I'm Turning Japanese - part 2

Sunday was a long but awesome day.

We had our morning service and Daniel and some from the team led worship.


Pastor Tommy Ruiz taught from the Word of God and encouraged the church to press on to greater ventures. God has more for us.


Lunch time - we were a large group that went out to BBQ park, and it was fun to have fellowship with these missionaries.


I especially like the part where Amber and Gershon were competing to see who finishes drinking their buko-halo (coconut with a mixture of crushed ice and all sorts of things) first.


Afternoon time was a time of fellowship with the young people in the church. Great Amoeba game, I should try it again sometime.


Keegan is an awesome speaker.


And Chela a great dancer. Peace, Che! =)


Evening time was a time of worship at the church and waiting on the Lord. God gave me a new song. I entitled it "Greater Than John", since Pastor Tom's message that morning really struck me. And God keeps saying to me what He said before, I think it was in 2004: "How far will you go?" And I finally answered: "Wherever You lead, Lord." I really don't like to leave Iloilo, but I know I need to be willing to go wherever the Lord leads. That door hasn't opened. And right now I'm just faithful to doing what the Lord has called me to do here in Iloilo, my homecity.

We had dinner at Mama Maria's pizza, and it was also a chance to watch the guys eat balut (duck embryos). We were even able to video it. They passed the test. They swallowed it. I taught them everything they know. Let the radicals arise!

Watch out for the conclusion of this trilogy...

Parents' 31st Wedding Anniversary

Recently, on March 8, 2007, my parents celebrated their 31st Wedding Anniversary. As I look back over the years, I see God's faithfulness to their marriage. God is the One who keeps our family together, and I praise Him for that. And I believe God will continue to do wonderful things in my parents' marriage, and even in my sister's marriage.

Currently, I am single. And I also praise God for that. I thank Him for showing me that yes, He is all we need, even in the area of marriage. I have seen it in His faithfulness in my mom and dad's union as husband and wife.

We went out to dinner together (yes, they included me, it was not an exclusive date), and we had a great time together.

I'm Turning Japanese - part 1

Yesterday a group of missionaries from Okinawa, Japan came to visit this little city of Iloilo. Headed by Pastor Tommy Ruiz, a group of young people from Calvary Chapel Bible College came on a short-term mission trip here. Some, if not all, the students are younger than me. I have been blessed to have been able to encourage them and be encouraged by them as we fellowship and as we seek to minister to the people here. They are ordinary people, just like me. God uses ordinary people to do His extraordinary work. As I'm writing this, the church service will start in 2 hours and 25 minutes. I'll be meeting them in an hour and 15 minutes, so I gotta get ready. 'Til next time... Let the radicals arise!

A Dog Picked Me Up From Work

It's kind of hard to believe, huh? Well, I'll give the details of the title "A Dog Picked Me Up From Work". Here's the scenario: My office is in a building located right next to the building our church is renting space in. In other words, I work next door to the church. In our church building's lot lives a family that is also occupying space on the property, and yes, you guessed it -- they have a dog. Normally, on Thursday nights, I would go to the church to start the music classes for the School of Worship. But this Thursday night, we took a break for two weeks at the same time the students are in school finishing up the school year with their final exams.

Maybe the dog had a hard time figuring out what went different with the schedule since no one was there for music class, so it decided to take a trip my work place's parking lot and sure enough -- I was there. It started to sniff at me, trying to get a good smell enough to recognize me. And when it realized that I was the same guy from the church, it was happy. It jumped on me and was wagging its tail, not letting up, and not leaving me. Finally I decided to take the dog home to its master, and they locked it up behind the gate.

They say that dogs are man's best friends. I guess the dog was just trying to get me to go to church, not realizing that we didn't have music class for that night. You know what? Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. He will never leave you nor forsake you, if he lives in your heart. And that's more love than that dog could ever give me. Jesus lives in me, and He always sticks to me.

Bob Fitts Worship Concert and Seminar

Last weekend I was in a concert Saturday night, and in a worship seminar Sunday afternoon. I took my friend Ivan to the concert and really, Bob Fitts rocks! It was an awesome time of worship and being able to allow the Lord to touch my heart and restore the things the enemy has stolen from me. Sunday afternoon was a time when I could bring our worship team to the seminar. Not all of us were able to come, but those that came really received a lot of encouragement from God's Word. I was privileged to be able to ask Bob Fitts a question which both he and his wife Kathy answered, at the start of the seminar where they entertained questions from the audience. The question was how I'm supposed to be able to connect to the congregation as a worship leader without making anyone uncomfortable if I happen to look in their direction. The answer was simple. Just make sure what's inside me is right and it will show outwardly. No fear. Only love. And I didn't realize that was going to be his message! Wow! The Holy Spirit is truly awesome!

Bob Fitts prophesied that this island will be a center for worship. I believe that with all my heart. I got saved on this island and have been walking with the Lord for 9 years. I can see the preparations God is doing for this generation to be able to lead the church in worship. Right now God has his eyes on the youth. Let the radicals arise! Bob was also happy that there's a Calvary Chapel here. He said he had some history in Calvary Chapel.

It's encouraging to get their autographs on my Bible along with encouragement.


After the seminar we were able to hang out at the Lapaz plaza. We even met our African friend who was playing soccer football there.

So, everything went great, except that some people had a problem with the length of my hair, but they'll get over it. My focus is ministering to this generation, not so much to the older ones, at least right now.

Clean Room

Before and After

Ok, I admit it, my room sometimes looks like a disaster. But last Saturday I was able to clean up and install our new monitor (Thank God) and now my room looks better than ever. The thing about it is that I didn't notice how messy it was until I started cleaning it up.
It's the same way with our lives as Christians. Sometimes it's when God starts purifying our hearts and showing us things we need to repent of that we really realize that we need cleaning up. At that moment we should run to the throne of grace and allow God to rearrange our hearts. Then we realize afterwards how beautiful the end result is.

Mom's Birthday

Recently, on February 19, my mom celebrated her birthday. When I think of my mom I think of someone who's always been there for me. She has the profile of endurance and courage, and I know that God is truly blessing her life. We went out to eat and celebrate God's goodness.

5th Year Church Anniversary

We just celebrated 5 years of God's faithfulness at our local church. God has sustained us all this time, even in this new season. We enjoyed our time of fellowship with our visitors, including Pastor Mike, whom God has used to plant this local church. He is now based in the U.S., but he comes here occasionally. The message was from John 15. Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches. How true that is. It really hurts when God starts pruning, but it's the only way we can bear more fruit. We had lunch at the church, some special presentations, including Tint leading us in a couple of songs. In the afternoon, we went to the beach and baptized a lot of disciples. This is awesome! My fingers were really hurting from playing the guitar all the time the people went down to the water to be baptized, but I tell you, it's worth it! (I'll post pictures next time)

Hearts Day

Heart's Day. Valentine's Day. Agape. Singles Night.
February 14, 2007 - No, I didn't have a date. I am one of those who organized a singles event at our local church, and it went well. We had a fun time of worship, fellowship, and listening to the Word. We also had snacks and some group games.




Afterwards, some of my friends went out with me to grab a bite. The only logical choice was fastfood, since all the fine-dine restaurants might be filled and serving buffet meals.

Birthday Boy

January 1, 2007 - I just turned 26. This is a new season for me, as I know God will continue to do great things in my life. I'd like to thank everyone who has celebrated with me, and may the LORD bless them and keep them in His love. To God be the glory, great things He has done...Great things He is doing. LET'S GET RADICAL!

Christmas Time

Last Christmas was great.








We celebrated Christmas this year with a lovely addition to our family. The birth of my niece, Aya, marked a new season in our family. It's a time when we mainly celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We remember the time when God became Man to pay the price for our sins. This year it's also a family time and we thank God for giving us Aya, our family Christmas gift for 2006. You can read about her baby dedication - just click here.

College Buddies Reunion

Yes, we're really adults, no longer kids. We had a little get together here in Iloilo City where we all spent our college days. Speaking of kids, Jesus said that "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 18:3-4). Let's be humble like children are.

Get Organized

I had to meet my team mates at work to get things more organized as we do our projects and tasks. Things work well when there's organization. You know what? The Bible says that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. God loves order. So do I.

More Graduation Pictures

Well, what can I say? The picture package just arrived.

MIS Graduation

I finally finished my Master of Information Systems degree at the University of the Philippines Open University. Now I'm back in civilization working as a web developer.

This reminds me of God's faithfulness. What he has begun, he is able to complete. I spent three years in a semi-recluse state and was able to learn things about God and about life. God has done a work in my heart and transformed me. Thanks also goes to my family and my church.

This was my wilderness experience. Now it's time to take the promised land.

Cousins

This is me with my cousins. Following my sister's wedding, we spent time together. Since relatives came to visit, why not take advantage of the time?

Brownout at the Office

Brownout. That means there's no electrical power for a temporary period of time. Here at the office, electricity is very important. We are Internet professionals and we can't work without electricity and DSL. So we make use of the time by getting to know each other better.

My Sister's Wedding

This is me with my sister right before she got married. It was a joyful occasion to see her finally settle down and allow the Lord to take her to a new season in her life. We rejoice with her and her new husband, Harold.