Covering Testimony: Raiza Anastacio
| Name: Raiza Anastacio | Age: 25 | Location: Trondheim, Norway | Started Covering: Aug 23/14 |
1) Introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Raiza Anastacio and I’m from the Philippines. I’m still single and have been working as an “au pair” (babysitter) in Europe for four years now. I come from a very small, peaceful, stress free family where there’s no screaming or fighting. My family are devoted Roman Catholics. I came to know our Lord Jesus Christ last year here in Norway.
2) Where do you attend church? Tell us a little bit about it.
I go to Trondheim International Church and it’s really a blessing from God. I am so grateful that God has brought me there. There’s unity and happiness in all the members of T.I.C.. I have met people from different countries (Ukraine, Malaysia and Vietnam) and have became friends with them. They really helped me to know their culture and to know more about God. Our pastor (Robin Bassam) is very patient and committed to protecting and helping his “flock” as he calls us, to grow more in faith.
3) What led you to start covering?
My Pastor loves to give copies of almost everything, like his teachings and so much more. One of those is the teachings about head covering. I did read it, but I was not very interested. Then my pastor started preaching about head covering but I still didn’t find it very interesting. I was expecting something more, like a direct command from Jesus. Then the second Sunday, Pastor Robin was preaching about it again, and I was like “mmmmm…okay”. Still I was not convicted. I didn’t think it was very important and I believed that our hair is our covering (1 Corinthians 11:15). I couldn’t imagine myself wearing a scarf/head covering. Then on the fourth Sunday and finally the last preaching on head covering my reaction was “oh no, not again”. As I listened, I got so convicted when Pastor Robin told us the stories about the man who was picking up sticks on Sabbath Day then GOD struck him (Numbers 15: 32-36). And also Uzza, who had a good intention on protecting the ark from falling but GOD struck him also (1 Chronicles 13:10). And David who took a census then God killed thousands of Israelites (2 Samuel 24). Upon hearing that, the Holy Spirit convicted me and He opened my eyes to the fact that it’s GOD’s command. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the 10 commandments or not, it’s still GOD’s word. While listening to my Pastor preaching, I just couldn’t wait to wear a headscarf. When I went home I was so happy and I couldn’t wait to go to church again so I can wear my headscarf.
4) What was that first Sunday like when you showed up in a covering?
The first Sunday I went to church with my head covered, it was a bit uncomfortable. My friends were looking at me but they really didn’t say or ask anything. Especially since I was the only girl that time in my age level who was wearing a head covering (the others are already married). From then on I always cover my head everytime I read the Bible or when I pray even at home. It felt so different and I feel so incomplete if I pray or read the Bible with my head uncovered. And I am so happy and blessed that GOD is really helping me with the decision I have made. Because He has given me courage to cover my head in public places when I pray or read my Bible like in the train station or at the airport. People may be looking at me and wondering what I’m doing, but it didn’t bother me much the way I thought it would and I thank GOD for that.
5) What kind of covering(s) do you use? Where did you get them?
I got my first headscarf on March 9/14 which was the night I was baptized. It was given to my by my pastor. After that it stayed in my closet for 5 months before I started wearing it to church.
