Dana was late in her class this morning.

All her school supplies needed for that day were all in her bag. We were ready to go to school when she was asking about her ID and neck tie. We realized she didn't wear her ID and neck tie yet, so went to a certain place in our house where we usually hang it. But it wasn't there. 

We spent almost 30 minutes searching for her most "treasured items." I explained to her that it's okay to come to class without the school ID and neck tie. I will just explain to her teacher that we misplaced them. She was crying. I understood what she was feeling but can't help locate where we put it. It's our norm to always put them in her bag after school. 

Anyway, we don't want her to miss her class just because of the ID and necktie. So, I still encouraged her to enter the car and drove him to school. On our way, she was telling me that her classmates sometimes don't wear IDs because they forget to. So I told her, "Yes, Dana, entering your class today is more important than searching for the ID or neck tie. You cannot replace education with something else. We can still buy a neck tie or even have a new ID but when you don't enter your class, you will miss learning lessons that will prepare you for life."

"Can we still locate my ID and neck tie?", she further asked. "We will do our best, Anak." For now, you enter the class and I'll explain it to your teacher. 

From our car, Dana asked me to hug and carry her. So I did. As soon as we arrived to her classroom, Immediately her teacher approached us and so I explained what just happened to Dana a few minutes ago. Her classmates came closer to her, with the countenance of comforting her. Some of them even expressed that they forget their IDs or necktie sometimes, too, their way of comforting Dana. And...about three of her classmates didn't have neckties too. I told them to pray that we will be able to find them soon. So after a few minutes of helping her settle in the class, I kissed and hugged her goodbye for my next appointments. 

While in the car, I received a text message from Divine. The neck tie and the ID were left under the throw pillows in our sofa. 

Well, this is life. But I'm sure Dana has her lessons learned beyond her classroom, preparing her for life. We parents have our daily lessons too. 

Book-Reading-Marathon

Every year, for almost 7 years already, Divine and I go to SMX for the Grand Book Sale. You can have a lot of good books to choose from a variety of participating bookstores nationwide. 

This is what we are looking forward to every year which adds appetite to our love for reading and learning. We are excited to read all of these and hope to glean insights for practical life 's application. 

It is always said, "Nothing is learned until it is applied."

So during the Tropical Storm Mario that brought floods in our area, our best option was to stay in our house and had our book-reading-marathon. 

Thank God for times like this where we can simply pause and ponder as we painstakingly read through the pages of our most treasured books. 

I remember our nursery rhymes during my school days...

The book is our help to give us more widom

Leading the path that leads to success

Book is like a movie that we love to see

Comedy, adventure & love story

We can travel to other places

By air or land or sea

But just don't forget to read the books in the library.

The Gospel Beyond our Borders

In my recent ministry trip to another ASEAN country, I had the privilege of interacting with the university students and see where they are at in their spiritual journey. Despite language barrier and cultural differences, by the grace of God, it's a joy to share His message of love and forgiveness to 23 of them whom, 16 prayed to receive Jesus in their lives as personal Lord and Savior, by faith. Before I go back to Philippines, I met 3 of them for follow up, and transitioned them to the local staff who will continue to journey with them as they multiply in the lives of others. 

Last Monday (Sept 9), I shared the gospel with Junior together with the 5 other students. Last Thurs (12th), he came back for our follow up bible study and he also told me that he shared the gospel (through the Four Spiritual Laws booklet) to 6 of his friends that night of Monday after we met. Please pray that he will be able to follow them up with Lesson 1: Beginning Your New Life in Christ, as he made a commitment to do so. 

              (Jacob: 3rd from left)

Jacob, one of the student leaders in their organization, was assured of his salvation after we met. He also shared the gospel to two of his friends and plan to share to the whole org. Pray that he will have the boldness to share the message of Christ to the whole group. 

What an awesome God we have! Regardless of family religious background, the gospel of Christ is for everyone. 

With my team, in 6 days...

554 were exposed to the gospel. 

88 are being followed up (FU). 

5 have completed FU #3. 

Also exciting are those who prayed to receive Christ last week's stats:

102 personal evangelism

4 have completed FU #1.

Praise the Lord! 

This passages are great reminders of why we are doing what we are called to be doing:

Rom. 10:12-17

For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news." 16 But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" 17 Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ. 

Hebrews  4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) will be fulfilled if everyone has been given a chance to hear the gospel. 

We simply share the gospel by faith. It's the goal of the Holy Spirit to convict their hearts of sin.