The holidays and how educational software on laptops can spark children in learning

December 29, 2008: Monday, 4:55pm – Burbank, California, USA
It’s been a great busy time to say the least. I have been blessed to connect with so much family and friends and have some great conversations and sharing about our lives and our faith that I am overwhelmed with joy and awe at how Jesus works and moves in all our lives whether we are aware or not. Ton to post, just trying to find time to sit down and type after work is all done.


My 6-year-old niece Maya and my brother Rex

Below is a video to show what my 6 year old niece Maya has learned from going online and browsing and clicking around for something she bought called a Webkinz. This gave great insight on how children can adapt to technology and how quickly they can learn various topics. I’m excited to see what bringing laptops with educational software can do in the communities that me and friends spend our time in every Saturday. If you’re in the Philippines, come join us some time and see for yourself how lives can change with a little time and love.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMv8atjrn2Y

God connects us with each other, to help and encourage

Wednesday, 1:34pm – Burbank, California, USA
The list of people that God has connected me with to share my love for Jesus and faith in God, to lift up, and to receive help back. In the past week and a half.

Mom
Rhett (sister)
Austin
Kengi
Rocky
Nick
Angelica
Monisa’s Dad
Monisa’s Uncle
Jonar
Aaron
Steve
Star
Small group (Gary, Allen, Paul, Noah, John, Ali, Gio, Nate)
Grace
Lauren
Emily
Rich
Ryan V.
John C.
Mark
Arul
Edwin
Moina

Insight shown for:

• How God is working to move us to connect with each other
• How to speak to people depending on there spiritual level or where they are at in life
• Knowing that God is working in every relationship and every situation, and being at peace knowing that only those people can choose to turn to God and that God is the only one that can make their relationship grow
• Seeing how certain people have opportunities to connect with people that no one else has access to depending on their background, how they grew up, and how they are today with their spiritual life and just openness to love
• Selfishness turns us away from the Lord. Learning how to be selfless is one aspect that brings us closer to Jesus or is a by-product of having faith in the Lord
• Learning how to remain quiet or still when someone is sharing. What you say may turn them away.
• Learning how to love others and lift them up in prayer, also for me to pray so that I am not judgmental but always loving to have others improve in their lives. It’s not about me.
• The Holy Spirit fills me to change up my personality and style of talking depending on who I am talking to. A strange feeling I have come across frequently recently about seeing myself, as if I am floating and watching myself interact with others.
• Another strange thing that has been happening is that I feel like I know everyone. New people I meet I feel like I’ve known them for a long time or that I have spent my life time with them. As if God is making me comfortable with these people I meet so that I can engage with them.

Christmas Event for Pook Arboretum community, December 13, 2008

Although I wasn't able to attend because I flew back to the United States, I had the honor of serving God and his children by helping to prepare for this event. We usually serve about 50 kids. This day 200+ came out plus the parents and families of many. I really wanted to witness this day and see the joy and love but I know it was there so I don’t have to see it. It is a blessing serving any way possible.

Thank you very much for all the volunteers, sponsors, Extra Mile Foundation, Victory, UNYAP and Kids Church for all the help and support to make Arboretum gift giving possible. Around 200 plus kids, parents and youths were blessed that day through the gift giving, Kids Church presentation, midget show, and snacks.

This ministry for the community started on October 18, 2008 with the kids. Volunteers from Extra Mile Foundation conduct Kids Ministry for an average of about 50 kids every Saturday afternoon. The plan for next year is to focus on youth and women through sports, leadership training, functional literacy, computer literacy, livelihood activities, health, and other programs depending on the need of the community.

Praise the Lord for loving us and allowing us to show and give love back to everyone.

James 2:14-18, NIV
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Everything and everyday is a blessing

December 12, 2008: Friday – Flying over the Pacific Ocean and International Date Line
Right now it’s 12:46pm California time, and 4:46am Manila time and I’m flying over the Pacific Ocean, turning on my laptop in the dark, and trying to get used to the new time zone already. It’s a perfect time to get caught up in the last week of events and be able to reflect on all the ways God has been moving in my life and others. I was telling me roommate PJ the other day, “You know, God has been moving and been controlling a lot of the events that have happened in our life. It’s only now that I notice it because I’m paying attention.” These words hold so true and here are a few instances this past week, December 5 - December 12:

Last Friday – I finally got to watch the Philippine version of the play Hairspray. A sister named Monica was in it as well as TJ who was the main character Link. It was really cool to be able to see new friends in their profession and get to see what they are passionate it for. Monica is a singer and TJ a dancer and actor. Both are super nice and funny and I’m looking forward to more experiences and learning more about the two. I went with JB the Magician. (There are 2 JB’s I know, the other is JB the photographer/aspiring actor) JB the Magician I have gotten to know in the past month and we were able to spend some time in traffic sharing a little bit about our lives. God linked us specifically for that event to hang out and also to spend time in rush hour so that we can get a chance to talk. God models how we get closer in relationships by the chance for face-to-face talks and open hearted conversation.

Saturday – The Arboretum outreach and ministry that me and my friends from Victory QC church and Extra Mile Foundation is showing to grow and be in constant blessing from the Lord. I’ve noticed I use the words ‘friends’ and ‘brothers/sisters’ interchangeably. A brother or sister in Christ is merely recognizing the spiritual family and bond I have with these people in my life now that share the common love for Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God. I have also noticed about blessing as if it’s an off and on thing; God blesses us in every instance, whether in good or bad situation. They are blessings based on perspective. The results of a trial or tribulation in our life brings out good traits and lessons that we carry for the rest of our lives such as perseverance, understanding a purpose or direction God wants us in, or the great change that has happened in another person’s life with their relationship with God and others. When I mention “blessing”, it’s more for me to share that I recognize how God is working in each and every one of our lives.

The ministry that is happening in Arboretum is becoming more fruitful by the number of volunteers that are coming out and the donations of time, love, and money from the United States from friends of mine in the motorcycle racing community. I was telling my friends Bimbo and Pons last night when they were driving me to the airport, “Man, it’s so awesome how much $75 can buy. We just bought 120 toys for 60 kids. My sister just bought their kid 1 toy for $75 bucks! It’s really true what they say that ‘a little amount can literally feed a small village’!” It definitely can and I thank God that I was able to witness it and know how to be able to stretch the dollar. How we use our money and the value of it is all relative based on where you live. I came to understand that you end up adapting to your environment and you make due what’s needed for the area that you live.

New volunteers that came out is a new dear friend that I met through where my Aunt works named Annie. She came out last Saturday and she is coming to tomorrow’s big event for the Christmas party we are hosting in Arboretum. Two brothers named Alain and Jaime also came, as well as a sister named Steph. I love and thank God that I was able to witness the joy those people experienced and the love they felt interacting with the kids and the other volunteers. I am a little sad that I’m not able to attend the show tomorrow but I was privileged to help prepare and manage the U.S. donations for the items that were bought for the outreach:

• Food for 500+ people. A huge donation came from Pastor Ricky for food to feed 500+ people. Extra funds were needed for additional ingredients for that food.
• Gift bags for the 120+ toys for the boys and girls. There were even more donations from a push from the church to promote the Christmas event and now there was an extra 120+ gifts from church donations!
• 60 hygiene kits. Thank you God for my brother Kenji in the U.S. that you connected me with Lord. Kenji started his foundation the Leon and Mary Fields Foundation and he put together a program called Do Something Saturday (for more info, visit here: http://www.dosomethingsaturday.org) Kenji showed me the love he gives to the homeless in Los Angeles County by the hygiene kits he pool resources and people together to package and give out to the poor and needy. From U.S. donations, we put together kits that consist about 10 items in each bag for necessities including toothbrush, shampoo, towel, soap, nail cutter, etc. I’m so happy we were able to do a Do Something Saturday project here in the Philippines. I will show those kits and who we gave them out to when my friends send me pictures. Thank you Kenji.
• Cupcake treats. We were able to purchase 100 chocolate cupcakes made from my dear friend and sister Camille. Super tasty and I know the kids are going to love it. Camille is a super good baker and cook and she also put together an awesome Thanksgiving Dinner last month. It was very special and made me feel so much at home. Thank you and love you Camille!
• Props setup. Some funds were allocated to create the television set prop that is being made by creative brother Warren. I play basketball with Warren and he’s an architect in college and artist/designer outside of school. Thank you Warren.

Sunday – God connected me with Jaime from my Wednesday Bible study group (also called ‘small group’) to end up going to the Fort Bonifacio church in the Every Nation building for the 7pm service. There I spent a little time with friends from the Fort small group and I was introduced to a new brother named Alex. To see how God is working on Alex’s life is awesome and to witness it I can’t thank God enough.

Alex has been out of a job for the last 2 months. As soon as he mentioned this to me, not even 5 minutes after service ended and we were walking out of the room, 1 minute later I get a text from my dear friend Alain (from Quezon City small group) asking me if I knew anyone that needed a job for 1 month or so teaching English to Koreans. Alex just got layed off from a job at a call center and it just so happens he has experience teaching English to Koreans. God’s timing is always perfect.

The group all ate at High Street at a placed called New Orleans and I got to know Alex more and his vision to help the poor in the Philippines. He has a big heart in what he wants to do here so me and 2 other brothers, JB the Photographer and Ryan Manalastes prayed over him about his faith and him getting a job. I connected Alex and Alain and the next day Alex got the job. Thank you Lord for answering our prayers and showing us how you move through all of us.

God showed how he connects people’s lives and increases our faith and love for him and others by the situations that transpire. Alex had to go through those past 2 months of trials without having money or a job and having to deal with his attitude and relationships with people and God throughout. As in all situations, it was a blessing because now I know Alex drew closer to God and I pray he’s able to begin being diligent in reading the Bible and following God’s Word and by always honoring and praising him in all situations. The people that witnessed Alex’s life in this past week have their faith effected knowing that God answered our prayers. I love you God.

Monday to today – This whole week has been preparation for tomorrow’s Arboretum event. Each and everyday the connections with people and all that I did in every aspect I constantly reflected on God and was praying on what he wanted me to do and to give thanks to the lessons I learned each day about pride, honesty, continued love with others in unity, and honoring and sharing the love I have for Jesus in all I do. Everyday there is a chance to do ‘good’, show love and apply the lessons that is learned in the Bible. That is a blessing in itself because then we have a chance to grow in our relationship with God and everyone we come across in this life.

God has lined up things for me to go back to the United States for about a month to connect back with friends and family and spend time with them. I don’t doubt that relationships will grow in love for each other and with their individual relationships with God. No matter what happens in our life, good or bad, light or dark, I have come to know that every day and every thing in it is a blessing, a gift from God, to allow us to learn and love and live out or lives how God intended.

Holy God, I love you so much Father. I can’t thank you enough of all that you have provided and of the life I live now, knowing and learning more about you, acknowledging you and praising you in all I do, drawing closer to your children in this world, and having the opportunity to live a life learning more about the purposes you have for me. Almighty Lord, I pray that we all come to a point where we constantly obey what you want of us to do, because in all that you want us to do is good and out of love, and is what is best for us as an earthly parent is with their child. Thank you Lord for bringing about these revelations each and every day. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Austin and Monisa : May 31, 2008


Austin and Monisa : May 31, 2008

My friend and sister Monisa, visit back to the United States, on friendship and family

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines
It's about 8:20pm, Friday night, and I'm excited to be waiting for the 10:00pm flight back to Los Angeles. I was planning on staying in the Philippines for the holidays but events in God's plans has lead me to come home to spend time with friends and family. The change up in plan has transpired in the past 2 days. Although I will be visting some family in friends in happiness, there will be others there that are going through the transistion of having a loved one being taken to heaven with God.

My friend Monisa had suffered a health condition that deteriorated suddenly a couple of days ago. It was last night to my understanding that it was decided that she be taken off life support as recommendations from the doctors that she would not recover.

I am on a flight back to be there for my dearest friend and brother Austin. I realized that our relationship with God and the relationships we have in this world to help us understand God more is very critical for our spritual growth and our understanding of what God wants of each of our lives. So important our these relationships to me that I will now do all that I can to take care of what I have with people, to not neglect the blessings of the connections God has made for me with others, and to do all that I can to help or serve others around me. I see the love of Jesus and God moving in everyone from just even sitting there, not saying anything to the person, but just hanging out.

I'm excited to see what God has in store for each and everyone one of us and the experience that I will come to witness on the trip to Los Angeles. I was reading from a discipleship book that my brother Pons gave me right now before they dropped me off at the airport and a verse stood out:

1 Corinthians 3:6-8
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he whol plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, each each will be rewarded according to his own labor."

Holy Father, I pray that we are sensitive to the places you want us to go, sensitive to the things you want us to do, and sensitive to the love you want us to give and show. Almighty God, give us the strength to follow once we understand what you are filling in our hearts. Father, I pray that all the connections and experiences that transpire are life changing, honor and glorify your name Lord, and bring us closer to you and to all your children of this world. Holy Father, allow our hearts to be open to planting the seed and sharing with others of the greatness of Jesus, allow our faith to continue in watering the seed by lifting up brothers and sisters in Christ in their time of need, and lastly Father I pray and thank you of all the growth you allow to happen. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.


Austin and Monisa : May 31, 2008


Austin and Monisa : May 31, 2008

Overcoming temptation and prayer of the righteous

Wednesday night was small group (Bible study) and a trip to the hotel The Peninsula in Makati for my friend Camille’s birthday get together.


Are my shoes glowing? hahaha

Verses in small group I will remember and hold close to my heart are:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLV)
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

James 5:16 (NIV)
“6Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

These both are important to me because the first one about temptation has helped me all throughout my 5 months so far as a Christian. A brother Dino in the group also shared that he has been able to refer to this verse as well that helps him. I emailed him this about a month ago and it brought a great joy that he has kept it close to him. Thank you Lord.

The second is important because being able to share my life with others of past darkness or even current sins helps me deal with them and not allow the sins to condemn or keep me in bondage. Confessing sins to God and to brothers, praying for forgiveness and repenting, and having brothers help pray for you always helps to overcome temptations. Thank you Lord for your grace and for brothers and sisters you have brought into my life.

Coming across this second verse increased my passion to move forward with God and being obedient because I have come to know this truth intimately. If I am righteous or a brother or sister is righteous, the more our prayers for each other get answered and this is yet another one of the several things I love God so much for.


Camille, Julianne, Nino, Pao, Carisse and Liz at The Peninsual in Makati

I miss my motorcycle racing

December 3, 2008: Wednesday, 5:29pm – Mandaluyong, PhilippinesI just came across this video from someone trying to add me on myspace.com. This is a perfect example of what I used to do, and what I miss. Oh man…motorcycle racing [sigh].

Eyes open now to education for poor children using technology

Monday, 6:33pm – Mandaluyong, Philippines
In talking more about the ministry and the events of this past weekend, some revelations came to awareness from the Holy Spirit:

1. Being sick prevented me from going to Barangay Arboretum where every Saturday I volunteer in kids ministry and outreach to a poor community. This made me reflect that if there is a set schedule and people to go (there are plenty volunteers now), then it can be self running. I was now able to think about what else I can do there such as going back to the initial vision God gave me in bringing technology to these communities and having online based or computer-based educational software to teach the kids how to read, write or math skills, or even to teach the older kids business skills.
   
   
2. Being sick also prevented me from going to Cebu, so I spent time with my cousin that was visiting Manila from Calbayog. While I was in Project 4 visiting their church office, I met a distant cousin of mine named Charter that works at HP computer services. I got his number as I thought of being able to purchase discounted refurbished laptops or to inquire about the corporation in donating to NGOs (Non-Government Organizations). This is great as I'm concentrating more on who else I can ask.
   
   
3. Inquiring more about laptops got me back into looking into the One Laptop Per Child program that I came across before I moved to the Philippines. It costs $399 to donate one to a poor nation and to receive one. The organization’s mission is to provide an educational device for children in developing nations. From what I read before, the unit is cool, it has educational software that is localized to the language of that nation, it operates on minimal battery and has a new technology to always remain connected to the internet and to other OLPC laptops locally so they can communicate with each other. I’m eager to look more into this and see if I can bring it into this nation. I have come across recently on wikipedia that there is a pilot project so I will begin researching if the program has developed further and if I can help facilitate trying out the laptop and see how well it helps. Some things to consider are: updatability of software, level of education, maintenance and support availability.

God has me exactly where I need to be. The first 3 months here I concentrated on contributing to starting, organizing, and coordinating the events every Saturday at Barangay Arboretum with all the volunteers from Victory Church. Everyone is essential in being able to make the day and plan successful and God is faithful in providing the people and their efforts. The first 3 months have been blessed with donations from the States and I was privileged to provide suggestions on what to give out on Saturdays for the kids and community. This ranged from crayons, illustrations, craft materials, snacks, drinks and any supporting materials needed. Now it’s time to bring the core of education and technology packaged all with love.

Cancelled trips, food poisoning and lesson in Gospel of the Kingdom

Sunday, 11:39pm – Project 4, Philippines
Just got back from hanging out with my cousin, Kuya Bong, that was visiting from Calbayog. He was with his wife, Ate Malou, and their son, Jhay. They attended a worship and prayer conference that was held at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay. I was supposed to go to Cebu this past weekend but God lined up a few interesting obstacles that changed my course for the weekend:

1. My clothes from the laundry service got misplaced and made me miss my flight
2. When I went to reschedule my flight, to reschedule cost me 2/3rd of my round trip ticket.
3. I got food/water poisoning that Friday morning so I was in bed all day yesterday and still feel queasy today

In all this I learned that (1) the majority of my plans always change and you just have to learn how to adapt to the change quickly, (2) God opens or closes doors depending if he wants you to have or be in a certain place at a certain time, and (3) never to eat at this place called Binalot ever again.

If one door closes, there are always other doors that open. This time around, the church I go to, Victory Church of Quezon City, have a few volunteers putting together a video for some Leader’s meeting. My friends Zandro, Bimbo, Pons and I were interviewed for the outreach and ministry we are doing out in Barangay Arboretum. If that video can inspire more brothers or sisters to come out and minister to a poor community, that would be awesome. Another thing that came up was that I was able to spend time with a cousin that I haven’t seen since 2004. The thing that is special about this meeting tonight was that I was able to find out more about the life of my cousin and his wife and their children, how they serve Jesus Christ, and the people that they are involved with.

Pons, Zandro and Bimbo: brothers in action, Arboretum volunteers


Hanging out at church

Kuya Bong has been a pastor now at a church in Calbayog for 3 years now, but prior to that, him and his wife were helping street children in Manila to return to their families or to go back to school, helped some get jobs, and helped some get saved from the destructive lives they were in. Individuals that have been through the same experiences as those they are trying to help are most effective; Kuya Bong holds true to this statement. It was only until tonight did I hear a little bit more about how he lived his life in the last 20 years and he's perfect to be able to reach out to these kids and since for the past 23 years he has started his family, he yet has another multitude of things to be able to help others with. I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence as him and his wife were telling me of their lives and how God has been providing for their family throughout the years. And now I see how he is working in mine, and slowly on my immediate family’s life. I love you God.

Tonight I was exposed to my first time about the Gospel of the Kingdom. Pastor Boy was speaking to me about how he would preach the Gospel of Salvation before but about 4 years ago how he saw how more effective that he would share the truth about the Kingdom of God, and once people asked how they can receive the Kingdom of God, that he would then tell them about the Way through Jesus Christ. I see that all aspects of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the stories, laws, history, all that is written in the Bible is important in people coming to understand and to begin to know God. I pray that we all come to truth and wisdom, guided by the Holy Spirit, so that we can live our lives the way God wants us to live it. As was relayed to me by my Uncle Enjick, Pastor Jon Stovall, my mentor Rocky and a few other mentors; when something is presented to you that references God, Jesus or truth, make sure that is in the Bible and it’s in the correct context.


New brothers and sisters from Jesus is our Refuge church, in Project 4. My cousins Kuya Bong and Ate Malou are on the top left.

I know I wasn’t able to spend time in Cebu with my cousins Candy and Dodong, and my Godson Leo, but I know that there were important lessons to be learned and shared to build the Kingdom of God and to glorify Jesus. I know to my friends back in the States that it’s difficult to understand the words that I write and its perspective. I can look at them both from the eyes of someone that has been following Jesus for a long time as well as someone that doesn’t even know a religion or think spiritually. I was reminded by my cousin Kuya Bong, “You don’t have to point out the things in their lives or the things around them, just share yourself and show them you.” The changes in your life and in your heart, and what is close to your mind and your soul, will automatically show. I pray that it’s always the Holy Spirit that is guiding my life so all that people see is constantly love from God and truth from his Word.

Catching up and there are so much to this word “love”

Wednesday, 7:52pm – Cubao, Philippines
I’m just at Figaro coffee shop right now, catching up on emails and work. It’s been a few days since I blogged as I’m still trying to settle into a schedule as there have been a few changes and things that have been added to my plate. I’m helping some friends right now with graphic design work: photo editing, logo designs and websites. My priority are my clients right now still in the United States of course. But apart from volunteering on Wednesdays at Metro Ministries, studying the Bible and Tagalog everyday, and also connecting with friends, brothers, sisters and blogging, it’s starting to add up.

My walk in learning more about the Christian faith has changed up. These past months I’ve felt the Holy Spirit strongly, in feeling and in guidance, coming to insight and understanding of truth and teachings in the Bible. Now it’s changing and I know God has me learning a different aspect of the faith, in learning in that all I do it’s to honor him, give him praise and to glorify him. For those that don’t understand or read the Bible, I can imagine it seems strange to talk in these terms of something you can’t see or even to be subservient to. But that’s the beauty in following in the word of God and to know Jesus; you realize how weak you really are in this world but gain strength and courage through Jesus because of what he has done for us and to truly understand where we come from and why we are here in this world.

There are things that have happened in my life in the past 5 months that are amazing that it probably difficult to understand in scientific terms or even what Christians call in “worldly” terms. Learning more about the Bible, you will read things of this earth (worldly) versus things of God (spiritual). Because God is not finite and he is so great and since he created everything, how can we even begin to understand or put into words what we feel, what we experience personally and all the things we have seen in our own lives and witnessing in others? We try, but even just imagine trying to describe the word “love”. There are definitions people have come to use, and even in the Bible it describes it in this verse:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

But even trying to describe it in this way, you don’t get the full perspective of what you particularly experience with it. It definitely does show aspects of it though and what we experience. Reading this verse makes me reflect on experiences of love with family, friends and even strangers I meet every day. Look into those words carefully though and you can see how closely it equates in your life. This is the power of the words in the Bible. Really, if you can’t say you experience these things, you are not aware or are really not experiencing love. But even when you feel it, it’s something you know inside that you don’t ever want to part from.
I finally know what these following words mean. I saw it all the time; in passing on signs, on t-shirts, people saying it…in so many places. I’m so happy to finally understand these words: “God is love.”



my second Dad Greg, my brother Johnathon, me and my best friend Phil


my brother Rex and his daugther Maya and Leilani, my sister Rhett and her sons Chase and Bryce and my Dad


Small group from Victory Quezon City at the Race for Life charity 5k/10k run


Kids at Barangay Arboretum where we go every Saturday

Relationships and Waiting on the Lord

Wednesday, 2:30am – Paranaque City, Pasig, Philippines
My friend’s visit last week brought up a few things. One, about relationships in general with woman or marriage. Two, with a yearning or empty feeling, wanting and being impatient on thinking I am ready for a relationship. God showed me 3 things:

1. Turn to the Lord with all that we go through or have concerns of
   I think this is the main reason why there are any issues in our lives. To direct us to truth and to learn of a dependence on him, bringing to light that we can’t do anything that lasts forever all on our own
   
2. Turn to the Word for answers and insight
   God left us his Word in the form of the Bible so that gain knowledge and gain wisdom by applying the Word. I went to friends, brothers and sisters for help and in doing so, God lead me to the Word
   
3. Turn to people of this world that you trust and that are wise
   The operative words are “trust” and “wise”. Don’t just ask anyone, go to those that are wise and have experience. You wouldn’t go to a newcomer in surfing if you wanted to learn how to surf, you would go to a professional or guru. Same thing for your walk in the Christian life. God put people in our lives to help each other, it’s not a one-way street. We learn of God’s love and grow in maturity by our interaction and experiences in love with one another. Reaching out to those that have gone through the same things or have been a Christian for a long time have experience or can point you in the right direction since they may have come across it in their own lives through friends or learning materials.

These things I learned stemmed from beginning to think about who God will line up for a wife for me, or even if he wanted me to have a wife. I started thinking about an ideal wife and yearning to already go through the excitement of meeting someone new and thinking about the experiences and things we would share…it was all so happy and sad at the same time. The thought of moving in this world with a woman that has a similar passion for God is exciting, not to mention the lessons you learn from being in a marriage and raising a child or children. But what I have come to learn is that we need to look to God’s timing and his desires for us. Are we ready for the things he wants to give us? Do we want the things he desires for us?

Just today, I see a woman right now in my life would take me away from the learning and growth I’m going through. I would still be learning, but I see it would be a distraction for these particular things I have learned in the past 3 months and even today. Also, God wants me exactly where I am at to prepare me for whatever he has planned for me. In retrospect, he gave me the ability to race motorcycles so I can learn perseverance, confidence, adaptability, communication and humbleness. In retrospect, God gave me the ability to run my own business for professionalism, networking, accountability, honesty and integrity. These are all important for how he’s guiding me to build a foundation in my faith by his grace, to experience love and gain wisdom by serving the poor communities here in the Philippines and in experiencing love through fellowship with everyone here and people still back in the States. I will be patient and continue to learn everyday and apply all that is being shown to me by the Holy Spirit. I will be fed the Bible daily, pray, be still and let my heart be open for God to guide me on where I need to be and to act through love and grace that he has given and shown me.

Verses that gave insight on waiting were:
1 Samuel 16:19-23 about David not being king yet so that he can learn from King Saul on how to lead a nation. God made David wait so that he could learn what he needed to learn, to prepare him.

Another verse was Genesis 29:20-30, where Jacob served a man named Laban for his daughter for 14 years to get the woman he wanted. From commentary: “The most important goals and desires are worth working and waiting for”. Reflecting on my life so far, this has been the utmost truth in seeking true relationship, full satisfaction and victory.

Learning about Catholicism, Makati Peninsula, Barangay Arboretum outreach and ministry, Victory Church Leaders Convergence, Parking Lot boys, Shakey's

Monday, 8:44am –Mandaluyong, Philippines
Events this past weekend and just a short recap. Will go into details more for Barangay Arboretum ministry and outreach and hanging out with Annie.

Friday

• Preparing for Saturday ministry, met with new volunteer Riz and Jan at UP college of music in order to get materials and to find out what else was needed for Saturday’s outreach/ministry at Barangay Arboretum. Needed cottonballs, tape, and glue for the activity and game that we would do with the children. Donations from the states helped fund that, thank you everyone!
• Dinner and coffee with Annie. Religion, family, her heart for kids, possible outreach for her birthday and feelings of the talk with her.
• Met with Camille, Ryan and friends at Manila Peninsula in Makati. Met Victory Fort friends and Miro that was visiting from Shanghai. A lot of them watched Monica in the play Hairspray and Camille, Maradee and Darlene came from a sister’s wedding named Grace. Connected with a sister and talked about current issues with relationships. Although I was tired from the day’s events earlier, I followed God to lead me to fellowship with these brothers and sisters and loved that I did as I got closer to a sister and met new people that has been important in their lives.

Saturday

• Meeting at Philcoa Jollibee prior. Talk with Pooh and importance of dealing with issues. Lessons of unity for purpose of kingdom building and getting closer to brothers and sisters through disagreements
• Ministry for kids. Details of event and thoughts
• Leaders Convergence. Testimony given by Pons and thoughts of details. Thoughts on event

Sunday

• Church all day
• Went to church in morning with donuts for tech team but all had food, ended up being able to spend time with Parking Lot boys: Jupiter, Al-Jun, Jomer 1 and Jomer 2. Redwine got in fight with Jupiter since Jupiter ostracized him for smoking. Al-Jun’s encouraging gestures to Jomer 1 to pay attention and his attentiveness and eagerness to answer questions from Zandro that lead message of Psalm 23:1 -6
• Fellowship sitting outside for 3 hours. Good to just relax with all the brothers and some sisters. Get closer by just hanging out. Waited for Pooh. Learning more about humor of Bimbo
• Birthday dinner at Shakey’s Pizza with Pooh, Jan, new brother I met Rio and JB. Was Ces’ birthday dinner, got invited by Riz. Event and thoughts

How to deal with the Devil in your sleep

Friday, 7:54am –Mandaluyong, Philippines

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him

A curious thing happened to me while I slept last night, a nightmare and recurring thoughts kept coming into my mind. I know this is of not my imagination because I have never seen these things before and it’s not in my character or God’s character to think these things. The nightmare bordered along the lines of scary, immoral and dark. Even in our sleep, it’s important to know, the Devil will be there trying to suggest and find an “in” to turn us away or distract us from focusing on Jesus.

At this time, in the middle of the night, before you sleep or even after, if thoughts or dreams or nightmares come to mind, upon waking or even if in drifting wakefulness or sleep, pray to God to keep the Devil away from you and your thoughts. Pray that Jesus and the Holy Spirit fills you with them and of pure thoughts and of thoughts of God so that nothing else can come to mind. Pray that Jesus rebukes the Enemy and drives him away. It is important to know, that in our wake and our sleep, the Enemy can come and try to divert us or influence us. My prayers from now on I will have before I sleep for Jesus to protect me from the Enemy while I sleep and in all hours of the day, so that I can continue to grow in love and never be lost in the darkness.

I will now pray for others, everyone I know and don’t know, that they are protected with the Holy Spirit from the Enemy, in all hours of the day and while they sleep, so the Enemy doesn’t influence or divert them from God with thoughts, nightmares, or suggestions. We are at our weakest when physically and spiritually alone. I pray that we always turn to God to help us since he is there, and I pray that in this world we turn to people since God will always have people in your life there. Just make sure to take the steps to go to God and those people.

I was scared when these images were in my mind, but when I prayed to God, he gave me a peace. I know Jesus is with us always. There is no fear and nothing to be scared of since he’s taking care of us. This incident happened so I can learn and share it with everyone.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Behind the scenes, leadership training and spending quality time

Wednesday, 10:39pm – Paranaque City, Fort, Mandaluyong, Philippines
Events of tdoay:

• Metro Ministries volunteering and experience in cutting almost up to 1000 sticker names for kids that are sponsored. The Holy Spirit gave me insight of appreciating tedious, repetitive work allowing to fully enjoy serving God and His children that have intentions in building His kingdom and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All the people at Metro Ministries have such a great, loving heart from God and you can see and feel it. You will naturally be attracted and want to be around people like that. Pastora Neng, Sheila, Amor, Mike, Jezer, and Daryl are awesome. My new buddy Kevin was a great companion today for me to learn Filipino and him in learning English.
  
  
• ENLI (Every Nation Leadership Institute) classes and not being able to sign-up. God has shown me that if He doesn’t want me to do something, often He doesn’t line up for the event or thing to push through. I called the main office multiple times and couldn’t get in contact with the person in charge, I asked numerous people if I can join these classes and who I should talk to, and finally the person in charge let me know it was not possible to sign up. It was in my heart to sign up as situations have come up for me to lead so I felt compelled to get formal training in leadership principles. The Holy Spirit let me know it’s not my time and that I can learn along the way in real life applications, that I am fine with what I’m doing right now and confirmed that if God doesn’t want me in a certain place, the things that need to line up for it to happen will not line up.
• Holy Spirit giving insight that there is a different purpose for me at this time. The leadership classes better suited for others. My talent is to work in direct connection with people in communicating and providing materials for visuals, also coordinating small tasks
• Every Nation seminar with Pastor Paul Barker : Teaching Effectiveness. Great material and presentation provided to help teach more effectively. Basics of teaching truths are authenticity (is the material relevant and important), clarity (is the material clear, organized and concise), and connection (is the teacher and content able to relate to the student, understand the student’s perspective and engage them in creative ways).
  
  Three important aspects I learned were: (1) Review: concept of coming back and asking your students to reiterate or tell you what they have learned. This will show you if there was retention, understanding and a connection; (2) Repetition: we tend to learn something when it’s constantly repeated, reminded or reviewed; and (3) Visuals or objects: use of these provide a powerful aid besides words. These points lead to the importance of presentation. If you don’t present the materials in a creative, interesting way, students will not be able to engage in it fully.
  
  
• Not able to attend small group and spending quality time with a friend. After the seminar, I usually have bible study (small group) with my friends from Victory Church at the Fort. For the 2 months since I’ve lived here, this is the first time I have missed bible study. I don’t like to miss them as it’s important for me to be able to hang out with these friends and share our perspectives on what we are talking about and to encourage each other in whatever we are going through. But for now, Moina and I couldn’t catch a taxi tonight in order to get there on time, so we just ate and hung out. I dragged her around all day today to do stuff that I committed to so it was nice to just hang out and talk with her.
  
  

Visit from Moina and new friends

Monday, 11:13pm – Mandaluyong, Philippines


My closest and dearest friend Moina arrived last thursday. We’ve been hanging out doing random things, just visiting the malls, eating, and we caught a movie. Last Saturday we ate at Market! Market! at the Fort and while there, we bought 10 waters and a pack of 10 granola bars so we can go around just giving them out. Each of the pairs that we gave out to people randomly on our way back from the Fort, through Guadalupe and then to Boni, we told them in Filipino that it was from Jesus Christ. Our love for Jesus and God putting this into our hearts and the Holy Spirit guiding us lead us just to show love and give without expecting anything back. These things that we do are not meant to boast or boost us up or to get recognition from our friends and family. I blog about this to share with you Jesus Christ has changed my life, is the primary thing that I think about all the time, and what has changed my heart to reach out to others and just to love. The teachings of the Bible and the love of God changes people, changes the way you think about the world and teaches you truths of how you are to live your life. All these things are good. I love all my family, friends and people that I come to meet out in the streets. I love God and I love each and every one of His children. There’s always a test on how you will react and feel if someone frustrates or does you wrong. I pray that God is so close in my heart that I am the way He wants me to be, and that I love the way He wants me to love all.

I am sick right now, the day right before Moina came. So we’ve just been hanging out at the house. I wonder and pray what God wants me to do and how to be with Moina, whether to be in this close friendship we have or for it to be more in marriage. I’ve expressed this to friends here in the Philippines and back in the States and I am open to everyone about it. Girls used to rack my mind before I came to believe in Jesus but now with God, I’m at a peace and just try to find out what He wants me to do. For now, all I know is that I love Moina as a sister in Christ. If it lines us up for it to be more, I will look to God for direction and look into my heart to follow.

Just came back from meeting with Camille, Liz and new brother in Christ, Pao. Moina and I met them all in Greenhills for some dessert coffee/hot chocolate. This was the first time I have come to see how God works in someone’s life through their day, from being exposed to a topic such as fasting in the morning from one person, to come meet them later in the night to talk again about fasting from others, and then having them to drop me off at my home so that I can give them a book about fasting. I pray the brother comes to insight and wisdom from God, that their life is changed and their devotion to God grows, and that guidance is gained and followed. I love You God, for showing me how You work in other lives, for allowing me to witness and grow my faith in You always, and for allowing me to be there for Your children.

Recap of ministry and outreach in poor community at Barangay Arboretum - October 25, 2008

Below is a recap of what we are doing over in the needy community in Philcoa, Diliman. This is from my brother in Christ, Zandro.

What started out as a vision of the small group last year to reach out the communities around UP, especially the disadvantaged sector, has become a reality last October 20, 2008. The team, together with volunteers who have similar heart for the community, started Kids Ministry in Pook Arboretum. About 54 kids showed up for the "Kids Church".
Pook Arboretum, for the unitiated, is a 12-hectare man-made forest inside the UP initiated Commonwealth Property Development Plan conceived in 1996 by the UP Administration in collaboration with private and other government agencies. The thrust of the development plan is to develop the area commercially. The UP-Ayala Technohub is part of the 101-hectare UP intends to develop. The Arboretum serves as open area of the development, in addition to a 5-hectare open space that will serve as buffer for the forest park.

Just like other barangays in UP, Pook Arboretum is host to informal settlers living at the edge or under the lush vegetation of the forest. About 2000 informal settlers live inside the 12-hectare forest.

The team's initial encounter with the community on September 20, 2008, as relayed by the Purok Leader Clarita Bautista, revealed that current concerns of the area include drug addiction, prostitution, sexual abuse of minors, theft, assault on women, lack of livelihood activities, gambling, peace and order situation, and the threat of displacement because of Quezon City government’s plan to transform the area into a wildlife and flora sanctuary.

The team envisions to be God's witness to the community through livelihood, sports, training on leadership, and other endeavors that will address the people's concerns.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8

More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanregalado/sets/72157608344982866/


2 kids sleeping at the McDonald's across from Pook Arboretum


Pops and Yon greet the kids


Pooh does icebreaker and game with the kids


Song and dance with the kids


Playing Noah Says with the kids


Pons telling the story of the Prodigal Son to the kids




Kids using their new crayons to color a sheet about the Prodigal Son


Felipe and James say bye and smile for the camera

Donation needed: plastic barrel/bin for shoe and sneaker drive for the poor

Hello,

I was wondering if I can get your help. My friends from Bunker at Karport at the Fort, Philippines are going to run a shoe and sneaker drive from November 15, 2008 to December 15, 2008. Bunker is a sneaker and apparel boutique and wants to help those in the less fortunate communities with something special for Christmas.

Need

• 1 plastic barrel or bin, 3.5 feet high x 2.5 feet wide, with a lid.
• need it before November 7, 2008 of next week

Contact me at 0908 * 688 * 1375 or ryan @ design48.net. Thank you so much if you can help!

Encouraging everyone around you, Barnabas the encourager

Tuesday, 9:12am – Mandaluyong, Philippines

“23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”
Acts 11:23,24

Reading this verse today, I have come to learn today that Barnabas was a great encourager of Paul and Mark and of the new Christians in the early church when they set off on their ministry to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is great to see and learn about as God has been revealing to me in the past 4 days that this is what He has set forth for me to be talented at. God has given me this natural ability that I will be responsible with and continue to do so, strongly, with the Holy Spirit, to lift up all those around me. God has been grooming me for this ever since I was young up to present:

1. from encouraging the under dogs and those that were bullied in grade school up until now
2. from helping those that lacked talent or ability in a group project or in a social setting
3. to encourage my friends always in whatever troubles they were facing
4. to encourage my road racing motorcycle team and friends whenever they doubted their abilities
5. to encourage youth to be their best and how to realize their dreams through a non-profit organization I worked with called Racers Who Care
6. to encourage co-workers and colleagues on projects to finish them diligently and with accuracy
7. to encourage Christians and non-Christians of the Word and of love and how we should live our lives with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Those that help me when I question are reminded. Things that I learn I boldly share like a child excited to first learn of the alphabet or their multiplication table.

Thank you God for showing me and leading me to understand this. To know your talents and purpose allows you to cultivate it and drives you with more focus, determination and joy. Especially for God. All for You, Jesus.

Fixing my motorcycle. Teammates Alex and Jason working diligently. They saved the day, I lost my motorcycle key the day of the big race!


Close friends from Burbank where I grew up. From a birthday bbq on May 31, 2008.


Racers Who Care presentation to kids at the Hollywood Community Center on July 30, 2008. Presentation was on tips for kids to achieve their dreams and goals.

Money matters, encouraging others and how Jesus changes our hearts

Monday, 11:00am – Mandaluyong, Philippines
Yesterday was insightful and such a blessed day as always and always will be. God’s message delivered in Sunday’s service was about money and Pastor Joey Bonifacio’s verses that he referenced and examples he used were clear and concise. Overall the message was that there are 2 aspects to money: (1) that it is good if it’s considered a slave for you, that you use it responsibly and (2) that it is bad if it becomes your master, where you end up lying, cheating and stealing for it, and that you turn or push yourself further away from God because of it. You can not serve two masters and when money is loved, there is a great conflict.
After service spent time with two brothers, Pooh and Louie. We headed to my buddy PJ’s DJ gig at Karport at the Fort for another Reggae/Dancehall/Dubplate night. A whole bunch of people were there, vendors selling clothes, people enjoying music and skateboarders doing demos. After that we went to a Gospel House event which was nice to see a whole bunch of people come together to a venue that played House music, both to praise God and to enjoy the company of other Christians.

Going home later that night, we stopped at Chow King for a snack and the topic came up in discussion about integrity and encouraging others based on our lives and love for Jesus. I mentioned to them that it’s important to me, that even in the smallest things, I push to change my heart for good and with Jesus’ help, so that small things that are bad do not turn into something greater. The example I chose was downloading mp3s illegally or buying DVDs that have been pirated from the local Tianggea or swap meet/street vendors. I expressed that these small things of not having integrity may lead to bigger things, maybe, it will lead to other bouts of trying to save money, cut corners, or bigger purchases where you know the items or products have been acquired illegally or from bad intentions.

The danger of this is two-fold: (1) it can effect your heart and lead you to do worse and worse things, pushing you away from God and leading you down a dark path of destruction of yourself and others and (2) that if you are a Christian trying to encourage other Christians or non-believers that are inquiring about God, if they do not see your life changed by knowing Jesus based on your actions or speech, how will they know that Jesus can change their lives?

The point here is not to “try” to do good things, the point is to look to God to change you. I feel guilty when I do bad things. This is the Holy Spirit telling you that there is something wrong with the situation that you need to fix. Guilt is good! It’s like pain, it’s an indicator that it’s something wrong for you. What God has shown to me is that I am to encourage others, to lift others up when they are down, and to spread the Gospel of salvation any chance I can get. If Jesus hasn’t changed my heart in all aspects of my life, if I don’t strive to achieve God’s standard on how He wants us to live, if I don’t obey His commands for us, then I can not do these things. We are not perfect as humans, but with God, He can change our lives. All I want now is of God and to seek goodness in everything.

My brother Rocky shared this chapter in the Bible with me before when he was sharing with me how husband and wives should be toward each other and how they should be with their children. I read further and found a verse that I have held close to my heart. It’s about encouraging others and setting an example. This was a letter from Paul to Titus, a man sent to Crete to organize and oversee churches there.

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Titus 2:6-8

Reading further, I came across this:

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Titus 2:11-14

I will be careful on what happens in this world that will effect and influence me to love this world. I will be careful to balance my life in seeking to know more about the life and death of Jesus and to know God so that I do not get burnt out and push myself away to be satisfied with things in this world. I will be careful on balancing my life by doing things of this world, so that I can enjoy fellowship with friends and Christians, but still hold Jesus close to my heart. I will look and pray to the Holy Spirit, to guide me and change my heart so all of it is good and of love, and that I can show that love back to God and to everyone I am connected with.

Posting pics and write-up laters of last Saturday’s ministry and outreach. So much to share of that day as well.

The Prodigal Son, second kids ministry / community outreach today at Barangay Arboretum

Saturday, 10:53am – Mandaluyong, Philippines
Getting ready for the kids ministry and community outreach at Barangay Arboretum. For this time out, we will be telling the story to the kids of the Prodigal Son. This is in Luke 15:11-24 (Chapter 15, verses 11 through 24). I am starting to put these notes in parentheses because I understand a few friends of mine visit this blog that are not familiar with the Bible or the teachings. I do this in hope this will give a little further understanding of the terminology or vernacular used in Christianity.

For the kids ministry, I was given the assignment to create illustrations for the kids about the Prodigal Son. I found some images online and colored them digitally, which I was able to print yesterday on large format paper. I’m excited for the kids to view the prints so that they can see something while the story is being relayed to them. I also was able to print a connect-the-dot picture of the scene where the son returns to the father and the father forgives him for squandering his inheritance. Through donations from friends in the motorcycle racing industry back home, I was able to get 50 box of crayons for them to use to take this activity sheet with them home to color. I would like to see their response later today.





Some great new people and friends will be joining us today. Abby, Isey, Gina and I believe one more. Pooh will be coming again. It’s awesome to see how God fills the heart of people around us so that they can show love to those they don’t know. And it’s even more awesome to witness when someone’s heart transforms with the love for God and others.

I will post pictures and video of the day later or tomorrow. I hope everyone is doing well, know that God is with you waiting for you to ask Him for help.

Tongues, Prophecy and Lessons learned part gazillion

11:33am, Friday : Mandaluyong, Philippines
I’m able to spend a lot of time in the Word this morning. Many lessons learned are:

• The Word (text, teachings of the Bible) unites people of different nations. The Gentiles in Rome were encouraged to unite with the Jewish believers. How important this is now since the advent of technology in our world is allowing us to interact more, across the world and allowing us to visit and live in countries and places aside from where we were born.
• It is important to learn the language of the nation you are ministering (serving) in so that there is one less barrier for you to connect with the people there.
• The Bible (Word), gives insight on how God wants you to live your life. In marriage, in dealing with your children, in dealing with elders, in dealing with co-workers, friends, other Christians. We are relational beings meant to interact and figure out how to love, be and live with each other.
• Learn what your Spiritual Gifts are and the lessons you have learned to date. This is where God wants you to focus your efforts on. Learn new gifts and this teaches you more about where your focus should be. I recommend reading the book by Rick Warren, A Purpose Driven Life. There are arguments both for and against the book. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to truth found in the book so that you may grow in spiritual maturity and love for Jesus.
• God answers prayers when you want to learn more about Him. I prayed about learning about tongues, and He brought my brother Rocky to guide me in verses in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14 teaches us about speaking in tongues and how it should be used to build up the church and believers in Jesus.
• Reading the verses above, also teaches of what prophecy is. NIV Bible reads in the footnotes: “Prophecy does not just refer to predicting the future; it can also mean giving a message received from God to the community of believers: ‘Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort’”. Some have interpreted prophecy to be fulfilled in various sermons throughout church history. Others say that prophecy is not a sermon but a spontaneous Spirit-inspired message that is orally delivered in the congregation for the edification and encouragement of the body of Christ (to build up spiritually, intellectually and morally the church and its believers)”. In other words, it could just mean preaching God’s message or Word.

Metro Ministries training and speaking in tongues

Wednesday, 12:31am : Paranaque City, Mandaluyong, Philippines
Just got back from Metro Ministries, kid ministry training in Paranaque City. They do such a great job at organizing, providing top notch training and equipping the youth from the churches what is needed for them to prepare and have materials ready for the Saturday ministries around Manila. You can also see their hearts and love for others and God. It feels really good to be around people that have a good heart, you can’t help but smile and feel good and know that God is in that.

One thing that struck me as weird though was I felt disconnected in group prayer. Holy Spirit has let me know that it’s time in my walk where He will recede a little so I grow in faith not by feeling His presence, but how I learn and take in lessons around me. Something that was brought to my attention in the past few days was speaking in tongues, where the person is filled with the Holy Spirit and it’s as if they are speaking in a foreign language. I asked a brother in Christ what it was and what it meant and he said he speaks in tongues. I was interested to see and so God brought me to Metro Ministries tonight and I was able to witness it.

There was a visiting female pastor from Malaysia that delivered a great message, citing Ephesians 3:14-21 and giving inspiration to the +40 youth that were there that have committed to doing Sunday School activities/message/Gospel to kids in their neighborhood on Saturday. This is similar to what is run in Tondo/Smokey Mountain that I visited about a month ago. The training ended in prayer and the pastor and a few other believers started praying/speaking in tongues. This is the first time I witnessed it so I was a little taking back but I quickly prayed to God to find out what I should learn and to fill me with insight and wisdom. I will wait and pray about it more but also have expressed to my mentor Rocky if he can share more information about the subject. Rocky has been great on providing information and insight on all questions I have had ever since I met him about 2 months. Thank you Rocky, I love you brother.

The kids ministry training is great. It's awesome to see a group so well organized and with leadership and encouragement for all the youth and volunteers in the participating churches. You can really see how the kids will be receptive and how engaging it is to see a skit with people in costumes, and for it to be mixed with someone explaining what the skit was about, what the take-aways are, and what was important for the kids to hold on to.

View some pictures and video below to see what they train others to do and what the kids of Smokey Mountain see.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanregalado/sets/72157608262073597/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanregalado/sets/72157607397567620/

"Whatever you believe in your heart, you will speak it."
Sheila from Metro Ministries, on encouraging the youth to have courage when spreading the Gospel to kids

"Preach the gospel boldly. That may be the last time that that kid may hear the gospel."
Sheila from Metro Ministires, on explaining to the youth that kids are dying, it's part of how they live in the area. Kids are poor and some are malnourished or have disease or die at a very early age. We do not know when they will pass, so all the more an urgency should be in our hearts. She shared with us that a child came up to her I think a week before and said that one of her friends passed away.

Barangay Arboretum Kids ministry and new friends

9:55pm – Mandaluyong, Philippines

Just got home from a church and hanging out with new friend Pooh at Robinson’s Galleria mall, going over lessons from today and yesterday.

Yesterday was the Barangay Arboretum ministry. God showed his faithfulness again by answering our prayers to prepare for the kids puppet show by bringing us a Director from the Film Institute. Tita Au, a lady that just happened to be at the Film Institute on a Saturday morning where we were preparing, taught us how actors prepare for their roles, how to give a personality to an inanimate object, and to remember our lines and give life to the puppet. This guidance helped us to deliver a more animated show and a better prepared skit from the puppeteers. The day went smoothly, with Phoebe and April providing the praise music and Phoebe being the MC for song, dance and game. The puppet show went smoothly and the last gift from Pooh was awesome give kids bracelets that taught and reminded them of Jesus Christ.

We ended up not needing the tarpaulin for the kids to sit on but my Uncle in Mandaluyong came through and has some for me. I also jut came across a street vendor in Baclaran that sell them for 450 Pesos for a 15 foot by 4 foot tarp.

After the ministry on Saturday, I got to hang out with Pooh at PBJ (Pinoy Basketball for Jesus) ministry around the corner in Philcoa and got to breakdance! Haha, I was hurting after but was fun. I haven’t breakdanced in a while but it was fun to participate and show the kids. Got to finally meet Mark McDowell, a missionary here that moved to the Philippines from Chicago in 1995. He’s been leading a basketball and hip-hop ministry since then. My sister Darlene has been telling me about Mark and has been trying to hook me up with him. I want to hear more about his experiences and learn from all the knowledge he’s gained while being here.

After that event, went to a Christian Singles bowling event at Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas. Met up with Pooh’s friend and new breakdancer friend Ivy from the PBJ event. She invited her breaker friend Jeff and his sister Vangie. Got to talk to Jeff for a while and was able to learn a few things of myself:

• Competition sometimes will make people too proud
• To correct someone or to be right doesn’t necessarily get anything accomplished
• God lines us up with people of similar background or experiences to connect us closer

Teachers and students
An incident happened recently where I was questioning how a teacher was expressing the material to their students. I shared with a friend and we talked about it more. In it I realized that no one is perfect and in our lives, of course, we will make mistakes. The Bible teaches that we are there to help others when they stumble and also to confront those that you have a direct issue with. God is teaching us something in those incidents. The scripture below reiterates this understanding.

In Acts 11:1-18, Peter explains his actions to other believers of why he preached and spent time with the Gentiles, or non-Jews. Jesus taught the disciples that message of salvation were for all people, from all nations. The Jewish believers questioned Peter on what they first thought was an incorrect thing to do spread the Gospel to non-Jews. But after hearing the story from Peter how the Gentiles were blessed with the Holy Spirit, they praised God because it was apparent that Jewish people were not the only people that were to be saved and baptized. From my NIV Life Application Study Bible, it reads “Their reactions teach us how to handle disagreements with other Christians. Before judging the behavior of fellow believers, it is important to hear them out. The Holy Spirit may have something important to teach us through them.”

Need tarpaulin for 50 kids to sit on for this Saturday's outreach : October 18, 2008

Hello all, I was wondering if any of you have access or can lend some tarpaulin for kids to sit on at a barangay this Saturday for a children's ministry that we are doing with friends from Victory Church QC. The barangay is behind the UP wet market and we are set to do an activity, game, praise song and verse teaching with them.

If you have access to tarpaulin that 50 kids can sit on that will cover dirt or the street so they can watch the activities I would greatly appreciate it. Please contact me asap at:
0908 * 688 * 1375 or email me at ryan @ design48.net

I encourage you to attend and join to be part of ministering to kids and people in a neighborhood/barangay where the knowledge and salvation of Jesus Christ is needed. Please contact us at emfoundation @ yahoogroups.com or join as at 2:30pm, October 18, 2008 at Barangay Arboretum behind the UP Wet Market in Philcoa (across from Philcoa Jollibee).

I will never forget

11:43AM – Mandaluyong, PhilippinesI just got off the phone with a family member in the States and I have to say my faith in God is being tested. It’s being tested in a way that I have not seen answered prayers for several people in my life, blood family and friends. I have prayed for certain things in their life that I believe are in God’s will and character, but they do not seem to be happening or being answered. I thought and prayed for this before, of all the things that I have seen that happened to me for me to believe in God and Jesus Christ, I prayed that I would never forget so that in times of trials or testing of my faith that I would remain strong. I will not forget all that He has done and shown me.

I have faith that God will bring these people in my life to Him and to understand and know Him. They will always have to choose but I believe God will soften their hearts and show them undeniably that He is real and true, so the only thing to do that made sense, as I did, was to believe in Him. I love You God, I will not ever forget all the things you have shown me. Holy Father, I pray that every person in this world will come to know You, and I pray that all Christians tested in their faith will always remember what You have shown them, and that are faith remains strong and increases and we can continue to grow our love for You and everyone in this world. Holy God, I pray we all come to understand and have faith in Your perfect timing and plan, and pray that our prayers whether we see results physically or not, that we are given insight and wisdom You are answering them. I love You God, in Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom from holding your tongue and God uses the wicked for His purpose

9:00am – Mandaluyong, Philippines
A couple of incidents have been happening here and back in the States that is in alignment with the 2 verses below from the Bible. God is so great in lining up the teachings that I read about with real-life examples. He wants me to learn these things and to do so quickly for me to understand and to share with others.

“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
Proverbs 15:38

Our speech can be very hurtful and cut off ties with people if we reply without thinking about the impact of our words. I have seen this first hand all too often that people and myself reply in haste and in excited/tempered emotion, effecting relationships negatively.

“The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.”
Proverbs 16:3

Even in all the bad that is happening in our lives and in our world, I have faith that God is using those to His purpose. I have seen people’s faith increase, I have seen people outside of the situations to grow in love for others or for family, I have seen people continue to help others in need even more regardless of their personal situation. I know God is in this and there.

In all of this, it reminds of the book or story in the old testament called Exodus where Moses, a man chosen from God to lead Israelites out of Egypt. God uses the wickedness of the Pharaoh to show both the Egyptians and the Israelites that He is real and capable of anything. In all the disaster that God bestowed on the Egyptians, they all believed or began to believe in God by Egyptians knowing it came from God, and the Israelites seeing what God can do by what was revealed to Moses to relay back to both nations. When the Israelites were allowed to be free from the Pharaoh, the Egyptians were free from all the disasters and the Israelites were free to follow God in the land that God chose for them.

In all that you do, praise God

9:38am – Mandaluyong, Philippines
Talking to Moina again and just sharing, also of reflecting on being able to balance your life, spending time with the Bible, church, fellowship, and outside activities; it’s important that in all that we do, we praise God. He provided us everything; our life, our family, our friends, our food, our shelter, our talents, our health…everything. So it only makes sense that in all that we do we praise Him, whether it’s even enjoying an activity with friends like Karaoke or going out on a field trip our outing to the beach, to reflect on His greatness, to be able to share with other in the activity you are doing, or even in your work to be able to keep Him at your center so either what you produce or the people you interact with see the light of God in you.

This makes me reflect on all these blogs or websites or social networking sites I’m on. It’s good to be able to show your personality but for me, before I became a Christian, I really wanted to show-off and portray myself in a light of greatness and coolness, really just lift myself up. Man, I even have my own website, haha, www.ryanregalado.com, before it was actually for sponsors to view my motorcycle racing results but then I also had in the back of my mind, “yeah, people will be able to see cool photos and see my championships and just learn more about me, me me.” I’m starting to see that these sites can now be used to praise God and show others of how He changes people. These people that frequented the site before can witness how a love for God is shown from one person that recently came to believe in Jesus Christ, that all that they were into before has now changed to something better, where there is truth and peace.

I just started a Multiply profile on http://ryanregalado.multiply.com, the social networking site of choice here in the Philippines. The majority of my friends from church are on here. These websites will gradually portray my love for Jesus and praising of God, it will start to focus less on myself and more on all the great people that I have come across to witness and share God’s love with; the brothers and sisters in the body of Christ (believers) and all my friends back home that have not come to know Him yet (non-believers). I love all my friends and family the same, and even more now knowing and reflecting constantly of the source of where that love comes from, which is and always has been God.

Spending time with friends. Barangay Arboretum momentum building

Tuesday, 11:23AM

Two kids sleeping in front of McDonald's next to Barangay Arboretum

It’s been a while since I blogged. A lot has been happening from our connections with Barangbay Arboretum. We got the approval to begin doing activities with the kids and mothers out there, materials that are educational and for their livelihood but also which is essential is the Word of God or the Bible. We are meeting today, members of Extra Mile Foundation, members at Victory Church, to strategize and brainstorm what we will do for this Saturday. Already there a few other people joining us, April and Phoebe with their guitars and songs, and Pooh with his knowledge and experience on doing missions in other countries for kids.

I spent some time with Pooh (his real name is Winnie) yesterday. We got to learn more of our background and experience. It’s awesome to see how God created so many people of different background and personalities but how often He has people go through similar experiences so that they can share stories and testimonies and bond together. Pooh has a lot of experience in doing missions and working in poor/depressed communities. He also had a lot of experience to share in terms of making sure I have a foundation with the Bible and God so that situations I may get into or even not be prepared for that I will have a strong grounding or be rooted, so as to not be swayed in what I come across and can remain focused.

Sunday was great as well. Zandro is starting to minister with some kids around the church that do not normally attend service so he is reaching out to them and they are responding with the teachings from the Bible. Later in the day at 3pm, I attended that service to come watch and support Pastor Erwin and the messages that were being delivered. I got to witness a new friend named LA deliver the message to the 3pm congregation and it was cool to see how God works in different people to have them portray things in a different style. LA was very effective on delivering the message and engaging the congregation.

Before the service started, Pastor Erwin said a little prayer and had small group leaders (bible study leaders) come to the front. He then asked if anyone wants something to be prayed for them or someone in the family that they come up. After that, Pastor Erwin also asked for people that want to commit their lives to Christ to come as well. It was very emotional for me, overjoyed and overwhelmed with happiness since I was comparing my life to how it was to how it is now. I have been saved in a sense from all the darkness that consumed my life before: confusing relationships, destructive behavior in substance abuse, destructive behavior in violence or anger, confusion in direction for career or life in general, and loneliness in isolating myself from time to time.

Now that I have come to know God and the teachings and truths in the Bible, I am free from all that darkness. Learning about the Word and His love, I am able to just be so free and open in relationships with others. Serving the poor community confirms in my heart God’s purpose for me and also confirming the truths I have come to learn about in the Bible. Connecting with people that are already Christians and still being able to connect with friends and strangers here and back in the States confirms the truths I have found in the Bible and continue to learn on the day to day. I see the change that has happened in my life and the change that happens in others and this fuels my drive. I feel and see how God works in my life and others and learning more about the Bible is what drives me. God is good.

Other things to note:

• Spent time with new friends, brothers/sisters in Christ: Owie, Joash's party
• Seeing more of the talents and creativity of new friends. It’s awesome to learn of God's given talent to others and noticing it: Jorel's guitar and his band Kjwan, Ryan and Abbey's singing, EauJ's dancing
• Spending time and sharing experience with others grows our bond and is another way of teaching of God’s truth and the words in the Bible: Moina, Aaron, Rocky, Pooh, Zandro, Bimbo, JP, Brandel, Darlene, Ryan, Camille, Pastor Erwin
• Balance: it is important to balance your learning and your work with also spending time to relax. If you do too much of one thing, anything, you will get burnt out. But even taking time to relax, you can’t over indulge, because then it will have the opposite effect, disabling you from being effective in your work. Whether your work is ministering, involvement with the church, or working at your job for money, you need balance to keep focus on every aspect of your life.

Here’s how I balance. Spending time with friends. Here’s Joash’s birthday party yesterday

Mentor, foundation and culture of faith

Wednesday, 7:31pm – Mandaluyong, Philippines
God has been showing me in different aspects and places about the 10 commandments listed below. He has also been showing me from Pastor Erwin that I met with today and also with my prayers to brothers and sisters back home about wholeheartedly doing these acts and works. I questioned myself in terms of it coming from my heart because it felt forced like it was an obligation. It’s important have God fill your heart to do these things, whether it’s being nice or kind to your neighbor, or in fellowship giving grace or forgiveness to brothers/sisters or to your blood family. Good works without the heart or God’s love is meaningless. There will be an emptiness, disappointment and out of touch with God if we don’t let the Holy Spirit fill us and guide us.

It was great to meet with Pastor Erwin today. To know God has filled someone’s heart to mentor another in the teachings of the Bible and the foundations needed for a disciple before they disciple or minister to others. Right now God has filled me with a general direction. It is now time to grow in maturity spiritually, so that I can focus on God’s purpose for me with the blessings He has given me in talents, lessons and of people around me. My discipline is strong and my heart even stronger for love and obedience to God. Let’s see what good fruit comes from it.

God brought pastor Erwin in our path to further His kingdom. One to able to have me learn on focus and to keep a foundation with God. Second, in some way or another, pastor Erwin will be helped in either his life to remind him of what he teaches his disciples or who he mentors, or to further God’s purpose by connecting us to help with his minitry.

Here are pics from Mandaluyong, to Fort Bonifacio back to Mandaluyong. In Mandaluyong, I went to a coffee shop called Perk. There and actually a few days before, I was reflecting on how much the image of Jesus Christ and the Word is preached or displayed here. As if an advertisement, in this coffee shop with all kinds of books, on public transportation such as Jeepneys or in Taxis, and even billboards that says Jesus Chris Saves. It’s all around here, and because of Spanish Rule hundreds of years ago, religion was brought to the nation and also Jesus Christ name and words were spread and it’s embedded in the culture.