Of Hard work, Theology, and Seminary Life!

This article is my entry for "the most unforgettable experience" portion of our batch yearbook.

My Most unforgettable experience was the first time I entered the Dean's office and had a talk with the Academic Dean, Ron Watters. A talk I would always treasure for the rest of my life. This happened during my second year of studies  in IGSL. I entered the room quietly (or was I tiptoeing) as he whispered for me to sit down. He then tried to remember my name and searched my paper.

You see, being in the Dean's office was always deemed as a dreadful scene for a student. It was equal to a literal death though he claims through a sign in his door that no one has died there, yet. Tension within me started to rise as I waited there to what seemed like eternity.

Earlier that day he told our class that if your paper is not in your box before lunch break then there must have been plagiarism involved or he just wants to have a chat with you (who in the world would want to chat with the academic dean?). He said that we should come and see him at his office if that happens. When I checked my box after class, my paper was not there even though almost all of those who checked their mailboxes with me had theirs in. I got quite nervous. I wasn't planning to go to the Office of Academic Affairs right away but I remembered that I had to talk to the secretary about something, and so I went there. The moment I came in, he was the first person I saw and he immediately signaled for me to come to his office.

When he finally found my paper, he turned back and faced me. My heart started beating wildly. But I noticed his face lighted up instantly. He then handed me my paper and remarked “do you know how hard it is for someone to get this kind of grade for a paper in my class?"  My heart stopped for a second, I was expecting that I would be interrogated for accidental plagiarism (though I was very sure that I checked my references right). I started to cool down a bit and he gave me that talk that changed my life as a student. He said that I had a very good paper and that I wrote so well. He also commented that I was already an expert in doing format and footnoting. It was all positive that morning in his office and I wasn't expecting all those good things from the OAA Dean. Before the talk ended  he asked me what I wanted to do after seminary. He affirmed my desire to go for further studies and told me I have what it takes to get a PhD.

My last paper in my 3-year-seminary-life. 

My heart just melted when I heard those words of encouragement and affirmation. A week before that talk, I suffered from diarrhea which made me stay in bed for 3 days. On the date the paper was due, I wasn't even halfway with mine. I asked him for an extension and he readily gave me one. He asked me when would I finish the paper and I told him that I would finish it in 3 days. That would mean the coming Monday and that I had to work over the weekend. I hardly slept for 3 days and I had to isolate myself in my room to finish my paper. I had to read nine thick books for reference. I was already discouraged when Sunday came and I was still undone. But I persevered and I worked hard. It was purely God's grace that I was able to email it to him before 7am on Monday. I slept the whole day because of exhaustion. I was so discouraged already as I had to work still for the other pending papers I had to write

When Kuya Ron gave me that talk, I believed again that I can do it. I dreamed again that I can make it and that I would never give up. Because someone believed in me, I was so cheered up to do things with excellence. That 10 minute talk with him changed my life more than the long hours that I spent listening to him in class. It was there that I truly appreciated his teacher's heart and the grace he taught and practiced.

That experience I will always remember in my lifetime.The impact and encouragement this man had on my life when I was struggling to survive my seminary days was more than the grade I got from that paper. Still thankful for the grade he gave me though. :D

Postmodernism and the Youth

           One of the most prevalent worldview in this generation of young people today is postmodernism. This paradigm has heavily influenced a lot of how the youth think and act, especially those who live in the cities and are studying in universities. Back in my hometown, I have come in contact with people who call themselves “free thinkers” and say that they are not bound to any law or any truth. Even a lot of my friends whom I grew up with are now postmodern. They challenge the norms of society and decide if it’s alright or not, for themselves.

            Postmodernism is the rejection of absolutes and the denial of a metanarrative – that is to say that there is not just a single story[1]. This paradigm suggests that truth is relative according to one’s experience. They believe that everything is true yet nothing is totally true. Relativism and Pluralism are accepted as normative in a universe that has no absolutes. The latter highlighting that there is no such thing as absolute right and wrong and the former suggests that there is no such thing as superior belief that tells a grand story or absolute truth.[2]

            I have seen a number of expressions of postmodernism in the youth today. The rules, they say doesn’t always apply because what is true to you may not be true to me. I had an experience of talking with a young person in a university whom I later shared the gospel, to which he willingly accepted. He was very respectful man, an intellectual I may say, refined, and judging by the way he dressed and acted – he was from an educated and well to do family. He was highly tolerant and thinks he could use some knowledge from others; he wasn’t just too sold out to what he heard. He thinks that what he just learned can be added up to his pool of new ideas, like adding Jesus Christ to one of his gods. He was Christian he said but he was neither just that. Self help was his goal for accepting my message. “If it would be beneficial to me,” he said, “I would gladly accept it!” But he neither judged nor shrugged the things I was saying, he was saying that as long as its doing me good then I should continue in it. But deep inside I think he was saying it’s just not for me, it was evident, and he was just too nice to verbalize it. The attitude and thinking of that person well describes a typical postmodern youth.These among many experiences in ministry are examples that postmodernism is penetrating our culture.  

            Though postmodernism is branded by some as evil; it has its own contribution to society. I think one of these is the magnification of freedom. Freedom of speech and expression, though concepts that have been here even in the past, are now given deeper appreciation in the postmodern world. With boundaries and temperance it can benefit society. Imagine simpleton’s given the chance to speak and their opinions given value - the world would be less controlled by the famous and the powerful. There would be freedom and equality for everyone. Another positive aspect of the postmodernism is the denial of the judgmental-sectarian mind. The way we think and do things doesn’t make us superior to others. The postmodernist mind doesn’t judge right away, it seeks to understand the presuppositions of others. It seeks to understand how one arrived at a certain conclusion without branding the other a shallow person or a heretic. The value for relationship also is one good aspect of postmodernism. The longing for community and refusal for individualism is similar with the Christian teaching. Lastly, I think the postmodern way of giving importance to experience is beneficial. Faith is experiential, though it cannot be only just that, it gives value to one’s personal experience because it authenticates the other. Postmodernism is in agreement with Christianity in this area, in a sense.

            On the other hand, postmodernism is a cloudy worldview. It lives in a Utopia and not in a real world. It rejects a truth not for any reason or any new evidence that disproves it but because a person doesn’t feel it applies to him or to his universe. Until now, it is still hard to define and comprehend because of its abstractness and resistance to simple categories.[3] It is like defining the indefinite[4] and rolling it up into something finite with standards that neither exist nor apply to it. Though postmodernism is tolerant and promotes freedom, it becomes permissive because it doesn’t have boundaries. It’s overemphasis on experience also is dangerous. Evidence is not that important anymore because one decides what is genuine in his/her experience. This impairs the logical mind. This hinders us to become inquisitive and makes us poor in our judgment of things because we don’t weigh them down anymore. Lastly, postmodernism won’t work because it is not realistic. The universe and the world we live in have absolutes. Without it the world will fail to exist.

            As evangelicals we are called to address these issues. What we can do is contextualize our approach in dealing with postmodernist. We must first come to grips with ourselves that this worldview is present already and has been there for a long time, and now has deeply penetrated society. The only problem why we cannot respond is because we fail to recognize its existence, this in turn affects our methods and ways of reaching this generation. The old ways do not work anymore! With this knowledge we can know think about our response. I will give two responses that we can consider in dealing with the postmodern youth. The first is, in sharing the gospel we must not be the all-knowing types, the accept-now-or-burn-in hell approach. The postmodern mind is tolerant but is highly allergic to the condemning style. Because they don’t judge right away, I think a more effective style is to engage with them in conversation. Ask them what they think and value their opinions.[5]Let them discover truths for themselves by facilitating them to it. Another response is authenticity. Because the postmodern doesn’t shy away from relationships they are best won through it. When we show them that we really care, they will listen to what we are going to say. Our approach must be incarnational, the commitment to enter into suffering with those who are experiencing it and to offer to everyone the solidarity of the church[6]. These are some of the ways we can reach out this postmodern generation.

---

                [1] James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door: a Basic Worldview Catalog, 5th ed. (Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009), 216.

                

                [2] Michael Cariño, Unpublished Notes in Christian Worldview and God’s Word (Quezon City, Philippines: IGSL, 2011).

               

                [3] Walter A. Elwell, ed., Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd ed. (Carlisle, Cumbria, U.K.: Baker Academic, 2001), 940.

                [4] Sire, The Universe, 215.

               

                [5] Norman Geisler and David Geisler, Conversational Evangelism (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House, 2009), 26.

                [6]Andrew Root, Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry (Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2007), 12.

Postmodernism: Rethinking How I do Ministry

In this blog entry, I will not try to debate if postmodernism is right or not. For me it is just vain to do that. This post will be about my humble attempt to respond logically and intellectually to this kind of worldview and thus improve my approach in ministry for better effectiveness.

I often hear of postmodernism being discussed in many circles. It is being talked about in universities and other academic cliques. I sometimes hear about well meaning Christians debating about this issue and condemning it as evil. I first heard of this topic a few years ago from a pastor in our denomination during a youth leaders conference. He explained, in the most simplest way, that it is a paradigm where there are no more absolutes and truth becomes relative. It wasn't that clear to me at that time what it really meant until I was confronted by the same issue in seminary. The understanding of such a new concept, at least in my experience, would require me a response. I sat down and pondered how this new way of thinking and seeing things would affect me as a young minister? How would it impact the way I do ministry with the kind of people I am involved with?

Before I answer these questions, let me first try to define or in a way get a grip of the idea of postmodernism. I will be talking about the concept itself and not the era and its underlying reasons of surge for it will be a broader spectrum to tackle with. It will be a challenge to explain this paradigm, after all "how does one define the indefinite?", asked James W. Sire in his book The Universe Next Door. This is with the the notion that the postmodernist looks at things through an "indefinite lens." For an astronaut in space this is the absence of a local vertical, for a traveler the disappearance of the true north, and for a pilot the invisible horizon. We then ask, how can one wrestle with such when there are no standards on which we base our decisions. Postmodernism is the rejection of such standards. "What may be true to you may not be true to others" is a common statement among the postmodernist. They believe that everything is true yet nothing is totally true.Relativism and Pluralism are accepted as normative in a universe that has no absolutes. The latter highlighting that there is no such thing as absolute right and wrong and the former suggests that there is no such thing as superior belief that tells a grand story or absolute truth (Cariño, Class Notes, Modern Movements, p. 6). This is the main gist of postmodernism.

Now that I have laid the platform on where I will examine my response, let me then aim to present the product of my reflection and examination to the the questions I asked at the start.

How will it affect me as a young minister (of the gospel), was the first question that crossed my limited cognizance. In a way the postmodernist view, for me, has a slight agreement with my (personal) faith and Christian walk in the case that it gives significance to experience. One of my basis for believing that there is a God is because of my personal experience and relationship with Him. Like the Psalmist who declared, "taste and see that the Lord is good...", my Christianity is in a sense, experiential. I am not saying that postmodernism is right in focusing too much on experience nor is my faith solely based on what I feel. I agree with one of our professors when he said that orthodoxy (right doctrine), orthopraxy (right action), and orthopathy (right experience) come together. As I come to experience God, it should be founded in the right doctrine of biblical truth, and produce right actions and good works. I will strive to consider my faith seriously and back it up with valid reasoning, right experience, and a consistent lifestyle which I think, at the end of the day, sums up all of my beliefs.

Right now, I am mainly involved in youth ministry. We all know that the youth today are the ones heavily influenced by postmodernism. In the age of internet, media, microwaves, and Ipods everything becomes instant and accessible to everyone. How do we as ministers and heralds of the Gospel respond to the changing need of this generation? How would the worldview of postmodernism affect how we do ministry? Proffessor Mike Cariño in his paper Evangelizing the Emerging PostModern Generation quoted Rick Richardson, in his book Evangelism Outside the Box when he said:

"Our culture is traveling through a shift in mindset that is epochal, a major earthquake in the mental landscape of our generation. Unfortunately, most of our approaches of proclaiming the gospel are still aimed at the modern scientific, analytical, individualistic mindset. We are ineffective in part because we are building our communication bridge to a mindset and an age that are passing away, or at least being radically transformed. We need to understand and address a new mindset if our proclamation and demonstration of the gospel are to remain relevant and influence the hearts and minds of the next generation."

I agree that we should make our approach relevant to this generation. Not that we alter or deviate from the real message of the Gospel. It may just be in overhauling the ways we present it, and this comes with a proper understanding of the needs and mindset of our audiences. In evangelism, I strongly suggest that we depart from the "shotgun" approach that manipulates the one being shared to-this doesn't work anymore. The generation today has a lower tolerance for listening but has an appetite to being heard. Instead, let us think of methods in evangelism that cater to discussion and contest. Of course, we should be ready to answer them with spiritual truths, logic and sometimes with philosophy when they ask us about issues that pertain to the Christian faith. This is what the Bible commanded us through Peter's letter to be "always ready to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give reason for the hope that we have" he then adds "but do this with gentleness and respect." For me this is how I would respond to the would-be impact of postmodernism in my ministry.


Discussion:

1. Give your thoughts on the topic?

2. How you react to the effect of postmodernism in your ministry/faith?

3. How would you make the message of the Gospel relevant to the younger generation?

Sources:

James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door.

Class notes from Modern Movements and the Asian Church, p. 6.

Michael Cariño, a paper on Evangleizing the Emerging Postmodern Generation.


Ps. If you don't have a blogger account, please click name/url on the options below the type your name. Be sure to leave a comment. Thanks!:)

Was Constantine the Great really a Christian?

Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus or commonly known as Constantine I, Constantine the Great, or Saint Constantine is the first Roman Emperor to embrace Christianity. He opened the doors of the great and stalwart empire of Rome to a religion which was unpopular and widely opposed during his day.

Story has it, when Constantine was on his way to conquer Rome to wage war against Maxentius he saw a vision from heaven. In that vision he saw a cross in the sky and the words "in this sign conquer" which was clearly from the God of the Christians. He then stormed Rome with his inferior army. Constantine and his men defeated the more superior army of Maxentius in the battle at the Milvian Bridge just outside Rome. His success proved the superiority of Christ and the power of the Christian religion.

Even in his exemplified recognition of Christ, many have questioned Constantine's faith. Bruce L. Shelley puts it this way:

"Some historians have considered Constantine's "conversion" a political maneuver. He still practiced paganism . He conspired; murdered; he even retained his title Pontifex Maximus as head of the state religious cult.But a purely political conversion is hard to maintain in the light of his public and private actions. From the year 312, he favored Christianity openly. He allowed Christian ministers to enjoy the same exemption from taxes as the pagan priest; he abolished executions by crucifixion; he called a halt to the battle of gladiators as a punishment for crimes; and in 321 he made Sunday a public holiday."

On the other hand, there were proofs to Constantine's real conversion. Shelley goes on to say:

"This public Christianity was matched by changes in Constantine's private life. Making no secret of his Christian convictions, he had his sons and daughters brought up as Christians and led a Christian family life. Bishop Eusebius of Nicodemia baptized him shortly before he died in 337. After his baptism, Constantine refused to wear again the imperial purple and thus left this life dressed in his white baptismal robes."

We are forever grateful for Constantine's contribution to the spread of Christianity. Clearly God used such a man to fulfill his plan and bring glory to his name. Whether he is a Christian or not, it is for us to decide and understand what implications it brings to our faith.

Discussion:

1. So what do you think?

2. Was Constantine's faith genuine?

3. Was he really a Christian?

4. Or did he fake it to earn the support of the Christians?

**if you don't have a blogger account. please click choose profile then click name/url. thanks! God bless you guys.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I

Bruce L. Shelley, Church History in Plane Language.

Forms and Letters

Dear pastors and Youth Workers,

I am sending this email to inform you about the latest development on SEP Planning.

SEP VISAYAS 2010

Date: May 20-24, 2010

Theme: "Christ, Our everything.."

Venue: Le Toundra Peak, Bacong, Negros Oriental

Tuition Fee: P 1,000.00

Attendance: Maximum of 120 campers

Staff Training Schedule: May 2-3, 2010 (Tentative)

PLEASE check the following attachments:

Promotional Letter

CAMPER Application form

Staff Application Form

Solicitation Letter

Camper Application Form:

https://acrobat.com/#d=ZIDOOrDyCy*GDUmEG7juuA


Staff Application Form:

https://acrobat.com/#d=k4QOUFuJTeok0IbHKeToRA

Promotional Letter:

https://acrobat.com/#d=OL-0EeN89JN-5nbZ3PQwFw

Solicitation Letter:

https://acrobat.com/#d=htkhtxsv-nwZFcYp364Mjw

An Unforgettable Flight...

It was a wonderful day to fly...

I woke up early morning to prepare the things I would bring to Bohol. My boss called me up the day before, that I should be there and meet with some pilots and employees of our company. Tagbilaran was to be the rendezvous point, of something he didn't specify. I was too lazy to disagree, after all, I'd like to be on the other side of Visayas on a weekend.

I would be flying with Capt. Harris on a 2-seater plane. We agreed to take off at 6:00 am (at sunrise) and head off to Tagbilaran Airport (RPVT). I was so excited for the trip. One, because it's been a long time since I last rode or flew on a Cessna 152 and be the acting "co-pilot". I mean I have been a constant passenger of 4-seaters and big planes, but having to manipulate the yoke on an actual flight and step on the brakes before that was new to me, again. Also, I always wanted to visit Bohol. I have passed by bohol a couple of times on the way to other places, and this would be the first time I would literally set foot on that island.

On flight, Capt. Harris and I talked with each other on the radio (using the headset) about many things-church, ministry, and a little about flying. He asked me if I'd have any interest in flying, and I responded that I do like it but I just don't see myself as a pilot-It's just not my passion.I think he was satisfied with my answer, that he just nodded. So we reached RPVT in less than 30 minutes. The sky was clear all the way amidst the passing storm the night before, or so we thought...

After the airport, we were to proceed to a house of a local pastor and have our corporate meeting there. It was also a surprise to receive a donation from our boss to the non-profit organization Capt. Harris and myself was a part of.

At the end of the meeting, we went to the airport to fly some orientation flights around Bohol and after that go home to Dumaguete, but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. The sky was black, almost zero visibility and heavy rain was pouring along with strong winds. There was no way we could go home on that condition...

So we stayed for a while. Read the weather and see if we can go home or stay overnight and let the storm pass...

So, we had a slight chance to go home at 3:00 pm...Took off and headed straight to Dumaguete. The wind was so strong that the aircraft didn't seem to move. Mid-way , the air traffic controller of Dumaguete advised us to turn back because of heavy precipitation on our way. We had no choice but to go back. We stayed for a while again and tried to check the weather.

I was anxious, I wanted to go home...I didn't have any extra clothes, and I have to travel again to another town the next day for some ministry work, this time by bus.

At past 4:00 pm the weather turned good. The sky was clear and the clouds began to light up. So, we quickly raced to the airport, boarded the plane and in minutes took off. This time the wind was calm and there was no more rain. I looked at the clouds. I was in awe, watching its formations as it slowly turned gold as the sun was about to set. The sea was calm and a plane shade of blue. Capt.Harris, noticing my silence maybe, told me that this was the best thing when he is up there. The view from the top that no matter if it was at the same time or place, the scene will always be different and almost always exhilarating.

(not the actual scene. Courtesy of Flight Access)

He then started to recite Psalm 19...

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

² Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

³ There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. ^[a]

⁴ Their voice ^[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

⁵ which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

It was beautiful, and I could really understand what David was talking about in his Psalm...

We landed safe in Dumaguete Airport with the runway lights beaming up our pathway. It was the end of an unforgettable flight...

There are so many things to be thankful for...

Here is a clip of how poverty and starvation affects the life of a child...

Earlier I read about this article from the Associated Press...

PARIS (AP) - Angry French farmers dumped millions of liters of fresh milk next to one of France's most famous tourist sites on Friday to denounce the slumping cost of milk and an EU plan to end production quotas, which could further drive prices down.

APLI, a small dairy farmer's union that organized the protest, said over 1,000 farmers and 300 tractors took part in the event, pouring 3,5 million liters (925,000 gallons) of milk onto fields next to the famed Mont Saint-Michel. The Medieval island monastery is one of the most visited sites in France and is next to the Normandy and Brittany regions, which are both big milk producers.

What the heck's wrong with these farmers??? They could have given these tons of milk to 3rd world countries instead of wasting it as a sign of protest. If they didn't want to sell it, at least they could have thought of a better way to air their protest. Dumping and wasting wouldn't make a difference.

And then I saw this one on the news...

What do you gain by throwing pies at each other??? A record??? That's nonsense!!! Can they think of other sensible ways to gain a slot in the Guinness Book of World Record??? No wonder America's economy is in rumbles right now... Its a waste, seeing the pies on the floor after the event.

How about the two kids in the 1st video??? Those who toil just to have a decent meal for the day. The people in Africa and other 3rd world countries who would do everything to just have bite of that PIE that Americans just threw at each other or just to have a sip of the milk that French farmers dumped. I think the WEST should change their way of thinking and stop wasting whatever they have right now...

We should be thankful of what we have. Let us appreciate it by using our resources wisely and not spoiling and wasting what little we have...

First drunk when I was 4...

I shouldn't be blogging this. Maybe some judgmental legalistic freaks will come across my blog and think I'm some kind of alcoholic (Beware!!!). I don't remember getting drunk as a kid, Mom just told me and I was like, "gosh, I did that?". I mean I'm not proud of being drunk at 4, I surely didn't do it by myself...

I'm just missing my grandfather who died when I was still 11 years old. And Yes, you guessed that right. He was my first gunner, the one who made me drunk.And, guess what?!?! He is not an alcoholic or "The Bad Influence" of sorts. He is Julian Bahinting Sr., a war veteran, a church planter, a man of faith-my greatest christian hero.He was "the Grandfather" of all time!!! Although I didn't grew to know him that long, still I have so many fond memories of him and things I hear from my mother.

So lets get to the "DRUNK" part. It was during a Festival in our church (FOT 91) held in a five-star hotel in Cebu. We checked-in one of the rooms there, along with the whole Bahinting clan. It was a get together, one happy time for the family. Of course, my grandfather always had a drink in store. I remember it was always the brand "Emperador". He'd drink one small shot every night to make his blood flow normally before he sleeps. But that night was different, I did all the drinking. I don't know what happened, according to my Mom, Lolo Julian offered me a drink jokingly to which I happily accepted. Drink after drink and I was gulping all of it. I don't know what got into me, maybe it was just my curiosity. I had 5 glasses and I wasted in the hotel's family size bed. The bad thing was, I kept talking and moving in my sleep. My uncle's tease me until today, for what happened that night. Hilarious!!! Those funny things you tried when you were a kid.

Yes, we drink and we enjoy the drink. My Lolo always led an example of moderate drinking.My parents allowed me to drink when I was in my youth as long as I do it in good company, in the right place, and with temperance. Alcohol is not inherently evil, it was meant to be enjoyed and drank mindfully. That's what legalistic people and drunkards miss most of the time.

this one's for you Lo!!

I am badly missing Lolo Julian, and his crazy jokes. I don't know what he would feel if he was still alive right now. It's not just what he hoped our whole family should be, coming from our strong christian background. He knows what I mean. See you someday Lo!!!

Broke my right foot...

I didn't actually break it, there would be a cast wrapped around my foot if it was so. I think I sprained my ankle but I also believe some bones caved-in after the impact...

It was when we decided to go to the beach with some excited kiddos. It was Monday, a National Holiday in the Philippines (some religious leader's burial) so I thought of sleeping all day. But I remembered inviting the teens and youth in our small church to go for a swim in the beach a day before. I really didn't mean what I said, who would go to the beach at 6 am in the morning? But they were more than serious than I was.I was still sleeping at 7:30 am enjoying my cozy bed. Then SMS' flooded my mobile phone, questions like, " Are we still going?" and "Are you already at the beach?". For the "sleepy head" I was, I turned off my phone (I cant reply when my phone is off). But, then some of them came flocking our house and I had no choice but wake up and head for the beach...

So I found myself swimming in shallow waters. There were more than 20 of us, I think. It wasn't a bad idea after all. The weather was cooperative. The sun didn't show up that much.I did not have any problem with my fair skin getting tanned. It was high tide, so the water level rose every time.

Then I suggested again (really good at suggestions) to my companions, "Let's play tayokok". A game of running and tagging. Two competing teams with a base for each, where you have to catch someone from the other team and make them your prisoner (I wonder how its called in other places). So that's what we did, even if I already had a shin splint from playing basketball Sunday night. It was my turn, I ran after an opponent from the other team but he was close too their base and someone tried to help him and ran after me. So I made a detour, I jumped at a lower sand slope at the side so that I won't be caught. But unfortunately I landed at a medium size stone and totally twisted my foot clockwise and heard something snapped. I couldn't run or walk afterward. The pain was really agonizing. I had to walk slowly with my left foot, I could not step my sole on the right. I was limping but I'm still alive.

When I was already at home I called up our old masseur, notorious for enjoying inflicting pain on his patients. So there he was, examining my foot and gave his doctor-like-diagnosis (really, you should meet this old man). Then he started twisting my joints and pressing some veins that made me want to kick him. Luckily, my kicking foot was the one injured. So after some bone-wrenching-moments he told me, you wont be able to walk properly for 2 weeks or more. What?!?! I gave him an I-thought-you-were-supposed-to-fix-me look...

So know I'm limping and people noticed that. A 5-minute walk to the office became 15 minutes. I think I need a cane like Dr. House or a wheel chair. Nah. I don't want to look helpless. I just have to endure this for now...

Well, I got some ounce of advice from my 6 year old nephew when I was cutting with a saw some piece of wood for the sound box I was making. He said, seeing me having a difficulty in my walking "maybe we should cut your foot off so that a new one would grow out?". "Good Idea" I told him, "we'll cut yours first and see whats gonna happen" as I gave him a creepy look. He also gave me a I-was-just-trying-to-help look (Kids!!).

Now, I don't know what this blog is all about... Is it about the beach or my broken foot (not that broken really)?!?!

My new Jogging Buddy...

Because my jogging partner has been taken away (no, he's not dead) by the Lord to brave stormy seas (literally, he is a marine engineer), I had to lessen my frequency in the cool tracks of Perdices Coliseum. I even stopped for 3 week as I was shut down by my laziness to exercise. After all it was so boring to jog alone, circling the tracks with impersonal people (or was that a good alibi?). I didn't feel like jogging anymore...

But after eating black forest, double dutch, snickers and buttered chicken (party left overs) in our house, Bing2 and me talked about how these appetite was so rich with calories and cholesterol. That was when she came to our place because she heard our fridge is full and she believed she had ref rights to open it. We were devouring all the food I mentioned and came to realize how gluttonous we are (overrating). Then I told her jokingly that I should shed some pounds after after this-I'll go jogging. She surprisingly said "I'm in!". I was not opt to believe that, knowing her for the rest of my 21 years in this world would not agree to that--It's just not her. But she was serious, and she said she will come with me. (maybe because of her "color"ful love life). So I said OK, you're coming with me...

And so jog we did, for a week now. After work, I rush home change to my jogging clothes and tag bing2 along. Actually, I'm the only one who's jogging. She just walks all the way, as if shes strolling in the park-looking to the side most of the time. But she's a good buddy. She pays for my fare to the Coliseum and the entrance fee (or I forced here most of the time). *Smirks*

But nothing beats jogging. It's just so stress relieving. Makes you ponder more with life, where your going, circling through life and all those stuff. I enjoy observing people also. Those who go by groups, or just alone. You will find professionals talking about business, see Health bop's doing their thing, the "moms" who don't want to be called fat by their hubby's and a lot more of people from different walks and jogs of life (I kinda eavesdrop sometimes).

This my new hobby now, to stay fit. You can catch me at 6pm, circling the tracks in "our only jogging haven in Dumaguete" of course jogging--and after wards gasping for breath. (hehehe)

PS. Mariel Di Pedeglorio AKA Ma'am Bing2 is My best friend's (BOBOT) little older sister. Sorry Bing!!! I know you don't access the internet that much and you don't do blogging--so I'm pretty sure you won't be able to read this.

God's way of cheering me up!!!

It may be shallow but it's really effective...

Last Thursday I got a call from someone unexpected. Tian Yu, our Malaysian marketing personnel told me that someone's on the line looking for me. I asked him jokingly if its from a female, and he said "yes". I was wondering who could that be. Who would call me from work @ 3:00 pm on our office land line. So I took the handset and said "Hello! This is Joseph, how may I help you?". And then a warm voice from the other line introduced herself...

A year ago, I was checking Asian Institute of Management's (AIM) website. I wanted to gather information about their 16 months Masters in Business Administration (MBA) course. It was my lifelong dream to be able to study in that prestigious school, after reading their school brochure when I was in high school. I even downloaded their application forms and registered in their website and after wards, started preparing the necessary admission requirements for the course. Then, just last week I checked their website again after a year and read that they will be having their student intake this September. And this is what happened after two days. I was shocked when the lady told me that she was calling directly from Makati-AIM Admission's office. I was saying to myself, "what in the world, how did they get this number?". She started telling me that she had one slot left for the September intake and asked me if I would like to be in. I was already overwhelmed that time, but I declined nicely. This year is not yet time for me. I told her that my employment will reach two years next March which is major requirement. That I plan to sign up for next year's second intake. She said it was a perfect choice. She also told me that they are coming to Dumaguete early next year, and promised to include my name on the list of applicants.

I was really happy in so many ways. One is that my waiting was not in vain. That God was still on track and is ahead of my vision even when I placed it on the shelf for some time. That He has been faithful all this time and that my life is actually going somewhere. Two, is because it is somehow a confirmation to my prayers. That my dream is starting to unfold right before me. I had so many plans-I want to do what the Lord wants me to do and at the same time be a blessing to the community and to my country. And, I think getting this education will be a big help to achieving the vision. Lastly, is that God is a God of "Perfect Timing" as He has always been. He knows when to cheer me up and how to do it.

I know, it's still a long way and a long wait. If ever I get accepted to the course, the tuition will be a problem. The 16 month course cost 36, 000 USD and I am the same amount short of it. My plan is to to be on the 5% top scorers of the Admission exams so that I can be admitted as full scholar. It is like a punch to the moon which seems to be impossible. But, I know with His help I can do it-along with a lot of hard work and prayer. At this time, I am already starting to discipline myself more rigid. I have to read a lot of books from now on. I have to make use of my time wisely, as time is not a luxury for me because I have to balance work, ministry and recreation. But this will be a new challenge I need to square off. I still have less than a year.

At the end of the day, I'm glad I waited even though not that patiently (still I waited) and did not push through with my premature plans. God is in control of my life and I will put my Trust in Him...

The Mystery of Death...

Death has been evident to me in the past few weeks...

There was the former president's funeral that was attended and watched by millions of people. I saw on television how mourners and those "nakikiramay" lined up in Manila Cathedral, just to have even a glimpse of the "Woman" who touched their lives in one way or another. How people close to her remembered her and gave their Eulogies on the requiem mass. Also, when people packed up in the streets to pay their last respect as she was being brought to Manila cemetery where she would be laid to rest.

I came to ask myself, "What is death that we are so drawn to it even though most of us are fearful about it?".

Just a week ago, my cousin's mother-in-law died. I was saddened and even tearful when I received an SMS from my mom that Auntie Lucita died the morning on Wednesday. I was in Cebu that time and immediately thought about some fond memories with her. She was like family to us as she she attended the same church in the last two years of her life. I also remembered whenever I visited my cousin's house and how she would start talking to me. It usually lasted nearly an hour as she did all the talking and I did the listening. She was in agony in the last days of her life because of her recurring Diabetes. When I looked at her though, inside the coffin during the wake, I noticed that her face was peaceful. She died in her sleep and did not have to suffer anymore.

Every time I look at the deceased inside the their caskets, I cant help but think about a lot of things. Questions and What if's flood my mind. I don't know the answers to most of these queries and only in eternity will I ever grasp the full meaning of it all.

Death always reminds us that we are finite beings, temporary and limited. It reminds us to make life more meaningful everyday. To live each day as if it is the last. That from dust we were formed and from dust we shall return. But, we should also reflect that death is not the end. That it is just a beginning. That after death there is life. And this life will be everlasting...

Health Services- A job to be improved in Dumaguete

It was 4: 30 pm yesterday when my cousin took of from Dumaguete Airport to Siquijor to airlift a relative who had a stroke that day. He flew the company's Piper Warrior- a 4 seater private plane. He came back after 20 minutes bringing the patient along with her two companions. We rushed to the plane to help the patient out. One aircraft mechanic who was with me cradled her down as she was unable to move a muscle and was really pale. I then helped out in holding the IV. We let her sit down for a while as I ran to the office to call for an Ambulance.

I dialed the Emergency room number of the biggest hospital here in Dumaguete. I was answered by a lady. I told her if they can send an Ambulance to pick up a stroke patient we just airlifted. She asked for my location, And I told her I was inside Dumaguete Airport. She then told me to hold the line as she said she would ask if there was an available ambulance. I held the line for more than ten minutes. I was really upset that time. In between the line I can hear her talking to somebody, she was asking for her transfer papers and other stuff. Impatience got me and I asked nicely if she can accommodate my request. She then ask me the name of the patient, I told her I forgot-as I deemed it unnecessary because this was an Emergency. She then told me to hold the line again. I was really pissed this time. After another 5 minutes she told me that the ambulance was at another place and I am next in line. I asked her if she can give me an exact time for the pick-up and she answered that she's not sure as they only have one ambulance. I told her 'thank you nalang" I'll find another way to bring her there and sarcastically she answered, " OK, as you wish you can always bring her to another hospital". Fortunately, I knew a student who had a car, and asked him if I can borrow it to bring someone to the hospital. He agreed so we rushed the patient the same hospital.

I don't mean to generalize the whole health care providers in Dumaguete. Some are good, maybe, but I often see and hear these issues in many hospitals.I share the sentiments of those victims of the poor service from those who should supposedly take care of us. Some issues are forgivable but I think mine is severe. I was really bothered by some thoughts. Let me enumerate them.


1. MedEvac' s are given full priority in our Philippine Airports. They are given the 1st clearance to land regardless of air traffic. I think this is done because of the word "emergency". I think the lady (operator) didn't understand that and the hospital as a whole. I told her this was a stroke case. Every second is a matter of life and death. Even if it was not stroke-may be another sickness, a patient should be given utmost care in respect to the dignity of human life. During emergencies, hospitals should be quick and committed in accommodating the patient. After all this is what their business is all about.

2. I was bothered when that lady told me that they can't accommodate my request at this time because they only had one ambulance. I really don't know if that is true. But, I was wondering if there are 3 emergency callers at the same time asking for an ambulance, what would they do? Ini minimini mo? "Please wait for the ambulance as you will be next in line"-its like saying "please slow down the death of the victim until the ambulance arrives...

3. To be fair with the lady who answered me, maybe she was really doing everything to help me in my request. But maybe next time she had to be more nice and stop acting sarcastic. I was really nice with her even if I was tired of holding the line. I myself, working for a training institution is taught to treat our costumers well. This is customer service, and our customers are our business.

I hope there will be improvements in our services. Many lives depend on it. We should do our part in improving our city, and our nation. All is not lost... Lets do something about it!!!

When people you've been building dreams are taken away...

I was really frustrated, that's how I felt last week. I know, I shouldn't be. But, I am just human and I get discouraged often times. Last week has been so tough. The past few weeks was a whole lot better. I felt I had to do it all over again-from square one...

Just this past few months, I've been building dreams with a youth leader in our church. He became my protegee and I his mentor. He has been with our church for four years now. His name is Mourel, a product of our outreach bible study in a certain housing project here in Dumaguete. He is now a member of our church worship team, a guitarist and a worship leader as well.

This year is his 4th and last year in his Marine Engineering course. This stage will be allocated for apprenticeship. When he came back here after his vacation from his province he had no classes anymore. He was just waiting for his call from the shipping companies whom he passed his application to.

I knew its gonna happen, that someday he's gonna leave home and board the ship-after all it was his chosen career. The first scheduled trip was supposed to be October, then moved to the end of August. It came nearer every time. But it came as a shock when the manager called him to start his apprenticeship two days after the call. It was the last week of July then. He was kinda reluctant to go. He felt it was a rush. He did not want to leave that early and he still had to ask money from his parents for his trip. I told him to think and pray about it. The same day he got the call, I accompanied him to the office branch of the Shipping company to seek for advice. They're advice was to take the offer because this was a big opportunity for him. I convinced him to go also, though deep inside me I wanted him to stay so that we can push through with our ministry plans, I also felt this was God's favor on him. He decided to go and brave the new journey in his life.

I was sad though, it had to be this early. He was really of good help to me in the ministry. He was among many-my assistant in my Values class, my partner in our visiting ministry every night, guitarist in our youth bible study, my protegee, my jogging mate, my basketball partner and most especially my brother in Christ. I'll surely miss this guy. But I was also happy in his leaving. He already passed one stage in his life, now he had to undergo the next. But I know God has a purpose for this young man's life and I am confident he'd make it through.

After last week, I wasn't frustrated anymore. I finally understood that this is life, we all have this certain transitions that makes us grow emotionally and spiritually. I guess I have to find another person to mentor next...

going loco over coffee...

The story of me and my office mates' love for coffee...

Drinking coffee has been part of our day to day life here in the office. Everyone has his own cup. Others have this stainless tumbler with tight covers to keep their coffees hot. As for me, I only use a plastic cup-good enough so as not to conceal the aroma of the hot drink (sniff sniff).

I do not know where the coffee thing started for all of us. I trace back my addiction to caffeine when I was in Seminary. After a tiring day and night activities, me and my classmates would always take our dinner late. We would always boil water after eating and drink coffee and talk the whole night, realizing that we would still have to wake up early for morning devotions. It was 4 years of coffee indulgence. As for the office trend, I guess it started with our boss. And then someone began bringing coffee in our air conditioned office and everyone else just followed. Now, I can't remember who that was. But since then, the familiar smell has flooded our nostrils everyday...

Now let me tour you to the desks and cubicles of those who dose with caffeine everyday here in the office...

Boss' office: I think he started it all...3 cups of coffee makes his day. I think it is essential for him, as he is a critical and deep thinker. I guess caffeine stimulates his pondering. And when a stressful day comes, it makes him calm down and ease a little to be able to make sound decisions for our company. (credits it to coffee)

Finance: I use to wear those shoes and the Accounting pants. But since it was given back to our dear finance manager (lucky me), coffee has been her pressure reliever. Especially on hard days, when bills, payables, and people come flocking the office. When there are so many things to be paid and the deadlines are near-with no news of money coming, of course prayer comes first (nearly forgot that) and a little sip of of the roasted blend makes her survive the stress each day...

Marketing Boys: The front line for customer service. These guys also seat on the front desk of our office, first ones to pick the phone, answer email inquiry and also entertain walk ins who inquire for flight training and charter flights. I guess they drink coffee just for the love of it. Especially Rohan, our Indian pilot/marketing personnel. I think he cant live a day with out coffee in his system. (watch out for the palpitation)

HR: My cubicle. Of course I love coffee. But never I knew how much it's worth when I started working here. In my first assignment in our company, when I had to deal with numbers and a lot of numbers (not that good at it), I resorted to eating and sleeping after work as my stress coping mechanism to which I am greatly regretful. But now, I have discovered another alternative-"Kape" and thanks to it my life has never been the same. (resounding clap)


And that's it...Here in Aviation Training One International, We treat Aviation as our first Love and coffee as our second first love. (hehehe)


www.fltaccess.com,
www.avtraining1.com

I am saving it for last...

It' s kinda hard sometimes to answer, when my friends bombard me with a lot of questions about my "LOVE LIFE".
When they ask, "how about yours?".
And I just respond jokingly " there's love and there's life..." (means I don't want to reiterate) .
I wish they'd stop there...
But then again they want me to qualify my answer, " so, your seeing someone?".
I do, like I see everyone with my two eyes. Then I have to nail it, "seriously, I'm single and I'm waiting on God for my future wife".
'What??? Are you serious, why wait?" is the common reply, and the familiar look on their faces as if they get it-that I have a vow of celibacy to fulfill. (Nope, pastors are allowed to marry-thank God..hahaha)
Its not about my vocation, and certainly unrelated about not entertaining the thought of having someone...
Yup. I long for someone to hold, someone to talk to with my funniest dreams, and someone to share my life with forever.
So why wait? I sometimes ask that question too. Why not be with the next girl who comes along? Why not date anyone and then maybe God would reveal the one for me along the way?
Hmmm...sounds biblical. (hehehe)
Its been more than a year since my last relationship with the opposite sex. I ask God sometimes, "When Lord, when will I return to the dating scene?" (not the actual words though)
I examined myself, asking those "why" questions again and again, and I came up with this short list of reasons why I have waited, still waiting, and will be waiting...

1. Top of the List. Because, I am sure that this is what God wants me to do right now. Not that I am on a heroic act or on a special mission, but simply just because God wants to teach me a lot of things in this waiting period of my life.

2. Because I am enjoying my being single. Single blessedness, or single with a purpose is what I call it. A stage in my life where I am enjoying the most and living it to the fullest. Doing things I may not have the chance to do again if I'm with someone.

3. Right now, I am not ready for another relationship and commitment with someone. I am a very conditional person, impatient, slow to listen and quick to speak, and full of pride at times. I still have so many things to work at.

4. I'm complete at this stage in my life (note: at this stage). The next stage may not be the same...

5. I will be giving my heart to the girl God shows me as my wife. I may sound a hopeless romantic, but I truly believe that somewhere out there, under the same sky-my future wife exists.

6. I have better things in mind right now. Big plans for the future. So many responsibilities to shoulder, sometimes beyond what my age can handle. But, I'm learning so many things in my job, ministry, family and with the people around me.

7. Lastly, because I know that God is busy writing the most romantic love story that will sweep me off my feet. Therefore I will wait.


Everyday is an endless battle of the mind and the heart. Sometimes I ask myself, "what am I doing?". When everything is said and done, will it be worth the wait?? I really don't know. All I know is that I will just have to trust God. I also believe that in His time all things will be beautiful. In His proper time.

I want to give my heart to the right person. That's why, I am saving it for it last...

What it means to be held...

I was caught by this song written by Christa Wells and performed by Natalie Grant from the album Awaken. The lyrics of the song was prompted by the tragedies of sickness and death in the lives of 3 women whom Christa admired. These women, even in their grief and pain chose to hope and trust in God.

This song then came out a great hit and have inspired and touched many lives who have also experienced the same heartaches and sufferings...

click the video below.

Held

Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hand opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

"But. In the middle of that heartache. At every lonely, dark, lost moment...the Truth.

That in those moments, even then, especially then...we are held, held up, held together, by the the One who has walked here and knows the pain, and who also holds all of time, every story, my story, your story, the Greatest Story in his hands." -Christa Wells

Reminds me of Jesus words, " No one can snatch them out of my hand..."