Stepping Outside the Bubble: Are We Willing to Make a Difference?

August 21, 2026 – 15 participants from GBBCC had the opportunity to step “Outside the Bubble” and join the SIBFK CAYA Bazaar Fellowship 2026 at Faith Fundamental Baptist Church, Antipolo City.

It was more than a day of fellowship and activities. With 190 participants representing 7 districts and 30 churches, the gathering was a beautiful reminder that God’s work is bigger than our own local church, our own circle of friends, and even our own comfort zone.

The day began with the usual, registration, opening worship, and prayer followed by a devotion led by Rev. Joshua Reyes, and ‘My Portrait’ as icebreaker. Then, Rev. Nelson De Jesus shared the story of Esther during the keynote session.

Although Jonathan and Esther lived in very different circumstances, their stories pointed to one important question:

What can God accomplish through us when we are willing to respond?

Be the Friend Who Points People Back to God

Jonathan’s friendship with David was not based on personal advantage.

David was chosen by God to become king, even though Jonathan was the son of King Saul. Jonathan could have viewed David as a rival or protected his own future. Instead, he chose to support and encourage him.

In 1 Samuel 23:15–16, Jonathan went to David during one of his darkest moments and strengthened him in God.

Jonathan did not simply give David positive words. He pointed him back to God.

This is what a Christ-centered friendship should look like. We can encourage our friends, listen to their struggles, and remind them that things will eventually get better. But more importantly, we can help them remember who God is.

Jonathan also accepted God’s plan for David. He was willing to help David become what God had called him to be, even if it meant Jonathan himself would not be the main character.

We don’t always have to be in the spotlight. Sometimes, making a difference means helping someone else shine for God’s glory.

Do my friendships help people grow stronger in their faith?

When my friends are struggling, do I point them toward God or only toward positive thinking?

Seeing a Need Is Not Enough

Esther’s story brought a different challenge.

She was placed in a position where she could potentially make a difference for her people. But responding would not be easy. She had to overcome fear, hesitation, and the possibility of serious consequences.

Mordecai challenged Esther to consider her situation and why she had been placed where she was. Perhaps she was there “for such a time as this. Esther had already become aware of the crisis. But simply knowing that something was wrong would not change anything.

She had to act.

We experience the same thing today. We see someone who needs encouragement, notice a ministry that needs help, and recognize an opportunity to serve, give, speak, or reach out.

But sometimes we hesitate.

“I’m too busy.”

“What if I fail?”

“What if they reject me?”

“Someone else can probably do it.”

Sometimes it is fear, comfort, and sometimes it is simply complacency. But seeing a need is not enough.

If we want to make a difference, we must be willing to respond.

What Can God Accomplish Through Me?

One of the most important questions we can carry with us is:

“What can God accomplish through me because I am here?”

It changes the way we look at our circumstances.

Instead of asking, “Why am I here?” we can ask, “Who can I help because I am here?”

Instead of thinking, “I’m not important enough to make a difference,” we can ask, “What can God do through my small act of obedience?”

Esther eventually chose to seek God’s help, set aside her fear, and take the risk of speaking for her people.

Her words, “If I perish, I perish,” showed her willingness to sacrifice her own comfort and safety for others.

She did not know exactly what would happen. She simply chose to respond.

Stepping Outside the Bubble

After the morning sessions, the fellowship continued with the opening of the bazaar, lunch, and an afternoon of interaction.

More than 10 booth partners participated, including:

• Word of Life Philippines
• Airsoft by City Lights Baptist Church
• Graceworndaily and Little Lights Digital Shop
• CountWise
• San Pedro Villagers Baptist Church
• Aquino’s
• Phirst Park Homes
• Overtime Playground by URFBC ProActive Ministry
• Gracie’s Delight and CheloGrace
• Antipolo Faith Christian Ministries Foundation Inc.
• Misey Munchies
• and the CAYA Organizer’s Booth for Health & Music.

The bazaar gave everyone another opportunity to connect, discover different ministries and businesses, and simply enjoy fellowship with believers from different churches.

But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the day was not found in the booths or activities.

It was found in the reminder to step outside the bubble.

Outside our comfort zone, our familiar circle.

Outside our hesitation.

Because God may already be placing opportunities in front of us to encourage someone, serve someone, strengthen someone’s faith, or make a difference.

We don’t have to be Jonathan or Esther to be used by God.

We simply need to be willing.

Final Reflection

What opportunity has God placed in front of us today?

What is keeping us from responding?

And most importantly:

What can God accomplish through us in our current situation?

Sometimes, making a difference starts with something small – a conversation, a prayer, an encouraging word, a helping hand, or simply saying yes when God gives us an opportunity.

We don’t have to be the main character. We just have to be willing to respond.

Looking forward to attending the next SIBFK or BEEEF CAYA Event. 🙂