A Greater Purpose!

It's been 2 months since I've arrived from Indonesia. I miss teaching. I miss my friends in Surabaya. I miss hearing Bahasa Indonesia. But I am also happy that after so many years, I now have lots of time in my hands (that's just a better way of saying "I am now a bum").

Sometime last year, I felt a deep stirring in my heart to leave Indonesia and go back to the Philippines. It was triggered by one comment made by an immigration officer. She was checking my passport and immigration card when she asked me whether I was teaching in a private school or a government school. I told her that I was teaching in a private school. Her reply was simple, "Good, 'cause if you were teaching in a government school in Indonesia, I wouldn't allow you to leave". She gave me back my passport and said goodbye casually. She had no idea what she's done.

After hearing the immigration officer's comment, I felt uneasy. The message was clear to me. It was time for me to go back to my homeland and serve my fellowmen. I've been in Indonesia for six years and I have loved every moment that I've spent there. I have been given lots of opportunities to serve in communities. The latest was in a poor community where I had the chance to teach Character Building Education to preschool children. I won't be able to forget the memories that I've had in that community.

I remember that I would always feel nervous when it was time for me to teach as I had to speak in Bahasa Indonesia. I would diligently memorize the "script" given to me, trying to imitate a local's accent when speaking. But whenever I stand in front of the class and deliver my "lines", I only see children with blank faces. In my frustration, I asked my friend why they seem not to understand what I was saying. I asked her whether my accent was wrong or was I speaking too fast 'cause the children didn't seem to understand what I was trying to teach them. My friend just laughed and told me that almost all of the children in that community couldn't understand Bahasa Indonesia. They could only understand their tribe's local dialect. It brought relief and at the same time disappointment. I was relieved that it was not because of the way I spoke. But I was disappointed that they didn't understand the lessons that I was trying to teach them. But despite this, I was still very happy that I had the chance to reach out to them. This is the kind of opportunity that I long for. While others are longing for opportunities to work in highly developed countries to earn big bucks, I am dreaming of finding opportunities where I can help others. I would be hypocrite if I say that I don't want to be rich. Of course I want to be rich! But only so that I can have all the resources that I need to help others.

So in November of last year, it was clear to me that it was time for me to pack my bags and head for my beloved homeland. It was a struggle as I was already used to my life in Indonesia. I loved my job, my ministries and my friends there. But then I know that if I don't do as my heart says, I would always be hearing "What if's" in my mind.

Now, I am back in the Philippines. But I still haven't done anything for my country. I was hoping that as soon as I hopped off the plane someone would approach me and hand me and envelope and say, "This is your mission". But then it only happens in movies. I am neither Tom Cruise nor Keanu Reeves. So there won't be people popping in front of me telling me what my mission is. But one thing is for sure, my Almighty Father has already prepared everything for me. He constantly guides me, leading me in the right path. He is always patient, especially when I am stubborn. I am secure knowing that His plans for me are greater than anything that I could ever imagine. I was created for a greater purpose.

Ninoy's Letter to Noynoy

I read this post in the blog of one of my friends. I couldn't help but be teary-eyed. How I wish Ninoy was still alive so he could become our President. Read on.

LIHAM NI NINOY KAY NOYNOY (Ninoy's Letter to his son, Noynoy)

August 25, 1973

Fort Bonifacio

11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III

P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.

The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet "muleta" and sword. The Spaniards call this "the moment of truth." This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie's, your sisters', yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I've been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the "Anti-Subversion Act" and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.

For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant's revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,

Dad

True Worship

Some thoughts on "worship" after reading the book "Teaching Kids Authentic Worship" by Kathleen Chapman... 

Whenever we hear the word worship, we often think of the kind of worship that we may have experienced. This may entail singing a gospel song over and over or raising up our hands with tears streaming down our cheeks. However, worship is much more than these actions.

For us believers, we still remember the time when we made the decision to commit our lives to Jesus. We were definitely excited to grow in our relationship with God so we attended camps that resulted in “mountaintop experiences” or retreats that gave us a warm feeling all over. There were times when we would be stirred in our hearts to love God more after listening to a very good sermon. These wonderful feelings are usually equated with worship. Sadly, these things are not worship.

According to A.W. Tozer, “worship is to express in some appropriate  manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of our Father which art in heaven.” This simply means that worship is speaking or expressing God’s worth, and our responsibility to adore Him. It is not about music or singing, and it’s definitely not about us. It’s not about what we enjoy doing for Him.

Worship is more than just faithful service. It is more than just reading your Bible from cover to cover or singing loudly in a church service. Worship is focusing only on God and never thinking about ourselves. God is so awesome and wonderful that our prospects for worship are limitless. Nature alone already speaks of God’s greatness. Yet, there are still a myriad of other things around us that show us God’s grandeur.

Practicing true worship can bring us closer to God. It can bring us so close that nothing or no one can come between us and God. May we learn to practice worship in its true form, not focusing on ourselves but focusing on God alone.

 

Working at MSCS

The article below is my write up for the MSCS yearbook for AY 2008-09. Hope you enjoy reading. :)

“What is there to enjoy in Surabaya?”

I was asked this seemingly unimportant question that brought me to realize this very important morsel of truth: we were created to enjoy our relationships. When I was asked this question, my instant answer was “The people, my friends.” It was then that I realized how important our relationships are and that we were created to enjoy each and every relationship that we have.

Relationship with God.

Our most important relationship is our relationship with God. We were created to have fellowship with Him each and every moment of our lives. We find wisdom and strength only in His presence. I was so blessed to have been part of a school where we corporately worship God and pray to Him for our needs daily. It is just right to make Him first in everything that we do.

Relationship with others.

When one of the teachers said that MSCS has a very good working environment, I just couldn’t agree more. When I first came to this school, I immediately felt the warmth of the people working here; it was as if I was part of a very intimate family. Every one was so accommodating that I did not find it difficult to adjust to my new environment. It became very easy for me to do well in my job because all of the people here were so kind and helpful. Even the students were so adorable and loving. I truly treasure my relationships with my bosses, my colleagues and my students. Though years may pass, I will always have my MSCS family in my heart.

I consider working for Mawar Sharon Christian School or MSCS as it is more commonly known, to be one of my most rewarding experiences. That is why it was very hard for me to say goodbye after working here for two years.

 

What Kind of Learner Are You?

Nakigaya kay Chique...

You Are a Visual Learner

You tend to remember what you see, and you have a good eye for aesthetics. You excel at art, design, and computer programming. You would be an excellent film director - or the next Bill Gates!

What's Your Learning Style?

A Train Ride to Jakarta (A Lesson on Compassion)

 I heard their cries... I was annoyed...

I was in a 12-hour train ride to Jakarta a few days before Hari Raya. I knew from the beginning that choosing to ride the train instead of riding a plane was a big mistake. Why? Because I can't sleep unless I'm lying down comfortably with my arms wrapped around a bolster pillow. But the adventurous side of me won over my practical side. I convinced myself that riding a train would be more challenging. I told myself that this train ride would be special. God knew that it couldn't have been closer to the truth.

The first two hours were not so hard. I left Surabaya at about 5pm so it was hours before my "bedtime". I tried to keep myself busy by reading a book on child-rearing. As it neared the hour for sleeping, I started to feel uneasy. I didn't know how to position myself. I turned to the left, I turned to the right but nothing seemed perfect. Fortunately, the seat beside me was empty. So I could stretch my legs as far as I could. But then, it was not the same as "lying down" so I still couldn't sleep. The constant shaking and "chugging" of the train added to my discomfort. 

Around 2 AM, I started to drift off to sleep. It was not the deep, restful sleep that I longed for but still it was sleep. So I was thankful. But about an hour later, it felt like I was dreaming. I heard people shouting and crying... I woke up. It turns out that the train has stopped at one of the stations in Java Island and the voices that I heard were the voices of the vendors peddling their goods. 

I heard their cries... I was annoyed...

These people woke me up from the precious sleep that I've been longing for. I was complaining in my heart, thinking terrible things about these people... But then I heard God's still, small voice saying to me, "Listen closely, my daughter". I didn't know what God meant so I just kept quiet. I couldn't figure out what God wanted me to see. I felt deeply bothered in my spirit. After a few minutes, it all became clear...

The cries that I heard were not just the cries of ordinary people peddling their goods. They were the cries of people hungry for life. People who were lost but had no one to guide them. People who were thirsty but had no one to tell them where the fountain of life is. I felt deep conviction in my heart. I felt really convicted...Big time.

I was on my way to Jakarta  to visit Mahanaim Foundation. I wanted to learn how to "minister" to people, to learn how to reach out to the lost. But when God put me face to face with the "harvest", my automatic reaction was annoyance, not compassion. I was more concerned about my sleep than I was of these people who were "dying". I felt so ashamed of myself. There was nothing else to do but cry. My heart cried out to God for forgiveness. I asked him to forgive me for being so superficial in my motive to serve. I only chose opportunities of service that were convenient for me. I know that God deliberately woke me up from my sleep to show me that I am daily surrounded with people who are in need of Jesus' love. But most of the time, I don't even give them my attention.

Why are we doing the things that we're doing? Is it because of our love for God or is it because doing them makes us feel better? That simple encounter with the "common people" made me realize that my motives were not always pure. A part of me was serving God not because of my love for Him,  but because of my selfish motives. Every day I pray for opportunities to serve Him, and every day He answers my prayer. He daily surrounds me with opportunities to show compassion to people who are in desperate need of the truth... I just don't see them 'cause I am so busy looking out for the seemingly "better" opportunities.

Let's examine our hearts and answer this question every time we do ministry ... 

"Why am I doing what I'm doing?" 

Wanted: High School English Teacher

Tuban, a township in the island of Java, is in need of an English teacher who will teach in several Secondary Schools within the area. Tuban is about a 3-hour drive from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java. The residents of this area are predominantly muslims so applicants must have a "big heart" to serve the muslims. Applicants should be available to start immediately.

Applications should be sent to . Please include expected salary.

Please forward to anyone who might be interested. Thanks! 

Being a Winner!

I guess winning has been quite a usual thing for me lately...heehee...well, actually that's an overstatement. I've won in two contests this month, actually one was a raffle. But the reason why I'm making such a big deal out of this is that all my life, I've only won a prize in a contest once, a general admission ticket for a Gary V concert in Zamboanga, and that was when I was still in high school. But then this month, all of a sudden I was a winner in not just one but in two contests... It really feels great to be a winner. 

I was in a Cebu Pacific flight two weeks ago. As usual, there was a "Bring Me" game on board the flight. I usually don't participate in these games coz I am always seated in one of the back rows. And I noticed that people in the back rows don't really get to win any prize. But in this particular flight, I was seated in the second row. So when the game started, I wasn't really excited.  But since there was nothing else to do I told myself that I will participate in the game. When the flight attendant asked for the inflight magazine, I raised up my copy not really expecting to win. After scanning the crowd for the winner, the flight attendant motioned to his colleague to give the prize to me. My eyes grew big not being able to believe that I was the winner. (I guess being a teacher, I acquired this habit of exaggerating for dramatic effects.) I was on cloud 9 the whole duration of the flight. I was a winner!

Then, just today on my way to class,one of the school's security guards told me that I had a package. I was confused because I wasn't expecting to receive any package. So I immediately tore the box open and read the cover letter. It turns out that I was one of the winners in Reader's Digests' annual sweepstakes. I vaguely remember joining the sweepstakes 'cause it was last year's raffle. I thought they had the raffle draw several months ago. It turns out that they just had it this July and I was one of the minor winners. I really couldn't believe that I was a winner, maybe not the grand prize winner, but I was still a winner. I was ecstatic. I was a winner!

Well, I've been declaring much about being a winner lately. And God has shown me that I am indeed a winner. These two incidents are just foretastes of what being a winner really is. I am indeed a winner. No matter what people say, no matter what happens, I am still a winner. God has already prepared into my future everything that I need to be a winner. I just have to keep on expecting for the "breakthroughs" to come. Now, I will keep on believing 'cause faith will keep me going. I am a winner! I am a winner!

Prophetic Word for the Philippines

Last weekend, I attended the International Prophetic Conference at the Supermall Convention Center. It was a 3-day event but I only got to attend the last 2 days. On the 3rd day of the conference, Pastor Benaiah of Malaysia gave a prophetic word for the Philippines. There were three points to the word he gave:

1. People should pray for the upcoming Vice-president of the Philippines. He will be like Joseph. We all need to pray for wisdom for him.

2. The Lord will move within the military in a new way. Fellowships will arise in the military. God will do a great thing in the military, something that He has never done before.

3. The construction and service industries will be 2 of the most booming industries in the country. New constructions will arise. 

During the night service of the 2nd day, Cindy Jacobs said that a prayer tower will arise in Bora-Bora that will open a gate to the Philippines. She didn't elaborate on the "Philippines part" 'cause she was concentrating on Bora-Bora but I believe that the Philippines will play a great part in bringing revival to this region... to Southeast Asia, to all the countries in Asia. Let's rise up to our destiny! Let's decree all that God has promised for our country.

The Ants

A week before the classes were to end, I got a very special surprise from one of my kindergarten students. One morning, Gavin came up to me very excited. He said, "I have something for you! I have something for you!" Thinking that he's discovered my "addiction", I was hoping to get a bag of chocolates from him. While he was getting that "something" from his bag, I looked at his class teacher and raised my eyebrows silently asking her if she knew what it was. She just giggled and said, "Yes, he has something for you!" Gavin finally came back and gave me that "special something" - ants.

I laughed out loud and lovingly said "thank you" to Gavin. It was so funny, there I was expecting a bag of chocolates but what I got was a plastic of ants, 2 big black ants to be exact. I hugged Gavin and proudly showed the plastic of ants to his classmates. I saw how proud he was of himself. He even offered to explain that those ants were "guard ants". For me it didn't matter what his gift was, the thing that mattered was "his heart" when he gave it to me. I will always treasure Gavin's gift to me.

This made me realize how God must feel for us. He must feel much love for us when we try to do things for Him. He treasures everything that we do even if these things may be very feeble. Most of the time we fail in our endeavors, but I know that He still lovingly looks at us and tells us that He appreciates our efforts. 'Cause He doesn't look at the whats of our efforts but He looks at the whys of our efforts. The only thing that He wants from us is a relationship with Him not our ministry, not our accomplishments, not our worldly successes. He wants all of our heart, not just a part of it but ALL of it. So the next time that we go to God and try to do things for Him, we have to remember that it doesn't matter what we do or whether we succeed or fail 'cause He will always be like a father to us. He will always be proud of us 'cause He knows our hearts.