Octoberfest!

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Yes We got filled!
Oh, was beer overflowing? Nah…
It wasn’t beer; that must be at another place;
but we had a grand party as rain poured and the Holy Spirit filled us once again during
the Centennial Celebration of the Church of the Nazarene last October 5, 2008!
Thirty churches from Metro Manila District gathered at Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary to remember how the Holy Spirit had revived the believers back at Pilot Point Texas and gathered them, united them as one. Out of One, they spread across the nations, hence, today we all over the world, 151 countries celebrated the One who brought us out of the darkness into His marvelous light. Yes it is a story of grace and forgiveness, so we can be Holy like Him. The call remained, everyone are still called unto Holiness.

A tent was prepared for the celebration where approximately 2000 came; 100 years back, the Nazarenes gathered under a tent too. Our local church, Miracle church of the Nazarene started in a tent too, where around 200 gathered to hear the good news. That reminds me of the Tent of Meeting in the Old Testament, where Yahweh met the Israelites. The Lord’s presence was indeed felt during the celebration and through Jesus Christ, everyone was free to come to Yahweh and worship Him.

As we were one in our purpose of worshipping the Lord, various presentations like dances

and songs were offered by different churches. Then the Worship Service came and the voices were raised as songs were sung. A 100 voice choir was also set to sing medleys about being One and being called unto Holiness. A video was shown that helped everyone remember who we are: Christian, Holiness, and Missional people. Then the Word was given by Dr. Geneva Silvernail, one of the missionaries here in the Philippines.
If we want change, we should seek a change of Heart. It is possible Ladies and Gentleman. The Holy Spirit who has called us to live a life that is set apart will make it possible. He didn’t call us to be like Him and would leave us not knowing how to be like Him. He is the way, we just have to place our faith in Him and ask Him to cleanse our hearts and fill us with His spirit. As He fills us all, we are One.

Would you respond and ask Him to fill you?

It is the message that unites us all.
We are called to live out our lives with Him in us.
He will fill us all, and we are one in the bond of love.
Would you continue to respond, each day?
That your heart would desire His heart’s desire?

Would you live
a life of love and grace
so that the world will know
that God is Love
and He is in you.
Would you desire
to be used
to reach the world
and bring the message of Hope?

The call didn’t end
after the celebration.
It starts a new journey
with you and me.
Will you respond in faith?

Here I am Lord!
Take me as I am!

Wait there’s more…
Did I tell you that it rained? Yes it did rain hard before the celebration. Well, we all prayed for a wonderful weather, and that morning the sun shone really bright, and the sky was perfect blue and I was actually sweating on my way to church. It was a lovely day.
The district celebration was supposed to start at 3pm, that’s when all the local churches celebration is over, then guess what, as the jeepneys, cars and vans came in, the weather was angry and it rained really hard! Who wouldn’t be discouraged? It was muddy too. But guess what. The rain stopped. Isn’t that great? God’s grace enabled us to set up and celebrate once the rain had stopped.

As I walked to and fro on the muddy field, each step was a lesson about faith. I find it amazing that the Lord is really cool in making his lessons to us (maybe at least to me). I had changed my footwear thrice because I honestly hated mud. I walked with my high heels then after a while removed it and changed to slippers then after a while changed to rubber shoes. haha. It was a new fashion, semi formal+ rubber shoes. I was wanting to be careful as I walked because I might slip, three people I have catched, because they almost slipped, and several times I closed my eyes as I felt like stepping on frogs. haha. That’s how I felt every time I stepped on mud. Imagine each step and my body was feeling I am stepping on frogs. haha. But hey, each step I told myself, this step is for faith, this step is for trust, this step is for faith, this step is for trust…..

In the next one hundred years, things can still get better. Discouragements will always be there but we have a faithful God we can trust. His grace is sufficient for you and me, He did the greatest thing- our redemption. How much more the little things….We should know better this time.

GRANDPARENTS VISIT

After six years, since the last time we saw each other, my grandparents came to the Philippines for a visit. They are weak now, but I still praise the Lord that He takes care of them. I wish they’ll just stay here in the Philippines for good. I tried to hangout with them more, but it was just a total of 5days out of 30 days. Here are some pictures.

JESUSFEST4

Taytay First Church of the Nazarene always has cool ways of reaching out to this generation. As the real Octoberfest happens somewhere out there where lots of drinking and partying, beer isn’t necessary for these cool young people to have fun. Who would need beer for fun when you’ve got Jesus?
The events happened the last week of October while final exams (for me) were going on.

Monday night was Drummers night,
where my brother Jehu was able to join.
I am sad Justin was in Baguio, he sure would’ve enjoyed it if he were here.
Tuesday afternoon was the BMX competition. I know deep down, with the adrenaline rush and all- that I can try that. haha. There’s just something with these vehicles and extreme stuff that scares my parents when I go near them, thus, I just obey or I’ll scare them to death. haha, well no, I can’t do any of those yet, but who knows ;p
Wednesday was the worship seminar and prayer night. I didn’t get to join because we did have our own prayer night at church.

Thursday night was the Dare You to Move Dance Contest that I and the Dancing Generation peeps coordinated. We are in awe that the contestants are really good this time, and I am floored that 4 of them received Jesus, that at least we know for now and we are trying to follow up- that’s what all this dancing is all about. I hope and pray that we would be more effective as we reach out to these dancers, and all who came to watch. It was a success and I am proud to work in the ministry with these guys. Thank you for your dedication as you cooperated with my schedule and my crankiness those two weeks.
HThen Friday night was the Battle of the Bands. It was cool to hear a rendition of Paramore’s My Heart, and Luminescence rocked with Salamin’s Pulso. Those were two of my favorites that night.

There weren’t only events but booths as well. I did like the ALbooth Einstein, but I’m no geek, but thanks for awarding me with two chips- though my answer was different haha, I can get by. I liked the darting with the balloons, also tried the aquarium thingy of Rod’s group I only shoot it once i could have won a PSP. sigh. Then other cool stuff, i was wanting to try the shooting booth but I avoided it. You just don’t know I dont know how to stop once I start it.

There were also food, chicken and drinks and a Wedding booth and a prayer station where I got prayed for? Haha.

It was a whole week of fun and I am glad the church is just walking distance from the seminary haha, it has become a hangout place. Overall, good job guys!

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

When Halloween’s supposed to be a day of darkness as scary tv shows, movies and costumes would find its place, we at APNTS let our light Shine. Ate Julie shared about Jesus, cleansing our hearts and fills us so we can shine! Just like Pumpkins, but here she used a Squash coz that’s what we have here in the Philippines!

Teeehee! Here are some pictures:

and of course Justin

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Do I still even know what that means.
Uhmm, let’s just say I didn’t make it.
I didn’t meet any of my goals and that made me sad.
And that made others disappointed.
I admit I didn’t make it.
Why? Well, why don’t we talk about this later ok?
Don’t worry I am not quitting.
I am actually preparing to get up and get backon track.
Just please pray for me and the changes that will happen.
Just for the record, I was able to sit down at Starbucks last Nov. 1from 1pm-3am and worked on one of my papers. That’s a first haha.

I am trying to rest now and just organize myself.
Please help me God.
CAN’T WAIT TO PARTY AND LIVE OUT LOUD.
I will be back soon world.

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