Remembering the firsts

When we had our first child, we took note of various firsts – first haircut, first tooth, first step. Starting a daughter church is not so different – the first events are memorable as well. First water baptism. Nineteen people were water baptized last November. More than half of them were people we met in Greenfields1 when we started in June this year. I was really wishing that the baptism be a real celebration, since there is also much rejoicing in heaven over sinners who repent.

Well, God allowed us to exclusively use a barangay swimming pool for minimal fees. In the afternoon, God refreshed us some more when rain poured down on us for about one hour. What a heavenly party!

First covenant members. 20 people pledged for membership. Like Rick Warren, I also hope to see them transformed from an audience into an army, from consumers into contributors, from spectators into participators. After the membership ceremony, I taught them some basic spiritual habits (CLASS 201) that soldiers in full-battle gear need like Bible time and prayer.

Father in heaven, help us to grow into a strong spiritual family, reaching out to each other, and reaching out for others as well.

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time... Solving the poverty problem is solved in the same manner - one step at a time. I serve in a poor community, and I have prayed to God that He help me to help the poor. He connected me to Dado dela Cruz, head of Kabalikat Inc. and a ministry partner of ACDA. He has helped establish about 20 cooperatives across the country.

I invited Dado to visit our community. He went and talked about starting a savings program, the first of several steps in alleviating the whopping poverty of our people. He cited the huweteng example wherein millions of pesos can be gathered everyday, not from the rich, but actually from the poor. This means, if the poor can save their money, and combine them, it can be a force to reckon with.

Our people, since then, has started saving for 6 weeks now. I was amazed at the inspiration it gave our people, especially the ice cream vendors. Now, they dream to have their own ice cream factory some day. I was actually expecting a businessman to start livelihood projects for the people. Instead, God sent a social worker to empower the people to start their own. God is wise! God is good!

Journey Mates

This year, God has given me a very satisfying ministry for a first-time pastor. Yes, there were problems, but all of them were manageable. God knew better – He was pacing a novice.

My gem in this ministry is a very able partner and wife – Ruth. God knows how many times have I been thankful for all her valuable insights and encouragement. I’m thankful also for well-behaved teens who are devoted to Jesus. They are not perfect, but they don’t give me sleepless nights. One time I was wondering how come I didn't enter pastoral work 10 or 15 years before. Perhaps this is one of the answers - God wants to establish a solid family first.

The best times of my life are when we are all together sharing laughter and tears. I will be spending the holidays with a family I truly enjoy. This is my gift from God. I wish you the same joy during this season. Happy holidays!