He has been to the future, why pray?

I was assigned to prepare the 2012 Prayer Booklet for Thailand. The feeling of greatness would want to overcome me and say "not everyone is given that chance..." but then I realized that it is a great work. And I think no human, again "no human" is able to perform such a task. I see the task so great and I believe only with God's help will I be able to do such a task. So I get back on God and told Him what's on my mind.

"Lord, You have been in the future and You know very well what will happen tomorrow and in the next week, next month and next year. I am disturbed by the idea of having a prayer booklet since its seemingly useless since You can do whatever You want to do."

He is so gracious to present me with His truth. He brought me to the story of Bartimaeus at Mark 10:46-52:

⁴⁶ Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. ⁴⁷ When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 ⁴⁸ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 ⁴⁹ Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

   So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” ⁵⁰ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

   ⁵¹ “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

   The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

   ⁵² “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

First, Bartimaeus was healed, he received his sight. But isn't it he one who called on Jesus. He shouted all the more even if people around him is telling him to stop. He was not just instructed but commanded by people to stop calling the Master. But He insisted, then he received his healing.

Wow. God is really gracious to all of us. especially to us who doesn't have the patience to do His will that we end up doing things the hard way not because God designed it like that but because we choose to be silent and missed the privilege of receiving His answer through prayer.

How many times have you missed Gods will for you? Perhaps, just like me, you have the nerve to ask God 'whats the need?' If you insist that there is no need to pray, I suggest you read the passage again. And if you are so sure that you dont need answers to prayers well I can tell you of how many experiences that I have failed and its all because I choose not to pray.

Bartimaues prayed. Unceasingly he cried out to Jesus even to point of public humiliation. But he didn't give up. he didn't stopped because he knows Jesus has the miracle for him.

What miracle do you need? He listens and he surely is excited to hear from you and grant you your hearts desire.

Thanks to you!

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who take time to read this blog. I know that somehow you have been aware that my journey is taking sometime to be updated since we have started our exposure trip out of the country.

We have just visited Cambodia with a handful of future workers in the field. We have been blessed by our host who happened to be the head of the orphanage where we stayed. Our experiences both personal and corporate somehow opens our sight to the real work waiting for us.

We visited S21, haunted buildings where it used to be the center of education in Phenom-Pen but later on converted to be the center of torture and eventual death to who ever the authorities desire to laid to rest. I never visited all the rooms, I had enough with the first building where the smell and feeling of being tortured lingers. I could not stand the pictures that were taken and hanged on its walls to show the gruesome death of people who doesn't know of any sin they have committed. Even while writing this blog, my veins were so bursting with red hot blood angered and shouting for justice for those 2 million innocent victims of the out of this world genocide.

I am a Filipino and am very proud of it. But the visit to that place send some burning coal inside of me. I cannot stand the rushing of blood through my veins wanting justice for everyone who suffered death on that event. I cannot recognize whether I am angry or angrier or the worst angriest. I cannot contain the feeling which I believe is incomparable especially with those who lost a loved one in that tragic event. Some of my classmates are encouraging me to go and see some of the pictures that were posted on the two other buildings I haven't visited, I refused, for I don't know how to hold back the tears that would easy flow whenever I see anything associated with the said event.

The second building, which was the last one I entered presented everyone with pictures of those who will undergo torture. I was so shocked to find a large picture where a mom is supposedly holding a baby on her hand. I asked the guide who was presenting before visitors of the information about the place, I asked if what happened with the baby, "also dead" was her plain answer. I want to cry out loud and pour out my heart and I want to rally everyone to make vengeance with those who made this evil among the people. Pain, anger, and a sense of being helpless for I believe I cant insists on what I feel. They shared some more stories which I opted not to tell for it only sends all my energy and angst towards something I hope I have known and done earlier.

I am in this state when someone offered me a dragon fruit. One which on the outside is seemingly so strong but when tasted, reveals its secret of sweetness. Food in Cambodia is cheap. One can spend less than fifty pesos with food and drinks and is surely satisfied. I will present their foods on my next article, soon.    

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Leadership Theology

Nehemiah is a good leader, he is one who walk his talk. A visionary since the beginning of the book. His knowledge of who God is, is I think the main contributor to his being courageous even with the visible threat. He is complete, considering his background as a cup-bearer, one who is an exile from another land. His knowledge goes beyond mind level, he was able to touch the heart of his readers.

Leadership, though it requires a lot of skills, especially good strategies, it requires the heart. Everyone desiring to lead should lead with the heart. walking one's talk is not the most required part of being a leader, rather its possessing the right kind of heart to weight things as God would want them to be.

Jesus, when He was still on earth said that He doesn't judge, because His Father sent Him not to condemn the world but to save it. This gives us an understanding as to why Jesus spent most of His time with the lowly. He is not bothered by the whispers which states that 'if He is a prophet He should have known that that woman is a sinner.'  

Jesus wasn't move at all with what others are saying about what he is doing. For 20 years I have seen how people wanted to please people. I, myself have been a victim of this so called please everybody syndrome, that is when somebody said something against you, you should change. When someone offers an unsolicited advise, you should consider it as truth therefore live with it.

Our philosophy became human centered. We started adoring people like us, so we could gain their respect which we so desire to be returned with the same. The Bible's example of leadership is against what the world is teaching. It is very rare to hear a leader claiming to be servant of all. Jesus, The Son of God, declares that anyone who would like be great among you should be servant of all. He said that it is a qualification no should dispute.       

Future missionaries should bear in mind that being a servant is the very reason of the call. One should not claim to have and know it all thus requiring respect which would mean obedience from all command. I mean, missionaries present Christs' it should be as if He is ever present, like He was before, by performing what He did. He obeyed The Farther even unto death. 

On our last day of our session we washed each others feet just like what Jesus did with His disciples. We were taught to be humble here. As we prepared and perform the act, we were so convicted of our pride, that we cant help but shed tears of sorrow for our blindness, leaving a humble heart to obey the King.

Counseling 101

The truth is, this is not the title of our subject.But I find it appropriate since our learning is really basic. Not because we have a simple teacher, but because we have someone who understands. Her idea of making everyone feel so important means so much to all of us.

While it is supposedly a class, it turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. If a student missed the subject, that student should do everything, even move heaven and earth just to take the subject.

We rarely enjoy a subject as a class. No, its not that were uninterested with our other subjects, its just that this subject brings out something in us, while our teacher openly shares anything about everything.

Counseling as she said should not be making the counselor a messiah. Rather, it should be that the client as the problem solver. I am so thankful to know this, since I always decide for the client. Whenever one asks for counselling I tend to suggest and give my personal opinion. Through this subject I understood that its not about me, its all about the client.

Heavy burden are said to be tiresome just like in counseling, when a counselor  learns that the client is in a very impossible situation it requires great strength. With our teacher, we learned that strength should come from its source, God. While it is still not easy, a counselor learning of God's power is now ready for any seemingly impossible mission.

Our teacher also instructed us not to be attached with the client or else we will never be effective. Personal attachment is a ground for one not to be a client. Your observation may be bias thus making the situation not acceptable for both the client and the counselor.

I don't have holes onto my blouse. Funny, no. Our teacher is telling us that she doesn't have honors from her scholastic years. She was not presented with medals or even pins, to have its mark on her shirt. She shares her inadequacies not for us to reproach her, but that we may know that life is not all about achievements as recognized by the world. She always claim her Father's love. God whom she considers as her Dad, is so clear  to her that she doesn't run after the worlds approval.

We are thankful she is our teacher. And forever she will be part of our praise to her Father, The Almighty.  

LRT forever!

I have been riding the LRT since the beginning of the training. It is the most convenient mode of transportation to reach Makati. From our place, a tricycle ride to the 5th Ave. station costs P10, and P15 for the train ride to Gil Puyat station which is in Buendia. And you're free from heavy traffic and all possible inconveniences one can experience riding a PUJ.

Yesterday, I left our house at around 4:00 p.m.hoping to reach ACM early. I was about to be checked by the guard on duty, when a train going to Baclaran came. I have my stored value ticket ready so as to give the guard the idea of my desire to get on the train. He inspected my bag and even the small pockets with zipper, and the train left the station without me.

Some security guards at LRT stations tend to require respect in an unworthy manner. They impose discipline with their excuse "ginagawa lang po namin, ang trabaho namin."

But how can you explain the inconvenience one receives at the point when all you want to do is to get on the train. I was in a mall Bangkok, when I opened my bag as I was accustomed, because here in the Philippines,  every building you enter even the dilapidated ones requires inspection, otherwise you will be refused of entry. The security personnel looked amazed as to why did I opened my bag and showing it to him, I then realized I was in another country.

Its funny to note that its only here that a company hires a security personnel yet we have the highest death toll for journalist. We were even tagged as the most dangerous place for journalist, and we have our security personnel or do we really have them or even need them?

I was 29 when I dreamed to be a security personnel. Its because I want to make sure I could keep an eye on someone. Its not the job that I want, its the position. Now, how many security personnel are doing their job because they like it and are trained to do it, how about those who are power tripping and somehow pulling the trigger and would want you to decide if you will give up on riding the LRT.

I'm sorry Sirs, but with the convenience I have with the train, no matter what meticulous, ridiculous and seemingly harassing are your styles, it wont stop me from riding the train. Well, that's as long as the fare doesn't reach P50.       

SALITARAL (learning a new language the Filipino way)

We are now on our subject, SALITARAL, that is learning a new language the Filipino way. We have very good instructors who by years have trained those venturing to language learning.

The subject is so easy to learn since it starts with listening. Oh well let me restate that, its not thatt easy ok. Its because we people are used to speak out our differences especially. We are having real hard time listening for we want others to listen to us instead. Our facilitators asked us to pick a name that we will used for the rest of the sessions. We then need to introduce ourselves while saying other members name. We enjoyed the grouping which will be our core in learning a new language. We are going to experience the language learning inside our classroom. Three of our classmates who have a second language other than what we know are tasked to be the Kwentista, that is they are responsible to educate us with the new language.

We have been introduced with how they call family members. In our group Pangasinense is our new language. Its a  native dialect in the northern part of the Philippines. Our first tasks is to stop, look and listen. just like what we see passing a train station. We need to take a very good look at the objects being discussed while listening to the right pronunciation. Wow! That was a task we all enjoyed, though there are times when we are tempted to ask questions and clarify the pronunciation while our facilitator motioned zipping her lips.

Language learning is really a tedious tasks but if done the right way one will definitely enjoy and eventually may lead to instructing others to take the same path one has taken to enjoy it.

Storying

I have been a sunday school teacher since I was 14. And I can still remember the joy and heartaches it brought me. But I always enjoy it when I am to tell stories. Pictures, toys  and anything that could relate with my story will be part of every sunday story. I love it when kids would be so excited that their parents would come to me and say that their kids share with them what they did at their sunday school class, for me that is fulfillment.

But this Bible storying is different from what I have learned and taught. Story telling is just the reading of the story with additions by me, which means I say words not said in the Bible, and actions which is but the product of my own imagination. Storying is not even part of the dictionary used with google that it is underlined with red.

Storying is when one carefully reads the Bible and have a mental imprint of its truth which at the given time to share the story, not just with all the emotions, but in all truth. Then goes the part when one processes what is heard through questions which have been carefully thought of.

We had a very good couple who had the experience of teaching and training for sometime now. they have been a blessing to us, especially with the idea of telling people story's that impact lives.

I also learned a lot from this website http://biblestorying.net/

Happy storying!

Its easier to give birth than to raise the dead.

Church Planting and Missions is our topic for the week. Our teacher gave us ideas on how a missionary is likened to someone who is tasked to plant a seed. He reads Mark 4:26-29:


The Parable of the Growing Seed
 ²⁶ He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”


He told us that its not easy to plant and wait for what you have planted to grow and be fruitful. One needs to be very patient with the idea the he needs to wait for the proper time to harvest. One need not boast of his knowledge or skills since everything relies upon Gods discretion. 


Vision impartation takes the center stage for it plays a vital role in having people to support and help someone doing church planting. 


Four principles were covered by this namely, Pray, let people know you are church planting, believe that God uses people as His vessel to bless you and lastly trust Gods provision.


We are looking forward to more of Church Planting next meeting. 

Mountain Men

Data analysis is our topic tonight. We watch a film by Akira Kurosawa, a Japanese director who was so loved by our teacher, Dreams.

We were given enough time to Observe, Analyze and Recommend. Our teacher gave us the opportunity to observe a good film which to our knowledge as students of ethnographic research is so inspiring. I have pasted here a copy of the film for your convenience.

We are so blessed with our teacher. He doesn't get wrong answer. He is apt to complement everyone who participates while encouraging those who rarely speak to give out their ideas and or even opinions.

The Data gathering which later on will lead to compiling and markings is surely a tedious tasks. He instructed us to be very patient so that we may observe accordingly and give analyses without any biases. Our night became extra especial since our teacher announced our final requirement of a paper dealing with ethnographic research.

The Freedom Writers

I have graduated last year with the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Literature. I know how it is to be teacher. I was a student teacher before in Highschool when my Values Education teacher had a trip. My students were so engrossed with their experience with a student teacher that they almost forgot about their real teacher(no joke!).

So, I had a share of what it is to be a teacher. I take record of their daily attendance and gave them assignments and required reporting. I never knew then what I was doing not until I received a letter from a student who said that I changed their lives. I was awestruck that I dont know what to say. I even forgot to say thank you for the compliment or is that a compliment since I am not sure as to what change transpired. And so I required a journal. this I believe will testify for the change they so claimed.

Memories of this event returned when our teacher showed us the film "The Freedom Writers". The sory of how a single teacher ingrained with her students the need to pursue greatness not just for personal benefit and satisfaction but also to affect others lives.

I have been encouraged to somehow evaluate my call and how to even pursue greatness, not to gain mans respect but to give God the highest praise.

The Ethnographic Research Cycle

I came across this cycle which I believe could be helpful for those who like me are into ethnographic research. I really find this subject more than interesting, for it brings out the excitement in me. The desire to learn and know more.

Ethnographic Research

Oh yes! This is one subject that seems to make every student interested. Aside from the inspiring stories from our teacher, we also had lots of fun with research. Since this is a missionary training program, we are somehow educated with different possibilities in reaching out our target people groups.

Our well mannered teacher installs the need for us to be good observers. He said that whenever we are faced with unusual situation, act and or even person, we need to be ready to observe. He gives us hints which can assists us in formulating open-ended questions which we can use to extract the information we need regarding our keen observation.

This subject goes more than research, for it also enlightened us with various possibilities in reaching out the lost souls for our Savior Jesus.  

Jesus wept

Boys dont cry, this is the line from a famous song and sayings at the same time, but are boys really not allowed to cry? It has been a great reproach to any boy in our class of 1987 when someone heard or known that a boy cried. It will be the talked of the class and with your newscasters classmates help it will be talk of the school. This is why I really have a hard time crying even when the situation asks of it.

We discussed that our learnings are the primary motivation for our personality. We are somehow molded by the environment where we belong. Our teacher reminded us of the past though she doesn't have a personal knowledge about it, she was able to somehow enlighten us as to why we do what we do. Her example of Jesus' tears somehow calls for ones emotion to surface at the proper time and place.

You need not hide your fear or doubt, even sorrows, when you need to cry, be not afraid for even Jesus wept.

Personality Development

We are now with Personality Development subject. We had a great time with our instructor who happened to be very dynamic. Her in-depth knowledge and experience allows a very good discussion with the team.

At first, I really feel that going through the past is not an easy task, well she is requiring us to revisit the past, even when we were still at the wombs. WOW! I am hesitant but at the same time excited. I know that through this journey I will be able to accomplish the 'opening' and 'closing' of memories and wounds that needs healing.

She is very appropriate as instructor for she even shared her personal experiences with regards to the subject. She is not afraid of her 'dark age' past, a strength that encourages us to do the same.

Personality as she discussed is not just the 'mask', just like what I learned from my college instructor, rather her definition of Personality is, that which constitutes a person; that which distinguishes and characterizes a person; the sum of a person’s qualities, attributes and character traits, through which he expresses his person-hood. So, personality doesn't differ wherever you are, it remains. 

I am hoping to learn more and perhaps be able to share what I have learned from this subject.

Joshua Project - Unreached Peoples and Great Commission Maps and Charts

Joshua Project - Unreached Peoples and Great Commission Maps and Charts

Trip to India

No, its not me who had been to India. My teacher who told this story is the one who was able to experience India's pureness.

From Bombay they were scheduled to have a meeting to a place that's an hour and a half journey. They rode a taxi which his Indian companion asked to picked them up after four hours. 

Their meeting ended at a much earlier time than what they have thought. His companion calls for a taxi with our teacher looking, he draws near to a security guard and handed some money.

Our puzzled teacher cannot contain his curiosity and asked his friend about the incident.

"I have asked for the taxi that brought us here to return, and because we cannot stay for long I handed some money for him with the security guard" he said. "Do you know the security guard?" our teacher asked. "No" the Indian replied. "How about the taxi driver?" his follow up question. "No", "And you trust the security guard to hand the money to the taxi driver?" a very logical question, "Yes" "What gave you an assurance that he will do it?" "Because I told him to give it to the driver, you see the distance we traveled is not short, and the driver would spend for the gas."

Amazed? I am. And I pray the same thing would happen in our country.

My first post

Hi there!

This blog is a collection of my daily realization especially with regards to my Missionary Training Program.
Our program coordinator is requiring us to submit daily reflections with regards to the daily lessons at the training, while performing the tasks I thought of blogging my reflections so that it will be a lesson for everyone willing to read and learn.

I will be starting this blog officially tomorrow so that everything will be in its proper place.

Hopefully you will be blessed for I am truly blessed!