Acel van Ommen: Living a Life of No-Compromise

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Tuesday, 22 January 2008

By Iza Santos

Now at 31, with a husband (Danny van Ommen), a baby (she’s 11-weeks pregnant), a promising career, and blooming church ministries, Acel is more than happy that she decided to follow God and stick by His standards.

“I sang the theme song of a Korean novela ‘Spring Waltz’ on ABS-CBN; I’ve been introduced last July 2007 as the first digital artist in the country when I released my first single "Pakiusap," which is only available through downloads; and I composed the soundtracks used for an independent movie entitled ‘Saving Sally.’ The movie is still in the works.”

In an interview with kristiyanongpinoy.com, Acel couldn’t stop singling out God’s many gifts for her. “God blessed me with this pregnancy, and this project I have with ABS-CBN. God also gave me opportunity to be friends with some of the most influential people in the entertainment industry, and because of that, I was able to help in ministering and sharing God's word to them.”

Inconvenient Choices

The rewards didn’t come without cost. Acel has always been passionate about her faith but at times, it runs opposite her world at work. “I stand up for what is right and refuse to compromise. I want to always please God in everything I do, and hold on to God's promises than men's promises,” she avows. “But being a recording artist and being seen on TV, there will be guys that will like you and fall for you. Knowing that, you can be tempted to use power and charm to manipulate people and let them do what you want. Sometimes, you tend to do that unconsciously,” she shares confiding about an instance when she was still single and was tempted to enter into a relationship that does not please God. “Thanks to God's grace and his Holy Spirit, I was reminded to do the right thing.”

Another temptation to compromise came when she was invited to perform during a leg of the OCTOBERFEST celebrations. “The emcee gave me a beer to drink on stage, in front of the crowd, and asked me to encourage the crowd to drink more. I plainly told them straight on the microphone that I don't drink.”

Painful Sacrifices

Sacrifices didn’t stop at that. Acel recalls that the most painful decision she had to make for God came in 2004, when she left the band Moonstar88 which catapulted her to national renown.

“I really felt that God wants me to stop that time. He has other plans for me. That decision really hurt me a lot because I love those guys. They're like family to me. But there's just a certain peace in my heart that I can't understand when I left.”

It was a tough choice, one that really stretched Acel’s faith. “Sometimes choosing God will hurt, but the peace and joy from knowing that you obeyed your God and that He certainly knows what's best, is more than enough comfort for me.”

And with firm resolve, she adds, “You may not understand it, but His word is true. He is faithful. I don't think I'll have joy if I'm doing something that is against God's will for me. The safest place to be is at the center of God's will.”

Beyond Rewards

No doubt, the rewards in choosing God are aplenty: from letting go of an old romance which paved the way to the husband whom she beams, “ loves God and loves me truly and faithfully;” to leaving a job that was her sole source of income for a brighter career she’s enjoying at the moment.

“Sometimes, God would push us out of our comfort zone so that we'll grow. When I left the band, I really learned a lot. I learned to value what I have, and I learned to value money. My creativity was stretched because now, I compose songs on my own. I've learned to work with different people, and because of that I've learned to adjust.”

The rewards of carrying her cross and following Christ proved to be multi-dimensional—tending to both her artistic and practical needs. But beyond these returns, Acel finds greater joy in paying it forward.

“I lead the worship in Victory Christian Fellowship (Ortigas), and help out with the youth service there. I have two small groups that I meet once a week. One comprises of girls from 19-33 years old, single and single moms. The other one is a mixed small group, which comprises of people from the entertainment industry.”

New Season

Acknowledging that she’s entering a new season in her life, Acel has simple words for who might walk the same path she has trodden. “Always remember that it was God who gave all these talents that we have. We should use it for his glory. We should be His voice, his Hands, and His feet.”

Asked about the greatest lesson God has taught her in the year that was, she enthuses, “To be patient and to trust Him, whatever situation you may be in. And for 2008, I am looking forward to having a healthy normal baby, and to be able to release my album not just locally but internationally.”