Happy Birthday

On your birthday, Filipino government soldiers are sacrificing their lives in Marawi to bring the Philippine Flag up again. Lives of Filipinos, civilians, soldiers have been lost. Many more are dying still in the bondage of poverty. Freedom to live the good life has still been elusive for many. So, what gift can we give you?

People do not even know it is your birthday. Is it ungratefulness not to remember? Do we not give meaning to the life you offered? Is it our fault if our love for country could not measure to yours? What is the essence of celebrating a birthday anyway when your death was much more meaningful?

"Let not your hearts be troubled"

I was honored to be the preacher on the 72nd Church Anniversary celebration of Cordon United Methodist Church last May 14, 2017. This church is a vibrant church that has a strong presence that ministers to the town of Cordon. Led by dynamic lay leaders and church workers, they have built a new church and is now expanding it's Kindergarten School ministry to include elementary education.

Visit and worship with the people called United Methodist in Cordon every 9:00 AM, Sunday.

Labor Day

Today is Labor Day and I am thinking about the pregnant mothers who had to work for the future of their unborn child.

Yes, I am thinking about a future mother who is 8 months pregnant and still goes to office to work. Colossians 3:23 reminds us that "...whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..." There are many expectant mothers who are dedicated to their role as workers, public servants and environmentalist because for them, their work is their way of glorifying God. Despite expectant mother's desire to work, they are also limited physically by their condition. At some point, pregnancy will affect the laborer. When they are nearing term, they cannot exert as much effort as they want for they might go into premature labor. Heck, even some complicated pregnancy may need bed rest even on their first trimester. Then there is after giving birth. After the mothers give birth, they have to go back to work after a month and leave the newborn baby under another persons care. Thus, I am supporting the Bill in the Lower House of Congress that increases the paid maternity to 120 days.

This Labor Day, shouldn't the church advocating for the working expectant mother's health? Shouldn't Christians supporting this bill?

Birthday Party

I was on the road when the clock struck midnight. I was still on the road on the way home on the first hour of my birthday.  My life has been a journey. This year's celebration is just a Thanksgiving for the wonderful journey in life God has brought me.

The cake says it all!

The Church Must Go!

Everything is happening so fast. School is out and summer is in. Exciting times ahead... especially in the life of the church.
I traveled to Jimalalud, Negros via Bacolod. It was a new route for me. It took me longer hours to travel but it was scenic route that I enjoyed. The Negros version of Chocolate Hills and Rice Terraces not to mention the beautiful landscape along the way.
I always enjoy reuniting with old friends and fellow church workers. We are all a year older in the ministry. But not everything is old this year. This year offers a fresh breath in the church. The new church fiscal year is beginning under new leadership. God is always good to lead us to new ministries that will bring good news to more people in the Visayas and Mindanao. I enjoy going to different places, as all Christians should. After all, that is what is asked of us. As Jesus charged the disciples before and so we are charged to, "Therefore... Go!"

New House... Same God

God is a God of love. When God is the center in the household of faith, then love is always there. Even if we move to a different location, God is always with us. And so...

...we are moving to a new place. Where God leads us... we will follow. It is not blind obedience. Faith. It is called trusting in God.

I always remember the story of the great trust in God that was exemplified by Abraham. When God commanded Abraham to offer his son, it was not blind obedience... it was complete surrender to God's will. Sometimes, we never understand nor can we see the logic of God's plan. But that is the beauty of trusting God. All we have to do is..."TRUST and OBEY."

New Year

New year offer new hope. It gives us a fresh start. It allows us to realign our goals or set new ones. God is the God of time and new beginnings. This New Year is exciting. For us, everything will be new. New adventure. In Santiago City, Isabela. New addition in our family. In my career. In our business. In our health. In the kids studies. God places in our hearts new goals that will help us grow according to God's will.

God makes everything new and offers new hope with the New Year. Happy New Year.