Present Day Apostles

“Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19

                 This verse is taken from the first reading today, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It is an affirmation that God calls each and everyone of us to serve in his household. I was once insensitive of God’s presence in my life. Yes, I go to church out of my father’s obligation. I am grateful that He led me to the community where I learned to know more of Him. I know God is a God of perfect timing. Every time I was called for service in Singles for Christ, I felt more of His abounding love. Why? Because I Know that despite of my unworthiness, He still chose me.  Just like everyone in Ephesus, we are all called no matter what we have done in the past. God never chose his people with regards to his/her past. As long as we know how to repent and be honest of our sins, He will continue to use us.      

                In the gospel today, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. He never had chosen those who were wealthy and famous but those who were unknown and least liked. Peter was an ordinary fisherman and Mathew as a tax collector who at that time considered as outcast. Jesus called each one of them to be His apostles. I am very grateful that they responded to Jesus invitation. Today, we are the present apostles. We are called to serve him and proclaim His magnificence. He never stops knocking in our hearts until we responded to His calling. There are certain situations and conditions that hinder us to say yes.  We just learn to surrender our frailties and He will take care of the rest.

                Lord God thank You and Praise You for always embracing me despite of my unfaithfulness, at times I fell over the same sins, You still chose to love me. Heavenly Father I am always grateful for this privilege of using me. I know I can’t do these things without you.  May you continue to touch my heart, use me and equip me. I know there are more exciting things to come and I should be excited for it. Heavenly father I offer to you myself, take away all the shame and doubts in me. I know at times I am vulnerable, may you continue to send your Holy Spirit to lead and guide me away from sins. Thank You Heavenly Father! These I pray in your mightiest name, with Your Son Jesus, my Savior and King. Amen.

 

 

My Life as SFC"Singles for Christ"

I received a BBM message yesterday from Sis Annie asking for help regarding sharers for the upcoming MEC. She mentioned the qualities of the three sharers, sharer no. 3 should have the following qualities: active SFC Leader faithful in HH, teachings, conferences, believing that his/her relationship and faith if God is strengthened and deepen through service. I suggested some sharers from our team in mission to Uganda.  I saw their passion in service. Deep inside my heart, have the voice of why not do it? Do I have those qualities mentioned? Is this an invitation for me to share God's magnificence then I remember the song Fearless. God is ever fearless in loving us that he even gave up His only begotten Son for our salvation. I should be like Him fearless especially in proclaiming His majesty.
It was in 2010 when my sister asked me to join Singles for Christ. I was reluctant because I was already a member of a charismatic group based in St. Michael's Church. Out of her persistence and perhaps out of my love for her, I attended the Christian Life Program. I graduated November of the same year. After the graduation, there were lots of challenges. I became dry with my spiritual life. I even came to the point when I felt disappointed of joining the community. With that one year, we only had 2 or 3 household meetings.
It was December 2011 when I assessed myself. What happen to me after graduating CLP?  I wrote a personal article regarding things I should do when I turned 26 in 2012. I told myself I have to do something, I have to step up then I prayed. I asked our Lord God to lead me and allow me to serve even in any service in the community. January 2012, there was a teaching and it was Evangelization Training. I attended the teaching despite the fact that it was conducted from the other chapter. I volunteered myself and Praise God, the team heads joyfully allowed me to attend.  Weeks after, I received a call from Bro. Ronald who was the team leader of the upcoming CLP to be conducted on Feb. He invited me to be part of the service without hesitation, I said yes. I thought I will just be part of logistics like arranging the chairs, preparing the venue and all but the Lord God wanted me to do more. Bro. Ronald informed me that I will be one of the facilitators. I accepted the invitation despite of all my doubts in myself. I told Bro. Ronald about my concerns and one of those is my formation track. I never completed my one year formation track. I never had my CO and all but God is ever faithful and loving, that week COW was conducted for the newly graduates.
That was the turning point of my life as a SFC. I experienced more of His love when I served as facilitator for the CLP. He trusted me with 8 souls in the first few weeks of CLP but only four of them graduated. I am so blessed with these four brothers. I asked for His grace to give me wisdom during discussions and one to ones. I gained respect from them and our brotherhood grew towards the end of CLP. I was inspired by their life stories, what they became after the CLP. They have been very faithful with our household meeting despite of theirs struggles with work schedules, finances and all. I was inspired by their dedication in growing more spiritually in love with our Great God.
                Came January 2013, one night I was outside my barracks sitting when I received a call from my chapter leader Bro. Daniel inviting me to serve as Team Leader for the upcoming CLP. I freaked out because I was surprised and he knows my struggles with my work schedules. I am working on shift so definitely I am not getting regular Friday offs. Out of his persistence again telling me that everything will be well handed of and in cases that I will not be around the supervising unit will take charge.  I was still worried the whole night but when I was about to sleep and read the reflection in didache. God spoke to me affirming that He really wanted me to serve.  
"Reflection: Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths, He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well. (McClaren)
Lord, give us the courage to speak up and stand up in Your Name.
-excerpts from Didache 2-1-13"
After reading it, I can't help it but cried. So the following day I called Bro. Dan to say yes. Days before the CLP, there were some challenges especially with my work schedules. I continued to pray and trust in God's providence and love. Lo and behold after all the pressure from my supervisor down to his subordinates, we came out with a schedule. I was praying for Friday off but he granted more. He granted me all weekends off from Friday to Sunday but there are instances that I have to work on weekends as per request of my colleagues. I really leaped for joy and thanked Him for answering my prayers.  We finished the CLP with 33 promising brothers and sisters, dedicated in serving and loving God. Even some of them are here first timers in MEC but joyfully serving in any committees.
                When I went to mission in Uganda, I experienced more of his bountiful providence and everlasting love. He provided me everything and allowed me to have that experience. For me it was really a fulfillment as a SFC to go for mission. Mission is a way of baring oneself to do whatever He tells us to do.  It was in the mission that I experienced different kind of joy. I felt more of his amazing love and grace every time I stood proclaiming His greatness. I know I was not qualified but He qualifies the called. He prepared the way for me.
I know there are more exciting things to come. The one year that I was full of disappointment s in the community is a way of Him to prepare me for greater things. If I continued to sit waiting doing nothing to step up, I will never experience all of His magnificence.  I was struck by Kuya Goi, one of the FTWs I met in Kenya. He told me that always remember that there is no perfect community but we have a perfect GOD, omniscient. Always go back and focus of your main reason of joining SFC and that is knowing and loving HIM.  I will forever say yes to His invitation because I know that my doubts, anxieties are nothing compare to His magnificence. I will forever grateful in serving Him whenever and wherever I am called to do.
Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for this great opportunity serving you. You know my frailties and my shortcomings but you never stop knocking in my hearts asking me to do things. I am so blessed for allowing me to be part of this vibrant community, an avenue for me to know and strengthen my faith by serving You. I understand that  this spiritual battle never ends but I will always be grateful knowing that You are with me, My Armor, My Shield, My Victor in this battle. Continue to use me Father and I will continue to offer everything to you because I know I can do all things through your Son Jesus who strengthens me. I love you Heavenly Father, I love You Jesus. Amen.

May God be Praised!

Obey and Witness

 

Obey and Witness

Jn 2:5 “Do whatever He tells you.”

I started praying and discerning on going for mission when I heard my sister’s stories when she went to Kenya last year for a mission. I was awed and fascinated with her stories that it made me teary-eyed.  It was during our national assembly last May when the 13 in 2013 was formally launched. 13 countries were presented to be the mission areas this year.  Mauritius was one of the countries and when I saw it, I immediately signed up.  As I waited for the exact dates of Mauritius Mission, I continued to pray for it but it was in my first SCG that changes were made. Mauritius was removed from the list and was changed to Zimbabwe. Then I remember that last year, I was praying for one of the African countries for a mission, the Lord really granted my desire. I conditioned myself for Zimbabwe mission and even very vocal to my household and chapter heads about my discernment of going to Zimbabwe for a mission.

Two weeks prior to the expected dates of Team Uganda to leave from UAE, I received a call from my sister about her decision of going with the team. I was surprised because she was discerning for Lebanon.  Aside from that she wanted me to go with her but I was very reluctant because of my discernment for Zimbabwe.  She was very persistent of pursuing me to go with her so I challenged her. In the company where I’m working, I have to file 2 months prior to the expected date of my leave. So I challenged if God really wanted me to go for Uganda mission, my leave will be approved without any hang-ups.  Immediately I spoke to my other two colleagues of my plan to go for 2 weeks leave and without any second thought they agreed. The following day, I went to my supervisor for his approval and in a matter of seconds he took my leave forms and approved. When I went out from the office, I was jumping with joy and even said a prayer that Lord, this is really your will, so I will go for it. I immediately called my sister about the great news and we started planning for the mission trip.

                That time, I was so worried about our finances since we have ongoing house renovations in Philippines and we are also helping my cousin for her chemotherapy.   It made me to think twice then because I could use the money both for the house renovation and my cousin’s treatment instead. I asked the Lord’s leading and guidance. I continued to pray for our needs especially in our financial aspects. Lo and behold, He really arranged everything for me and for my sister. Our Lord God sent angels for our desire of Uganda Mission to push through. We were able to get our tickets in very affordable rates with the help of one of our SFC sisters in Abu Dhabi. She was actually one of my sister’s household leaders until she was moved to another unit. She even asked her boss to remove all the extra charges, taxes and commissions for the ticket rate. Lastly, she informed us that she took permission from her boss that we will be paying the ticket at the month end salary. Her boss approved with her signature as our guarantor.  Wow! I experienced again God’s providence and love through the community.

                In this mission, I really laid down all my worries to our Lord. When I was asked to give the talk about Repentance and Faith, I was a bit scared. I asked God why of all the 12 talks, why repentance and faith. I was so scared thinking that I cannot deliver the talk and convey to the participants the message. Usually in CLPS, per talk is given in  45minutes or an hour but in Uganda, I was given only 20 minutes for it. The day came for the talk; I still don’t know what to do. I asked the Lord’s wisdom and leading. I prayed Lord allow me to decrease that you would increase, the moment that I will be standing in front our participants; I know it is not me who is speaking but You. Then I remember the verse for the MEX, in Acts 1:8 “and you will be witnesses for me to the ends of the earth. “  The moment I stood and declaring how I was transformed and changed with this talk, I was talking spontaneously.  I stood in front of our Ugandan brothers and sisters merely as a witness of God’s love and mercy. In this mission I learned to surrender everything my worries, my doubts and my fears to our great God. I know that these things are nothing compare to our Great Healer and Provider.  I learned to be humbled that in all things I do, I should put Christ in the center of it and definitely it will be a victory.

                One of the main reasons why I wanted to go for a mission is a change of heart. My prayer was “Lord allow me to go for a mission so that I will learn to appreciate the things that you have blessed me. Send me to the place away from my comfort zone and let me continue to seek you most especially in difficult times.” 

In Uganda, I experienced His undying love through the team I was with.  I saw Jesus in them through their dedication and love in service. The six day we were together is full of exciting times. We came from different emirates in UAE but when we were in Uganda, we served joyfully as one family, sons and daughters of God. We are so blessed with individual talents and skills that made our mission worthwhile. I love those times when we were very tired from day’s service and during our night session and reflection I could still see the smiles in our faces. Those smiles are priceless. I thank God for allowing me to meet and build relationship with these beautiful people. He really paved the way for us to meet miles away from UAE and through this mission; we were able to build a bond that is worth remembering.

I am so grateful for this mission. If I never said yes for this, I would never experience these priceless moments. I would never experience the beauty of Africa, the warmth accommodation we got from our brothers and sisters in Uganda, the sweetest pineapples I’ve ever tasted and the inspiration I got from them. With nothingness, they still strive to hear God’s words. If I never obey God’s invitation as his witness to this place, I would miss his abundance of love, his ever loving grace and bountiful providence. This mission I can say is a fulfillment for me as a SFC. It was an eye opener for me to experience more of his greatness that he continually blesses me. I thanked God for granting my desires. I firmly believe that in all things that we desire as long as it is God centered He will definitely grant it.  We just need to learn to be humbled and surrender it to Him. I know that I have so many worries prior to the mission but if God’s will He will surely prepare the way for us. My prayer now is “Lord continue to use me, may I be your witness of your undying love and mercy to us. I know that there are more exciting times to come. Lord God thank you for always putting joy in my heart, I will continue to say yes to your invitation and continue to proclaim how great You are to the ends of the earth. As Mary commanded to the servants “Do Whatever He tells you”, may I like be the servants who without hesitation responded so well. I know that you will be alongside me, equipping me and giving me courage to be your witness. Thank you Father.” May God be praised!

African Trail; A Glimpse of Uganda and Kenya

I had a chance to travel to Africa when I received an invitation from my sister to go for a mission.  It was a great opportunity to travel with purpose. I filed 10 days leave and traveled to Uganda and Kenya. I stayed in Uganda for 6 days but most of the time was allocated for mission works. It was in Kenya where I had enough time tour around.

 While in Nairobi, Kenyan friends suggested to visit Elephant Orphanage where you can find baby elephants ages 8 to 24 months.  These baby elephants are orphans of parents being slayed because of human selfishness. Adult elephants are killed because of their tusks which are being sold to make ornaments and other stuffs made of ivory.  Great news about it, tourists have an option to adopt one baby elephant for US$50 that will secure their meal for a year.

Second stop was Giraffe Centre where I saw one flock of 14 giraffes.  What an amazing opportunity to touch and feed them. 

Third stop was, Nairobi National Park where I had a chance to dance with the “Maasai”.  Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic group of semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are among the best known of African ethnic groups, due to their residence near the many game parks of East Africa, and their distinctive customs and dress.  

Walking farther around the park was Nairobi’s Safari Walk and in the corner was another animal orphanage was our last stop.  It was in this park where in less than 3 meters tourists like me can see and hear loud roars of lions (King of the Jungle) found and saved from different areas in Kenya.

This travel allowed me to see another wonders of the world in a different perspective ~ found and experienced quite unique from the way of urban life of UAE.  It was in Uganda where I tasted the sweetest pineapples and cabbages. 

Above all, the best part of this trip was the chance to be with the lovely people both in Uganda and Kenya.  It was their warmth and great accommodation that carved in my heart to look forward  and discover the vast beauty African continent.  Insha’Allah (God willing) and given the chance, next year it will be in Tanzania or Zimbabwe.  

Thank You Heavenly Father for the opportunity!

FEARLESS

As I about to sleep, I listened to the song Fearless and was struck by these lines.


Lord You are fearless
Till death You saved my soul
A heart so selfless
My sins You conquered all
God in Your grace now
Oh I will do the same
To be as fearless
To stand and to proclaim


Heavenly Father, praise You and thank You for the gift of life. I humbly ask for forgiveness at times that I turned my back, forgetting You as my Heavenly Father. I know that you have been fearless in loving and accepting me despite all my shortcomings, my frailties. Heavenly Father, may You continue to tap my shoulder and keep me reminded of your greatness. May I continue to transcend your love to my brethren especially those who have turned their back to you. May I be fearless as You are to stand and proclaim of your everlasting Love. I lift up to you  my kababayans in Bohol and Cebu  who were affected by earthquake that they may  continue to be Fearless knowing that You are greater than all these. May they see and find You in these most difficult time of their lives, cuddle them Heavenly Father especially in times that they are tired, hungry and felt being forbidden. Thank you Heavenly Father. Amen.

 

Sweet or Sweat?

Yesterday, I visited my sister in Abu Dhabi. I   never had a good sleep the night before  because I was hooked with playing psp. As I checked the clock its already quarter to 4 am. I was so excited  to meet my sister because I will be getting my new toy.  Thank You Lord for the bountiful blessings 

When I reached her place, she was at shower. While waiting, I had a chance chitchatting with her room mate Tin. She randomly handed over me this bar of chocolate, SWEET! ooops I have to sweat more when I will eat this.

SWEET  or SWeat? sounds like huh,  of course it doesn't taste the same. hahaha

My sisters Elma and Nancy usually find me sweet.. with sweaty hands. I am just wondering, if I am sweet then how come I'm not into relationship now like 4 years?

Am I really sweet or just sweaty?hahaha  let see...

A Great Start

Its been a long dream for me to have a blog of my own. This time I have to make it realized. This is a good start. In life if we have dreams, we have to do something about it not just merely talking about it. we have to step up and do something to fulfill those dreams.
Since this is my first blog, I should make a small description of myself. I am a hopeless romantic guy who had been into past three failed relationships. I am Filipino born and raised in the Queen city of the South of Philippines Cebu but currently working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. I am the third of four children of my lovely parents Antonio and Anecita.
Just like this little flower, I might be small but if you go deeper and detailed, you will see its real beauty.
This a great start for me to share my life stories, my exploration and a journey as a single man who has a huge faith for our Creator. May He continue to bless me so I can bless others.