heto ako nung summer...parang isang windmill...i was very willing to remain steadfast yet i was distracted with so many things i need to do...and so unlike the windmill, i failed to sit still and linger...despite this reality, the grace of God has reached out to me...once again i felt the sweet embrace of the Lord...
Thursday, May 25, 2006
katibayan ng biyaya
heto ako nung summer...parang isang windmill...i was very willing to remain steadfast yet i was distracted with so many things i need to do...and so unlike the windmill, i failed to sit still and linger...despite this reality, the grace of God has reached out to me...once again i felt the sweet embrace of the Lord...
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
paghimaya
Ito ang liham panalangin ni Rachel. [paghimaya - ang cebuano term na ito ay nangangahulugang pagluwalhati] ito ang naisin ko, ang luwalhatiin ang aking Panginoon at Tagapagligtas sa aking paglalayag bilang isang staff ng ivcf-phils. Ito ang mga kwento ng mga karanasan ko sa patuloy na pagkilala at pagsunod sa aking Manlilikha, May-akda ng aking buhay at pananampalataya...Sa Diyos ang himaya!
Volume 1, Issue 1 May 2006
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Dear Ministry Partners,
“This world is no friend to grace. A person who makes a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior does not find a crown immediately forming to applaud the decision nor old friends spontaneously gathering around to offer congratulations and counsel. Ordinarily, there is nothing hostile, but an accumulation of puzzled disapproval and agnostic indifference constitutes nevertheless, surprisingly formidable opposition.”
- Eugene Peterson , [A Long Obedience in the Same Direction] (I felt very much like what this paragraph states. Some people questioned my calling and my intentions. What could I do? Do I dare disobey?)
Kumusta po kayo? It is a joy for me to share with you the things I am doing and experiencing as a staff worker. It is the prayer of my heart that as you read this prayer letter, you will find how the Lord Jesus Christ, by His grace and power, so lovingly sustains and holds each one of us.
Six months ago, I officially became a team member of the Field Ministry Department of Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship, Phils. Looking back, I cannot help but smile and cry at the same time. There were many things that would make me do these two things at once. What would have happened if the Lord had not brought me here? Hmmm...something I would really need to ponder every now and then as I struggle day by day with the realities of staff life. Hay naku, Lord...kumusta naman ako? If someone asks me now why I became a staff, my answer would be 'kasi pagod na ako makipagtaguan sa Panginoon'(i'm tired of playing hide and seek with God). How's that? People would probably frown and wonder, could she ever hide from the Lord? Syempre, hindi. Kaya nga wala nang takas...sunod na talaga.
How about you? How have you been in your journey? I pray that as you read my stories here, you will find that the Lord who worked, works and will be working in my life will do the same thing to you...kaya I invite you to journey with me...a new beginning...a new adventure...a new experience of God's grace and faithfulness...all for His glory.
The Call...
I would like to believe that my call to become a missionary started when I was born. Because I am the eldest, my mother told me that she offered me to God when I came out into the world. Wow! When I learned about it, it dawned on me that the life I live even at that young age, was not my own. I have been 'handed over'.
And so, with that in mind and heart, I dared to obey.
When I attended KC '97, I promised the Lord that I would serve Him as a staff worker if I am invited. Surprise! After eight years of running away (sa takot na maimbita), I finally had to face the ultimate challenge of my life; to serve the Lord fulltime! Whenever I did have the chance to ponder on its implications as I was the eldest in the family (a call I dare not deny) I suddenly become aware of the risks I would be taking. Kaya lang, mas matindi din ang pagbabalik alaala ko sa mga patunay ng katapatan ng Panginoon sa buhay ko at sa aming pamilya. Kapag dumadating na ang punto ng pagtatanong kung ano ang mangyayari sa mga kapatid ko, ibabalik at ibabalik ako ng Panginoon sa mga karanasan ko ng Kanyang biyaya, pagmamahal at katapatan. So I dared to obey this God who so patiently convinced me that this is where I should be.
First Times...
Ang aking journey sa pagiging staff ay naging makasaysayan dahilan sa mga bagay na ginawa ko at naransan ko first time...
Last Christmas we had the first ever caroling of the IVCF staff family to IVCF friends and supporters. I had the privilege of joining the whole staff team in singing Christmas carols and bringing with us the celebration of God's love. Ang saya!..maraming lugar kaming napuntahan...iba't - ibang uri ng pagkain ang natikman...sari-saring bahay (sa anyo at laki) ang aming napasok. Sa tuwing magkakaroling kami, damang-dama ko ang kabuluhan ng Pasko. Salamat kay Kuya Dennis (may liturgy pa ang aming caroling).
Sa staffcon, first time ko humarap at maglead ng praise and worship sa mga kapita-pitagang staff workers (hehehe). That was the time I felt and said to the Lord, "Who am I that I would stand in front of all these people and lead them in praising and worshipping You? I'm not worthy." That time will always come back to me as a powerful reminder of God's grace. What truth, what reality I have been missing because of a lack of confidence in God and in myself.
Sa Kawayan Camp, first time ko sumabak bilang staff. First time ko magplane. First time ko sa Bacolod. First time ko mapagod ng sobra...may carry over hanggang first week ng KC...umiyak at namaga ang mata dahil sa di maipaliwanag na kapaguran at kalungkutan...maaaring di lamang sa katawan kundi maging ang damdamin. Ang dami pong first times no? Pero doon, maraming pinatunayan ang Panginoon sa akin. Mga katotohanang alam kong tagos sa puso...kapag naiisip ko kung paanong ang isang taong makasalanan, broken and dying na katulad ko ay magiging daluyan Niya ng biyaya at pag-ibig, parang ayaw ko nang gumising at kumilos. Subalit hindi matatawaran at masusukat ang biyaya ng Panginoon...ang katapatan Niya ay sadyang sariwa sa bawat umaga. Sa tuwing gigisingin ako ng huni ng mga ibon at ng haring araw, alam kong buhay ako at may pag-asa, may dahilan upang sumamba lalo sa Kanya, mag-alay ng awit, ng buhay. Kapag kasama ko ang mga campers, nakikipagkwentuhan at nakikijamming sa kanila, ibang saya at fulfilment ang nasa puso ko. Paano nga ba itatanggi pa ang kabutihan ng Panginoon? Paano pa magtatanong ng “Lord, is this where You really want me be?” Parang hindi na iyon akma at makatotohanan. Alam ko na ang sagot.
Ito po ang aking small group sa KC… Our name: Aninipot Beam (Firefly’s Beam) w/ MV Matt. 5:16.[yung 1st 4 from from left -rein, jp, celyn, frannie, from right – ako, k.jun, theia & kim]
The Tasks at Hand
November 15, a Tuesday was the day I was welcomed in the staff family. Before that day, the Lord has given me a number of privileges of being with the staff team & with the students, Teddy, a KCmate & a former staff, handed over 2 of his campus (MIT & PLM) assignments to me. Imus Institute also became one of my campus assignments.
The first days with the students were spent in knowing them…GTKY ba. After that, Bibles Studies were held alternately led by students & me. With MIT & PLM, the Lord has given at least 5 students every B.S. (with PLM, usually they have more than 5 attendees). Praise the Lord.
In I.I., there are 4 regular Bible Studies every week, (2 on Tuesday nights & another 2 on Thursday nights). I was amazed of how the Lord has sustained that chapter for almost 2 years without constant staff visit. It was another evidence of His power & grace. I am also blessed with the life of the two student B.S. leaders who never gets tired of inviting their classmates to attend the evangelistic Bible Study. In this campus, I usually sleep at a friend’s house because the meetings are held during evenings because their class schedules are afternoons until evenings. There was a time, I went home at around 10 pm, I arrived at Anislag almost midnight. The Lord has protected me during that time. It’s also a one-of-a-kind adventure for me. I rode a bus which has a driver who thought that he was in a car race in the middle of EDSA. I really prayed while I was holding on to the railings for dear life. =)
I believe there will be more of these adventures in my staff days…It is part & parcel of this journey…glimpses of God’s providence and safekeeping.
The God who is Ahead of me…
As this school year begins, I face tremendous opportunities of hope & insecurities…To whom do I put my trust? Will my heart despair when uncertainties lurk at the crossroads of this journey or will my heart be steadfast in serving the Lord of Creation, the Lord of my life?
I anticipate changes in this coming year. Marami yun for sure. Bigger responsibilities are assigned. Kapag iniisip ko kung kaya ko ba magpatuloy napapahiya ako sa tugon ng Panginoon. Is this for you and about you my child? I answer, “Hindi po Lord. Sa Inyo po at para sa Inyo. Ito ay tungkol sa Iyo at hindi sa akin.”
I hold on to this truth from His Word; “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Rom. 11:36)
Join me in Prayer…
· Pray for meaningful times w/ student-leaders as we hold our Bible Studies & training sessions. Pray that they would be learn from the Word and act on what they have gained.
· Pray for good health & safety as I travel to & fro Cavite (my new assignment includes PUP Maragondon, quite far)
· Pray for my family’s health (esp. my mother who has enlargement of the heart & my sister who has D.S.)
· Pray for me as I study & lead that I be careful not to take things for granted but to work excellently for God’s glory; that I may not give in to hopelessness or despair when things are not as clear as they have to be.
· Pray for our department, College, as we face a new school year w/ a lesser number of staff & a broader ministry opportunities.
· Pray for IVCF, as the movement faces another exciting year of transitions w/ a new National Director, Kuya Zaldy Harder.
A Salute to the Dawn…
“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” Heb. 11:1
“The one thing I ask of the LORD-- the thing I seek most-- is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple.” Ps. 27:4
“Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Ps. 73:25-26
Ang mga talatang ito at marami pang iba ang bitbit ko at katiyakan sa mga susunod pang araw ng pagkilala at pagdanas sa walang maliw na katapatan at pag-ibig ng Diyos.
Ito po ang aking kwento….
Kwento ng pag-ibig at katapatan ng Panginoon…
Kwento ng kahinaan at pagkabasag sa harapan ng aking Manlilikha…
Kwentong hangad ay maibigay ang pinakamataas na papuri at luwalhati to my Master & Owner, the life I live now I live by faith through Him who strengthens and enables me for His glory alone…for Him alone…rachel
Volume 1, Issue 1 May 2006
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Dear Ministry Partners,
“This world is no friend to grace. A person who makes a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior does not find a crown immediately forming to applaud the decision nor old friends spontaneously gathering around to offer congratulations and counsel. Ordinarily, there is nothing hostile, but an accumulation of puzzled disapproval and agnostic indifference constitutes nevertheless, surprisingly formidable opposition.”
- Eugene Peterson , [A Long Obedience in the Same Direction] (I felt very much like what this paragraph states. Some people questioned my calling and my intentions. What could I do? Do I dare disobey?)
Kumusta po kayo? It is a joy for me to share with you the things I am doing and experiencing as a staff worker. It is the prayer of my heart that as you read this prayer letter, you will find how the Lord Jesus Christ, by His grace and power, so lovingly sustains and holds each one of us.
Six months ago, I officially became a team member of the Field Ministry Department of Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship, Phils. Looking back, I cannot help but smile and cry at the same time. There were many things that would make me do these two things at once. What would have happened if the Lord had not brought me here? Hmmm...something I would really need to ponder every now and then as I struggle day by day with the realities of staff life. Hay naku, Lord...kumusta naman ako? If someone asks me now why I became a staff, my answer would be 'kasi pagod na ako makipagtaguan sa Panginoon'(i'm tired of playing hide and seek with God). How's that? People would probably frown and wonder, could she ever hide from the Lord? Syempre, hindi. Kaya nga wala nang takas...sunod na talaga.
How about you? How have you been in your journey? I pray that as you read my stories here, you will find that the Lord who worked, works and will be working in my life will do the same thing to you...kaya I invite you to journey with me...a new beginning...a new adventure...a new experience of God's grace and faithfulness...all for His glory.
The Call...
I would like to believe that my call to become a missionary started when I was born. Because I am the eldest, my mother told me that she offered me to God when I came out into the world. Wow! When I learned about it, it dawned on me that the life I live even at that young age, was not my own. I have been 'handed over'.
And so, with that in mind and heart, I dared to obey.
When I attended KC '97, I promised the Lord that I would serve Him as a staff worker if I am invited. Surprise! After eight years of running away (sa takot na maimbita), I finally had to face the ultimate challenge of my life; to serve the Lord fulltime! Whenever I did have the chance to ponder on its implications as I was the eldest in the family (a call I dare not deny) I suddenly become aware of the risks I would be taking. Kaya lang, mas matindi din ang pagbabalik alaala ko sa mga patunay ng katapatan ng Panginoon sa buhay ko at sa aming pamilya. Kapag dumadating na ang punto ng pagtatanong kung ano ang mangyayari sa mga kapatid ko, ibabalik at ibabalik ako ng Panginoon sa mga karanasan ko ng Kanyang biyaya, pagmamahal at katapatan. So I dared to obey this God who so patiently convinced me that this is where I should be.
First Times...
Ang aking journey sa pagiging staff ay naging makasaysayan dahilan sa mga bagay na ginawa ko at naransan ko first time...
Last Christmas we had the first ever caroling of the IVCF staff family to IVCF friends and supporters. I had the privilege of joining the whole staff team in singing Christmas carols and bringing with us the celebration of God's love. Ang saya!..maraming lugar kaming napuntahan...iba't - ibang uri ng pagkain ang natikman...sari-saring bahay (sa anyo at laki) ang aming napasok. Sa tuwing magkakaroling kami, damang-dama ko ang kabuluhan ng Pasko. Salamat kay Kuya Dennis (may liturgy pa ang aming caroling).
Sa staffcon, first time ko humarap at maglead ng praise and worship sa mga kapita-pitagang staff workers (hehehe). That was the time I felt and said to the Lord, "Who am I that I would stand in front of all these people and lead them in praising and worshipping You? I'm not worthy." That time will always come back to me as a powerful reminder of God's grace. What truth, what reality I have been missing because of a lack of confidence in God and in myself.
Sa Kawayan Camp, first time ko sumabak bilang staff. First time ko magplane. First time ko sa Bacolod. First time ko mapagod ng sobra...may carry over hanggang first week ng KC...umiyak at namaga ang mata dahil sa di maipaliwanag na kapaguran at kalungkutan...maaaring di lamang sa katawan kundi maging ang damdamin. Ang dami pong first times no? Pero doon, maraming pinatunayan ang Panginoon sa akin. Mga katotohanang alam kong tagos sa puso...kapag naiisip ko kung paanong ang isang taong makasalanan, broken and dying na katulad ko ay magiging daluyan Niya ng biyaya at pag-ibig, parang ayaw ko nang gumising at kumilos. Subalit hindi matatawaran at masusukat ang biyaya ng Panginoon...ang katapatan Niya ay sadyang sariwa sa bawat umaga. Sa tuwing gigisingin ako ng huni ng mga ibon at ng haring araw, alam kong buhay ako at may pag-asa, may dahilan upang sumamba lalo sa Kanya, mag-alay ng awit, ng buhay. Kapag kasama ko ang mga campers, nakikipagkwentuhan at nakikijamming sa kanila, ibang saya at fulfilment ang nasa puso ko. Paano nga ba itatanggi pa ang kabutihan ng Panginoon? Paano pa magtatanong ng “Lord, is this where You really want me be?” Parang hindi na iyon akma at makatotohanan. Alam ko na ang sagot.
Ito po ang aking small group sa KC… Our name: Aninipot Beam (Firefly’s Beam) w/ MV Matt. 5:16.[yung 1st 4 from from left -rein, jp, celyn, frannie, from right – ako, k.jun, theia & kim]
The Tasks at Hand
November 15, a Tuesday was the day I was welcomed in the staff family. Before that day, the Lord has given me a number of privileges of being with the staff team & with the students, Teddy, a KCmate & a former staff, handed over 2 of his campus (MIT & PLM) assignments to me. Imus Institute also became one of my campus assignments.
The first days with the students were spent in knowing them…GTKY ba. After that, Bibles Studies were held alternately led by students & me. With MIT & PLM, the Lord has given at least 5 students every B.S. (with PLM, usually they have more than 5 attendees). Praise the Lord.
In I.I., there are 4 regular Bible Studies every week, (2 on Tuesday nights & another 2 on Thursday nights). I was amazed of how the Lord has sustained that chapter for almost 2 years without constant staff visit. It was another evidence of His power & grace. I am also blessed with the life of the two student B.S. leaders who never gets tired of inviting their classmates to attend the evangelistic Bible Study. In this campus, I usually sleep at a friend’s house because the meetings are held during evenings because their class schedules are afternoons until evenings. There was a time, I went home at around 10 pm, I arrived at Anislag almost midnight. The Lord has protected me during that time. It’s also a one-of-a-kind adventure for me. I rode a bus which has a driver who thought that he was in a car race in the middle of EDSA. I really prayed while I was holding on to the railings for dear life. =)
I believe there will be more of these adventures in my staff days…It is part & parcel of this journey…glimpses of God’s providence and safekeeping.
The God who is Ahead of me…
As this school year begins, I face tremendous opportunities of hope & insecurities…To whom do I put my trust? Will my heart despair when uncertainties lurk at the crossroads of this journey or will my heart be steadfast in serving the Lord of Creation, the Lord of my life?
I anticipate changes in this coming year. Marami yun for sure. Bigger responsibilities are assigned. Kapag iniisip ko kung kaya ko ba magpatuloy napapahiya ako sa tugon ng Panginoon. Is this for you and about you my child? I answer, “Hindi po Lord. Sa Inyo po at para sa Inyo. Ito ay tungkol sa Iyo at hindi sa akin.”
I hold on to this truth from His Word; “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Rom. 11:36)
Join me in Prayer…
· Pray for meaningful times w/ student-leaders as we hold our Bible Studies & training sessions. Pray that they would be learn from the Word and act on what they have gained.
· Pray for good health & safety as I travel to & fro Cavite (my new assignment includes PUP Maragondon, quite far)
· Pray for my family’s health (esp. my mother who has enlargement of the heart & my sister who has D.S.)
· Pray for me as I study & lead that I be careful not to take things for granted but to work excellently for God’s glory; that I may not give in to hopelessness or despair when things are not as clear as they have to be.
· Pray for our department, College, as we face a new school year w/ a lesser number of staff & a broader ministry opportunities.
· Pray for IVCF, as the movement faces another exciting year of transitions w/ a new National Director, Kuya Zaldy Harder.
A Salute to the Dawn…
“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” Heb. 11:1
“The one thing I ask of the LORD-- the thing I seek most-- is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple.” Ps. 27:4
“Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Ps. 73:25-26
Ang mga talatang ito at marami pang iba ang bitbit ko at katiyakan sa mga susunod pang araw ng pagkilala at pagdanas sa walang maliw na katapatan at pag-ibig ng Diyos.
Ito po ang aking kwento….
Kwento ng pag-ibig at katapatan ng Panginoon…
Kwento ng kahinaan at pagkabasag sa harapan ng aking Manlilikha…
Kwentong hangad ay maibigay ang pinakamataas na papuri at luwalhati to my Master & Owner, the life I live now I live by faith through Him who strengthens and enables me for His glory alone…for Him alone…rachel
Monday, May 22, 2006
if you ask me why...
this is my passion...this is where i have been called to go and serve...above everything else, above anyone else, i do this because of the One who created and designed me to do it...a lot of people have questioned why i chose to be in this kind of work...working with students...being & living with them...journeying with them...what do i answer?i believe this is the best place my Caller & Master has brought me to...i seek not to do these things for the people who are expecting me to do them...i seek a higher cause...a greater reward...a better motivation than just the applause of men...they, who in another place & time may question who & what i am...i seek to give this to the Author & Perfecter of my faith...my life...my all...
as Eugene Peterson has stated in "a long obedience in the same direction", 'This world is no friend to grace. A person who makes a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior does not find a crowd immediately forming to applaud the decision nor old friends gathering spontaneouly to offer congratulations and counsel. Ordinarily, there is nothing directly hostile, but an accumulation of puzzled disapproval and agnostic indifference constitutes, nevertheless, surprisingly formidable opposition.' when i cam in to this kind of work, i thought people would be happy...i was wrong...many others have questioned me...my calling...my motive...how do i answer them? i have none to offer but this life lent to me...what more can i say?
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
this has been me three years ago
i still could not believe i looked like this...today, i would be looking differently yet i am still the same person i think i am before except for some changes inwardly and outwardly...hehehe
my journey as a person in this photo has just turned around...this was taken when i almost went abroad to work...when one sees me now, they would not believe that this is who and what i looked like three years ago...hahaha
still, i am glad i was able to do this...to capture a memory of who i am...
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