Losing and Winning

I just saw the Pacquiao-Bradley match. And yes folks, Timothy Bradley won. For 7 years, Manny has been winning titles against formidable opponents. We (Filipinos and Pacquiao fans) enjoyed victory in these years. Then, by split decision, the winning streak came to an end.

In the world, winning is defined by glory, fame, money, and power. In God's kingdom, knowing and accepting Christ is winning. I am happy that Manny openly proclaims His faith. Manny, like all of us, is a work in progress. This day in sports history brings us to a point of reflection on what winning is all about.

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36)

I remember Job. This man lost everything, yet because of his faithfulness was blessed more than whatever he lost. Christ won over death and sin by dying on the cross. The most humbling and humiliating of deaths. But through this, Christ won the victory for our salvation.

We have to win over pride and sin. In most cases, to be able to do this, we become "losers" in the world's eyes. Let us win for the Lord and for His glory. It might not always mean getting the approval of people, but what matters is the approval of God. Let us then realize what need to be losing in our lives, so we can be winning to God's favor.
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Mobile Evangelization

The mobile lifestlye is changing the world and our behavior. Now, you don't really have to sit down and open your laptop to get online or to submit your report. It will just be a matter of preference. Once you get used to type comfortably on the touch screen or qwerty keypads, then you are an "office to go." You can post your facebook and twitter status via mobile phone, even post blogs and send/receive emails through your phone.

This mobile concept truly is changing things. I noticed three highlight elements to it:
1. Handy
2. Free
3. Internet ready

Handy, since it fits in a pocket and can do all our communication needs.  The idea of being able to reach in your pocket and get things done is very empowering.

Free. I'm referring to the reverting migration from text messaging which costs a peso, to the free chats and emails. As soon as people are on board in the free messaging platforms like BBM, Vibr, gchat, skype, and the like, things will be practically free. This spells a lot.

Being Internet ready.  Knowledge in our hands and the capability to connect and share your thoughts and needs...as it happens, real time.  The reality and relevance of being internet ready, is changing much of our behavior. We want fresh news, from the horse's mouth. Thus, the twitter phenom.

What does this mean for Christians?  I can think of three

1. Pocket Gospel
2. Low cost mission
3. Real-time evangelization

Pocket Gospel. This means you can be spreading God's message for you, by reaching in your pocket and sharing it. Yes, it's convenient and fast. But the challenge is how many people can you think of and reach?  Books can also be uploaded in the phone, so we can have a mobile bible or a daily gospel alert.

Low-cost mission. As I said, the free communication platform is set. We need only explore and connect.  We can promote as much material, as graphically creative as we can get and as video savvy as possible...for free. You will be surprised how much evangelization work you can accomplish without spending a cent.

Real-time evangelization. I have experienced how some twits and fb statuses inspired me.  Here's one that I just saw in my friend's fb status. "When I worship, I would rather my heart be without words than my words be without heart." Lamar Boschman. In real time he was able to share what inspired him that might inspire others to be closer to God, and that is evangelization.

The world is fast changing. And sometimes we think that we have already reached the advanced phase of technology. But we "ain't seen nothin' yet."  The Internet is only 43 years old (reference).  There is still much to see. Every year we get blown away by companies like Apple, revolutionizing technology and our lifestlye. We have to get into the pace, and be quick to adapt in a constantly changing world.  Amidst all the technological advances and social changes, one thing remains constant, we are to "Go...and make disciples of all nations...(Matthew 28:19)."  The world has become smaller because of our interconnectivity. It's a grand time to evangelize.

"Re-treat"

The word retreat is often referred to a weekend stay in a reflective venue, usually a retreat house or maybe a countryside. Retreat also implies to get back to ourselves, and draw strength from the Lord once again.

I'd also like to see it from the point of view from the word "treat." When someone treats us, we are pampered by not having to pay anything for special attention. People would usually say, "Don't worry, it's my treat."

Now, i'm in Batanes and I'm experiencing a "re-treat." The Lord is giving me a treat...again. When we come to him in generous prayer, he lavishes us with His grace and awesome presence. This is a treat that is inexplainable, beyond measure, and priceless.

Amidst the busy life of unending deliverables, let us not forget that the Lord wants to treat us again and again. We need only offer a generous time of prayer and wait upon His grace to rain upon our souls.
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"Weather Weather Faith"

I am on my way to Basco, Batanes for a mission trip. It's at the northern tip of the Philippines. It will be my first time to go there and they say that the flight schedules can change a lot depending on the weather. My original schedule was to depart at 6am and now I'm flying at 8am.

How is our faith? Is it like Batanes weather, so easy to change? In Filipino colloquial dialect we say, "Wheather weather lang." It implies that our faith depends on the circumstance. It depends "whether" we are in a difficult situation or not. Peter, the Rock, also encountered this situation. During Jesus' arrest and height of accusations, the crowd recognized him and said ""You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He (Peter) denied it and said, "I am not(John 18:25)."" And yet, Peter, in his humility and admittance of sin was restored back to Christ and even become the Lord's vicar.

Let us ask for forgiveness if our faith is a "weather weather faith." Let us restore our faith in Christ and honor His faith in us. Then, like Peter, we ask the Lord to strengthen our faith like a rock, immovable and constant.
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No One is Too Poor to Help Build God's Kingdom

With Jacky Brainard (boy with flag) and Jane Brainard at the back

I was in Sierra Leone, West Africa for 17 days. I also did 4 days mission to Liberia in my first week. I just got back to the Philippines a few days back. It was a mission trip I will never forget.

It was my first time to go to the African Continent and my first African country is Sierra Leone. For many who are not familiar with Sierra Leone. It's 5 hours away (by plane) from Ghana. You may have seen the movie Blood Diamond of Leonardo De Caprio wherein Sierra Leone was the setting. As the movie suggests, it's famous for it's diamonds. The country suffered a civil war that just ended in 2002 of which has greatly affected it's economy and the people's living conditions.  You will see many International NGO's there aiding the development of the country.

CFC Freetown Community

I was just recently assigned to oversee the Couples For Christ community in Sierra Leone. In my visit, I met our brethren there who are full of enthusiasm, joy, and zeal to spread the mission.  Despite the many day to day struggles, specially financially. Our brothers and sisters in Freetown (Capital City), through their humble contributions  manage to meet for prayer assemblies and even do missions to open CFC in neighboring cities.  The communities in Bo and Kenema (other major cities) are also alive and willing to grow.  I am much inspired by how the Holy Spirit is touching their hearts and moving them to have passion for service and to strengthen families towards the Lord.

With Moses (left) and Solomon (right)

In our own lives, we also have financial struggles.  We have bills to pay and food to put on the table.  And sometimes we think that doing service for the Lord can be another burden of expense on our list.  But let us now go back to some basic truths. It's true that God owns everything, and we are stewards or caretakers of God's properties that we presently "own" on earth.  It's also true that as stewards, we are to help in building God's kingdom through the resources God has entrusted to us.  That's right... our clothes, the TV in our living rooms, our dining sets, and even our cars are the Lord's and He just let us borrow them. For what? For His purpose.  The sooner we realize this, the easier it will be for us to be generous in sharing our resources, giving alms, and tithing.

I continue to be inspired by the many people who have less, yet give.  No one is too poor to help build God's Kingdom.


He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41-44


God of heaven and earth, You own the whole universe. I thank you for the blessings that you bestow upon me everyday. May I grow in generosity daily so I can help in building Your Kingdom on earth. Amen.