Total Recall

The Recall...

Fresh as it was in my memories, it happened like it was just yesterday ... It was the last week of March, sometime seventeen years ago in 1993 ... I was in my second month then, as an On-The-Job (OJT) Trainee of Nestle Philippines, and also in my final year as an engineering student of De La Salle University - Manila.

During lunch break, I was having a relaxing conversation with the Milks Division Manager.  He asked me a probing question, “Neil, do you want to work here, after you graduate?” ... Without hesitation, I said, “Of course, sir! This is my dream company....”

Surprisingly, he commented, “Keep up your good performance! The chief engineer has been mentioning about you during managers meeting.” I was speechless ... but deep down in my heart, I was rejoicing…

What Call?!

Immediately the week after, I took a week off from training in the factory, to join our church’s family conference. We were watching the Jesus Film, when the Lord asked Peter to throw the nets into the other side of the sea. Peter hesitated, but said, “We worked hard all night and caught nothing, but because you say so ...” He threw the nets and behold, tons and tons of fish jumped into the nets!

God spoke to my heart and said, “Neil, do you want to get rich?” In my heart I realized that if the Lord performed the same miracle everyday to fishermen, like Peter, they can be instant millionaires! Yet the Lord told Peter, “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” In my heart, I wondered ... “Is God calling me to ‘literally’ follow Him and be one of the ‘fishers of men’?” Perhaps not ... and hopefully not...

Call Waiting...

During the bonfire that night, I had a conversation with my pastor. He challenged me to submit my future to the Lord and let Him decide what He wants me to be ... whether it be as an engineer or as a missionary or as a pastor... Looking back, it dawned on me that it ought to be God’s call. Yet, deep in my heart, I still don’t want to relinquish my dreams...

I knew the invitation from God was clear, “Come, follow Me.” Yet, my response was, “Let me first...”  just like the disciple who rejected God’s call. I was waiting for God’s validation, but God was waiting for my confirmation ... to His call! I proceeded to my room, and at about 1:03AM of April 3, 1993, I knelt before the Lord ... submitting to Him my heart, my life and my future. Sure enough, I said “yes” to His call and as I stood up, God gave me a firm conviction of His call. 

Refreshing as it is to recall His call for my life, I pray that we all may discern intently, respond promptly, follow immediately, and fulfill His call for each of our lives!

“And in this regard we pray for you always, that our God will make you worthy of his calling and fulfill by his power your every desire for goodness and every work of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, NET)

My Four Months of FALL

My FALL has just ended ...

The past four months has been one of the most mentally rigorous and physically straineous moments of my life. Yet, I enjoyed the FALL ... The truth was, I had a very fruitful and rewarding FALL semester at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)!

A lot of people all over the world have never experienced four seasons. Here in the US, the FALL Season officially kicked off 21st of September. As for DTS, the Fall semester started earlier, to be exact, on the 24th of August. In retrospect, this is my family’s first FALL in the US and we did experienced a lot of FALLS ...

Time FALLS back ...

Starting the 1st of November, we subtracted an hour from our clocks as the daylight saving time officially ended. This means, if during summer, the sun sets at about 8:30pm, this time, it started to get darker outside by 5:45pm.

On November 1st, I was scheduled to pick an uncle in the airport. Thank God I browsed the net before leaving the house, saw the change in US time mode and got confirmation from American friends about the time shift. This was something new for us which we have never experienced back home.

Teaching FALLS back ...

From November 14th to 29th, we had two weeks of school break. The first week of the break was intended as Reading Week. However, since I was not able to spend much time with my family during school days, I decided to bring them to Florida. We celebrated Aileen’s birthday (Nov 17) in Disney World and she got free entrance in Magic Kingdom with Disney’s birthday promo! Hannah also got in for free cause she was less than three years old. Believe it or not, I drove a total of about 2,500 miles (about 4,000 km) with stop overs in Mississipi and Atlanta on the way to Florida and New Orleans on the way back to Dallas! The second week of school break was Thanksgiving Break. We had fun eating our first turkey on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26).

Temperature FALLS back ...

The temperature during summer in Dallas went up to a high of 110 Fahrenheit (43 C). During this season, it dropped to as low as 0 Celcius. Last 2nd of December, snow started to drizzle down Dallas! We went out during the break time of our morning class and felt snow FALLING down on us! However, as much as we wanted for snow to stay all day, it stopped dropping after only about 1 hour. Some say that it snows in Dallas once in every two years. We were delighted that we saw a glimpse of the snow!

Tests FALL one by one ...

The last three weeks of class from 30th of November up to 18th of December were the toughest in my schedule as I had to finish reading requirements, research papers, book reviews and other major requirements. I had three final exams on separate days that ended on December 17.

The only thing that never FELL ...

As a family, our first FALL in the US has been a very memorable experience! Perhaps, the best news we got during the FALL was the ultrasound result of Aileen that Hannah will be having a baby brother!

Through it all, we were constantly reminded that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Indeed, as all else are FALLING, only Jesus Christ never FAILS. His faithfulness is always new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). His love is always deep, wide and high (Ephesians 3:18). He never ceases praying for each one of us non-stop daily (Hebrews 7:25). Truly, Jesus never fails!

As we run the race of the Christian life, let us daily take heed to hear God’s call, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t FALL!” (1Corinthians 10:12). Perhaps, this is a great season for us to reflect on our relationship with the Christ of Christmas. May we all face a new seaon with a revived intimacy with the Christ of Christmas and a rejuvinated walk with God in the new year 2010!

The Joys of Life in Dallas

“… Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Seventy Two … that is exactly the number of days our family has been residing in Dallas, Texas (as of end of September)! We are missing home a lot (!) … our family, our church, our friends, our favorite Filipino food … Jo’s Chicken Inato, Kare Kare, Palabok, Zagu … the simpler days and Philippines in general.

Our hearts are broken with the tragic news of the fatal storm “Ondoy” that has transformed Manila into a sea of floating dead bodies. It is disheartening to hear about 250 lives lost and with about 350,000 people displaced and homeless. This is probably one of the worse disasters that have hit Manila in its history!

We are glad our families back home are safe … thankful that our friends in Manila are all intact. Yet, we are a bit concerned and worried as another storm has entered Philippines and that the rainy season is not yet over. May our Lord be merciful upon our nation! May this be a wake-up call among believers that each life counts and each soul needs the direction to the Way, the Truth and the Life! (John 14:6)

In midst of the mourning and sadness in Manila, I face daily my own moments of struggle, as my mind gets twisted left and right with the simultaneous study of Greek and Hebrew languages, plus tons of readings, papers to write, daily quizzes to review and exams to anticipate as a student of Dallas Seminary. The Lord directed my attention to this passage … “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4, The Message) God used this passage to turn my mourning into joy. Truly, I count it a great blessing, distinct privilege and tremendous joy to know God and His Word deeper!

Few Sundays ago, my family and I, together with another couple, drove up about 30 miles up north to Frisco, Texas to visit Stonebriar Community Church. We worshiped with about 2,000 other believers and listened intently, with fullness of joy, as Dr. Charles Swindoll expounded on God’s Word. His message was a timely message … “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15, NASB) It was a great blessing to hear this man of God, who has been used by God globally to proclaim His message of truth to a broken world.

While I am intently focused on studying, Tuesday mornings for Aileen is a joyful time of learning as she attends the women’s Bible study at a nearby church. Wednesday mornings is fun time for her and Hannah as they stroll along towards Luke’s Closet, to get free food, clothes and household items. Wednesday nights is AWANA night for Hannah as she learns God’s Word from Teacher Gloria at Dallas First Baptist Church. On Friday mornings, Aileen enjoys fellowship and Bible Study with her SWING (Seminary Wives in Nurture Group). At weekends, we bring Hannah to swim at Baylor Fitness and joyfully watch her have fun with her floater and swim with other kids in the indoor “kiddie” pool.

Finally, the best is yet to come … Aileen has been tested “positive” … by a pregnancy test kit! Yes, Aileen is dizzy with morning sickness and vomiting a lot and joyfully adjusting and trying to remember her last pregnancy. Pray for Aileen as she is already about 8 weeks pregnant. We are excited that Hannah is soon going to be an “A-chi” (meaning, older sister)!

As we trace back each step that we have taken thus far in our life in Dallas, we hear an echoing out of God’s Word to us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4) We pray for you that the joy of the Lord likewise abound in your life. Let us celebrate and feast on Him daily and rejoice in the Lord for all the surprises and excitement that He unfolds into our lives!

Home away from Home

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household," (Ephesians 2:19)

All throughout our lives on earth, we have always considered Philippines as our country, residence and home. For the past four years of our marriage, our apartment along the busy high-way that leads to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has been our place of rest and humble abode.

Few months ago, the Lord surprised and awed us by blessing us with scholarship to study at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). So, we began preparations to temporarily leave home. This bitter sweet experience has been quite a difficult moment for us as we bid “goodbyes” to family, church and friends.

After a very tiring move out of all our belongings, we rushed to fly out of Manila nearly past the midnight of July 21st, and safely moved in to our new apartment at Swiss Tower, just across the DTS campus. With about barely a month before the DTS Fall Semester began, we had the wonderful opportunity of meeting new friends from all over the world.

This semester at DTS has merged in about 20 new international students and about 200 new students from all over USA. The entire student population at the Dallas campus numbers close to about 1,300 students, inclusive of about 150 international students. Another 500 students are enrolled on-line & in other satellite campuses. Interestingly, DTS graduates are ministering to about 191 countries all over the world. We praise God for leading us to our new home for the next year and a half!

My DTS classes began August 24th as I engaged in about six subjects (Greek, Hebrew, Teaching in Christian Higher Education, Soteriology, Introduction to New Testament and Cultural Orientation). Outside class, a Filipino friend and I go to Baylor Fitness about twice a week (DTS students get free access to the world-class facilities of Baylor Fitness through a generous sponsor). As for Aileen and Hannah, they have been busily exploring Swiss Tower, meeting new friends, swimming at the pool and playing with other kids at the playroom.

As we are adjusting to a new life in DTS, we also faced some challenging tests. Hannah got sick with on and off high fever for about a week. Just after getting well, she fell off the chair and got a lump at the back of her head. We brought her to the hospital and the doctor checked her up. She underwent a scan on her head and we thanked God that the result has shown totally no problem worth worrying. Our family realized that we will be facing more trials ahead bundled with blessings!

We thank God for granting us ministry partners like you who continue to uphold us in prayers. We sure do love to hear from you and pray for you as well! As we face all the hustles and bustles of life in our new home, the Lord taught us that He is the most important part of our family. We ought to weave our lives here as a family with Him, as our Heavenly Father, in the center. Truly, our lives are in His hands and may He continue to fulfill His purpose and plans for us that we may each day live solely for His glory and honor!

Better than Amazing Race

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Today, "The Amazing Race" is one of the best watched reality TV shows, all over the world. For our family, we had our own Amazing Race experience. However, our race lasted for about two full years to complete! Listen to our story...

Last June 2007, the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of the Global Proclamation Academy (GPA), which is a once in a lifetime experience given among selected young pastoral leaders to attend a short-term, in-depth pastoral training. With the initiative of the Ramesh Richard Evangelism and Church Health (RREACH), 26 of us (pastors coming from 26 different countries) attended the 3 weeks intensive training. GPA delegates were blessed with classes taught by top seminary professors from all across the USA (Robert Coleman, Howard Hendricks, Norman Geisler, Charles Ryrie and so much more)! GPA classes were held in the campus of the Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS).

When I returned to the Philippines July of 2007, I felt refreshed with the training and sensed that I had renewed vigor to serve the Lord. I realized that it was about time for me to take further studies (as I finished my Master of Divinity last 1998). After much discussion with my wife, we began praying for God's leading to study in DTS. By September of 2007, I took the step of faith in applying on-line to be a student of DTS. The following year, sometime April of 2008, I received news that DTS has accepted me into the Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) program.

However, because I was not given scholarship, my wife and I decided to postpone our plans for further studies by another year. On December 2008, I reapplied for scholarship at DTS. With much prayers, personally and from friends and church mates, and by the grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father, I was granted full scholarship last March 2009, through the International Leaders Scholarship Program (ILSP) of DTS.

Our next step as a family was to apply for US Student Visa. There were two challenges that we faced. First, when we scheduled our Visa Interview at the US Embassy in Manila, our I-20 Forms, papers confirming that I am a student of DTS, was still on its way through air mail. Second, my wife's birth certificate was still on hold by the National Statistics Office. The reason for the delay of release is a bit complicated. My wife was born in Cebu, about 350 miles away from Manila. Aileen's family decided to change their surname when Aileen was growing up. NSO needed the Cebu Judge's letter of finality that her surname has already been changed. As we waited for the Judge's letter from Cebu and also the I-20 forms from DTS, we realized that we needed God's grace once again.

I went to the Quezon City Postal Office about noon time of April 24, 2009. A staff gave me several listings of all the letters that arrived in their office for the past few weeks. I checked out the list one by one, but could not find the letter from DTS. The staff then informed me that if I want, I can go up to the second floor and look for the postman assigned to send letters to my home. I quickly went up and by God's providence, I ran across the mailman who was assigned to our street! He said that he just arrived from sending letters in another area and was about to leave the building to go to our area. I asked if he had a letter for me. He opened up his locker and lo and behold, he handed to me the package containing the I-20 Forms from DTS!

On May 11, two days before our scheduled interview at the US Embassy, Aileen's mom sent the Cebu Judge's letter through their church's pastor's wife, who incidentally was travelling to Manila that day. We met her halfway from the airport amidst heavy rain, got the letter, crossed through flooded areas of Manila and rushed all the way to the National Statistics Office. Praise be to God, by 6pm, Aileen got her Birth Certificate, printed on NSO security paper, which was one of the major requirements asked by the US Embassy.

Finally, on May 13, 2009, my family and I went to the US Embassy in Manila. We prayed and asked for God's grace once again that He would lead us to the right consulate and that He would bless us with US Student Visas for the entire family. As we conversed with the consulate, we praise God for the favor from Him as we were all granted US Student Visas! Lord willing, we intend to leave for Dallas by July 21, 2009 and start a new phase in our life as a family. We invite you to be our Prayer and Ministry Partner as we continue to trust in His grace.

As I look back at what we as a family have gone through to be able to study in DTS, the experience indeed was much better than the game show "The Amazing Race". All throughout our race, as a family, we learned what "trusting in the Lord" means. We also learned what "depending on God in prayer" means. Finally, we learned what "waiting on the Lord to accomplish His work" means! Indeed, this passage from God's Word has become a reality to us as a family, "... He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
❦

Raising Laborers

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’ ” (Matthew 9:37-38)

Seven years (7) ago, specifically May 29, 2002, the Lord opened up doors for a ministry outreach among university students of Metro Manila. The Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ) was born out of a calling from the Lord that a least a thousand students yearly graduate from Christian schools, yet, the sad reality is, less than half of them ends up in a Christian church. The burden turned into conviction that led into establishment of Bible studies in different major universities all over Metro Manila.

Kats Tan was a freshman student of De La Salle University back in May 2002. She joined the CAFÉ DLSU launch and has been consistently attending small groups, youth camps, trainings and other events. Last 2003, CAFÉ church joined the Purpose Driven Life (PDL) Campaign and God has used Kats to organize PDL groups among her classmates and friends. The Lord used this event to impact Kats’ life. Eventually, the Lord led Kats to be baptized through the CAFÉ church last May1, 2005. When she graduated from DLSU last 2006, God has called her to serve Him full-time in ministry. She immediately obeyed God’s call as she entered the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL). Last April 2009, Kats graduated from IGSL with the Master of Divinity degree. She has committed herself to serve God full-time in the CAFÉ Ministry as Sunday Worship Ministry overseer and Vice-President of the Earth Shakers Youth Organization.

Sylvette Tan was a freshman student of University of Sto. Tomas last June 2003 when a CAFÉ member called her up, inviting her to join a small group Bible Study in Burger King, just across UST Library. She decided to try it out. She became actively involved in small groups, attended discipleships, trainings and worship services. God used Sylvette as she has been instrumental in bringing many of her friends and classmates to the Lord through the PDL campaign. Last 2005, she was baptized through the CAFÉ Church. About a year after her graduation from UST, God has given her a burden to discover more about who He is. She enrolled at the Christian Faith Hope Love Prayer Institute and Seminary January of 2009 and has just finished two subjects. Currently, Sylvette leads the Wednesday Care Group, which meets at Burger King Welcome. She is also a volunteer staff of the CAFÉ Church and Assistant PRO of the Earth Shakers Youth Organization.

Melody Lim met her former volleyball coach, Pastor Jonathan Lim along the corridors of De La Salle University. She was searching for a church to be part of and God answered her prayers as she began to attend Pastor Jonathan’s Bible Study group. She eventually was baptized through the CAFÉ Church last 2005. God used Mel to bring her “barkada” (or close friendns) to the Lord. Today, Melody is happily married to Pastor Jonathan Lim and both of them are expecting a baby girl by August 2009. In addition, Mel serves as full-time CAFÉ Church Administrator and President of the Earth Shakers Youth Organization.

We praise God for using CAFÉ as a vessel in helping expand His kingdom today among the universities. Pray for us as we celebrate our 7th Year Church Anniversary on May 31, 2009. We will also be witnessing on that day a Baptism Ceremony of new church members. May all glory and honor be given unto the Lord of the harvest who has raised up laborers into His vineyard!

Too True to be Two

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:29)

Two years ago, on the month of March, specifically on the seventh day of the seventh year past the recent millennium, Naomi Hannah was born!

At about 1:16am, a 50 cm, 6.3 lbs baby girl finally came out of a jubilant mom, almost forgetting about 20 hours of hard and intense labor!

Memories of our daughter dear’s birth is still so fresh! It seems to have happened just yesterday!

Yet, it is too good to be true that Hannah is now two years old!

Indeed, time flies … too fast to catch up!

As we celebrate a new chapter in our lives as parents (shocked to know that we already have two full years of experience!!!), please pray that our Heavenly Father grant us more grace, more strength (as we’re realizing that we’re not getting any younger!!!), more wisdom and more patience (some friends are warning us of the impending “terrible two” amongst two year olds)!!!

We don’t know yet what Hannah will become, but she’s bringing us so much joy as we witness (on a day to day basis) new “tricks” that she’s learning! (Hannah loves dogs … and as a young dog, she’s quick to pick up new stuffs!!!).

Here are some of Hannah’s favorites …

Breakfast: EGG

Fruit: Orange

Fast food: Jollibee
(as long as the live mascot does not come out!!!)

Hobby: Merry-go-round or Time Zone!!!

Please help us pray for a time of transition for Hannah. For the record, Hannah is still drinking milk from mama (breastfeeding is good for babies indeed!!!). We plan to wean her and hope she accepts the reality with no placards nor violent reactions!

We appreciate your prayers for our family, even as we transition a new phase in our family life. Lord willing and with full faith, we are trusting the Lord for provision for our trip to Dallas, Texas U.S.A. by June or July of 2009.

The Lord has been good to us as we have received a good news of our preliminary acceptance into the program of Masters of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS).

Our next step is to trust God for provision of scholarship from DTS, which does not include our expenses for food, lodging and other basic needs.

We invite you to prayerfully consider investing in God’s work through my studies at DTS either as a prayer partner or financial supporter. Do let us know as the Lord leads. Once again, thanks from the bottom of our hearts!

CAFE 20/09

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead," (Philippians 3:13)

The Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ) kicks off the New Year with ...

Vision 20/09: “Experience Spiritual Breakthroughs”.

In order to achieve this, we aim to corporately attain five (5) major breakthroughs …

Breakthrough #1: “Wrestle against Sin”
(Jan to Feb 2009) Hebrews 12:4

As a church, we had a Prayer Retreat last January 24 to 25 with the intent of experiencing ... “Bondage Breaker” at Christian Development Center at Tagaytay City.

Breakthrough #2: “Walk with God”
(March to April 2009) Proverbs 1:7

The Agape Leadership Institute (ALI) will conduct a whole day seminar on March 22 about “Walk thru the Old Testament”. We will seek to discover how people of the Old Testament walked with God.

Breakthrough #3: “War against Satan”
(May to June 2009) Daniel 6:10

CAFÉ celebrates its 7th Year Anniversary on May 31, 2009 and simultaneously conducts a Baptism Ceremony. The Agape Leadership Institute (ALI) will conduct a whole day seminar on June 14 regarding The 7 Stages of Spiritual Growth (Part 2).

Breakthrough #4: “Win our World”
(July to August 2009) Acts 1:8

CAFÉ will conduct an overnight Missions Outreach on July 25 to 26 and partner with a church in reaching an area for the Lord Jesus Christ. The Agape Leadership Institute (ALI) will conduct a whole day seminar on August 16 tackling ... “Building Spiritual Movements”.

Breakthrough #5: “Wake up Believers”
(Sep to Oct 2009) Nehemiah 13:14

The Agape Leadership Institute (ALI) will conduct a seminar on September 20 regarding “Becoming a Romans 12 Christian”.

Finally, we end the year 2009 as we ...
“Weigh our Breakthroughs”
(Nov to Dec 2009) 2Timothy 2:15

We will celebrate our victories and learn from our defeats for the entire year in our CAFÉ Family Fun from November 28 to 29.

We invite you to join us and together, let us Experience Spiritual Breakthroughs!

Live a Full Life

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Christian Agape Fellowship and Earth Shakers had a joint Christmas Party in the afternoon of December 21, 2008 at the Max’s Restaurant in Quezon Memorial Circle. The theme of the party was “Living a Full Life” with about fifty-five (55) persons who joined the event.

One participant shared her testimony of how the Lord has guided her that she may be blessed to live a full life. Here’s Ann Charmaine Ting’s testimony ...

“It was November 2007 when my sister got hospitalized that I realized that I became distant from the Lord after I tried to pray to Him to help my sister get better. At that moment, I sincerely prayed to Him to help me get close back to Him. A few days after, on the month of December, a friend messaged me on my messenger and asked me if I would want to come along a Christmas event held by the organization where his classmate is a member.

That was when I got to know the organization Earth Shakers. Even though I was worried about not finishing my thesis on time I attended the event. In the mid of that event, called Bond with Christmas OO7, I then realized that Earth Shakers is a group of youth who wants to reach out to other people, help them in the name of the Lord and expand the Lord’s kingdom. That group was the answer to the prayer I made to the Lord because it was on that event, Bond with Christmas OO7 that I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, felt that my distance from the Lord becoming shorter and was spiritually reborn.

Everything in my life has slowly started to change. I have participated in some of the Earth Shakers’ events: “Talaba Learning Center Drive”, where kids in the Talaba area were taught about the value of being Honest and were given some vitamins, food and books; “Solving the People Puzzle”, wherein we get to know our God-given personalities and explored the value of one another and understand each other; “One with the Little Ones”, the 1st year anniversary celebration of Earth Shakers, wherein kids in the orphanage were given a walk-through of the New Testament, were shared with love and were given food and toys. Through all these events, I have experienced life-changing moments. I got to know that there are people who are serving the Lord without expecting anything in exchange. I get to value myself and understand my personality, and the people around me. I was able to share my time and love with the orphan kids that I have never imagined possible. This is just to show that everything is possible with God.

I was introduced to their church the Christian Agape Fellowship or CAFÉ, and I started attending their Bible study meetings also known as their “Care Group”. Coined as “Care Group” because they not only teach you what God says through the Bible but they are also concern about your welfare, in other words, they care about you.

Through the “Care Group” and Sunday Worships, God let me know and understand His teachings, His personality; of how forgiving He is, of how He can save me and of how everything is possible with Him. Without God’s guidance and blessings, a lot of events in my life would have been impossible to happen. Take for example my thesis and my removal exam. I never thought I would be able to finish my thesis on time or even be able to do it but because of continuous prayer to God to help me about it, He sent people to help me and He gave me wisdom to do it. I would have never presented to God my worries if the people in CAFÉ had not taught me of how strong a sincere prayer is. And as what it is said in Matthew 11:28, “Come all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I failed my removal exam and was supposed to take the subject once again last summer. I was so disappointed because I had always prayed to Him to let me pass that exam; I felt hatred towards God and thought how unjust He was. But after a few minutes, I prayed to God and said sorry for feeling hatred and prayed to Him that whatever His will is, let it be done.

A few days later, I was given another chance by my professor to pass the subject. I took another exam and finally passed it and graduated. I then learned from one of our Care Group meetings that I should trust God in everything: that whatever happens to me, whether bad or good, is God’s plan. Ever since, I have kept in mind that everything that happens to me is God's will and I have always prayed that whatever His will or plan is, let it happen.

Believe me or not, it was through the talk of Atty. Marc Castrodes on that 1st year anniversary celebration of Earth Shakers that God answered my daily question to Him: Should I undergo another Baptism ceremony even though I was already baptized while I was a baby and even though I am accepting Him as my Lord and Savior. God made me realized that when I was baptized when I was a baby, it was not me who decided for that but my parents.

Being baptized again would be my own formal public declaration of myself accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior and undergoing Baptism while being fully aware of what’s happening is, in my opinion, a fulfilling event. And so on October 26, 2008, I was formally spiritually born again.

Because of all these events in my life with the help of Earth Shakers and CAFÉ, I can say that I am being drawn more and more closely to God, that He is working on me and is shaping me in the way He wants me to be, and that I am now living a fulfilled life. Praise God for sending me these people in Earth Shakers and CAFÉ family!”

Catalysts: Difference Makers of the 21st Century

“If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2Timothy 2:21)

What can a sophomore Journalist Student, a sophomore Bible School Student, a senior Therapy Student and a Call Center Agent do to make a difference in our world today? Well, about a year ago, these four young ladies met with a pastor in Seattle's Best Trinoma and together, they sought God's direction in starting a youth organization with the intent of making a difference among their circle of influence.

By God's help and empowerment, the Earth Shakers youth organization was established.

F.F.F. Camp (Fresh Air, Freeze with Friends & Free of Stress) was launched on October 27-28, 2007 at the Caliraya Re-creation Center with about 40 youths joining. Pastor Jonathan Lim shared his life story how he used to have what the world offered: wealth, women and worldly pleasures. One day, he lost everything, including the life of his brother, who was murdered one evening in his very own internet cafe. He moved from riches to rags and finally encountered Christ personally and found the real meaning and happiness in life.

Bond with Christmas 007 was a unique Christmas Party where about 40 youths were gathered December 8, 2007 in Montgomery Place. Atty. Raineer Chu shared how his organization, the Mission Ministries Philippines is making a difference among the urban poor of Metro Manila through projects like digging of deep wells, forming cooperatives to sell cheap medicines, planting vegetation for livelihood and so much more.

Talaba Learning Center (TLC) Drive was organized March 1, 2008 to help about 60 pre-school kids, who are children of poor fishermen off the coastal area in Cavite. The organization raised funds to provide them school supplies, vitamins and books. A team of about 15 youths presented a play "The Boy who Cried Wolf" with the intent of building the character of honesty among these kids.

The Solving the People Puzzle (SPP) Camp was held April 26-27, 2008 in Rizal Recreation Center. About 30 youths joined the overnight seminar to discover their God-given personalities and interacted to appreciate their personal strengths and weaknesses. They were challenged to open their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, who longed to live in and through them to help them maximize their personality and adjust with other personalities.

The Simple Life (TSL) Montalban Outreach was held last August 30-31, 2008 where about 15 youths lived overnight in a government established resettlement area of poor squatters of Metro Manila. The organization partnered with the Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ) and raised funds for Mission Ministries Philippines' (MMP) deep well project. The organization visited houses and gave packs of rice and shared a message of love and hope through “Evangecube”. The film "Rebound" was shown to the community where about 150 persons came to watch how a true to life story of a drug addict basketball star turned prisoner was transformed through an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. He eventually was released from prison and he dedicated his life to help save some youths in the community who were falling into the same trap that destroyed his life.

One with the Little Ones was the celebration of the Earth Shakers First Year Anniversary last October 18, 2008 with the orphans at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Quezon City. RSCC houses about 70 kids, coming from all over the Philippines. Atty. Marc Castrodes challenged about 50 youths to be a "Difference Makers" in our world today. He spoke about how the life of Joseph and Daniel made a difference in their world and even gave examples of certain Filipinos today who are making a difference in society. The organization also played games with the kids, provided them Jolibee meal and bonded with them. With the help of generous individuals and a church, a brand new washing machine was given to RSCC and packs of rice, milk, vitamins, toys and clothes were given to the kids.

One year passed by so quickly and we rejoice and are amazed beyond words at how the Lord could use ordinary individuals in making a difference in the world today. We eagerly hope that God would continue to bless and expand Earth Shakers in shaking the earth & making a difference for His glory and honor!

One with the Little Ones

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5)

When babies turn one year old, parents invite family, relatives, loved ones, friends and guests to proudly celebrate the wonders of life through their child’s special day!

Last October 26, 2008, Earth Shakers as an organization turned one year old and celebrated its 1st Year Anniversary! What better way to commemorate this momentous event than to be with the underprivileged kids in our society. The Philippine Government’s Department of Social, Welfare and Development (DSWD) established the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) as a half-way house and national center for kids who are orphaned, maltreated, abused, exploited and abandoned. Of the seventy (70) children housed in RSCC, coming from all over the Philippines, twenty (20) of them are babies below six (6) months old. Sooner or later, the hope is for each of these children would be adopted by parents who would commit to love and care for them. In the meantime, RSCC takes care of these kids, with majority of them ranging between 2-6 years old.

About sixty (60) young professionals and college students joined Earth Shakers’ One with the Little Ones at the RSCC (located at the back of SM North EDSA in Quezon City). Atty. Marc Castrodes, MTRCB Vice Chairman and a commissioner of the National Youth Commission challenged the group to become “Catalysts: Difference Makers of the 21st Century”! With the current global financial crisis and with the rock bottom and widespread poverty in our country, the Philippines need a new generation of men and women with character, skills and conviction who will rise up to shake the earth and make a difference!

In Earth Shakers’ fund-raising efforts, hearts were touched and shaken to make a difference to the RSCC kids! One generous sponsor donated funds to purchase a washing machine. A church bought lots of goods for the center … 2 sacks of 50-kg rice, 20 boxes of milk, 12 bottles of vitamin C syrup and 12 bottles of alcohol. Others gave toys, clothes, towels and Jollibee meal for the enjoyment of the children of RSCC!

One day is not enough to permanently change the lives of these kids but one thing is for certain, these kids permanently changed the lives of the Earth Shakers who joined this event. For that, we praise God for using these kids to remind Earth Shakers of the value of family, love, blessings and life!

Equipped to Impact!

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Who could ever expect a large Manila crowd to attend two full days of seminar on very busy and hectic weekdays from 7am to 5pm?

Last September 4 - 5, 2008 (Thursday & Friday), WorldTeach Ministries Philippines held its first ever Metro Manila wide National Convention, “Equipped to Impact”. Just few days before the event, less than 30 persons have registered. Holding on to God’s Sovereignty and grace, the WorldTeach staffs continued to pray hard, work hard and trust God to work out His perfect will.

Amazingly, 353 delegates attended the first day and 389 delegates attended the second day! (There were delegates who came as far as Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro)! We were awed beyond words at what God has done! Teachers training was held on September 6, 2008 (Saturday) and about 120 delegates attended!

Rev. Gil Balignasay and Rev. Neil Ty co-taught “Walk thru the New Testament” Seminar that was attended by 45 persons. 23 of them came back on Saturday for the teachers training!

The Lord blessed us with powerful plenary speakers:

Dr. Andrew Liuson
“Fulfilling Our Mandate to Equip”

Rev. Jun Escosar
“Living an Impact-Driven Life”

Other break out seminars that were offered are as follows:

Peace and Reconciliation
Dann Pantoja

Teaching by the Book
Dr. Edwin Perona

Becoming a Romans 12 Christian
Rev. Philip Tarroja

Effective Workplace Ministry
BJ Sebastian

Love, Sex & Lasting Relationships
Wawa Ponce

To Have and To Hold
Atty. Winnie & Maloi Salumbides

Effective Parenting in a Defective World
Rev. Clem Guillermo

Walk Thru the Old Testament
Rev. Don Espina & Rev. Philip Tarroja

Two full days has swept by so fast and the impact that God has stamped on each one of us is still beating vibrantly here in our hearts!

Do help us intercede for the 120 persons who were equipped to teach the various courses in their respective churches, organizations and communities. We anticipate that God will empower and use them mightily to impact more people in Metro Manila and beyond!

Truly, God deserves the highest and solitary praise, honor, adoration and glory as He has Equipped us to Impact!

The Simple Life

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed
me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’" (Matthew 25:35-36)

Many of us are blessed to be born among families with decent shelter, clean water and enough food on the table for every meal. However, have you ever imagined yourself born to a family living in the poor slums of Manila? What if you were in their shoes? If given a chance, would you like to experience living among the poor?

Earth Shakers (ES) in partnership with Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ) will hold a Missions Outreach entitled "The Simple Life" on August 30-31, 2008 (two days, overnight stay) in Montalban, Rizal. We are gathering about fifteen (15) youth to live among the poor community of Jovil, Montalban. Most of the inhabitants of this garbage dumpsite area are composed of relocated families, who used to live in the slums from all over Metro Manila.

Earth Shakers organized this event in cooperation with Christ's Servants Community Church (CSCC), an urban poor church, planted by Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP). One of the biggest needs of the community is clean, potable water, knowing that there are tons and tons of garbage surrounding them. CSCC is embarking on digging a deep well and installing a water filter that can be used for the community. ES will be partially assisting in raising funds for this project.

The ES and CAFÉ members aim to be of service to CSCC and to the community at large. Some of
the programs the group are planning to be involved in are as follows: feeding program for the
community, prayer walk, house to house visitation, distribution of packages of rice and canned goods, sharing of "Evangecube" (evangelistic tool) house to house, evangelistic film showing of
"Rebound" in the evening among the youth in the community, training their church and youth leaders to follow-up new believers, joining CSCC Sunday Church Worship and distribute
second hand clothing and old but usable stuffs to believers.

ES is raising a total amount of P35,000 for the entire project.

Project Cost Breakdown:
[1] Deep Well & Water Filter Donation, P20k;
[2] Food, Lodging, Electricity, Transportation of Te am, P10k (P670/person);
[3] Donation of Rice & Canned Goods to Community, P5k

We invite you to partner with us by becoming a:
(1) Prayer Partner (Pray for our preparations and the actual event),
(2) Team Member (Join the missions team), &
(3) Sponsoring Partner (Help raise funds or donate any amount God lays in your heart
or donate used clothing and old but usable stuffs).

For any further inquiries and details of the Montalban Missions Outreach Project, please contact Melody Lim (Project Adviser) at +63922-2034649.

M/V Princess of the Stars

⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2Corinthians 5:9-10)

Last March 18, 2008, my family (Aileen, Hannah and I) together with our house helper Julie, traveled to Cebu via Sulpicio Line's M/V Princess of the Stars. Our trip to Cebu was a double celebration: Aileen's papa Jotham's birthday and Aileen's grandmother's 80th birthday.

We stayed comfortably in Lilac Suite. It was the first time for my daughter Hannah to ride a ship and with such a huge ship at that! We had to climb up about 50 steps high to be able to reach the entrance to the lobby of the ship. From the lobby, we had to climb up about 10 more steps and walk through about 20 meters to reach our Lilac Suite.

We had a very comfortable ride and were treated very nicely by the crew, staff and guard of the ship. Just one call from our cabin to the receptionist, a staff would come by our room to render services that we needed with a warm smile and quick delivery. We went back to Manila also via the same ship (M/V Princess of the Stars) last March 26, 2008.

We were surprised, shocked and saddened by the news that M/V Princess of the Stars overturned and sank last June 21, `08 when it collided with Typhoon Frank! Satellite has shown that the ship hit the eye of the storm at about 11:30am Saturday morning.

Two days before the ship sank, our helper Julie requested for our permission to allow her to go back to her hometown in Bantayan Island to attend the funeral of her uncle. She was planning to ride Sulpicio's MV Princess of the Stars (in the same trip that sank) but decided not to push through after hearing the amount of the fare (Php 1,400 one way, economy).

According to news, about 850 persons died (including 31 children and 20 infants). In the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on what transpired and have been imagining ... what if the tragedy happened during my family's trip to Cebu? What can I do or what would have I done if I hear the captain announce, "Abandon ship"? How will I protect my family and even myself from this great calamity?

The Lord granted me a few realizations: 1) Life is uncertain and unpredictable, 2) Life without God is meaningless and direction-less, 3) Life beckons us to save souls while we have the opportunity and chance (not just when tragedy strikes), 4) Life is a gift and we will one day return the gift back to God with proper accountability of how we have lived our lives, and 5) Life doesn't end in tragedy or death but continues on with the legacy we leave behind.

As the lyrics of one of my favorite song says,

Only one life

So soon it will pass,

Only what's done

For Christ will last,

Only one chance

To do His will,

So give to Jesus

All your days,

It's the only life that pays,

When you recall...

You have but one life.

May we live each day of our lives as if it were the last. May we live each breath of our lives, in and out of deep love for our Breath-Giver. May we live each moment of our lives, to fulfill our mission on earth and save as many souls into heaven. May we live each of our heartbeats to bring glory and pleasure to the heart of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!

Six Years of Brewing Passion

“… On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." - JESUS (Matthew16:18)

One evening of January 2001, I could not sleep and I decided to spend time with the Lord in prayer. Then, God impressed upon my heart three (3) passages of Scripture ... God's Call to Abraham, God's Call to Moses and God's Call to Joshua. I readily turned to those Bible verses...

God's Call to Abraham

"The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.' " (Genesis 12:1)

As I meditated upon this verse, I told God that it was hard to be in the shoes of Abraham caused He told him to "... leave ... go ... I will show..." I told God that normally, servants of God in our time first wait upon God to show, before leaving a ministry field and then going to where God is showing them. Yet, God told Abraham to leave first, then go no where and then He will show. The more I pondered upon God's call to Abraham, I sensed God was telling me to leave my comfort zone. It was tough for me to leave my home church QCEC, where I spent the past sixteen (16) years and also my other ministry in FCL and much more my director and mentor, Dr. Whelchel, who has been my discipler, confidant and friend. Yet, I had to obey God.

God's Call to Moses

"The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey...' " (Exodus 3:7-8)

For the month of September 2001, I spent time with the Lord in prayer and fasting, seeking for God's direction. As the Lord impressed upon my heart God's call to Moses, I asked God to show me what's the crying need out there that He sees and hears. I asked God to reveal to me what breaks His heart and what He wanted me to do. The Lord touched my heart to the need to reaching out to graduating students of Christian schools entering different colleges and universities. As I did an initial survey among Chinese Christian High Schools, I found out that there are at least about 1,000 graduates yearly in Metro Manila alone. However, less than half becomes a part of a Christian church after they leave the Christian school. God has shown me that about 10 years of investment among these students may be wasted if no one will follow them up. God wanted me to bring the church to the Universities.

God's Call to Joshua

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them." (Joshua 1:6)

On May of 2002, Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ), DLSU Chapter was formed, with about thirty (30) students gathering at Kenny Rogers in Taft Ave. Soon, CAFÉ UST, CAFÉ AdMU and CAFÉ MIT was formed. I would spend one whole day in one university and spend time leading Bible studies among college students. November of 2003, CAFÉ UP was also formed.

On May 1, 2005, a small group of college students were baptized in the Christian faith and formed the core of the church family, the Christian Agape Fellowship. Last October 2007, some passionate members of CAFÉ formed the Earth Shakers with the thrust of bridging a gap between the society and the church and aim to make a difference among our circles of influence. On May of 2008, CAFÉ celebrated our sixth (6th) year church anniversary. We dedicate ourselves and hope the Lord continue to use us for His glory and honor in expanding His kingdom and in fulfilling His Great Commission by brewing Passionate Disciples among Today's Youth! ❄

Solving the People Puzzle

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . ." (Psalm 139:14)

Earth Shakers (ES) was launched (Oct 2007) with the intent of making a difference among our circle of influence for Jesus.

Last April 26-27, 2008, twenty-nine (29) persons joined the "Solving the People Puzzle" (SPP) Camp at the Rizal Re-creation Center (Rizal, Laguna). 13 campers are CAFÉ members, while 12 campers are invites of ES members.

Through the compact overnight camp, we were able to ...

• Travel seven (7) hours (Manila to Laguna back & forth)
  
• Learn the three (3) sessions of understanding, appreciating & working with the four different personalities (DISC); Neil Ty & Kats Tan taught the SPP seminar
• Discover our physical skills & Stretch ourselves to the limit through the rough, tough & challenging Obstacle Course
• Discuss & Share "Life Issues" in Care Groups
• Hang-out & Chat with new friends at the bonfire
• Chew Up three (3) buffet, eat-all-you-can meals
• Slide through & Play basketball game on the swimming pool
• Spend our free time ... playing the super-sized chess match, climbing up the tree house, playing in the sandy beach volleyball, shooting hoops in the basketball court, passing & flying the freeze-bee on the huge green field and taking countless of pictures!

How were we able to do all of these? By the grace, strength & protection of our great God alone! We deeply praise Him for touching the hearts of the campers. We discovered that the only way we can develop versatility & build stronger relationships with other people (in spite of differences in personalities) is by opening up our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and allow Him to live His life in and through us! (see Philippians 2:5-11) Praise be to God, eight (8) persons have indicated that through the camp, they received Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior! We give God all glory & honor that we could take part in God's kingdom expansion in our little way!

End Note:

The next Earth Shakers event is building homes in Pasay City through the Habitat for Humanity on June 28, 2008. If you are interested in joining or supporting ES events & projects, do contact ES President Aimeeh Lim at 09178968125 or ES Adviser Neil Ty at 09154835974.

Marriage Arranged by Heaven

"... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Aileen and I met each other for the first time about eight (8) years ago in an unusual and unique circumstance most probably by God's divine providence. As Quezon City Evangelical Church's (QCEC) Youth Pastor back then, I was busily preparing for the annual Youth Winter Conference. That year's theme was probably designed and orchestrated by God just for Aileen and me. "M.i. 2000" or "Mission impossible 2000: Finding the Love of Your Life".

Aileen was invited to join the camp just the night before we left for Baguio City by one of the camp's sponsors. Through the camp, God wonderfully arranged the two of us to finally find the love of our lives!

Interestingly, Aileen's grandmother and my grandmother were schoolmates in Yiok Tek Girls Christian School in Fujian, China. When my parents got married about 37 years ago, my parents had their honeymoon in Cebu City (about 450 km Southeast of Manila). They were warmly taken cared of by Aileen's grandmother's family. (I sometimes joke that I was probably "Made in Cebu").

Aileen was working as an Occupational Therapist in Metropolitan Hospital in Manila way back in 2000 when we first met. She was born and grew up in Cebu. On the other hand, I was serving the Lord as a full-time pastor in Manila. People may wonder, what does a pastor and a therapist have in common? Aileen was actively involved in treating the physically sick and handicapped, while I was actively involved in treating the spiritually sick and handicapped. However, in reality, we were threading on two different paths in life and the camp was our crossroad and God beautifully crafted our paths to intersect and move on as one.

Last April 10, 2008, Aileen and I celebrated our third (3rd) year wedding anniversary. This year was extra special because of the presence of our daughter Hannah in our lives. We give thanks to God for His amazing goodness and grace to us as a family. Do pray for us that our marriage and family be a resemblance of God's unconditional love. We thank you for your partneship with us as we continue to aim for God's kingdom expansion and live for God's glory and honor!

A Milestone Year

"Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

2008 is a milestone year in my Full-Time service to the Lord. This year marks my tenth (10th) year in ministry after graduation from the International School of Theology (ISOT) - Asia. For the past ten years, I praise God for granting me many opportunities to serve Him in various ministries.

From 1998 to 2001 (3 years), God led me to serve Him through the Foundations for Christian Leadership (FCL) as International Coordinator. FCL is the extension arm of ISOT-Asia, where we provided short-term, non-formal pastoral leadership training for rural pastors with little or no Bible School background all over the Philippines and in some Asian countries (e.g., Myanmar and Nepal).

Simultaneously from 1998 to 2001 (3 years), God guided me to serve Him as Youth Pastor of Quezon City Evangelical Church (QCEC). The Lord opened up doors for some international students of ISOT-Asia (e.g. India, Turkey, Nepal & Myanmar) to help me serve through discipleship ministry among QCEC Youths. Many of the Youths eventually became QCEC church leaders (e.g. deacons, board of trustees).

From 2000 up to the present (8 years), God graciously opened up a way for me to serve Him as Board Treasurer of WorldTeach Ministries Philippines. We have seen how the Lord blessed different cities of the Philippines with Life-Changing seminars.

Last but not the least, from 2002 up to the present (6 years), God led me to serve Him as Senior Pastor of Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ). We started off few years back with evangelism and discipleship ministry among students of different universities (e.g. Ateneo, La Salle, UST, Mapua & UP). Eventually, the Lord led some students to be baptized and became part of the CAFÉ Church. Currently, CAFÉ church members are composed of Young Professionals and some college students.

Last month, the Lord opened up a new avenue for me to get further training. I went through a rigorous application process and praise God, was accepted to be a student of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) in Dallas, Texas, USA with the degree program Masters of Sacred Theology (STM). As a family, Lord willing, we plan to travel together next year (2009) to pursue this degree for one and a half (1 1/2) year and if the Lord permits, I may continue with Ph. D. in New Testament studies after completion of the STM program for another four (4) years.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to trust Him anew for the next phase of our ministry and family life. We are excited to see Him work in us through this theological training in DTS Dallas USA next year. Do pray for us that the Lord grant us prayer partners and ministry partners who will invest in us for the further expansion of God's Kingdom. We hope that after the DTS training, the Lord will use us for the next 10~20 years of our ministry life as a family. We invite you to prayerfully consider becoming our prayer partner or ministry partner. Do let us know if the Lord touches your heart.

Shaking the Earth in 2008

“I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord Almighty. (Haggai 2:7)

Earth Shakers (ES) had a Membership Meeting last January 27, 2008 at the Burger King in Welcome Rotonda, attended by 24 Youths with the intent of planning for the activities for the first half of 2008.

Anna Crestelle Pedrosa (ES Secretary) gave a presentation of the organization's past events for 2007. Aimeeh Lim (ES President) reminded the group of the ES Vision & Mission Statement. Melody Yu (ES Treasurer) showed the members the proposed activities for the year 2008. Three Work Groups were formed, each led by an ES Officer as Project Heads and assisted by Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ) Pastors as Group Advisers.

Melody Yu is the Project Head of the Community Outreach, which will be held among kids of poor fishermen in Talaba, Cavite on March 1, 2008. This is in partnership with Talaba Kiddy Learning Center and Talaba Community Church, which were established by Mission Ministries Philippines. Earth Shakers will be presenting a skit "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" with the goal of teaching these kids the value of Honesty. ES Members will help raise funds to give the kids school supplies and some gift items.

Kathryn Ann Tan (ES Public Relations Officer) is the Project Head for the "Solving the People Puzzle" Camp to be held at the Rizal Recreation Center on April 26-27, 2008. The goal is to help youths discover their God-given personality and appreciate and understand the strengths and weaknesses of other people's personalities. "Solving the People Puzzle" is a seminar material of the WorldTeach Ministries Philippines.

Crest Pedrosa is the Project Head of the Habitat for Humanity building project. The goal of this event is to assist in building homes for the homeless and this will be held on June 29, 2008.

Other Events of the Earth Shakers for the second part of 2008 are as follows:

Sports Tournament (August 08)

Earth Shakers Anniversary (October 08)

Orphanage Visit (December 08)

We hope and pray that Earth Shakers as an Organization will truly "Shake the Earth! Make a Difference!" in 2008.

Vision
We, Earth Shakers, are a New Breed of Youth that makes a long and lasting Impact in our Society for Jesus.

Mission
Earth Shakers exist as a movement of ...
Values Formation
Character Transformation
National Reformation

Purpose
To shake our circle of influence by making an indelible mark in their lives & influencing them towards re-shaping a reformed earth.

Core Values
We aim: to add value to the lives of our members.
We aim: to add character to the lives of our members.
We aim: to help our members become influencers to their circle of friends.

Earth Shakers is a Ministry of CAFÉ.

Brewing Passion @ CAFE

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
(Mark 12:30)

Eight months ago, the Christian Agape Fellowship (CAFÉ) celebrated its 5th Year Church Anniversary at the Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain in Antipolo, Rizal. We have not much to celebrate numerically. Yet, we went on our knees and sought for God's hand to be upon us as a church. We recognized that even if we work hard in “planting” seeds of God's Word through evangelism and “watering” God's people through discipleship, it's not enough. Unless God causes the growth, all our efforts amount to nothing.

Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7) From July to September 2007, we took steps of faith in doing witnessing blitz in the UST area. By October 2007, the Lord opened a new door of ministry through the launching of the Earth Shakers organization. Earth Shakers is not a church, nor a fellowship, nor a Christian organization. Instead, Earth Shakers is a Youth Organization, run and led by passionate followers of Jesus Christ with the intent of bridging the gap between the world and the church.

From October to December 2007, the Lord opened up a way for about 50 persons to be exposed to the gospel and about 20 of whom prayed to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. About 10 of them have visited CAFÉ Church and 5 persons are now involved in Care Groups or Discipleship Groups. We praise the Lord for opening a gateway for Earth Shakers to be an instrument for the expansion of His kingdom.

Last December 2007, the CAFÉ Church Council had a leadership retreat and sought for God's vision for 2008 and beyond. We watched together Bill Hybel's "A Vision to Die for" (Global Leadership Summit 2007). The Lord moved our hearts as church leaders to go through the "process" of discovering and embracing together God's vision & mission for CAFÉ. Here is the outcome …

Christian Agape Fellowship ( C A F É )

"Brewing Passionate Disciples of Christ One Person at a Time"

Vision:

We are a church that produces Passionate Disciples of Christ that together fulfills Christ's Great Commandment and Great Commission.

Mission:

We, as a Spiritual Family, Commit to ...

1. Pursue Jesus Daily in His Word

2. Pray to Jesus with Full Dependency

3. Please Jesus with Total Obedience

4. Proclaim Jesus Intentionally to Others

5. Persevere for Jesus even in Tough Times

Core Values:

* Our calling is to make Christ's disciples among our circle of influence.

* Our calling is to bring Christ's church into the community.

* Our calling is to raise-up Passionate Disciples in fulfilling Christ's Great Commandment & Great Commission.

* Our calling is to gather our disciples as a family to worship God.

As a church, we continue to depend upon the Lord of the Harvest to open up more doors for His kingdom expansion. Please help us ask Him to open our spiritual eyes to see that the harvest is plentiful. We humbly ask Him to guide us in gathering His harvest and "brew" them one person at a time to be passionate disciples of Christ in fulfillment of His Great Commandment and His Great Commission for His glory and honor!