Christmas Sunday, etc.

Two days after the supposed end of the world, PCF Nova had a great special day!

The roof is repainted. Insulation is provided. Stage is assembled. Only 10% of the ground is not yet cemented. So for 3 Sundays starting December 23, we temporarily held our worship service in the warehouse to see what else is needed so the church can move there permanently. We still lack lights, electrical wiring, industrial fans, band instrument covers, echo minimizer, etc. But one more thing I discovered, I still need to adjust to talk to a large crowd. Somehow I was uncomfortable when I couldn't make eye contact with the people somewhere at the back.

December 23 was also our Christmas Sunday where we spent the rest of the afternoon with a dance showdown among the Care Groups. We call it CG Festival. It was a full house of talents - fun, riotous, creative. It was great bonding time as well for the Care Groups. Whatever the result was with the judging, I felt everybody won. Before that day, I was asking God for some giveaways, as we had done for the past Christmas Sundays. Fortunately, a friend contacted me if someone can pick-up some Johnson&Johnson products in the morning of that day. But of course!

The first test drive was special to me in a different way. December 23 was the 25th wedding anniversary with my life partner, Ruth, and I can't let that pass without something different for her. So before I delivered the sermon, I surprised her with a dozen roses. She is my loving and humble supporter in everything that I do. She deserves every petal of that bouquet and every bit of my love.

What a productive and meaningful day! Thank God for his favor!

Best season break

Armies attack with a shout of "charge!" Our youth warriors retreated with a whisper of "recharge".

At the last week of every year, youth leaders and potential leaders in PCF Nova gather together for a 3-day camp in Bulacan. It's a time for strengthening, fellowship and getting further directions from the Lord. It's a balance of wackiness, work and Word. Youth leaders, including my family and me, are always excited for this annual event.

Last December was our 6th Bulacan Camp, and 30 youth delegates raised funds for their camp fees through many small contributions from church members. It was a good mix of Care Group Leaders, Star Awardees, and Top 3 in the Praise School of Leaders. I've discovered that this mix is fruitful as potential leaders get to establish relationships with long time leaders that hopefully will be a bridge for further mentoring throughout the year. I wish the unity of these youth leaders will be strong enough to victoriously face their temptations later.

Amazingly, as it was in the previous years, Lectio Divina had the greatest impact among the campers. And this is the time when there's no human speaker - only plain reading of the Word, silent meditation and sharing of insights. This is the time when we claim that the Holy Spirit will be the speaker himself. As expected, he never fails to convict people in fresh new ways.

Campers, be strong, remain faithful to the Lord, and I hope to see you all next camp!

Star Awardee

May Anne (center) along with
Julie (left), her discipler & Ptr. Sandy

Give honor to whom honor is due. This year, we honored 39 on two separate occasions.

Twice a year, we honor those who have excelled in winning people, making disciples, doing ministry, and character growth. It is a source of jubilation for most of us, and these awardees make their leaders proud. Among those who have received awards was May Anne Bernardo.

Eldest in a brood of 4 girls, she gave way for the second girl in family to go to college because of financial constraints. She became a member of PCF Nova on April 1 just last year. Last month, she already has 4 girls whom she is discipling in her Care Group, kind of unusual for a new member. 

Previously she didn't accept a job that will make her unavailable to do her church responsibilities. Now she works as a helper in a family who goes to PCF as well, removing any problem with church schedule. She is simple, has a servant heart, prayerful, and reliable in the Usher Ministry and PEP Team. She is the living proof that being poor or uneducated is no reason not to make disciples. She loves her Savior too much to make excuses. As such, she earned the distinguished Warrior Award. May Anne lived with this word... "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed..." (2Tim. 2:15)