POSIBLE

With the recently concluded SE Games in the Philippines, Filipinos celebrate its triumph over the SE Asian countries. For the first time in many years, the Philippines won the most number of golds, silvers and bronzes. The theme song of the games is POSIBLE, that it is possible to win just as long as there is determination and perseverance.

The christian life has been compared to an athlete trying to compete and win the game. But... you have to obey the rules of the game. No matter how determined you are but if you violate the rule, then you become disqualified. How many of us say that we want to press on just like a runner, we want the prize but not the challenge 0f playing fairly and squarely.

INDIAN CURRY

It is raining today and I felt suddenly nostalgic. Perhaps I miss the warm chapattis and aromatic chicken curry from a dear friend who is celebrating her birthday today. Papu is really mised in this part of the world. She is a woman who opens her home for a cup of warm tea even to total strangers. No wonder she is greatly missed. She is no Bible woman, nor utters lordy-lordy stuff, but she lives an authentic life of minstering to whoever she meets.

Happy Birthday Papu...miss you.

BAYANIHAN

A Filipino custom when moving a house is called Bayanihan. In the olden days, it is literally carrying the whole nipa hut on the shoulders of a group of men to move to another lot or location.

Last November 30, the Laos (Gin, June,Jade and Jon) move to their new temporary apartment. The Castillos, Cristy, Myrna and some other guys from the neighborhood helped in moving the remainder of their belongings, some are packed in Balikbayan boxes.

Abraham's journey was mentioned in the Bible as living in tents, like foreigners...always in a "MOVING" stance. Because he was looking for a lasting city which he can call his home.

In this life, we should live like we are moving the next day. Lesser baggage, lesser cares.

Thanksgiving

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God...

As the Americans celebrate this holiday, we celebrate with them.


But everyday can be a thanksgiving day for all of us if we can just count our blessings and challenges each day,we have so much to be thankful for. We had a dinner clebration last Wednesday with some friends and we prepared a chinese menu, like pancit, mantao, pork humba and chinese veggie salad. We thank God for friends who share this journey with us -they laugh and cry, and pray with us.

Fewest things

Last Sunday, our buyer, John Z. finally took all the stuff he bought from us. The truck was two thirds full of our stuff. Two days passed already, our house has fewer things and we are still okay. It just goes to show that we really do not need that much to go on in this life. As I was browsing thorugh the design books at Power Books, I came across this minimalist quote "The people who want the fewest things are nearest to the gods. (Socrates)."

The plus factor for me is that there are less stuff to clean and life can be devoted more to relationships. I miss the comfort of opening a fridge and brewing my cup of java, but there is always ice available at the store and instant sugar free coffee.

Ride the camels

In the book, "Finding Times of God", camels where thought to be "type" of difficulties we face in our journey of life. Right now, the Fil C+B have too many camels along the way of their journey. But as Rebekah rode the camels, so should we, and finally water them as a sign of welcome. Afterall, Gin quoted in his visa newsletter "The journey is as important as the destiantion". (Try riding a camel, the author said, "it is worst than riding a boat in a storm.")

3 DESPEDIDAS AND COUNTING

The Fil C+B team has 3 back to back despdidas and counting, one falling on my one and only's birthday. So I guess I just need to re-sked our dinner date. Many more are asking like my classmates in high school. This is contrary to what we originally planned to leave quietly. But it is alays good to say goodbye properly and for the last time meet the special people the Lord gave to us.

Commisioning of CNB Fil team

I could not describe how I felt when we heard Tito schedule a commisioning ceremony for the CNB Fil team on November 9 at the Day of prayer. So this is it. I thank the Lord for Tito, his firm support for our team, and his desire that we be sent off properly. A despedia was also scheduled by PCCC on November 8. We had a dinner with him and Dayday and it was just a very encouraging time.

WANTED: MIRACLE ASKERS

Hey friends. Time flies so fast...19 days to go before the BIG MOVE. Sounds familiar. But we need MIRACLE ASKERS. Who are they? Friends who will shake the heavens with their prayers for us, the CNB Filipino team, to be able to pass thru the powers that be, to continue trusting the Lord for our needs and for a smooth transition in SD.

Mark chapter 8 encouraged me yesterday, just when a current supporter decreased his support by P6,000- because his business is down at the moment. Well,. a promise is a promise...we just have to cling on those promise of houses, brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers along with persecution.

As if I was telling the Lord," What about us? We have sold our stuff at the garage sale, what now?"Yes, no turning back for all of us.

A time for everything

Just when our shcedule is becoming hectic, Adel Erpelo's mom passed away due to a fatal fall. Seven of us II staff visited at their home in Tayug Pangasinan and mourned with Adel. We had to drop all our activities on that day to be with her. We realize how difficult her situation was and we really felt for her. I know it will be mroe difficult after the burial when the home has one less parent, a loving and caring mom, a very influential person in their community. One thing that gives peace to Adel is the assurance that she is in heaven with the Heavenly Father. Please take some time to pray for Adel and her family.

Life at the Railways

My father who passed away in 1999 devoted almost his entire adult life (actually even before becoming an adult) to the railroad service. My sister and I thought of making a memorabilia of sort to pass down to the only grandchild-Ian. Ian now willhave the responsiblity of telling his children the story of a man who has devoted 47 years of his life to Philippine National Railways. He started working there at age 16. Yes folks nowadays it will be unlawful to employ him, but back then, it was a practical thing to do.

I have been on staff with CCC for 18 years now, a life calling I should say, but to reach 47 years of service in reaching people to Christ will all be out of God's grace.

BTW, my father is more than a man who lived his life at the railroad...he was a good father, a disciplinarian, a faithful and loyal citizen as evidenced by his unwavering commitment to vote, a God-fearing man who instill in us devotion to God, a frugal but generous person and most of all, a loving husband to my mother.

I can't wait to finish this project.

Beyond logic

I was resting in June's bed when I suddenly had the urge to read one of Max Lucado's book titled "He Still Moves Stones". In one chapter, he gave a simple definition of faith and it says " FAITH IS THE CONVICTION THAT GOD KNOWS MORE THAN WE DO ABOUT THIS LIFE AND HE WILL GET US THROUGH IT."

Our support goal is too big for our finite minds to plan about. We can set a weekly goal of $400 per couple and still the names of our contacts are not enough to even scratch the surface. We concluded that is must be BEYOND LOGIC just as the Lord promised that we will not go hungry even in times of famine.

No mere coincidence

When the US visa we were praying for was granted to all 6 of us (plus 2 kids), we believe that is Jesus Himself who went ahead of us. One request after another was granted by the Visa section chief. First is Tito's appointment, second is HT's appearance. I guess, the third would be the visa itself. But the events that transpired and the timing are not mere coincidence but the Sovereign work of God. Dayday mobilized a prayer chain that morning and we all were delighted to receive the answer to our prayers.

Upside down

This is the title of a book we are reading lately. It is a must-read book. Hey teammates, if you can get a copy there, better. Or if there is no available, let us know. Leo is making a summary but it is good to read the whole thing. For me, the exciting part is being affirmed of how we as a team operated in the past. Gin n June are in it too. It speaks of true Servant Leadership...I mean, the true Servant Leadership.

Baguio revisted

When I learned that Maja went to Baguio for a visit before she flies to Dubai, I followed. It was short bu the mem'ries were so precious. We ate at a few restaurants where our former teammates ate, we walked at South Drive, looked at the former office, and all the way to Gibraltar to wake Joshi up. The accounting department staff composed of Evic, Maja and I also had a reunion in the evening at Macdo Cafe Veniz. I thank the Lord for being able to experience a greater healing through these visits. I stayed at my former land lady's house, and it was also a time of ministering to her as she came from a bout with Pneumonia. I am choosing green as my font color to remind me of the verdant pine trees of Baguio.

Little big friend

I will miss Maja terribly. My work in Finance at ASEO would not have been succesful without this little friend with a big heart. She is quiet worker, a confidante, a true friend who speaks the truth in love. A thoughtful lady who brings out the best in another. A mind full of creative ideas. In a crowd, she hardly speaks but when she opens her mouth, it vomits wisdom.

Today, I release my friend to the WORLD. Where people who may not know yet will know. And that they will be blessed by her tiny lights blinking together.

Diaspora

The revelation I got from when we were still in Baguio, that the former team I belong to will be scattered all over the world. True enough, Fel and Lor went to San Diego, Ivan to Orlando, Jeanne To Zimbabwe, Beth to East Asia, Karel and Emma still in SEASia and now Maja to Dubai. The only puzzling thing now is that why is it that Gin and June, Leo and I and Fel and Lor might be in the same place. Leo told me to keep this revelation in my heart. As we do not know what is going to happen...really. BTW, my dream when I was 17 was to become a missionary to Africa.

We had a despedida dinner for Maja last Saturday, August 20, 2005. Just the five of us now.

Old wineskins

I definitely had a bad feeling over the training session I had last Sunday. The VCD is jumping, the video is from the late 80's which reflects that we do not even update our approach and materials. The Japanese trainee in our class pointed out that the dramatic episode pointed to the ugly fact that what we are after in our evangelism is to present a product and a concept, an intellectual exercise rather than a life that has been impacted and changed by the living Lord which will make our contact say, this is what I want for my life.

It hurts but it is true.

Stand in the gap

July 30, Saturday at 9 am, I attended an on-site prayer. Our group was assigned to cover three Government Offices located in Manila City. The Court of Appeals, Supreme Court and Department of Tourism. I prayed the night before that those who will attend will really have the heart to pray. True enough there were only four of us who came for our team. But I truly sensed the Lord's leading as we walked around the offices and prayed. The Lord even brought me to a Psalm where is says "The Lord is judging the judges". It is not a secret that the highest courts of the land has been tainted with corruption and we were right there to pray for these judges.

People may have thought our group as a group of crazy people, but we did not mind those who are looking. We started with Court of APpeals and proceeded to the Supreme Court. I saw a vision of Justices kneeling down asking the Lord for wisdom before they hand down their decision. I cried as we sang "HE IS LORD".

We converged with others groups at MacDonalds for lunch and sharing time. I was deligthed to meet the others whose vision was enlarged by the experience. We were few, yes only 21 people, but we prayed to a GREAT GOD anyway.

Life's little miracles

One Tuesday, just after Leo had the car repaired, and after comparing the price of gasoline with the price of commuting, we decided to bring the newly repaired car. When we were about to leave, it started to rain. (It is rainy season here as you may know). Leo started the engine and lo and behold, the wiper was not moving. How can we bring the car without a wiping wiper? It is an invitation for disaster. We were a little disappointed and puzzled. So we took public transportation and headed to our destination.

When we came home that night, Leo tried the wiper and it worked. Strange you may think. The following day Leo was smiling when he told me that the Lord saved us from trouble the previous day. Our car's ending plate number is #3. That means, we are not allowed to go out on a Tuesday, or else, the police will fine us. We were so excited wth the newly repaired car that we did not even check what day it was.


Strange but true.

times of refreshing

Last week of May to first week of June were times of refreshing for the CNB team here in Manila. The Staff Con in Caliraya reaffirmed our calling for the WORLD. The team had a wonderful prayer time one night just to thank God for the week.

Then we headed to Baguio to revisit our Bethel. It was another treat. The team had a chance to do sort of a Team Building session and also to be refreshed by the Lord Himself. The promise I got was "THE LORD WILL LEAD US IN A CITY WHERE WE COULD SETTLE". Wherever that maybe, as long as it is the Lord who will lead us there.

Fel's visit

Good to have met with Fel. He visited before the Bangkok forum. So nice to meet the guy who has been a good friend, a director, a teammate, a confidante, a mentor and a ninong. We missed him and Lorrie so much. Having had dinner with him brought home some fond memories. It is a pity we could not work with him as closely as we could.

A Closed Door

May 19, the much awaited interview date at the US embassy. The officer did not even look at the one-inch thick supporting papers that we brought with us. He seems to be new and does not know what to look for or ask. Finally, after asking a colleague and tryping something on his computer, he stamped the pasports and gave them back to us saying" sorry you are not qualified for an R visa".

Normally, we woulld consider this a "closed door", however, deep in our hearts, even if it is a closed door, we believe some windows will open up. We just have to trust.

Everything I need

A quiet coffee break at the mall...led me to "Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything that I need". This is present tense..."He leads me to do what honors HIM the most". Lord help me not to do any stupid thing which will dishonor Your name. The goal-oriented person in me wants to help God most of the time so I can get what I want in my own time.

Music Comforts the aching soul.

Hot summer days, few support contacts, getting heavier sometimes make me so blue and depressed. A sudden urge to get back to music to soothe the aching soul came. I opened my guitar case and my 1001 songbook. Sure enough the old songs, from folk to pop, to rock to ballads, to alternative enabled me to release the tension within. The melodies, the sound,the strumming, all points to the MASTER MUSICIAN who comforts the down and out.

Oasis in the desert

Another CNB Manila meeting last Monday. Seems like we are all in the desert waiting for an oasis to suddenly appear before our eyes.

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

When we moved to Manila we prayed for an opportunity to build bridges with our neighbors. Last Easter, I invited two families for an Easter dinner at home. No one showed up at 6:00 p.m. as agreed upon. So Leo had to fetch them. It turned out they were very shy to even show their faces. It puzzled me that night. Finally after two attempts, they finally came over and we had a simple dinner get together. I tried solving the puzzle.
The neighbors we invited are the caretakers and helpers of a family friend. It was beyond their imagination perhaps that they will be invited to a dinner especially that they are the only ones invited. They know my in laws well as she is the owner of the place the family friend is renting. Bu then again, they are used to being called to serve, to do some chores and to take care of the property.

Last Sunday, it was harvest time, two of the neighbors opened up to a witnessing opportunity when Leo and his sister purposefully visited them to share the love of Christ. The two heard the gospel before but they are not quite sure of their relationship with Christ. And they are in the point of deepest need for Christ as they struggle with their being poor and having nothing. Beatitudes came alive. I do think it is time to open a home fellowship with my neighbors. My cooking prowess will be put to test again.

THE PAPER CHASE VS CHOCOLATE HILLS

FEDEX came last Friday with a package from the lawyer who was working on our visa requirements. After paying the application fee, Leo called the US embassy for the earliest interview appointment and he got May 19. The trouble is we had some trip scheduled on May 20 to Bohol. Bohol is a very promising tourist spot where the famous Chocolate hills are and where one can do snorkeling in a beautiful marine sanctuary. It is also the place where Tarsier is found.

So the dilemma is whether we will push through or not knowing anything can happen after, like we may be asked to submit more PAPERS, we struggled for a while since Bohol has been planned with some of our small group members (doctors), but then we said we will decide after the interview We will just take our chance on the boat. The struggle is there everyday, actually, thinking that we will be away from home for a while, from beautiful beaches, from people close to our hearts…but then, we were promised more homes, more families and more places…we only need to follow the ONE who called us.

connecting God and Work

Last April 9-10, we conducted a seminar on Connecting God and Work. Leo created a module for the Mary johnston Hospital Residents and Consultants. There were around 20 doctors who attended. It was a full-pack day from 11:00 a.m. to almost 10:00 p.m. but we felt that it really helped the doctors see their work as important in God's overall plan...that their work is not just to rake in so much money but as a place where He can be served to the fullest. In one of the sessions Leo gave an opportunity for the doctors to have a relastionship with God. They enjoyed the DISC most. It was a learning experience for us too...time to evaluate and re-design the module...

alay lakad

some people may not have the means to participate right now in this walk of faith, however, they are willing to join in no matter what. my aunt will swipe for one way air tix to SD for Leo and me. on one condition: that we first stay in their place (VA) before heading to SD. looks like more and more people are joining us in this walk of faith.

No worry, no wrinkles

applied the principle of "worry not", and it worked. No wrinkles and heart burn.

an exam on anxiety

I just taught a contact the value of not worrying about food or clothing ...today, we just had an exam on it...actual...

Hall of faith

the heroes of faith are great inspiration for us at this time...

josh is in town

Had dinner at the Lao's with a visiting friend from baguio City. Joshi is his name. We had Kare-Kare, Tilapia and Lechon Manok. Pistachio ice-cream was our finale. It was good to see him again. Made us so nostalgic for Baguio, our Dream Team and friends. We ended by going to Market Market. Ian was there too.

City Planning

We came from a weekend planning with PCCC leadership (some of them) for reaching MM. This is in anticipation of the CCNB and also the need to integrate the different cylos. It was refreshing and a good learning experience for Leo and me. Also being able to know what some guys were thinking in terms of this is encouraging. There seems to be an alignment of mindset...

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything under the heavens. Two days ago, I took some time to pray for my classmates in high school. I prayed for each one by name. I was not able to cover everyone. I covered almost all the ladies. Some of the concerns are known to me but most are not. I have always prayed for an opportunity to have a positive influence in their lives---that is I want to make sure that they too experience the full and meaningful life I am experiencing as a result of my personal relationship with Jesus. Time flew so fast that morning but I just enjoyed the presence of God knowing that the greatest influence I can give my classmates is to mention them to the Father.

The Wasteland

In a book called "THE DREAM-GIVER", the wasteland seems to be the most difficult place. The Filipino CCNB team members sometimes feel that they are in the wasteland. But the Lord promised that He will make a way...a river in the wasteland...

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

I had a two-day stint at the Mary Johnston Hospital because of chest pain. Thank God all my tests are negative.

The Power of a Team

though it was Valntine's day and it was a Monday, the Filipino CCNB thought it best to meet for encouragement. We all shared in our journey towards meeting our support goals. We are just starting and yet discouragement is starting to set in. But hearing from one another just lightens the load. It would have been more difficult to go through this journey all by ourselves (Leo and I). There were plenty of comfort foods (dougnouts, brownies, chocolates, peanuts and coffee) as we did the sharing which was done in Gin's house. We ended it by seeing "The Phantom of the Opera" at Robinson's Pioneer.

Packer's Party

Sunday Feb. 6 at 4p.m., we went to the Yturralde's house in Tandang Sora to have a party. All those who helped packed the Yturralde's stuff gathered for dinner. Johnny gave a word of appreciation and we prayed for the whole family to get settled in San Diego. Joy Miguel commented that the Packer's group seemed more succesful than Maximizer's. So whose house is next? Leo attended a function for the first time. Some of us had separation anxiety, specially Myrna who did not go out of that house until it was emptied.

Nasi Goreng Ayam

It was good to have attended the lunch with our Indonesian friends. I cooked Leo's lunch ahead of time and asked the painter to look after him while I am gone . It was such a happy and sad thing. Happy to see old friends, to be able to dine with and talk to them.Sad that it may take quite sometime to see them again. The Influencers and CAB ladies took them to Market Market. WE miss Papu there. I had an interesting conversation with Ariyono...will tell you the details later guys.

the Big Move

what do we get when we move? (to another place or another house?.) Leo just got a BIG one on our last MOVE. A big back problem. Again? yes, once again folks. I realize that it is our third time since October 28 to be moving , this time to the right apartment. But until when will we stay here? only the Lord knows and we are on our suitcases again.

During our dinner at Bubbagump Restaurant at Greenbelt3, we read a saying on a plank which says"only a few things are necessary in life...everything else is for showing off".

When Lorrie asked for help what to pack for moving to San Diego? I suggested that she packs the Photos first. When everything else dont fit on the suitcases, she can leave behind everything but the memories are irreplaceable.

Ocean's twelve

Ocean's twelve was not as fast and exciting as Ocean's eleven. the only bonus was Bruce Willis. but it takes some brain work too. Nice to have watcehd with the Yturraldes and Myrna.

Ocean's eleven

though I don't like Clooney very much, I borrowed from Fel Ocean's Eleven . We have an Ocean's twelve date with CAB (Cities and Beyond Team) today after our lunch meeting (to strategize on how we will shake the heavens for miracles). I guess I need a better understanding of what happened on the Eleventh before viewing the Twelfth. Logical...very

Time with Marge

Venue: Deli France, The Podium, January 6, 2004

I did not notice the time. It took two hours already but I wanted to catch up with Marge, it is just impossible...for we haven't talked for 25 years

A Radiant face

Moses' face became radiant after speaking with the Lord.


That should take away all my wrinkles...

Distinguishing Mark

Ex 33:15
How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and your people unless You go with us?

Thot: Distinguishing mark of a Christian is Christ's presence in his life
but how is it manifested in my life daily?