50 THINGS

For my last blog for 2014, I just want to identify 50 things (though I think, it is not enough) that I'm thankful to God this year:

50. I thank God for the two decades of His faithfulness in my life and counting...

49. I thank God for a healthy year (and the years to come) for me and my family.

48. I thank God for a 1. something grades the last semester.

47. I thank God for the first quarter of our Youth Ministry's Discipleship Groups - Koinonia Groups (K-GROUP).

46. I thank God for pupils,parents and teachers that I encountered in BSU-ECDC where I had my in-campus practice teaching.

45. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as an assistant counselor at SEP 2014 (annual summer camp) in our church.

44. I thank God that my sister has adjusted and finished her first semester as a college student.hank

43. I thank God for a succesful half-day mission trip in our GCI Church in Bokod,Benguet.

42. I thank God for a my mama's fruitful 1st quarter as a college dean.

41. I thank God for a fellowship-filled church annual festival.

40. I thank God for new friends and acquaintances.

39. I thank God for the new books that I have read (many to mention).

38. I thank God for the super heavenly yummy cookies baked by my aunt Auey.

37. I thank God for the meaningful sermons given by our pastors.

36. I thank God for the life lessons taught to me by my papa.

35. I thank God for the chance to visit our relatives in Bugey,Cagayan last April.

34. I thank God for reaching the award of being an academic achiver last semester.

33. I thank God for the successful first-ever youth service conducted in our local church and is organized by our youth ministry.

32. I thank God for opportunity to share the love of God thru the breakfast feeding program hosted by our church in Cabinet Hill-Teacher's Camp Day Care center,over 36 kids and parents were fed.

31. I thank God for giving me the chance to serve as a youth ministry head in our local church.

30. I thank God for the text messages,emails and chats given to me as an encouragement.

29. I thank God for the prophetic words declared over my life.

28. I thank God for the prayer warriors of Bethesda Ministries who laid hands on me and spoke blessings.

27. I thank God for the people I have the chance to affirm God's love for them and prayed over them during the medical-dental mission of the city of Baguio.

26. I thank God for Facebook,Twitter,Blogger and Instagram, these social media sites gave me the privilege to connect with people from all over the world.

25. I thank God for our dogs Xian and Salt, they always gives us joy.

24. I thank God for family gatherings this year filled with love,food,laughter and fun.

23. I thank God for the breakfast,lunch,merienda and dinner dates I had filled with life talks.

22. I thank God for disappointments that bring life lessons.

21. I thank God for the songs that I sung and and have been listening to...those LSSes!

20. I thank God for the unplanned dates.

19. I thank Gof for the worship concerts that ushered me into God's presence.

18. I thank God for my church family - I am looking forward to journeying with you.

17. I thank God for those times when my tears serve as a form of release.

16. I thank God for those pupils who hugged me and called me as "Papa,Daddy and Teacher Paolo."

15. I thank God for my journal/planner - thanks for documenting my 365 days.

14. I thank God for all the patience-testing times of my life.

13. I thank God for photos I've captured and posted them on IG.

12. I thank God for my friends surrounding me with support.

11. I thank God for my facebook,twitter and IG friends and followers.

10. I thank God for all the material blessings I have.

9. I thank God for the daily bread that I eat.

8. I thank God for new mercies and strength everyday.

7. I thank God for all my prayer partners - you strengthen me.

6. I thank God for my amazing fambam - you are the best.

5. I thank God for my sister Jana - my best friend.

4. I thank God for my mama and papa - I LOVE YOU BOTH more than anything.

3. I thank God for you Holy Spirit - for in You...I live, and move and have my being.

2. I thank God for you Jesus - you are my everything.

1. I thank God for you Father - my only response is to worship and give you all the praise.

2014 has been an amazing year for me and my family! I am expectant for new things,adventure,lessons and increase in the supernatural - from glory to glory!

AMEN.

ADVENTUS

"For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this." - Isaiah 6-7 (NIV)

Last November 30 (Sunday) - the christendom (including our church - GCI Baguio City/La Trinidad Church) started to celebrate the 1st Sunday of Advent. This is observed by the christian church as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the first 'coming' of Jesus (incarnation - God becoming as flesh) 2,000 years ago at the same time His glorious second 'coming' soon. The term "advent" came from the anglicized version of the latin word "adventus, meaning "coming". This celebration will last for 4 consecutive sundays leading to Christmas eve.

Let our prayer in this season be - "Maranatha! - Come, Lord Jesus"

MY NOVEMBER

Christmas is fast approaching! Yay! But before that, let me just share of the things that happened to me this November. As usual, as part of our family tradition, we celebrated All Souls and All Saints Day in Tarlac where my grandma's graveyard is. We took that time to bond,eat together and of course remember our love one who transitioned into the eternal life. 

I got time to attend some of my "catching-up dates" with some of my friends this month, since I have 3 weeks of semestral break. It was just nice to just talk about the things that are happening in our lives. And yes, we are all,in our last lap of the race - last semester of our college.

INTERNSHIP UPDATE

But most of my time this month was spent attending seminars,trainings and workshops to prepare me for my out-campus practice teaching/internship. During these days, a mixture of nervousness and excitement is what I am feeling. Nervousness because, I will now put into practice all the things that I have learned in my 3 and a half years in college. And excitement because, I will get to care,touch and empower lives of my new pupils.

This first week of December, I am now officially deployed here in my Alma Mater, Shekinah Educational Center Of Benguet Inc. This week was scheduled for observations and being acquinted with the students,teachers, staff and parents. Yesterday, we, the student teachers got surprised when we were officially welcomed here in our internship school. They included us in the celebration of the birthday of T. Divine, baby shower of T. marissa and bridal shower of auntie Judith. They prayed over us and gave us a token. We are blessed.

*the word - "Shekinah" is a hebrew word for God's glory/presence.

Before going home, our cooperating teacher gave our final room assignments. I was assigned to teach in grade 2 - Proverbs under T. Reo. This will be a challenge for me because it will be my first time to teach in this grade level but yes, I wholeheartedly take the challenge. I will start to report on Monday...so help me God!

Being assigned in a christian school is a privilege,to be always reminded that Christ should be the center of everything that I do. Activities like morning devotionals,bible studies, chapel times and christian education classes are the special privileges. This journey will surely be fruitful! Thank you Abba,Jesus and Holy Spirit - I fully depend on your GRACE.

ONE POINT ZERO

      Well, since Field Study 5 (in-campus practice teaching) is one of my highest grade this semester, let me share you my reflection:

     This whole journey of my in-campus practice teaching have been very memorable to me, because I have learned and experienced a lot of things about teaching. At first, I was so anxious about the whole idea especially when our supervising instructor, Prof. Rosita B. Kudan started to fix our schedules, room assignments and cooperating teacher. We had the privilege to choose. I personally chose Teacher Emill M. Kisim as my cooperating teacher for the reason that I want to be mentored and trained by him since I want to observe the things that a male teacher does in terms of classroom management, strategies and creative ideas. Our cooperating teacher was assisted by Teacher Lorabeth Ambel, his assistant teacher. I was paired to be with Kinder 1 - Opal with my classmate, Haidie N. Otinguey, whom I worked well with. All were finished and finalized that is why the following day, we immediately visited the classroom and met our cooperating teacher right after our classes. I appreciated the warm welcome of our cooperating teachers that moment. I first introduced myself and after that, teacher Emill then gave his orientation about our practice teaching.

     The following week, we took the challenge to teach right away but with no lesson plans yet. The mere focus of this teaching is to be acquainted with the pupils, their characteristics, the classroom and even came up with an assessment period. The first encounter with the pupils went well. Haidie and I prepared and helped each other in presenting the lesson. Every after classes, our cooperating teacher make it a point to have a 30-minute "mentoring time" wherein he gives his comments, observations and "things-to-improves". These mentoring times gave us the opportunity to learn and be mentored. Aside from that, he also shared the learning resources that we need that is why Haidie and are very grateful.

     After the practice teaching try out, the next focus that we had was in applying classroom management through the use of different strategies and approaches. I came to learn that for you to be an effective classroom manager, you should know how to blend and apply different strategies depending on the personality types and situations that are manifested at that moment or encounter. After several meetings of experimenting and testing, I somehow was able to know the strategies that are effective for the class like the business approach, and others. Classroom management is really a skill that can be learned.

     The mentoring in the area of lesson planning came after "mastering" the classroom management. We learned to do lesson planning from the detailed to semi-detailed lesson plan. I made it sure that I always let my lesson plans be checked a day before my teaching schedule so that my teaching will become effective and appropriate for the learners. It was challenging really to think of activities and assessment tools that are developmentally appropriate for the pupils. A teacher really need to be creative enough to present the lesson, that is enjoyable yet understandable and ready to be absorbed by the pupils. 

     One of my teaching philosophy regarding the instructional materials is that,  I believe that as a teacher, you don't need to "print,cut,laminate and paste" pictures if the things you would want to show them are tangible and can be brought to classroom as real objects. That is why in my almost 2 months of teaching, I seldom use cutouts, only if it is necessary and needed. The learners  are always amazed because I always have with me my large eco bags filled with toys, kitchen wares, figurines, fruits, vegetables and other objects. I give them the opportunity to touch and see my instructional materials.I believe that learning  takes place when pupils see the connection of each lesson with the real life. 

     In the making of assessment tools, one of the common things I've done is the paper, pencil and color. But sometimes, I let them do "hands-on" activities and some group works to strengthen team work and cooperation. One thing that I've learned in assessing kinder 1 pupils, you need to be patient enough to explain the instruction. There are also times where you need to go around per table to check if they are doing their exercises right.

     I got to assist in the Nutrition Month Celebration of the pupils. I enjoyed preparing and serving my pupils with fruit salad. While they were eating, we got the opportunity of sharing the importance of eating these nutritious foods. Aside from nutrition month, I also had the chance of being in their practices though I was not able to be in their actual presentations due to the annual church conference that I have attended. These extra curricular activities are so much enjoyed by the pupils, teachers and even parents. They learn things that are not usually learned inside the four corners of the classroom.

     In our last day in ECDC, I felt the appreciation of parents when they expressed their thanks to me for being one of the teachers of their children. I will surely miss the heavenly voices of my pupils calling me "Teacher Paolo" every now and then. 

     I am confident that God - Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit will finish everything that He has started in my journey as a teacher.

Our God be praised!

Prayer Request: May I ask you to pray for me as I prepare myself for my off-campus practice teaching (on the job training). Join me in praying for God's leading to where I'll be deployed. Thank you!

STANDING FIRM TOGETHER

The annual church conference called the "GCI Worship Festival" was always been one of my highlights yearly. I get to be excited every year because I get to meet my churchmates from our local church here in Luzon. This year we had three international guests, Jayjay and Jeff (Australians) Ptr. Johnny Logrono (USA).The attendance this years was about 800+ members from different GCI churches. I am blessed to be living here in Baguio because the feast site has always been in Teachers' Camp,Baguio City. Since we're from Baguio, our local church has always been willing to serve as the host. This year, the festival is dated September 25-28,2014 with the theme - "Standing Firm Together: One Faith,One Hope, One Love"

This year has been a lot different for me because I had the chance to be one of the lead worshipper during the opening service last thursday. We sung songs and hymns that reflected the theme this year like the hymns - "At One With God" "We Are God's People" "One Faith, One Love" and others. As the lead worshipper, it's nice to see and hear God's people worshipping in spirit and in truth, it just give me  'Jesus' bums' all the time. It is great to be one as a church in worship.

We had a variety of activities for children,youth,singles and seniors. This year is my last festival to be in the youth activity because this December, I'll be turning 20 years old already. The coordinator of the youth activity this year is the Crossway Church led by Kuya Joel Calmateo. The activity started with a couple of singing where we can just be youth and express our praise and worship to God. After that, we proceeded with the games that reflected the theme of the youth activity: "Do It Together". We ended the activity by saying a pledge to build the christian community together. The  activity was such a powerful time!

As usual the dance night was enjoyed by everybody, especially that we were all dressed in our formal attires. There was a live band and food at the corner! Everything was perfect, perfect for the theme "Titanic Ball". Dances always remind me of the "perichoresis" - the great dance of the Trinity in which we are all included and called to participate. Thanks to GCI Sta. Rosa for organizing the dazzling night.

There is something new this year! GCI Manila sponsored the daily early morning free coffee and pandesal available for everyone. This was an additional opportunity for fellowshipping and making new friends. 

We had the festival communion service on a Saturday along with the ordination ceremony as an elder of Ptr. Aramis Parane and wife Eden. The ceremony was an affirmation of his passion and service for God and the church. In the evening, we all enjoyed the "You Are..." Gospel Concert. I got to invite 16 of my blockmates and their friends. That night was a night of revisiting the beauty of God's grace and deep love for all humanity. On Sunday, we had the closing sevice at 8:00 a.m. to give enough time for our church members to travel going back to their homes. We had our selfies and groupfies and said our "see you soons". I am excited for the Festival 2015! Whoot!!

And in closing I say...

STANDING FIRM TOGETHER:

One Faith,

One Hope,

One Love!

CHURCH IS FUN!!!

  

KILOMETERS AWAY

August ended so fast! This month, The K-GROUP (Koinonia Discipleship Groups) of our church had the opportunty to have a very short mission trip to GCI Bokod Church in Karao,Bokod,Benguet. I was asked by brother Bantom Minong (a deacon assigned to look over the Bokod church while Ptr. Estong is in NZ) to form a team that will go to the church and lead the worship service. With prayers, I said "yes"! Immediately the following Sunday, I asked the K-GROUPS who among them is able to join the trip. The response was amazing that the music band was complete. Here is the composition of the team:

Sermon: Ptr. Adel Areola 

Guitar: Deco Amistad

Drums: Keem Rodnie

Keyboards: Miko Dadd

Back-up singers: Chryzle Amistad, Ally Yap, and Charis Areola

Documentation Team: Deborah Alwis and Kae Domoguen

Food and Beverage: Tita Benny Villanueva and Tita Grace Ogas

Support: Tita Neldy,Tita Carmy and Uncle Romy

We left Baguio City at 6:30 am. Some of my teamates are first timers in Bokod. We all enjoyed the sceneries going there. We arrived there at 9:30 am in time for the preparations before the service. We welcomed the members (who walked 1-3 kilometers away) as they enter the hall. There was no electricity that morning that is why Miko our keyboardist wasn't able to use his keyboard. Good thing, we photocopied our song sheets! We started the worship service with songs and a prayer.The message was delivered by Ptr. Adel Areola followed by the Communion. We sang our last songs and gave the benediction.

The trip won't be complete without  eating together during lunch which we call "Potluck". Everyone brought their food to share. Our team were satisfied...yummy! After eating, we decided to hike and explore the area. The place is peaceful and away from the sound of the traffic and all. It was a time for us to reflect and thank God for the opportunity He has given us.

One highlight of this short mission trip was when I met sister Cherry, who was a linguist from California. She was in Karao, Bokod for almost 20 years now and had given the mission to translate the Holy Bible in the "ikarao" language. I personally blessed and thank her for accepting the mission from God! May I ask all of you to continue praying for her!

I look forward for more mission trips (local and international) in the near future! God willing!!!

Next month will be the annual church conference of our church! I am getting excited of GCI Baguio Festival 2014! Yahooooo!

TEACHER PAOLO

July has been a very busy month for me. Starting July 2, I've started with my practice teaching. I was assigned to BSU-ECDC Kindergarten 1 - Opal and yeah...I introduced myself as Teacher Paolo.On the first week, I tried my best to memorize their faces and names (it was a challenge for me)! On the second week, Haidie Otinguey (my co-practice teacher) and I took the challenge to teach right away - imagine it was just the second week!! Haha! But God has been so faithful that our 1st week went well and smooth. I appreciate our cooperating teachers - Mr. Emill Kisim and Ms. Lorabeth Ambel, for sharing their teaching tips,starategies and approaches to us! What I love the most every after our teaching session was the "mentoring session", an hour of teaching-learning process through their comments that helped us to be more effective in our classrooms. I am blessed to be in the class of Mr. Emill because he freely shares his resources to us. 

The most awaited day came to my life when my teaching was now to be rated. My lesson plan,instructional materials,attire,voice, energy and everything was now ready. I sipped from my coffee, prayed and said my good morning and taddah!!! This is it! After the class, my cooperating teacher gave my rating sheet and to my surpise my rating was 99.9%. I can't stop thanking God! My family and I celebrated this with drinks from Starbucks and a gallon of vanilla ice cream from my auntie Auey. It may be OA(over-acting) but in everything, in the small and big blessings, we must always celebrate His goodness!

I came to realize with my first month of teaching that being a teacher gives fulfillment and brings so much joy seeing children enjoying learning! Let me give you a funny scenario:

I heard my pupils in thier tables whispering by themselves saying - "Papa ko si teacher Paolo..." Pinagaagawan nila ako! LOL

I need to accomplish 15 lesson plans and rating sheets that is why my in-campus practice teaching journey continues. I would like you all to continue to pray for me! I believe that our prayers enpower us to do the tasks that God has given us! I especially mention my greater crowd of cheerleaders,encourages and supporters - You guys make me rock n' roll in my everyday of teaching! \m/

I am grateful to Abba,Jesus and Holy Spirit for giving me the opportunity to participate in what He is doing in our lives through the passion for teaching that He has given me!

THIS IS MY CHURCH FAMILY!

"...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18

This first month of the school year has been so busy for me, not because of school related things but with activities related to the church. This year,particularly this month of June, our church - Grace Communion International Baguio City/La Trinidad Church celebrated its 40th Founding Anniversary with the theme - "1974-2014: Transforming Lives @ 40 and Beyond!". Since it is a month-long celebration, we have set activities for each of the Sundays. Here are the Summary of our 40th Anniversary celebrations:

June 1 - Dr. Rey Taniajura and he spoke about the significance of the number 40 in the Bible and its implications.

June 8 - We celebrated Pentecost Sunday and Ptr. Banggay Alwis gave the sermon on the "Holy Spirit"

June 15 - Ptr. Rene Marquez (a former pastor of our local church years ago) gave a message about "God's love seen at the Atonement"

June 22 - Youth-led service with atleast 25 youth and guests visited our church. Ptr. Audie Santibanez gave the message on "Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love", The church enjoyed the visual aids used by pastor in delivering his message. After the service, the youth had a short activity of food fellowship,presentation,game and the photobooth.

June 29 - Our church concluded the 40th Anniversary by going to Pooten's Resort for a church outing and we have invited our members from our sister church in Mankayan. My family and I arrived at the venue early to prepare the hall,sound system and the Lord's table ready for the worship service. I am even more excited as our church members arrive family per family. A bunch of smiles, hugs, kisses and greetings flooded the registration booth. The worship service started with the weekly 'Speaking of Life' by our Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach Jr. entitled - "What Would God Not Do". The worship service was led by the Seniors Ministry and our Senior Pastor Dr. John Tinoyan as the worship leader. After that, Engr. Danny Flores shared his testimony before the main message by Ptr. Rex Dela Pena. Ptr Rex spoke about the significance of the church being A BODY, A FELLOWSHIP, A FLOCK and A FAMILY. The message was concluded by the partaking of the bread and wine in the Lord's Table. The seniors rendered a song entitled - "I Love You Lord" in english and filipino version as the offerings are being collected. Mrs. Gloria Pedro, led the church in the congregational prayer. We had our last songs and Ptr. Adel Areola gave the final blessings/benediction.

The first part of our anniversary program was a musical presentaion from the special guests invited by the Flores family, they are Rey Casuga and Wind Gigante, youth pastors of another church. They gave a musical rendition of the songs - "Still" and "Mahal na Mahal Kita Panginoon" Kuya Rey on saxophone and Kuya Wind on keyboards. We were so blessed! The youth of GCI Baguio also gave a dance presentation of the SEP modern dance - "Alive" by Hillsong Young and Free. 

Before the second part of the anniversary program, overflowing potluck lunch was served and enjoyed by everybody. By 1:30 pm, photo entries from the "Photoshoot-for-a-cause" was submitted and judged by kuya Willy Tinoyan. 1st prize was awarded to ate Jaleh Gacayan, 2nd prize was awarded to kuya Rey Casuga and 3rd prize was awarded to tita Sheila Dela Pena. Consolation prizes were given to the participants. The proceeds of the photoshoot was given to tita Maria Sumalnap and tita Gloria Pedro.A short game called "The Wall of Trivia" was played by the kids. They won different prizes for playing the game.

The day would not be complete without the swimming part. This year's outing was extra memorable for me because, when I jumped into the pool (all the youth were watching), my right leg was strained! I asked help from the youth but they were just laughing (they thought it was a joke! LOL). Thank God for Ptr. Adel, Ptr. Banggay, uncle Romy and Mr. Donato for saving me...Thank you po! 

I was tired by the time we arrived home but my heart is full of thanksgiving to Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit for planting me to GCI - Baguio City/La Trinidad Church. A church where God's love is felt and seen! With all my heart I say..."This is my church!" I will serve the church as long as I live! Happy 40th Church Anniversary to all of us!

I believe that GREATER things have yet to come in our journey as a church!

As for now, I am preparing for my practice teaching (in-campus) starting this week. And for our Youth Ministry here in GCI Baguio City/La Trinidad, we are to launch our K-GROUPS (small group discipleship) in two weeks!! I am excited!

Let us continue to love one another!

BEYOND OUR BOUNDARIES

Coz' yeah its exactly a week after the SEP Luzon 2014 (Summer Enrichment Program) - the annual youth camp of our denomination (Grace Communion International). This year's SEP has been so memorable for me because it was my first time to serve as a staff, more specifically as an assistant counselor. I am privileged to be paired with my counselor kuya Al Santillian who is a youth leader, musician, creative person, intelligent and all. Preparations has been week after week, through facebook chats and we met once for a 2 hour meeting when he went here in Baguio.

The theme for this year's SEP is - "Beyond Our Boundaries". Actually, even before the camp, God already has been challenging me to go beyond my boundaries by serving as a staff. This is beyond my own boundary because it is my first time to be an assistant counselor. I had mixed emotions - nervousness and excitement, and this emotions has been with me all through the journey. 

I attended the general meeting of the staff last May 5 at the GCI National Office. I had the opportunity to pray and bond with my fellow staff members before the camp. That night, we  took time to pray intentionally for each of the campers, praying for them to have a personal God-encounter during and after the camp.

The next day, we woke up early to load all the things needed for the camp. That day was intended for campsite set-up and last minute preparations. The set-up was finished early, that's why we staff,  again took the oppoertunity to relax and bond together. We went swimming and sharing stories. We decided to sleep early to gain enough rest for the big week.

The 1st day came, registration started, campers lined up, paid their registration fees and lead their way to their respective dorm assignments. Our dorm was easily completed. While I was waiting for the campers, kuya Al started to orient the early birds. I am amazed that even at the first day or even the first hour together as a group to stay in one dorm, it felt  like we've known each other for a long time! The camp started with a camp wide worship and orientation by our camp director Ptr. Aron Tolentino. He reminded us of the 3 important rules : 1. Take care of YOURSELF 2. Take care of OTHERS 3. Take care of the EQUIPMENTS.

For the next 5 days of the camp,  waking up is always at 4am to take a bath and have our short dorm devotionals before the breakfast. The day won't be complete without camp-wide praise and worship. After that, we now follow our respective schedules for the activities like swimming, basketball, volleyball, christian living classes, community services, ballroom, modern dance and bonsai class which was revived this year. Since it was my first time to have this class, I personally enjoyed all the discussions and lessons from Ptr. Gil Llaneza, a nature lover. Evening activities like team building,dorm chats, bonfire, trekking and variety show was also enjoyed and as always is...full of fun.

Saturday came (2nd to the last day of the camp), this day was anticipated by the staff and campers because in the afternoon, we had the 'Sports Fest' where there will be a staff vs. camper(all star players chosen per dorm) game in volleyball and basketball. In the volleyball, the campers won but in the basketball...still the unbeatable staff won! Hehe!

Since Saturday evening was the last day, all were excited for the SEP Luzon 2014 Dance Night. Everyone wore their best evening attires; men prepared their roses,serenaded the ladies and escorted them to the dance floor. As the music began to fill the hall, the guys grabbed their partners and danced with the beat of every song. No one was left sitting down, all were dancing and enjoying the night.The dance  night ended at exactly 11pm. All were invited to eat snacks to end the beautiful evening.

The last great day of the camp came. All were sad and gave their best last cheers and in the worship. Ptr. Rex Dela Pena gave the final devotional on - "When God takes you our of your boundaries". Ptr. Rex reminded the campers that going beyond their boundaries won't be easy but be rest assured that God will be with us no matter what a long the way. Awarding ceremony of the "bests" took place right after the final devotional. Photo op and modern dance formally ended the SEP Luzon 2014.

I have a lot of experiences and learning during this camp and here I enumerate them:

-My leadership skills were enhanced as I handled our dorm.

-I learned to be discipled in time manangement.

-I had the opportunity to listen to some of the life stories of the campers.

-I have come to understand the unconditional love of God for me and for all humanilty.

-I was mentored by my Counselor Kuya Al Santillan.

-My self confidence was enhanced.

But apart from all of these...I came to understand what it means to go "Beyond my boundaries" in all areas of my life whether in school, church, family and community to participate in what God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit is doing despite cultural diversities, gender, stereotypes, social and geographical boundaries. Just as Jesus went beyond His boundaries to reach humanity...from Divine to humanity.

I would want to end my blog with the song by Kristian Stanfill that led all of us to LSS(Last Song Syndrome):

ONE THING REMAINS

Higher than the mountains that I face

Stronger than the power of the grave

Constant through the trial and the change

One thing remains

Your love never fails, never gives up

Never runs out on me 

On and on and on and on it goes

It overwhelms and satisfies my soul

And I never, ever, have to be afraid

One thing remains

In death, In life, I’m confident and

covered by the power of Your great love

My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can

separate my heart from Your great love...

HOLY WEEK

In few days the christian church will be celebrating the most important days of the year. This is what we call the "Holy Week" or some call it the "Passion Week". Well, the terms to me is not important, what is important is the WHO,WHAT and HOW we celebrate. Actually the Holy Week is the culminating days of the lent season. The lent season started last month during the Ash Wednesday and 40 days leading to Easter(Resurrection) Sunday.

WHO:

Let us start with the WHO of the celebration. The "who" of this celebration is no other than JESUS CHRIST, the center of the holy week. We celebrate Jesus because of His life, specifically His passion,death and resurrection is commemorated in these special days. 

WHAT:

What we celebrate? The celebration is for 7 days. This year it is dated on April 13,2014 (Sunday) leading to April 20 (Sunday). I find it nice to share with you what the website of our denomination (Grace Communion International) released about the day-to-day significance of the holy week:

Here’s a summary of traditional Christian worship during Holy Week, and the events in Jesus’ life that are memorialized: 

• Palm Sunday: Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt (Matthew 21:1-11). He is accompanied by crowds of people who create a path for him with their cloaks and branches cut from trees.
• Monday: Jesus drives the money changers from the temple and spends the night in Bethany (Matthew 21:12-17). 
• Tuesday and Wednesday: Jesus continues to teach in Jerusalem (Matthew 21:18-26:16). The chief priests and Jewish religious elders form a plot “to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him” (26:1-5). Judas agrees to be a conspirator and to hand Jesus over to them (26:14-16).
• Thursday: Jesus has his last meal during his earthly ministry with the disciples. He washes the disciples’ feet and institutes the Lord’s Supper or Communion. After teaching and encouraging them, he goes to Gethsemane, where he prays in anguish. He is arrested by the Jewish temple police and is taken to the Sanhedrin, where he is condemned (Matthew 26:17-75).
• Good Friday: Jesus is shuttled between Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas. Pilate finally orders Jesus to be beaten and then crucified. Jesus dies in the late afternoon on Friday. Around sunset, Jesus is buried in the tomb (Matthew 27:1-61).
• Saturday: Jesus rests in the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66).
• Easter Sunday: Jesus is resurrected (Matthew 28:1-15).

[Paul Kroll, April 2012, "Maundy Thursday and Holy Week", http://www.gci.org/church/holidays/maundy]

In our local church (GCI Baguio City/La Trinidad Church), we commemorate Palm Sunday by having a Palm Sunday-themed worship service in songs and the message of the pastor. Maundy Thursday by having an evening service to do the Lord's Supper and footwashing ceremony. And then on Easter Sunday, as a church we are having a worship service and a family potluck after.

HOW:

How to celebrate it? In what I do, I usually go back to the gospels and read portions starting on Jesus' passion,death and resurrection. I follow the assigned day for the particular event like what is written above. Aside from that,I also watch movies on Jesus' life and listen to meditative songs. 

Some christians find these days good for personal prayer, worship, fasting,recollection,retreat and others. It does not matter on how we celebrate it according to our personal preferences, what is important is that we know WHO and WHAT we celebrate during this precious times of the year.

I hope that it is not only on this "Holy Week" that we become "Holy" but in our everyday lives we continue to commemorate and remember the greatest event ever happend in our history...When our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for the whole word to die on the cross, then in 3 days be resurrected to give us power and hope.

Let us all have a meaningful Holy Week celebration!

Let us proclaim the mystery of our christian faith...

CHRIST HAS DIED,

CHRIST IS RISEN,

CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN!

Amen and Amen!

TO WHERE GOD LEADS ME

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 NIV

Today marks the first day of my summer vacation! All my examinations and requirements are done and submitted. I thank God for sustaining me this past semester. I am amazed of how God helped me in all my  school requirements. Many memorable things happened this school year, one remarkable thing that I will not forget is the time where I officially taught pupils for the first time. That was a preparation for my last year in college next semester where I'll be having my in and off campus practice teachings....It gives me a feeling of nervousness and excitement! Well, I put it all in God's hands. Hallelu Yah!

I was surprised to know that I'm one of those students in our college who will be awarded as an Academic Achiever(Dean's Lister) for maintaining a general weighted average of 1.604. Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit is great and greatly to be praised! He alone is the source of the wisdom,knowledge and understanding. I am even more inspired to do my best in my academics.

3 weeks ago, I received a missions opportunity from GCI Mission Community going to Seoul,South Korea for a short-term mission trip. I have asked some to be my prayer partners to this ministry opportunity. I submitted my application form and I was accepted. Throughout this journey, I have always been accompanying it with prayer and worship. I have consulted my parents, pastors and family members about this...they are very supportive but with God's leading, for now, I have to postpone this trip due to financial issues and others. With this decision, I believe that "all things work for a good.." as apostle Paul says in Romans 8:28. My passion for MISSIONS continues...and I believe that there are a lot of things yet in stored for me in the future...this may be a "no" for now but there will be "yes" soon in His beutiful time!  Hallelu Yah!

I thank all those people who supported me through prayers and encouragements - my family,Ate Beth and Malou Leyva( these missionaries inspire me sooo much and they taught me to live BY FAITH ALWAYS)Ptr.Adel Areola,Ptr. John Tinoyan, Ptr Vir Yap, Ate Charisse Babol and all those God-inspired people around me. I look forward for more mission trips in the near future! Join me again in prayer as I consider going to missions locally...To where God leads me, I will go!Yes and Amen!

The Lord is the one who placed this seed in my heart. I love missions!

There are a lot of activities prepared for summer! As we plan for our summer activities, may Jesus be the center of it all!

Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit - YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

OUT ON A MISSION

I'm back to my blogsite! It's been a busy week for me since Sunday. Last Sunday our youth ministry named Young Emerging Servants of the Lord celebrated its 5th Anniversary with the theme: "Out On A Mission". We celebrate our anniversary yearly with different styles. This year, our youth coordinator Auey Parcasio (My Auntie) planned and facilitated our activity. 

Our activty started right after our worship service, after eating lunch. We all gathered and met auntie Auey at UP Baguio. As soon as we arrived , Auntie Auey immediately gave the activty which she called "The Challenge". We were grouped by twos( as Jesus commanded His disciples to go by twos) that time, our attendance is 16 and we were amazed that God really designed us to be even. When we were grouped, she gave us 100 pesos each of the pair and challenged us to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us onto where or to whom will we give that money either in cash, food or anything. We are to do that challenge for an hour and a half. She instructed us  to converge at Camp John Hay. Before we left, we prayed.

I am paired with Elaine. Elaine and I discussed where we are going. We decided to go to Session road and look for people that we could give food and pray for them. After walking , we first stopped to a lady, who is a beggar. We asked her if there is something we could pray for her and she said that she has a back pain. We prayed for her and gave her coins. After that,  we have decided to buy doughnuts for us to distribute to the beggars that we'll be encountering. Aside from the doughnut, we still prayed over them. What amazed us is that for the three consecutive blind beggars that we prayed over, they had one common prayer concern and that is for world peace and unity.

After an hour and a half, we decided to take a jeep going to Camp John Hay. When we arrived, aunt Auey  asked each one of us to share our experiences and the things we have done. We all prayed together to thank God for the things he has inspired us to do that particular day. We ended our anniversary celebration with a sumptuous dinner/merienda at Shakeys and a drink from Starbucks. 

I am excited and looking forward for the coming years of YESLORD! Take the lead Abba,Jesus and Holy Spirit!

(Happy Love Month)! :)

I WILL TESTIFY

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

5:00 pm last Monday, while waiting for a cab going home, Mrs. Mary Porte, the principal of Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet Inc. approached me and asked me if I could give my personal testimony at Trinidad Baptist Church this Sunday. I am a little bit nervous but I said - "yes". I was surprised with the invitation but I took this as an oppurtunity to share the things that God has blessed me.

I devoted the entire week to pray and worship God, asking Him to guide me in the words and things I will say. I asked prayers from my friends and  family. Throughout the week, God has inspired a lot of things to me. From my experiences as a son to my parents, as a student and also as a worker in the different ministries God has called me to lead. Last night, before we slept, I asked my family to lay hands on me and again pray for me. I believe in the power of prayer.

The actual day of giving my testimony came, I was very thankful to God that He calmed and provided all the things that I have said. Many were blessed and touched from my testimony. I thank Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet Inc. and to Trinidad Baptist Church for giving me the oppurtunity to testify the greatness of God in my life.

Thanks to all those who prayed and encouraged me including those who were blessed from my testimony! To Abba,Jesus and Holy spirit be all the gloy,honor,praise and adoration!