Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. - Mark 10:14-15

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” - Mark 10:29-31

Places I've been to

My Lakbayan grade is C+!
How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!
Created by Eugene Villar.

Bangkok!

Last April 5-12, Netty and I had a blessing to go to Bangkok, Thailand. We were invited to participate in APYL (pronounced "apple" Asia Pacific Youth Leaders Consultation) as coordinators of Chi Alpha Philippines. That was from 6th-8th. We extended our stay to go around the city and spend time with friends Ptr. Rodel, Ate Alice, Ptr. Abe, Ptr. Sur, Ptr. Chad, Ate Renz and Nav). Thank God for giving us an opportunity of visiting this beautiful city.

The Grand Palace compound.

This is in Wat Arun ... entrance to the hall of Buddhas. 

This was during the consultation. We stayed in Bangkok Christian Center.

This was in a mall featuring wax exhibit. 

This is the temple of Wat Arun. The tower was massive and very intricate.

This is in Wat Pho that houses the massive golden lying Buddha.

This was on Saturday when we visited Ancient Siam. It's a park that features replicas of famous sites all over Thailand.

This is the king's palace in the Grand Palace compound. I took this shot. I love it.

This is in Ancient Siam. There's a mini-zoo inside it. Took photo with their resident python.

This was when we arrived in Bangkok, we were met by Ptr. Abe and Ptr. Chad.

This was the last night of the consultation. We went to a dining compound that had cultural shows. These two girls were on their way to the performance. We stopped them for a quick snapshot.

This is in Shakey's in NAIA 3 with Ptr. Rodel and his wife Ate Alice. Ptr. Rodel is the Southeast Asia regional coordinator for One Hope.

This is in Ancient Siam. The background is a replica of the Pavilion of Englightenment. Very beautiful architecture.

These are the delegates of the APYL consultation. 9 countries were represented here. 

It is finished!

My M. Div course that is. Last April 1 I graduated in Masters of Divinity after 6.5 years of taking it up. I wrote in my FB message: 

On April 1, I will be graduating from Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (www.ascm.net) Masters of Divinity (Oct 2004-Apr 2011). I entered ASCM after responding God's call in my life at the Asian Institute of Youth Studies May 2004 (after graduating in UST) in APTS Baguio City. This season has been a fulfilling and molding experiece. ASCM has equipped me to do what God has called me to do: to serve the next generation and to impact the nations for God. Through your support, encouragement and prayers you made this possible. Thank you for investing your life in me. To God be the glory for the things He has done!

With my family.

Our friend Mutya attended the graduation. I'm the last of the remnants of this group. Most of them had already graduated or moved to other places already. 

My beloved adviser and professor Dr. Zonia Tappeiner. She and her husband Dr. T made an impact in my life.

Help me overcome my unbelief

"' ... But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us' ... 'If you can'? said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for the one who believes.' ... 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" - Mark 9:22-24

" 'Why couldn't we drive it out?' ... 'This kind can come out only by prayer.' " - Mark 9:28-29

Many times we get used to the normal. Normal is getting by. Getting by what's there and existing. Getting used to our limps and crutches. We used to believe that God will take them away, but "I've been asking for awhile and the answer hasn't come yet.". So we take on a new notion that it's something that will be permanent, something that we should deal with from day to day. And our prayers become something like, "If you [God] can do anything ... help us." Two things are revealed from the father's prayer: First his lack of faith, seeing his son suffer this sickness "from childhood" made him believe that perhaps God can't do anything about it. One pastor says, "So small a prayer might be an insult to God." We must be reminded that God is sovereign--He know's what He is doing ... and God is all powerful--He is able to do anything. Yes, anything. Second observation is that this father lacked faith in themselves. He thought his family's circumstance is too small to be dealt with by an Almighty God. "If you can do anything ..." is like saying ... "Well, if you have spare time, but if I'm interrupting it's fine." How many times we pray prayers like that as if God had something better to do, more important to do. But God is more than willing to hear us and meet our need. Experiencing God tells us the beauty of serving our God. He is sovereign (He knows what he's doing), He is all-powerful (He can do anything) and He is Love ... God is Love. He does what's best for us and for His glory. Imagine that, a God who can do everything and He's on our side and He knows what He's doing.

"Everything is possible for one who believes." Everything is possible, that's the promise of Jesus himself. Impossible does not exist in God's vocabulary! Imagine what opportunities are open to a child of God. But this promise has a premise: "for one who believes." "One" can mean anyone. Jesus does not say "a child of God" or "the faithful". But it's an invitation for anyone to come and believe. Yes, even the worst of sinners and the unreligious. This invitation to believe the impossible is for everyone. The main ingredient is belief--or faith. Faith in what or to whom? Faith that God can and that He will. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." "Faith can move mountains."

What is the main ingredient of your prayers lately? Is it full of faith or a recitation or duty? God longs to share an intimate conversation with us. Like a parent longing to hear a young child's exploits after a day's work, God longs to hear our exploits, our victories and even our failures. When we ask, He won't say, "let's set an appointment for that," or "let me check my schedule." "Would a father give his son a snake when he asks for an egg? ..." His promise, "If fathers would know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."

Let it be the father's response be our response and prayer. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Let us return once again to this child-like faith and trust to God and say, "Yes, Lord, I believe." God help me overcome my lack of faith--Ultimately it is God who will draw us to himself to know Him and trust Him.

Road to Graduation

10:30PM. On my bed with Oli (my Mac's name) on my lap typing away. Tomorrow Netty and I will be going to Butuan City for a week-long Chi Alpha training. We'll be going down to Tagum City 2nd half of the week. It's been a roller coaster of a life these days. 

I'm graduating soon thank God. I took a leave from office today because I had an "exit interview" with our dean at school, but unfortunately he didn't show up on our meeting time. The day was not all wasted because I did some small errands like paying my remaining tuition etc. You know what, I thought I would be able to completely pay off my tuition fee, but when I checked with our school's cashier, the money I had  wasn't enough to pay everything off. I was a bit sad that morning because I don't know where to get the money to pay off the remaining balance but God made a way. I prayed to God for His provision and just like one of those faith prayers God answered immediately through a text message saying a payment has been made for my project! God is really good.

I entered ASCM on October 2004. Graduating on April 2011. That is like 5.5 school years man (I was out of school for a year when I got married (October 2009-October 2010). This is like another season of my life with its own trials and lessons and God's display of His goodness and faithfulness in my life. And now it's soon closing. I'm thankful to God for sustaining me by His grace. I couldn't do it without Him. I quote Paul, not that I have attained it, but I (continue to) press on toward the goal for which Christ has set before me. I'm excited for what's next. But Lord, my prayer is that may I continue to be grounded and grow deeper in Him. 

Deuteronomy 4:39-40

“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”

What does it take to reach 25?

Last night my wife and I attended a 25 silver wedding anniversary celebration of Tito Jeff and Tita Bold in ICS. They were our ninong and ninang during our wedding. They had a beautiful recommitment ceremony, much similar to a wedding ceremony with a few twists. I thought, what does it take to reach 25 years of strong marriage and tight knit family? I look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary also with Netty. That will be on 2025 ..

Day in the Life: Japan

Today is a sad day for the world. 8.9 magnitude earthquake and huge tsunami has hit north eastern part of Japan yesterday. The scenes on the TV are devastating. Makes me wanna rethink of my minuteness in this world. And my relationship with God. Am I ready to go when it's time to go? These are times when life forces you to narrow down the things that are of utmost importance. Though it feels like what's going on with the world right now is much like a lottery of chances--the unrest in the Middle East, the disasters that have recently hit New Zealand and Japan .. I have to remind myself that God is greater and my life is in his hands. Lord let Your abounding grace overflow to get us through these times. 

Day in the Life

Here today at the library. Just finished our midterm exam. I did ok, I hope. Waiting for chapel to start in a few minutes. Head is aching since last night don't know why. A while ago I picked up and filled up my graduation application for April 2011. Thanking God for this season of study and molding--6 years. I just hope everything goes well and fits well with the busyness of life these days. On Sunday will be going to Ozamis City via Cebu for Chi Alpha training. Will come back on the 13th. Celebrate Valentines on the 14th. Leave again for Roxas and Kalibo on 15 & 16. I didn't realize it's almost two weeks that I will be gone from the city and home.