I Will See You Again

It was dark on the way to the mountainside, but even darker are the hearts of whose feet that follow Him as Their master lays his final words, hours before his arrest. Light does shine the brightest in the darkest of places. In the midst of grief, a ounce of light, a promise from the One who matters, "I will see you again."

John 16:22, "I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."

This promise echoes hope today in the darkest times in our life. "I will see you again." A postcard from the past that bursts with eager anticipation. It takes us higher to see that life does not end in defeat, even mediocre contentment, for the one who follows him devotedly. On that day, on that day, oh what a joy! Because at long last we have finished the great amazing race, we have kept the faith. I couldn't even picture that moment when we finally see him. There won't be a dry eye, tears shed only because of unspeakable joy. The Celebration then has just begun.

John 16:33, "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world."

We are overcomers, conquerors, victors in Christ!


"There Will Come A Day" by Faith Hill

There's a better place where our Father waits
And every tear He'll wipe away
The darkness will be gone, the weak shall be strong
Hold on to your faith!

There will come a day
The song will ring out down those golden streets
The voices of earth with the angels singing
Every knee will bow, sin will have no trace in the glory of His amazing grace

There will come a day!

Starstruck

It was quite a very interesting and rare night for us tonight. Netty and I went to the premier of the evangelistic movie Rebound this evening at Victory Christian Fellowship in Robinsons Galleria. I was given complimentary tickets because I made the movie website (please check it out). Anyway, as we went down the basement parking, I had a hard time looking for one until I found a guy hurrying to his car, so I put my flashers on. And imagine our surprise when we recognized who it was... it was Piolo Pascual! Perhaps he was came from the evening service of VCF. Netty was like sayang we didn't get a chance to see him longer. And I was like, "I just took the place of Piolo's car..." (insert starstruck Anime eyes, hehe). After that episode, we went to the cinema, we found some friends who were already on the queue and took our seats. And then Gary Valenciano and family show up and took the seats in front of us. As in naistarstruck kame. I could literally just stretch out my hand and call his attention. They were there to support his son Gabriel because he's the lead of the movie. Ala lang, just wanted to share ... starstruck siguro. And praise God because these guys people of great influence in media have come to know Christ and more and more people from that field are getting to know Him.

The Gospel According to Jackie Chan

I was watching Late Night with Conan today and he had Jackie Chan on the show. I thought this was gonna be good. Conan introduces him and as he enters from the curtains and everyone just cheered on him. Conan comments that there’s something about Jackie Chan that his presence always lights up any room. And indeed I was smiling and laughing watching the interview because he’s fun-loving, animated and very positive person. He truly lights up every room. Positive—He’s happiness infectious, that every person that he connects with is charged up with that energy. I thought if only we could be more like that. That in every person we try to connect with we leave a trace of God’s radiance and goodness—because we are mere reflectors of His glory. Just as salt that influences the food it touches and a light that influences any room. We are agents to influence any dire, gloomy or apathetic situation. We reflect that Light. A Light that is more infectious than raw positive thinking and meditation, it’s His radiance, Him who came to bring people Life—a life that is full, happy and complete. Are we putting that Light to good use?

You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. – Jesus, Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)

Day in the Life: Long Day

It's been a long day today. Today is my campus ministry day. Surprisingly woke up at 7AM by myself (snaps for me) and started preparing for my campus visit in CCM. Took a quick shower and tricycle my way to LRT.

I arrived at CCM around 10AM and our smallgroup is already waiting for me. It was a great first smallgroup meeting this semester. Had a great time catching up and sharing and encouraging one another. Netty followed around 11AM. By 12 noon we went to CEU to visit a youth of mine to catch up on each other's lives over lunch. I haven't seen her for quite a while so Netty and I were so happy to see her telling her that she was "blooming" which was not bola but true. Around 2PM, we were to meet Ate Merla in a student center in Morayta. I figured it should be in United Baptist Church, because they had a large youth center. I was glad to find out that the Doulos (Ship) Team was holding a booksale in the student center. And this time majority of the books were inspirational and cheaper. We met Ate Merla with her friends there. Turns out that that was not the student center they were using but the one over the FEU side. After buying some books, we headed there to spend sometime to catch up with friends. By 4PM, we went back to CCM with the intention to get to know new students and share faith with them which turned out pretty well.

After a long day's work (with all the sun and smoke, we look and smelled un-fresh already), we went to Glorietta to have dinner and catch a movie (One More Chance :). On the way there, Netty surprised me with a WordSearch book, that I wanted to buy when we were in Doulos (It was so sweeet of her). Arriving there we discovered that the queue to the move was so long since it was 1st day of showing so we figured to just have dinner and coffee. We were able to see Netty's friends (Christian, Daniel, Claire and Jen) and shared a dinner at World Chicken. They went off to see Beowulf and Netty and I went to Starbucks to have coffee. She's eagerly collecting this years Starbucks planner :) It was my first time this season to have a hot cup of Peppermint Mocha which was very exciting. Then we took the word search book and had a little competition on answering the most hidden words. It was a quality time moment :) After coffee I took her home and stayed a little longer watching PBB. Arrived home at 11:30PM blessed and thankful.

Blessed and Thankful that ...

1. I received a new project after a friend of the Rebound Movie staff saw the site. Thankful for the projects He's sending me.
2. I am able to connect with students and young people and being able to minister to them.
3. Thankful for the company of Netty. A real encourager and encouragement, equally passionate about young people and full of grace even after a whole day's work.

Please pray with us as we continue to minister to the students of CCM.

2nd Semester @ CCM

2nd semester is here again. Today Netty and I went to CCM to visit our Bible study group and do some evangelism survey. There aren't alot of students yet just a handful. We were able to know a few students from Computer Science college. And we were able to see our Bible study group. We're meeting again, this time Wednesdays at 10AM. We'll be there the whole day Wednesdays. Before we left, rain came pouring down really hard. We stayed at SM Manila for a while. Then proceed to accompany Netty to the FX station. It's like highschool all over again (Pahatid hatid sa sakayan, kasi bawal sa house hehe). I'm really blessed to have Netty in my life and it's an added reward that I could do ministry with her. Our bible study group of 4th years students from Political Science will soon enter the working world. Thankful that all of them passed their thesis and two pairs of thesis partners from our group got the top 2 highest thesis grades. Praying that this semester will be fruitful for all of us in CCM. :)

Day in the life: Glorietta After

• It's back to school for me here at ASCM. I'm enrolled to two subjects whose professors "hindi ko masakyan." One subject perhaps the better one is Counselling with Dr. Zonia Tappeiner, but she's still not in 'til next week. Mondays and Tuesdays are my school days.
• Finally I got to see Netty after 8 days. We saw Rendition. Good movie.
• Sad to discover that Jolibee's Amazing Aloha is phased out again. Do only few people really appreciate Amazing Aloha??
• Happy to see that finally Starbucks' Christmas Blends are back! (My favorite is peppermint mocha)
• It's my first time to visit Glorietta after the explosion that killed 11 people and injured scores. Glorietta 2 is still closed. The stalls on the hallway that goes through Landmark is closed on one side. Even though the mall is trying to pull in its patrons through sales and Christmas decors the shadow of that sad Friday afternoon looms. There were only few people around. Shops close earlier. And the security check-ups take longer. It's a gloomy feeling altogether, and it's Christmas season. "Lord, teach us to number our days aright" (Ps. 90:12).

Compassion Wanted

Jonah 4:11, "Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?"

This was God's answer to Jonah, after he proclaimed God's judgment to the wicked Assyrian capital city of Niniveh. But because the whole city repented, God relented its destruction. And this made Jonah really, really disappointed.

"Was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity." (Jonah 4:2)

Many times we let the comforts of religiosity make our faith stale and stagnant rather than letting it flow, expressed to ripple off. We forget the compassion rendered upon us by the Lord "while we were yet sinners". We readily label the supposed less closer to God to a point of disgusting self-righteousness. But our lack of compassion and genuine concern just reveals that we are no more enlightened and transformed than them. We fail to see that more than statistics they are victims in need of a Savior like we were once.

John 3:17, "For God did not send the Son to judge the world, but the world might be saved through Him."

Lord, may I reflect your compassion for the hurting, the blind, and the weary. Fan the flame of compassion and the burden for the lost, the students and the young people. Let it grow stronger. Search me and mold me.

Nasugbu Visit

Finally after a week's hustle and bustle, I'm nailed to the house. Finishing my message for tomorrow. This week's been surprisingly hectic. I thought finally I will have rest after last weeks nightly seminars at church. But projects have been queueing, thank God, on the downside I'm still adjusting to the abnormal sleeping habits of sleeping late. I feel the work stress has been affecting my body, I'm experiencing problems with my stomach and my eyes. I want to get myself checked up next week.

Tuesday was a break from work when I and Welfert went to Nasugbu to coordinate the cooking team for the camp. We figured it would be easier to get the help of a local church to do the cooking for us instead of bringing a team from Manila. But anyways, it was a rainy-cold trip to Nasugbu. And we're welcomed like VIPs. A taste of local Batangas hospitality. It was such a blessing and a breather for me to witness such dedicated and inspiring ministers of the Lord. Especially Ptra. Carumba who was our contact. She has already grandchildren, but her raw passion for the Lord is evident by her age. It was a blessing listening to her stories back in BBC and Manila Faith, also her ministry stories during Martial Law. It's like saying to me, ministry doesn't start and end with me, we're just all part of God's story in His effort to reconcile men to God through Jesus. Ministry wasn't born yesterday. God has been using people even before I was born and it wouldn't stop when I die (So it's like okay to get some break sometimes! :) Indeed it is not about us. We also met Ptr. Mike Anciado, a young Nth generation pastor of Nasugbu First AG. We visited their newly renovated church. They have this wall of old and new pictures showing the growth of the church. Indeed the trip was a slice of history lesson.

Yesterday's Crazy Schedule and Bombing

Satuday. We just concluded a 15 hour (5 nights) seminar on Carecells. A group of Singaporeans from Trinity Christian Center came down for ministry exposure. They were here last May through Chi Alpha and we also got to know them and build friendship with them. I wrote before the one word that I would describe them is DRIVEN, they are still now. They've never lost their passion, it was a LIFESTYLE. I have learned so much from them.

Looong day yesterday, slept at 3AM because of a project (Subpix posters). 10AM I was already in Robinsons Place Manila for cellgroup consultation with Ptr. Edwin & Ptr. Carmelo. At 12, went to Alva to print the posters I made. This wasn't supposed to be my job (to print my design for the client) but the client is so busy that he cannot do it, so he just paid me for the effort & the gas. While waiting to print, I was in KFC taking my lunch. Then I got a text that Glorietta 2 was bombed. At first I was skeptic, but another text came confirming the incident. And I was going to Makati. 3PM I picked up the posters and head for Makati. Turned on the AM Radio and listened as the tragedy unfold.

It's devastating what fear can do to you. If there's one thing I learned about the incident yesterday is that these people who did this sowed fear to the people. Fear immobilizes you. Nails you that you keep yourself from moving forward. It creates paranoia. Just listening to the reports as it came in, it gave a sense of fear for your safety. I heard someone say that fear is the number one weapon of the devil. He'll keep you frozen to move on. He'll sow thoughs of "what if's" so you won't pursue God's plan altogether. But God didn't give us a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of boldness, love and a sound mind. Love drives away fear. It's like light vs. darkness. Ptr. Edwin says that light NEVER wrestles with darkness, darkness just flees whenever light comes. That's what love does.

There's a point where you could choose to continue listening and continue to be fearful or just leave it. I mean I already got the facts, and the news just keeps on repeating. So at one point even if it was difficult to switch from the news, I turned on the CD player and played and listened to some God-songs. 4PM I delivered the posters in Makati Avenue. 5PM I picked up Ptr. Edwin and Ptr. Carmelo from Hospicio de San Jose (they visited an orphanage the whole afternoon) and when went to church. After the seminar, I treat them for a Chinese dinner in Ongpin (they've been treating me for a couple of nights). I dropped them in their hotel by 11PM and got home and talked to Netty by Netty tells me I am not Superman. True. Earlier Ptr. Edwin shared that Singaporeans are crazy planners, they do things by the second. I am also like that at times. And I'm trying to start working on my inhumane schedule. After a few hours finally I got a well-deserved sleep.

Day in the Life

Today I was able to finally able to get some good rest after last week's rush of work, ministry and in-betweens. I dozed by 9PM and woke up around 10AM--a gud 13 hours of sleep. But I still feel a bit weak (no energy) I figured this was because I stopped lifting weights. My tummy's getting bigger (again). So I need to get back on a regular routine exercise. Over the weekend I was able to finish a project. But there's more to do for this week. The Singaporeans from Trinity Christian Center are back again and this time they are doing trainings for five evenings (6-9PM) at our church that started tonight. Nice to see Ptr. Edwin and Ptr. Carmelo again. And tonight's seminar about Spiritual Parenting was very meaty and helpful. I need to get back on blogging. But for now, gotta sleep.

If you will not tell them, how will they know?

"If you listen you'll hear it
A call to the nations
to show forth your praises
to every tongue, tribe and nation
If you will not tell them
How will they know
That there's joy in my presence
Like they've never known
Bring them into My presence
Let them worship before My throne"

Woke up to this song by Don Moen entitled "This is My Holy Place" (it's a very old song). Does anyone else know this song?

Breakfast

Woke up today quite late already. Before last night, I only had 7 hours of sleep for two days. It's busy days at work. Today I woke up and mom prepared breakfast for me. I thank God for my mom. Like I said before, the family and my friends are manifestations of God's grace and love in my life.

Birthday Prayer

26 years. I may have come a long way, age-wise and some, but not to the point of contentment. In fact I consider myself yet far from the goal I've been pursuing, the goal of perfect peace and intimacy with my Father.

Lord, my prayer for my birthday is another 26 years of hot pursuit for You. Again, Lord, I want to follow hard after You. Forgive me if there are still lapses in my walk with You, I am alone at fault. In these unfaithful moments may Your precious grace abound. Lord preserve me, make me holy in the truest sense of Your Word.

Indeed Father You don't owe me anything, but in Your perfect love You chose to pursue me, even sometimes I think as if I deserve to be blessed. Who are you to think that your service outshine and outweigh His selfless outpouring of life and blood on the cross? Lord let Thou increase and I decrease. I am but a servant. Lord, give me opportunities to live out Your image one day at a time.

Thank You, Lord, for people who constantly love and care for me--one of Your truest and most practical manifestations of blessing and grace in my life. Remind me to always cherish them always and not to take them for granted. I ask Father that You preserve my family in Your grace and blessing and my future wife, preserve us both until that blessed day.

I Started A Joke ...

A very funny and interesting thing happened this afternoon during my Carecell. We ordered a large 18" yellow cab NY pizza cris-cut for Carecell. It was big and really good, it was done in less than an hour except for the last small piece. A partially "bald" slice with much of the surface is the edge of the crust.

It has been a way for us to refrain from eating the last piece of morsel on the table out of modesty. It's like when you eat the last piece the implications are a bit foolish but harsh. One would think he would be perceived by the people with him as a glutton and self-centered, by not giving way for others to have the last piece. So it becomes an endless finger-pointing telling the other person "you take the last piece."

So in order for this to end, I proposed a game that we would play kompyang or maalis-alis (black versus white). And the last one who remains finishes the slice. As we begin, it came into my mind that there was a donut that has been sitting on the fridge for over the week now from last week's worship team practice, also fell victim of the last-piece-curse. It was glazed with chocolate, frozen cold. I raised the bar of the game higher: The last two who will remain should play rock-paper-scissors and whoever wins gets to choose what the loser will eat between the last pizza and the cold donut.

So we began to play, with each turn the number of players got fewer until guess who were the last two to remain: Zarah Grace and me. The youth pastor and the youth president. And so there it was, me and Zarah Grace head to head for the power to choose who will eat what. And both of us knew that we don't wanna eat the cold donut. The game was race to three. Zarah got the first score, I got the next two, Zarah got the next. It was a tie. My rock lost to Zarah's paper. It was very funny, We were laughing our hearts out because my plan backfired. So I ended up eating the cold donut to the cheer of my members. I said to myself, "Humor talaga ni Lord o!" He knows I'm bad at losing games.

An Early Surprise

This afternoon my Friday Carecell group in City College of Manila gave me a surprise birthday celebration planned by Netty and Annie. I was really surprised because they hid it well, although I was kinda feeling 'something's not right'. Netty bought a Red Ribbon black forest cake, and Annie gave me a large collage of birthday wishes from their group. I was really, really blessed by the love received. I realize that ultimately it is God who is touching me through them. I remember my recent meditation on scripture saying not to give up in doing good even sometimes you lose heart and feel like giving up because in due time we will reap a reward. If my God could give me something like what we had this afternoon (more than the gifts and cakes), how much more when finaly I will be rewarded with His fellowship in His kingdom. "No eye has seen and no ear has heard what God has in store for those who love Him."

Not Giving Up Just Yet

"The one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [So] let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:8-9)

Life is not in pursuit of the future without looking into the past. As we live our lives every day, every hour, every second, we sow the seeds of which in due time we will reap--they will catch up on us. And it's simple math. Sow to one's flesh and reap your own corruption. Sow to the Spirit--invest your life to Him, walk by Him (Gal 5:16)--and we will reap our long-fought-for reward. It's a lonesome waste giving up so soon for something we have fought for, bled for, got up again for (after the enemy's blow to keep us from pursuing deep in our hearts is the real deal.) The good that we do, no matter what the situation tells us at face value, will never return barren. The good we have sown will soon grow and flourish and benefit life. Never lose heart. It doesn't hurt to gather up one's strength and push some more, because it is worth fighting for. He awaits that day, when finally He welcomes us and say, "Son, you've finally made it through and I am well-pleased (or I am proud of you.)"

The Zeal of Phinehas

Last Sunday I preached about Phinehas, a rarely heard young character from the book of Numbers (25). I decided to preach about him when I felt that sometimes as Filipinos we avoid confrontations, even if the issue badly needs one such as sin. Confrontations are good, just like most things, when used properly. This personally happened to me when one of the faithful students in our campus bible study got entagled with some dead serious sin. And I felt that as her pastor, I failed to address the issue though I did something about it. I felt that I didn't do much about it. Being outrun by too much "kindness", sparing harsh discipline and "it already happened, what can we do now?"

The Zeal of Phinehas

Scripture:

Proverbs 8:13, "To fear the Lord is to hate evil."

Numbers 25:10-13, "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying “Phinehas … has turned My wrath from the sons of Israel in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not destroy the sons of Israel in My jealousy.” Therefore I say, “Behold, I give him My covenant of peace; and it shall be for him and his descendants after him, a covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel.”

In Numbers 25, we find the Israelites crossing Moab and after Balak's failed attempt to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam (ch 24), he took an alternative to destroy Israel by sending Moab's most beautiful and sexiest women of the land to entice Israel to engage in lust and idol worship (Rev. 2:14). God was furious that He asked Moses to execute all guilty parties among Israel. But there was one rebellious son of one of the tribe leader who in his defiant stance brought a Midianite woman into his tent in the sight of Moses and all Israel. Then the focus zooms to a young man named Phinehas. We read in Numbers 25:7-9:

"When Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he arose from the midst of the congregation and took a spear in his hand, and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and pierced both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman, through the body. So the plague on the sons of Israel was checked. Those who died by the plague were 24,000." (Numbers 25:7-9)

God was very impressed with Phinehas action that He said to Moses,

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying “Phinehas … has turned My wrath from the sons of Israel in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not destroy the sons of Israel in My jealousy.” Therefore I say, “Behold, I give him My covenant of peace; and it shall be for him and his descendants after him, a covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel.” (Numbers 25:10-13)

Phinehas had a lot of Z.E.A.L.:

Phinehas had ZERO-TOLERANCE for sin
He loved God so much that he despised sin in the same manner as God. God said Phinehas was "jealous for My jealousy." Phinehas didn't turn the blind-eye when he saw this upfront defiance against God's law. Proverbs 8:13 say, "to fear the Lord is to hate evil." Living in a fallen world always challenges our "fear of the Lord" when we compromise our stance against issues, turn the blind-eye against injustice and evil especially when we have a power to do something about it, and moreover when we are deceived by our own pet sins (Psalm 36:1-2, Proverbs 9:17-18). The true test for every believer is his displeasure towards sin and anything that is evil (1 John 2:15-17).

When we are tempted to take in temptations and nurse sin in our lives let us take God's prescription for Moses:

Numbers 25:4, "The Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the Lord, so that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.”

1. Take the leaders and execute them … stay away from/eliminate anyone or anything that causes or leads you to sin.
2. In broad daylight … expose it in broad daylight so "everyone" will see and learn. Be accountable to someone who will track your commitment to end that sin in your life.
3. Before the Lord … commit your decision to the Lord who gives you strength.

Phinehas EMERGED from the crowd
God was pleased with Phinehas because he took initiative by atoning (appeasing) for the sin in behalf of the sons of Israel. God said, “Behold, I give him My covenant ... because he ... made atonement for the sons of Israel” (Numbers 25:12-13). He didn't wait for someone to do it, he didn't ask someone to do it, nor he didn't wait for someone to tell him to do it. And because of his initiative to execute God's righteousness in the camp, the plagued finally ended, but 24,000 unnecessary casualties had already occured.

Jesus himself tells us that if a brother or a sister sins, we must go and show him his fault in private so that he will realize his fault. Sometimes the truth hurts, but like a bitter medicine it needs to be ingested. Paul adds to this when he warns us that we must speak the truth "in love."

Phinehas ACTED upon his convictions
It's interesting that throughout the story we didn't hear a single word uttered by Phinehas. We only saw him as he moved about and execute God's judgment on the defiant couple. Verse 7-8, "he saw ... he arose from the congregation ... he took a spear ... he ran after the man ... he pierced both of them ..." He was a man of action. While others were weeping (v. 6), he acted and became the solution. He was someone you can depend on when the going got tough. Sometimes when faced with stubborn sin among our family, friends and even ourselves, we sheepishly and silently protest, "weeping" and mourning, instead of acting upon what we know in God's Word. God is looking for men to stand in the gap (Ez 22:23-30) who will "stop the plague" of sin from spreading and destroying the lives of those who harbor it and the people around them.

Finally, Phinehas was LOYAL to his God
Phinehas was God's number one fan. The bottom line is Phinehas loved God so much that whatever God loves, he loves, whatever God hates, he hates, no questions whatsoever. God was pleased with Phinehas because he was "jealous for My jealousy." Now isn't jealousy such a negative attitude for a good God to have? But the Bible is quite clear about it, our God is a jealous God. Webster defines jealousy as "lacking permissive attitude towards rivalry or unfaithfulness". So what is God jealous about? Let us read what He said when He handed out the 10 commandments to Moses:

Deuteronomy 5:8-10, “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

God is madly jealous for us when we set up idols. Now perhaps we already realize that idols are not just statues people pray to but objects or people who takes more priority in our life than God, whether it's money, fame, friends or boy/girlfriends. Do we have idols in our life that provoke our God to be madly jealous for You? The best way to keep ourselves from anything that takes us away from Him is to draw nearer and closer to God.

Phinehas was full of Z.E.A.L.:

• ZERO-TOLERANCE for sin
• EMERGE from the crowd
• ACT upon your convictions
• LOYAL to God

In the end, God made a covenant with Phinehas. Now when God makes a covenant, three things: it's unbreakable, it's true (He doesn't lie), and it's for eternity. Now who doesn't want that. And because Phinehas was pleasing in the sight of God by being "jealous for His jealousy", God made a "covenant of peace" with him (v. 12-13). Peace that passes all understanding, peace that breaks down walls of fear and doubt. And God promised that his sons and their sons after him will forever serve Him in his presence. We can have that peace when we truly and wholeheartedly surrender our lives to Him, and align faithfully with Him. My prayer for me and you is that we may grow that spirit of Phinehas that is passionately zealous for God and His kingdom, staying true to Him and His ways.

Jewish Filipino-Chinese

Finally after three mondays of class suspensions because of typhoon, holiday and school retreat, we've got to finally have class again in Hebrew. I missed the class. So this morning I went an hour early to school to do some review (although we usually have group study as early as 11AM). The difference what three cancelled meeting makes. It needed some effort to get back to speaking and understanding the language again. I remember this is the same effect it had on me after I graduated highschool. I almost forgot to speak, understand and write Chinese.

We usually don't speak Chinese at home, being a child of second-generation Filipino-Chinese. Sociologist say there are three orders of Filipino-Chinese in the Philippines: the nearly extinct First Generation (they are the one's who came from the mainland and marry a Filipino), second generation (the children of the first generation, who speaks Chinese at home, but speaks Filipino outside), and the third generation (who rarely speak Chinese anymore). They say 10 generations further, intermarriages among Filipinos and Chinese would've blend and neutralize each cultural uniqueness. That is why some elder Chinese try or force the younger to marry their own kind to preserve the culture and values, and even sometimes their economic status. And sadly this kind of mindset made its way in the church. A sad but true anecdote: A young Chinoy grows an interest with a Filipina, his mother is concerned. "We have different values," she tells me. Though I wouldn't approve also just because the girl goes to a "different" church. But the close-mindedness lies within the person themselves, situations vary, so I warn you not to stereotype people, because that's bad.

So let me end this day-in-a-life-turned-rant post by quoting Paul: "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For [we] are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

Back to Work

What am I doing 4AM in the morning? I'm back at work. I'm doing US outsource projects again. It's been almost 2 years (Nov '05) since I left the company where I worked. Now I'm back. Why? Well, many things. I have been struggling and praying for a go these past few weeks if I revive my flash artist profession. Ministry has been very fruitful and the need is huge. But I gotta take care of some things especially my family. My funds are running out and I'm lagging with my contributions in the house bills. Something that really convinced me to return was just this week, my mom, dad and I went to the hospital to get checked up. I had recurring flu which was getting worse everyday. My dad had this lump on his back that after diagnosis, the doctor declared it was an early stage of tumor. Now the doctor reassured us that it is not a serious thing, as long as it's removed ASAP before it becomes infected, but hearing those words really shook me up. I mean that was my dad. Anyway, he's going under operation today for the lump to be removed. Praying that everything's gonna be okay. But you get the picture. I need to work for my family.

Also this week, two of my friends back in college got engaged. Ganito pala kapag mid-20s na. You hear friends getting married one after another. And of course, I also have my own wedding to attend to ... in the near future, hehe. But yeah, I need to prepare for that.

So far so good.

+

PSALM 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Life in A Nutshell: House-cleaning

Here are some highlights of my day:

• Last week was the bummest day. Life halt--thanks to typhoon Egay--no ministry, no class, just stayed at home and watch movie marathons. Made me also to rest and restore lost strength.
  
• Had a meeting this morning with friends in youth ministry. It was a great time spending time with them again after a long time not having seen and talk to each other because of our own ministries. Received and was assigned to quite a challenging task which I realized God somehow prepared me that something like this is coming. Nevertheless I am excited and can't wait conquer new territories and challenges ahead. More details later.
• My Carecell spent some bonding time this afternoon. Haven't gone out with them these past few months. So it was a welcome relaxation. No meetings, we had it the previous day, so we could just enjoy and relax today. Went to Trinoma, Riverbanks and Tiendesitas. My carecell, also our youth core group, is the greatest and I am really proud having them as part of the team. I've seen them grow after all these years. Some God has called to ministry, others to excel in their studies and workplace. I've committed myself to personally invest my life, experiences and knowledge to them.
  
• I'm doing some house-cleaning in my spiritual life and ministry these days. Finally, after sometime idling around I got the push to pick up where I left off. I realized today the greatness of His compassion and lordship, how He sees a polished diamond through a rough stone. I can only stand amazed and in awe of Him.

This verse really helped me get up from that mud pile and shamelessly follow Him again:

"If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I should say, "My foot has slipped," Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul ... the Lord has been my stronghold and my God the rock of my refuge." ~ Psalm 94:17-19, 22

But of course, no classes again!

News just announced that there will be no classes tomorrow. Since the rainy season came, our campus ministry has been greatly affected since we won't be able to meet the students in school. Kuya Kevin reminds us that being stuck amidst a sea of rainwater has its own benefits. Anyway, I like the rainy days also, its cold and chilly.

It's my brother's 21st birthday today.

Kokey

Does anybody else think that Kokey, from ABS-CBN's primetime series of the same name, is the freakiest children's character ever? I wouldn't want him showing up in our kitchen or crawling under the tables. Quite scary...

Simposonize Me!

My Visual DNA

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"Do not remember the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your compassion come quickly to meet us for we are brought very low. Help us O God of our salvation for the glory of your name. And deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake." (Psalm 79:8-10)

"O Lord God of hosts, restore us. Cause your face to shine upon us and we will be saved." (Psalm 80:19)

"But I would feed you the finest wheat and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (Psalm 81:16)

I'm a kid with ADD

I got to get back on the habit on blogging. Not so much because I'm a busybody that I can't post new entries more frequently, but in fact it is total laziness, not in hitting the keys, but in processing the mind and sharing my thoughts. Just as I wrote in my last post, I'm in this state of hibernation. I was scanning this book Spirit-filled Temperament by Tim La Haye and it writes how a melancholy or choleric temperament (I'm not sure which one) incurs in himself great depression after experiencing great victory. Could this be true in my situation? It has happened a few times. But I am hesitant to accept this. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

On the other hand I think that I am in desperate need these kinds of valleys. I forget to ask myself what I always ask before. "Where is God in all of these? What is He teaching me?" I'm a kid suffering from ADD. And perhaps the only way He could put my right where He wants me to be--in His loving and healing presence is shutting the lights off--out from the sparkles and noise and finally emerge as who I really am--an ordinary guy before an extra-ordinary, great and loving Father. He snuffs those moth-drawing lights so that finally He could catch me and embrace his beloved son, the one who was lost but now is found. "I am the only One you need. My heart aches to finally get a chance to tell you that you are loved, accepted, with NOTHING TO PROVE; I rejoice over you, my child, with singing. I quiet you with my love. I'm not a God who drives a slave to hardwork, in fact my yoke is easy and my burden is light. I am your Father and you are my beloved son."

Let me be always reminded that I'm not Superman, but just a vessel--that is just ordinary, nothing special--without His heavenly treasures kept inside; just an ass, literally and figuratively--if not used for the Master's service. "Knowing me sucks unless you see Christ in me." Let Him increase and I decrease.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Life in A Nugget: APAW & Ice-cream

Haven't blogged for a while. Here are some things going on with me in the past few weeks:

• Last Saturday we had our section's Youth APAW (All-out Praise And Worship) at Word of Hope. It was a blast. Young people have come from different churches in section 2 to participate in the event. Our band led the first set of worship. There were times when our vocals are cut because of power failures but as our voices were cut we hear the voices of the youth sing and worship. Such a lovely sight!
• My ministry in campus have been off and on because of abrupt suspension of classes. Last Friday classes were suspended because they had a teachers meeting and today it's suspended again because of SK registrations. But I'm quite joyful for what's happening on our campus bible studies on other days because it's doing great. I find this sudden changes in routine disorienting because for the past few weeks I've been riding a roller-coaster ride. If you tried destroying an ant trail by rubbing your laway or something on the path to remove the scent trail... I'm one of those ants. To say the least the term "ang hirap ispelengin" fits me right now. I don't like the feeling. So guys please pray for me. but Praise God I'm recovering and praying that God will deliver me from burn-out.
  
• Yesterday coming from school I went to SM Manila and I saw a great find. A new ice-cream/cake stall called Scoop-a-cake. There cakes have ice-cream filling inside. And their ice-cream have bits of cake inside. So nice. I tried a Black Forest ice cream. For P30 it's a great find--one large scoop size larger than a tennis ball served on top of Belgian waffle cone. The ice cream was filled with chocolate cake bits, chocolate chips and cherries! I hope they would soon have an ice cream house. Anyway you have to try it, if you love ice cream. They are on the same floor as the cinema near Chowking and the escalators.
• Last night when I went home I discovered that my laptop had become an annex for a bunch of ants that have been trailing on the wall near my table. Grr. They were endlessly coming in and out of my USB socket and its annoying. They stopped now since I wiped it with computer cleanser.
  

Please include me in your prayers:

• Please pray for my whole well-being--physical, emotional and spiritual.
• Please pray for financial provision. I know He provides.
• Please pray for my ministry to the youth and campus.

"I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." - David, Ps. 52:8-9

Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert... I call to God and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice... Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall... As for me, I trust in [the Lord]. - David, Ps. 55

Color of the Day

Last Tuesday night I and Netty went out to dinner. I got out off class quite early so I got time to get a haircut. And when it was time to pick her up at the clinic, we were wearing the same color of shirt. Now, blue, black or something dark would be fine. It was not the first time we find ourselves wearing the same color of clothes on a date, we find ourselves wearing yellow one time. This time I was wearing baby pink and she was wearing brighter shade of pink! I know some people would perceive this as something cute. And I know a couple who took it as a 'sign' that they were meant for each other. It was funny and awkward at the same time when we got to the mall 'cause you would feel everyone's looking at you. I could imagine people thinking, "Of all the colors they would agree on wearing, pink pa." But nevertheless, after a while the consciousness wears off and we had a great time. We had Thai dinner and a regular stop at DQ. It was all good.

There are days when most people that you would meet and come across with are wearing the same color of shirt. It was like that yesterday. I took the train to Recto and there were a handful of people wearing the same color as mine--yellow!

Last Saturday's UDM Event

Last Saturday we finally conducted the Spiritual Formation Seminar with the students of the College of Nursing in Universidad de Manila. Truly the Lord moved all throughout the program and even before it was very clear that He was at work as we prepared and interceded for this first major event of Firebrands UDM. Everything just fell into place. It was supposed to be held a week before with "everything in place." We've already invited a resource speaker and an American mission team will be doing an evangelistic presentation afterwards. But the Lord had other plans. So He delayed it for another week and with that delay we lost both guest speaker and team. That time I was quite curious what He's up His sleeves. I know it's always better because He's already seen it. So I just trusted and waited as time unfolded. Finally the go signal from the school arrives. We have seven days to prepare. Everyone's up in their feet, excited and expectant.

It's very true that when God is going to do something good. The enemy will try all his best to destroy the faith of His people. It was the seven days where we felt the hand of the enemy trying to discourage us and put us down. First day of the week one of our core leaders called to inform me that she got sore-eyes. Another had high-fever that she didn't go to work all week. Middle of the week the one with sore-eyes called to tell me that her two sisters also caught sore-eyes. These leaders have a major movement in UDM Carecells. And because of the weather, some of us also suffered from cough and flu. It was like a symphony of germs just decided to spring up together on us. Coincidence? I don't think so. During that time God led me to claim Luke 10:19--"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you"--and trusted by His promises and believed that when the time comes everything will be ready. Meeting one day before event, the weather was not on our side, and a fight breaks loose in the team. We realized what the enemy is trying to do. So we put our tasks aside and worshiped him and prayed as a team. After that the tension faded and we made declarations that charged up the whole team. (I learned doing declarations when I was in Jakarta where one person declares his vision in faith and everyone agrees with an all-out "amen!") Each one made their declarations that really came to pass the day after!



The next morning my brother and I were already at school 7:30AM. We had just had a few hours of sleep from last night. One by one the team arrives. Everyone present--all sickness healed. By 9AM the hall was packed with 250 nursing students from all year levels. Their classes for the whole day were preempted for this seminar. After a quick team prayer our emcees graced the event with an icebreaker. Chi-Alpha Team Recto led by Ptr. Sur, Ate Merla and Joan started the first seminar on "Maximizing Your Learning Power". By 12NN, Firebrands led the second seminar on "Discovering Your Purpose in Life." The students were very responsive and upbeat. By 2PM, we prepare to close with a one-hour evangelistic presentation, but suddenly the admin arrives to inform us that electricity needed to be shut down. It was a scheduled shut down uninformed to us. We pleaded that we be given more time because it was the "main event" of the event. But they only allowed us to wrap it up in 30 minutes. As I informed the team it brought much pressure and stress to us that some attitudes began to show and flare up. I know that God will not allow His Word to be hindered by that. So we just proceeded with an redrafted program praying that we will not be shut down just yet.



We had songs, skits and a testimony. By the end of the last human video "Tomorrow" most students were already ripe, some already in tears. I deliver the gospel challenge and finally when I asked if they would commit their life to Christ, one by one hands were raised in surrender. The place was holy ground. I stood in awe of how God moved in the hearts of the students. We prayed a prayer of acceptance and after that I challenged them to pursue knowing God through follow-up where they will be cared for and grow. We also gave out Book of Hope to each student. Among the 300 books that were prepared, only one was without a recipient.

The next day as we sort the evaluation form, more that 80% students have responded to our challenge to commit their lives to Christ (one of our declarations). Around 50% committed to Carecells. Some will be connected to existing Carecells and we will be birthing 6 new Carecells this week. We still have 49 students who committed on a Saturday Carecell, but we're already thinking of connecting them to a fellowship because each leader has their hands already full. Praise God for this harvest! Also during the event, we were visited by the university's vice president and the department head of the College of Physical Therapy who invited us to conduct the same event in their college ASAP! Praise God for all that He has done!

This week I meditated on Luke 10 where Jesus sends the 72. Jesus said, "The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers to the harvest field..." Often times we think that our only obligation is just to pray that others will be called by God to the mission field. But few people continue on reading Jesus' next words, "Go! I AM sending YOU..." He is not asking you to pray for laborers to go, he's commanding you to go yourself. I remember a pastor said, "You are either a missionary or a mission field; a harvester or a harvest field." I rejoice that most of the Firebrands team has owned the vision of reaching young people for Christ and I marvel at how God rewards hearts that cry for his lost children with a bountiful harvest. So I challenge you to go ... now! Another faith milestone that testifies to God's faithfulness. Truly NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with God.

Links

• Photos
• Firebrands Youth
  

Prayer requests

• Please pray for the successful birth of the 6 new Carecells this week.
• Please pray for my strength spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally.
• Please pray for our leaders that they will continue to be passionate for young people and that God will strengthen each one to fulfill His work for each of us.
• Please pray for possibilities of starting our Youth Service.
  

Cruising the Fast Lane

Rainy days has finally started. I like it because I can cuddle into bed and put on a blanket and be covered all over because its chilly. Few people know that I'm "scared" of cold, just like a cat. Nowadays the warm and cold weathers are like tugging each other so people are getting sick. I myself am experiencing a little throat irritation...

Anyway, things have been fast-paced lately. School and ministry. School is great. I'm really enjoying this semester. Yesterday had a class with Dr. T, which finally I was able to come to his class after two consecutive absences--first was because of my Indonesia trip and second because of the flat tire! I am really blessed in his class. The way he teaches narrative is very engaging. He always tell us that he teaches differently that's why some people get weirdoed with him. But actually I really get his method. Did I tell you that Dr. T became a devoted student of George E. Ladd during his Fuller Seminary days? So I was telling a friend that we are grand-students of Ladd. Hehe. In my Hebrew 3 class, it's very cool to read Genesis in Hebrew. But learning new insights about the texts that we're reading pays off the most.

Finally I got to settle today at home. Wednesday is my new day-off. I just go for bible study in our Valenzuela church in the evening.

After much prayer and hope, our youth ministry finally got a major breakthrough in our Universidad de Manila outreach (whose name was reverted again to City College of Manila). On Saturday, we are going to conduct a Spiritual Formation seminar from 9-3PM. We'll be doing Maximizing Your Learning Power, Discovering Your Purpose in Life Seminar and an Inspirational Challenge (Extra challenge) at the end of the seminars. The dean of the nursing college who goes to ICS, Netty's church, have been supporting us since day one buy allowing us to conduct bible study in the campus so that we have much presence now in the campus. Netty herself have been a blessing to me when we minister to students there. We're currently doing three campus Carecells in UDM (Weds, 6PM; Fri, 3PM and Sat, 3PM) and praying that in these cellgroups leaders will be born and more Carecells will be formed.

Please pray with us that hearts will be turned and surrendered to our Lord during this event. Even now the enemy is trying to hinder our work by weighing some of our volunteers down with sicknesses and evil visitations. But as I pray and meditated on His Word, he reminds me of Luke 10:19, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Praise God for His mighty promises!

Life in a Nutshell

Here are some random thoughts thats been going on with me in the past few weeks:

Yesterday while I was driving along North Harbor on the way to my 2-5 class. I caught a flat tire. It was the first time that it happened to me on the road, so I was quite scared. Good thing my dad taught me one time how to change a flat tire. Changing the front-left tire along North Harbor would be suicide because of the 18-wheelers. So I went inside a pier to find a suitable place to change it. Somehow I managed to lift the car with a jack, but couldn't unscrew the tire, so halfway through the process the porters in the pier came to give a hand. It was like midday so it was very hot and I was sweating. After they got the tire replaced. I drove to a vulcanizing shop to have the tire vulcanized and replaced again and had the car washed since it was impossible to catch up to class. This is my second consecutive time to be absent in Dr. T's class.

My subjects are starting to get demanding. Especially my Hebrew Book Study class. Our professor is intimidating. We are expected to read, translate and parse a chapter of Genesis in Hebrew every meeting. I'm enjoying it actually, but the pressure plus the intimidation sometimes are nerve-wracking. Originally this was my Thursday PM class but it was moved to Monday PM. I kinda lost my rest day which is Monday because of this and I'm slowly feeling exhaustion weighing down on my body in the morning.

Finally I was able to watch Transformers with Netty last Friday. A total guy movie. The visuals are too cool to handle. It became dragging when the Autobots came with their colorful bodies especially when you put Optimus Prime and Bumblebee together like a children's party. Human supporting characters--too comical and stereotyped (The black hip-hop nerd did it.) Forget my rants. The movie is still awesome. Perhaps movie of the year. Can't wait for the proposed sequels.

More Lands to Cover

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

A Tribe Finds Jesus

During the conference, there were a lot of testimonies of miracles and conversions that were happening in Indonesia. One story was from one of our speakers Jim Yost. Jim and his wife were American missionaries to Papua formerly Irian Jaya. I really like this guy, animated when he speaks but very humble, he stays in our hotel also (too bad we weren't able to meet him personally).

Anyway, he tells how they spent three years with the Papuan tribe they were trying to reach without any sign of interest and conversion. One day while he was in their house, he heard a loud scream from the jungle. So he ran through the forest towards that loud wailing. After 30 minutes of running he finally arrives in the riverbank and behold, there were many tribespeople already gathered. A family gathered crossed the river to the other side of the forest to gather food. When they returned, the family left their youngest member of one-year old in the canoe to carry their provisions to their house. But when they had returned the child was gone--he fell on the dark, algae-covered water. That's when the mother began crying out for help.

As Jim scans the area he sees the men wading through shallow but dark water trying to find the child. And the women now were calling on their gods, cutting themselves, dancing in ecstacy, to call the god's attention in vain. Finally they spot a body, it's stomach swelling because it drank to much water. They bring it up the bank to perform more rituals to revive the child. Finally Jim's wife steps up and gives the boy mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 5 minutes ... 10 minutes ... 30 minutes she tried. It was too late. The boy is dead.

Jim was desperate. Three years of reaching out to this hard-hearted tribes people ... In a sudden surge of supernatural faith--which he tells us he hasn't done before--he prays to God, "God, these people may not believe in You, but I know You love this tribe very very dearly. Please let them see that You are real and alive, bring this child back to life." And immediately the child's color turned warm. He coughs. And finally he spews out all the water that he ingested. The boy is alive!

The mother runs to the child and weeps, her child alive. The tribes people were amazed. They began making clicking sounds at the back of their throats--Jim say that's what they do when they see something amazing. They needed explanation. This is the moment. After three years of what seemed to be a pursuit in vain, God opens a door of opportunity. He begins to speak, "This child did not rise from the dead because of me. Jesus Christ, the God I am serving, who sent us to you, whom I am telling you about these years, He wants you to know Him because He loves you very, very much."

Thus one by one, families began to believe in Jesus. In the first week, six families gave their hearts to Christ. The next week, more. Until finally, by God's abounding grace and steadfast love through time, an entire tribe is won. Now, Jim and his family has spent 35 years with these tribes, continually teaching them and discipling them, and even sent missionaries from these tribe to other nations including the Philippines.

"Praise the Lord, His mercy endures forever!"

Terima Kasih Jakarta!

I'm back from Jakarta. The APYAC conference was a blast! I was really blessed with what God is doing in Indonesia and the nations. All in all there were 8 nations who participated in the conference (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, Australia and USA).

Here are some memorable things and stories about my Jakarta trip:

• The Indonesians did a really good job in handling the event. The conference was great, the lecturers were awesome and testimonies were inspiring. Joining this conference gave me a sense of belonging in what God is doing on a regional level. It allowed me to see the big picture, not just focusing on my church, but flowing with the move of the Spirit. It reinforced my call to the youth and the gift the Holy Spirit gave me. Youth minister for life!
  
• I and some friends were even pulled into participating in the ceremonies. I carried the Philippine flag during the opening and closing ceremonies. We were even pulled into singing for the "international" choir.

(Back L-R: Yulie, Melani, Syane, VJ. Middle L-R: Joko, Marchel, Angel, Patrick, Vicky, Haydee. Front L-R, Yunie, Aaron, Nina, Welfert)

• Friendships and relationships were the cherry of top of an already tasty ice cream. I really cherished the new friends I've made in Jakarta. Originally there were only 2 Indonesians who escorted us throughout the conference (Aaron & Marchel), but after the conference we've got to know and spend time with their friends and cell mates. My Indonesian friends made us feel welcome beyond what we could have expected, they really took the second mile with us. Just wanna acknowledge some of them: Aaron, Melani, Shane, Angel, Marchel, Melda, Yulie, Lady, Nina, Joko, VJ, Vicky and also Prakash (our Malaysian roommate). At our last night together, the Philippine delegates cooked chicken adobo as a gesture of thanks (terima kasih - thank you in Bahasa) to all their assistance and friendship.
  
• There were a few adjustments staying in a foreign country. Jakarta had a mix of similarities and differences from Manila. The food is always spicy. The road lanes are switched. The driver seat is on the right. My first attempt to cross a street was a challenging one because I am used to looking at the right side of the road before crossing (it was so funny being confused). But Jakarta is so much like Manila, with its fly-overs and roads. Even our facial features look the same we are mistaken as locals until we tell them we do not understand.
• Most familiar words that had stuck into my mind were ayam, goreng and nasi which meant "chicken", "fried" and "rice", all of which are edible. I've also learned to say terima-kasi or thanks. Tagalog and Bahasa also had common words: kambing (goat), takot (fear), chuka (suka/vinegar), pintu (pinto/door) and more...

Pictures:

• My Flickr
  
• Angel's camera
• Nina's camera
  

Life in a Nutshell

It's been a while since I last blogged. It's second week at school and it's great. I'm quite motivated by my subjects this semester, hugely because the professors are very gifted and effective. Even my 8AM class in during Thursday kept me from being late for two weeks now. Let me share a bit about my subjects this sem. My favorite subject for this sem is old testament theology. Now, I was traumatized by my first theology (new testament) class last sem that I got a grade of 75 (my first! Grr ... Primarily because I was too unmotivated with my professor in this 8AM class. The teaching style and industry of a professor is always a big factor for me in dictating how well I will excel in his class). This theology class is different. Primarily because finally I get to sit in Dr. Daniel Tappeiner's class. Dr. T is like the highest spiritual and academic authority in school (well for me). It's weird that it took two years before I enrolled in one of his class and I hear my batchmates tell me how good he was. For the last few sems he's undergoing chemotherapy because of leukemia. I'm so amazed with this guy because even at a very old age (I heard he's like 70? I'm not sure) and with regular visit to chemo which sometimes he comes to class a bit weak, he's still passionate and energetic about imparting his knowledge and experience to students like me. This morning our school introduced the new staff and Dr. T is now our spiritual director, after serving as academic dean for 6 years. And even with this kind of credential he remains as he is, without even a wisp of arrogance.

We didn't have class this evening but instead we were made to attend this counseling seminar which was surprisingly beneficial for me as a minister. After the seminar, I met Dr. T's wife Dr. Zonia Tappeiner, I call her Ma'am Zonia in the elevator and she told me how Dr. T told her about me. Medyo kina-career at may pagka-"valedictorian" kasi ako sa class niya. Ako naman palakpak tenga hehe. I remember Ma'am Zonia pray for me and Netty when we attended our school chapel last semester. It was really very nice of her.

The other two subjects I have is communications and public speaking, and Hebrew book study both taught by very gifted professors. I've noticed that this sem I became more confident in speaking and interacting in class which is good. Unlike before when I was too shy speaking my mind in class (I'm still shy even now at campus I'd pass for Mr. Suplado) and not too afraid that my answer would be wrong. Just like the proverb that said a person who asks question is not ignorant for long, but one who does not ask will be ignorant forever. The class has become a space for molding and sharing.

I've been also busy coordinating our sectional youth ministries network. We have events coming up 2nd half of the year plus a camp on December. This week and last week we've made ocular visits to Tagaytay, Cavite, Antipolo and Batangas to find the elusive campsite. Finally we found one at Nasugbu.

Local youth ministries at Binondo and Valenzuela are doing well because of responsible and passionate youth leaders serving and ministering on both places.

I'm also leaving this Wednesday for Jakarta. I'm attending this year's Asia Pacific Youth Alive Conference there so I've been quite busy arranging finance, flights and passport. I believe this will again be a major breakthrough in my personal ministry and experience.

On a side note, I've become an avid listener of Good Times with Mo in Magic 89.9 when I'm driving in the morning. So funny ...

God is good. All the time!

Please do pray for me:

• My Jakarta trip on June 20-26.
• Ministry breakthrough and balance ...
• Financial support
• Please pray for my family, without them I woudn't be where I am.
• Personal health and guidance
  

Passenger Seat

It has been a busy but fruitful week last week. Yesterday we had a district student ministry rally in ICS. Spoke on one session about starting a campus cellgroup. I thought it went well. There was so much pressure and tension that day I was drained to the last drop. That's when again I praised God for having Netty by my side. I was so glad that she was with me ever supportive throughout the day. After finally we were able to spend time by ourselves, we dined on a simple noodle house in Makati Avenue. Driving her home I was so blessed by her presence. Even though my body was exhausted, my heart is rejoicing. Her thoughtfulness and concern for me is something a person like me doesn't really deserve. But still I thank God, ever in wonder by His loving kindness, for bringing her into my life. Life since has been more gracious—going through life's adventures with someone to share and experience it with—better than without someone to love you and to love in return. Something that not all God's creatures truly ever find.

Asaph Remix (Psalm 73)

Who dares to speak?
Who dares to look?
Through the eyes of the insignificant
By the mouths of the poor

Birds clamour when the pool is full
Who ever stays with an empty dish?
We are all chess pieces, perishable
Silenced by the hand of flattery

Lord, may give ear to these words!
As I utter tearless cry
May Your justice prevail
When the wicked seemed unshaken

May the Lord bless those who came to Your servant's aid
May they find favor in Your sight
But those who smoke arrogance
May You put to shame

Whom have I in heaven by You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth
My flesh and my heart may fail
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good
I have made the Lord my refuge
That I may tell of all Your works

Until It Comes Out of Your Nostrils

I've been wanting to blog about this. Recently I've been experiencing what I would call "ministry withdrawal symptoms". For a few weeks now, I was doing so much tasks in ministry that I feel it's so in my system I wanted to withdraw. I remember what God said about the Israelites' complaint about His no-meat diet that He's gonna fill the Israelites with quail meat "until it comes out of [their] nostrils and [they] loathe it." It felt like that. For a while I didn't even want to talk and blog about it. There are some that I still find joy doing, while some I now consider tiresome and unnecessary. It's my fault in the first place. I placed too much on my plate and I feel I'm on my way to spiritual burn-out. But there's always Hope. Can't do without your prayers too. Lead me, Lord.

It's a breath of fresh air coming to school for enrollment. I'm taking again three subjects and a field education (which I've enrolled three times in the past but didn't complete). I also got last sem's class cards. I did good on two subjects (line of 9) while one morning subject that was just one point from tipping off because of too much tardiness and theology-shock. It was my first theology subject. Finally I'm taking a subject with a very beloved professor at school. He's teaching Old Testament Theology. I haven't finished enrolling, I still have to pay my fees next week.

Back to ASCM

Class season is near. Today I'll be going to ASCM after months of summer vacation (which means summer work and ministry, it's all good!) to enroll again. Lot's of changes will be happening. For one, most of my batchmates and friends have already gone, they've graduated. I'm gonna miss them. Erene will be enrolling later also. Once we were freshmen in the masters course now I feel we're the longest staying students in ASCM. I am excited about this long missed part of this season in my life, going to classes. I just pray that I could still enroll to some of the better professors in school. It's funny to think that sometimes you hate something when you're in them (like classes, teachers and papers), but miss them eventually. Regret is always in the end. But thank God for another opportunity to learn.

Driven

Last week a group of around 30+ Singaporeans from young people to adults from Trinity Christian Center came to do missions outreach in Manila as part of their 3-month intensive discipleship program called Alpha Track. If I say one word to describe the Singaporeans, it's this word - DRIVEN. I got the chance to talk to some of them. Last Sunday a third of them attended our worship service and during this week we were able to join some of the seminars they have conducted. They are so passionate about evangelism and cells there's nothing stopping them ...

Transformers is Coming to Town!

A movie to watch out for. There's lots of good movies coming out these months (Shrek 3 and Pirates).

Confrontation with God

Long ago, the patriarch Jacob had encamped, and during the night, someone had entered his tent and wrestled with him until daybreak. Jacob accepted the combat, even knowing that his adversary was the Lord. At morning, he had still not been defeated; and the combat ceased only when God agreed to bless him.

The story had been transmitted from generation to generation so that no one would ever forget: sometimes it was necessary to struggle with God. Every human being at some time had tragedy enter his life; it might be the destruction of a city, the death of a son, an unproved accusation, a sickness that left one lame forever. At that moment, God challenged one to confront Him and to answer His question: "Why dost thou cling fast to an existence so short and so filled with suffering? What is the meaning of thy struggle?"

The man who did not know how to answer this question would resign himself, while another, one who sought a meaning to existence, feeling that God had been unjust, would challenge his own destiny. It was at this moment that fire of a different type descended from the heavens - not the fire that kills but the kind that tears down ancient walls and imparts to each human being his true possibilities. Cowards never allow their hearts to blaze with this fire; all they desire is for the changed situation to quickly return to what it was before, so they can go on living their lives and thinking in their customary way. The brave, however, set afire that which was old and, even at the cost of great internal suffering abandon everything, including God, and continue onward.

"The brave are always stubborn."

From heaven, God smiles contentedly, for it was this that He desired, that each person take in his hands the responsibility for his own life. For, in the final analysis, He had given His children the greatest of all gifts: the capacity to choose and determine their acts.

Only those men and women with the sacred flame in their hearts had the courage to confront Him. And they alone knew the path back to His love, for they understood that tragedy was not punishment but challenge.

~ Paulo Coelho, "The Fifth Mountain." pp 203-204.

Can't Ignore His Presence

Yesterday was a very fruitful day. Tiring but very blessed. We had our first discipleship training after our community outreach last week. Coming from Malinta, I arrived quite early at VFGFC. It was 3PM. I thought I could have some rest and preparation before the time comes. I texted friends I made from last week. They are also undergoing discipleship training. I am zooming in on two specific youths, Danny and Arcy. And they joined me as I pass the time.

Early last week during our community promotion, we came to their house armed with flyers of the event. Their friends/family were quite a unique bunch. A cool mom, her children, and their friends, some were gays and lesbians. Reveling over cigarettes at other times beer and gambling. I tried to be as "Christian" as possible. But soon I was losing my patience because some were trying joke me around. Zarah Grace was patient partner. Leaving their compound I aired my frustration with my partner. Later I thought and was amazed at how would Jesus handle it as he befriended "tax collectors and sinners." WWJD? But throughout the 5 day outreach, Danny's mom and their children participated in the events, walang mintis. They were drawn by the joyful atmosphere and impartiality in church that by the end of our outreach they received Jesus and signed up for weekly discipleship.

That afternoon, we decided to start our discipleship which was supposed to be in the evening. Even if it was just the first lesson and preliminaries there was such joy in our fellowship. They were opening up experiences they said they've never told anyone yet. They were eager to read the Bible and learn it. Even though I know they're still into cigarettes and drinking, I'm just overwhelmed that God is doing something in their lives; and I believe and pray that one day they will give it up for following Jesus. By evening they've gathered by the church foyer, with some friends from their group (they made this group which they say is composed of around 40 youths), and I was able to counsel one who just broke up with her girlfriend (they were 7 years old apart and the girl is 13 years old!) Danny and Arcy shared to me that since our outreach events, Arcy had already a difficult time cursing (saying bad words) and their friends were noticing it teasing her makaDiyos; and they were trying to tell their friends to come to church because there's something happy and light about the place. Truly when God's presence dwells, there's just something different one can't help but not ignore it.

Please continue to pray for our work in Valenzuela. Our goal to raise up youth leaders who will join us in reaching the whole community for Christ. Also pray for our students, Danny and Arcy and the other youths who are undergoing training. To God be the glory!

Mission Accomplished

Let me quote from my brother's words: "Mission ... accomplished!" Praise God for a very successful mission camp in our new church VFGFC in Valenzuela City! Here are some highlights and praise reports from our mission camp:

• There were a total of 15 volunteers who signed-up for our 5-day community outreach. First two nights were devoted for their empowerment and during those nights all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and for some of them it was their first time. I've seen them grow and open up. Skills and talents came out. I believe they went out of this experience a better and more mature person.
• We conducted 4-day DVBS and graduation, 3-day youth fellowship, house-to-house, God-man film showing and evangelistic concert. It was nice to see the community respond to the gospel and by the end it was mission accomplished as we connect them to the church. Last Sunday as I preached on Mother's Day there were lots of new faces from our 5-day outreach. Praying that the seeds that we have planted in their hearts will grow and mature.
• Praise God for His mighty move among the volunteers, the events and the community.
• Got to mention the hard-working people of the local church helping us in anyway especially in food and water. Bless their hearts.
• Praise God for his protection upon the volunteers. In our busy schedules and incomplete sleeping hours He upheld our health and energy as the days progressed.

Pictures are here.

Off to Mission

I'll be gone for our youth mission outreach from May 6-12. Please include us in your prayers.

1. Pray that many children, youth and families will be able to hear and accept the gospel.
2. Pray that our youth volunteers will have the time of their lives and grow a burden for the lost.
3. Pray for safety and protection as we travel and stay in the site.
4. Pray for me: Physical, emotional and spiritual strength as I lead the team; to be sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit and be alert for the attacks the enemy; to be able to proclaim the gospel boldly and clearly.
   

5 Reasons Why Spider-man 3 Didn't Meet My Expectations

I was a little disappointed with Spider-man 3. I felt it was too ambitious that it didn't quite hit the bull's eye. It just didn't work. It's like they knew they nailed it on 2 (best of the three) that they super-sized everything on the third installment (sometimes I do that). It's like a soap opera that has a scheduled expiration but because it was so good the producers just has to extend the plot, put on some new twists and characters in the plot to keep us watching. Here are 5 reasons why Spider-man 3 didn't meet my expectations:

1. Too much villains it's unbelievable.
   
2. Too much CG effects that are quite obvious.
3. Poor character development because there were lots of new characters (Venom, Sandman, Gwen Stacy) and some unnecessary characters placed in the plot (Aunt May, landlord and her daughter, the captain).
   
4. Too much melodrama.
   
5. Bad bad script. I wonder who wrote this sequel's script. Some scenes are dragging, others too theatrical, and still others just flat out cheesy (especially the bad Peter Parker dance sequels)

Joy

This shows me teaching SHAPE in a camp yesterday in Taytay.

The first time I stepped on teaching (back in 2004), I got an evaluation remark that reads something like this, "He's good to look at, just don't listen to what he's saying." That was really a hard blow on my confidence, especially coming from a fellow servant. I even poured out my wounded soul in a poem. I've realized that these things, ridicule and criticisms are blocks in the road you have to take. Take a stop, learn and repair but in time move on towards your destination. By not giving up you tell God and yourself you really want that and the more you are driven to reach it ... whatever it takes.

For Him.

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." ~ Matthew 11:12