a journey of faith and joy

of Edges and Balance

2011-02-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

· PCCI – Passionate Community for Christ Inc.

I continue to serve in the Board as one of its founding members. I also serve as program consultant to the PCCI group in Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The work there has expanded to include Quirino, Isabela, Ifugao and Sanchez Mira. The growing involvement of the professionals and students in that area is slowly transitioning the group to become autonomous from and yet interdependent with central Manila. Here in Manila, we continue to develop and offer initiatives to engage the professionals. Aside from the “Nurturing Passion as a Community” retreat which we have been offering since 2009, I developed another follow up retreat and christened it – Beyond Balance: Living by the Edge (BBLE). We ran three batches last 2010 in Silang, Cavite at Kuya Del Sta Ana’s Kubo Camp. Here is my major learning about the BBLE-

The Edge

An unknown place of risk/uncertainty where adventure is the norm. As such, the edge draws us to trust no one, yes not even ourselves, and thus focuses our attention only on God and His grace. By the edge, we face people in their world and value them as they are. Here we learn to incarnate and be one with them, even as we are one with God. The edge is where we are called to be - living out Christ!

Balance

A state / position / conviction a person assumes where his current environment and/or significant relationships will not be compromised.

To be balanced is to move (or not move) according to culturally / institutionally / socially set norms. In short, to be balanced is not to have a mind of our own. Interestingly, a person only achieves a state of equilibrium when he is dead. Hmmmmm….

We find our ability to STAND and MOVE in Christ. He is our model of a God-centered life. He modeled EDGE-LIVING while being in the center of God’s will – something the Pharisees criticized. He had more time with the marginalized –tax collectors, prostitutes and the poor – because that was where he was needed most. He was passionate about prioritizing his God-centered moments that he would wake up early morning to be with God or forego of his lunch just to spend time with the Samaritan woman. Edge-living is never a comfortable place to be with, but this is where we are called to be – and must be.

My involvement with ECCD in 2010

2011-02-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

· ECCDC – Early Childhood Care and Development Council. Composed of the secretaries of the social welfare, education and health departments, and president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (Ulap), the ECCDC was created to provide support to children aged six years old and below by promoting their rights to survival, development and special protection with full recognition of the nature of childhood and its special needs, and support parents in their roles as primary caregivers as well as their children's first teachers.

Currently there are 42,000 plus (public) barangay day care centers nationwide tasked to meet the preschoolers’ needs. However, only less than 30% of the 0-6yrs old have access to this service. No wonder we have a very high drop-out rate in grade one! In October 2009, I served as one of the training consultants for its 6-month pilot training program for community implementers of Home-based Early Childhood Care and Development program of HB-ECCD. Home-based ECCD is an alternative parent-led initiative designed to meet the early childhood care needs of majority of the kids who have no access to the center-based day care. We piloted this program for the cities of Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and the municipality of Baler, Aurora Province. The participants of our training were the Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars – BHW & BNS. They were tasked to organize and mobilize parents for HB-ECCD.

I had a wonderful and fruitful time with the BHW and BNS. One batch of trainees gave me a mug as a gift. Ako lang ata ang nakatanggap sa tatlong trainors. Once in a while, I still receive text messages from some of the participants J eh paano ba naman, I managed the closing program in such a manner that they are able to symbolically commit themselves to their work and God. Quite emotional with the participants very engaged. You see, BHW and BNS are volunteers who usually receive an allowance of P500/ month despite being the major work force in the barangay level. I am greatly inspired by their sincerity and dedication to their call.

Sadly the change in leadership affected this program. ECCDC is directly under the office of the president and is subject to the president’s discretion. I am still in touch with the people in ECCDC and I’m just waiting for their notice anytime. We were suppose to roll-out the program in June of 2010 L

Other highlights:

o I stayed several days in a hotel during the training. Got bored with hotel food so I had my dinner packed and given to street-dwellers during my 5pm brisk walk time along Roxas Blvd. The sunset view by the bay captivated me each day.

o Baler has an allure of its own – with its fantastic sceneries. And the food! Simple, fresh, but tastefully prepared. I think I gained so much in less than a week! I especially enjoyed the “lato” or fern salad with shredded smoke fish. Hmmmmm….

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

To everyone,

Louder than the firecrackers I can hear outside our house in Lamuan, Marikina, our family welcomes the year 2010 with a bang. This year, instead of just the six of us, we celebrate the New Year with Lola Ave who came back to the Philippines this September 2009 from New Zealand, where Tita Archie and Zach are now living.

Though we are still all pretty much the same, there have been some changes too.

Papa still has the longest hair in our family. He still travels all over the Philippines conducting seminars and workshops. He enjoys playing with his new toy—his big motorcycle which he use more often because typhoon Ondoy disabled our car. His latest involvement is with the HB-ECCD Pilot program (home-based early childhood care and development) which will run till March of this year. The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and Passionate Community for Christ (PCCi) continue to preoccupy most of 2009 and predictably most of the days of 2010.

Mumsy is still working in Metrobank but is looking forward to study in the University of the Philippines Open University this coming 2010 to take up a degree in Education. She still enjoys blogging, watching foreign films, reading good poetry (for example, Pablo Neruda) and her love for classical music is still as strong as ever.

Chiara is an active high school senior student who has been involved in various extra curricular activities. She hopes to study Business Administration or Visual Arts in UP Diliman and so stay with the rest of the family in Marikina. She still loves to draw anime characters and watch anime shows.

Jayjay gained a lot of weight this year because he stopped his badminton classes but he plans on playing sports again this 2010. He is only eight years old but already very active in the online world (Facebook, computer games, etc.) He is always on the honor roll and recently became a Pupil leader. A Pupil leader is assigned to serve as a “kuya” to younger students.

Bea remains to be the girly and kikay little lady in the family. She is consistent in their class as one of the Best English Speaker awardees. She enjoys drawing and playing computer games as well. She has a very big appetite when it comes to rice, soup and her favorite—tuna.

And finally me, Regina. I am now a junior in college. Aside from being part of the UPLB Devcomsoc and the student council, I also joined a sorority this 2009 and during my second semester, I became an officer. 2009 was also the year I started living in an apartment which is good because it is so near the devcom building. I am planning to extend my stay in college and take up another major—journalism.

And that’s the six of us. Plus Lola Ave, who enjoys spending time with us as she makes her crafts and artworks. 2009 was a year of many blessings despite the calamity that has befallen us.

And so we hope that more blessings will come our way this 2010, even as we continue to be an avenue of His blessings for others.

Two Tears / Seeds in Augusts

2009-08-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

He came home despite threats to his life. And as soon as his plane landed, he was escorted out and led through the tarmac .....and bang! He never got to set his foot on our soil but as he was falling, he made sure his lips kissed the ground. That was August 21, 2003... the first tear / seed.

She was a simple wife who was rushed to widowhood. She was calm but determined to get justice for her husband. In the process, the nation found someone who signifies the cause of democracy. The reluctant widow gave in to the voice of the people. The justice she sought for her husband has been given a new meaning. It's making sure that what he believes in - that the Filipinos are worth dying for - will not be in vain. Now it's about the welfare of a seemingly orphaned nation.

She and the people prevailed. The wife, widow, became the president. And she did not only govern but led with integrity, compassion and servitude - a complete opposite of her predecessor. Even after she governed, she continued to lead because what we fought against somehow slowly found its way back - a zombie that mutated to something far more corrupt, greedy and destructive.

After the presidency, she became closer to our hearts. Beloved Tita by many who never give up on her nation and one who walks the streets to be the voice of the people. It was not a surprise that despite her illness, she continued about her work - being the voice...inspiring many to fight on... to live on.

PAGASA said that AUGUST has the most rain among all the months. No wonder she had to "go" and leave us now. Like a seed planted, what she stood for will hopefully grow along with the seed of her husband 26 years ago. This is the second tear...and it continues to be poured out... by me...by many.

We love you Tita Cory and Ninoy. And we thank you for your lives. Now its time for us to live our own, guided by your life and what you stood for, we hope the next generation will experience the fruits of our labor that traces back from this two seeds of August.

2009 UPDATE

2009-01-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We celebrate the New Year – 2009 with much hope – despite the seeming dark clouds that pervades the sky. God’s light continues to shine even brighter and we can only imagine how He will “make all things new.”

Rejoice with our family for the year that was – 2008:

We said goodbye to Town and Country Executive Village in Antipolo which has been our home for six years, and now live in Marikina at my sister’s place since she left for New Zealand last April. My kids now enjoy their grandmother – Lola Ave – as we share the same compound. Last December though Lola Ave left to spend Christmas with Archie and Zach at New Zealand. She will be back by May. Our new address: 7 Sampaguita St., Lamuan, Marikina City.

Chi ONGKIKO is on 2^nd year at her new assignment as a junior officer with systems in Metrobank. She endures being a Commuter – leaves by 6:30am and gets home before 8pm and can still prepare most sumptuous meal whenever she can. She finds joy in Netlog community as she is able to express her thoughts through blogging and gain new friends from all over at the same time. Check her site – www.en.netlog.com/tinklingjade

Regina Mae ONGKIKO is currently 2^nd year at UPLB and taking Development Communication. She recently joined Devcomsoc and now calls her papa – Brod. She is active

in school and was elected Student Council member of College of Development Communication. Reg, as she prefers to be called, sports a shorter hairstyle – and receives much compliment for it. She is so into digital photography and has been exploring this new found digicam.

Chiara Luz ONGKIKO transferred to Christian School International (Los Banos) as a 3rd yr HS Student. She is happy to renew ties with former classmates and teachers and enjoys being a choir member. She is into various arts-stuff, likes to draw and sketch anime. Chia, as she is fondly called, seriously considers going to Japan and learning its culture. For now, her thoughts are occupied on deciding what course to take and where to study in college.

Jayjay ONGKIKO is Grade One at Marist School. He graduated class valedictorian in his preschool and continues to get high grades. He is very active physically and took up badminton lessons, and articulated his desire to take up basketball when in Grade 2. Quite the OC in the family, Jayjay unceasingly offers corrections on some “inconsistencies” like – USA should really be USOA since its meaning is United States Of America.

Bea Marie ONGKIKO followed after her papa’s footsteps, and is now in Prep at Roosevelt College Elementary Department. She enjoys immensely chatting with classmates as she walks to and from school. For the UN day parade, Bea was supposed to wear a pajama-like costume as Ms. Thailand. But Chi saw a beautiful pink Korean gown and let Bea wear it instead instructing the yaya that if they are questioned, just say that they thought it was a Thailand outfit. Bea won first runner-up in costume wearing a cute Korean outfit with a well written diagonal sash that reads – Miss Thailand. Her infectious smile has been put to the test as she recently lost her two front teeth.

Boyet Ongkiko now has the longest hair in the family. Bea and Jay say they should call him Mommy instead. He discovered the joys of sulit.com when he was able to sell our car and refrigerator through the internet site. Boyet is busy with Eklipse, IVPM and various projects where he effectively employs the Dialogue Education approach to learning. He has become a regular speaker on a Bible Study program aired over Marikina radio (DZBF 1674Khz). He is constantly on-line so he’s usually only a click away.

There you have it - all six of us. We enjoyed being together during the holidays... and just being family, something we seldom do since Reg and Chia are studying in Los Banos. Thankfully there is the internet - the wonders of technology!!!

Called to shine in times of Crisis!

2008-06-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

Eto ang panahon ng PAGMAMAHAL...

PAG MAHAL ng Gasolina...
PAG MAHAL ng Bigas...
PAG MAHAL ng lahat ng bilihin....

so with our income the only unchanging, makes one wonder how to live on...and yes for some, even survive!

We are meant to rise above our situations.
We are people meant to shine in times of crisis.
When the going gets tough, the faithful gets going;
when others would hoard, we take our cue from the Widow and his child in the time of drought who willingly gave all that they had - and from then on, never ran out!

We are committed to our calling - to be a people of blessing!
When cursing is the natural reaction, we choose to respond in love; we prepare our bread with fillings of love and we give them out -- yes even to those who threw us stones.
Our love will conquer them, even as we were conquered by His love.

We refuse to be controlled by the abundance or scarcity of our resources. Our Spirit is our major resource. And so we draw our strength from our inner resource who has abundantly provided for us -- not just meant to be enjoyed by us, but to be graciously shared to everyone especially the needy. In our weakness, we are made strong. And in our poverty, we are made rich.

This is our time.
In the midst of darkness, we will shine brighter!
For His Glory alone!

Truly this is the time for PAGMAMAHALAN in the truest sense of the word!

SPEED video

2008-01-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

I developed a course on video production and called it SPEED video -
Producing Strategic, Practical, Effective, Exciting and Do-able Videos

This Five-day course dynamically integrates these three essential elements of video production – 1) skills and techniques in photo-video recording, 2) tools and principles of video editing using simple software (e.g., Movie Maker and ULEAD), and 3) key ingredients of creative Story telling. Specifically, the course will focus on producing short videos (less than 10 minutes) for various purposes like documenting events, program summary, project highlights, personal accomplishments, and others. All these contents will be taught using Dialogue Education principles and approaches.

We initially offered it in Davao where we had 9 participants. Below is a video summary of Day One in SPEED Video.

So, who will benefit from this course?
This course was designed to benefit groups who can use short videos for various purposes. These groups include: local Government Units, Government Agencies, Non Government Organizations, Local churches, church and mission organizations, Foundations and Civic Groups, Schools, Colleges and universities, and others.

and who may attend the course?
Any adult - ages 18 up - can. The participant must have, sufficient working knowledge on basic computer software program (i.e. Word), and an attitude and desire to learn. Participants are limited to maximum of 20 only.
To benefit the most are Program managers, officers and staff who participate in various events, monitors programs and other work-related initiatives. Anyone who needs to come up with a short but powerful summary that highlights the “essentials” without spending so much time and resources on the technical and tedious process usually involved in video production.

What are other requirements?
Each participant or pair* must bring the following:
1. a digital Camera and /or video Camera (preference on digital Camera with Audio-Video recording mode and I GB of memory card )
2. Laptop with at least 512 MB of RAM (higher would be better) and Windows XP
3. Samples of digital photos and video recordings (prints and/or soft copies – i.e., digital files)
4. a Flash drive/memory stick /thumb drive/ memory card with 512 MB minimum capacity
* - Note: it is best to have 2 participants coming from the same organization so they can work as a pair.

So when is the next course? We are running two special courses for the LGU of Butuan from January 14-18 where Barangay Information Officers will be the main participants. Then, another one the following week - January 21-25 for other NGOs, GAs and other groups. A course is set in Quezon City on February 25-29, 2008. we are also setting to schedule a run in Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo and Cebu in the coming months

These are what some of the participants in our maiden offering in Davao have to say about the course:

“The course was amazing and the process used was fundamental and in layman terms. Thanks to Boyet Ongkiko for making things easy for us”

“I’ve realized the power of SPEED in delivering messages to target audience.”

“I see myself as a creator of SPEED Videos which conveys the life of farmer-beneficiaries, including the landowners too.”

“Now I can produce my own video of family and friends’ activities as gift for any celebration.”

“Useful for training activities”

“The Method used in imparting the skills and experience is fun and effective.”

“It will be very useful and applicable for our PROGRAMS in 2008 which will focus on profiling our 86 Barangays”

“The technique and way in producing videos in a short time – that is SPEED Video”

For interested groups, email:
The Director – Strategic Training Unit
eklipse.is@gmail.com

For other inquiries send text to:
09209226840

When Learning is Fun!

2007-08-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

And they are singing…. jumping and moving around the room….climbing on top of the table…. crawling under the table…cheering and jeering on the others…and marking charts with crayons. These are not children in a nursery class. No, these are Cambodian church leaders and community development workers – ADULTS highly engaged and having fun in my training class.

I always believe that learning must be an enjoyable experience. This is true for all ages and certainly, the adult learners included. The “child” in the adult, must be encouraged and allowed to “play”. The creative instinct and experimenting-inquisitive mind are resource that adult learners bring with them, which can be harnessed in the right learning environment. Sadly, the opposite seems to be true among most adult learning events. Learning has become anything but ENJOYABLE.

Most of the time adults go through the motion of listening (and sitting it out) to a litany of ideas that subject matter specialists sincerely believe they need to know. As such, a typical room can be filled with participants and yet have only ONE voice – that of the teacher. These participants called as such but whose PARTICIPATION is limited to warming their sits and passive listening.

When the learning environment is fun, participants feel relax and more “open” to new ideas and possibilities. They are able to interact and engage each other in a non-threatening atmosphere of play. Like children, they begin to ask questions that matter to them and articulate it to the group – even if the questions seem “stupid” to adults. They freely share their thoughts on the questions asked without fear of what others may think. As such, what usually happens in a typical adult learning environment is the complete opposite. Here, the teacher doesn’t dominate but is among the many voices that resonates.

Who ever said that “play” is meant only for children? Oh may we never grow up…

A Reading in Reverse

2007-08-06T03:31:00.001-07:00

During a devotional time in my training class in Cambodia, I suddenly remembered a Youtube video where a reading in reverse of the same article drastically changed the entire meaning. Suddenly, I felt the urge to do the same in this passage of 1 Timothy 4:12-15

The Passage:

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Be an example to all believers in what you teach,
in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Until I get there,
focus on reading the Scriptures to the church,
encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you
when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.
Give your complete attention to these matters.
Throw yourself into your tasks
so that everyone will see your progress.

Now the reading in reverse:

So that everyone will see your progress
throw yourself into your tasks
Give your complete attention to these matters
when the elders of the church laid their hands on you
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you
Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church
until I get there
Encouraging the believers, and teaching them
in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity
Be an example to all believers in what you teach
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young

Notice the difference?
The first started with a negative assertion.
The reading in reverse begun with a positive assumption.
Both, like bookends, laid down the instructions and reasons for asserting and assuming such.
But at the center of both readings, is the admonition to "Focus on public reading of the Word."
Hmmmmm.... what more can I say.

In Search of Kaginhawahan

2007-07-24T00:57:00.000-07:00

We have heard and read so much of Pinoy Pride. I guess time longs for the Pinoys to live it out and be the kind of people that other nations would begin to respect. Shall we wait for our country to be “developed” for this to take place? Perhaps more importantly, “What should we BE as a people so that we gain the respect of others?”

I don’t long for the current form of development that seems to be the goal of our government and most development practitioners. In tagalong – we call it “Kaunlaran” which is a rather foreign concept to us. Perhaps it is taken from the root word “unlad” which is closer to the word “growth” in which case it does not necessarily refer to the material sense alone. But really “Kaunlaran” seems closer to the word “Kanluran” which means “west”. And rightly so, for the development that preoccupies us directs us to be a copy cat of the west where the indicators are mostly measured in the material sphere. Ultimately, the more we become like our western counterparts, the more “developed” we are supposed to be. Developed? Perhaps. Respected? Hmmmm

Now what is truly a Pinoy aspiration then? From my dealings with various people from all walks of life, I am beginning to see a glimpse of this aspiration. Like pieces of the puzzle, all the pieces make sense only in the context of being together. Each piece finds meaning and value as it allows itself to be attached to another piece so that in community the larger picture is seen and appreciated.

I would like then to focus on one of this puzzle piece. Kaginhawahan – from the root word “ginhawa” which means “comfort”. This I first heard from Senator Dick Gordon in a speech he delivered then at UPLB while I was a student in the 80s. I agree with him when he said that most of our people are going out of our country as OFWs simply to find a little comfort for their family here. This they are willing to do even if they must sacrifice being away from their love ones. So when even the very little things are taken away to ensure “kaginhawahan”, like land and the means to be productive, the Pinoy would venture out to the unknown.

This is true for our Kulot brothers (curly-kinky hair) –Indigenous People specifically the aetas and badjoas– who take to the streets and beg for what ever resource we can share. Begging is the only hard work left for them as they are natural hunters and fishermen.
And certainly even for the Unats (straight hair) – the dominant people. Our teachers, being unable to earn a decent living to sustain their family, would prefer to be domestic helpers and serve other people. Both begging and being domestic helpers have their own set of risks and sacrifices but it is all worth it for the Pinoys as they meet the need for kaginhawahan.

We are a simple people with simple dreams. Our song – “Bahay Kubo” says it all. Kaginhawahan is aspiring for the basic needs and the capacity to be a blessing to others. That’s from the other word, “hawa” which means to “affect or infect”. How true it is for a genuine Pinoy comfort can not be isolated. One cannot find rest knowing that the other is in need.

I have seen this mostly expressed by Pinoys who are not in a state of abundance but more in a state of contentment. Giving is very natural to us, and consequently, we aspire to give more especially to the hurting and needy. We see this every year, from one calamity to the next; the Pinoys will sacrifice and share so that others will have a little Kaginhawahan.

There is just so much to say about this puzzle piece but I guess its best to stop for now. I now feel a sense of “kaginhawahan” being able to share my thoughts even as I actually workt hard to “walk the talk” daily.

Until the next puzzle piece.

The Flowers of my Life

2007-07-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Perhaps as a kid my first “awareness” of a flower was when my playmates made bubble-formula using a detergent soap and Gumamela flowers. Oh the sizes of those bubbles and the seeming strength as they move in the air! We had so much fun trying to pop as many!

Then as a boy scout I saw many flowers especially whenever we go on a hike in the mountains - wild flowers whose beauty is hidden from the people below. Perhaps it grew easily that way as nature is most undisturbed.

I was a practical romantic teen and so, I gave a chocolate flower to one of the girls that caught my attention. The funny thing is, I can’t remember the girl now and yet I remember giving her “flowers”.

Later on in life, with the realization for the need to be healthy, I began devouring veggie flowers – cauliflower, squashflower and bananaflower (heart). It’s always a treat to have them in my meals! Later on I discovered Chicharon bulaklak. Certainly not for its health benefits!

But there was a moment when I was literally flooded with flowers whose message was meant to comfort me. Beautifully arranged, with the right mix of ornamental plants, these flowers line up the hall and stairs of my in laws house. Never had the chance to count them as their number grew each day for that whole week of wake. My wife, named after a flower – Ivy, passed away at 38 yrs old. She is 8 months and a half pregnant with my first son who also died with her. I have to admit that at the time, the power of those flowers never reached my hurting soul. I have lost my most meaningful flower and the little bud she was carrying.

How can one move on with such loss? Theoretically then, I knew and believe that the Gardener is always in control – making sure that His flowers will always be there for us. And so from the cognitive, I moved on to realize and experience the Gardener’s masterful and creative hands at work.. He “replanted” another flower and in due time – He turned my mourning into dancing! Now two little buds have been added to my already two blossoming teens from Ivy.

Chi, not an Ivy, but the Gardener’s flower for me at this crossroad.

It has now been 7 years since that fateful day of July 16, 2000.

Goodbye Kuya Orly

2007-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was lying down in bed and being lazy on that afternoon of Maundy Thursday when I received this text, “Kuya Orly Medrano drowned in Cagayan. Details to follow.” I was shocked and had to read it again with my glasses on. I then called Jay his assistant and hoped that the text was not true. But it was. Kuya Orly drowned while swimming in a beach in Cagayan where he was spending time with his relatives. He just left so soon.

Atty Orlando Medrano is a very influential person in my life. His passion for God’s kingdom amazed me particularly when I was on staff with IVCF and he was a member of the Board of Trustees. He deliberately made himself available for God’s work who willingly served as resource person for various gatherings. Despite his busy schedule, he would take time to nurture friendships with the staff and students. His personal insights and the way he shares them are unorthodox and yet deeply profound. However, it was his passion for God that is evident in everything he does, that caught my attention. His passion indeed separates him from many people I know. I am not sure if I heard this from him but I agree to this statement, “if you have lost your passion in what you do, its time to move on.”

Kuya Orly was among the first to visit me in Los Banos upon hearing of Ivy’s death. He was there and in his silence and presence, he communicated God’s peace amidst the swarm of people wanting to comfort me. As a ninong to me and Ivy, he kept in touch despite the distance, and enjoyed his visits in our humble home in Los Banos. Sadly, it was when I was based in Manila that we seldom see each other. I guess the demands of urban living got in the way. The unimportant getting in the way of the essential.

We finally got to meet again last March. Being a member of IVCF Board of Trustees I was tasked to lead the committee in-charge of the By-laws and so I consulted with him. We were able to catch up a little but really not as substantial as before. We agreed that we need another time for this – just to update one another. But then God has other plans.

I wanted to do him a favor, just to return the many favors he has given me but I was denied it. And so, when asked to produce a video documentary of kuya Orly’s life, I readily said yes, without knowing were the material would come from. Calls for pictures came through email. I found a few in my wedding photos with Ivy. And so I worked on the little material that I have and came out with what I now call, “Goodbye Kuya Orly.”

And yes, we grieve with hope… and let go with hope. The thought that Kuya Orly and Ivy are dancing to a new beat gives me a sense of anticipation. After all, we all will be called in due time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feIV6AXUPN0

Empowering our Indigenous Brothers

2007-03-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

We look at our world as if this is the only thing that matters. The consuming public, political pretenders, religious figureheads, social elites and media among others, all live and project a world of self-sufficiency. But there is another world that has been seemingly ignored – another world where its people once and still lived in simplicity, dependence and harmony with nature.

Now marginalized and pushed aside, these people are the focus of these organizations – World Christian Gathering on Indigenous Peoples (WCGIP), Tribal Mission Foundation International (TMFI), and The Philippines Center for Indigenous Missions (PCIM). While the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) may long be ignored, these three groups work towards ensuring that they will never be forgotten. Their common vision is to see the IPs empowered and living out their creaturely call for God’s glory.

I had the priviledge of facilitating the first Strategic Planning workshop of WCGIP where Monte and Linda from New Zealand, Rey from Australia, Gavriel from Israel and the Key leaders of TMFI - Pio, Mae, Sherelle and Sonia - were the participants. Later through Skype, Richard fromWashington and Terry from Canada joined us. We had a great time of discovering God's agenda for the IPs.

And the following month of February, I facilitated also the first Strategic Planning for PCIM who currently works among the dumagat tribe in Tanay, Rizal. I can sense that these people have heard from God and are simply responding to His divine call to minister to these neglected communities.

My time in all three organizations has given me a new perspective in life - that time is most meaningful when it is lived at the moment. Tragically, our tendency is to look too far ahead that we fail to live out the moment.

A time with those who give their time to those who need it the most

2007-01-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

I met Sarah last September at WCGIP and she shared how disturbed she was with the conditions of the street kids near where she lives. So last July, she gathered a few of them on a Sunday afternoon and started sharing bible stories. As she went on each Sunday, she noticed how pale and seemingly weak they were for most have never had eaten. Biscuits was what she can afford and that was enough. Then the group grew to 40 plus kids and so did Sarah - about 12 volunteers from different churches found their way. They are no longer just feeding them spiritually but providing food as well.

I spent a day with the volunteers and Sarah and led the group in a strategic planning. I also gave some inputs on Transformational Development. I was greatly encouraged to see their hearts for God. Most of the volunteers are in-between jobs and even had to source out funds to cover their transportation. Last Sunday, I get to join the group and meet some of the kids. They served pancit and the kids ate a lot. One kid ate less and thought of bringing some food for his other siblings! Then a few mothers have joined the group so they also have a bible study session for them. My heart goes out to the workers and the people they minister to. This initiative is an assurance that God is moving among His people. Even if the pastors and leaders are not ready, God will call out the youth to go out into the community and be His ambassadors of hope! Our prayer is that we can send some of the kids to school come June. It only takes $10 a month per child. Hopefully, many will be moved to share.

A Season of Giving...

2007-01-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

We happen to celebrate Christmas the longest. For as soon as “the ber” months come, Christmas carols would fill-up the airwaves of shopping malls and jeepneys. Despite the recent typhoons to visit our land, Christmas and the way we celebrate it, will continue.

So what was unique about this Christmas season? Let me share them to you along with some reflections.

Shopping at Marikina City River Park Tiyangge

Chi - "Do you think this is a good gift to remind the person the value of time ?" "how about a necklace so people can look at "burdens" positively?"

A sea of wanna-be -buyers!

My family after wrestling their way through the tiyangge.

Reflection: We buy the gifts that would somehow be meaningful to the people who matter most to us. Jesus gave his life freely for all humanity so that in and through Him, we find meaning. This is the greatest gift of Christmas. Most precious and yet often time taken for granted.

2. Family and High School Reunions

Insigthful Moments - Part 3

2006-11-15T01:15:00.000-08:00

November 1 – 5. San Diego and Los Angeles
Spent a day with Alex and Arleen in San Diego. Enjoyed the bay view of La Jolla, and skyline of downtown San Diego in the evening.
Renewed ties with Jun Chin – dorm mate and SVCF – LB alumnus
Disneyland with Linnette and Tricia. At Disney, it was not difficult to be a child once again. At least for a day.
Shared about Nehemiah with the young people of Tricia’s church. Focus question: what disturbs you?
Spent a day at Griffiths Observatory with Febfeb and Tom.

Insight: Everything we do and say has eternal value. In spite of our being seemingly insignificant, in the eyes of our creator God, we are his masterpiece – individually and collectively. As such, what we are is God’s gift to us; who we become is our gift to God!

Insightful Moments - Part 2

2006-11-12T23:23:00.000-08:00

October 25 – 30. Seattle and Tacoma

Stayed with Mark and Monika, with their two sons. Had a taste of german cuisine and polish hospitality.

Taylor accompanied me to view Seattle from “the Pin” and then to the science museum where “the dead sea scroll” was on exhibit.

Went to spend “an evening with Joel Osteen” with Mike’s family.

Drove by myself to Silverdale to visit Don Fortune and his family - a long time college friend at UPLB and SVCF.

Spent a day with Mike’s and Dave Norman’s family in Northwest Trek where we saw all the animals indigenous to the place.

Then went to Mount Rainier where we had snow in all its forms, and for a moment,

the sun was out enabling us to see some of the mountain peaks.

Insight: Christianity respects and celebrates the best of all cultures. Our God advocates for a worldview and practice that merges somehow the international nature of the church and the diversity of culture that it seeks to honor without allowing the “control” of a dominant culture. Such merger is likened to a dance – where the music changes constantly allowing for the diversity of steps, tempo and rhythm.

October 30 – November 1. Las Vegas
Hosted by Keren – visited Hoover Dam and lake Mead; drove through the strip at night; saw Las Vegas at night from Stratosphere; intrigued by the wedding chapel signage;

marveled at the dancing fountain of Beladio , and watched the world renowned – Cirque Solei show “KA”

Met with Kuya Del his daughter’s family – Aileen.

Had dinner with my niece Maricris, her daughter Ramona and Ate Beth

Insight: Money, money, money… it is everywhere but in my pocket! But when I need it, there it is!

Insightful Moments

2006-11-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! A month has gone by since the last time I have updated my blogsite. So what has happened since October 13? The following are the highlights – people, places and insights.

October 11 – 16. New Jersey and New York.
Stayed with Tim and Anne at 54th street. Then visited my college roommate Carlo who leaves at Garden City. Met his 3 boys, wife Marsha and Nanay Linda.

Spent time with Arnold and his PGH nurse-friends, walked around central park and had a wonderful dinner.
Had a time to share about Nehemiah circle with Rolly’s church – International Christian Fellowship (ICF). I was surprised to meet my college friend Dean Delos Reyes – who served as emcee of ICF’s Mission banquet that evening.
Another surprise was to be hosted by my classmate and co-boy scout during my elementary days in Marikina. Rene and his wife Fe together with their two children were gracious hosts who also made arrangement for me to share the Word that Sunday. Thanks also to Pastor Eric of Queens Baptist Church who willingly gave me the opportunity to speak before God’s people.

Insight: All relationships have eternal values. A friend is a friend for all time.

October 16 – 21. Chicago and Indianapolis.
Visited my Aunties Flory and Menchu – the latter just finished her 6th chemo session for her cancer. We continue to pray for her complete healing. We had an opportunity to watch the movie – 'Click' which is humorous commentary of a typical american life that revolves around work at the expense of more important aspects of life like family. Went with Tito Rey to buy some items at a thrift shop and send a balikbayan package at home.

Stayed with Johan at his new condominium unit facing the great lake of Chicago.

Insight: Tell me about your family and I will tell you who you are; tell me about your vision of yourself and I will tell you what your family can become.

October 21 – 25. Minneapolis.
A great time with Allan and Lynlyn Badayos. Met with pregnant Joyce and husband Ric; had Lunch with Bernie and wife Belle; and gave a ministry presentation during Adult Sunday school at Allan’s Church. Visited Mall of America.
Discuss with Pastor Joe regarding possibilities for partnership.

Insights: Materialism creeps into your doorsteps – you have a choice to welcome it with open arms or keep the door shut. If you choose the latter, be sure to stay away from the window where you have a good view of the neighbor’s yard.

!

In Search of Quarries and Waterfalls!

2006-10-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am walking back to the dorm with a certain sad feeling – the 2nd Dialogue Education Institute just finished and most have left. Then there is Mary coming from the other end, and so I pause and pay my respect – "Good day Princess!" And she plays along and said, “Good Day!” and we go on our separate ways. After a short while, Mary calls back, “Hey Boyet, Beth and I are going for a hike, and would you want to join us?” I readily said yes as the thought of seeing another dimension of Vermont seems very enticing.

It took us a while driving around before we found Hunger Mountain trail. The sun is already touching the mountains and about to call it a day but the clear sky seems to resist it. We sign-up our names by the entrance to the trail and start our way up. Then a lady with her dog comes out and tells us about a nearby 30-minute-walk waterfall. “Wow! That’s a good goal for this hike!” Mary, Beth and I all agree and so we move on.

It is my first mountain hike in 10 years and my legs just get heavier by each step. I am also panting a lot but the thought that two ladies are leading the trail, and talking along as if it is a walk in the park, pushes me on. Oh see what pride can do! I focus my attention instead to the colorful canopy above us and enjoy the beauty of autumn at its closest.

After a good 20 minute walk, a couple walk pass us with their dog. We ask them about the waterfall and they couldn’t agree if there is one. Talk about intuition! Still we go on for another 20 minute or so. When we encounter the first spring, (actually more of a canal to me) with a few drops – about 5 inches or less, all three of us agree that it is the waterfall. We found it and achieved our goal. And the timing is just perfect, as the sky is beginning to change her skirt to prepare for the night.

The hike down though challenging is more relaxed. You see, unlike the waterfall, we knew exactly where our car is.

We tried redeeming that quest for the waterfall. And so on the last day of SURE Fire Meetings Workshop, we went to look for the quarry site near the college. Guess what? The waterfall is a relative of the quarry – never got to see it either! Oh well, I guess as far as I am concern, I found them in Mary Waterfall and Beth Quarry.

Dialogue Education Institute: A Gathering of Passionate Learners

2006-10-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

2nd Dialogue Education Institute – On the Move! A gathering of 80 people from across the US and some other nations – Haiti, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Australia and the Philippines. A collection of minds set to engage and be engaged; of hearts ready to shape and be shaped; and of bodies willing to move and be moved. A movement standing by and gathering energy to be instruments of peace and justice.

What is unique about this gathering? Aside from the people who came, the processes and approaches used from October 5 till it concluded in the afternoon of October 8, lived up to its name – that of dialogue.
I have 3 expectations by the end of DEI. And they are that I would have:

Reconnected with Global Learning Partners – GLP;

Experienced a conference using Dialogue Education principles and practices;

and Established networking relationships

By the end of the 3 ½ day gathering, all expectations were met, and plus two more. First, the gathering demonstrated consistently that the essence of DE is to empower and transform people. I have seen that many times over in the past and once again made more evident these three days. And secondly, that when the same people uses DE for a period of time, what usually starts as a sharing of ideas end up to be a sharing of lives. As such DEI builds community and intimacy among those who came.

During the closing learning event, we were asked, “How we see Dialogue Education in the near future?” And I wrote in my SNOW card, “I will work towards having a Dialogue Education Institute in the Philippines by 2007.” It was good to have Jane Vella right next to me as what she wrote made me rethink my plan – Stillness. Back porch.

Jane Vella: My Autumn Lady

2006-10-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

“Boyet, I have heard so much about you and your work in the Philippines. There are many stories and we will have time to listen to many of them. They just got to be told”- these words came out of Jane during our first face to face encounter. Then a welcome hug – a fitting exchange of warmth, affection and respect that begun five years ago.

My first encounter with Jane is through the course - Learning to Listen Learning to Teach. Her thoughts on adult learning – providing safety for the learners, treating them as subjects of their own learning, etc – gave meaning and order to most of what I believe and do as a teacher. She strengthened my resolve to go against the strong tide of “content-based teaching” where learning often has been set aside. This was in December of 2001.

Then it was her book - Learning to Listen Learning to Teach - that further echoed the learning from the course – for she was not simply writing from ivory towers and passing on principles that sounded good. She is a teacher, who is doing her craft in the field, with so much experience from various nations and across cultures.

Then in 2004, I got a phone call from Peter Noteboom, the other Main Man in Jane’s Life, while I was in Davao leading a curriculum development workshop on Peace building. Peter suddenly just passed on the phone to Jane and we were talking. The Jane Vella on the other end of the line! I can’t remember what we talked about but remember vividly her voice – warm, friendly and very articulate.

Here are a few lines from Jane during the conference:

One of the ways we give respect is through the pace of our speech. If we talk fast, and some how make it difficult for others to catch up and understand what we are trying to say, the learners will feel unsafe. Likewise, if we are too slow in our pace, others may get bored and loose interest. The challenge is finding the middle ground.

Impact maybe something that we can’t see, but is happening. Like somebody is pregnant and we don’t know, but she is pregnant. And yet there is already impact. Impact may be happening NOW, but we can’t see.

My Time in Montpelier Vermont can’t be anything better. The trees are at its best as their colors add richness to the place. Truly autumn has come and I met a colorful person in the name of Jane Vella. Yes, I am her “Main man”; and she is my Autumn Lady!

http://www.globalearning.com/

HSD and DE: a Powerful Convergence!

2006-10-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

I signed up for this course on Introduction to Human Systems Dynamics not fully understanding what the nature of this two-day course is. The pragmatist in me was saying, “Why not make the most out of your time in Vermont and learn what ever is there. Besides you are already spending a great bulk to travel expense.” Not up until I was going through the reading assignment while in the plane that I actually got curious and excited. I thought, “Wow, this is perhaps the next major learning experience after Dialogue Education!”

There are eight participants and I am the only Asian; and all but one, are dialogue education practitioners. Darlene (the DE specialist) and Glenda (the HSD specialist) carefully lead us through the learning module that is a product of their collaborative efforts. The result: a learning experience that epitomizes how adult learning should be, and sufficient working knowledge of what HSD is.

So what is HSD? It’s a collection of concepts and tools that help make sense of the patterns that emerge from the chaos when people work and play together in groups, families and communities. This “new way” of looking at groups as a collection of agents who contribute to shaping a group but at the same time are also shaped by the emerging patterns, is a major revelation. A “Aha” phenomenon! Such understanding is critical particularly when we begin to look at individuals in the context of the systems that they are in.

Dialogue education values the need to get to know the learner in order to develop and implement learning designs that are learner-based. Hence, a Learner Needs and Resource Assessment (LNRA) is an imperative for any serious DE practitioner. The value of HSD is that it introduces a new dimension in the process of “getting to know the learner”. That the learner is not just an individual with learning resource and needs, but an active agent of a given system who is pattern forming and formed by patterns.

As an illustration, if I am to understand a community development worker with the end view of developing relevant and engaging learning designs, aside from the LNRA, I should look into the immediate system (as well as other systems) in which he/she operates. And then identify both the behaviors that form the pattern and the patterns that reinforce the behavior. The objective then now is how to “empower” the individual to move from a less acceptable pattern and into a more desirable one.

The two day course finish this afternoon. All of us agree that our experience is a blast! I stumble once more into another learning experience that is comparative to the one I had with dialogue education. Like DE, HSD is a seed planted that, I believe, will slowly shape the way I do capacity building. Such powerful convergence of DE and HSD in enabling groups to move towards relevance, dynamism, and life-transforming impact!

http:://www.hsdinstitute.org/

http://www.globalearning.com

New York: A second time around.

2006-10-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

I never thought I’d be given another chance to visit the Big Apple this soon. My first time was last January where I joined the other National Facilitators of Micah Challenge for a week-long of planning and orientation workshops. At that time we were mostly “confined” in various meeting halls and the closest to a NY experience is taking the subway.

Determined to see more, one evening after dinner along with a few co-participants mostly from Africa, we braved the cold night to visit Ground Zero and ride the ferry to see up-close the famous Statue of Liberty. We were chilling as the cold weather was even made colder by the strong winds. Later we were told it was below 10 degrees centigrade. But we enjoyed seeing the “nothingness” of Ground Zero, No wonder it was named so. There was this eerie feeling knowing that something big as the Twin Tower used to occupy this spot. We had fun riding the ferry back and forth and see for ourselves this famous lady statue. Though our feet and legs hurt because of the long distance walks we had, for a moment we were satisfied and smiling tourists. We had pictures taken in known tourist spots of NY other than generic-looking meeting rooms. For all its worth, my first time in NY will long be remembered.

And so with this opportunity to visit NY once again, I planned and set aside a time to be a tourist. My priority was to visit Central Park. And I am especially grateful to Estella – my best friend in High School – and her husband Henry for making my dream come true. The icing on the cake, so to speak, was a string quintet from Julliard School of Music who played such lovely classical music by the pool of Betsaida. I could have stayed all day just listening but soon they had to leave. We got there towards the end of their repertoire. Sayang! Still my first Central Park experience will long be remembered. And to think we only managed to cover a little over a fifth of its entire area!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=bongkiko

Decision-making: Who do we decide for?

2006-10-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

My time here at Michigan State University with the Alociljas was a time of renewing and deepening. Renewing ties that bind us over the years, as Kuya Rex and Ate Vangie were an influential couple for both me and my “sleeping” wife Ivy during our early married life.

I am amaze of their commitment to live life as simple and modest as possible so that they can give more towards God’s work. This explains why Kuya Rex mostly wears white shirts – a color that is never too fashionable yet also never goes out of style. Once Ate Vangie – while working as an internationally-hired scientist of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, Philippines – had difficulty getting her paycheck as the cashier wouldn’t believe that she is who she claimed to be. She doesn’t look like a “typical” a scientist because she prefers jeans and simple blouses. I wasn’t surprise yesterday for that’s how she still is when I peeped in her class.

Manong Rex and Ate Vangie – simple and yet deep; warm and very friendly; unpretentious and very sincere. No wonder many people are drawn to them. And in MSU, they are the best couple to initiate and sustain a ministry among internationals - a ministry they have been with since 1982.

Last Friday night, I was privileged to join them in their weekly bible study. It was kind of nostalgic as these are the kinds of gathering I and Ivy used to have while in Los Banos. The following nations were represented – Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Korea, USA and of course the Philippines. We had a discussion on Decision-Making based on Luke 12:13-34 and here are some of our thoughts:

The key to any decision making is in knowing your heart. For where your heart is, there your treasure is also.

A treasure is what you value most - what you live for and ultimately gives meaning to you and your life.

For anyone who claims to be a child of God has found the greatest treasure of all. As such, this treasure becomes the central focus of our lives – every moment therefore must be lived consistently with value we give to this treasure.

Jesus is my treasure. He is the only thing that really matters. And no person, possession and position will ever take Jesus place in my heart.

All that is me and all that I can be find its meaning and purpose only in Jesus. On the basis of this truth, decision making becomes decision surrendering. A surrendering of my will to Jesus.

I therefore resolve to seek the mind and heart of Jesus in all decisions that I must make.

I am glad I made the decision to visit the Alociljas – even if my “possession” says otherwise. I have been enriched many times over again.

Identifying with Nehemiah

2006-09-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

My mind has not really arrived especially since hearing the news regarding a most recent typhoon to hit our country. It was as if meant that we would not meet – Milenyo came just as I left. The following day, all flights were cancelled!

So how bad was it? Here is an account from my wife chi –

Hay papa… we're fine.

With the hyper emotions of yesterday because of the unexpected effects of the storm on metro manila, you can't help but be filled with news of horror and feel badly. It was a 2-hour onslaught that saw so much damage in the sense that several bill boards fell and a whole lot of trees were uprooted with lots of galvanized irons flying around. But after all that – there were relatively few "casualties".

In terms of our own family – we experienced sad news of Sonny's mini-stop store having leaking roof problems and his house under water (waist-high) with his furniture water-damaged (ref / bed / tv / etc…) but Virgie and Patricia found safety in the house of their neighbor. So relatively – what matters most is intact and safe.

As to Lola Ave….. during the height of the storm, she decided to leave Archie's place and proceed to her own room despite Archie's protest. She was probably concerned that the roof might be blown off… She slipped along the way and hurt her leg. She shouted for help but Archie couldn't hear amidst the howling winds and the closed windows. Lola Ave managed to crawl to her room and send a text to Archie. Her ankle got swollen. She was brought to see a doctor today and they found out that she suffered a fracture and though they will cast her leg… it's only a temporary remedy and that she will eventually have to undergo an operation.

We still don't have electricity though other parts of the subdivision have… because a major post near the basketball court fell. I've instructed the maids to cook what should be cooked and to give what can't be eaten today to the pedicab drivers instead of letting the food spoil.

This news really hit home. Now it was not just about a mass of faceless people. I found myself weeping as I pray. Pictures of my people facing again another calamity kept appearing before me even as I close my eyes. Suddenly, I understood how Nehemiah must have felt upon hearing the broken walls of Jerusalem and how his people live in disgrace and constant vulnerability from the surrounding nations.

This was not about Milenyo alone though how bad it seems. No, it was really about our nation’s walls and gates and how we continue to live in disgrace and vulnerability even among our own people. Our walls – what makes a nation stand proud and secured – have long been in shambles. The sad part is, most of us have been used to it. Perhaps just like in the time of Nehemiah, the remnants that remained were no longer bothered as such was a “regular site”. And it had to be viewed from the outside to see how bad it really was. Like Nehemiah, the dynamic interplay of my concern for my family and my people, and the relative comfort and pleasure of my current situation, somehow enabled me to feel with so much intensity, an otherwise familiar “regular site.”

And for this alone I am thankful. That the numbness has been removed; the callousness of my heart softened to be sensitive once again and responsive to what truly matters – the transformation of my nation! Like Nehemiah, I continue to pray and seek out God’s leading as to how I can take part in rebuilding the wall. What is clear is to share to those who are here, what is in my heart, and hopefully widen the circle of Nehemiah.

Here is the rest of t news from my wife:

I had a wonderful experience of how God provided for me and kept me safe despite being out in the storm at its height and seeing all the damage along the way…. I feel so amazingly blessed and acutely aware of His presence that I can't help but be so thankful of this experience.

Don't feel so burdened about all this…. Metro Manila was greatly spared by being lashed for only 2 hours. This is so far from what happened in Samar – and other true tragedies.

You were also so blessed to have had your flight a day before this storm!

Over-all, what we had is more of great discomfort above anything else. And that's the true state of the nation. Perhaps you feel more because it hit so close to home in a sense… since we all experienced misfortunes…. but – they are all the kind that can be overcome with relative ease and with certainty.

You know, I had left the car out on the main road and was concerned that it might have been damaged… Thank God it was spared! JJJ

We had so much blessings along with this storm! Let that not be hidden by the horror stories that accompanied it.

I love you!

Remember – brown-out in many parts pa rin, including our house kaya soon, all our celfones will be low-bat, but the telephone works fine. Again – such a blessing!
Mwah!

Now what else can I say.

http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/

Friendships that would last!

2006-09-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.wcgip.org

The gathering was especially meaningful for the freindships that were developed. After being together for the past 7 days - sharing and listening - the challenge now is how to sustain what was, and nurture it to what it can become. In and through our friends - old and new - the "Word become flesh" and dwell among us! Meet some of them.

Raoul, Mang and Tiscia with me. Mang is from north east india who is currently a student in a seminary in Manila. Raoul and Tiscia are a couple and natives of Moluccas but residents now in Netherland. All three desire that their people would come to a relationship with Jesus and affirm their God-given culture .

Sam Chapman - a Mouri from New Zealand. If you think he is big, wait till you see his heart! He believes that God calls us to be a blessing and that our immediate resource is our home. He works with the gangs of New Zealand - accepting them as they are and allowing love to be pratical. Even the notorious is helpless when confronted with God's unconditional love!

Mike and Jen from Tacoma - native americans with Kodi their son. They affirmed and modeled the truth that God desires to bless us all and that we only need to learn the meaning of making the most of the present. Some of us are so caught up with the future that we fail to make the most of the moment.

http://www.tacomafirstnationsgathering.com

Sarah from Davao, one of the many volunteers, who took time off from her work so she can lend a helping hand. Aside from her ready smile, she genuinely relates to everyone - making them feel accepted. She has a heart for children on the streets left unattended by their parents who perhaps are busy looking for means to earn a living. She gathers them every Sunday afternoon, teaches them songs, stories from the bible and some games. She is thankful that the Lord led some other friends to help out.

Created for Worship!

2006-09-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Like coming Home - a very apt description of a unique experience that is WCGIP! Let the photos speak to you!

Noemi, a marvelous lady who has been helping out in translating the bible for the Manobo tribes the past 18 years!

A mouri friend who dances for the Lord with so much grace and sponteneity!

Lifted hands in worship! All our extremeties were given by God to be in tune with our voices as we sing songs of worship to him!

The many colors adorn by our indigenous brothers and sisters celebrate the marvelous works of the Creator! He has given us all that we need so we can worship him in our respective cultures consistent with His intention for all peoples! Such beauty expressed in our diversity. Oh what a site!

Better late than never!

2006-09-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at blogging. Better late than never. My daughter Regina introduced me into this and I think this is a good way to share my thoughts and let my friends be updated with what's going on with my life. I am very mobile and can only be reached most of the time through the internet and cellphone.

Just a week ago, I bought a Casio Digicam and tried it when I attended the 6th World Christian Gathering on Indigenous Peoples in Davao City. It was such an awesome experience -- like coming home! I will post some of the pictures and let you have a glimps of the marvelous event that have changed me and my spirituality.

This is a photo of Ray Minniecon an Aboriginal Christian from Australia and Kaluwa from Hawaii during the opening parade in the streets of Davao.

Monte Ohia, co-founder of the World Christian Gatheriing on Indigenous Peoples, marching along side another Maouri person. He taught us to sing and dance the Haka - a Mouri warrior dance and cry, this time redeemed and used for God's purpose.

Our lumad sisters in Mindanao showed the way to us lowlanders how it is to worship -- in the beauty of culture consistent to God's intention for all His peoples.