Take Them Further: Raise Disciple-Makers

This is the first week in 2014 that I ministered in the campus, and it's great to be back after almost a month of holiday rest. This semester I'm leading groups of young guys throughout my days in the campus. And it's a privilege and blessing to invest in their lives.

The thing about discipleship is that when you disciple students, don't just envision them to become good Christians. Take them further. Envision them that in the future they will also become disciple-makers. I think having this mindset calibrates the way you prepare and equip them. Are you just training them to be disciples, or disciple-makers? A quote from Andy Stanley, "It's not what you do, but who you raise."

The photos below were from last Wednesday, one of my leaders discipleship group.

True Devotion

It's an event I always forget, being too close to the Christmas and New Year festivities, and it springs up to you while you're wearing out the holiday hues--the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Every year it gets bigger and bigger, so big that in the past few years it shuts down the city. Twitter-verse say that the "devotion" of the people is truly awe-inspiring, you could call it an affair of biblical proportions. And yes, I get goosebumps watching it.


Truth rather than tradition

But tradition doesn't always mean it's the truth. I believe we share the same authoritative book, the Bible.

Ten Commandments (Exodus chapter 20 verses 4-6, quoted from the Catholic Bible - http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=2&bible_chapter=20

4 'You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth.
5 'You shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God and I punish a parent's fault in the children, the grandchildren, and the great-grandchildren among those who hate me;
6 but I act with faithful love towards thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Another quotation from Isaiah 44 - http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=29&bible_chapter=44

8 Have no fear, do not be afraid: have I not told you and revealed it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God except me? There is no Rock; I know of none.
9 The makers of idols are all nothingness; the works they delight in serve no purpose. And these are the witness against them: they see nothing, they know nothing; and so they will be put to shame.
10 Who ever fashioned a god or cast an image without hope of gain?
11 Watch how all its devotees will be put to shame, and the men who made it too, who are only human. Let them all assemble, let them stand forward and feel both fear and shame!

From these two verses, it is clear that God, our God, abhors the worship of idols and carven images.


Disciples rather than devotees

Instead of worshiping representations of God, God wants us to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. No substitutes. Jesus is looking for more than devotees, He is looking for disciples who would follow Him daily, not once a year ... Disciples who would follow Him after the big party, even if it boils down to just you going against the flow of the world. Jesus is looking for disciples. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Mt 4:19).


Symbols rather than objects of worship

You might say that, "The statues are there to remind us of God," or as I have heard many times from the clergy, "It is not meant to be worshiped, it's the masses who worship it." On the latter, as shepherds of God's flock, we are responsible to lead and teach our sheep to know what is right. On the former, yes, we may have different symbols of faith, but again, let them only be symbols, and not an object of worship.

At the seminary, I made a paper on the Devotion to the Black Nazarene on our Asian Theology class. And what I found out is that what makes the Black Nazarene so popular among many is that the suffering image of Christ carrying the cross resonates with many of us in a people whose majority is still living in poverty. But more than that, I hope this image will remind us of the work of atonement Christ did for us. He died and paid for our sins (instead of us receiving the punishment of eternal separation from God), so that we can have life. Far be it that we forget the work of Christ on the cross. But the story doesn't end there. Jesus conquered sin and death and He was raised to life and is living today. Jesus' story is like our story as a nation, our story doesn't end in hopeless despair, but in faith, I believe we shall rise above it.


Love and respect rather than condemnation

I saw on Facebook how one person who posted a Bible verse (about how God hates idolatry) got lambasted for his "inappropriate" comment in the observance of this event.

For the student of God's Word and the follower of Christ, we are accountable. God told to Ezekiel that as God's representatives in behalf of the people, that as watchmen we are accountable to sound the alarm and to warn the people of God's judgment:

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand. - Ezekiel 33:6

Yes, we are accountable, we are responsible. But truth and love should be sides of the same coin. We should not lose sight of the purpose of proclaiming the truth, not to win an argument, but to lead a person to a right relationship with Christ. After all, (1) we are all sinners, and everyone is eligible to receive God's grace and forgiveness, and (2) rarely do you win friends by trying to win an argument, how much more trying to win an argument over social media and the masses, that doesn't happen. We are also not to shut up, but participate in a healthy dialog.

I believe the best way to be heard is through relationship and our testimony. You don't win masses, you win individuals. I think you respect others' belief by not always talking, but listening to what they have to say. Loving the individual, even when you two have opposing views. That doesn't prevent you from praying for them, and grabbing every opportunity to love them and show them the kindness of the Lord. Jesus' did command to love those who are opposed to you.

New Year with Family

Yesterday was the Cadimas new years lunch at the house. As usual there were great food and lots of people. Being an introvert, I dread with too much people at the same time. I realize, it helps to get your mind prepared before meeting a large group of people. Something that I haven't intentionally done in the past.

Before the meal, Jewel read a psalm to ponder on God's faithfulness. Then my mother in law shared a very short exhortation and then she led us all in prayer. I realize, believers should never be ashamed of their faith, they should even take the lead when it comes to this.

I think I stuffed too much food, because they were so delicious. After lunch, I felt so full that I wanted to doze off, but there were people in my bed.

In the afternoon, the cousins went to the mall to watch another MMFF movie. It has become a tradition, that Nette's cousins would go to the movie house on Christmas and New Year to watch a movie, sometimes one after the other.

Last Christmas, we saw Kimidora and yesterday we saw, Vice Ganda's movie. While both movies packed much laughs, they had their own share of chirping crickets because of bad comedy or too much drag. It's sad that popular Filipino movies have come to this--slapstick and elementary humor, to resonate with a movie critic's review I read about another movie entry. I have to admit, coming out of one of these movies, I really felt stupid. But you got what you chose right. I hope we can make better movies. I agree on the suggestion that MMFF's leadership be given to a film organization, not MMDA who is primarily in charge of city traffic and order. I also hope they will feature indie movies of quality content in the mainstream, more accessible to the public.

Closing 2013. In with 2014!

Yesterday we went and visited our parents in Caloocan. The last time we step foot there was October. But the place remains the same, with a few small changes here and there. But it's still the home I grew up in as a post-college young adult (We moved a lot when I was a kid).

It was a simple new years eve lunch celebration. I led our new year's prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness in 2013. In the past weeks I've been somewhat loathing this routine break (for reasons that will warrant another blog post), but a few days before I've got an "obvious discovery": We haven't had any major trouble this year, no sickness or loss in our family; we have never lacked, God was just always on time. Despite the challenges and selfish moments in my head, God has brought us through.

My father is turning 60 in 2014. My mom 59. And he said for his birthday he wants to travel, hop on a plane and go somewhere far away ... with snow ... and it's Japan. Okay so we gotta prepare for that.

In the afternoon we went to Lucky Chinatown Mall just to hang-out. Lawrence had his haircut. We also met Zarah his girlfriend there. We planned to hang-out at Starbucks, but since it was full we went to UCC instead and my brother foot the bill (he's grown up now :). We stayed up pretty late (6PM, before the mall had their early new years eve close), hanging out, sharing stories and just enjoying each other's company.

We came home to Makati and the new years noise is starting to build up. The house didn't plan for media noche, but instead prepared for today's New Years Lunch of another sumptuous lunch spread (my mother-in-law cooks really good).

And as the outside world grows noiser by the minute, I'm beside Nette, sharing thanksgivings, memorable moments of 2013, sharing resolutions and commitments. Bottom line: I'm just so thankful I have Nette who is my lover, friend and partner. I was challenged by Ptr Joey Bonifacio's message last Sunday about how this new year he's repeating one of his lifetime goal, to make himself his wife's best friend for life. He even said that when he dies, his tombstone would write "follower of Jesus, wife's best friend, father of so and so". I was so challenged by that that this year I shall do the same, do my best to make myself my wife's best friend.

When the clock struck 12, we worshiped God, thanked Him for his faithfulness in 2013 and entrusted our lives, our marriage, our ministry to the Lord in 2014.

Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness in 2013. We are anticipating your goodness in 2014. 

Year 2013 in Review by Rappler

Rappler aptly described this year as "Creative Destruction," destroy and rebuild. Though we are a people challenged in 2013, I believe God is up to something. We could hope and pray that 2014 will be better. But regardless, our future is not in the hands of astrology and forecasters, but our future is in God's hands. "Those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame." (Romans 10:11)

Last Sunday of 2013

Today Nette and I got to go to Victory Fort for the last Sunday of the year. It's always a treat to sit and listen to God's Word through Ptr. Joey Bonifacio. What he preached on was so timely. It spoke to my heart and rebuked me at the same time.

He preached about having a successful plan for 2014. He starts off by saying that we pray that God will bless our plans.. but how can God bless our plans if there are no plans to bless? The point is without a plan there is no way you can gauge if you are successful or not.

He takes his Scripture from Zechariah 4, wherein Zechariah prophesies a word of encouragement to Zerrubabel as he and priest Joshua prepare to rebuild Jerusalem after years of exile. Ptr. Joey gave the following points from this Scripture: 1) Find the Big - Relationship (with God and with others). This resonates much with his philosophy in discipleship, that we are created to love God and love others. 2) It's all about faith in Christ. 3) Less is more - meaning don't be a jack of trades, but focus on the main thing. And 4) Slow is fast. "Never despise small beginnings" as found in Zech. 

It really made me think about what happened this year and it has motivated me to do better in 2014 to say the least.

I'm thinking of joining their praying and fasting campaign this January.

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By lunch time, after much deliberation with myself (Nette said she wasn't craving for anything). We decided to go to Moshi Koshi, a Japanese resto in Market! Market! This is the 2nd time we went their and finally I nailed my order: Shoyu Ramen with it's unmistakably Japanese broth. We had the whole restaurant to ourselves, maybe because most people are out of town.

After lunch we thought about going to a coffee shop nearby, but instead we took a more practical leisure: window shopping and grocery shopping :) Got some chips and snacks on the way out. Then we spent our afternoon at home and finished watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. It was a great refresher after watching The Desolation of Smaug a few weeks ago.

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It's a few more days before 2014. Today has pumped me up for the new year.

Ministry Update

Hello blog world! It's been a while again since I've put my last post here. Been busy with campus ministry in the past few weeks. As you know, classes already started last month, and we're on the process of recruiting students to be part of our discipleship groups.

XA UBelt

I'm excited that our ministry in University Belt is growing. I have moved out (for now) of PUP & TUP after we've established student leaders who will lead the movement in these schools. This semester, some of us focused in universities surrounding our student center. One university has been showing signs of harvest: FEU. Today we have a strong discipleship group going on every week, and we're praying that leaders will rise up from this group. We're continually praying for movements in UE, UST and other schools.

Last semester we do our life gathering, a celebration gathering/worship service of all discipleship groups, once a month. This semester we took a step of faith to make it a weekly gathering. One of our concern was adding another time commitment for the students to commit to. But we do see the value of seeing each other's discipleship groups and celebrating the victories God has given us as a community. Every Friday we are amazed at testimonies of students about how God is answering their prayers and prospering their discipleship groups.

We are now working towards solidifying our groups. Come August, we will be starting our discipleship lessons. We will be launching our new discipleship curriculum called SIM or Student Intentional Moves, a student version of an existing IM. This comes as an answered prayer to have a discipleship tool for students. So in partnership with ICI Ministries, the National Youth Department and Chi Alpha worked together to produce this tool. Personally, I can't wait to see students leading other students with this tool.

Next week we are also hosting an 8-person XA missions team from Ball State University Indianapolis. The week will be full of meet and greets and other events with them. Excited to work with them and invest in their lives as well. 

XA National

On the national XA scene, we had a fruitful ministry last summer. From March to May XA Training Teams were deployed to different parts of the Philippines to train students and churches in starting their new Chi Alpha groups in their own locale. Our teams were quite different this time from when we started. Before it was only a 3-person team. But today, there are more people, even a new generation of trainors who have joined us. It was a response to the need of more trainors for more locations that some of us haven't worked together during summer because we're assigned to different locations. We only saw each other, and celebrated what God has done during our get together party after summer.

Some places where we had training:

• Angeles, Pampanga
• Metro Manila
• Bicol Region
• Cebu
• Aklan
• Davao City (Mindanao region wide)
• La Union

Training students and churches was an exciting time. It's like planting seeds. Planting seeds of vision and passion for the lost and the campus. By June, our teams return to their own local ministries while tuned to the developments that would happen in places where we did our training. And praise God because when the school year kicked-off, new Chi Alpha discipleship groups started and new Chi Alpha organizations were registered in their respective universities. These are always exciting times for us.

New XA developments around the Philippines

• Personal victories from students who shared Christ to their classmates.
• XA is now an official student organization in Technological University of the Philippines, Bataan Peninsula State University Dinalupihan Campus, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in Agoo, La Union, Cebu Technological University Argao Campus. UP Diliman is also working to be an official student organization this year.
• XA dgroups have been established for the first time in University of Makati, Aklan State University, Miriam College. 
• In Bicol Region, new XA movements have been established in different provinces. Like in Camarines Sur, 4 campus movements were immediately started after the training in 4 major university locations.
• In the past we have seen movements among high school students rise up. This year, we have launched a new identity for high school movements called "XA High", this new identity will see the development of specific tools and strategies in reaching high school students.
• We continue to discover new movements as a result of our trainings in the past years. It continues to encourage us and affirm God's Word that says, "our work in the Lord is not in vain."

Thank you for praying with us!

• Pray Patrick and Nette for daily strength and provision as we serve in UBelt and National XA.
• Pray for XA UBelt as we start discipleship through SIM this August. Pray that new student leaders will rise up and catch the vision. That students will be passionate to share Christ to their friends.
• Pray for the University Belt that more discipleship communities will be started as a joint passion of different campus and church movements.
• Patrick will go to Taiwan first week of September for Asia Pacific Youth Leaders Meeting. Pray for provision and favor in getting a visa.
• Pray for our dental clinic. Nette continues to work as a dentist. She closes her clinic 2 times during the work week to serve in University Belt. Pray that patients will come during the clinic's open times.
• We're also praying for a financial breakthrough and a baby. All in God's perfect time! :)

In pictures:

Nette praying for one of her disciples who celebrated her birthday last week.

One of the DGroups held at the Student Center, this one is composed of students from FEU, AMA & MFI

The test copy of the XA official discipleship tool Student Intentional Moves which will be coming out this month.

Last June, LifeSource, the church where we are serving as campus pastors, celebrated our 6th anniversary. We gave out books to student leaders and prayed for them.

Game time at our weekly Friday Life Gathering. 

Celebrating Fathers Day with my parents and brother. Thanking God for their good health and provisions.

XALT Training in Argao Cebu

Evangelism and Book of Hope distribution during Chi Alpha kick-off in a local High School in Davao City.

Our new identity, XA High!

The monthly dgroups celebration of Chi Alpha UP Diliman.

A student who attended XALT shares the gospel to her high school friends in Pampanga.

Students from Pamantasan ng Montalban (University of Montalban) during their kick-off rally last June.

XALT Training of Mindanao in Davao City.

It's a blessing to see local churches adopt our XALT training. This one was led by First Assembly of God, San Fernando, Pampanga. 

A back-to-school rally held by all AG churches in Pampanga.

Students from University of Makati during a student treat hosted by ICS.

A youth camp in Cebu where Chi Alpha was introduced to students. In this photo they were practicing how to share their faith to their classmates.

Photo of the XA Luzon Team during our post-victory celebration (after summer trainings). As you can see we are growing bigger, and some of us older!

Prayerwalking at DMMMSU. Early this semester they became an official student organization in that university.

XALT Training in Aklan

XALT for Bicol Region

XALT at La Union

Worship moment in XALT Manila where Ptr Sur del Rosario spoke a word of encouragement to the students.

The new DGroup of Aklan State University.

Evangelism Exposure at Angeles University

Sitting at Jesus' Feet

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with [q]all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10)

Don't be too busy to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His Word. The previous sentence doesn't even justify the challenge. We're not commanded not to be "too busy" as if yes it's ok to be busy once in a while. It deflects us from the real challenge: Sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to His Word. Sometimes it's a literal "challenge" for many Christians who are busy doing a lot of things, even things pertaining to kingdom work.

I remember as a kid, one of the least highlights on my weekend is when my family would their elders who I do not know. I had to sit through it. As a kid with a short attention span, watching my parents talk to old people bored me. I had to sit properly on the sofa, but I'm already fidgeting. No toy to play with. No boy or girl to play with. I had to endure it and smile, and when I can't hold it any longer, I'll give a bad eye or throw a tantrum. 

Sometimes we do that in God's presence. We sit in His presence because we have too, lest we brand ourselves as busybodies. But our minds wander, our concentration to God's worship is fluctuates like a light dream, thinking about the next "great" thing our hands could work on, for His kingdom, of course. But I don't think God is pleased at all with that kind of attitude.

I am reminded once again about the importance of sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His Word. Jesus' response to Martha resonated with me very much, "You are worried and bothered about many things." It's like Jesus is directly saying it to me, "Pat, you are worried and bothered about many things." To sit at Jesus' feet meant to surrender my busy feet doing busy things. Listening meant for me to stop talking and giving direction, and let Jesus teach me and give me direction.

We get so busy sometimes that we already fail to hear and listen to the Master's voice. We assume that Jesus is for us when in reality His distant voice is already warning us. Martha assumed that Jesus was in the zone with her when she asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?" It's a rhetorical question of course, and Martha assumed that Jesus was in approval. So much was her delusion that she didn't even let Jesus respond, but concluded and assumed His approval saying, "Then tell her to help me!" (NASB has the conjunction "then"). 

Jesus' responded in a loving correction. Thank God that Jesus corrects us, disciplines us out of His unconditional love for us. "You are worried and upset about many things. But one thing is needed."

Mary, on the other hand, sat at the feet of Jesus, and listened to His Word. This is what it meant for her and for Jesus:

"... but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

(1) One thing - Jesus directed Martha to the one thing (among few things) that is really important--relationship with Him. The problem is not that Martha was serving, but that she got distracted with the real reason for whom she was serving, snuffing the joy in her and her sister as well. Martha's "many things" "distracted" her from the One that is in their midst--Jesus. 

(2) It is necessary - Sitting at the Lord's feet is not a luxury Christians have. Our life depends on it. Therefore do not just give to the Lord your bare minimum. Don't just spend time with Him, spend quality and extravagant time with Him away from the distractions of the world.

(3) It is good - Nurturing our relationship with Jesus is beneficial for us. Jesus calls it the "good part". Could it be that in your desire to serve Him there are "not so good parts" like busyness?

(4) It is a choice - Sitting at Jesus' feet is a daily choice that we make in the midst of many things. It is a choice, we don't just float into God's presence, but rather most of the time we let the demands of work sweep us away from the most important. Choose to spend time with God daily.

(5) It is fruitful for eternity - Jesus said those who choose to spend time with Him, this privilege and result shall not be taken from them. "I will be with you to the very end of the age." Our busyness (one calls it the tyranny of the urgent) often robs us of eternal perspective and the vastness of God's mission for us. In Paul's writing, it reminds us that every thing is done in the perspective of Christ:

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17) 

Lord, thank You for putting things in perspective again. It's all about You, Jesus. Forgive me when I go ahead in doing exploits for You when you want me first to sit at your feet to listen and receive. Thank you for the privilege of entering the throneroom of the King of Kings, the nerve center of the Commander-in-Chief. Help me value these over the "many things" that distract me. It's all about You, Jesus.

Ignite 2013 Reflections

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Ignite reflection

Last week I got to be part of a very awesome conference called Ignite. Ignite is the bi-annual youth conference of Every Nation. I've been hearing about it for some time and this year, I resolved to be part of it. And praise God because provided the way for me to be in that conference through new found friends in Lifebox ministry.

Ignite 2013 saw the convergence of 9600 students from the Philippines and with that 200+ international students from all over Asia. I remember saying to myself on the first day, after seeing what's before my eyes: "I am on the right track." Meaning, student ministry is the way to go. We cannot neglect the reaching out of students and this needs to continually be realized among the Assemblies of God.

Some of my memorable highlights included the sessions that were powerfully preached by men of God, especially those of Ptr. CJ and Ptr. Steve Murrell. Ptr. CJ is the national director of Lifebox. He talked about a very in-your-face message about sexual purity. Ptr. Steve Murrell, started the Victory movement back in the 80s. One of my "remote" mentors that I consider, I usually read his blogs and to finally listen to hear preach was a blessing. Every moment had something special in them. I have learned new things about putting up a conference like that.

Worship moments were so powerful. What struck me was how unapologetic they are about the gift of tongues. First night, the opening production opened with 3 people praying in tongues! It was so new and powerful. First night also saw the challenge to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. First night also saw the consecration of all the delegates as everyone kneeled down and prayed for holiness to set in their hearts. The theme of the conference by the way is on Holiness - A holy life, a holy calling.

Fun moments included the Kinect Wars where in campus missionaries from different universities battled it out on stage by dancing with Kinect. It was so funny for a while. The conference also had surprise celebrity guests during their halftime shows: Rachel Ann Go, Yeng, Quest, Christian Bautista and Ogie Alcasid, all professing to be born again Christian, saved through Victory.

Along the way I've met some students from Siliman Dumaguete, Ateneo, CEU and UST. I'm so encouraged to know that Lifebox started with students from UST. They say they number now to 400, which is awesome. This is very encouraging because we are set on starting Chi Alpha in UST. What struck me with their conversations is how are they intentional in reaching out to the influencers of the campus like varsities, student councils and school leaders.

As a national campus ministry leader, this conference has made a huge impact in me as an individual and as a leader. This conference widened my vision and showed me what can be possible. It gave me ideas especially on our upcoming conferences in 2014 and 2015. It encouraged me that I'm part of something greater. On the last night I said to my friend "Sila na!" meaning they really pulled it off really well. Part of me was rejoicing with them, so much that I want to be part of them. But I know my place and my purpose. God has placed each one of us for such a time as this. Someone needs to rally our students on our end.

As a campus pastor in University Belt, I am encouraged that we are not alone. To see the body of Christ move in the campus, knowing that you are in arms with other believers, other leaders was something to be thankful about. I have to remind myself that there is no quitting to the cause because someone is already doing it, but like Ptr. Steve Murrell said, it's never enough until everyone hears the gospel. I have to remind myself that there are still many students who need Christ and every Christian movement in University Belt is important to reach this city.

Next week, the opening of classes starts once again. And I praying for more. More students brought into the kingdom of God. According to our capacity, resources and manpower, everything should be mobilized to reach them. According to God's love and power that sustains us, Lord, do great things among our midst.

Hope for a Broken World

The famous National Geographic
photo of an Afghan refugee.

When the world's brokenness overwhelm you, remember God's is always able. I concluded with this thought after today, when I am reminded how broken this world is.

I was browsing through YouTube today and it reminded me particularly about a National Geographic special I saw before on cable. The title is "Afghanistan's Lost Treasure" and fortunately it is available in parts on YouTube. The documentary tells about how the country's leading arts and culture people try to restore their art and culture after decades of Taliban oppression. See, before the Taliban, the country was rich in culture and history. But when the Taliban took over, they sought to destroy all kinds of art, because they adhere to a Quran law that any depiction of life like a painting or sculpture is an abomination against God.

I am particularly overwhelm by the people who sought to protect their country's rich history. One artist who manages the national art museum put his life at risk by painting water-based paint over oil paintings that depicted humans and animals so that the oppressors won't destroy the paintings. A group of film curators hid rolls upon rolls of the countries film archive in their film museum by covering the archive room with another wall, so the Taliban won't find them and burn them. They were so passionate about protecting these creations they were even willing to risk their lives for something they believed in.

After watching the docu, I was reminded of a movie about Afghanistan called "The Kite Runner" (which is again available on YouTube). It was originally a novel about a boy's personal struggle and interpersonal stories growing up before and during the Taliban occupation. It's a story of regret and redemption.

It bored me to watch the movie again (it was less than two hours), so I reminisce the movie by reading the plot summary in Wikipedia. There was a story arc in the movie where an orphan boy was abducted and abused by one of the Taliban leaders, and apparently this practice is an age-old tradition in the region called "Bacha Bazi". So I researched about this and what I found out was heart-breaking.

Basically, Bacha Bazi is an age-old tradition that was sort of birth out of evil necessity. It was the acquisition of boys by influential and powerful men in the society to serve as their lovers. It's an issue that is taboo among their society, obviously illegal, yet a rampant occurrence throughout the country. A documentary made in 2010 proves that even in a modern world, this backward and sick practice still happens at the expense of young and innocent young men. The path to change is slow and steep, as United Nations and other organizations address this problem.

How do you heal the world that is so entangled by its own sin? Is there hope for our deeply broken world?

Last Thursday, in one of our student discipleship groups, one of the new student asked, "Did God planned for aborted babies to suffer such fate?" It was a tough and challenging question which reverts back to the age old question why is there suffering in this world. It is because of the world's own sin that made it what it is today, each of us from time immemorial contributed to it, a domino effect that seems to escalate from one generation to another.

But God's Word gives us hope. God's Word has the power to transform us.

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! - Romans 5:17

So is there even hope for a broken world that is seem to be neck-deep in mess created by its own evil ways? A resounding "Yes!" Jesus is sufficient, truly Jesus is the answer to every broken heart. Through Christ He made available "God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness" to everyone who calls to Him. When we had chosen to look away, Jesus stared Sin and suffering in its face. It killed Him, but not for long, because like a seed that dies on the ground, Jesus springs out from His grave alive, overpowering the tag-team of Sin and Death that held Him back. Paul taunts, "Where O Death is thy sting?"

I as a person cannot do one good thing to make this world better. It is Christ that is in me, He is the one that works in me and through me to be a blessing to a broken world, touching one soul at a time.

I may not be going to Afghanistan any time soon, but I know someone who will, and I pray that God's abundant provision of grace and His gift of righteousness work through her.