22 May 2006

Prolink this May : The Da Vinci Code

OJ Ilocos : Makati delegates

PANGGA:

“If we are going to wait until every possible hindrance has been removed before we do a work for the Lord, we will never attempt to do anything.”
T.J. Bach (1881-1963, Venezuela)

Going to OJ is a spiritual battle and at the same time a blessing from the Lord. Throughout OJ, many circumstances tried to hinder my desire to serve God.



- I was part of 2nd batch and thus left Manila on the night of April 11. I was so worried throughout that night because my pregnant sister in Iloilo, who was due on April 28, was brought to the hospital due to a high BP (170/100). All I could do was pray for her as well as use my time to prepare for the lesson (School of Follow-up) that I was going to teach for the next morning. Thankfully, I learned the next day that my lesson was transferred in the afternoon and thus I was able to rest. I also received with joy and thanksgiving the news that my sister safely delivered the first apo in the family (caesarian).

- It was my first time to teach a school of follow-up and it was a challenge because the teacher’s manual was in English whereas the student’s material was in Tagalog. God gave me the wisdom to teach.

- Several times, the enemy tried to attack me physically. Once, I suddenly felt like I was going to collapse. Maybe because sa sobrang init, pagod at puyat narin. Another time, biglang sumakit ang ulo ko. I never had a migrane but that night pumipintig ang ulo ko at sobra ang sakit. But because my heart was always in tune with God, the Lord never left me and always protected me from harm. I took medicines, took some rest and was healed kaagad.

Some highlighs:

- I was asked to give my personal testimony after one film showing. I was amazed on how God used me mightily and gave me an extra strength.

- I really enjoyed sharing the Gospel to the patients while they were waiting for their turn during the free medical and dental. I was able to share to 12 people and they all prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.

- I was also encouraged by the church members who attended the RYW because they were eager to share the 4SL to the lost people in their place.

- We were amazed to see the moving of the Spirit of God when we prayed in unity on the last night of the Jesus film showing. Satan tried to hinder the people to come but God has other plans.

The Word of God that inspired me in OJ is found in Isaiah 52:7, says

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

“Lord, all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” Isaiah 26:12.

All Glory, Honor, Praises and Thanksgiving to GOD alone!


CHERRY:

It was my second time to join Operation Jabez and once again I’ve seen how God worked mightily and how He showed his Faithfulness to me.

I’m amazed how He answered all my prayers. I remember that before OJ, my heart was anxious about many things. My workload, my request for vacation leave, my physical health because of overtime at work, my fears and hesitations about what to expect in Oj, etc.



In all these, God made me realized the importance of PRAYER. He reminded me to cast to him even the smallest things that burden me. His word in Phils 4:5,6 speaks to me “ Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present you request to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind In Christ Jesus.” I was also reminded that in reality we do all have weaknesses, limitations, and inabilities but God’s power and resources are always available for us. I just need to learn to ask of it in faith.

True enough I’ve seen how God worked during the whole OJ. I enjoyed my assignment of being in charge of the prayer chain and in reminding my teammates about their time of praying.

I won’t forget also my experience in teaching a topic. He gave me the confidence to speak despite my natural fear of speaking in front of many people.

It was my first time to experience JESUS FILM as a way of evangelism. I’ve just heard of the stories but I witnessed the spiritual battle. One night, with the film almost over, there was a sudden black out. Another time, the sound system broke down. Our prayers were answered and it was very clear that nothing could hinder the spreading of the Good News.

I really treasure in my heart the people I met during the OJ. I was inspired of the life of the local church people, their commitment and their dedication to God. I was so blessed with the life of my teammates and their personal testimonies. I was so glad that the Lord answered my prayer. We had the bonding of friendship with other INFLUENCERS, regardless of the area. Even after OJ, we are still connected, giving encouragement and praying for each other.

OJ Ilocos is really memorable to me. The Lord taught me a lot of things through this short mission trip. He taught me to rely on Him alone and trust Him in every area of my life. When you are in the mission field, for sure there will be times you will experienced so many discouragement and disappointments but God indeed can do great things through us. I was also reminded of the importance of being a witness for Christ not just during OJ’s but everyday, reaching out to my JERUSALEM, JUDEA, SAMARIA and to the ends of the earth.(Acts 1:8) I am looking forward for the next OJ☺



Makati Delegates : Jen, Cherry, Wendell and Pangga

04 May 2006

For the birthday girls ... Arlene and Cherry



FOR CHERRY

Happy birthday Cheri! Am rejoicing with you as you celebrate this special day. Your life is a blessing as you touch people’s lives for Jesus. I am grateful to God that you are part of our ministry here in Makati Influencers. You have a special heart for God. Keep the flame burning in your heart. – Malou

Sister, I want to greet you on your special day. Happy birthday! Thank you for serving as an encouragement to me always, for the friendship. I will never forget you. Continue putting a smile on God’s face. May God bless your heart’s desires! – Lori

Small but terrible.....nang mag-sabog ng kakulitan si God sa mundo, mukhang bayong bayong ang nasalo ni Cherry :-) hehehe.....joke! I am amazed at how God has used and is continually using you in His vineyard. Continue working for the Lord!! Happy birthday Cherry! God bless! - JC

So kumusta ka na sis ? Ayusin mo buhay mo ha. Magquiet time ka lagi. May the Lord bless your servant heart. Sana pakainin mo kami sa Sunday. Wag ka mawawala! Merry Chirstmas! Lab u! – Lani

Happy Birthday Cherry! Your zeal for God inspires and reminds me to continue on. – Gina S.

Hi Cherry! I heard…. You are catching up with your age! May it be … a catching up on wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! – Dra. Sharon

Hi Cherry, I'm always blessed whenever I remember your enthusiasm in God's work. I hope you will continue to attempt great things for our God. Have a bountiful and healthier life ahead! Happy Happy Birthday!!! –Anjou

Dear Cherry, it was a blessing to go witnessing with you with the Greenhills team. Your heart for the lost inspires me. Keep on serving Him faithful. Happy Birthday! – Juliet

Hi Cherry! Happy birthday! May our dear Lord give you the desires of your heart. Continue to stay focused in serving Him. God bless! – Doc Belle

Che, Happy Birthday! You are God’s answer to my prayers. A disciple with a big heart to serve God and with passion to reach to others for Christ. You are always a joy to my heart especially to see you bringing your friends and officemates to II fellowship. May the Lord bless you this year by granting your heart’s utmost desire. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7. I love you. – Pangga

Happy birthday to such a wonderful person as you Cherry. I thank God that He included you to be a part of my life. I pray that more and more blessings would come your way. I pray for God’s anointing that He may continue to use you in the expansion of His kingdom. Happy birthday dear sister! Lovelots! – Jenny E.

Happy birthday! Continue in being a person who shares Jesus with anyone. Am blessed by your zeal! - Wendell

Your constant desire to be used by GOd in the extension of His Kingdom is very encouraging! Patuloy kang humayo at magpakarami (ng disciples!). Continue to grow in the Lord! Happy 16th birthday! :- ) Jenny L.



For Arlene:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARLENE! May the Lord’s work in your life continue to transform you into Christlikeness and be a reflection of his loving kindness! Blessings to you! – Pangga

Dear Arlene, you are truly an epitome of an excellent worker. It is a great joy serving the Lord with you. I truly thank God for you. May He grant the desires of your hear. Prayed for you. – Juliet

Happy birthday to a beautiful person (inside and out). We are so blessed to have you in makati II. I am encouraged by your commitment, thoughtfulness and generosity. May the Lord abundantly bless you and grant the desires of your heart. – Grace

Happy birthday! May you continue to be who you are…coz we simply love Arlene Ordonez. You don’t know how much I appreciate and how much I have been blessed ever since I met you in Makati II. Thank you very much for the blessings you have shared to me and to us. God b less you. – Jenny S.

May the Lord enrich your life all the more as you walk and grow in the Lord. And thank you for the love and understanding” your single sisters like us. Happy birthday! Mwah! – Dra. Sharon

Happy Birthday! May God give you the desires of your hear as you grow in delight of Him. – Miler & Rachel

Happy happy birthday to an overly generous person yet who always wants the best value for her money. A true steward of God’s resources. God bless – JC

I am amazed at how you manage the demands of a married life and your job in order to make yourself available to serve God. Blessings to your beyond measure! Happy Birthday! – Gina Sibug

Your effortless beauty is refreshing while your gentle spirit is inspiring. May the Lord continue to mold you into becoming more and more like the Proverbs 31 woman. Truly, a woman like you who fears the Lord is to be praised. Happy birthday Arlene. I will always look up to you as a model of gentleness and simplicity. – Beng

Hi ate Arlene! It’s comforting to know someone like you. May you never get tired of doing good. Happy Birthday! – Anna

Hi Arlene, Happy Happy Birthday!!! I'm sure masayang-masaya ka na ngayon dahil napalayo na ako kay Jay at wala ka nang kahati sa oras nya hehehe... hope as you grow younger, you grow wiser in the Lord. I'm always thankful to God because I met you and Jay. May God fulfill your heart's desires. -Anjou

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts her and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good not harm all the days of her life. (PRov. 31:10-12). Hi Arlene! These verses are my prayers for you. May you continue to become a quiet woman with a humble and quiet spirit. Happy Birthday! Mwah! – Belle

You are the big sister I wish I had! Your heart for God is a constant encouragement and your goodness is a refreshment to weakened spirits. I hope and pray that God will continue to bless you and Jay, fulfill your deepest longings and dreams. I know that God is pleased with you. Happy birthday! - Jenny L.

Happy birthday Arlene! We celebrate the kind of person you are! I thank God for entrusting you to me as we journey to your mission and life together. You are indeed a proverb 31 woman. As you walk with Him, I see a personal application of biblical principles! Proverbs. 31:25 strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future… thank you for being a blessing to me, to our influencers ministry. God bless! He will surely give you your heart’s desires. He never withholds good things to those who walk uprightly. Love u – Malou

Happy Birthday! Keep shining for Jesus! – Wendell



When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." - Erma Bombeck: