June 2012 Prayer Letter

Discover the Language

Today, I challenged 1 Ateneo student to be our Key Volunteer (KV) in this campus. Please pray for positive response by Friday. I have another meeting with two pKVs on Friday. May they respond positively too. As we continue to get to know Ateneo, explored different places/buildings like dormitories and students' meeting places, we were able to share the gospel using "5 words" just to know their spiritual journey. Two of my teammates, asked their cell phone numbers after the gospel presentation but they refused to give their numbers. But after my other two teammates left for another appointment, Jojo & I stayed behind and continued with an informal conversation with them. Then we asked, "From what provinces are you?" They, replied, "Davao", "Pampanga", "Cebu".... More informal discussions followed. Until we asked them of the possibility of gathering all the Cebuano's and Ilonggo's who are staying in the dormitories. We got their numbers too. Hmmm, I think it's helpful to know the 'tribes" of Ateneans that will surely connect to one another and build deeper community in Christ. In tne heat of "English" discussions, discovering who speaks Hiligaynon or Cebuano or Bicolano language brings us to a sense of community that we are coming from one place or culture. My reflection: Discovering the language of Jesus helps us get connected deeper in love with God and with one another for His glory. Go Blue Eagles!

A Unique B-day!

A Blessed Birthday to you..Divina, my palangga (a hiligaynon word for "beloved").

Divina means beloved. She's indeed an expression of God's love - a woman dearly loved by Him even long before he met and loved her.

Her usual b-day celebrations are done with extended families, teammates in the ministry and friends. This year is another unique way of celebrating it with joy in the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. After the church service, we left for SM Sta. Mesa (nearer to our apartment) and went directly to her favorite hair saloon. Well, obviously it's about beauty maintenance. I think, that's the greatest gift that I could offer this year. With the demands of our growing two kids, Dana 3 y.o.and Ardi on his 6th month, you would imagine for sure how challenging the situation is. So, I'm affirmed that I have given her the best gift this year, haha. 

While she was enjoying her own time alone inside the saloon, daddy had his hands on with the two kids - the boy is on the stroller and the girl is holding his other hand- strolling in the mall. After a few minutes, oooops, the boy is crying! He must be hungry! Oh, I needed to feed him. Mommy was not yet done. It's good that we brought her bag that contained Ardi's steamed sayote, hehe.

After an hour or so, we brought Dana to her own "fun activity area" while Ardi was sleeping on his stroller. Then we went our way home.It's a happy, blessed b-day, Divina Gilaga Ganaba!

Last Saturday with GMA Artists

I had a good interaction with the young artists of GMA 7. We talked about Wealth Management. This is part of their Professional Development Module. And there's this open door for PCCC's Artist in Touch Ministry to work closely with the Talent Managers and the Artist Handlers so we can coach these young artists. I personally enjoyed my coaching time with the four gentlemen (product of Star Struck V) who are doing regular shows on Party Pilipinas.

What's next? Let's see. But the goal is, we can have an ongoing Life Coaching with them.

Family Getaway

Walking ABC with Dana

I had a full day today - calling for MPD appointments, sending snail mails and emails to our Ministry Partners and doing Campus Forum preparations on the side. 

I felt the need to take some time to relax and enjoy the nature, so I decided to put on my jogging attire and headed my way to my favorite routes along Banawe and several other streets connected to this well-known area.

"Daddy, sama ako!" , shouted Dana. So, I  immediately helped her wear her own "sports" attire and we both went our way - walking, jogging, walking and later...carrying Dana. Haha! This time, I'm not just working on my 30 minutes cardio but also developing on my biceps and triceps.

These are the ABCs I creatively learned with Dana as we walked together (for sure, as time flies so fast, someday, Divine and I will walk with her in the aisle for her future mate, hehe):

A- Appreciating God's creation. I talked to her that the trees she sees are God's creation so we should thank Him for giving us these trees.

B- Bonding through sharing of any stories as we walked and as she sat on my shoulder.

C- Caring expressed by carrying her and telling her that I love her.

D- Discovering new things along the way. As we walked along N.Roxas street, we discovered that there's a new Dormitory managed by the Sisters of the poor. So, we called the number displayed outside and asked if we can enter and see the place. You might be interested: Tel. Nos: 5597605/09266587363. 

It's good to have a regular time to unwind. No need to go to far places. Just around the corner, there's a lot to discover and learn, especially with your kids. I look forward to walk...jog... and sprint with Ardi, too, someday. Of course, it's more fun to bring the whole family. Let's do it!  

Waiting...

Yes, it's difficult to wait. When I have appointments, waiting for almost 30 minutes or so bothers me a lot.

When I am late, I felt bad and sorry for the persons waiting for me. I'm glad to experience both so that I will all the more understand people and lovingly communicate the truth if needed.

Waiting upon the Lord strikes the most in my life lately. How does it apply to my MPD, minstry, family and in my walk with Him?

The Bible teaches that we must trust God and remain hopeful while we wait. God is good He will never leave us nor forsake us. God is working in our life. The Bible offers comfort and hope when we go through tough times. We must remain in Christ, stand firm and continue to seek His guidance.

Psalm 130:5-6
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

How are you in this area of waiting?