proceed with the work.  When we inquired about the compensation required by law for us to move, the contractors were provided with police protection as they worked and brought down our house without compensation being made to us.  

With no help in sight, we had to retreat and try to figure out how to find a new home to call ours! Luckily, we got accommodated at our church facility. 

Although we don’t know when or whether our compensation will be made, God miraculously provided a safe refuge for us when we least expected it. I have always read about refuges in other countries, but I never once thought that I would myself be one! We continue to praise and thank God for this miraculous providence in the midst of such a storm, and we internalize the scriptural appeal of doing unto others what you’d like them do unto you. (See Luke 6:27-31.)  

What is most amazing to me during this whole episode is the divine spiritual connection that I see throughout.  Several years back, God put in my heart a strong pull toward the Great Commission. One Sunday afternoon, on our way home from a church service, I verbalized this dream and shared with my wife and brother, who were equally bewildered by it. I was still uncertain whether it would actually come to pass. 

No more than two years after that, God was at it—granting the ability when we acquired the property on which our church is built today. At the time of acquiring the property, I had envisioned a Great Commission Center that would provide spiritual nourishment to the community, as well as address their other needs as the church was able to, granted by the grace of God. I had never imagined that I myself would be accommodated at the church facility one day, but that’s where we are today. We continue to acknowledge God’s promises in Isaiah 43, even in the midst of the uncertainty that we find ourselves in!

Today, June 3rd, 2019, is a very critical date for us — the court will make a ruling on our case for the injustice committed against us by the withholding of our compensation.  It’s by coincidence that my meditation also appears on the same day; or maybe it’s by God’s design.  I ask that those who can will join with us in prayers today.  Blessings of grace and peace. — Philip