One year after our engagement

I almost forgot that today marks one year after I proposed to Nette up in APTS Baguio. Indeed time flies so fast! Last night during our phone conversation, she asked if I remember anything about today. I thought, November 22 ... her birthday is on the 24th right. Thankfully after much pondering what November 22 was I remembered. Wow it was already a year ago? Though we weren't able to celebrate this I still rejoice in the testament of God's faithfulness in our lives even as now that our wedding day draws near.

I remembered having the engagement ring done and ready a month before my proposal. It just sat faithfully in my drawer, looking at it once in a while (and trying it on my pinkie, not a beautiful sight.), rehearsing so many times how the whole secret surprise proposal would turn out to be. The evening before I went up to Baguio, we were together. Because usually when we do not see each other on that day, we would talk on the phone. So I had my things packed before we went out. I did this so that we don't get to talk on the phone anymore as I would be already on the bus to Baguio. Good thing I kept the excitement and anticipation which wasn't heard to do. After our date, I took her to their home and I took a quick taxi to Victory Liner Station in Pasay City where my brother Lawrence, his girlfriend Zarah Jane and Brznf were already waiting with my things.

It was already morning when we arrived in Baguio. We had a quick stop at SM and headed to APTS where our room awaits. With the help of Ptr. Joseph Suico who was a faculty in APTS, we got two room apartments just overlooking the familiar mountain ranges of the Cordilleras. We were to stay in one room. The other room was for the arriving guests the next day (Netty and her sis and husband, and their church friends). A few weeks before that day, it was a challenge how to make Nette come up to Baguio without smelling something fishy. Ate Me-anne purported a story that Kuya Jeric needs to attend a conference in Baguio and invited her to go with them which she innocently obliged.

Day 2. I picked up Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric in SM Baguio. We also bought food and necessities for the evening and the next day. Weng Sabacan, a former team mate in a youth org I spearheaded before who resided in Baguio that time, helped us get around and get the best buys. I bought two dozen roses in the market for P80. Then went to this flower shop to have a beautiful bouquet of assorted purple colored flowers along with the roses. It was beautiful. Every minute was nearing to zero-zero hours. Going back to the apartment, we had a simple dinner (Ate Me-anne cooked roast chicken which I forgot to appreciate because my mind was already all over the place). Then we slept early. Team 3 composed of Nette, Reah (her BFF), Grace (her cousin) and Enoch (Reah's brother) are already on the bus going up to Baguio.

3AM. A text message. "We're going up to APTS now". We convene to review the plan for the surprise. Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric wait upstairs to welcome the group. Nette thinks that only Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric will be there. Everyone's armed with a camera. A few moments later six floors below, we can hear chattering. It was time. So me in my best garb, with a bouquet of flowers on hand and the ring on the other, we make the longest elevator trip of my life (though it was only six floors up!) APTS have been memorable to both of us because it was during a conference here where we first met. And one of the places where we were confined to ourselves was the elevator.

At the ground floor, the elevator starts to close, signifying that someone from above already pressed the elevator button. The elevator starts to go up. And stops. And it opens with me on it. Netty was really caught by surprise! And she starts to cry and go on a corner. I gave her the flowers. She keeps crying, reprimanding me why I haven't texted her all day long and reprimanding others why they kept this from her. She begins to squat down. I told her she needs to get up. Because I should be the one kneeling down. So feebly she gets up, I kneel down shaking. I opened the small blue velvet ring box with the ring in it and said, "'By, will you marry me?" For a moment there was a pause. And finally she said, "Of course! Yes!" I put the ring on her finger and give each other a very tight hug.


On the ring, it is inscribed, "Patty & Netty, Forever starts Today - November 22, 2008."

(Thanks to Reah for this Video)

“When you want something, all the universe conspires and helps you to achieve it.”

~ King Melchizedek, The Alchemist

Pre-nup Photos

It was last Monday that we had our pre-nuptial photo shoot with Raymund Vince Cruz at the La Mesa Eco Park. The date was our second attempt to have our photoshoot after our initial choice fell short of our expectations. I thought the park was far from the city. Driving there it was traffic but we didn't expect it to be so close to the city we almost missed the turn. So as the pre-nup team arrives composed of Raymund and his photographer buddy, we are close to having our photoshoot. On our early shots I was quite nervous, evidenced by the wild perspiration on my forehead and my body crevices. Not to mention a number of couples also taking pre-nup with us! I felt all of us (especially the guys) were quite conscious but what the heck (wala nang pakialaman, basta project lang). Midway finally I got used to the shoot. Forgot to tell you that Nette was really pretty. She had her trial make-up that morning. It was hitting two birds in one stone. Anyway, we spent more than three hours taking photos in various interest points in the park. By Wednesday, Netty received a package from LBC--it was our unedited pre-nup photos sent by Raymund! Netty had quite a laugh before I saw it that night. It was funny seeing our bloopers. Most of my photos were sleepy-eyed. We got some awesome shots nonetheless and can't wait to see the final edited photos at the wedding.

Location: La Mesa Eco Park

The Climb

On the road towards our wedding day:

Where We First Met

Early Dates

She's the One 

From Baguio with Love

 

Tag: Netty

Tag: Patrick and Netty

Tag: Wedding

Day in the Life: Missions Convention

Yesterday was our annual missions convention. This is one of the special events that happen annually in our church. Usually it lasts 3 days long, but recently we celebrate it on one Sunday. It's the time we renew our missions support as a church to local and foreign missionaries across the globe. This particular Missions Sunday had a lot to rave about:

1. First, we have finally overshoot our last year's missions pledge. Pastor reported that it was 101% already and we still have a month to wrap up last year's monthly missions pledge.
2. Second, it was a wonderful message from Kimberly Snider who was our guest speaker. She's the editor-in-chief of Moms Magazine, and the wife of Bro. Bill Snider, the main man of Asia Pacific Media Ministries. Anyway its a simple message from Matthew 28 that turned out to be one of the most inspiring and challenging I have heard in a while (after Bill Hybels). Her last story is worthy of retelling:
   
   Earlier when she was taking up some ministry course in Thailand under Biola University, now a grandmother of three, began to experience some sort of depression or "loss-cause" syndrome. I think all ministers go through that one point or another (Even Moses and Elijah had those moments). As she was pondering about this in her room with her roommate, they began to exchange to ask themselves what the heck they were doing on the other side of the globe instead of enjoying their families back in the States. After sometime some of their American classmates decided to enjoy the tourist sites in Thailand and opted to have an elephant ride. Kim and her friend thought, they're used to these kind of trips being Asia-based missionaries and thought to pass up the trip but went on anyway. Fast forward. They now find themselves on top on an elephant cruising through the Thai forest, and suddenly they here a very familiar sound. They hear the elephant driver singing "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" in his own language. Unsure that they were hearing the right song, they sang along with the guy using English lyrics and to their surprise it was indeed the faithful hymn. They thought, could he be Christian? So Kim started another song. An old familiar hymn, "Amazing grace ... how sweet the sound ... that saved a wretched like me ..." The elephant driver, in an unspoken validation, sang in harmony with them in his own language! Soon, as elephant riders now going past them, a number caught on the tune and began to sing along. Now it was a choir-like singing in the forest in English and Karen. She remembers how a hundred years before a missionary by name of Adoniram Judson preached on the steps of a Buddhist temple in Myanmar, and for 18 (more or less) years won only 6 converts. But with that small number of converts a whole Burmese Karen tribe were won to Christ. And this Christian heritage past on from generations to generations of these people until they cross over from Myanmar to the mountains to Thailand for refuge and work. Lesson: Sometimes we think that our work is in vain. But no work for the Lord comes to waste.
   
   That's a beautiful story.
   
   
   

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Day in the Life: on the road to wedding day

I'm here today at Netty's clinic waiting. She is seated facing the wall mirror in room. Gene the make-up artist we just met a few hours ago (one that her sister's sister-in-law recommended) is giving her a trial make-up. So far so good. Netty keeps eyeing me asking if she looks ok. She looks beautiful. I woke up early today to come early in their place, with a number of clothes at the back of the car, because by lunch time we will be going to La Mesa Ecopark to have our pre-nup photoshoot with photographer Raymond Cruz. Really excited about it. It's 61 days before the wedding.

Day in the Life: Makati Carecells

Last night we had our Carecell at Kamagong. I'm just glad that the group is really growing. We had started five weeks ago the Intentional Moves discipleship curriculum to facilitate learning and growth in our members. Last night was also a first. Normally after Carecell around 9PM, everyone would hurry up to go home because it was quite late. But last night, everyone stayed for food and chitchat. I felt that everyone is enjoying each other's company. Praise God for this because truly there is fellowship in the presence of God. We are quite excited with our first Christmas party also.

Another thing that pumps me up with our ministry in Makati is that God has opened a new door of opportunity to build another "lighthouse" in that city. A few months back Sis. Gema, who manages a recruitment company, returns from Malaysia to resume her work in Makati. She has tons of testimonies to share which is very encouraging. And upon meeting she offered her office to be a venue to hold a Carecell there. Praise God! That's what we prayed for before, that God would open a workplace for His ministry, and now here it is. So last Tuesday our core group went there to survey the place and everyone is excited about it. Soon we will be opening Salcedo Carecell and will reach more people for Christ. My dream is for our Makati ministry to raise four cells and then plant a daughter church there. God is so good!

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:14-15)

Are You A True Disciple?

[This was my sermon message last Sunday at BFGFC.]

John 8:31-32, "If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Last, last week, I lost my driver's license. I don't know where, when or how. My parents and my fiancee have been pressing me to remember where I lost it, but I thought, that's why it's lost right, because I don't remember where I placed it.

So Tuesday morning with my forms filled and printed already, I went to LTO to apply for a duplicate of my license. And to my surprise, they rejected my application because I have two outstanding violations from MMDA. These were violations I have committed way way back and it came back to haunt me. So what should be a two-hour wait for a new duplicate became a two day ordeal, of paying fines, waiting, queuing and walking. Moral lesson, if you have the opportunity to right your wrongs today, do it now.

Wouldn't you want to have life that enjoys God's day to day blessings rather than living in constant restitution of the past? Enjoying the life that Christ has died and rose again for is found in obedience to God. And by obeying God, we avoid possible future problems our disobedience may insue. That's why, "Obeying God today solves a lot of problems tomorrow."

In John 8:31-32, Jesus offers three rewards of obedience to God: (1) Recognition, (2) Revelation and (3) Revolution. But before we experience these rewards, there lies a condition. "If you continue in my word ..." Jesus says. Full life in Jesus comes in continuing in His Word. What does it mean to continue in His Word? To continually commit oneself in obeying His commands. Many people accuse Jesus' way as ineffective in their lives, being used to an instant way of life, we assume that Full Life comes in a day, a week or even a month. But here Jesus says, "continue", it's continuous obedience, faithfulness and allegience to Him that brings in the rewards of the Full Life.

So onto the rewards:

(1) Recognition. Obedience to God is the true litmus test of a true disciple of Christ. A true disciple is not identified in emotionality or even how much ministry they do in church. A true disciple is recognized outside of church--in daily life, in our home and community, our schools and workplace, and even in times when we are alone, that's when the true disciple of Christ shines. "If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed ..."

(2) Revelation. Not only would Jesus recognize us as true disciples, but as we continue with John 8:31-32 it says, "You will know the truth." Knowing God's word reveals the Truth in our lives. No more grappling in the darkness in search of answers to difficult and compromising situations, but in God's Word, we see what God sees, and feel what God feels. Wouldn't it be truly liberating when we see how God sees our dire situations and struggles, or feel how God feels for the lost and the needy?

Before Peter Parker was Spiderman, he was far from fulfilling his destiny. After he discovers his power to walk on walls and his webbing abilities, he didn't get too far from what destiny expected of him. He used his power to work as a wrestler. There was no one more agile and powerful than him, even to his bigger opponents. He made cheap money through it. But one day, opportunity knocks in his life. He witnesses his manager being robbed by a thug. But instead of using his power to stop what was happening, he let the robber go because "it wasn't his job". Little did he know, that when the thug left the building, he had hijacked the car of Uncle Ben, Peter's uncle, and Uncle Ben got killed in the process.

Peter Parker had this power, but he failed to use it for good. How many times, we are given a powerful revelation of God's Word, but then we short-change God with indifference. Has God revealed to you through His Word that you should be sharing your faith? Or trusting Him more? Or be more forgiving? In God's kingdom this is true as well, "With great power, comes great responsibility." God reveals His burden to people He expects to respond.

(3) Revolution. Imagine if everyone would respond to the revelation God has given them. Our church would be sparking a revolution of God's Kingdom on earth!

John 8:31-32 says, "If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed (Recognition). Then you will know the truth (Revelation), and the truth will set you free (Revolution)." Jesus during his lifetime on earth, rounded up uneducated, untrained men, but nevertheless Jesus radically transformed them with the Truth of his words, inspired them through the Holy Spirit, and in turn became the greatest revolution on earth up to this day.

In Matthew Jesus tells us who we are, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Someone who has known the Truth but fails to act upon what he knows is indeed imprisoned perhaps in guilt or in apathy or even in legalism. Never waste the Truth God has given you, the same power that brought Christ back to life, is the same power that can revolutionize your life and your sphere of influence.

Noah, when God spoke to him about the flood, obeyed Him despite what seemed to be a crazy directive in the eyes of Noah's neighbor. But in this story and like many others, when God tells us to do something, He never fails to uphold His Word. "Obeying God today solves a lot of problems tomorrow." Imagine if we would just seriously devote our lives in obedience to God, how much of our moments would be lived in freedom and joy in Him. So don't miss on the Full Life, Christ is offering to those who would radically choose to obey him. Continue in His Word, and live in true freedom in Christ.

Are You Focusing on Your 5%

Last Global Leadership Summit 2009, I had a privilege to listen live to Pastor Wayne Cordeiro from Hawaii. I've heard before that he is of Filipino descent, but from what I read in Wikipedia, I'm still confused. But anyway, he shared a very insightful message that focuses on the personal well-being of us leaders. Somehow most of the sessions in the GLS focused (for me) on sustainability, either personal, ministry or financial etc. In his session entitled "Dead Leader Running" he mentions about focusing on your 5%. He says that studies show 85% of what we do can be done by other people; 15% can be done with minimal training; while only 5% of what you do are the roles and chores that only you can do. We are not Superman. In fact, the Bible says that our bodies are like earthen vessels or jars of clay in which God puts His treasure. Earthen vessels--we need to take care of ourselves because often times its not the priorities that we forget, but according to Ptr. Cordeiro, our humanity. So he proposes to us to take take and discover our 5% and focus on those things. He gives his personal 5% as an example: (1) A growing relationship with Christ - Only you can do that for yourself. You cannot delegate others to take care of your relationship with Christ. (2) Marriage - only you can be the spouse of your spouse. (3) Family - Family first before ministry. Because ministry never runs out, but you have only one family. (4) Ministry, Vocation, Physical Health and Rest. About the importance of taking a break, he says "rest is a forethought", and not an afterthought. Because in the economy of the "new reality" (as Hybels put it), rest is important for long-term effectiveness. Wayne finishes with an illustration of the Olympic flame. Every four years, before the Olympic Games start, the Olympic torch is taken from one city to another, passed from one athlete to another. The goal is not to take the torch from point A to point B the fastest, but to keep the torch burning throughout the course of the run. Run to fast and you may end up with a burned wick instead of a healthy flame. It speaks a lot about life. It doesn't matter who finishes or succeeds first, the more important thing is are you running with your soul and your character.

Last Saturday: Global Leadership Summit

Pastor Bill Hybels in the flesh .. Here he exhorts on the local church being the hope of the world.

With friends Zarah Grace and Carrie.

We had a quick stop at Oasis, our venue for the wedding.

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124508&id=647782491&ref=mf

Seven "Theses" about the Sabbath

In the letter of Paul to the Galatians he addresses a problem concerning some of the brethren are getting confused by a new teaching, that Jesus is not enough for them to obtain salvation, but they must adhere to the Mosaic Law of circumcision in order to seal the deal--entry to heaven's gates. Paul says, "Man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law." (Gal 2:16).

In this post I will address the idea of seventh day worship, like circumcision was part of Old Testament law or the Mosaic Law. (What is seventh day worship?) Here are seven reasons why I don't believe that the fourth commandment on the Ten Commandments does not imply strict compliance to Saturday worship today (in no particular order):

1. Because now there are only two commands. Because Jesus already summed up the whole law in two: (1) Love the Lord your God which is the greatest commandment, and (2) love your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:36-40).
   
   
2. Because today is a period of grace and freedom from the Law. Galatians say that "it was for freedom that Christ has set us free, no longer to be subject to the yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1) (hey, that's a song!). In another portion of Galatians it says, "for the fruit of the Spirit is love ... against such things there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23). The law that stumbles us toward despair because everyone has fallen short of God's standards has already been replaced by a period of grace through Jesus.
   
   
3. Because Jesus already reinterpreted the Law. Because Jesus taught that the essence of the law matters than literal interpretation. For example, the Mosaic Law of "thou shalt not murder" (Ex 20:13) was reinterpreted by Jesus to thou shalt not murder even as you plot hate towards your brother (Mt 5:22-23). "thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex 20:14) into thou shalt not commit adultery even as you look lustfully towards your sister (Mt 5:27-28). Note that he begins his discourse with "you have heard it was said", not the past tense. And then he reinterprets the law with this new phrase, "But I tell you the truth". Thus, I believe that keeping the Sabbath holy today is honoring God's command of setting aside a day for rest and worship.
   
   
4. Because our righteousness is bound by faith and is beyond law. Because the Mosaic Law are designed for the Israelite nation (Ex 20:1-2, Deut 5:1). As children of Abraham we are beyond the Mosaic Law (Rom 4:16, Gal 3:7). Abraham was beyond the Mosaic Law. Abraham is not an Israelite. The word Israelite itself determines to whom the nation was attributed--Jacob or Israel by God's rename (Gen 32:28). Israel was only the grandson of Abraham. Therefore, Abraham cannot be an Israelite, instead we could say that Israel or Jacob through whom the Israelite nation comes from, is an Abraham-ite. Abraham was not declared righteous by the Law, (1) because the Mosaic Law didn't exist until Moses' time, and (2) Genesis and Romans both say that Abraham was declared righteous because he believed in God or he had faith in God and not by the Law (Gen 15:6, Rom 4:3, Read Romans 4) . Paul writes to the Roman Jews that we are children not of the law but of Abraham, thus we are free from the Mosaic Law (Rom 4:16). It is true that Jesus quoted from the Law, but (1) the New Testament hasn't existed yet therefore the Law served as God's commands for Him, but (2) He challenged these commands in obeying the underlying purpose rather than the physical command (as in previous reason) and (3) when He quotes it, it becomes a new Jesus command by itself.
   
   
5. Because it is practical. Because if this is so, our weekend workforce (those who need to work on weekends hitting Sabbath) don't have a chance to obey this command, no matter how sincere they worship God.
   
   
6. Because it is liberating. We need to evaluate ourselves does the concept of "7th-day worship". Does it allow me to experience the freedom from the law which Christ died for? Or is it leading me towards legalism and self-attained righteousness through works? Read Galatians. The Judaizers addressed in the Galatian letter are promoting Jesus plus law (circumcision) formula equals salvation but Paul vehemently bashes this idea because Jesus alone saves.) Didn't the Bible commanded us to worship God every day, every time? Didn't the early church of Acts met together everyday to praise God and study the apostles teaching?
   
   
7. Because the glory of Christ is the final standard. Finally because this is not "central-central" to our faith, Christ is. Adherence to proper rites and rituals do not save, Christ does.  In both cases, we can agree that God designed one day for us to (1) worship Him, (2) rest from work and (3) appreciate His and our creation (the results of our work). But these should not outshine the glory of Christ. It's all about Jesus. We may adhere to 7th day worship rites but our hearts "are far away" but we may choose to rest and worship on a Thursday or any other day sincerely and passionately. Thus we see the measurement of true obedience is not found in the physical (day of the week), but on the spiritual condition of man's heart (worship). Jesus said that the Son of Man (pertaining to him) is Lord of the Sabbath (Mt 12:1-14), and his standard for Sabbath is not physical (observance of the law), but spiritual (desire to do good and please the Father). 

Soli Deo Gloria.

[This is in polite response to a question raised in tonight's Carecell about the validity of 7th day worship (Saturday as true Sabbath). This has helped me evaluate and fortify my convictions about the topic.]

Supplement readings:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Church_of_God
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrongism
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Church_of_God#Criticisms
• http://www.thebereans.net/arm-sda-ans.shtml

Seven Thankfuls

Thankful ...

1. It was a great Carecell once again at Makati. We also had new friends. Thankful for the friends there.
2. I got to register as a voter even for the last minute.
3. I got a new copy of my driver's license after I lost it and spent two days applying for new one, half a day at MMDA to pay my violation fines. A learning moment, the bad things we do always catch up with us so better deal with it now.
4. At spurt of a moment while waiting for a friend in Makati I dropped by my school ASCM to check on my grades for last semester. It happened that I can already apply for graduation because I am away this semester and next year would be too late.
5. For Netty who is always a constant support and care despite my flaws.
6. For good friends who are a source of cheer and encouragement.
7. That I was able to spend last week with young people and Chi Alpha workers to teach and inspire young people to reach the campus.

Walking through the tombs

It was the first time after many years that All Saints Day fell on a Sunday. So after our morning service our family went to the cemetery to visit our departed. As usual we parked three to four blocks away from Chinese Cemetery because of the crowds. I am fond of these visits for the reason that walking through the tombs and mauseleums of the Chinese Cemetery is like walking through a museum or walking through time with it's different periods of architecture and designs. This time the place had gotten older somehow you can feel that it was wasting away. After some 30 minutes of staying at my dad's parents grave we prepared to leave and go back to our car. It was during this time that a sudden emotion came over me .. of gloom and utter depression of the place. I remembered Ecclesiastes where Solomon writes, "Life is meaningless ... everything is meaningless." I thought, did each person lying in these graves did something during their lifetime? Something worthy of God's approval, something that pushed the boundaries of God's cause further out so that His kingdom will reach to the ends of the earth. Then I resolved to myself, I will not let that happen with this life of mine. Just like Doctor Octopus (Spiderman 2) said to himself in the struggle of good and evil in himself, "I will not die a monster." I will not pass through this life without doing something, my two cents, for God.

God of This City by Chris Tomlin

A very timely song as I prepare for the next season of ministry in my life. "Greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done ..."



VERSE 1
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

VERSE 2
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

REFRAIN
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

CHORUS
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

2nd National Chi Alpha Summit

This was a post I made for the XA website:

We just wrapped up the National Chi Alpha's 2nd National XA Student Summit held in Cliffside Retreat House in the scenic Tagaytay City. The summit was attended by a total of 54 student and youth leaders and pastors represented by different churches, sections and districts of Assemblies of God. This year's summit was entitled "Momentum" and its main thrust is the Movement of Making Disciples. Discipleship is indeed the irreducible aspect of any campus and student ministry. The summit focused on training the delegates. There were three levels of training: Level 1 focused on personal student evangelism and disciples. Level 2 focused on leading student discipleship and small group. And Level 3 focused on mobilizing students for church-based campus ministry. Intensive and passion defined each level's training and discussions with our National Chi Alpha workers. It was also in this summit that the Intentional Moves discipleship program was introduced as the suggested discipleship curriculum for our campus ministries in alignment to the Assemblies of God's thrust on discipleship and mobilization. Our guest speaker for our chapel service was youth missionary Ptr. Jerome Sack who inspired us with the Word. By the end of the summit a call for commitment was raised and many young people came forward and some shared of being called towards deeper service for the Lord in full time ministry or as student missionaries in their schools.

It was also revealed by our National Youth Director Rev. Sur del Rosario that he intends to do this summit annually as a venue for training student and youth leaders and pastors in starting campus ministries in their own locales. In an effort to further establish the three fronts of the National Youth Ministries Network (Christ Ambassadors or church youth, Chi Alpha or campus ministry, and Young Adults), one of the thrust in the national youth department is to further establish the three fronts as a separate sub-department the NYMNet. Next year the National Chi Alpha will be coordinated by NYMNet staff Ptr. Patrick Tan and Ptra. Merla Laanan.

Click here for photos from the XA Student Summit 2009.