Best Christmas Ever!

Christmas 2011 was my 40th and I could say that it was my best ever.  The Lord indeed has been good to me, my family and ministry in 2011 and He reserved the best for the last.  Christmas has never been this good!  Around our table on Christmas Eve, there sat 12, instead of the usual 4.  Aside from Anne, Lois and Josiah, my mom also came for Noche Buena - a Filipino tradition where family members come together at 12 midnight on Christmas Eve to eat the traditional Christmas meal.  Nikko, who wants to be called Elisha, our unofficial adopted son, joined us as well.  To complete the cast, 6 Aetas joined us, the kids we adopted just for Christmas.

Noche Buena with Elisha, my mom and our 6 Aeta kids

We first met these kids 6 years ago when we first started a ministry in a mountain in Morong, Bataan, working among Aetas.  Cynthia, the eldest, was just 10 years old then.  A few years after, one of their siblings, Ishmael, the only boy, became the “darling of the YM team” because of his sweetness and his unique ability to get our attention and to make us laugh.  He loves to dance and possesses some funny antics that you won't suspect would come from a two year old boy.  Now he's six.

The life of an Aeta is plain and simple.  They don't have much - no electricity, no running water, and nothing of the things we enjoy and sometimes take for granted in the city.  But in spite of their situation, they are the happiest people in the world, at least that's what I have observed in the 6 years that I have served in their community.  They know how to have fun and every time I look at them I see a smile on their faces. They may not have many things, but for as long as they have their only treasure - their family, nothing beats the life of an Aeta.

Such is the life of Cynthia (16), Esperanza (14), Esmeralda (12), Ishmael (6), Mikey (4) and Marian (1).

Who would have known that in an instant, everything can change for the worse?  When we held our VBS last summer (May 2011) in their community, their father was sick and was confined in a hospital.  Two months after, he died of Tuberculosis. A sickness considered as non-fatal but because they don't have enough for his proper nutrition and medicine he died needlessly.  Four months later, barely a month before Christmas, their mother passed away.  Many suspect that she took her own life because of severe depression.

Now, these six kids suddenly were left on their own.

As for us, when we heard of the news, our Christmas schedule was already on its full swing.  It was our busiest Christmas ever.  Our schedule includes 10 Christmas parties for the street children, 4 reunions (family and former classmates), 4 church Christmas parties and activities, and many other events we usually do during the Christmas season which includes gift giving for street dwellers. 

Although we were so busy, we decided to take action for those kids.  We talked to the board of the church and unanimously, we agreed to adopt the 6 kids for Christmas.  Our family will keep them from December 23 to 28, while the church will alternate in bringing them to amusement parks, malls and play grounds.  We also agreed to buy them new clothes, shoes and groceries.

At SM Manila for their Christmas shopping

Help also came from so many people who knew them.  Adopting them this Christmas only became possible because of the unity and support of so many people who truly love and care for the Aetas.

The six days the six Aeta kids spent with us came so fast.  They have seen places they have never seen before.  Places they will surely talk for the rest of their lives.  They went home with new clothes, shoes and food supplies that will last for weeks. To top it all, they now have new hope for the future.  They are now assured of God's love through the many that showed love and gave their support. 

They still will face so many challenges but they will never forget what they have experienced last Christmas.  Just like when Jesus came two thousand years ago.  It was Earth's darkest hour, when hopelessness abounds, and then the Angels came to announce that the Savior was born.  Light, life and hope came. 

Now, we can see the same for the six Aetas.  There will be tough time ahead, but just like what they have experienced last Christmas, there will always be hope for them in Jesus.

Now I know why this is my best Christmas ever!    

God Never Makes Mistakes!

This is another good one from Chuck Keortge!  Thanks Chuck for the email!

Wrong Funeral

Consumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend - my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense; I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life.

When mother’s illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. 'What now, Lord?' I asked sitting in church.

My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband’s shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child... All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone. My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone.

I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. 'I'm late,' he explained, though no explanation was necessary.

After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, 'Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of 'Margaret?'' 'Because, that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary, no one called her 'Mary,'' I whispered.

I wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church. He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway?

'No, that isn't correct,' he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, 'Her name is Mary, Mary Peters.' 'That isn't who this is.'

'Isn't this the Lutheran church?'

'No, the Lutheran church is across the street.'

'Oh.'

'I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir.' The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious.

I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing; too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing.

At the final 'Amen,' we darted out a door and into the parking lot. 'I do believe we'll be the talk of the town,' he said, smiling. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee.

That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor.

This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time... In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. Thispast June, we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, 'Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven.'

If you Love God, and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you, send this on to others. REMEMBER, God doesn't make mistakes. He puts us where we are to be.

Training Day Friday - Leader Mundial Summit Comes to Manila

"You are not alone!"

The best words I have ever heard from Russ Cline way back in 2007 when Leader Mundial Summit in Quito, Ecuador commenced for the first time.   True indeed, ever since that day, God used Russ, the summit and a community of great global leaders to show me that I was not alone.  They were there during the toughest times of my life and ministry and they continue to do so after many years of being part of the summit's community.  Whether in my high or low moments, they never let go.  For sure it is God working through them to make me experience His loving-kindness and amazing love.

Now five summits in Quito later and four years after, God brought the same spirit and vision here in the Philippines.  What started as a dream two years ago when Russ visited Manila and scouted for a place, is now a reality.

We declared the same thing, "You are not alone," to the Filipino pastors who participated in Leader Mundial Manila Summit. Thirty-seven (37) of us converged in Ciudad Christia Nine Waves Resort for a 4-day summit.  That includes ten (10) pastors and their spouses, the Youth Mobilization team and the IT Tender Ministry team.  From October 26 to 29, we learned, played, worshiped and prayed together.

No one was indeed alone.

It was a great time to see the fun, the laughter, the tears, and the excitement in everyone!  What a great start!  Another community was born.  Everyone is now looking forward for the next summit.  To God be the glory indeed!

Check out this link:

http://leadonesource.org/bound-by-the-spirit/

It is an article I wrote for Leader Munidal.

Touch Trips Thursday - Hygiene Clinic

We praise God for the opportunity He is giving us to serve Him through YM’s ministry called Touch Trip.  It is a double edged sword indeed; as we are able to minister to the needs of the poor and at the same time mobilize youth leaders for mission outreach.

This time the Hygiene Clinic was held at a community outreach of Tent of Praise, one of YM’s partner churches, in San Roque, Pateros, last September 17, 2011.  Close to 200 street children came while 12 youth leaders from four of YM’s partner churches came to volunteer for this event geared towards promoting good health and proper hygiene to poor communities.

Che-Che Torredes, YM’s Touch Trip ministry leader, helped in coordinating and raising the much needed resources for the Hygiene Clinic.  She was also responsible in mobilizing the said youth leaders and she would like to extend her thanksgiving to those who helped, volunteered and gave so that the Hygiene Clinic became a success.  She said, “First of all, I praise and thank God for the people who volunteered & supported the Hygiene Clinic of Tent of Praise.  Indeed your labor and love are not in vain and our God is exalted through the sharing of your lives to His beloved people. To God be all the glory.

Humorous Sunday

Got this one from one of Chuck Keortge's email to me; hope it fills your heart with laughter too as it did mine.

Summary of Life 


GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED: 


1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.. 
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person. 
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food..
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair..
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time. 
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. 
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap. 


GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED: 


1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts 
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground... 
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.. 


GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD 

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional... 
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions... 
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. 


THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE: 


1) You believe in Santa Claus. 
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus..
4) You look like Santa Claus. 


SUCCESS:


At age 04 success is . . . . Not piddling in your pants. 
At age 12 success is . . . . Having friends. 
At age 17 success is . . . . Having a driver's license. 
At age 35 success is . . . . having money.
At age 50 success is . . . . Having money..
At age 70 success is . . . . Having a driver’s license. 
At age 75 success is . . . . Having friends. 
At age 80 success is . . . . Not piddling in your pants. 

Touch Trips Thursday - Hygiene Clinic

The Youth Mobilization is helping one of its partner churches, the Tent of Praise in holding a hygiene clinic for one of its ministry outreaches.  The event which includes various activities that promote proper hygiene and good health such as nail and hair cutting, dental care, and taking a bath, is designed specifically to help poor communities. More than 100 Kids from ages 4 to 12 are expected to arrive on September 17 in a community in San Roque, Pateros (about an hour away from the YM office).

Please pray for the following:

1. We are looking for YOUTH VOLUNTEERS who will take part in this great mission experience

2. Pray for provision for hygiene materials, such as soap, shampoo, tooth paste, tooth brush, etc.

3. Pray also for opportunities to share the Gospel to the community through this event.