I just got home an hour ago from work. Today is just a half day at work as government ruling. Thankful because despite the half day I managed to get some work done. I'm quite happy with my work in APMedia. Like I said in my previous post, it's a perfect fit (for now). "For now" because I don't know where the Lord will take me next.
This week I had a very good reminder of who God is in my life. I unintentionally hurt someone very close to me this week because of my "me-ness" (or meanness). I really felt bad because no matter which angle you look at it, it was my fault. During this time of sorrow thinking of how I can resolve and redeem myself from this I was riding a train, it was rush hour. And amidst the crowded, even suffocating boxed car, beside me sat a little girl, three or four, holding from the pleats of his standing dad's pants. As I observe this cute little girl, I can't help but notice her confidence and "child-likeness" despite the crowded, intimidating room--all because she was in the company of her dad. No fear, no worries and even hesitations, it's as if the past didn't wasn't behind her, the future didn't bother her. What's important is now where she's in her father's presence. Then it hit me, as if God himself was speaking to me, "hey, I am your Father. You can come to me." I realized that it's been a while since I looked at God as my Father. Amidst the busyness of work and ministry, I looked at Him as my Master. But at that moment He reminded me, more than my struggles and desire to do something great for Him, more than anything else, He wanted me, my heart and my child-like devotion to my Father. I realized, a husband can still be a childlike son of faith to His Father. And He doesn't withhold His love and assurance from His sons. So I return like the elder brother of a prodigal son. After that moment of revelation, I was reconciled and humbled before the person I hurt and experienced a strong moment of grace. Grace, always undeserved, yet because of Love, compels the giver to lay low despite the wrongs done to them; and compels the wrongdoer to once more stand as an equal, compelling them to love the Giver even more.
"May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." - Eph 3:18-19 (NLT)
The Mind of the Melancholeric Man: Musings on Life and Ministry by Patrick Tan
My new job and update on Makati Carecells
I'm currently here at church. We had a sectional meeting this morning in Malabon. I enjoyed the bountiful lunch the church had served for us. Later I will pick up Nette in the clinic, so I'm killing some time right now. Actually I have one sermon due today for tomorrow. I have it in my mind right now and just need to write it down.
It's been two weeks ago since I joined Asia Pacific Media Ministries to work as web and graphic designer. The work is ok. So why did I employ myself in a full time job, many ask. First of all I need a stable income now I'm married. Freelance work is good but sporadic. I still do freelance jobs though for additional income. Second I need the discipline. Working at home is not as beneficial as one would think, specially working in your bedroom. I need the discipline and the motivation that a working environment gives. And both of these I got with the work I have now. Actually, I am working for three companies: Asia Pacific Media Ministries, ICI Philippines, and Assemblies of God Missionary Fellowship, each sharing an amount of a days work during the week. I thought to myself why haven't I thought of this (working in APMedia), which like right now in this season fits like a glove. I enjoy both the creative and ministry element of it. Most of my co-workers have a part-melancholy temperament in them so I get them and they get me. It's really doing good for now.
P.T.
Of course with the Makati church planting project around the corner sometimes I get concerned how all of this will work out. I mean working a full-time job and doing the job of a pioneering pastor. Last Wednesday, we had a very fun-filled evening at our joint fellowship in Makati which were composed of Kamagong and Ayala Carecells. We were 35 in all. What's interesting is that earlier our projected attendance was 35 people, and 35 people appeared. I thought I wished we'd projected a higher number. But kidding aside, I am amazed at how God works in this ministry.
During our core group meeting, I shared with them that as a leader there are times that I do things with confidence in my own strength--the things I usually and already used to do. This is not that time. To quote the apostle Paul (?), I come trembling and much fear (1 Co 2:3). The worst nightmare of a choleric person is to wake up one morning when he doesn't have it altogether. I have realized more than once that I don't have it altogether (causing an amount of stress and anxiety within me), but it works anyway. Then a revelation, it's not because of me that's this is possible, it's all about God.
I remember a verse in Acts when Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel. And during the interrogation, a respected teacher of the Jewish Law named Gamaliel stood and addressed his colleagues:
P.T.
Recently I think of blogging in the point of view of me as a father. I would blog about the lessons I learned in life so that my children will be able to read it, so that even in their non-existence, in their birth and infancy until they grow-up they would know who their father is really like, how their father loves them so much.
P.T.
It's been two weeks ago since I joined Asia Pacific Media Ministries to work as web and graphic designer. The work is ok. So why did I employ myself in a full time job, many ask. First of all I need a stable income now I'm married. Freelance work is good but sporadic. I still do freelance jobs though for additional income. Second I need the discipline. Working at home is not as beneficial as one would think, specially working in your bedroom. I need the discipline and the motivation that a working environment gives. And both of these I got with the work I have now. Actually, I am working for three companies: Asia Pacific Media Ministries, ICI Philippines, and Assemblies of God Missionary Fellowship, each sharing an amount of a days work during the week. I thought to myself why haven't I thought of this (working in APMedia), which like right now in this season fits like a glove. I enjoy both the creative and ministry element of it. Most of my co-workers have a part-melancholy temperament in them so I get them and they get me. It's really doing good for now.
P.T.
Of course with the Makati church planting project around the corner sometimes I get concerned how all of this will work out. I mean working a full-time job and doing the job of a pioneering pastor. Last Wednesday, we had a very fun-filled evening at our joint fellowship in Makati which were composed of Kamagong and Ayala Carecells. We were 35 in all. What's interesting is that earlier our projected attendance was 35 people, and 35 people appeared. I thought I wished we'd projected a higher number. But kidding aside, I am amazed at how God works in this ministry.
During our core group meeting, I shared with them that as a leader there are times that I do things with confidence in my own strength--the things I usually and already used to do. This is not that time. To quote the apostle Paul (?), I come trembling and much fear (1 Co 2:3). The worst nightmare of a choleric person is to wake up one morning when he doesn't have it altogether. I have realized more than once that I don't have it altogether (causing an amount of stress and anxiety within me), but it works anyway. Then a revelation, it's not because of me that's this is possible, it's all about God.
I remember a verse in Acts when Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel. And during the interrogation, a respected teacher of the Jewish Law named Gamaliel stood and addressed his colleagues:
"Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." - Acts 6:36-39If I do this ministry in my own strength, IT WILL FAIL--or explode, implode, burnout or burst into pieces etc. But if it is from God, IT WILL NOT BE STOPPED. It is a reassuring verse for me because there are times that I resolve to false self-sufficiency when Christ requires the denial of self. It is reassuring because I don't have to try TOO hard, because I am in partnership, if not, in the service of the King--and His purpose always prevails. If it is the Lord's work, He will prosper it. God is good.
P.T.
Recently I think of blogging in the point of view of me as a father. I would blog about the lessons I learned in life so that my children will be able to read it, so that even in their non-existence, in their birth and infancy until they grow-up they would know who their father is really like, how their father loves them so much.
P.T.
Day in the Life
In a few minutes I will be heading out to Makati for our Carecell at Kamagong. Haven't blog for a while. I wrote once in FB saying "I'm looking for the husband blogger in me." Somehow when I got married I observed I had few alone/reflective time. I need to jumpstart that once more. And once more I find myself involved in a lot of things.
Makati Ministry is doing great. Right now we have two Carecells going on--Kamagong and Ayala Carecells. At the moment I feel we're in this phase of being faithful for the long haul. The hypes and excitement have subsided, and it's up to everyone's commitment and of course God's grace to continue. I'm not saying that the meetings are dull, in fact every meeting is an opportunity for us to minister to the body and I can feel God's presence moving in both cellgroups.
It's a normal routine now that during Wednesdays Netty and I would stay at her parents' house in Makati since our Kamagong Carecell usually ends past nine. And the next day we would still be going to the Ayala Carecell. That way it's less expensive in transportation (Transportation costs these days are crazy, especially if you're coming from Caloocan going to Makati.
I received a very good news yesterday. For sometime now our Makati Ministry have been praying that its vision of planting a church in the heart of the business district of Makati will soon be realized. And that vision has become closer to reality. See our church has a vision of planting the 3rd daughter church by 2015. Which personally I think is way too far. So I thought in my heart that 2012's the year I will set to myself to plant a church in Makati (by that time there would be more that two Carecells gathering). But yesterday I was amazed when I met my pastor to talk about other things, but then he mentioned about the possibility of planting a Makati church before this year ends!
I will continue later. For now I have to go. Lots of story to tell.
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I am back. Just came from McDonald's in Pasong Tamo where we will be holding our March 17 Makati Carecells Joint Fellowship. Praise God because the venue is finally settled.
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I am back. Just came from McDonald's in Pasong Tamo where we will be holding our March 17 Makati Carecells Joint Fellowship. Praise God because the venue is finally settled.
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