He Said, She Said: "Called to be LIGAYA, 36 years of Fruitfulness!"



From 1975 to 2011: 36 years of Fruitfulness!
Photo courtesy of Aly S. Capote  

 

 HE SAID: by Gary Bogarin

Early this year when we had our day of prayer as a MWG, I found myself reflecting on how God answered my prayers last year when I laid to him my plans and dreams for 2010.

Indeed, God worked mysteriously last year as he delivered my family and I through our most exhilarating experience yet and found ourselves living in our very own house. What I never thought I could provide my family is now a reality! So as I continued our day of prayer, I went through my meditations and asked the Lord for a special favor for this year and the Lord’s words to me were:  “I shall bless you and you will be fruitful, you just need to be faithful”.

I held on to the Lord’s promise to me and I tried hard to live up to my end of the bargain.

Then came April of 2011. Our MWG was tasked to come up with a theme for the 36^th anniversary of Ligaya so our PL asked us to individually pray about it and then, after a week, share our thoughts and reflections to the group. I found myself gravitating towards the Lord’s words for me early this year but, this time with a slight difference. If for me it was “I shall bless you and you will be fruitful, you just need to be faithful” for Ligaya, I sensed the Lord instead telling us “Because of your faithfulness, you shall be fruitful!”

After 36 years of faithfulness to its covenant with God, Ligaya is definitely bearing fruit. But the Lord didn’t just promise Ligaya to bear fruit, His promise is for Ligaya to be abundantly fruitful. So, we must expect even  more!

Personally I experienced Him powerfully during this time of the anniversary because what He promised to me earlier this year in our day of prayer came true. My wife could not even believe it. We never thought that she could get pregnant without the help of fertility pills and acupuncture - just like during her first two pregnancies, because she had polycystic ovaries which made it difficult for her to produce egg cells. But thanks be to God, MM is now on her fourth month of pregnancy!  Truly, fruitfulness from faithfulness!

Indeed, God has blessed me and made me fruitful not because I was faithful but, more so because He is faithful!



MM and Gary with their daughters, Biancci and Maxine



SHE SAID: by MM Bogarin

When I learned that our MWG was put in-charge of the 36^th anniversary, my jaw dropped at the daunting task ahead.  It was close to Holy Week already and only about 2 1/2 months left before the event.  I asked myself, “How do we begin organizing an LNP anniversary?”  Many of us were clueless and overwhelmed at the thought.  So we just waited for our PL’s instructions. 

Our first task as an MWG was to discern the theme of the anniversary.  We met to share our reflections or leadings that we might have had in the past few weeks.  The words fruitfulness and faithfulness came up, and Boots and Kerry mentioned “being called by name.”  We still were not confident with our reflections, so our PLs gave us until the end of the week to listen more to God’s leadings.  We were to have our Lord’s Day that Saturday and decided to collate all our reflections on that day.  Incidentally, it was my sister’s birthday and  I had to tell Boots, my PL, in advance that I would just text to her my reflections since I wouldn’t be able to attend our MWG Lord’s Day.

As I was reflecting on the theme during my prayer time, the words ‘called by name’ struck me most and didn’t leave my thoughts.  It reminded me of how personal God is, how He has “saved me from the pit” several times, and how He knows me inside and out.  His love for me is unique and personal to me, and I claim that I have a relationship with Him that is unique from others’.  Then the words, “I have called you by name and you are mine,” came to me.  There was a sense of peace and awe whenever God speaks, and this was one of those occasions.  Though I could not remember exactly at that time what Bible verse it was, I was confident that those words were God’s leading for me and proceeded to text Boots after my prayer time.

About two weeks later, I found out that I was pregnant with our third child.  I called this my miracle baby because my first two daughters were conceived out of fertility pills, months of acupuncture, and several ultrasounds.  My third pregnancy came as a shocking surprise since I could not conceive easily.  But, this miracle came with a price: it was to be my most difficult first trimester ever.  For the next 2 1/2 months, I had to stay in our house with severe nausea and vomiting.   I would oftentimes just cry as I lay down in bed not knowing how to relieve myself of the difficulty.  I went thru a roller coaster of emotions from self pity to blind faith that one day I would feel better.  I told God,” You’re the only one I can count on for healing.  Without you, I have nothing else to hold on to.” My husband, Gary, was very supportive and diligently looked for the food I would crave for even late at night.  I found solace in texting my family, MWG and other friends in community for prayers.  I was very confident that if many of us would pray with me, God would hear my request.  I would cry whenever I received messages of concern or prayers for me from my family and friends.  I knew that God would hear those prayers too.

By that time, I was already out of touch regarding anniversary updates.  I would only get to know of updates that Boots would send us from time to time.  I then learned that the anniversary theme came to be “Called to be Ligaya, 36 years of fruitfulness.”  We were all in awe at how things fell into place and how the members came together to organize the anniversary.  I was near the end of my first trimester and also about to end my novenas to St. Raymond Nonato and St. Gerard Majella.  They were the saints suggested by my mom and my PL, Boots. On the 9^th day of my novenas, I started feeling better and,  after a long absence from community activities, the anniversary celebration became my first time to be with Ligaya again!.

I was truly filled with joy to see again the faces of the brothers and sisters during the 36^th Ligaya anniversary celebration at Ateneo last July 17, 2011.  Many of them asked how I was doing and even a sister whom I don’t often see from another district told me that she was praying for me.  It was like a homecoming for me, and I was grateful for the energy that I experienced.  When Melmarx was sharing his exhortation on Isaiah 43: 1-2, Boots, my PL, reminded me of the verse, “I have called you by name and you are mine.”  I had already forgotten God’s words to me during the discernment because I became consumed with all my pregnancy difficulties.  I was reminded once again that God is indeed my personal God and He is triumphant as always.  I rejoiced at the thought that He has called me personally to love Him and to be loved by Him.  And my Ligaya brothers and sisters enrich this calling to be faithful and fruitful even in my difficult times.   

I am very grateful to be called in this community that, even with its ups and downs, weaknesses and strengths, I find God’s faithfulness not only in me, but also in each of the lives of my brothers and sisters. 

Here’s to 36 years and beyond!

About the Authors:

Gary is a Marketing Manager for a multinational construction supplier while, MM manages her own business as a fashion designer, dabbling in singing and sketching on the side. They have been married for six (6) years and blessed with two lovely daughters - Biancci, 4 years old, and Maxine, 1 1/2 years old, plus a 4-month old miracle baby on the way.  They both started in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon before they became part of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon in 2005.  Both of them are currently serving in the Pathways Ministry. 

The First 100 Days

By: Mae Ann A. Hilario



The Family CEO, Mae Ann Hilario,
with her loving husband, Cris, and two kids - CJ and Jem.


Date: July 9, 2011

Today marks my 100th day as a full time Family CEO, from the day I finally bid goodbye to the so called corporate world.

It started at the onset of summer... Oh I could vividly remember how I enjoyed embracing my new role! From organizing special family times at home or out of town, taking each of my kids out for exclusive dates (Yes, I go out on a date with them, not just with their dad!), preparing fancy-crazy meals at home, and more. It's all exhausting as I found my schedules busier than ever, but very fulfilling in the truest sense of the word.

My full presence and attention to our household has allowed me to catch each and every learning opportunity of our two preschoolers, CJ and Jem. I remembered during Lent, they watched the original movie version of “The 10 Commandments” for the first time. That gave a lasting imprint and significant leap to our kids' faith. How do I know? Our 4-year old Jem would always remember the parting of the Red Sea and other equally moving scenes, then would say “Wow, what an awesome God we have!” Our 6-year old CJ, on the other hand, had 'theologically inferred' that there are 11 commandments, the eleventh being Jesus' new commandment – love one another as I have loved you.

The learning opportunities of our kids continue on, even through trivial experiences. Last summer, CJ and Jem joined the McDonald's Kiddie Crew Program. They learned not only what work or service is all about, but more importantly, they learned of the joy in working to serve others.

My learning continued to new heights too! Through my day-in-day-out experiences with our kids, I get to understand that --
It is always good to share, without expecting any in return.
It is good to have fleeting memory, like kids. It leaves you with no grudges.
We have a lot of energy, more than we could imagine. Just use it and you'll know!
There is value in patience.
It is very important to have fun :)
To really love is to love unconditionally.

During my 'first 100 days' my husband and I celebrated some milestones – our 9th wedding anniversary, our 38th birthdays, etc. As we see more gray hairs on our head, we continue to dream the dreams that God has planted in our hearts. We take joy when we hear our son telling us that he'd like to be a priest someday -- even when he changes his mind on other days and say “Oh, I want to be an altar brother”, or pretend to be a prayer leader. We continue to be amazed with how our little princess could be so persistent and determined to get what she wants, to please and charm those around her. We delight when our kids would ask and wonder “What does Jesus want me to be?”
And so, my story continues.... confident that at this time of my life, God has called me to 'being' a full-time parent and wife, to fulfill the vocation He has gifted me with nine years ago. The decision to drop a promising career didn't leave us empty-handed, both literally and figuratively. God is so good that two months after my resignation from work, my husband got promoted, with a compensation that covers more than the salary I used to bring in. Indeed, God blesses and takes care of His flock!

Just recently, I received a text message from my husband that says “Mahal, thanks for making the radical decision to become a full time mom. Even if you freak out :)...” Oh yes, I freak out at times! At least, I know that I'm human, that I'm still a work-in-progress. It's comforting enough to know that my husband and my kids love me unconditionally! More comforting to realize that God loves me! Through my imperfections, God's love is magnified all the more.

Tomorrow, my 101th day, and the days after, will continue to be a testament of God's love and faithfulness. There would be rains, strong rains at times.... Yet, with God, there's no reason to worry. There would only be more reasons for us, as a family, to see God's glory... and for us to glorify Him even more!

About the Author: Mae Ann joined the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community right after she got married to Cris in April 2002.  She became a covenanted member in 2005.  She was looking forward to a promising career with a multinational business information company when the Lord called her to become a full-time housewife and mom. On her 10th year with the company, she finally said "yes" to the Lord.  She is now the CEO of the Hilario household and a hands-on mom to two (2) very active Community kids - CJ and Jem.

My Child, My Dedication

By: Rina R. Manuel

LNP Day of Dedication last January 30, 2011

“So now I give him to the LORD. 

For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."

- 1 Samuel 1:28

Marto Francisco, whom we fondly call “Maco,” is our youngest child. Bong and I thought all along that we were already happy and contented with our three (3) children -- Ralf (11 y.o.), Nina (9 y.o.) and Kimi (7 y.o.). They were all in elementary school and we could go around without yaya’s anymore.  Finally, after rearing 3 consecutive children who were born just 2 years apart, it felt like we were free to do more things for our family, our work and our community.  So, it really came as a major surprise to find out that I was pregnant with our fourth child! 

Maco was born exactly one week before I celebrated my 38th birthday in 2010.  Unlike the first three, he came right on the dot on the 37^th week and, this time, the only one via C-section.  He was the smallest among my children at birth, weighing just 6 lbs 1 oz, and, according to his pediatrician, he was at the lower 15^th percentile of babies at birth.  Initially, I felt pity for him, seeing him all so small and fragile. I vowed to take very good care of him for two full months, even if it meant going on leave without pay for some weeks since I didn’t have maternity leave credits anymore (it was already my 5^th pregnancy, having experienced a miscarriage earlier in my marriage).

We also refer to Maco as our million peso baby.  Aside from the more expensive c-section hospitalization cost, we had to buy a 7-seater vehicle (the AUV mentioned by Bong in his sharing about tithing) so that we could all fit in one car on weekends.  We even felt the need to expand the house to accommodate additional rooms for our growing family. 

But more than all of that, I would say that, among our four children, he is quite rather special because he was the only one conceived and born after we became covenanted members of Ligaya in 2009.  Even while I was pregnant with him, they would say that the baby inside my womb would be so blessed, especially after my personal sharing to the entire community during last year’s Lenten Friday recollection.  And we believe he truly is.  For one, his godparents are all brothers and sisters from Ligaya.  We specially chose them to be Maco's second parents, who will help us guide him in his journey with the Lord.  And aside from his very sunny disposition and gracious smiles that make him seem like an angel to us, we know that he is also specially blessed because we had the great opportunity to publicly dedicate him to the Lord in the presence of the entire community last January 30. 

Indeed, Maco is very special to us because of all of these things.  But, so is each one of our three children.  Each of them has his or her own special characteristics and circumstances because they were all uniquely made and given to us by God.  Though we notice some similarities among the four children, they are all uniquely different and beautiful.  They also have their own share of weaknesses but, that’s what makes them strive to become holier children of God.

Thus, on the Day of Dedication at Ateneo last January 30, Bong and I dedicated not only our youngest child, Maco, but, also his older brother and sisters.  We rejoiced for the wonderful gift of children… their unique personalities, talents and abilities… and offered them back to the Lord, entrusting that He would always take care of all them. 

Despite a frightening world obsessed with vanity, riches, power, sex and violence, I am confident and at peace with myself that, by God’s grace, they would turn out alright… that they would grow to be holy sons and daughters, seeking always to know Him and do His will.  Looking back at my youth, I saw how the Lord guided and protected me through all those growing-up years, even with all the evil and dangers surrounding me.  And I know that, with my children, He will do the same.  Though I know that there may be times that they may fall and falter along the way, I have faith that the Lord will always make good come out of difficult situations. 



 Kimi, Nina and Ralf on their bikes



I remembered the time when we were desperately looking for a good school for Ralf, given his ADHD condition (which was just recently diagnosed at that time) and his several failed entrance tests.  The Lord quietly led us to a traditional yet very supportive Catholic school, the one where I spent my primary elementary grades.  Now, he is able to study well on his own, is much-commended by all his teachers for his class standing and behavior, and gets to enjoy friendships in school, just like any other child.  He hopes to study and live in New York some day.

I also remembered the time when Nina got into one of her many accidents -- from a broken index finger trapped by a door to a deep cut in the head after hitting the headboard of her bed. The Lord made her brave enough to withstand the pain and go home with the same sense of adventure as before.  Now, she runs as fast as she could in every race that she joins in, she swims fast, as well, and has started to enjoy biking around the village.  She also loves dogs and horses.  She hopes to be an athlete and veterinarian someday. 

And who would forget the time when Kimi got her earlobe infected by a deeply-embedded earring and needed to be operated on?  The Lord was there to make sure that she wakes up after the operation and be fully healed afterwards without infection.  Now, she swims, runs and bikes, just like her Ate Nina.  She also loves to sing and dance and hopes to learn the keyboards this summer.  Though she still has to tell us what she’d like to be someday, her charm, will-power and clever reasoning could well make her a good lawyer.

 And it is only our children we dedicated last January 30.  On the Day of Dedication, Bong and I also re-dedicated ourselves to the Lord.   As Fr. Herb said, how could we dedicate our children to Him if we don’t dedicate ourselves first?  We surely could not give to our children what we do not have.  So, as suggested by Fr. Herb in his homily, we promised to look deeper into Matthew’s Gospel on the Beatitudes when we do our annual day of prayer with the Lord and planning as a couple, which usually coincides with our wedding anniversary celebration.   Maybe we could share with you the results of our annual planning session with the Lord next time. 

In the meantime, I am filled with great hope for the plans that the Lord has for my four children.  In a world filled with fear, darkness and gloom, the Lord promises to us a life of peace, light and abundance for our children, especially those whom we dedicate to Him. 

Here’s looking forward to another great year with my family and the rest of the community this 2011!

About the Author:

Rina Manuel is married to Bong Manuel. By day, she works full-time as a tax accountant for the biggest corporate taxpayer in the country while, she acts as full-time wife, mother, and tutor at home by night.  On the side, she helped found the Smart Employees Roster of Volunteers for the Eucharist (SERVE) in her workplace and served as its Head Coordinator from 2009-2010.  She is currently serving as editor-in-chief of "The E-vangelist," the official publication of Central District E of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community. 

My Defining Moment: A Post-Advent Reflection

By: Lee Ochoa

It simply amazes me that my collage during the Women’s Retreat 1 held last October 2, 2010 would become a personal illustration of Fr. Dave’s Advent recollection last December 12!

Fr. Dave Concepcion’s talk entitled “Advent Recollection: Defining Moments” was an affirmation that I had followed God’s will when I took the risk of retiring from a very well paying job and be unemployed with almost no savings last March 2010.

Months of discernment and prayers led to that defining moment when I decided in Dec 2009 to retire (extended up to end Feb 2010).  I had prayed for years for two things: (1) that I may learn to be prudent and start saving and, (2) that I lose weight as I was even heavier than my weight while pregnant.  God answered my prayers in a way that I did not expect, but in a most effective way.

Why my first prayer?  I was literally obsessed with shopping for myself and my family, going to an expensive parlor to keep up with the stature of my position, and eating in fancy restaurants while treating friends.  I felt that if I didn’t shop weekly, I would get sick.  I just couldn’t stop spending and my 4 credit cards were busting at the seams.  I was paying interest on them that could pay the salary of 3 full time workers!  In other words, I was spending beyond my means.  My clothes were in the cabinets of my husband and my 5 kids as they couldn’t fit in mine.  I had at least 50 pairs of branded shoes and bags that matched the colors of my clothes and mood. To this day, I have suits that still have their price tags.  I didn’t know how to stop and how to pay off my bills.  My husband was understandably stressed by the situation and by the fact that we didn’t have savings for our retirement.

I changed employers in Jan 2008 because it was a much more lucrative job and offered greater career challenges.  I prayed for discernment before moving jobs and I knew it was God’s will.  Lo and behold, I lasted only 1 year and 2 months as it was not the right environment for me.  I lost 30 pounds (answered prayer #2!) in 6 months and my blood pressure became erratic, from 150/110 to 90/60 the next day.  My face developed acne (kahit menopausal na ako!) and I had to spend a lot for derma treatments and creams.  The income loss resulted in a monthly financial gap in six figures!  The reasons why are not as important as the realizations and blessings that ensued.  If I wasn’t in community, didn’t have the faith and love of my family, I would have either gone crazy or may have committed suicide.

My decision to retire from my job was the best thing that happened to me and my family.  I paid off all my credit cards (although it ate up most of our savings), but for once in my life, I felt financial freedom!  I hardly spend for myself anymore and have lost my obsession for shopping.  I have finally become prudent in spending (answered prayer #1)!  Our children learned to ride public transport and have also cut down on their spending.  Our two elder working daughters started sharing in the monthly expenses.  We have learned to minimize eating out and just cook at home to celebrate special occasions.  Everyone has joined hands in tightening our belts. 

Meanwhile, I rediscovered my passion for cooking and started my food order business.  Recently, I even won 3^rd place in the Ultimate Taste Test 5.0 (UTT 5.0) of Our Awesome Planet held last Nov. 5 with my Hungarian Goulash dish!  Thanks to brothers and sisters in community (both Ligaya and Familia), friends in my former employments, and publicity from my exposure at UTT 5.0, my business is growing slowly but surely.  Our house help and driver are also benefitting as I am able to give them more income now than when I had a steady job since I give them a percentage of my profit on top of their monthly salary.  Even community is benefitting as I give bigger tithes now (even with lower income)!  I have more time for service in FAMILIA as head of the Matured Women’s Ministry and assisting Jobert as Central Area Head, service in Ligaya as new PL, and in the Home for the Elderly with Jean Eustaquio.  I, likewise, have more time for service to my family by doing the errands and grocery/market chores that I failed to do before when I still had a job.

Fr. Dave’s Advent Recollection put my life in perspective and encapsulated the transformation that had occurred in my life and in my family’s life because of my defining moment.  I am happy that I took a leap of faith.  I still have a long way to go in being the daughter that God wants me to be but, I am glad that I started the journey, that I allowed my defining moment -- my difficult moments, to give me “the opportunity to stop, think and make needed changes” in my life.  I took action and seized the new opportunity to turn my and my family’s life around as a result of my defining moment.  As a result, I know that I have become a better person.

To God be the glory always.

About the Author:

Lee was introduced to the renewal through Couples for Christ (CFC) in 1991 and has been with Familia for 17 years. She entered the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community 7 years ago and became a covenanted member in 2007.  She is married to Jobert for 28 years and their children are Fiona, Dani, Meggie, Cobi and Job.  

A Path to a Renewed Life

By: Cor Marcojos





The Author's parents with Marcojos & Agoo families - all from CDE!
From L-R: Melmarx, Cor, River, Rain & Rock Marcojos;
Noli (+) & Josie Barredo; Onet & Cathy Agoo 

 It has been almost three years since my father passed away.  We felt the loss but it was my mother, Josie, who suffered the most.  We know that losing dad made her lose part of herself, or perhaps, completely.  Most of our loved ones and friends would know that my dad and mom practically did everything together.  During my dad’s wake, my mom tearfully shared how much she will miss doing things with him - going through all family traditions together, attending Marriage Encounter together, writing and giving talks together, eating and watching T.V. together and even doing household chores together.  Yes, the redundancy of the word will tell how much they have spent time TOGETHER.  As mom tried to pick up the pieces, we were aware that we can no longer put them back the way they were (Or, as mom held on to her good memories, we were aware that she can no longer relive them.)  Having been converted to the Lord for years, we, her children, know that there is more to her life than days without purpose and nights without sleep.  With our deep trust and love for God, we knew He still has so much more in store for her.

Lo and behold, there was Pathways. 

Part of me was saying, I am called to bring someone to Pathways but a greater part of me was saying I need to bring my mom to Pathways.  I found it an awkward task to invite her as I was not too sure if she was ready to open herself to practically anything new.  I also didn’t know how I will receive rejection (especially) from her who I knew needed the touch of God the most.  But, her bouts of depression and series of memory lapses made me decide that it was time.  Her grief was so deep that she cried to us all the time and she couldn’t even remember recent significant experiences with us, like a family vacation we had a few months back.  With grace and confidence in the Lord, I invited her to join the very first Pathways meeting of the Central Sector.  Initially, she was hesitant and almost said no.  But, with a little of my prodding and explaining, she finally agreed to attend.  I’m sure she didn’t realize what her saying “yes” meant but, I knew that she did it out of compliance and obedience.

Week after week, my mom faithfully joined the Pathways meetings.  She first attended and finished the ECLS, then, she continued on with the regular meetings.  As expected, she grew in her love for the Lord and even in her love for the brothers and sisters who have been constantly caring for her and her co-members.  From the groping meetings in Lay Force to the more established site in Poveda, my mom never missed a meeting (except for one where she had to attend an important family affair.)  She additionally attends our sector gatherings too.  More than the attendance, I saw how she more and more accepted her circumstance and how much she rediscovered her love for the Lord, solely and purely, but this time WITHOUT dad.  I could see that my mom has become more joyful, her days grace-filled and her life more purposeful.  It’s also funny to note that more and more brothers and sisters come-up to her first to greet her while I wait in line.

Recently, I received several feedbacks about my mom’s inspiring sharing during the last prayer meeting of Pathways for the year.  I was told that she talked about her life after dad passed away, how she came to know Ligaya, and the blessings she received after joining Pathways.  I am so grateful to the Lord!  After attending for more than a year, she is again opening herself and freely sharing her blessings with other people.

The Author's mom, Josie,
in a Pathways meeting. 

I do not claim for myself the work the Lord has done in my mom.  Since she stays in her own home, I and my siblings had to set-up special sleeping and transportation arrangements for her so that she would be able to attend each meeting.  Without the practical help and moral support of my sisters and their husbands, Christine and Patrick, and most of all, Cathy and Onet and my brother Olin, who bring her painstakingly to and from the site every Friday, mom would have not experienced her new life in Christ.  My great gratitude also goes to all Pathways servants who have always been there from the beginning, not only for my mom, but for all the participants.  They may not be aware of it but, they impact the lives of many by the practical and personal service they bring to those they meet. I also honour them for pressing on, especially when Pathways was experiencing its growing pains.

We, who have been in community for years and who may sometimes look at community inwardly, probably see Pathways as a mere venue for recruitment, or, at most, a means of bringing faceless people to the Lord.  With mom’s transformation, God once again reminds us that evangelization is not simply bringing them to Him.  It is actually offering wandering, thirsty and even suffering people a new life – a fullness of life in Christ.  We may never know the magnitude that their conversion brings but, God definitely has a lot in store for them, much more than we can ever imagine!

About the Author:

Cor was renewed through Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon in 1994.  She joined Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon in 1997 and became a covenanted member in 2001. She is  married to Melmarx for 13 years and their children are Rock and Rain (JYA) and River (FOJ).  Cor is currently working part time for the Asian Regional Office of the Sword of the Spirit.  She is now serving as a Senior Woman Leader.  Her siblings, Tin (CDB), Cathy (CDE), Olin (CDD), and her brother-in-laws, Patrick (CDB) and Onet (CDE), are also members of the Community.

An Open Home, An Open Heart

By: Boots Endaya

Every time that Joem and I answer forms that ask, "Are you willing to open your home and host brothers and sisters from the SOS?," we always answer “Yes.” At the back of our minds, we are willing but, we find it to be quite impossible because our house is small.

During the last Asian Regional Youth Workers’ Training Conference in October, Cor Marcojos, my former PL, asked me if our family could do just that -- host a youth worker, and I told her that we just have a small house.  I was so convicted when she said that she is not looking for a family with a big house but, for a family with a big heart.

My worry about not having a big house was converted into a realization about the kind of generosity that the Lord is asking from me and my family.  It was the same conviction that made even our YA children, Gerard and Theresa, realize that the Lord is asking us, not only to share our home, but more importantly, to respond to God’s call with whatever we have. 

We were guided by Ephesians 3:20:

“Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.” 

Opening our home was such a small task that would give glory to our community and to God, not only now but to all generations -- a way to go, especially for Gerard who gave up his room. Only by God’s grace, we were able to stretch, not our house, but moreso our hearts in accommodating two (2) of our SOS brothers. 




At the LNP Center, first row: 
Rommel Abas and Joel Nery
of People of God Community



In the end, it was our  family who was so  blessed by the presence of our brothers - Rommel Abas and Joel Nery from the People of God Community of Cagayan de Oro.  The brothers brought with them so much wisdom and “holiness”, not to mention the joy and fun that we experienced with their presence. 

  



  

“Are we willing to open our home and host brothers and sisters from the SOS?”



Our family will always answer “Yes!” Even if our house is small, the Lord’s grace made our hearts big enough to share with them a place they could call home while they were with Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon.

  

At the LNP Center parking lot, Joem welcomes

the ARYW Training Conference Participants. 

Joel Nery is in blue shirt (second from left).











Tithing: Give More to Receive More

By: Bong Manuel

My wife, Rina, and I came to know about the concept of tithing when we attended our ECLS way back in 2003. We had two kids at that time and Rina was on her way with our third child.  Giving 10% of our gross income versus the rising of cost of raising a family, we were not really sure how we were going to start to tithe.  Our PL told us to just start tithing regularly regardless of the amount. Thus, we started tithing with a nominal amount and just promised to increase our tithe every year.

During the visit of Jean Barbara in November 2009, his message of giving more of our time, talent and resources to the Lord impressed a lot me. In January 2010, we received a tithe pledge form for the first time wherein it suggested three common approaches in tithing:

1. Biblical Tithing - Pledge 10% or more of your gross annual income
2. Proportionate Giving -Start with your expected income next year and pick a percentage that feels right
3. “Radical” Giving - “Shock yourself with your generosity!” Consider a pledge that stretches your resources, demands sacrifices, or pushes beyond what is comfortable and into reassessment of your priorities and your commitments

As we discerned our tithe pledge, we came to realize that, despite the annual increase that we made in our tithe, it was still way off the 10%.  We were just giving proportionately our income for the past 9 years. We felt convicted that we had been scrimping on our tithe despite all the blessings that the Lord had given us. Strike one!

However, when we made our tithe pledge, we still opted for proportionate-giving, justifying that it was now closer to 10% of our gross annual income.

In February 2010, the Lord again reminded us to give more when Jake Yap gave a course on tithing through FC3.  Tithing is giving one-tenth of the best harvest to the Lord.  It is an expression of how much we love the Lord and a manifestation of our complete trust that God will provide for our need.  Again, we felt convicted. Strike two!  After this powerful reminder from the Lord, we finally decided to give the 10% that was due to the Lord.

In May 2010, a significant financial blessing was given by the Lord.  We immediately thought of getting a 7-seater SUV because of the growing needs of the family.  We already had three children and Rina was due to deliver our fourth child that month. We searched around for various vehicle models without even consulting the Lord about the planned purchase. We fell into the trap of self-entitlement. We felt that, with that financial blessing, we actually deserve to have a real nice SUV.  Our wants came in first before our needs. We were close to buying our dream car when God called our attention again. Strike Three!

God simply told us to put Him first in everything that we do or decide on.  From there, we discerned the type of vehicle that God wanted us to buy.  Our only basic requirements for the vehicle purchase would be for it to be a 7-seater and with aircon. In the end, we finally decided to buy a 7-seater basic AUV.  It did not have power windows, power locks, fancy instrumentations, mags and ABS.  We also decided to give the remaining balance of original budget for the SUV purchase to the Lord as our tithe, which, believe it or not, corresponded to a tenth of the financial blessing He gave us!

With that, we learned through tithing that God blesses us more by freeing us from the grips and shackles of the material world.  We now worry less about our finances and trust more His divine providence. We are now more open to sharing our time, talents and resources to others without fear of exhaustion and depletion because we know that God will sustain and replenish us if we just put Him first above all things. 

Tithing is really more like opening the palm of our hands to receive the Lord’s blessings.  If we choose to close and tighten our fists, it would not be possible for us to receive all the good things that He wanted give us.

Had we known the many blessings that accompany tithing, we would have started doing it a long time ago!

A Year Less Ordinary: A West Tower Resident's Reflection

By: Monching dela Cruz





I would like to glorify God who is eternally great and marvelous. He is faithful in His promises. He is mighty in His deeds.
 
At the start of the year, I declared that I wanted to have a regular daily prayer time. Vi’s uncle gifted me with a Prayer Journal, and a community brother gave me a “Prayer Guide” to make the prayer time more structured. I really wanted to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, as I’m jealous of people who can sense and discern God’s messages for them and for others. I have decided that my prayer will no longer be a one-way conversation (with me doing all the talking and pleading). This time, I wanted to hear God more clearly and experience His presence more deeply.
 
It’s not everyday that I can sense Lord’s leading in my life. I still get distracted with the day-to-day worries and preoccupations, and sometimes, sleepiness. But the hopeful expectation of hearing from Him that day is enough to get me to sit up and settle into my daily prayer time. If I don’t hear from Him that day, at least I get to have my daily dose of positive and grateful disposition after reading the Scriptures.
 
There are times when I really felt that the Lord was telling me something – sometimes in the Bible verses that I just read, sometimes during meditation, sometimes during the mass, and even in a retreat. Sometimes the message may not pertain directly to something that I was contemplating about at that particular time. But as I keep it in my heart, the meaning would eventually become clearer in other days and in some other ways. But sometimes, His message would be direct to the point.  
 
At the start of the year, the word “SURRENDER” suddenly popped up from the text that I was reading – just like in the Da Vinci Code movie. I was flabbergasted. I re-read the passage but couldn’t find the word “surrender” in it. I really felt that it was a message from God. And I decided to make that as my “theme” for this year. I was not disheartened. I did not take it as a negative message of “giving up” or “conceding ” as I was not in any kind of battle. I felt good and even excited that I somehow knew that I was going to go through something different this year, something that I need to “surrender” to His plan, His will. Ano kaya eto? As a response, my prayer was John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
 
Looking back, the first part of the year passed without any major twist and turn in my life. Vi and I were enjoying each other’s company. We were doing okay with our career. We have begun our service in the Ligaya ng Panginoon Community in the registration team for our Friday prayer meetings (We have been looking for an evangelization service for some time now). We did not have any major concern. Our wanting to have a baby is still there, but we have decided to take it easy at this time and let God grant us our heart’s desire in His own perfect timing. (Our fervent prayer for my sister to get pregnant has been granted though! Hallelujah!)
 
Then July came, the oil spill in our condominium building shook our life from its ordinary-ness. We were forced to evacuate our building on the night of July 21 (Tuesday night). Vi was alone in Manila (I was still enroute from Singapore ) when she packed up our things as the gas fumes had become very strong. (We knew about the gasoline intrusion into our building for two weeks already, but the smell was contained in our basement. And we thought that it could easily be fixed). It was a blessing that one of our choirmates sent her household help to help Vi pack our clothes, and our pastoral leaders came and picked Vi up and moved her to their place. I went straight from the airport to their house and stayed there for one night.
 
The next day, we asked our cousins if we could stay at their vacant condo for two weeks while the oil leak in our building was being fixed. It has been more than five months, and we’re still staying in my cousins’ condo.
 
At that time, I thanked God that nothing untoward happened to Vi while I was away. I was also thankful that the building did not blow up (as some imaginative minds were speculating), and we were still able to get some essential things out of the condo over the next few days, even if we had to climb 14 floors, up and down, in pitch dark and with very strong noxious smell of gasoline fumes getting into our lungs. I thought that it’s better this way than doing this while the building was on fire. Vi and I are grateful that we still have each other, and we experienced the love and concern of family and friends in this time of crisis. We see this as God’s redirecting us to another direction in our lives. Where will He lead us? We don’t know yet. But we are willing and excited to find out.
 
While these things were happening, I was telling myself that this was just an “oppression” from the Evil One, as we were busy preparing for our Choices Seminar (Life in the Spirit Seminar) Friday that same week. We were really preparing for the harvest that God was planning for our Choices seminar. On that Friday, we had nearly 200 participants who attended the Choices seminar.
 
Worries and anxieties would still creep in once in a while. As the head of my family, it’s my responsibility to make sure that I provide a home for my family.
 
Three days after the incident, this Psalm put my mind at peace: “As the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest to settle her young, My home is by your altars, Lord of host, my king and my God!...Happy are those who find refuge in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrim roads.” After reading that, I shed all my anxiety at that time. I knew that God is on our case. My journal entry read: “My physical home may be in danger, but my spiritual home is firm”.  
 
At that time, I was totally convinced that we would return to our building in two weeks’ time. But the water and the oil continued to flood our basement (with wastewater submerging two levels of the basement at one point!). We were barred from entering our building. The lights and water were cut off. There even was the threat from the City Hall that it would declare our building as “condemned”.
 
A few days before the City Hall’s deadline for us to take water out of our basement (without flushing them into the sewerage system) or risk being declared “condemned”, some of the unit owners decided to hold a prayer outside the abandoned building. We were all anxious at that time (as nobody was helping us out. We still couldn’t find a hauler that could take the water out of our building and the deadline was looming). We prayed hard and loud! We did it outside the building, and we couldn’t care less if people were watching us. We cried to the Lord for help. And He helped us. A day later, we were able to convince the City Hall to extend the deadline for another week. We finally found a DENR-accredited hauler by chance (or should I say, by God’s grace) who was willing to charge us with a lower rate. During that time, I had a vision of angels surrounding West Tower in one of my prayer times. It was yet another reminder the He is taking care of us and the building.
 
But as days went by, doubts and anxieties came back, as the water and oil kept intruding our building. As the hauler was taking water out, the intrusion became much stronger. The unit owners were getting desperate. We were having regular meetings, but only few would attend, and the mood was usually very gloomy. There would be disagreements within the group.
 
But I would be reminded by the Lord in my Scripture readings (Don’t be anxious. Be patient. He is my refuge. Have faith. Don’t cling on to material things. Having nothing, yet possessing everything. He is my God, are just some of the readings). There’s one that stood out in my prayer time, Jeremiah 30:18 – 19: “See! I will restore the tents of Jacob, his dwellings I will pity: City shall be rebuilt upon hill, and palace restored as it was. From them will resound songs of praise, the laughter of happy men. I will make them not few, but many; they will not be tiny, for I will glorify them.”
 
After a month had passed and there’s still no sign that West Tower would be restored, Vi would tell me that we should have a plan B. I would always tell her there’s no need to worry.  But deep inside I was worried. We were looking for a condo to buy, even if it would mean that we would incur more bank debts. I needed to find a permanent place for us soon. We were looking at condos for almost three weekends straight. We were contemplating on some of the units that we saw even if we knew that the place was not quite right for us.
 
But one Sunday, while we were praying inside the church, I suddenly felt that God spoke to me. My heart heard these words (not verbatim though): “Why are you anxious? Why don’t you just enjoy what I’m giving you right now”. I was caught by surprise, and at the same time, felt some tingling inside (I always have this sensation when I’m sure that I got some sensing from God). Right there and then, I decided to stop our house hunting. I even began to enjoy the perks of living in The Fort – like brisk walking in Serendra early in the morning or sometimes, at night.    
 
In early September, I attended a men’s retreat conducted by our community. One of our speakers challenged us to “pick a holy fight”. My curiosity was piqued by that exhortation. I’m not a violent man. But it struck a chord in me. I thought that it may be another message for me - I should have a cause that I should be passionate about. I should not only think of myself and my family. I need to be fruitful for the community.
 
The first thing that came to my mind is our building. At that time, we, the unit owners, already knew that the FPIC pipeline was the culprit of the gasoline leak (even if FPIC was still vehemently denying it). And for the leak to have happened, the ground of Bangkal should already be soaked with gasoline. We vaguely knew that there’s an environmental mess under our community. But I didn’t want to get involved in the situation. I was just happy to stay on the sideline and “support” our leaders in leading the fight. I thought to myself: “I’m already busy with other things in life.” But the retreat jolted me out of my complacency.
 
If you say “yes” to the Lord, He will open the door for you. After the retreat, in one of our regular unit owners’ meetings, the leaders decided to set up a “media team” as our situation was dragging on without any progress, and the government was not interested in our situation, much more help us. FPIC was still denying that the leak came from them, and we had no technical expertise to refute its statements.
 
We needed to raise our profile in the press. So I raised my hand to volunteer. I became more involved in our fight. I realized that this is no longer about West Tower alone. This is about the environment being desecrated by the oil spill. We had night meetings which I didn’t really relish. I started calling up reporters to set up interviews, proactively writing press releases, and sending them to the editors. It was not easy, as there was hardly any news to speak about. The leak has not yet been found. The UP-NIGS was not yet involved. But after some days, the Makati City government decided to establish a Task Force with UP-NIGS as the lead to look into our situation.
 
Days before the declaration by UP-NIGS that the spill was coming from the FPIC leak, this passage came out very clear in my Scripture reading: “Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.” I got a strong sense that our West Tower situation is going to turn for the better. I wrote in my journal that day: “Be prepared for His abundant blessings and His unexpected gifts!”
 
And the tide did turn. The source was pinpointed. The leak was found. The press was now on our case. We found a lawyer who finally decided to take our case. We had a Senate hearing. We filed a case for the environment, and got the temporary restraining order against the pipeline. FPIC was forced to apologize. It is now talking to us. I have also set up a Facebook page called “Save Bangkal” to rally the people of Bangkal and Filipinos in general to be aware of the situation in Bangkal and help push the case of Bangkal in the national arena.
 
But the battle is not yet over. In our fight for justice, there have been some obstacles that are thrown our way. FPIC had decided to divide and conquer. It approached some of the unit owners to offer them money. Some took the money, without care for the environment clean up. There were some dissensions even in our group on whether we should still take the cudgel of the environment, or we should just focus on our compensation. Vi and I are of the belief that we are stewards of God’s creation and we are men for others. We should take the cudgel of the environment and even fight for the right of the people in the community. Should we settle for less, as we don’t know if FPIC has enough money to give all of us. Are we ready for a long battle? Maybe we should be “realistic” and accept whatever will be given us. Are we being greedy for not accepting the initial offers?
 
But we got this verse from one of the readings to remain steadfast: “Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense” (2 John 1:8).   The next day came this verse: “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.” (Luke 18:7 -8).
 
Two weeks have passed since those readings, and I was getting anxious again. FPIC has signed up a clean up firm to do the remediation of the soil in Bangkal. Well and good. But what about us? Some of us (who did not care about the environment) have received some sort of compensation. Why is FPIC dragging its feet in making us a good offer? Two offers were made. And we rejected them both. What now?
 
Last Sunday, during the Advent mass and during our District Gathering, the priest and the speaker talked about “the joy of waiting for the Best”. It was a soothing reminder from God that we should just wait for the best is yet to come.
 
We are holding on to these promises. He never failed us before, He will not fail us now.
 
Many trials have happened in my life this year. They are all good trials, as they made my faith stronger and my personal relationship with God deeper. During the retreat, we were told:  “Suffering and hardships can be good for men. Hardships give us understanding, patience, kindness, faith, hope, love and the power of God in our lives.”

Amid all these, I’ve been getting this prodding from the Lord: “All your works give you thanks, O Lord and your faithful bless you. They speak of the glory of your reign and tell of your great works. Making known to all your power, the glorious splendor of your rule. Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations (Psalm 145: 10 – 13).”

 

That’s why I’m writing this so that you may know of the great things He has been doing in my life.