Why I Love the Philippines

She is one rare girl. Of Japanese descent but was born and raised in Canada. She has traveled to as many as 26 nations and has lived in 4. A confessed disciple of Jesus Christ she insists that among all the nations she's been to the Philippines is her favorite.

The person I am talking about is Lynn Nawata. She was at one point the country manager for Harris Corporation in the Philippines. Lynn resigned from her job to work for a missions/ministry organization.

Here is an excerpt from her recent blog on the Philippines:

“I have visited 26 countries and have lived in four, but most people are surprised when I tell them that my favorite country in the world to live in -- is the Philippines.”

Picture shows Lynn in her parent’s home in Canada with her nephews. If you want to read the rest of her blog click:

http://nawata.multiply.com/journal/item/14

Person of the Year

This year Time Magazine took a different tack from their usual Person of the Year cover feature. The cover had a reflective Mylar that acted like a mirror. I thought that was pretty unique. The idea behind it was when you looked at the cover you would see your face - that's because this year's person of the year is - you. The sub-title: Yes you. You control the Information Age. Welcome to your world. The picture on the left does not quite capture it.

I'm halfway through the issue. If you haven't picked it up and you're a pastor or Christian leader in any capacity I recommend that you get it and read. We are in a pivotal time when we can engage a large population of leaders in cyberspace.

Why You Had a Bad Year?

Major Dennis Isleta sent me an SMS this morning commenting on Cito Beltran's article in today's Philippine Star. Just finished reading it and attached excerpts from the article:

"Most people associate screwing around as nothing more than marital indiscretion or infidelity.

In terms of having a bad year, have you ever thought of screwing around as a breach of contract? A contract you made not only with your wife but also with your GM (God all Mighty). The contract was for you to partner with your bride while God gave you the kids, the house and all the support.

My friend’s mouth ran dry when I asked, as a result of your violation of contract did it occur to you that all commitments are cancelled and as a result your wife, your kids, your workers suffer because YOU Mr. Man in-charge broke the contract?

These are things we don’t usually think of, things like do we work just for our benefit or are we not suppose to have a social impact or be a blessing to others?"

I love Cito's no non-sense, say it like it is, real life talk that is absent of any man pleasing or trying to be popular overtones. Not quite my style but that's why I like friends like him. Most of all I like the fact that he loves God and does not mince words about it.

( http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200612292604.htm ) [Cito, sory about the pix its the only one I could find on the web]

Lunch With Old Friends

The picture is of Julius and Eilleen Fabregas and their family. Yesterday (December 26) our family was invited to lunch at their home.

Our relationship with Julius and Eilleen dates back to 1987 (19 years ago). Back then Julius was working for his family’s linen manufacturing and export business. Eventually he and Eilleen felt a call to go into ministry. In 1990 they planted what is now our church in Cebu City (Victory Christian Fellowship – Cebu) later to come back to Manila to start a non life insurance business (HisCor), a business that his wife Eilleen continues to run to this day.

Eilleen hails from Pontevedra, Capiz, Western Visayas where her family has been (and still is) in the seafood business since I’ve known her. As such we feasted on serious tiger prawns and crabs yesterday.

Since 1993 Julius and Eilleen have been reaching out to artists in small groups. In 1997, Julius pioneered a ministry dedicated to reaching, training and making disciples of artists. Today that ministry is known as talentsinC (for talents in Christ). Quietly making in roads in the lives of actors, producers, directors, writers, painters, photographers even production crew.

Among those who have actively participated in the ministry are: Barbie Almalbis, now Honasan (who is also from Capiz), Cito Beltran, Steve Cad, Dennis and Marjorie Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Connie Reyes, Donita Rose, Jordan Sebastian and many others.

talentsinC has since grown into a movement of artists who reach out into campuses to raise a new generation of performers. There is no quantifying what the impact of this growing movement has on the youth and society. My suspicion is it is huge given the influence that media personalities have.

The simple truth is disciples make disciples who make disciples. Church goers are religious people who don’t really do anything. Disciples do not just go to church but build it. Jesus Christ put it simply: “Go and make disciples” not go to church. Can't make one unless you are one. This is how transformation will come. There are no quick fixes – just simple ones.

To view pictures during the lunch at the Fabregas’ visit:
http://joeybonifacio.multiply.com/photos

Amazing People

In response to Super Typhoon Reming's effects in the Bicol region, the churches of Victory Christian Fellowship (VCF) has mobilized its members (3 weeks ago) to donate cash and goods (food, clothing and building supplies). I am writing this blog to honor the amazing people: men, women and families who responded to the call. In the short period of time our provincial churches headed by Juray Mora (National Director) raised and sent goods plus three hundred thousand pesos. A joint team headed by Raymond de Guzman (VCF Lipa) and Ed Ty (VCF Lucena) made the trip and assessed the real situation.

Our Metro Manila congregations were able to provide substantial donations in the form of canned food and clothing. A first tranche of money and goods was sent. By the time the news trickled down to the rest of our church members the Metro Manila congregations raised 1.1 million pesos in cash. Five hundred thousand was given to Operation Blessing's relief efforts (see blog below: Amazing Lady) while the other 600,000 will be utilized for the rehabilitation of homes of over 90% of the members (including the pastor) of the VCF- Legaspi who were badly affected. Thank you all for your support. Disicpleship is a lot more than a religous term but is about taking action.

Should you wish to participate in this relief effort please send your donations to the Every Nation building at the University Park in Fort Bonifacio. Final day for accepting donations will be on Sunday December 31.

Amazing Lady

She came to our church (Victory Christian Fellowship, in the Philippines) in 1993. She found her way in one of our discipleship groups. Eleven years ago (in 1995), I baptized her in water at the home of the Espirtu's in San Juan. Over the years Kim has become a good friend. It has been a joy and privilege to be associated with her.

Kim is a medical doctor and has been involved with relief missions. Among the countries that she has been to and has touched in one form or another are Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. She has also been in the forefront of relief operations in numerous provinces cities and poverty stricken urban centers in the Philippines (too many to list in this blog). Her team at Operation Blessing was one of the first to arrive in Banda Aceh during the tsunami disaster which affected various parts of Asia. To know more about her check out: http://www.ob.org/about/key_personnel/dr_kim.asp

Today Kim is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Operation Blessing a worldwide ministry involved in relief operations. http://www.ob.org/about/index.asp Once again Kim has been in the forefront of relief efforts for the victims of the super typhoon Reming (Durian) in the Bicol Region. Kim and her team were among the first to arrive at the disaster stricken provinces of Catanduanes, Daraga, Legaspi and the town of Sto. Domingo.

Since the disaster Kim has updated me by phone on what is going on while on the ground in the worst hit towns and cities. Today, Sunday December 24 I met her at our Christmas Eve service and was told of her plans. Kim is relentless and is on her way back to Bicol to finish the job of bringing concrete (not token) rlief to the victims. It is disciples like Kim who make things like these happen. Thank you Kim for serving our nation in the way that you do.

(http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=36627)