Today would be may last day as a fulltime pastor of UECP. It has been nine long years serving here as a fulltime pastor. And of course a full pledge member since November 1, 1987. It has been wonderful serving the Lord for these past years. I was able to gain a lot of wonderful experiences that has mold me to who I am today.
God has been gracious for the past years as I go through many challenges and learning opportunities. My church family has been very supportive and of course God's grace has been bountiful. God has answered my prayers again and again especially my prayers before I left BSOP that He would bless the works of my hands. And at the same time fulfill my task to minister among the new generation of Filipino-Chinese youth.
It has been very fulfilling especially my target of having at least one youth going to fulltime seminary training every year has been answered. We even have some years with two to three youth going to fulltime ministry. These are all amazing blessing that in one way or another I was able to contribute, especially to the formation of our young people and church.
Today is just another ordinary day in the office. I was in my cubicle the whole time, trying to use it every single minute before I bow out of service here. I even had lunch - Maki Mi of Ha Yuan... walang mga ganito sa Makati hehehe...
Many were asking, hindi ba daw ako nalulungkot? Well, why should I? Maybe I would be sad if my ministry in UECP are all in waste. But they are not. God has allowed me to see again and again, my work is done here and my spiritual children would continue the work I would be leaving behind. This is the best legacy I believe I can contribute to the history of UECP. What more can I ask? I leave my mother church as a fulltime pastor but not as her member. Though serving in another ministry area, it does not mean that I am cutting ties with my roots.
Well, I am very happy indeed for my church because I find myself a contributor, strategist, educator, worker, model, influencer, leader that has brought out the best in every individual member I have ministered.
No, teary eyes but all joy... joy and peace that comes from the Lord.
Now, off to my next assignment and journey. I believe this new challenge will complete my knowledge and expertise in ministering to young people across social status. It will further enhance my capabilities to lead God's ministry in the future and of course, continually be fruitful in proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I know this will be a big adjustment for me but God is with me, as always!!! To God be the Glory!
May the good Lord continue to bless the works of my hands that His glory be filled in me that I may glorify Him in return until I meet my Creator face to face - with only one hope that He would say, "Come at my table and eat, my good and faithful servant!"
65 mins to go... I am outta here!!! Mabuhay at ating Panginoon! Mabuhay po tayogng lahat!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Surprise But Not Surprised
Yesterday, some of our youth has prepared a surprise farewell for me at the youth hub. Well, I have known the plan from the day they started planning it. It was one Sunday, they gathered at the Youth Hub to talk about this. Every time I am in UECP on Sundays, my usual routine was to go through every room where the Children Ministries hold classes. One is to visit them and make myself visible and another is to really visit my godchildren. So, there it was, when I passed by Youth Hub and they were gathered in a circle, seeing different representative from my groups. So, sensing their scheme, I intentionally joined them and everybody was stunned and don't know how to go about the discussion. So, I finally left but knew something was cooking up.
It was yesterday when I receive an SMS from Michaelson that was not intended for me, asking how to bring me in on Sunday since I was so convinced that we meet at MOA instead. hehehehe
I praise God for the generosity of such wonderful friends. The whole program went well and saw youth from different generations or batch came to bless me as I journey to a new ministry at Makati Hope Christian School. Though not all was present but the big majority was there. I was blessed and satisfied for seeing every single person in that room. Indeed, they were a blessing to me, not only me a blessing to them.
The consistent message given by each individual was that I was able to bring out the best in them. It just goes to say my consistency as an individual fulfilling my God given direction of "Equipping God's People for Every Good Work." Again, I was satisfied and full of contentment.
My personal insight was that the best legacy I can really leave behind is that these people whom I was able to help and bring out their best are also able to bring out the best in each person they were able to ministered with. In return, God continues to use YWC in bringing out the best in every youth entrusted to our care.
To God be all the glory
It was yesterday when I receive an SMS from Michaelson that was not intended for me, asking how to bring me in on Sunday since I was so convinced that we meet at MOA instead. hehehehe
I praise God for the generosity of such wonderful friends. The whole program went well and saw youth from different generations or batch came to bless me as I journey to a new ministry at Makati Hope Christian School. Though not all was present but the big majority was there. I was blessed and satisfied for seeing every single person in that room. Indeed, they were a blessing to me, not only me a blessing to them.
The consistent message given by each individual was that I was able to bring out the best in them. It just goes to say my consistency as an individual fulfilling my God given direction of "Equipping God's People for Every Good Work." Again, I was satisfied and full of contentment.
My personal insight was that the best legacy I can really leave behind is that these people whom I was able to help and bring out their best are also able to bring out the best in each person they were able to ministered with. In return, God continues to use YWC in bringing out the best in every youth entrusted to our care.
To God be all the glory
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Satisfied
Today, I start to pack up my table. I started cleaning one drawer at a time until, my top table. For the past years, my table has been full of pictures who I believe I was able to minister for quite some time. As I took one picture at a time, I was able to say small prayers for them and of course there was a gush of emotions but I was very satisfied seeing each one of them blessed and successful.
Satisfaction comes from God. And only God alone where we can find contentment in life. As I see each individual youth grew in faithfulness and commitment with our Lord, there was no doubt that God has blessed the works of my hand.
Yes the best and true legacy we can leave behind was able to help make life better for those God has entrusted to our care even just for a little while.
God is incredibly awesome, seeing us through in every step of the way. Praise His Name!
Satisfaction comes from God. And only God alone where we can find contentment in life. As I see each individual youth grew in faithfulness and commitment with our Lord, there was no doubt that God has blessed the works of my hand.
Yes the best and true legacy we can leave behind was able to help make life better for those God has entrusted to our care even just for a little while.
God is incredibly awesome, seeing us through in every step of the way. Praise His Name!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thinking of Scouting
Today, I thought: what a wonderful opportunity to learn much from Scouting. Midnight Saturday night, we got power interruption from 12 am to 3 am and the rain has not stopped pouring. As I woke up around 5 am to prepare to go for Dawn Watch prayer meeting. I took a peak at the sky and saw this enormous cloud so dark and heavy and it gave my instinct a message of bad, bad, very bad... And so, I decided not to go out of the house since I really knew its a very bad day.
The rest is history as in 9 am, you can no longer see Manila. The heavy down pour of rain has block the visibility of the city as I stand at our window in Escolta.
I eventually came in appreciation once again the things I have learned from Scouting especially in watching the constellation and determining weather. Through weather is very unpredictable now a days... it still give a 24 hour time for us to determine the weather the following day.
I was kept safe at home and was able to spend time resting, which I really needed most at such time. Though I praise God that I was safe at home for the whole time the storm was ransacking Manila, I also was downhearted because of the devastating catastrophe Manila underwent. Many people were greatly affected and devastated.
Time is really up because the consistent weather disturbance as written in the Scripture is truly alarming. After the typhoon, earthquakes, tornadoes and all of this calamities happening in man parts of the globe.
God have mercy…
The rest is history as in 9 am, you can no longer see Manila. The heavy down pour of rain has block the visibility of the city as I stand at our window in Escolta.
I eventually came in appreciation once again the things I have learned from Scouting especially in watching the constellation and determining weather. Through weather is very unpredictable now a days... it still give a 24 hour time for us to determine the weather the following day.
I was kept safe at home and was able to spend time resting, which I really needed most at such time. Though I praise God that I was safe at home for the whole time the storm was ransacking Manila, I also was downhearted because of the devastating catastrophe Manila underwent. Many people were greatly affected and devastated.
Time is really up because the consistent weather disturbance as written in the Scripture is truly alarming. After the typhoon, earthquakes, tornadoes and all of this calamities happening in man parts of the globe.
God have mercy…
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Understanding God's Disappointment with Us
Though we cannot really comprehend how God is disappointed with us whenever we sin against Him, since we have a concept that He has always been merciful and forgiving. Is there really a limit with God's wrath?
I have my personal disappointments myself, whenever the person I am coaching to be Jesus' disciple failed to meet standards. It has been years of coaching and mentoring and still they do what they are not suppose to be doing. Of course, there were stern rebuke, but I really wonder how they feel after such rebuke? Would they really felt bad and sinful? or would they just shrugged us off as being not compassionate. Will they just shut their system in order not to listen to what we are saying? or they felt we are abusive and destructive towards them? Are they looking at me as judgmental or another parent who is a nagger?
As I was listening to this person share what he has been up to, I really felt disappointed and frustrated, actually not with him but with myself. Weird but true. Though I gave a stern show of disgust but I was really not disgusted with him but with myself. Yah, I know, I did my share to nurturing this person, but I am not really in-charge of his life. So, what the heck? I am sad because the initial message that I got, was I failed again in nurturing this person to become closer with Christ and do away with obvious unacceptable actions.
And as I reflected through the night, I just maybe feeling how God has been frustrated with me as I also fail to meet His standards myself. So, the only things I can do is to love unconditionally just as how God loves us unconditionally since these disappointments and frustrations will never go away because we are always finite.
As the Lord has been merciful, we should also do likewise. Encouragement is really helping the person to stop sinning against God.
I have my personal disappointments myself, whenever the person I am coaching to be Jesus' disciple failed to meet standards. It has been years of coaching and mentoring and still they do what they are not suppose to be doing. Of course, there were stern rebuke, but I really wonder how they feel after such rebuke? Would they really felt bad and sinful? or would they just shrugged us off as being not compassionate. Will they just shut their system in order not to listen to what we are saying? or they felt we are abusive and destructive towards them? Are they looking at me as judgmental or another parent who is a nagger?
As I was listening to this person share what he has been up to, I really felt disappointed and frustrated, actually not with him but with myself. Weird but true. Though I gave a stern show of disgust but I was really not disgusted with him but with myself. Yah, I know, I did my share to nurturing this person, but I am not really in-charge of his life. So, what the heck? I am sad because the initial message that I got, was I failed again in nurturing this person to become closer with Christ and do away with obvious unacceptable actions.
And as I reflected through the night, I just maybe feeling how God has been frustrated with me as I also fail to meet His standards myself. So, the only things I can do is to love unconditionally just as how God loves us unconditionally since these disappointments and frustrations will never go away because we are always finite.
As the Lord has been merciful, we should also do likewise. Encouragement is really helping the person to stop sinning against God.
Monday, September 21, 2009
God is Faithful to My Trips
God is indeed faithful from the very beginning when I booked my tickets on an extreme sale. Imagine round trip for Singapore only 2,600.00 and Boracay 2,100.00. Where can you get such a price???
As in my previous blog, I almost did not make it in Singapore twice. First, I was mistaken with the date and second I was mistaken with time. But anyway, God uses a lot of things to correct my forgetful mind. Praise God.
The week before I left for Singapore, I was checking our Yahoo Weather and its stated in the extended forecast that Singapore would be experiencing thunderstorm throughout my stay there, but it was sunny except for a late afternoon drizzle, the weather for the whole duration was great. Only Bryan was complaining about how hot it was but I really did not felt the heat of the place. Praise God. We kept on checking the weather, it continues to indicate thunderstorm, so we have to bring umbrellas everyday but we were not able to use them.
When I was in Boracay, the same thing. Thunderstorm as indicated in the weather forecast but it was sunny except for one late afternoon drizzle and that's about it. I was able to enjoy and was well rested throughout the two trips.
At first, I should be staying with the family of Stanley hia, but his in-laws were also coming in on the same time with me. So the week before, I left for Singapore, I was actually homeless. Good thing, I called up a friend and he will be out for a meeting in Berlin, so he was willing to lend me his beautiful flat. His flat was so relaxing from the time you enter his door. Wow, incredible, how God has prepared things for me in advance. So, I get to procrastinate everyday in Singapore, leaving around lunchtime. I was so free and never in a hurry since I lived there solo. And best, was the place location; it is located in Robertson Quay where the night life is, hehehe.... not I enjoyed night life but the whole place was so convenient with restaurants, stores, shops all over the place. I would not have enjoyed so much freedom if I was to live in Stanley hia's place. Mahihiya naman ako kay Anne chi and sa mga kids... hehehe...
Another area, I thank God was the schedule of Bryan. Who would ever know that the exact dates I will be there would be his midterm break. No one knows, I booked first week of May, he has not even booked his flight going to Singapore that time. So, Bryan became my tour guide the whole duration. It's that amazing... grabe talaga magplan si God. You would really marvel how He planned my itinerary for my trips.
The best in Singapore was my chat with my friend, he came back during my last night stay. So, we got to talk and he was an branding director of a well known company at the same time does a lot of image consulting with people. Bryan and I got free consultation... hehehe. In this trip, God allowed me to realize certain things especially those missing in my life. Yah, midlife crisis is not really over. I am still procrastinating and has not been up to my feet for ministry. God has allowed me to see several important things in my life and I really have to move on. It is not that I do not trust God with my next assignment... I am just procrastinating... maybe I have been very tired for the past few years of ministry. It is time for new heights and challenges.
Through this trip, I was able to make a decision that I would go and move to my long delayed assignment as instructed by the Lord. It allowed me to realized I have been relying much on myself, experience and people who were trained by me for the past years to prepare for this next leap. But, God doesn't want them. God only wants me to do this next leg of ministry.
I just need to submit now, and has determined to submit once and for all.
Boracay gave me another boost of rest... I enjoyed the whole trip. God was also gracious with friends who allowed me to stay in his house. I just want to be myself, got tanned, got to eat good food, got to read a book, got to wander around and finally in the last minute of our stay... got a tatoo... hehehe
To God be all the glory!!!
As in my previous blog, I almost did not make it in Singapore twice. First, I was mistaken with the date and second I was mistaken with time. But anyway, God uses a lot of things to correct my forgetful mind. Praise God.
The week before I left for Singapore, I was checking our Yahoo Weather and its stated in the extended forecast that Singapore would be experiencing thunderstorm throughout my stay there, but it was sunny except for a late afternoon drizzle, the weather for the whole duration was great. Only Bryan was complaining about how hot it was but I really did not felt the heat of the place. Praise God. We kept on checking the weather, it continues to indicate thunderstorm, so we have to bring umbrellas everyday but we were not able to use them.
When I was in Boracay, the same thing. Thunderstorm as indicated in the weather forecast but it was sunny except for one late afternoon drizzle and that's about it. I was able to enjoy and was well rested throughout the two trips.
At first, I should be staying with the family of Stanley hia, but his in-laws were also coming in on the same time with me. So the week before, I left for Singapore, I was actually homeless. Good thing, I called up a friend and he will be out for a meeting in Berlin, so he was willing to lend me his beautiful flat. His flat was so relaxing from the time you enter his door. Wow, incredible, how God has prepared things for me in advance. So, I get to procrastinate everyday in Singapore, leaving around lunchtime. I was so free and never in a hurry since I lived there solo. And best, was the place location; it is located in Robertson Quay where the night life is, hehehe.... not I enjoyed night life but the whole place was so convenient with restaurants, stores, shops all over the place. I would not have enjoyed so much freedom if I was to live in Stanley hia's place. Mahihiya naman ako kay Anne chi and sa mga kids... hehehe...
Another area, I thank God was the schedule of Bryan. Who would ever know that the exact dates I will be there would be his midterm break. No one knows, I booked first week of May, he has not even booked his flight going to Singapore that time. So, Bryan became my tour guide the whole duration. It's that amazing... grabe talaga magplan si God. You would really marvel how He planned my itinerary for my trips.
The best in Singapore was my chat with my friend, he came back during my last night stay. So, we got to talk and he was an branding director of a well known company at the same time does a lot of image consulting with people. Bryan and I got free consultation... hehehe. In this trip, God allowed me to realize certain things especially those missing in my life. Yah, midlife crisis is not really over. I am still procrastinating and has not been up to my feet for ministry. God has allowed me to see several important things in my life and I really have to move on. It is not that I do not trust God with my next assignment... I am just procrastinating... maybe I have been very tired for the past few years of ministry. It is time for new heights and challenges.
Through this trip, I was able to make a decision that I would go and move to my long delayed assignment as instructed by the Lord. It allowed me to realized I have been relying much on myself, experience and people who were trained by me for the past years to prepare for this next leap. But, God doesn't want them. God only wants me to do this next leg of ministry.
I just need to submit now, and has determined to submit once and for all.
Boracay gave me another boost of rest... I enjoyed the whole trip. God was also gracious with friends who allowed me to stay in his house. I just want to be myself, got tanned, got to eat good food, got to read a book, got to wander around and finally in the last minute of our stay... got a tatoo... hehehe
To God be all the glory!!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Confused and Almost Did Not Make It
It has been a confusing week or I am really getting older.
I know I am going to Singapore. All the while I thought that I would be leaving Thursday. I was glad that I had a chat with Bryan two days before Thursday and learned from him that I am leaving Wednesday. I did panic trying to pack all the things I need to bring for my vacation. Bryan was telling me that we would go to Jurong Bird Park on Thursday morning, so I was surprised how come Thursday... hehehe...
I almost did not make it again. I thought, my flight was 10:30 pm. I was restless and had nothing to do in office, just waiting for time to pass. Suddenly, there was an urge to take a second look at my ticket. I kept ignoring it until 3:00 pm. I said to myself, what the heck... let me just take a peek. My passport is already in the bag and really do not want to open my bag. But I did, after that much urge speaking within. I was surprise to see that my flight was actually 8:30 pm and not 10:30 pm. So, I rushed to the airport at around 4: 30 pm instead of 7:00 pm.
I really did not know that Cebu Pacific has announced that their max load for travels is now 15 kilos. I thought that was only a joke. My luggages, weigh 21 kilos something. But I do not have any hand-carry baggage. So, I was asking the lady, since I do not have any hand-carry, can she just compensate the excess weight. The lady of Cebu Pacific was impolite... she replied, "you check it in, I charge you." So, I was a little upset because I was courteous to her. Anyway, gladly, I always carry an extra hand-carry bag in my luggage. So, I have to put all my clothes in my hand-carry bag and check in my luggage minus things in it... hehehe
I thought maybe God has plans. Maybe my luggage will get lost in transit since all of my clothes are with me, it was ok for it to get lost... Well, it did not happen, hehehe... I arrived safely and all my belongings.
God is gracious, He really wanted me to go for this break. Praise God, I arrived safely in Singapore 11: 45 pm with Bryan already waiting for me outside the airport.
I know I am going to Singapore. All the while I thought that I would be leaving Thursday. I was glad that I had a chat with Bryan two days before Thursday and learned from him that I am leaving Wednesday. I did panic trying to pack all the things I need to bring for my vacation. Bryan was telling me that we would go to Jurong Bird Park on Thursday morning, so I was surprised how come Thursday... hehehe...
I almost did not make it again. I thought, my flight was 10:30 pm. I was restless and had nothing to do in office, just waiting for time to pass. Suddenly, there was an urge to take a second look at my ticket. I kept ignoring it until 3:00 pm. I said to myself, what the heck... let me just take a peek. My passport is already in the bag and really do not want to open my bag. But I did, after that much urge speaking within. I was surprise to see that my flight was actually 8:30 pm and not 10:30 pm. So, I rushed to the airport at around 4: 30 pm instead of 7:00 pm.
I really did not know that Cebu Pacific has announced that their max load for travels is now 15 kilos. I thought that was only a joke. My luggages, weigh 21 kilos something. But I do not have any hand-carry baggage. So, I was asking the lady, since I do not have any hand-carry, can she just compensate the excess weight. The lady of Cebu Pacific was impolite... she replied, "you check it in, I charge you." So, I was a little upset because I was courteous to her. Anyway, gladly, I always carry an extra hand-carry bag in my luggage. So, I have to put all my clothes in my hand-carry bag and check in my luggage minus things in it... hehehe
I thought maybe God has plans. Maybe my luggage will get lost in transit since all of my clothes are with me, it was ok for it to get lost... Well, it did not happen, hehehe... I arrived safely and all my belongings.
God is gracious, He really wanted me to go for this break. Praise God, I arrived safely in Singapore 11: 45 pm with Bryan already waiting for me outside the airport.
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