Ako si Big Brother

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Effective Discipleship

2011-12-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

Conflicted ang aking tugon at emosyon sa mga reports ng ilang iglesya na mabilis na dumarami ang kanilang miyembro. Hindi dahil sa ayaw kong dumami ang makakilala sa Panginoon kundi dahil wari’y natuon sila sa dami (quantity) kaysa kalidad (quality) ng sinasabi nilang kanilang nadidisipulo. Nakakalungkot rin na may halong pagmamalaki ang iba na ang kanilang pamamaraan ay ang “the way” na dapat sundan ng lahat ng local churches. Napapailing na lamang ako. Hindi na natuto ang ilang iglesyang Pinoy. Buhay na buhay pa rin ang colonial mentality. Kapag may bagong “ministry fad” sa ibang bansa, pilit na isinasama sa mga programa ng iglesya. Hindi tayo nasanay na lumikha ng sistema na akma sa ating konteksto at puro “gaya-gaya puto maya” na lamang.

Maraming ginagamit na modelo ang Panginoon sa pagdidisipulo ng mga mananampalataya sa pagdaan ng panahon. Naririyan ang discipleship strategies ng The Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ (Bill and Vonette Bright), Yoido Gospel Church (Jethro Model ni David Yonggi Cho), Cell Model Strategies (Ralph Neighbour, Larry Stockstill), New Monasticism (Jonathan Wilson, Shane Claiborne) Youth with a Mission’s Discipleship Training School (Loren Cunningham), Purpose-Driven Church (Rick Warren), G12 (Castellanos), G3 (Comiskey), at kung anu-ano pa. Lahat sila ay produkto ng kanilang panahon at may sari-sariling bentahe at lakas. Ganundin, mayroon din silang mga "excesses" at hindi magagandang pamamaraan na dapat masusing pag-isipan o kaya ay tuluyang iwaksi.

Kailangang maunawaan natin na halos "magkakatulad" ang nais maganap ng mga modelong ito (discipling believers for them to become leaders of the church, win-build-send process). Nagkakaiba lamang sila sa “packaging” ng sistema. Minsan, kung sino ang pinakamagaling sa promotions, siya ang nakikilala. Ang ilang modelo ay bagay lamang sa ilang konteksto, samantalang ang iba naman ay maaaaring i-akma sa iba’t ibang kultura at panahon. Be aware of the danger of the dogmatism of saying that all churches should follow one model. Maraming local churches ang gumawa ng sarili nilang sistema at mabilis na lumalago. Marami sa kanila ay gumamit ng “contextualized” versions ng mga discipleship models na aking nabanggit.

Ang mga epektibong discipleship programs ay hindi nakatuntong sa pamamaraan (methods), kung hindi sa prinsipyo. Hindi sila nakasulat sa bato kundi ibinabagay sa agos at pangangailangan ng panahon. They are sensitive to the needs of the time. Nagbabago ang mga pamamaraan subalit hindi kailanman maaring balewalain ang mga “tried and tested principles”. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Pagtuunan natin ngayon ang mga “hindi nagbabagong” prinsipyo ng pagdidisipulo.

If you want to disciple people, disciple them slowly. Ang hinog sa pilit, mapakla. Ang discipleship process ay hindi dapat lubusang itulad sa isang assembly line production system (i.e. Ford car manufacturing). Na kapag natapos ng isang disciplee ang isang taong seminar ay masasabi mong "mature" na siyang Cristiano at handa nang isabak sa isang bagay kahit hindi pa siya handa. Hindi lahat ng tao ay pare-pareho ang pagtanggap sa Salita ng Diyos at antas ng paglagong espiritwal (i.e. Matthew 13’s Parable of the Sower). Maging ang mga disipulo ay kinakitaan pa ng mga “karnal” na mga ugali kahit ilang taon na silang kasama ng Panginoon. Maging ang Panginoon ay hindi binigla ang mga disipulo sa mga bagay na hindi pa nila kayang unawain (John 16:12). Napakadaling dumami ng miyembro ng iglesya (remember that crowds draw crowds). Ang challenge ay kung paano sila palalalimin sa pananampalataya. There is no shortcut to genuine discipleship.

Discipleship is spiritual parenting (1 Thessalonians 2:3-13). Kailangang alagaan nang maayos ang mga sanggol sa pananampalataya. Nangangailangan sila ng proteksyon (mula sa maling pananampalataya at tukso), pag-iingat at pagmamahal ng mga disciplers. Sa panahon ng krisis at mahahalagang pangyayari, kailangang lagi kang may oras para sa kanila. Hindi kumo nagba-Bible study kayo o small group ay sapat na iyon. To some extent, you also need to be a real “brother/sister and or mother/father” sa iyong inaalagaan. Hence, it takes time, tears, love and patience to help people grow in Christ. A discipler is more than a teacher. He/She is also concerned with the spiritual and physical welfare of his/her disciplee. This is the reason I recommend that a discipler should have at most 8 disciplee kung gusto talag niyang matutukan ang bawat isa. Usapin ito ng kalidad at hindi ng dami. Hence, you must concentrate on a few.

A discipler should be a model of Christian character. Ito ang nakokompromiso kapag masyadong minamadali ang proseso ng pagdidisipulo, lalo na sa mga kabataan. Maaring alam nila ang rudiments ng pagbabahagi ng Salita ng Diyos at paghahawak ng small group, subalit kung hindi pa lubusang naisusuko ang lahat ng bahagi ng kanilang buhay sa Panginoon at walang pagnanais na mamamatay sa kanilang sarili (John 12:24), maaaring mababalewala ang lahat ng kanilang ginagawa. Mayroong bigla na lamang nag-a-AWOL sa ministeryo. Para sa mga disciplers at small group leaders: you cannot give what you don’t have. More is caught than taught. We transmit the Gospel to others by our example. Mahalaga rin na ipaunawa sa ating miyembro na si Cristo ang dapat sinusundan ng mga mananampalataya at hindi ang kanilang pastor or lider sa iglesya. Ang trabaho ng isang lider ng iglesya ay bigyan-inspirasyon ang mga tao upang sumunod kay Cristo (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Discipleship is all about growing in the knowledge, grace and likeness of Christ (Colossians 2:6-7; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Dahil nababad sa sobrang Bible studies, trainings, programs, workshops, seminars ang marami, nakalimutan ang “heart”, “hands” at “habits” component ng pagsunod kay Cristo. Walang saysay ang mga discipleship sessions kung hindi nababago ang puso at hindi naipapakita ng mga dumadalo ang “bunga ng Espiritu” (Galatians 5:22-23). Ang Salita ng Diyos ay ibinigay sa tao hindi upang dumami ang kaalaman ng tao kundi upang mabago ang kanilang puso. Ang spiritual maturity ay hindi nasusukat sa lakas ng pagkanta tuwing may praise and worship celebration, sa tindi ng pag-iyak at pagbulalas ng emosyon tuwing prayer and intercession sessions, sa pagsusuot ng Jesus T-Shirts upang ipangalandakan sa sanlibutan, sa pagdalo nang regular sa simbahan at pakikilahok sa gawain ng ministeryo. Ang tunay na mature na Cristiano ay katulad ni Cristo--sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.

Discipleship should not be a program-driven mechanism but rather a Christ-centered endeavour. Hindi sa dami ng activities lalago ang mga batang mananampalataya. Madaling dumami ang miyembro kung maganda ang “marketing” subalit hindi nito kayang takpan ang kababawan ng sistema. Noong October 2007, isang report ang inilabas ng Willowcreek Church, isang megachurch sa Amerika na nagsabi nito: "Increasing levels of participation in these sets of activities does NOT predict whether someone's becoming more of a disciple of Christ. It does NOT predict whether they love God more or they love people more." Sa isang Leadership Summit, inamin ni Bill Hybels, ang pastor ng Willowcreek: “We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become “self feeders.” We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own." Huwag na nating tapakan ang kamalian ng Willowcreek. Nasa huli lagi ang pagsisisi. Si Cristo dapat ang sentro ng lahat ating ginagawa, hindi ang programa.

Discipleship should be a natural process, not a dead, mechanistic system. Totoo na kailangan ng maayos na proseso sa pagdidisipulo. Subalit hindi dapat ang proseso ang mangibabaw. Paano na lamang kung may pumalya at biglang sumabog ang programa dahil na-delay ang ilang bagay (i.e. inaasahang paglago ng isang tao at ang kaniyang commitment)? Hindi rin natin kayang ikahon ang galaw ng Diyos. Spiritual multiplication requires faithful Christians obedient to Christ’s Word and dependent upon the Holy Spirit.

LOVESTRUCK Book Comments (unedited)

2011-12-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

em tallada -Dec 12, 2011 12:12pm
I've read this book. There are things na nagyon ko lang natutunan in my 23 years of existence :) teens should read this before entering into a relationship, not only teens pero everyone who wants to be in a relationship and lifetime commitment too. :) two thumbs up for Sir Ronald :)

John Gaufo -Dec 11, 2011 9:43am
na lovestuck ako HAHA two thumbs up!

Dexter -Dec 10, 2011 11:06pm
Salamat po sa Libro na to..Marami akong natutunan about true love ng binasa ko ito..

shiela javier -Dec 10, 2011 1:06am
hai poh tnx sa books nyo nkatulong po sakin ung pass or fail po tnx po tlaga

grace barlas -Dec 9, 2011 10:29am
i really like this book,,, para tlaga to sa mga teenager,,, mraming lessons ang mkukuha sa book na ito,,, thanx kuya:)

abbygail -Dec 7, 2011 8:18pm
the book is so cool!!

arelito alporo -Nov 12, 2011 3:55pm
hi kuya ronald! Thank you very much for being with us with ur wife here in Bayawan city during our Youth Summit last Oct 28-29,2011. your presence inspires really to most of our youth specially those who were attending the seminar. I hope that you can come again and shared again a pieces of your wisdom to us. god Bless And goodluck to your family...advance merry christmas In Christ, Armelito Alporo of bayawan City Negros Oriental

emma concepcion nobleza -Nov 10, 2011 4:13pm
speechless aq ng binasa q ang book na to. tamaan aq samga topics nito and it reallsy fits to us as teenager.thank you sa author natu dahil dito maraming kabataan ang naliliwanagan kung ano talaga ang true love

Heizel Pucate -Nov 2, 2011 1:45pm
i really want this book. i can't find any copies. i got his PASS OR FAIL. but i want this. i really can't find a copy of this book.

Anjenette Timblor -Oct 17, 2011 6:27pm
* like qou pu yong book nyo , qasi mrami aqng na tu2nan about sa ex qoe .. tnx dhil na realize qou na hndi pla cia deserving sa aqin :))

Tara Angelee Daamo -Oct 7, 2011 12:53am
this is really a ncie book! i super like it.. esp ung last chapter which is single-minded.. :) I can relate kasi

kath -Oct 6, 2011 11:49am
this is a nice read.. I would really recommend this to teenagers.. totally inspiring!

Cian Garcia -Sep 21, 2011 12:11pm
Meron po ba nito sa PCBS or National Bookstore?

JeverLy -Sep 17, 2011 8:43pm
ang ganda. napaka informative and interesting. e2, ntapos ko in 1 hour! :D sobrang dami ng natutunan ko :) thanks

regine bacudan -Sep 16, 2011 3:04pm
ang ganda nito grabe bimili po ako nyan .. hehe hinihiram po ngayon ng iba kong mga classmate kasi maganda :) marami kang mapupulot na aral .

Cla Concepcion -Sep 9, 2011 7:47pm
i really like this book kuya ronald. ang daming mga aral :) teenagers should read this :)

kate bacala -Aug 28, 2011 6:06pm
yup i agree for the positive comments ganda ng book thanks sa author u made this book really inspired me specially ky god.... mas lalo syang napalapit sa akin...

arlene javier -Aug 26, 2011 10:49pm
maganda po ang content ng book, very informative. nung nakita ko sya sa pcbs, bigla kong naisip ang mga youth sa church at binili ko. nung nabasa ko, i start praying na mabigyan sana ng copy ang mga youth. now im thinking of a fund raising project pra makabili since ako po ang coordinator nila. God bless po sa inyo esp. sa author.

mhay de leon -Jul 1, 2011 2:50pm
very nice book...! it really inspires youths like me..

Mariner -Jun 28, 2011 5:20am
Hi Pastor Ronald. This book of yours is very inspiring. Personally I like the way you presented it. I am so much inspired that I want to share it with others esp to the youth in our church.. We are planning a youth gathering and I find this material very helpful for us in reaching out the youth. i would like to ask for any suggestions from you on how can we make it successful.. Thank You and God Bless!

Frau -Jun 27, 2011 5:45am
:D pdeng pdeng panregalo mura na, it saves the heart pa

queenie ocumas -Jun 23, 2011 4:57pm
gud day pastor ronald. acctually i barrowed dis book from a friend of mine, because i thought it only containes of trip2 stories or ideas related about love, but i was wrong, u know last week, i was a part of the evangel church here in tgbauan iloilo,with pastora roseneille, i also serve in this church in over 1 month. but then my relation w/ dis church was ruined, because of my relationship w/ my bf, w/c is unbeliever. i was really touch by dis book, because mi story was related w/all the topics in dis book. now i live here with mi grandmother and leave the church. after i have ead this book, i suddenly realixed that everything ive done was wrong. now im ready 2 change mi life and how i live. thank u for creating dis book.. it will make all the readers realixe if w/c is wrong and w/ is ryt.. more power!! EMMANUEL..

Ela Agudo -Jun 10, 2011 10:32pm
I love this book..dami ko natutunan dito ine-encourage ko din ang cousins and friends ko na basahin itong book.. (^_^)

John Michael Gallano -Jun 9, 2011 10:27am
hmm.. di ko pa na basa ito.. pero meron na ako nasa bag ko.. 2days palang ko to na bili.. plan ko na basahin ito.. bigyan ko to nang time. heheeheh OUT OF STOCK ba sa inyo.. punta kayo sa SM - Bacolod and Robinsons Place Bacolod. dami pa dun hehe.. excited na ako ma basa e2!

Mariel Lee -Jun 7, 2011 9:39pm
This is a great book! Sobrang na bless ako at ang dami kong na22nan :D sana mabasa to lahat ng mga singles^^

beverly -Jun 6, 2011 3:55pm
wew super ganda ng nilalaman ng book nakakrelate ako sa mga nakasaad dito sulit na sulit pa kapag binili to tlgang tatamaan ka! sana marami pa kayong magawa na mas maganda pa at as in kapupulutan ng aral more powers ^_^

krisha -Jun 1, 2011 9:49pm
grabe..ang dami kong natutunan. :D sobrang nabless ako

chloee arellano -May 26, 2011 9:33pm
waaaT.T dko pa nababsa ung buk coz i dont get the cahnce to have one naubusan kc nung u-mattend kmi ng youth factor..and its hard to find that buk tlg lging sold out...sana tlga mkhanap aq im sure mganda tlga xa... anyway Godbless po.:;)

Alex Gloria -May 12, 2011 12:13pm
this book is highly recommended to all singles, it helps us a lot about life for tomorrow. thanks kuya ronald.

May Morgan C. Diaz -May 5, 2011 12:35pm
Ang ganda... pinasa-pasa ko yung copy na binili ko... it made me realize that i was just infatuated with the one i thought i was inlove with... Cool ang mga expressions and explanation... Makarelate tlaga ang mga kabataan.. Thank you for the book Kuya Ronald.

princess radzma madag -Apr 22, 2011 1:00pm
ganda tlga!ng book n2 dame mong m22nan bout love hay!!!!!!

Jay-R Yap Reyes -Apr 1, 2011 11:27pm
ganda nung pgkaka-gawa ng book hope merun pang mas maraming type ng ganitong book. nakaka-tulong siya pra s mga kabataan ngaun lalo na kung naguguluhan cla s "love". God bless s author nitong libro at more powers.

sara joy -Mar 29, 2011 3:15pm
ahh ang ganda ng book na toh..tamang tama sa mga kabataan,dami ko ding natutunan,tnx kuya ronald..tnx din sa ptr ko na nagbigay ng book na toh,isang paalala sken ang message ng book na toh,buti nalang nabasa ko agad ang book na to bago ang lahat...Godbless kuya ronald..

Karolina Mata -Mar 27, 2011 6:42am
graveh! ang ganda nung book. Hindi ako nag-expect na ganun pala laman ng book. Habang papauwi ako galing mall, I'm starting to read it, nang mkarating na ako sa house, half na nung book ang nabasa ko, nabitin ako at gusto ko ng tapusin, ang ganda ng topic. After reading that book, parang gusto-gusto kong bumalik sa book store para bumili na naman ng ibang book from this publishing. I'm Karol 19 yrs. old from Cebu. Ask lang po ako, lahat poh ba ng books niyo nasa National Bookstore?

Apple -Mar 24, 2011 5:02pm
Oo nga concise version ng Book ni JOoshua Harris :)This book had change my classmate Life. Addict kasi sa pocket book yung classmate ko, akala sguro nyah pocket book din yun kaya ngka interest syang bumasa. Ang nakakatuwa pa dun ay dala dala ko yung libro sa bag at bago ko lang yun nabili take note di ko pa nabasa...sya ang na una. :D Salamat! at God Bless

micah dela cruz -Mar 24, 2011 3:29pm
the book was really cool! and it's good for the unbelievers :)) esp chapter 2 kc inexplain dun ung love ng GOD for us.ü thankyou Ptr Ronald.ü All for God's glory. God bless.

marivic tomol -Mar 21, 2011 7:18pm
grabe! anganda ng book nato. hesitant pako bilhin kc wla ko extra pro nkita ko plang ung cover, nalike ko na. anganda!! sobra!!! ndi kasya ung comment ko dito. all I can sya ay GOD is LOVE! GOD is GOD of second chances. mura lng guys, pro priceless ung message! :) May our Lord bless you in reading. :)pinahiram ko na nga rin agad ung book. God bless guys!

Rafael Miguel M. Dela Cruz -Mar 20, 2011 4:16pm
nice, I learned a lot from this book... even my classmates wants to barrow my book...

aneja dang -Mar 17, 2011 3:40pm
I read it from cover to cover.. and see.. ive learn!! :) make GOd as the center of your Love.

mark -Feb 27, 2011 2:20pm
pwede po ba humingi ng paalam? kc i would like to use some of the pages na ippose ko sa bulletin namin sa school. thanks!

jerico corpuz -Feb 25, 2011 6:04pm
nakakaaliw xa bsahin..tho hnd ko na ntpos bshin sa sobranq bz..hehe unq ibanq phrse nqa dun sinishare ko sza fb..jeje lab it.. .

Via -Feb 22, 2011 12:30am
I learned a lot from this book. I find interesting reading this kind of book. I thank God coz He gave me an opportunity to read LOVESTRUCK... I am now lovestruck with the Lord...=) I will share it to my colleagues...Love it....

Esther -Jan 13, 2011 5:31pm
I love this book ;))

Csianne Sariel Rudio -Jan 9, 2011 12:53pm
i Promise to foLLow the 6:14 ruLe.

jhay ti -Jan 9, 2011 9:59am
sold out na po ito sa lhat ng bookstore eh . san po nakakabili pa ? repLy po . saLamat !

isabel castolero -Dec 29, 2010 1:32pm
this book is great. i highly recommend it. am actually encouraging my officemates to read it :)

Source: http://www.omflit.com/home/catalog.php?c=11&i=617

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Usapang Pera

2011-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hindi aandar ang sasakyan kung walang gasolina. Hindi rin mapapasubalian ang kahalagahan ng pondo upang matustusan ang pangangailangan ng ministeryo. Sa youth ministry, marami kang kailangang pagkagastusan. Isa na rito ang pagpapakain ng mga kabataang sadyang “matagal mabusog.” Nagsimula ang aming iglesya mula sa mga high school students. At kapag estudyante na ang pinag-usapan, huwag nang umasang mabilis ang pagpasok ng pera. Siguradong mas mataas ang cash outflow kaysa inflow. Sa mga unang buwan ng aming ministeryo, kinailangan kong mag-solicit sa mga kaibigan upang makabili ng mga band instruments. Faithful si Lord at nabili namin ang dapat naming bilhin. Hanggang ngayon, buhay na buhay ang aming ministeryo dahil sa mga sumusunod na prinsipyo.

Hindi dapat lumampas sa hawak na pera ang mga dapat pagkagastusan. Basic rule ito sa personal financial management. Magkasya sa kung ano ang mayroon sa kasalukuyan. Ang pananampalataya ay kailangang ginagabayan din ng karunungan. Huwag susuong sa mga bagay na hindi kayang pangatawanan. Halimbawa, hindi dapat magrenta ng lugar na hindi kayang bayaran ng buwanang koleksyon sa “tithes and offering”. Sa halip na mapabuti ang ministeryo, baka mabaon pa ito sa utang. Iwasan din ang mangutang. Alipin ng nagpapautang ang mangungutang. Hindi kailangang manghiram ng pera upang maidaos ang isang pagtitipon o matupad ang isang proyekto.

Huwag maluho. Kung maikli ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot. Hindi nakatuon sa porma ng pagdiriwang at rangya ng paghahanda ang paggalaw ng Banal na Espiritu sa inyong youth fellowship. Madalas, nagdudulot pa ito ng “consumerist” attitude sa mga kabataan. Baka masanay pa sila sa mga bagay na kapag nawala ay agad din silang mag-a-AWOL (absence without official leave) sa church. Hindi “cool” ang maglagay ng strobe at laser lights kung hindi naman kailangan. Kung gusto mo lang sumunod sa uso, tanungin ang sarili kung ito ba ay galing sa Panginoon o pansariling kagustuhan lamang. Tandaan, hindi maluho si Lord nang nabuhay Siya sa lupa. Nag-enjoy ang members ng ministeryo sa simpleng tinapay at iced tea. Sa maraming pagkakataon, it is the “fellowship” that really counts at hindi ang sarap ng pagkain.

Maging “creative” at “resourceful” sa paglikom ng salapi. Katulong ko lagi ang aking staff sa pag-iisip kung paano makalikom ng salapi para sa mga proyekto ng iglesya. Nagawa na naming mag-solicit sa mga kaibigan at mangaroling sa panahon ng Pasko. Maaari ding magbenta ng mga lumang diyaryo at bote o kaya ay magkaroon ng “garage sale”. Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, hindi lamang tayo kumakalap ng pondo, kundi tinuturuan din natin ang mga kabataan na maging masinop sa pera at maging matiyaga sa pagtatrabaho.

Tandaan na hindi dapat matuon sa paghahanap ng pera ang ministeryo. Maraming iglesya ang napapabayaan na ang tunay nitong misyon—ang pagbabahagi ng Salita ng Diyos---dahil sa pag-iisip kung saaan kukuha ng pondo. Minsan, naiiba na rin ang motibo sa soul-winning. Nais dumami ang miyembro ng iglesya dahil sa mas lalaki ang offering collection. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa aking mga miyembro na “kahit walang pera, magpapatuloy ang aming paglilingkod”. Kung kailangang maglakad mula sa bahay, 5 kilometro ang layo mula sa church, dapat gawin. Walang sinabi ang paglalakad ng 5 kilometro kung pag-uusapan ang buhay na inalay ni Cristo para sa ating kaligtasan.

Turuang magbigay ang mga kabataan. Sa unang tatlong taon ng aming ministeryo, hindi kami nagkaroon ng offertory sa aming mga weekly gatherings. Ito ay dahil ayaw kong sabihin ng mga magulang ng mga kabataang dumadalo sa aming pagtitipon na “pineperahan” lamang namin ang kanilang mga anak. Minabuti kong magpatuloy sa pagtuturo sa kolehiyo upang masustentuhan ang pangangailangan ng iglesya at humingi ng tulong sa mga kaibigan na naniniwala sa aming ginagawa. Pero nagbago ang lahat nang lumawak na ang gawain ng Panginoon at dumarami na ang potensiyal na mga lider ng iglesya. Unti-unti, iminulat ko sila sa kahalagahan ng pagbibigay upang pagpalain ang ministeryo at maipakita ang kanilang pasasalamat sa Panginon. Sa ngayon, lahat ng aking staff ay mga regular tithers dahil bahagi ito ng kanilang responsibilidad bilang mga lider. Kailangan din nilang ipakita sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng lider na bahagi ng buhay-Cristiano ang pagbibigay ng salapi at oras para sa ministeryo.

Heritage of Smallness by Nick Joaquin

2011-11-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

The depressing fact in Philippine history is what seems to be our native aversion to the large venture, the big risk, the bold extensive enterprise. The pattern may have been set by the migration. We try to equate the odyssey of the migrating barangays with that of the Pilgrim, Father of America, but a glance of the map suffices to show the differences between the two ventures. One was a voyage across an ocean into an unknown world; the other was a going to and from among neighboring islands. One was a blind leap into space; the other seems, in comparison, a mere crossing of rivers. The nature of the one required organization, a sustained effort, special skills, special tools, the building of large ships. The nature of the other is revealed by its vehicle, the barangay, which is a small rowboat, not a seafaring vessel designed for long distances on the avenues of the ocean.

However far we go back in our history it's the small we find--the nipa hut, the barangay, the petty kingship, the slight tillage, the tingi trade. All our artifacts are miniatures and so is our folk literature, which is mostly proverbs, or dogmas in miniature. About the one big labor we can point to in our remote past are the rice terraces--and even that grandeur shrinks, on scrutiny, into numberless little separate plots into a series of layers added to previous ones, all this being the accumulation of ages of small routine efforts (like a colony of ant hills) rather than one grand labor following one grand design. We could bring in here the nursery diota about the little drops of water that make the mighty ocean, or the peso that's not a peso if it lacks a centavo; but creative labor, alas, has sterner standards, a stricter hierarchy of values. Many little efforts, however perfect each in itself, still cannot equal one single epic creation. A galleryful of even the most charming statuettes is bound to look scant beside a Pieta or Moses by Michelangelo; and you could stack up the best short stories you can think of and still not have enough to outweigh a mountain like War and Peace.

The depressing fact in Philippine history is what seems to be our native aversion to the large venture, the big risk, the bold extensive enterprise. The pattern may have been set by the migration. We try to equate the odyssey of the migrating barangays with that of the Pilgrim, Father of America, but a glance of the map suffices to show the differences between the two ventures. One was a voyage across an ocean into an unknown world; the other was a going to and from among neighboring islands. One was a blind leap into space; the other seems, in comparison, a mere crossing of rivers. The nature of the one required organization, a sustained effort, special skills, special tools, the building of large ships. The nature of the other is revealed by its vehicle, the barangay, which is a small rowboat, not a seafaring vessel designed for long distances on the avenues of the ocean.

The migrations were thus self-limited, never moved far from their point of origin, and clung to the heart of a small known world; the islands clustered round the Malay Peninsula. The movement into the Philippines, for instance, was from points as next-door geographically as Borneo and Sumatra. Since the Philippines is at heart of this region, the movement was toward center, or, one may say, from near to still nearer, rather than to farther out. Just off the small brief circuit of these migrations was another world: the vast mysterious continent of Australia; but there was significantly no movement towards this terra incognita. It must have seemed too perilous, too unfriendly of climate, too big, too hard. So, Australia was conquered not by the fold next door, but by strangers from across two oceans and the other side of the world. They were more enterprising, they have been rewarded. But history has punished the laggard by setting up over them a White Australia with doors closed to the crowded Malay world.

The barangays that came to the Philippines were small both in scope and size. A barangay with a hundred households would already be enormous; some barangays had only 30 families, or less. These, however, could have been the seed of a great society if there had not been in that a fatal aversion to synthesis. The barangay settlements already displayed a Philippine characteristic: the tendency to petrify in isolation instead of consolidating, or to split smaller instead of growing. That within the small area of Manila Bay there should be three different kingdoms (Tondo, Manila and Pasay) may mean that the area wa originally settled by three different barangays that remained distinct, never came together, never fused; or it could mean that a single original settlement; as it grew split into three smaller pieces.

Philippine society, as though fearing bigness, ever tends to revert the condition of the barangay of the small enclosed society. We don't grow like a seed, we split like an amoeba. The moment a town grows big it become two towns. The moment a province becomes populous it disintegrates into two or three smaller provinces. The excuse offered for divisions i always the alleged difficulty of administering so huge an entity. But Philippines provinces are microscopic compared to an American state like, say, Texas, where the local government isn't heard complaining it can't efficiently handle so vast an area. We, on the other hand, make a confession of character whenever we split up a town or province to avoid having of cope, admitting that, on that scale, we can't be efficient; we are capable only of the small. The decentralization and barrio-autonomy movement expresses our craving to return to the one unit of society we feel adequate to: the barangay, with its 30 to a hundred families. Anything larger intimidates. We would deliberately limit ourselves to the small performance. This attitude, an immemorial one, explains why we're finding it so hard to become a nation, and why our pagan forefathers could not even imagine the task. Not E pluribus, unum is the impulse in our culture but Out of many, fragments. Foreigners had to come and unite our land for us; the labor was far beyond our powers. Great was the King of Sugbu, but he couldn't even control the tiny isle across his bay. Federation is still not even an idea for the tribes of the North; and the Moro sultanates behave like our political parties: they keep splitting off into particles.

Because we cannot unite for the large effort, even the small effort is increasingly beyond us. There is less to learn in our schools, but even this little is protested by our young as too hard. The falling line on the graph of effort is, alas, a recurring pattern in our history. Our artifacts but repeat a refrain of decline and fall, which wouldn't be so sad if there had been a summit decline from, but the evidence is that we start small and end small without ever having scaled any peaks. Used only to the small effort, we are not, as a result, capable of the sustained effort and lose momentum fast. We have a term for it: ningas cogon.

Go to any exhibit of Philippine artifacts and the items that from our "cultural heritage" but confirm three theories about us, which should be stated again.

First: that the Filipino works best on small scale--tiny figurines, small pots, filigree work in gold or silver, decorative arabesques. The deduction here is that we feel adequate to the challenge of the small, but are cowed by the challenge of the big.

Second: that the Filipino chooses to work in soft easy materials--clay, molten metal, tree searching has failed to turn up anything really monumental in hardstone. Even carabao horn, an obvious material for native craftsmen, has not been used to any extent remotely comparable to the use of ivory in the ivory countries. The deduction here is that we feel equal to the materials that yield but evade the challenge of materials that resist.

Third: that having mastered a material, craft or product, we tend to rut in it and don't move on to a next phase, a larger development, based on what we have learned. In fact, we instantly lay down even what mastery we already posses when confronted by a challenge from outside of something more masterly, instead of being provoked to develop by the threat of competition.

Faced by the challenge of Chinese porcelain, the native art of pottery simply declined, though porcelain should have been the next phase for our pottery makers. There was apparently no effort to steal and master the arts of the Chinese. The excuse offered here that we did not have the materials for the techniques for the making of porcelain--unites in glum brotherhood yesterday's pottery makers and today's would be industrialists. The native pot got buried by Chinese porcelain as Philippine tobacco is still being buried by the blue seal.

Our cultural history, rather than a cumulative development, seems mostly a series of dead ends. One reason is a fear of moving on to a more complex phase; another reason is a fear of tools. Native pottery, for instance, somehow never got far enough to grasp the principle of the wheel. Neither did native agriculture ever reach the point of discovering the plow for itself, or even the idea of the draft animal, though the carabao was handy. Wheel and plow had to come from outside because we always stopped short of technology, This stoppage at a certain level is the recurring fate of our arts and crafts.

The santo everybody's collecting now are charming as legacies, depressing as indices, for the art of the santero was a small art, in a not very demanding medium: wood. Having achieved perfection in it, the santero was faced by the challenge of proving he could achieve equal perfection on a larger scale and in more difficult materials: hardstone, marble, bronze. The challenge was not met. Like the pagan potter before him, the santero stuck to his tiny rut, repeating his little perfections over and over. The iron law of life is: Develop or decay. The art of the santero did not advance; so it declined. Instead of moving onto a harder material, it retreated to a material even easier than wool: Plaster--and plaster has wrought the death of relax art.

One could go on and on with this litany.

Philippine movies started 50 years ago and, during the ‘30s, reached a certain level of proficiency, where it stopped and has rutted ever since looking more and more primitive as the rest of the cinema world speeds by on the way to new frontiers. We have to be realistic, say local movie producers we're in this business not to make art but money. But even from the business viewpoint, they're not "realistic" at all. The true businessman ever seeks to increase his market and therefore ever tries to improve his product. Business dies when it resigns itself, as local movies have done, to a limited market.

After more than half a century of writing in English, Philippine Literature in that medium is still identified with the short story. That small literary form is apparently as much as we feel equal to. But by limiting ourselves less and less capable even of the small thing--as the fate of the pagan potter and the Christian santero should have warned us. It' no longer as obvious today that the Filipino writer has mastered the short story form.

It's two decades since the war but what were mere makeshift in postwar days have petrified into institutions like the jeepney, which we all know to be uncomfortable and inadequate, yet cannot get rid of, because the would mean to tackle the problem of modernizing our systems of transportation--a problem we think so huge we hide from it in the comforting smallness of the jeepney. A small solution to a huge problem--do we deceive ourselves into thinking that possible? The jeepney hints that we do, for the jeepney carrier is about as adequate as a spoon to empty a river with.

With the population welling, and land values rising, there should be in our cities, an upward thrust in architecture, but we continue to build small, in our timid two-story fashion. Oh, we have excuses. The land is soft: earthquakes are frequent. But Mexico City, for instance, is on far swampier land and Mexico City is not a two-story town. San Francisco andTokyo are in worse earthquake belts, but San Francisco and Tokyo reach up for the skies. Isn't our architecture another expression of our smallness spirit? To build big would pose problems too big for us. The water pressure, for example, would have to be improved--and it's hard enough to get water on the ground floor flat and frail, our cities indicate our disinclination to make any but the smallest effort possible.

It wouldn't be so bad if our aversion for bigness and our clinging to the small denoted a preference for quality over bulk; but the little things we take forever to do too often turn out to be worse than the mass-produced article. Our couturiers, for instance, grow even limper of wrist when, after waiting months and months for a pin ~a weaver to produce a yard or two of the fabric, they find they have to discard most of the stuff because it's so sloppily done. Foreigners who think of pushing Philippine fabric in the world market give up in despair after experiencing our inability to deliver in quantity. Our proud apologia is that mass production would ruin the "quality" of our products. But Philippine crafts might be roused from the doldrums if forced to come up to mass-production standards.

It's easy enough to quote the West against itself, to cite all those Western artists and writers who rail against the cult of bigness and mass production and the "bitch goddess success"; but the arguments against technological progress, like the arguments against nationalism, are possible only to those who have already gone through that stage so successfully they can now afford to revile it. The rest of us can only crave to be big enough to be able to deplore bigness.

For the present all we seen to be able to do is ignore pagan evidence and blame our inability to sustain the big effort of our colonizers: they crushed our will and spirit, our initiative and originality. But colonialism is not uniquely our ordeal but rather a universal experience. Other nations went under the heel of the conqueror but have not spent the rest of their lives whining. What people were more trod under than the Jews? But each have been a thoroughly crushed nation get up and conquered new worlds instead. The Norman conquest of England was followed by a subjugation very similar to our experience, but what issued from that subjugation were the will to empire and the verve of a new language.

If it be true that we were enervated by the loss of our primordial freedom, culture and institutions, then the native tribes that were never under Spain and didn't lose what we did should be showing a stronger will and spirit, more initiative and originality, a richer culture and greater progress, than the Christian Filipino. Do they? And this favorite apologia of ours gets further blasted when we consider a people who, alongside us, suffered a far greater trampling yet never lost their enterprising spirit. On the contrary, despite centuries of ghettos and programs and repressive measures and racial scorn, the Chinese in the Philippines clambered to the top of economic heap and are still right up there when it comes to the big deal. Shouldn't they have long come to the conclusion (as we say we did) that there's no point in hustling and laboring and amassing wealth only to see it wrested away and oneself punished for rising?

An honest reading of our history should rather force us to admit that it was the colonial years that pushed us toward the larger effort. There was actually an advance in freedom, for the unification of the land, the organization of towns and provinces, and the influx of new ideas, started our liberation from the rule of the petty, whether of clan, locality or custom. Are we not vexed at the hinterlander still bound by primordial terrors and taboos? Do we not say we have to set him "free" through education? Freedom, after all is more than a political condition; and the colonial lowlander--especially a person like, say, Rizal--was surely more of a freeman than the unconquered tribesman up in the hills. As wheel and plow set us free from a bondage to nature, so town and province liberated us from the bounds of the barangay.

The liberation can be seen just by comparing our pagan with our Christian statuary. What was static and stolid in the one becomes, in the other, dynamic motion and expression. It can be read in the rear of architecture. Now, at last, the Filipino attempts the massive--the stone bridge that unites, the irrigation dam that gives increase, the adobe church that identified. If we have a "heritage of greatness it's in these labors and in three epic acts of the colonial period; first, the defense of the land during two centuries of siege; second, the Propaganda Movement; and the third, the Revolution.

The first, a heroic age that profoundly shaped us, began 1600 with the 50-year war with the Dutch and may be said to have drawn to a close with the British invasion of 1762. The War with the Dutch is the most under-rated event in our history, for it was the Great War in our history. It had to be pointed out that the Philippines, a small colony practically abandoned to itself, yet held at bay for half a century the mightiest naval power in the world at the time, though the Dutch sent armada after armada, year after year, to conquer the colony, or by cutting off the galleons that were its links with America, starve the colony to its knees. We rose so gloriously to the challenge the impetus of spirit sent us spilling down to Borneo and the Moluccas and Indo-China, and it seemed for a moment we might create an empire. But the tremendous effort did create an elite vital to our history: the Creole-Tagalog-Pampango principalia - and ruled it together during these centuries of siege, and which would which was the nation in embryo, which defended the land climax its military career with the war of resistance against the British in the 1660's. By then, this elite already deeply felt itself a nation that the government it set up in Bacolor actually defined the captive government in Manila as illegitimate. From her flows the heritage that would flower in Malolos, for centuries of heroic effort had bred, in Tagalog and the Pampango, a habit of leadership, a lordliness of spirit. They had proved themselves capable of the great and sustained enterprise, destiny was theirs. An analyst of our history notes that the sun on our flag has eight rays, each of which stands for a Tagalog or Pampango province, and the Tagalogs and Pampangos at Biak-na-Bato "assumed the representation of the entire country and, therefore, became in fact the Philippines.

From the field of battle this elite would, after the British war, shift to the field of politics, a significant move; and the Propaganda, which began as a Creole campaign against the Peninsulars, would turn into the nationalist movement of Rizal and Del Pilar. This second epic act in our history seemed a further annulment of the timidity. A man like Rizal was a deliberate rebel against the cult of the small; he was so various a magus because he was set on proving that the Filipino could tackle the big thing, the complex job. His novels have epic intentions; his poems sustain the long line and go against Garcia Villa's more characteristically Philippine dictum that poetry is the small intense line.

With the Revolution, our culture is in dichotomy. This epic of 1896 is indeed a great effort--but by a small minority. The Tagalog and Pampango had taken it upon themselves to protest the grievances of the entire archipelago. Moreover, within the movement was a clash between the two strains in our culture--between the propensity for the small activity and the will to something more ambitious. Bonifacio's Katipunan was large in number but small in scope; it was a rattling of bolos; and its post fiasco efforts are little more than amok raids in the manner the Filipino is said to excel in. (An observation about us in the last war was that we fight best not as an army, but in small informal guerrilla outfits; not in pitched battle, but in rapid hit-and-run raids.) On the other hand, there was, in Cavite, an army with officers, engineers, trenches, plans of battle and a complex organization - a Revolution unlike all the little uprisings or mere raids of the past because it had risen above tribe and saw itself as the national destiny. This was the highest we have reached in nationalistic effort. But here again, having reached a certain level of achievement, we stopped. The Revolution is, as we say today, "unfinished."

The trend since the turn of the century, and especially since the war, seems to be back to the tradition of timidity, the heritage of smallness. We seem to be making less and less effort, thinking ever smaller, doing even smaller. The air droops with a feeling of inadequacy. We can't cope; we don't respond; we are not rising to challenges. So tiny a land as ours shouldn't be too hard to connect with transportation - but we get crushed on small jeepneys, get killed on small trains, get drowned in small boats. Larger and more populous cities abroad find it no problem to keep themselves clean - but the simple matter of garbage can create a "crisis" in the small city of Manila. One American remarked that, after seeing Manila's chaos of traffic, he began to appreciate how his city of Los Angeles handles its far, far greater volume of traffic. Is building a roadthat won't break down when it rains no longer within our powers? Is even the building of sidewalks too herculean of task for us?

One writer, as he surveyed the landscape of shortages---no rice, no water, no garbage collectors, no peace, no order---gloomily mumbled that disintegration seems to be creeping upon us and groped for Yeat's terrifying lines:

Things fall apart; the center cannot hold:

Mere anarchy is loosed...

Have our capacities been so diminished by the small efforts we are becoming incapable even to the small things? Our present problems are surely not what might be called colossal or insurmountable--yet we stand helpless before them. As the population swells, those problems will expand and multiply. If they daunt us now, will they crush us then? The prospect is terrifying.

On the Feast of Freedom we may do well to ponder the Parable of the Servants and the Talents. The enterprising servants who increase talents entrusted to them were rewarded by their Lord; but the timid servant who made no effort to double the one talent given to him was deprived of that talent and cast into the outer darkness, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth:

"For to him who has, more shall be given; but from him who has not, even the little he has shall be taken away."

Korupsyon, Kahirapan at Kaunlaran

2011-09-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Nahalal bilang pangulo si PNoy bunga ng kaniyang imahe bilang “Mr. Clean” at dahil sa kaniyang pangakong lilinisin mula sa korupsyon ang pamahalaan. Katulad ng kaniyang ina na naluklok sa puwesto matapos patalsikin ng isang diktador, mataas ang public confidence sa pangulo na ibabalik niya ang nawalang integridad sa pamumuno. Ayon sa pinakahuling survey ng Hongkong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) sa taong 2010, ang Pilipinas ang pang-apat sa pinaka-corrupt na bansa sa Timog Silangang Asya (sinundan natin ang Cambodia, Vietnam at ang Indonesia).

Kaakibat ng pangakong pananagutin ang mga nagnanakaw sa gobyerno, kabi-kabila ang pagsasampa ng kaso laban sa mga dating opisyal at malalapit na kaibigan ng administrasyon ni Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo. Maituturing na lamang itong isang pulitikal na ritwal sa tuwing magpapalit ang administrasyon. May pagtanaw din na ito ay isang media ploy upang pagtakpan ang kahinaan ng administrasyon at isisi ang lahat ng problema ng bansa sa nakaraang pamunuan.

Kung maraming nagalak sa proyekto ng pangulo, marami din ang hirap maniwala. Hindi lohikal ang slogan na “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Maganda sa pandinig ngunit mahirap isakatuparan. Malawak ang sakop at galamay ng korupsyon---sa merkado, sa mga pampublikong opisina at maging sa personal na buhay ng mga Filipino. Kung pagsasawata ng korupsyon ang pag-uusapan, matatapos ang termino ng pangulo nang hindi natutupad ang pangalawa niyang layunin—ang sugpuin ang kahirapan.

Ilang pag-aaral na ang isinagawa ukol sa ugnayan ng korupsyon, kahirapan at kaunlaran. Malinaw na hinahadlangan nito ang paglago ng ekonomiya. Ngunit sa kabilang banda, mas malakas ang argumentong ang kahirapan ang sanhi ng korupsyon. Ang pinaka-corrupt na bansa sa buong mundo tulad ng Somalia ay pawang nagdarahop na bansa. Hindi sila naghirap dahil marami silang tiwaling opisyal kundi dahil sa mahinang ekonomiya na siyang nagtutulak sa mga lider-gobyerno upang abusuhin ang kanilang kapangyarihan. Hindi rin hadlang ang mataas na antas ng korupsyon upang umunlad ang ibang bansa Indonesia at China. Ipinakita rin ng mga pananaliksik ang ilang bagay na siyang aakit sa mga tiwaling gawain.

Una, kung may mga likas na kayamanan tulad ng langis at mga kagubatan na maaaring pagkakitaan at pagpiyestahan ng mga baluktot na opisyal ng pamahalaan.

Pangalawa, ang kakulangan at kamahalan ng serbisyong pampubliko ang nagpapalalawak ng mga ilegal na transaksyon.

Pangatlo, ang mababang pasahod sa pampublikong sektor ang umaakit sa mga empleyado ng gobyerno upang pumasok sa mga ilegal na gawain.

Ganundin, ang labis na kontrol ng gobyerno sa ekonomiya ang nagiging dahilan upang gawing “gatasang baka” ng mga pulitiko ang ilang industriya sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng pabor sa ilang mga negosyante.

Maling sabihin na kung walang korupsyon ay uunlad ang bansa. Ang pagsugpo sa kahirapan ay kailangang tingnan at atakihin sa iba’t ibang anggulo. Ang mabagal na pag-unlad ay nagmumula rin sa mga maling polisiyang pang-ekonomiya at magulong sistemang pampulitika. Kung kaya, hindi lamang sa pagpapakulong ng mga tiwaling opisyal dapat matuon ang enerhiya ng Malacanang. Ang pangulo ay hindi lamang tinawag upang magpakulong ng mga tiwaling opisyal. Kailangan ding bigyan-pansin ang pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya.

Sa pagtahak ng administrasyong Aquino sa itinuturing nitong “matuwid na daan”, kailangang magbantay din ang sambayanan. Baka ang “tuwid” na daan ay maghatid sa atin sa maling patutunguhan.

PASS OR FAIL? Test-Taking Tips

2011-08-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Sa tuwing kumukuha ng isang exam ang isang estudyante, sinusubok siya sa dalawang bagay: ang kaniyang kaalaman ukol sa kurso at ang kaniyang “testwiseness” o karunungan sa pagsagot sa exam items. Ito ay ilang tips kung paano maipasa ang anumang exam “with flying colors”.

Know the type of exam you will take. Kung alam mo ang uri ng exam na iyong haharapin, mas madali ang iyong pagre-review. Tanungin ang inyong guro kung ano ang uri ng tanong ang kaniyang ibibigay. Maari ring konsultahin ang mga dating estudyante na dumaan na sa pagsusulit. It is also helpful if you can secure copies of sample exams. Kung walang paraan upang malaman ang uri ng exam, pag-aralan ang karakter ng iyong guro sa pagtuturo at kung paano siya nagbibigay ng tanong. Higit sa lahat, patindihin ang pagre-review.

You must be prepared to take the test. Mahirap mag-concentrate kung mayroon kang nararamdaman sa katawan at maraming iniisip na problema. Mahirap ding ipasa ang exam kung lagi kang absent sa klase. Cramming does not work. Mas mabuting mag-review sa mahabang panahon in small quantities kaysa sagarin ang buong dalawang araw sa pag-aaral ng mga lessons na isang semester na tinalakay sa klase. Kailangang relaxed ang iyong utak bago sumabak sa pagsusulit. Have at least 6 hours of sleep. Siguraduhin din na may laman ang iyong sikmura. Isama sa paghahanda ang panalangin ng paghingi ng karunungan sa Panginoon (Santiago 1:5).

Get rid of the Before-the-Test Worry. Boost your confidence. Malaki ang epekto ng iyong nararamdaman bago mag-exam sa maari mong maging performance. If you feel confident about passing the exam, you will lose some of your anxiety about the test. Pero, huwag ka namang maging overconfident na maaaring humantong sa pagiging careless sa pagsagot sa test. Huwag na huwag male-late sa pagpunta sa test center. Mahirap mag-concentrate kapag hinihingal ka dahil sa pagmamadali. Isa sa kalimitang dahilan ng exam memory loss o mental block ay ang sobrang nerbiyos. Relax.

Make the best use of your time. Lahat ng exam ay under time pressure. I-scan muna ang exam paper at i-assess kung ilang minuto ang ilalaan sa bawat parte. Laging tumingin sa orasan. Unahin ang mga madadaling tanong at ipahuli ang kakain ng mas mahabang oras. Unahin din ang mga items na magbibigay ng malalaking puntos. If all else fails, guess. Siguraduhin lang na walang point deduction sa mga maling sagot (i.e. right minus wrong exams).

Answer the Exam Items Correctly. Read the instructions carefully. Kung kailangang “X” ang imarka, “X” ang imarka. Kung kailangang bilugan ang sagot, bilugan. Maaaring hindi bilangin ang mga tamang sagot dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa instructions. Kung ano ang hinihingi ng tanong, iyon ang dapat na isagot. Lalo na sa objective essay exam kung saan walang lugar ang pambobola. Alam ng mga guro kung ang estudyante ay nagpapaikot-ikot lamang ng argumento. Ayusin din ang inyong penmanship upang hindi na mahirapang basahin ng guro ang iyong papel.

Avoid careless errors. Kung mayroon pang panahon, balikan ang iyong mga sagot at alamin kung may mali sa spelling, grammar o paraan ng pagsagot sa mga items. Maximize the time of the exam. Huwag magmadali at maging over-confident sa sagot. Gamitin ang nalalabing oras upang i-recheck ang mga sagot.

After the exam, give yourself a break. Treat yourself kahit hindi ka masaya sa nangyari (kung alam mong disaster ang performance mo). Sabi nga nila, there’s no use crying over spilt milk. Tapos na iyon at wala ka nang magagawa. Bawi ka na lang sa susunod (kung may next time pa!). Pero mas lalo mong i-treat ang sarili mo if you feel good about yourself after the exam at alam mong nasagot mo nang maayos ang mga tanong! Nonetheless, the most important thing is that you did your best.

Wakasan ang Karahasan sa Pamumuno

2011-07-09T01:20:00.000-07:00

Marami ang umalma nang ibinandera ng media ang kaso ng “punching mayor” na si Sara Duterte ng Davao City. Biktima ang Court Sheriff na si Abe Andres nang magkaroon ng demolisyon ng mga bahay sa isang distrito ng siyudad. Nag-init ang sitwasyon nang hindi napagbigyan ang hiling ni Duterte na itigil pansamantala ang demolisyon sa loob ng dalawang oras. Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Human Rights (CHR) at Korte Suprema na maaring humantong sa pagbabayad ng multa, administrative suspension o kaya ay pagpapatalsik sa puwesto ng mayora. May ilan ding nagpahayag na maaring harapin ni Duterte ang isang disbarment case dahil sa paglabag sa code of conduct ng mga abogado.

Ang insidente ay maaring hindi na bago sa marami. Ang ama ng mayora, na kasalukuyang Vice-Mayor ng siyudad na si Rodrigo Duterte ay nagpamalas na ng ganitong uri ng leadership style. Ika nga, like father, like daughter. Wari’y tanggap ng maraming taga-Davao ang ganitong uri ng pamumuno dahil iniluklok nila sa puwesto ang mag-ama.

Buhay na buhay rin ang mga realpolitik na paliwanag sa inasal ng mayora. Para sa Italyanong pilosopo na si Niccolo Machiavelli, kailangang handang gumamit ng dahas ang isang pinuno kung nais niyang mapanatili ang kaniyang kapangyarihan at matamo ang kaniyang mga pulitikal na layunin. Kung kaya, maari na nating palampasin ang panununtok ni Duterte dahil marangal naman ang kaniyang intensyon na tulungan ang mga nagdarahop niyang mga kababayan. Dahil dito, naikapit sa batang Duterte ang imahe ng isang “lady godfather”.

Hindi ito dapat palampasin ng kinauukulan. Katulad ng kaso ni Governor Jocel Baac ng Kalinga na sinaktan rin ang isang radio commentator na si Jerome Tabanganay, hindi dapat ipagkibit-balikat ang mga gawain ng pananakit na maaring sintomas o binhi ng kultura ng karahasan. Kailangang wakasan ang kultura ng “caciquismo”, “bossism” at “sultanismo” na umaalipin sa marami nating kababayan.

Sa kabila ng samu’t saring opinyon sa isyu, may malinaw na katotohanan---ang karahasan ay walang lugar sa lipunang sibil. At ang mga umuugit sa pamahalaan ang dapat na maging modelo at tagapagpanatili nito. Minsang sinabi ni Mahatma Gandhi, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Hindi maaring itago sa ilalim ng basahan ang mga mararahas na asal ng sinumang opisyal ng pamahalaan.

Itinatadhana ng Section 4(c) ng Republic Act 6713, ang batas na nagtatakda ng dapat iasal ng mga naglilingkod sa gobyerno: “Public officials…shall at all times respect the rights of others, and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public policy, public order, public safety and public interest…” Malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw na nilabag ni Duterte ang batas na ito.

Usapin din ito ng kakayahan ng institusyon ng pamahalaan na ipatupad ang batas at disiplinahin ang mga opisyal na lumalabag sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin. Pinalutang ng isyu ang tensyon sa pagitan ng dalawang puwersang pampulitika ng bansa—ang “astig” at “personalistic” na estilo ng pamamahala ng ilang local chief executives at ang kapasidad ng pambansang pamahalaan na ipatupad ang mga legal na pamantayan.

Public service is public trust. Mas mataas ang pamantayan sa mga lider-gobyerno. Dapat lamang silang maging modelo ng kahinahunan at “pagpipigil sa sarili” (1 Timoteo 3:2).

Si Nanay Cita

2011-06-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Maituturing kong superwoman si Nanay.

Mapagmahal. Masipag. Masarap magluto. Sadyang malinis sa bahay. Masinop at matipid. Madiskarte sa buhay. At higit sa lahat, malalim ang relasyon sa Panginoon.

Noong ako ay nasa elementarya pa lamang, laging sinasabi ng mga kapitbahay namin na ako daw ang pinaka-kamukha niya sa magkakapatid. Pareho kasing malapad ang aming mukha. Pareho ding kulot ang aming buhok. Pakiramdam ko nga, ako ang pinakapaborito niya sa magkakapatid.Sa tuwing may hinihiling ako sa kaniya, mas maliit ang posibilidad na siya ay tatanggi.

Si Nanay ang nagturo sa aming magkakapatid ng mga gawaing-bahay. Mula sa pagbubunot ng sahig, paglalaba ng damit, paglalagay ng hose ng LPG tank, pagsasaing ng bigas, hanggang sa pagluluto ng sinigang na baboy at adobo, binusog niya kami ng kaniyang home management lessons.

Minulat niya rin kami sa kahalagahan ng pagiging masinop sa buhay. Kung paano pahalagahan ang kinitang salapi at lahat ng pinaghirapang bagay. Mapagkakamalan mo nga siyang kuripot dahil sa pagtitipid. Noong kami ay mga musmos pa lamang, pinapagalitan niya kami sa tuwing may mga mumo ng kanin sa labas ng aming pinggan. Mas mapalad daw kami kaysa sa mga taong walang makain. Ang mga damit na puwede pang gamitin, gamitin. Kung kaya pang sulsihan ang mga butas na shorts at pantalon, sulsihan. Hindi rin siya kampante minsan na kumain sa mga mamahaling restaurant. Jolibee at McDo daw ay solb na siya.

Hindi maluho si Nanay. Hindi palabili ng damit, alahas at mamamahaling gamit sa bahay. Ngayon na lamang nang kami ay magkatrabaho. Sa katunayan, ang orasan na binili niya bago pa ako marahil ipinanganak ay naroon pa sa dingding ng aming bahay. Iyon ang naging relo namin sa halos 20 taon. Mahilig din siyang magtago ng mga gamit na alam niyang puwede namang huwag na munang gamitin. Kaya mabibigla ka na lang na iyong regalo na binigay sa kaniya noong isang tao ay bigla na lamang bubulaga sa iyong harapan.

Hindi rin matatawaran ang kaniyang abilidad at diskarte sa buhay. Noong panahong hirap kumita ang aking ama at apat kaming nag-aaral sa haiskul at elementarya, gumawa siya ng paraan upang may baunin kami sa araw-araw. Nagtayo siya ng sari-sari store. Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan ang mga panahong ako ang tagabitbit niya ng kaniyang bayong habang nag-iikot kami sa palengke para mamili. Natutunan ko sa kaniya ang “tried and tested principles” ng pagtawad! Nang mawala ang aming tindahan dahil sa pagkalugi, ibinaling niya ang kaniyang lakas sa pagbebenta ng longasina at tosino. Sinusuyod ang buong lugar namin upang maibenta ang kaniyang pahulugang produkto. Nang matapos ang kaniyang tocino business, sinuong naman niya ang paggawa ng ice candy at ice tubig.

Sobrang sipag ni Nanay. Siya ang babaeng hindi natutuyo ang kamay. Talentado talaga siya sa “paglalaba” ng aming damit, magluto at maghugas ng pinggan. Minsan, ginagawa niya ito nang sabay-sabay. Halos walang kapaguran. May tama siyang timpla sa dami ng sabong ilalagay sa washing machine. Na-perfect niya na rin ang sistema ng pagbabanlaw ng nilabhan. Hindi ko maisip kung paano natagalan ni Nanay na labhan ang mga makakapal naming pantalon noong kami ay nasa haiskul at kolehiyo. Kami na lamang ang taga-buhat ng isasampay. Bagaman napapagod sa gawaing bahay, hindi siya kailanman nagreklamo. Kagalakan niyang tupdin ang kaniyang gawain bilang ina ng tahanan.

Higit sa lahat, si Nanay ang naglapit sa amin sa Panginoon. Matindi ang pagnanais niya na maging seryoso kami sa aming pananampalataya. Noong kami ay mga teenager pa lamang, kinakalampag niya kami sa aming higaan tuwing linggo ng umaga para magsimba. Nariyang magpatugtog nang napakalakas na radyo o kaya naman ay iligpit ang aming unan upang bumangon na sa higaan. Ginawa niya ito upang hindi na lumaki pa ang mga sungay namin sa ulo. Binali niya ang mga sungay na iyon sa matinding panalangin at maayos na pagdidisiplina. Siya ang nagpasimula ng tradisyon sa aming pamilya na manalangin nang sama-sama sa tuwing papasok ang bagong taon.

Nasaksihan rin namin kung paano siya naging mabuting Cristiano sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa. Tuwing Pasko, laging piyesta ang “mood” sa aming tahanan. Hindi puwedeng hindi maghanda dahil hindi matigil ang pagdating ng bisita. Laging inaasahan ng mga bata sa aming lugar na magbibigay siya ng munting regalo. Kahit walang pera, pinipilit niyang magbalot ng mga kendi at laruan para sa kanila. Kasama na dito ang P20 na aginaldo. Puwedeng puwedeng maging DSWD Secretary si Nanay. Laging bukas ang kaniyang puso sa pagtulong sa kapwa, lalo na sa kaniyang mga kapatid at kamag-anak. Minsan, nagawa pa niyang mangutang upang matulungan ang iba.

Si Nanay ang naging modelo ko sa pagpili ng mapapangasawa. Siya rin ang una kong pinagsabihan ng aking plano na manligaw. Sa isip ko, “mother knows best”. Sinuportahan niya ako sa aking desisyon. Basta pagdating daw sa pag-ibig, kailangang unahin si Lord at kailangang seryoso sa aking nararamdaman. Ang kaniyang payo, huwag na huwag magpapaiyak ng babae. Tapat ang Diyos. Tinupad niya ang aking nais. Ibinigay niya sa akin si Gigi.

Walang perpektong ina. Maraming kahinaan si Nanay. Pero natabunan ang lahat ng iyon ng pagsisikap niyang maging mabuting maybahay at ina sa amin. Kung anumang tagumpay ang aking natamo sa kasalukuyan ay bunga ng kaniyang pagmamahal. Purihin ang Panginoon sa kaniyang buhay!

Mahirap makakita ng mabuting asawa, higit sa mamahaling alahas ang kanyang halaga. Iginagalang siya ng kanyang mga anak at pinupuri ng kanyang kabiyak…"Maraming babae na mabuting asawa, ngunit sa kanila'y nakahihigit ka." Magdaraya ang pang-akit at kumukupas ang ganda ngunit ang babaing may takot kay Yahweh ay pupurihin ng balana. Ibunton sa kanya ang lahat ng parangal, karapat-dapat siya sa papuri ng bayan. (Kawikaan 31:10, 29-31)

Mahalin natin nang lubos ang ating mga ina. Mabuhay ang lahat ng Ilaw ng Tahanan!

P.S. Tinapos ko ang sanaysay na ito na may luha ng kagalakan sa aking mga mata.

MAHAL mo ba talaga si LORD?

2011-04-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Nagsimula ang kuwento sa Hardin ng Getsemane kung saan marubdob na nanalangin si Jesus. Dumating ang mga tauhan ng punong saserdote, kasama si Hudas Iscariote, upang siya ay arestuhin. Sa sobrang galit, tinagpas ni Pedro ang tenga ng isa sa mga nais dumakip sa Panginoon (Marcos 14:47). Pinilit ni Pedro na sumama sa karamihan patungo sa bahay ng punong saserdote nang hindi napapansin. Pero nabigo ang kaniyang plano. May nakakilala sa kaniya. Nang siya ay magipit, itinatwa niyang kilala niya si Jesus. Doon siya naalimpungatan at naalala ang sinabi sa kaniya ng Panginoon na bago tumilaok ang manok sa umaga, itatatwa niya ito nang tatlong beses (Lucas 22:28-30).

Pagmuni-munian natin ang naganap sa buhay ni Apostol Pedro at ang mga bagay na dapat nating isabuhay.

Christians are not called to be “closet disciples”. Dahil marahil sa takot na arestuhin at makulong, hindi niya magawang lumapit sa karamihan habang sinusundan si Hesus papunta sa bahay ng punong saserdote. Hindi siya handa sa anumang parusang maaari niyang danasin kung malaman ng maraming tao na tagasunod siya ni Cristo. Ang tunay na Cristiano ay hindi ikinakahiyang mabansagang Cristiano. Bahagi ng ating pagsunod kay Cristo ang pag-alipusta at paglibak mula sa mga hindi mananampalataya (Mateo 5:11, Juan 15:18-21). Hindi na tayo dapat ma-sorpressa. Nakalulungkot isipin na mas pinahahalagahan ng iba ng kanilang reputasyon higit sa pagtingin sa kanila ng Diyos. Marami ang “bigat na bigat” dalhin ang kanilang Bibliya dahil sa pangambang masabihan na “Holy, Holy” ng kabarkada at kapitbahay. Mayroon ding nagiging allergic sa pagsasambit ng “Praise the Lord” o “Hallellujah” kapag kasama ang kabarkada. Ang sinumang magmakahiya sa Panginoon sa harap ng maraming tao ay ikakahiya rin Niya sa harap ng kaniyang Amang nasa langit (Mateo 10:32-33).

You can easily succumb to these attitudes if you want to follow Jesus “from afar”. Pero hindi iyon ang nais ng Panginoon. Real discipleship is walking with Jesus in an intimate manner. Hindi ka maaaring maging “undercover agent.” Instead, you should be a “city on the hill” (Mateo 5:14). Kailangang mangibabaw sa lahat ng iyong ginagawa ang kabanalan at kabutihan ni Cristo.

We should never wound the heart of God. Sobrang pighati ang naramdaman ni Pedro. Bakit? Dahil naramdaman din niya ang kalungkutan ng Banal na Espiritu na nananahan sa kaniyang puso (Galacia 5:17, Efeso 4:30). Sinaktan niya ang puso ng Panginoon. Hindi siya naging tapat sa kaniyang pangakong hindi niya kailanman iiwan si Jesus habang siya ay nabubuhay (Mateo 26:35, Juan 13:37, Lucas 22:23, Marcos 14:29). Nagsabi pa siya ng sumpa sa kaniyang sarili nang isagot niya sa mga taong nagtanong sa kaniya: "Sumpain man ako ng langit, talagang hindi ko nakikilala ang taong iyan!" (Marcos 14:71).

Napalingon si Jesus kay Pedro. Mabigat ang kahulugan ng titig na iyon. Parang sinasabi sa kanya: “Talaga bang hindi mo ako kilala?” Mas nangibabaw ang lungkot kaniyang puso. Itinuring niya si Pedro na isa sa pinagkakatiwalaan niyang disipulo. Parang isang tabak na itinarak sa kaniyang dibdib ang pagtatwa sa kaniya ng isang malapit na kaibigan.

We should never hurt the heart of our Master who loves us unconditionally. Huwag tayong gagawa ng anumang bagay na alam nating ikakasira ng magandang imahe ng ating Diyos. We should never give Jesus and Christianity a bad name.

Remember that God is a loving and forgiving God. Matapos mamatay sa krus ni Hesus, binalikan niya si Pedro. Nakita niya ito sa dati nitong buhay—ang maging mangingisda. Kung paanong tatlong beses niyang ikinaila ni Pedro si Jesus, tatlong beses din siyang tinanong kung talagang mahal niya ang Panginoon (Juan 21:15-17). Naging madamdamin ang kaniyang tugon: “Nalalaman po ninyo ang lahat ng bagay; nalalaman ninyong iniibig ko kayo”. Muling nagningas ang init ng pagmamahal niya kay Jesus.

Anumang kasalanan ang ating nagawa, tandaan natin na mapagpatawad ang Diyos (1 Juan 1:9, Awit 103:12). He is near to those who are brokenhearted (Awit 34:18). He is a God who restores. Sa kabila ng ating kasalanan, pinili Niyang iligtas tayo (Roma 5:8). Hindi ito bunga ng ating mabuting gawa, kung hindi dahil sa kaniyang purong habag at biyaya (Efeso 2:8-9). Kalooban ng Diyos na talikdan ng lahat ang masama nilang gawi at magkaroon ng personal na relasyon kay Cristo—ang tanging daan tungo sa langit (Juan 3:16; 14:6).

Ito ang pinakadakilang mensahe ng Mahal na Araw.

Kung mahal mo si Lord, isusuko mo ang iyong BUONG buhay sa kaniya. Walang matitira sa iyong sarili. Lahat para sa kaniya. Kung hindi mo pa ito nagagawa, maaari mong nang simulan. Ngayon na.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Ministry Meetings

2011-04-20T01:55:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this article from a good friend and fellow youth ministry worker, Mighty Rasing. He is the Head of the Division on Ministries with Young People of the United Methodist Church of the Philippines. You can visit his blogsites: http://www.transformationalleadershiphq.com/ and http://www.penstalker.com/ for more details about his ministry.

Bahagi ng youth ministry ang kabi-kabilang meetings. This article will surely help your group to be more organized and systematic in planning for and accomplishing your ministry agenda.

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The Rockstar Leader’s Guide to Youth Meetings: Tips for Effective meeting management

When I was a kid, my father, who is a pastor, would often bring me to the annual conference sessions of our church. I often wondered how grown men and women could sit still for a full day and talk or listen to others’ talk! I would either play with other pastors’ kids in the area or get lost in the world of a book given to me.

When I was in college and joined an organization, I understood why people had to attend meetings. Lots of them are short and sweet. But a whole lot more are long, tedious and boring! You might have attended a boring meeting, where you couldn’t hide your yawn, you start tapping your foot and your mind is flying so high in the sky, thinking of food, good music and other interesting things.

But if you’re leader, there’s no escaping it. You have to attend meetings. You have to convene and facilitate meetings regularly. A meeting is a gathering of two or more people to achieve a common purpose or goal. At the end of a meeting, you and your organization shall have come up with a better understanding of a problem or a situation, or a set of actions that must be taken. If you are planning for an event, then you will need to meet with all the people involved so you will know how to go about it.

As students, our first experience in facilitating a meeting is usually in the election of classroom officers. Somebody must have nominated you for president and then all of a sudden, you need to be in front and lead the elections for the whole class. As you grow older, you will start taking on different roles and positions in the organizations you join.

The President of the organization, the chairperson of a committee or the head of a task force, or a convener usually presides over a meeting. The Secretary, on the other hand, takes notes and keeps track of the discussions in the meeting. Your meeting may be as formal as the meetings of the Philippine Congress or Senate. Well and good. It’s a good training for you. But, if you want to make it an informal meeting, just go ahead. The important thing is that you know why you are calling for the meeting, you go through the meeting and act on the results of your meeting!

Keep the following guidelines in mind when facilitating and managing a meeting. Although the format may be formal, don’t be intimated. When you understand how a difficult process works, then you can adjust that process to suit your needs and situation.

BEFORE THE MEETING

Know the purpose of the meeting. Why are you calling for a meeting? Meetings are usually called for because of several possible reasons:

To inform the members or officers of the organization about anything that affects the organization.
To discuss ways to achieve goals and objectives.
To plan for an upcoming event.
To get clarification and monitor progress of ongoing projects.
To resolve problems and settle disputes.
To make decisions.

Organizations with formal constitutions and rules of order have regular meetings. You also need to understand if you are calling for a General Assembly, which usually involves all the members of the organization, a committee meeting, an emergency meeting or a regular quarterly meeting.

Come up with the agenda. When you know the purpose of the meeting, you need to write down the agenda. It will help you focus on the tasks that must be accomplished in the meeting and prevent you from being sidetracked by other matters. The head of the organization usually confers with other officers, particularly the Secretary, to come up with the agenda. The following is a formal agenda, which you can follow:

Call to Order. This is just the formal opening of the meeting by the chairperson.

Presentation and Approval of the Agenda. Members can add items in the agenda if they feel that there are additional matters that must be discussed.

Reading of the Previous Minutes. Members need to be reminded about the discussions and action items made in the previous meeting. They may make corrections to the records if they found any errors.

Business Arising from the Previous Minutes. Any unresolved matters from the previous meeting will be discussed and dealt with in this part of the meeting.

New Business. Any new item will be introduced at this time. Anything that needs to be discussed or reported will be dealt with.

Other Matters. Announcements and other matters that must have been forgotten during the meeting may be discussed in this section.

Adjournment. When there are no more business matters that must be dealt with, then the chairperson will call for adjournment, effectively ending the meeting.

This set of agenda is a bit formal and followed by organizations that need formal procedures and written documents. If your team or group is not keen on formal procedures, then you could just list down the items that must be discussed and dealt with. Always remember that a set of agenda is there to help you facilitate a meeting in a focused manner.

Identify the participants to the meeting. Will this be a meeting for the officers only? Do you need to involve all members of the organization? Is it a General Assembly? An emergency meeting for decision-makers? Do you need to invite other people to serve as resource persons? As you go through the agenda, you will be able to identify who exactly needs to go to the meeting. Should the talkative SK member from the Brgy. Sta. Cruz be there? Should you invite the town mayor? Do you need to limit the meeting to officers only?

If you knew the participants to the meeting, you will also be able to anticipate how they will react to the issues to be raised in the meeting.

Set the time and venue for the meeting and send out the invitation. Set the time and venue, and then send out the invitation for the meeting to the people concerned. The venue should be conducive to the kind of meeting you will be organizing. For creative endeavors, you could do outdoor meetings—perhaps in a park or any place that stimulates creativity. It could also be the living room of one of your members. This should include the items on the agenda so that they could prepare for discussion and materials they may need to bring to the meeting.

Prepare all the handouts, materials and equipment you need. Reports need to be printed and photocopied and/or encoded in a Powerpoint presentation. Projectors, microphones, writing pads, pens and recording devices should be present in the meeting room before the meeting starts.

Use a Rules of Order. if you are meeting more than ten people. When you are meeting ten people, it is easy to give everyone a chance to speak, listen to arguments presented and decide on important matters. But if you are meeting twenty, fifty or a hundred people, it becomes difficult. You will need a Rules of Order. If your organization has one, then use it. But if you don’t, then you may need Parliamentary Procedures or Robert’s Rules of Orders.

The intent of a set of Rules of Orders is to give everyone a fair chance to speak out on any pressing concern. But before the body could discuss anything, there should be a motion from one of the voting members. You will just need to balance the strict implementation of the rules and that of discussing issues freely. I’ve seen too many organizations become strict followers of Robert’s Rules of Orders but are not able to come up with important decisions within the time frame of the meetings.[1]

DURING THE MEETING

Make sure you do have a quorum. The usual quorum is 50% plus 1 of the total number of official members of an organization or a committee. If there are twenty-two members of your organization, 50% of that is 11. If you add 1 to that, then the needed quorum is 12. This means that if there are 12 members out of 22 who attended your meeting, then you can safely proceed with the meeting, knowing that a majority of your members are present.

The quorum is usually determined after the Secretary calls the roll of those who are supposed to attend the meeting. If the number of attendees falls under the quorum, you may still talk about the items on the agenda. But you cannot make major decisions because the other members of the organization or committee may question the validity of those decisions. Besides, they may feel that you are conspiring to make a hasty decision without them.

Be on time. Set a new standard of professionalism. When you start on time, you are showing people that you respect their time. You can also ensure that all the items in the agenda would be covered during your meeting. If you don’t start on time, you run the risk of neglecting some items on your agenda.

Go through each item of the agenda. Avoid distractions. As young people, we do love fun. We laugh at the simplest jokes cracked by our peers. But remember that when you are meeting formally, you need to go through the agenda and come up with several action items for implementation.

Facilitate discussions smoothly. This means giving everyone a chance to speak. Don’t let anyone dominate the discussion and the meeting. Otherwise, other folks will not be able to air their thoughts and opinions. Be careful, too. If you are the one presiding over the meeting, you should not dominate the discussion. The role of the presider is really to facilitate discussion and not to impose his will to members of the organization.

You may also encounter some roadblocks during your meetings. You may not be able to proceed if there is a deadlock in the discussion—one member passionately disagrees with another, or the whole group may not know how to move forward. In those cases, you may take a break and then resume by doing creative gathering of ideas. You can brainstorm ideas and go through all those ideas until you have come up with a suitable solution to your dilemma.

Sometimes, though, you just need to lay something on the table and proceed to other things so you can be more productive. You can just go back to that particular topic after you have discussed the other items in your agenda.

Record the discussions. Thank God for mp3 players and laptop computers. Recording audio discussions is now so easy. You don’t need to buy lots of cassette tapes. All you need is to plug in a laptop computer and use it to record audio discussions. You can even use your phone. Although technology has made things easier, the Secretary still needs to take notes to make sure that decisions are jot down and put in writing.

If you don’t put in writing, you will soon forget about it.

I was talking with my friend Joy, who is the president of a national youth organization in the Philippines, a month ago and she told me that their Secretary lost his laptop and all the minutes of their meetings for the past year! Horrors! It’s so difficult to reconstruct and try to remember discussions and decisions made. After all, the human mind does not have folders that you can double click for retrieval.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could store our memories in Memory Cards and get them when we need them? But no such thing is available! So you don’t have a choice but to take notes by hand. If you have done it via a computer, print them out for record-keeping. Put the minutes of the meetings in a folder for filing and reference. Otherwise, you just might lose those precious records and you just might end up tearing your hair in frustration!

Take the Minutes of the Meeting. Taking minutes of the meeting could be as simple as jotting down highlights of discussions and the actions taken. Or it could be a formal Minutes of the Proceedings. Formal minutes and proceedings include the following items:

Title of the meeting, including the date and time.

List of all members present during the meeting.

List of members who sent their apologies for their absence.

Confirmation that the minutes of the previous meeting had been accepted and agreed as accurate record.

Amendments to the minutes of the previous meeting.

Matters that arose from the minutes of the previous meeting should be listed down in the order that they were discussed in the meeting.

The actions taken for each of the items in the agenda. In some instances, the number of votes for decisions must be noted down, too.

The time of the adjournment.

AFTER THE MEETING

Summarize the decisions made and next steps that must be taken. You can just look at the minutes of the meeting and you will easily see the next steps that must be taken. List down these action steps and identify the right person who can do it. If you don’t do this right away, the members of the organization may forget about it.

Send out the minutes to the members. When you do this, you can include the list of action steps and the people in charge of them. Remind the members of their commitment to these action items.

It’s quite easy to talk and plan. Sometimes, leaders need to have good influence and authority to make things happen. If you catch yourself in too many meetings, you probably need to review your minutes. Look at the action steps if they are being done. If not, then that means that you should probably be implementing the results of the meetings, instead of holding another meeting.

I haven’t seen a person who passionately loves meetings. We’d rather be doing something else instead of sitting and talking. And yet, we need meetings because it is the time for planning, refining ideas, and more important, making decisions. After the meeting comes the exciting part—implementing what has been talked about and agreed upon. Don’t be a talking club. Act and do what you agreed to do in your meetings.

You can also read the article here: http://www.transformationalleadershiphq.com/meeting-management-for-young-leaders/

Mga ARAL na itinuro sa atin ni JAN-JAN

2011-03-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

Sabihin ninyo nang MORALISTA ang mga kumokondena sa ginawang pagpapasayaw kay Jan-jan sa Willing-Willie noong March 12.

Sabihin ninyong nang KILL-JOY ang mga hindi natuwa sa “entertainment value” (daw) ng macho-dancing ng bata.

Sabihin ninyo nang OA ang mga nagkokomento ukol sa isyu dahil gumagawa sila ng "mountains out of molehills."

Pero may isang hindi mapapasubaliang katotohanan. Bata si Jan-jan. Mura ang isipan. Wala pang muwang. Masunurin sa magulang.

Ano ang itinuturo sa atin ng kaniyang kaso?

Una, ang laban na ito ay hindi lamang para sa kaniya kundi sa lahat ng batang Pinoy. Hindi sila dapat pinaglalaruan at ginagawang instrumento ng matatanda upang magkamal ng “salapi”.

Pangalawa, maraming magulang ang hindi alam ang kanilang responsibilidad na protektahan ang kanilang mga anak. Ito ang ipinahayag ng Commission on Human Rights ukol sa isyu.

‎"The willingness of Jan-Jan’s parents to expose him, both in private and public, to a humiliating and degrading situation is child abuse. The Commission is also deeply alarmed that the abuse suffered by Jan-Jan was seen on national television and that its videos are being repeatedly watched by the public, including children."

Ito naman ang pahayag ni Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman:

"The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) condemns the emotional abuse and humiliation bestowed on a six-year-old child contestant, during the March 12, 2011 episode of the Willing Willie show aired on TV5.

Iimbestigahin din ng Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) ang kaso:

The Board further emphasizes that whenever children are featured in television programs, producers are mandated to observe legal standards stipulated in R.A. 7610 to avoid “psychological abuse xxx cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment” and “any act by deeds and words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the child.”

Sa March 28 episode ng Willing-Willie, hindi kapani-paniwala ang sinabi ng magulang ni Jan-Jan na “macho-dancing” ang gustong-gusto ng bata kaya ito ang kaniyang ginawa. Parang sinasabi ninyo na rin na lahat ng six-year old ay may “instant knowledge” ng ganitong uri ng sayaw. Ginawa iyon ni Jan-Jan dahil may NAGTURO. Period.

Ang tanong ng iba: “Ano ang masama sa macho-dancing? Hindi ba “talent” iyon?” Pero mali ang tanong. Hindi ito usapin ng talento kung hindi “motibo” at “kaakmaan” ng sayaw. Gusto ninyo bang macho-dancing ang sayawin ng mga anak ninyo sa Kiddie Party? Wala na bang ibang sayaw na maaaring ituro sa bata?

Hindi mangmang ang Pinoy. Ang sensual dancing ay sensual dancing. Ayaw kong makita ang susunod na henerasyon ng mga musmos na ang bukambibig kapag nababagot: “Nay, Tay, sayaw naman tayo ng macho-dancing” (with matching tears).

Pangatlo, inilantad ng kaso ang kapangyarihan ng social media. Kung walang Facebook at Youtube, hindi mabubulgar ang “excesses” ng programa (na matagal nang lantad). Naganap ang eksena noong March 12. Makalipas ang isang linggo matapos ilabas ang Youtube Video, umalma ang maraming Pinoy. Naging hinog ang mga emosyon at argumento dahil sa palitan ng opinyon. May malawakang “consensus” na naabuso si Jan-Jan. Itapat mo lang ang higanteng si Bonel Balingit upang takutin ang bata at tuksuhin kung lalaban siya ay isang uri na ng “emotional abuse”.

Pang-apat, hindi dapat pinalalampas ang “iresponsableng” mga TV hosts/shows na umaabuso sa kanilang karapatan. Notorious si Willie at ang kaniyang programa sa paglikha ng “kultura ng panlilimos”. Tinatakam nila ang mga tao ng pera kaya nagkakandarapa sila (at nagkaka-stampede pa) sa pagpila sa kaniyang programa. Isinulat ng batikang manunulat na si F. Sionil Jose sa kaniyang librong, "Why we are Poor” (Termites in the Sala, Heroes in the Attic) ang kaniyang kalungkutan sa bagay na ito.

Media are largely to blame, especially the talk show host on television and some editors of entertainment and features section. They pander to the crassest tastes. Indeed, we have willfully relegated our sterling heroes in the attic where they are conveniently forgotten - while on our TV screens, are anointed with honors, we show them off like heirlooms that adorn our living rooms, not realizing they are actually the termites that will eventually bring our house down.

Hindi nagkaroon ng 400,000 hits ang Youtube Video ni Janjan dahil sinusuportahan ng marami ang Willing-Willie, kundi dahil INABUSO ng mga matatanda ang bata! Balikan natin ang sinasabi ng Panginoon sa Mateo 18:6:

Ngunit ang sinumang maging katitisuran sa isa sa mga maliliit na ito na sumasampalataya sa akin ay mabuti pang talian ng malaking gilingang bato ang kaniyang leeg at itapon sa dagat.

Huwag nating ibulid sa kasamaan ang mga musmos. Ingatan sila, protektahan at palakihin sa tamang uri ng pamumuhay.

HOW TO MOVE ON: C.P.R.

2011-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sa loob ng apat na taon, inakala ni Julia na papunta na sa kasalan ang kaniyang relasyon sa kaniyang BF. Nagbago ang ihip ng hangin nang maramdaman niyang unti-unting nawawala ang init ng pagmamahal sa kaniya ng kaniyang partner. Wala nang matatamis na SMS messages at dumadalang na ang pakikipag-date. Pinilit niya itong hindi pansinin (i.e. baka busy lang talaga). Hanggang sa matanggap niya ang pangungusap ng kaniyang BF na sadyang “tuyo” na ang kaniyang damdamin para sa kaniya. Lumipas ang ilang linggo na walang komunikasyon. Walang maibigay na dahilan ang lalake sa pagkawala ng romantic spark. Walang maisip si Julia na kaniyang nagawa upang iwan siya ng kaniyang BF. She is now battling with depression.

Kapag break-ups na ang pinag-usapan, walang masaya. MASAKIT. As in MASAKIT. Ikaw ba naman ang mag-invest ng emosyon, panahon at salapi sa iyong minamahal at biglang maglalaho ang lahat. Kahit sabihin pang ginawa mo ang lahat ng iyon “out of love”, may lakas kang binuhos doon. Feeling mo, nalugi ka at "naglaho" ang kalahati ng iyong buhay.

Kung member ka ng PC- Pighati Club, you need C.P.R..

CRY. Madaling sabihin na kalimutan na ang lahat at magsimula muli. As if walang nangyari sa ilang taon na kayo ay nagkasama. Magpakatotoo ka brother/sister. Hindi masamang umiyak. Iyak lang. Kung kailangang humagulgol, hagulgol (huwag naman habang sakay ng MRT, jeep o bus). May cathartic effect ang pagluha. Ilabas ang lahat ng mabigat na emosyon. Pero sa iyong paghihinagpis, ipanalangin mo na samahan ka ni Lord. He is near to the brokenhearted at mapapagaan Niya ang iyong mga kabigatan (Psalm 34:18, Matthew 11:28). Puwede mong sabihin sa kaniya: “Lord, alam mong labis akong nalulungkot. Puwede mo ba akong yakapin?” In His presence, you can find comfort and peace.

PONDER ON WHAT HAPPENED. Habang kinakalma ang iyong kalooban, pag-isipan ang ilang bagay sa iyong buhay. Have a time of reflection. Isuko ang lahat ng galit at emosyon sa Panginoon. Madalas iniisip natin na wala tayong kasalanan sa isang natapos na relasyon. Hindi makakabuting ibunton ang lahat ng sisi sa iyong partner. Lalo ka lang magkaka-high blood. Kung wala kang ginawang masama para hiwalayan ka, maaaring may mali ka pa rin. Kasi pumili ka ng maling tao. Be ready to accept your shortcomings. Have a firm resolve not to repeat your blunders. Ganundin, tingnan ang lahat ng pagsubok sa buhay bilang magagandang aral. Remember that all things can work together for those who love God (Romans 8:28).

REBOUND. Decide to move on. Ang pagbangon mula sa mapait na karanasan ay isang desisyon. May panahon ng pagluluksa. May panahon din ng pagsisimula. Huwag sirain ang iyong buhay dahil lamang sa isang “glitch” sa isang episode ng iyong personal na telenovela. Warning: sa panahon ng emotional recovery, huwag agad tatalon sa isang relasyon. A recuperating heart is susceptible to emotional mistakes. You can make a happy ending lalo na kung si Lord ang director ng iyong buhay. Kaya Niyang bigyan ka ng partner na mag-aalaga sa iyong puso. As you wait for Mister/Miss Right, be the RIGHT person. Gamitin ang iyong mapait na karanasan upang tulungan ang iba. Ika nga ni Henri Nouwen, we are all "wounded healers".

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Preaching and Public Speaking

2011-02-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

Natatandaan ko pa ang unang pagkakataon na ako ay nag-preach. Bigla akong binigyan ng assignment ng aking youth pastor para sa isang devotional session sa isang youth camp. Ang aking teksto: Ecclesiastes 12. Labinlimang minuto lang ako nakapaghanda. Para akong tinuruang lumangoy sa ilog sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahabol sa isang buwaya matapos akong itulak sa tubig. Turning point sa buhay ko iyon bilang Kristiyanong kabataan. Natuwa naman sa akin ang aking youth pastor. Doon ko unti-unting naramdaman na dinadala ako ng Diyos sa ministeryo ng pagtuturo. Teaching is my passion--sa academe man o sa loob ng iglesya.

Paano ba tayo magiging epektibong tagapagturo sa mga kabataan? These are my humble recommendations base sa aking karanasan bilang youth minister sa loob ng mahigit 15 taon.

Immerse yourself in prayer. The power of your words will depend on how the Holy Spirit has inspired your lesson. We are only called to be “spokespersons”. Siguraduhin natin na galing sa Diyos ang ating mensahe at hindi mula sa ating kakayahan at kagustuhan. Moreover, we must also pray for our target audience. Before you talk to youth about God, first talk to God about them. Kung kailangan ipanalangin sila by name, gawin natin.

Pray for the gift of teaching. Isinulat ni Santiago na mas mataas ang pamantayan sa mga nagtuturo sa iglesia dahil kapag nagkamali sila, mas mabigat ang parusa. Tanggapin natin na hindi lahat ay tinawag upang maging tagapagturo (James 3:1). Teaching is a spiritual gift. Pero naniniwala ako na kung nais mo talagang maging guro, kailangan mong ipanalangin sa Panginoon na bigyan ka ng gift na ito.

Prepare and Research. May mga katotohanang kailangang palutangin sa ating mga teachings dahil marami sa kanila ay nilimot na ng panahon. A good preaching is a product of intensive research and serious study. Gumamit ng mga analogies at anecdotes na kailangang isama sa iyong talk. Young people love stories. If you can capture their imagination, siguradong marami silang matututunan.

Teach from the heart. Alam ko kung kailangan may “dating” sa makikinig ang aking sinasabi. Ito ay kung, ako mismo, ang nakararamdam ng aking ipinapahayag. Kailangang magmula ang ating mensahe mula sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. Only a God-inspired preacher can inspire people. We are in the business of changing the heart of the youth. Touch the heart, the head will follow and the hands will respond. You must be PASSIONATE about your topic. That is one way you can truly CONNECT them with God. It is the fuel that can make your young audience ablaze for the Lord.

Use their language. Mas madaling tatatak sa puso at isipan ng mga kabataan ang iyong paksa kung madali nila itong maiintindihan. Magsalita sa wikang kanilang kinagisnan at araw-araw na ginagamit. Kung hindi exposed sa wikang Ingles ang iyong mga kabataan, huwag magtangkang mag-English. Kahit naman ang marurunong mag-English nakakaintindi rin ng Filipino.

Be Dynamic. Be animated once in a while. Be flashy about your powerpoint presentation. Hindi ako naniniwalang maikli ang attention span ng mga kabataan ngayon. Kaya mong buhayin ang kanilang dugo at diwa kahit dalawang oras ka nang nagsasalita. As long as you give them an opportunity to be active. Madalas umaabot ako ng 1 oras sa aking LOVESTRUCK lecture. Pero dahil sa marami akong videos, games at interactive gimmicks, napipigilan kong antukin ang mga uma-attend sa seminar.

End with a call to action. Dito dapat magtapos ang lahat ng preaching sessions. Faith without works is dead (James 2:20). Kailangang isabuhay ng mga kabataang ang kanilang natutunan. Challenge them to live according to God’s word.

SPREAD THE LOVE

2011-02-16T23:58:00.000-08:00

Ito ang buwan na nagkukulay pula ang sanlibutan (i.e. pulang damit, pulang sapatos at marami pang pula), bumabango ang paligid dahil sa halimuyak ng mga bulaklak at maraming nagkakaroon ng “sweet tooth” dahil sa paglipana ng Toblerone, Hershey’s, Truffles at Chocnut/Haney bilang panregalo. Kapansin-pansin ang pagtaas ng benta ng romantic cards at love merchandise. Hindi rin mapapsubalian ang “intimate moments” ng maraming magsing-irog. Punong-puno ang reservations ng mga hotels at motels, ganundin ang mga Love-a-Palooza events.

Kaya para sa mga walang “significant other” na nakakasaksi sa lahat ng ito, maituturing na SAD ang Valentine’s Day (Single Awareness Day).

Bakit nga ba may Valentine’s Day? Kailangan ba talagang i-celebrate ang araw na ito? O tanggalin na lamang sa kalendaryo?

Hindi magkasundo ang mga historians sa tunay na pinagmulan ng tradisyon. Ayon sa Catholic Encyclopedia, may tatlong santong Valentino na naging martir sa ika-14 ng Pebrero. Isang kuwento ang nagsasabing isang Obispo si Valentino na nagdaos ng mga sikretong kasal ng mga sundalong Romano at kanilang mga nobya noong panahong ipinagbawal ni Emperador Claudius II ang pag-aasawa. Nahirapan kasi ang Imperyo Roma na makakuha ng mga sundalo dahil ayaw ng mga kalalakihan na iwan ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Sa isa pang kuwento, idineklara raw ni Pope Gelasius noong 469 A.D. ang ika-14 ng Pebrero bilang araw ni San Valentino upang kalabanin ang Feast of Lupercalis/Lupercalia, isang fertility festival na isinasagawa tuwing ika-15 ng Pebrero.

Ano pa man ang kasaysayan ng pagdiriwang—pagano o Cristiano man ang pinagmulan—gamitin natin ang pagkakataon upang ipakita sa lahat ang pag-ibig ng Diyos (1 John 4:7-8). Kung malusog ka, donate ka ng dugo sa Red Cross. Bigyan mo ng appreciation notes o flowers ang iyong boss, guro, kaibigan o mahal sa buhay. Pagpahingahin mo si nanay sa paghugugas ng pinggan at paglalaba ng damit. Ikaw naman ang gumawa ng gawaing bahay. This can also be an opportune time to settle conflicts with your enemies.

Hindi lamang tayo dapat nakatuon sa “romantic element” ng Valentine’s Day. Hindi kailangang mamigay ng “condom” sa Valentine's Day kung ang pagtingin sa pag-ibig ay hindi nakatuon sa pisikal na pagniniiig ng katawan. Sex is not the end-all and be-all of a serious, committed relationship! Mas dapat nating pahalagahan ang pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagpapakita ng katapatan at kalinisan ng kalooban. Sa mga singles, celebrate your independence and offer the prime years of your lives for the greater glory of God.

Lagi nating balikan ang naganap sa Krus ng Kalbaryo—kung saan ipinakita ng Diyos ang pinakadakilang pag-ibig sa lahat. He showed himself as the greatest lover of all by giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). We are missing the greatest message of the season if our love is not founded on the real source of it.

This Love Month, palitan ang Facebook Status: In a Relationship (With Jesus).

Finally a new Constitution in 2011? by Fr. Joaquin Bernas

2011-01-16T22:19:00.001-08:00

WILL WE have a new Constitution before 2011 ends?

But before that, let me just again say that I have never claimed that the 1987 Constitution is perfect. It is the Constitution, warts and all, which the Filipino people overwhelmingly ratified after we emerged from the dark era of martial rule. But no matter what the circumstances of its birth are, no constitution is ever perfect. A constitution, although more enduring than statutes, is always a work in progress. Even the US Constitution, the oldest in the world, is a work in progress. Ours is, and one of these days, it will have to yield to change. Is 2011 the year?

I don’t think it matters constitutionally that the President does not consider constitutional change a matter of urgency. If you look at the text of the Constitution, you will see that the President is not given a role in the amendatory process. He will have a decisive role only if Congress is willing supinely to follow his dictation. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was for constitutional change, but her wanting it brought her nowhere. Now she is where the decision to change or not to change matters.

Having said that, let us first look at what has happened to attempts at constitutional change so far. Next month the Constitution will complete its 24th year. Through all these years it has remained untouched. It has lasted unchanged longer than either the 1935 Constitution or the 1973 Constitution. The 1935 Constitution underwent change almost immediately after its birth, first, by giving suffrage to women, and a little later by moving from a unicameral National Assembly to a bicameral Congress. As to the 1973 Constitution, it was not what the Constitutional Convention of 1971-1972 had intended and, during its brief lifetime, it underwent several major changes.

If the 1987 Constitution has resisted change to this date, it is not because it is a perfect Constitution nor is it for want of attempts to change it. Almost every year attempts at constitutional change have been made. None has succeeded.

In my view, one major obstacle to attempts to revise the 1987 Constitution is structural. It has a built-in unintended obstacle to change. And I do not know how this can be overcome this year.

In many respects the 1987 Constitution consists of significant borrowings from the 1935 Constitution. Unfortunately, however, the provision on the amendatory process is a carbon copy of the provision in the 1973 Constitution. Year after year since 1987 this has been the major obstacle to change. Why so?

The text says: “Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by: (1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members; or (2) a constitutional convention. . . . The Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of all its Members, call a constitutional convention, or by a majority vote of all its Members, submit to the electorate the question of calling such a convention.”

The provision is one formulated for a unicameral legislative body but it is now meant to work for a bicameral Congress. This was not a tactical product designed by an evil genius. It is merely the result of oversight. But the oversight has spawned major problems.

First, must Senate and House come together in joint session before they can do anything that can lead to charter change? The 1935 Constitution was very clear on this question: Congress could not begin to work on constitutional change unless they first came together in joint session. The 1987 Constitution is non-committal.

Second, since the text of the Constitution is not clear about requiring a joint session, can Congress work on constitutional change analogously to the way it works on ordinary legislation, that is where they are and as they are? I have always maintained that Congress can, but this is by no means a settled matter. There are those who believe that the importance of Charter change demands a joint session.

Third, should Congress decide to come together in joint session, must Senate and House vote separately or may they vote jointly? The 1935 Constitution was very clear on the need for separate voting; the present Constitution is silent about this. But I am sure that the Senate will not agree to a joint voting where their number can be buried in an avalanche of House votes, an avalanche of votes which can mean the abolition of the Senate! How will this issue be settled? Howsoever the matter might be settled by agreement of the majority of both houses, someone in the minority will run to the Supreme Court to challenge the decision.

What about a constitutional convention? But the business of calling a constitutional convention is fraught with the same problems. Should Congress choose to call a constitutional convention, must the two houses be in joint session? And if in joint session, should they vote separately?

Briefly, constitutional change in 2011 or later can happen only if the members of Congress can agree to work in harmony and if the Supreme Court will not throw a monkey wrench on how Congress decides to do it. Can the members of Congress rise above self-interest and work together harmoniously? Or are we waiting for an extra-constitutional change?

Source: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110117-314896/Finally-a-new-Constitution-in-2011

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Bible Study

2011-01-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

Dahil sa kaabalahan natin minsan sa maraming proyekto at gawain sa youth ministry, nasasakripisyo ang ating pag-aaral ng Salita ng Diyos. Ang kawalan o kababawan ng kaalaman sa Bibliya ang isa sa dahilan kung bakit maraming kabataan ang mahina sa pagharap sa pagsubok ng buhay. Bigla na lamang nawawala sa ministeryo at nahuhulog sa tukso ang mga dating “on-fire” sa Panginoon. Tandaan natin na ang Salita ng Diyos ang ating espiritwal na nutrisyon bilang Cristiano (Mateo 4:4, Lucas 4:4). Meditating on the Word of God is a must in Christian life. Below are some ways on how can we develop among our youth members a culture of “Bible reading”

Make sure that the youth have their personal Bibles. Kung kaya nilang bumili ng mga libro ni Bob Ong, Harry Potter at Twilight, hindi dapat mawala sa kanilang library ang Bibliya. Gumawa ng paraan para magkaroon sila ng kopya nito. Also, encourage them to take care of it. As for my youth members and staff, I require them to have their Bibles plastic-covered. Mayroon nga akong isang kabataan na nilagyan ng sandamukal na designs ang cover ng kaniyang Bible. Nakakatuwa. Ipinakita lamang niya na pinahahalagahan niya ang Salita ng Diyos.

Read directly from the Bible. Kahit mayroon akong mga powerpoint presentations habang nagtuturo tuwing Sunday, hindi ko ineengganyo na umasa ang mga kabataan sa mga ito. Kailangan pa rin silang magbasa direkta mula sa Bibliya. Madalas, mga Bible verse numbers lang ang inilalagay ko sa aking preaching materials. Intentional iyon dahil ayaw kong maging technology-dependent ang kanilang espiritwalidad. Normal sa aming worship service na may isang kabataan na naka-assign para magbasa ng mga verses at susundan naman ng ibang miyembro sa kanilang mga Bibliya.

Make memorization of Bible verses a must. Sa kulturang Hudyo, may responsibilidad ang lahat ng kabataan na kabisaduhin ang kautusan ng Diyos na nakasulat sa Torah (first five books of the Old Testament). Isa itong paraan upang mas lalong maisapuso ng kasalukuyang henerasyon ang kalooban ng Diyos sa kanilang buhay. Sa ganitong paraan, maipapasa nila ito sa mga henerasyon na susunod sa kanila. We must also make this as a practice sa ating ministeryo. Sa halip na mga "worldly" songs and books ang kabisaduhin ng mga estudyante at kabataan, teach them how to internalize the Word of God by memorizing them.

Encourage the youth to have a Bible Study Journal. Napakahalaga na mayroon tayong personal devotion time. Admonish your youth members to have a notebook where they can write their thoughts about a certain Bible passage they meditated upon. Kapag nagkaroon kayo ng small group, maaari nilang gamitin iyon sa inyong sharing time. You can also give them a Bible study guide for the whole year, although, bihira nila ito masunod. Ang importante, sistematiko at intentional ang kanilang pag-aaral ng Salita ng Diyos.

Tell them to share what they learned. Mas lalong matatanim ang mga bagay na ating natutunan kung atin itong isasabuhay at ituturo. I-encourage ang inyong mga kabataan na ibahagi ang magagandang bagay na natutunan nila sa kanilang Bible study. Isa itong paraan upang makapagministeryo sila sa kanilang mga kaibigan at mahal sa buhay.

NEW YEAR ATTITUDES

2011-01-06T03:41:00.000-08:00

FORGET the Baggage of the Past

* Philippians 3:13-14-My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

* Isaiah 43:18-19- But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already---you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.

Be FRESH

* Ephesians 4:24 - And you should put on the new man, who according to God was created in righteousness and true holiness.

* Matthew 9:16-17- No one puts a piece of new cloth onto an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up takes from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do men put new wine into old wineskins; else the wineskins burst, and the wine runs out, and the wineskins perish. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved together.

Look FORWARD

* Habakkuk 2:2-3-And Jehovah answered me and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on the tablets, that he who reads it may run. For the vision is still for an appointed time, but it speaks to the end, and it does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it; because it will surely come. It will not tarry.

* Psalm 37:5-6-Give yourself to the LORD; trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun.

Have FAITH

* Mark 11:23-24- For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said. Therefore I say to you, All things, whatever you ask, praying, believe that you shall receive them, and it will be to you.

Receive God’s FAVOR

* Deuteronomy 28:1-2-And it will be, if you shall listen carefully to the voice of Jehovah your God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command you today, Jehovah your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come on you and overtake you, if you will listen to the voice of Jehovah your God.

SNP, not SMP (Malamig ba ang iyong Pasko?)

2010-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Kawawa ka naman at single ka ngayong pasko
ilang taon ka nang ganyan
ka-date mo na naman ang nanay mo at
bibili na lang ng Christmas card
at susulatan ko na lang ito
ng Merry Christmas happy new year - to me

-Christmas Single by Rocksteddy

Ngayong Pasko, walang epekto ang Global Warming.

Lalo na sa mga mga miyembro ng SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko) at LHC (Lonely Hearts Club). Sila ang mga singles na hindi pa nakakahanap (o nahahanap?) ng kanilang significant other, kaya walang mayakap sa gitna ng malamig na simoy ng hanging Amihan.

Pero dapat ba talagang magkaroon ng ka-partner para maging “mainit” ang Holiday season? Tama ba ang mensahe ng awit ng Rocksteddy na “kawawa” ang mga singles ngayong Pasko?

Of course not. Hindi natin dapat tingnan ang Kapaskuhan bilang pagkakataon upang pumasok sa isang relasyon bunga ng kabi-kabilang “pressures” ng mga taong nakapaligid sa atin.

Sa katunayan, kung magsasama-sama ang mga SMP members, siguradong mawawala ang kanilang kalumbayan at iinit ang kanilang Kapaskuhan.

See singlehood as a blessing, not a curse. Kung single ka, you will have more time for yourself, family and friends. Kung single ka, malaya kang makakakilos at magplano ukol sa maraming bagay dahil hindi ka nakatali sa isang relasyon tulad ng mga doubles (iyong may mga ka-relasyon).

Being an SMP is a state of mind. SANAYAN lang daw iyan. Kung nakasandig ang iyong kaligayahan sa pagkakaroon ng partner, baka ma-frustrate ka sa maraming pagkatataon. Because people can fail you. Ngunit kung masaya ka sa iyong kalagayan, hindi mo kailangan ng partner upang sumaya.

Gusto mo ba talagang uminit ang iyong Pasko?

Yakapin mo ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay. Wala pa ring tatalo sa pagmamahal ng pamilya. Iwan ka na ng lahat ng iyong kaibigan, babalik at babalik ka sa yakap ng mga tunay na nagmamahal sa iyo. Blood will always be thicker than water. At kung kabilang ka sa isang dysfunctional family, find your joy in the Lord. King David once wrote: Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me (Psalm 27:10).

Higit sa lahat, ituon mo ang iyong puso at kaluluwa sa greatest LOVER of all—ang Panginoong Hesus. Christmas is not about us. Hindi ang love interest/partner natin ang magpapatingkad sa Pasko, kung hindi ang Panginoon na siyang ipinanganak sa sabsaban, inalay ang kaniyang buhay sa Krus ng kalbaryo at tumubos sa makasalanang sangkatauhan.

If you really want to make your Christmas meaningful, ibang organisasyon dapat ang sinasamahan mo. Hindi SMP, kung hindi SNP- Samahan ng Nagmamahal sa Panginoon!

May you always find yourself LOVESTRUCK with the Lord.

Maligayang Pasko at mapagpalang Bagong Taon!

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Time/Self Management

2010-12-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Sa kasalukuyang takbo ng aking buhay, masasabi kong kulang ang 24 oras upang tapusin ang lahat ng nais kong gawin. To give you an idea: I am a full-time faculty and researcher. I am also finishing my PhD. I am a pastor of a youth-oriented ministry. And I have my regular misis-try (personal time with my honey). Despite of these time-consuming activities, with the strength and grace of God, I survive each day. Hindi maganda ang feeling ko kung hindi ko natupad ang lahat ng dapat kong gawin sa isang araw.

Time Management is a misnomer. We cannot manage time dahil hindi ito puwedeng pahabain at paiklin. Simply put, we cannot control it. Ayon sa mga astro-physicists, kailangan pa nating maghintay ng 9,500 taon bago tayo magkaroon ng 25 hours a day, bunga ng pagbagal ng ikot ng mundo. What we really need is SELF-MANAGEMENT. We manage ourselves to maximize the time we have.

Pray. Start the day with a quality devotion with the Lord. Commit everything to Him. Mas magaan ang iyong araw kung kasama mo ang tunay na may-ari ng oras.

List down everything you need to do. Don’t trust your memory. If you are “in the heat of doing things”, minsan nakakalimutan mo na ang lahat ng dapat mong tapusin. Be faithful to your schedule. Unahin ang dapat unahin.

Have an organizer/table calendar. Habang dumadami ang iyong mga commitments, mas kailangang organisado ang iyong buhay. Huwag manghinayang sa pagbili ng P100 na organizer. It can be of great help to you kapag sabay-sabay na ang dagsa ng trabaho.

Prioritize things. I-assess kung gagawin ang isang bagay ayon sa dalawang katangian nito: URGENCY and IMPORTANCE. Sa mga urgent at importante: DO IT immediately. Sa mga hindi urgent pero importante: I-SCHEDULE kung kailan haharapin. Sa mga urgent pero hindi importante: IBIGAY o I-DELEGATE sa iba ang trabaho. Sa mga hindi urgent at hindi importante: DUMP the job. In addition, learn to say "no" sa mga invitations na hindi naman masyadong mahalaga (i.e. gimik, parties).

Avoid PROCRASTINATION. Kapag laging dini-delay ang paggawa sa trabaho, lalong dumadami ang responsibilidad sa hinaharap. Doon nagkakaproblema kapag malapit na ang deadline. Kaya nagiging lopsided ang trabaho at mababa ang kalidad ng proyekto. Ang kailangang gawin ngayon, gawin ngayon. Huwag nang ipagpabukas pa.

Identify your Time-Wasters and get rid of them. May mga bagay tayong ginagagawa na nakakabawas ng panahon natin upang gawin ang ibang gawain. Kung ang pagpe-Facebook ang kumakain sa iyong oras, i-deactivate ang iyong account. Magkaroon ng time motion studies. Alamin kung ilang segundo o minuto ang ginugugol sa isang gawain at mag-isip ng paraan para mas maging efficient sa paggamit ng oras.

Dovetail if you must. Be a multitasker. Dovetailing is a euphemism for doing many things at the same time. You try to insert a work, while doing something. Halimbawa, kung magtatagal ang pagpi-print ng mga document, maari mo nang simulan ang pag-aayos ng iba mo pang gamit.

Drink anti-stress vitamins and take “minute vacations”. Makakatulong ang multivitamins para maging maayos ang iyong pagtupad sa mga gawain. Kapag nakakaramdam din ng pagod, magpahinga pansamantala. Reward yourself if you finished the task.

Ang Kuwento sa likod ng librong LOVESTRUCK

2010-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Maraming nagtatanong sa akin kung may mapait akong karanasan sa pag-ibig kung kaya naisulat ko ang librong LOVESTRUCK. Ang nangigibabaw na motiff kasi ng libro ay "Dump Recreational Dating" at "Be Single-Minded". Ang aking sagot: OO.

Ilang beses akong nasaktan nang makita ko ang aking mga kaibigan at mahal sa buhay na lumuluha bunga ng pagpasok sa relasyon sa maling panahon, maling dahilan, at maling partner. Hindi naman sila kailangang masaktan pero nalugmok sa kalungkutan dahil sa mga maling desisyon. Emotional wounds are difficult to heal. Sa isip ko: ayaw ko nang makita ang ganitong mga scenario.

Isang beses lang ako lumuha dahil sa pag-ibig (or should I say, infatuation) at hindi na iyon nasundan. Ito ay noong sabihin sa akin ng niligawan ko noong 2nd year high school na mas “type” niya ang kaibigan ko kaysa sa akin. Iyon ang unang “Ouch Baby” moment ko. Pero nakapag-move on ako. Hindi sa pamamagitang ng pag-rebound sa isa pang relasyon, kung hindi dahil sa pagmumuni-muni sa kalooban ng Diyos sa aking love life.

Sa mga teenagers at estudyante na gusto nang magkaroon ng BF/GF sa lalong madaling panahon, baka ma-frustrate kayo sa laman ng libro. Sa mga mayroon nang "significant other", I want you to step back and reflect on your relationship kung ito ay "pleasing" pa kay Lord.

Ang mikrobyo, hindi bine-baby. Maraming mikrobyo sa isipan ng mga kabataan ngayon na gusto kong i-genocide. Isa na dito ang kaisipang OK lang mag-BF/GF para mas maging “enjoy” at “adventurous” ang buhay single, dahil cute ang magkaroon ng ka-partner at para mapunan ang pangangailangan sa atensyon. Ang mga problemang ito ay hindi masosolusyunan ng recreational dating (read the book to appreciate its meaning).

Ang RATED: PG ang pinakamalapit sa aking puso. For a great reason. The book desires to redeem the lost principle of parental guidance. Akala ng maraming kabataan, puwede nang ietse-puwera ang kanilang mga magulang dahil hindi naman sila ang involved sa relasyon. MALING-MALI. Our parents are tasked by God to care for us. Walang matinong magulang ang magpapahamak sa kanilang anak. Moreover, masarap ang feeling kung aprubado ng magulang natin ang ating relasyon at ka-relasyon. Iwasan na ang Romeo-Juliet love affair.

Motibasyon ko naman sa pagsulat ng "Let's Talk about S", ang pinakamahabang chapter ng libro, ang dumaraming kaso ng teenage pregnancy. Maraming “nakakalunok ng pakwan” at “nagtatanim ng pakwan” dahil sa kawalan ng gabay (ng magulang at Salita ng Diyos). At kapag nabuntis ang dalaga, ira-rationalize pa ang pangyayari na ang “baby” ay gift from the Lord. At walang masama doon. Totoo ito. Walang kasalanan ang bata. Pero ang tanong, maituturing ba kayong “gift” sa anak ninyo? Maraming sirang pamilya dahil maraming mga kabataan ang nag-aasawa ngunit hindi pa handang maging magulang. Kaya kawawa ang mga anak. Isa ito sa nais sugpuin ng libro.

Ukol naman sa 6:14 Rule Chapter, minabuti kong ilagay ang paksa dahil na rin sa aking nadiskubre--pagdating sa pakikipagrelasyon, halos walang ipinagkaiba ang pagtanaw ng mga kabataan na nasa loob ng simbahan at ang mga kabataang hindi bahagi ng iglesya. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit madaling binabalewala ng maraming "churched youth" ang kalooban ng Panginoon ukol sa pakikipagrelasyon sa mga "unbelievers". Our relationship must be surrendered to the Lordship of Christ.

Kung may concerns at tanong kayo, just PM me in my website: www.kuyaronald.multiply.com and/or email me at rcmolmisa@gmail.com. God bless YOUth!

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Youth Ministry for the Long Haul by Jim Burns

2010-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

The following interview article from the Youth Worker Journal website (http://www.youthworker.com) is a good-read, especially to those who are called by the Lord to be a youth minister for life! Straight from a youth ministry veteran, Jim Burns. He is the mentor of Doug Fields, author of best-selling book, Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry. Let's learn from one of the icons of global youth ministry studies. May the Lord bless our ministries as He has blessed his.

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Jim Burns is senior director of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University and the president of HomeWord and host of the "HomeWord with Jim Burns" radio program. His passion is communicating to adults and young people practical truths to help them live out their Christian lives. Jim is the author of several resources, including Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together, the Pure Foundations Series of books on purity for kids of all ages, Confident Parenting and Creating an Intimate Marriage, as well as columns for the Simply Youth Ministry Website HomeWord.com and newsletter. 25+ years in Youth Ministry.

YWJ: What do young leaders most need to succeed as they start out?

Jim Burns: Today younger leaders have access to more training and resources than ever. I'd encourage them to spend some of their most precious time on "soul care." Through the years, the people who have the greatest impact in ministry are those who build legacy are those who built margin into their lives where they made time to keep their own spiritual lives fresh. One of the biggest problems with youth workers and families in America is this breathless pace of life. I find that well-meaning young leaders are over-committed and under-connected. They are busy doing great things, but if they don't take care of their souls they become under connected with God and with others.

Besides soul care, I hope they have mentors and peer-support systems to help them build foundations of strength. In Luke 12 even Jesus took time to pray (soul care), spend time with His disciples (community and mutual support), then He did ministry. Young leaders too often find themselves in trouble and burning out because they are giving everything they have to their work and one day look up and find themselves empty. Students from my ministry days rarely talk about my youth talks or Bible studies. They focus on how I treated my wife Cathy and the relational aspects of the ministry. Frankly, I wish someone had challenged me more in the soul care areas and building a strong support system in my younger years.

YWJ: What makes for long-term service and success?

Jim: Perseverance. There are many other answers I'm sure, but for me the people who seem to have the successful ministry experiences long-term are those who run their race with perseverance. Life and ministry have some pain in them. It's either going to be the pain of discipline and perseverance or the pain of regret. Another word that comes to mind is focus. One day I had the opportunity to speak with one of the great Christian leaders, Jack Hayford. I asked him this question. His answer surprised me. He said, "Jim, it's not so much what I have chosen to do, but rather what I have chosen not to do." Jack had a rocket focus on what he felt God was calling him to do.

Doug Fields was a kid in my youth group years ago, but today I respect and admire him as much as anyone in the field of youth ministry. He is one of the most focused people I know. He has to say "no" daily to good things in order to say "yes" to the most important. He does it with his ministry and with his family. I am aware of God's anointing on certain individuals but so many of the key leaders in our field of youth ministry have brought a great deal of perseverance and focus to their service and success. It was that great theologian Billy Crystal who was asked what made him a worldwide instant success with his comedy and movies and he answered, "Instant success! Well all it took was 20 years of doing one-night stands in cities I can't remember or pronounce to make this ‘instant success.'"

YWJ: What's one perennial problem that all youth workers face, and how can they address it?

Jim: I've spent my entire adult life listening to youth workers walk through their issues, and I could name 20 problems that seem to be life changers; but let me focus on one of them that goes along with the theme I've been discussing with you: lack of boundaries. Youth ministry is difficult partly because our work is never done. There is always something else to do and always kids who need us. Early in our marriage, my wife, Cathy, would say, "Jim, we have a Messiah and He is doing just fine; you don't need to replace Him." It was great advice; and in my earlier years, I didn't always accept it from her. Someone once told me, "If the devil can't make you bad, he will make you busy."

Questions I ask myself are: 1. "Is the work of God I am doing destroying the work of God in me?" Without boundaries our hearts begin to shrink for God and our ministry. 2. "Am I only giving my family my emotional scraps?" Too often the ministry takes it all and we don't have the energy to give to our family and personal life. 3. "Do I take a regular day off to rest, restore and renew? I find too many youth workers don't have healthy boundaries when it comes to taking a Sabbath. The word Sabbath simply means rest; without the boundary of renewal, we'll burn out and be much more vulnerable to sin in our own lives.

YWJ: What developments have encouraged/concerned you?

Jim: I love this generation of youth ministry, and I love this new generation of youth workers. I think we are in the best place we have ever been in the history of youth work. Today's youth ministries have several elements that are stronger and healthier than ever before. Let me name a few...

Worship: The Bible says the Lord inhabits the praise of His people. I love the emphasis on healthy worship among young people.
Family Focused: Today youth ministry understands the most effective Christian education takes place in the home. We still struggle with exactly how to come alongside kids and their parents; but as the church partners with parents, families will thrive spiritually.

Mission-based: I gave the first workshop at a Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention in the 80s called "Getting Your Students Involved with Mission and Service." I had to spend half of the workshop trying to convince youth workers that mission trips were a good idea. Today, every good youth ministry has a strong mission component. Give me two mission trips a year with kids, and I think more can happen for some than 52 weeks of traditional Sunday School.

Multicultural: We still have a ways to go but this generation of youth ministry is much more multicultural, and today many of our finest youth workers in leadership are women. The role models are so much more diverse and not just a bunch of bald-headed old guys such as myself.

YWJ: How have you adapted your content through the years?

Jim: Mike Yaconnelli and I wrote a book together in the 1980s called High School Ministry. Today that book would fit better with middle school. Kids experience so much so young. One of my most recent writing projects has been a lifelong goal to write a series of books for youth, parents and children on sexual purity. When I went to my notes of what I used to say to teens, I had to change it because even adolescent development has changed.

As youth workers, we have to be students of the culture. This means adapting our message to the needs of today. I spend more time talking to parents about creating a media-safe home than I ever did before because it seems to be the need of the day for parents. One of the other things I've had to adapt is a really healthy place for kids because they want honest, blunt and unashamedly Christian answers. They want us to bring up the issues and not skirt their questions as did the church in previous generations.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AT RELIGIOUS HYPE

2010-10-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Mahigit isang dekada nang isinusulong sa Kongreso ang Reproductive Health Bill o House Bill 96, subalit patuloy na umaani ng pagtuligsa lalo na mula sa Simbahang Katoliko. Ang epekto: tinatabunan ng mga debate at religious demonstrations ang agarang pagtugon sa lumalalang kaso ng mga kababaihang namamatay bunga ng kawalan ng impormasyon at serbisyo patungkol sa reproductive health. Bawat araw, labing-isang (11) kababaihan ang pumapanaw bunga ng kumplikasyon sa pagbubuntis at panganganak.

Ang RH Bill ay bahagi ng pagsunod ng pamahalaan sa hinihingi ng Millenium Development Goals (MDG) na pababain ang bilang ng namamatay na kababaihan bunga ng kumplikasyon sa panganganak. Ang target ay mula sa 162 sa bawat 100,000 panganganak hanggang sa 52 sa taong 2015.

Ang RH Bill ay tugon din sa nakakadismayang epekto ng kasalukuyang sistema na nagbibigay sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ng kapangyarihang magtakda ng reproductive health programs para sa kanilang nasasakupan. Kung maisasabatas ang panukala, mas iigting ang pagtatayo ng mga maternal health care centers sa bawat barangay, pag-aaruga sa mga biktima ng post-abortion complications, ang pagtuturo ng age-appropriate sex education sa lahat ng estudyante mula Grade 5, at marami pang iba. Walang kinikilingang uri ng family planning method ang RH Bill—mapa-natural man o artificial. Ang bagay na ito ay nakatuntong sa prinsipyo ng “informed choice”. Karapatan ng bawat Filipino na malaman ang iba’t ibang uri ng family planning methods upang makabuo ng isang matalinong desisyon.

Nakakalungkot isipin na kinakailangan pang magpasa ng batas upang mas epektibong masolusyunan ang tumataas na kaso ng maternal deaths. Ngunit sa gitna ng mga alingasngas at kalituhan ukol sa laman at layunin ng RH Bill, maiging balikan natin ang sinasabi ng Salita ng Diyos pagdating sa usapin ng family planning.

Bagaman tahimik ang Bibliya sa paggamit ng contraceptives, ang pagpa-plano sa pamilya ay ayon sa kalooban ng Diyos na maging mabuti ang pamumuhay ng bawat batang iluluwal sa daigdig. Sinabi Niya sa ating unang mga magulang sa Genesis 1:28- "Magpakarami kayo at punuin ng inyong mga supling ang buong daigdig, at pamahalaan ito..”. Natuon ang atensiyon ng marami sa salitang “magpakarami” ngunit nakakalimutan ang kahalagahan ng salitang “pamahalaan.” Binigyan ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos ang tao na alagaan ang kaniyang mga nilikha. At bahagi ng responsibilidad na ito ang pagtatakda sa tamang dami ng anak na kayang alagaan ng mag-asawa.

Nasa kamay ng mag-asawa ang pagdedesisyon kung sino at ano ang kanilang susundin pagdating sa dami ng anak na kanilang nais. Ang trabaho ng Simbahan ay “gabayan” at hindi “pakialaman” ang pagpapatakbo ng pamilya. Ang mag-asawa ang may karapatang maghusga kung anong uri ng family planning method ang kanilang susundin, ayon sa kanilang konsensiya at pananampalataya. Ganunpaman, kailangang maisaayos rin ang kanilang pananaw sa pagkakaroon ng anak. Usapin ito ng puso at motibasyon sa pagpapamilya. Ayon sa Awit 127:3-5, ang mga sanggol ay regalo mula sa Diyos. Hindi dapat gamitin ang mga natural at artificial contraceptives upang umiwas sa responsibilidad ng pagkakaroon ng supling. Hindi dapat tingnan na “pabigat” ang pagkakaroon ng anak, dahil kaakibat ng pag-aasawa ang pagkakaroon ng supling. Kung ayaw mong magka-anak, hindi ka dapat pumasok sa pag-aasawa.

Ang RH Bill ay hindi lamang usapin ng pananampalataya kung hindi maging ng masusing pag-aaral sa larangan ng medisina. Isang dahilan ng paglala ng problema ay ang mga maling paniniwala ukol sa reproductive health. Iwaksi ang mga “conspiracy theories” ukol sa layuning ng RH Bill. Huwag tayong gumawa ng sarili nating multo. Hindi ini-endorso ng HB 96 ang abortion bilang paraan ng family planning. Para sa Simbahang Katoliko, “natural family planning” lamang ang katanggap-tanggap dahil ang ibang pamamaraan ay maaring humantong sa “abortion.” Walang malinaw na basehan ang akusasyong ito.

Kung usapin naman kung kailan nagsisimula ang buhay ng sanggol—sa “conception” ba o “implantation sa uterus ng babae”, hati rin ang opinyon ng mga doktor at taong-simbahan. Kailangan ding sagutin ang tanong, "When does life begin?"

Mas kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga problemang nararanasan ng sambayanan, higit sa mga ideyolohikal na konsiderasyon. Bakit natin pipigilan ang isang batas na makapagliligtas ng maraming buhay? Ang HB 96 ay isang mabisang paraan upang matupad ang pahayag ni Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director ng UN Population Fund (UNFPA). Ika niya, “No woman should die giving life.”

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Dealing with Difficult Youth

2010-09-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Malaki ang posibilidad na mayroon kayong makakasagupa o makakasamang mga kabataang “pasaway” sa inyong ministeryo. Sila iyong masarap “tirisin” sa sobrang “tigas ng mukha” at “tigas ng ulo”. Below are recommendations on how to deal with these adolescents (based on experience and studies).

Look beyond the behavior. Huwag agad maghuhusga na sadyang “salbahe” ang isang kabataan. Lahat ng bagay ay may dahilan. Ugatin ang problema. Madalas sintomas lamang ang mga ugaling kanilang ipinapakita. Maraming kaso ng juvenile delinquencies ay bunga ng mga wasak na pamilya, masamang barkada at kung ano-ano pa. Kung kulang sa pagmamahal ang isang kabataan, sikaping ipakita sa kanila ang tunay na pag-ibig at concern. Minsan, hindi naman sila mga “nawawalang tupa” kung hindi sadyang “nagwawala lang”. TIP: Kausapin ang kanilang mga magulang o malalapit na kaibigan at alamin ang tunay na dahilan ng kanilang ipinapakitang ugali.

Avoid argumentation. Do not confront them head on.—Iwasan ang makipagtalo sa mga pasaway na kabataan dahil lalo lamang lalala ang sitwasyon. Lagi silang may dahilan sa kanilang ginagawa. Ang lagi nilang argumento, “Hindi ninyo ako naiintindihan!” Madalas, ang posisyon lamang nila ang kanilang nakikita at kinikilala. Every effort to win an argument can be futile. TIP: Ipakita ang magiging bunga ng kanilang maling gawa: “Kung hindi ka titigil sa paglalaro ng DOTA, masisira ang pag-aaral mo, hindi ka gagradweyt, at hindi ka makakapag-college sa tamang panahon. At kapag hindi ka nakatapos sa kolehiyo, walang kang mahahanap na matinong trabaho. Paano ka makakabuo ng isang maayos na pamilya?”

Impose a Biblical discipline system. Nangangailangan ng gabay ang mga kabataan, lalo na kung sila ay hindi nadidisiplina sa kanilang tahanan. Magtakda ng mga batas o “code of conduct” sa ministeryo. At upang maging mas “binding” o makapangyarihan ang panuntunan, papirmahan sa mga kabataan ang mga napag-usapang alituntunin bilang isang kasunduan. Ipaliwanag na ito ay para sa kanilang ikabubuti at upang magkaroon ng kaayusan sa ministeryo. TIP: Always bear in mind the Matthew 18:15-17 system. Magsimula sa one-on-one talk. Mas dadadagdagan natin ang bigat ng problema kung mararamdaman ng kabataan na ipinapahiya natin sa pamamagitan ng pagsesermon sa kaniya sa harap ng maraming tao. Kapag hindi nakinig, magsama ng mga taong maaring magsabi ng kaniyang kamalian. At kapag hindi pa rin nakinig, iharap na sa mga kinauukulan (i.e. pastor, magulang, miyembro ng ministeryo). At kung hindi pa rin nagbago, maari na siyang ituring na “persona non grata” ng iglesya.

Talk to their parents/guardians. We can never supplant the role of parents. Kapag matindi na ang problema, ipaalam sa mga magulang ang isyu. Pero, humanda rin sa mga magulang na mas kakampihan ang kanilang anak (“Ganiyan lang talaga ang anak ko”…”Lagi na lamang siya ang inyong nakikita. Hindi lang naman siya ang may problema...”). TIP: Be objective about your presentation of facts. Mas maiging kausapin sila nang personal at hindi kaharap ang kanilang mga anak.

Always Pray for them. We are not wrestling against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6) sa ministeryo. Dito na pumapasok ang pangangailangan sa "spiritual warfare." Ginagamit lamang ng kaaway ang mga kabataan para inisin, guluhin at gawing kumplikado ang ating buhay bilang mga youth ministry leaders. Our spiritual enemies can only be defeated using spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). TIP: Lagi silang isama sa inyong prayer devotion. Pray for them by name. Subalit iwasan na maging “soulish prayer session” ang mga prayer activities sa pagbabanggit sa kanilang mga kamalian sa mga prayer items.

Let the rule of LOVE prevail. See them as objects of God’s grace. Kung paano tayo pinatawad ng Panginoon noong tayo ay “pasaway pa”, ganundin dapat ang maging pagtingin natin sa kanila (Romans 5:8). Put yourselves in their shoes. We must always wear the garments of love which is the most effective way of dealing with difficult youth (Colossians 3:14-15). Ika nga ni Brooks Faulkner, sa kaniyang librong, Getting on Top of your work, “Be kind to difficult people, you never know what demons they are fighting.”

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Combatting Stress and Burn-Out

2010-08-30T03:12:00.000-07:00

May mga pagkakataon na nakakapagod at nakaka-stress ang magministeryo sa mga kabataan. Kailangan mong pakibagayan ang iba’t iba nilang “trip” sa buhay. You need to be with them and counsel them. May mga magulang din na kakausapin ka at sisisihin ang ministeryo dahil sa mga “kabulastugan” ng kanilang mga anak. At kung may trabaho ka bilang youth pastor, minsan mahirap pagkasyahin sa loob ng 24 na oras ang iyong trabaho, pagsasanay sa iyong mga miyembro, ministry meetings at ang ilan pang gawain. In short, nagiging shock absorber ka ng lahat ng problema—sa loob at labas ng ministeryo, personal man o hindi. Some insights on how can we manage physical, spiritual and emotional stress in the ministry.

Draw strength from the Lord. Alway connect with God’s power. Look at the example of David. Nang bumalik siya at kaniyang mga sundalo sa Ziklag, nakita nila ang mga pinatay nilang kababayan at ang sinunog na bayan. Tumangis sila hanggang sa wala na silang lakas upang umiyak. Nang hinarap niya ang pagsubok na ito, hindi nakalimutan ni David na lumapit sa Panginoon. He encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6-KJV). Ganundin, makipaniig tayo sa Panginoon sa panahon ng kapaguran. Always start the day with a conversational prayer. You may say, “Lord, toxic ang buhay ko today, bahala na kayo sa akin. Give me your strength and wisdom. Amen”. Matthew 6:33 should be our guiding principle. Si Lord muna, bago ang problema. When we focus or eyes on Him, He will surely give us strength to carry on.

Give yourself a break. Kapag nakakaramdam na ng pagod, have “minute vacations”. Iwan muna ang trabaho at gawin ang magpapasaya sa iyo. As for me, naggigitara ako at nanonood ng pelikula. Puwede ka ring kumain ng gusto mo, huwag nga lamang sosobra. Baka sa sobrang kabusugan ay antukin, makatulog nang mahimbing at hindi na matapos ang ginagawa. Pagpahingahin din ang mata kapag masyado nang nakaka-strain ang iyong binabasa. Mas magiging maayos ang kalidad ng iyong trabaho kung wala kang nararamdamang pagod o sakit. Have fun. Take a regular time-off. Kung may pera ka, pamasahe ka. Go outdoors. Visit beautiful places. Pamper yourself.

Know your priorities. Learn to say NO. Marami ang nagdadalawang isip pa bago magsabi ng “hindi” sa mga imbitasyon. Inaakala rin ng iba na ito ay “kabastusan” at “kawalang-galang/pagpapahalaga” sa iba. Ang sagot ko naman, e kung ikamamatay mo, hindi ka pa rin magsasabi ng “hindi”? Kapag sinabi kong “ikamamatay”, kabilang na dito ang masamang epekto isang bagay sa iyong hanapbuhay (i.e. baka matanggal ka sa trabaho) at relasyon (i.e. baka maghiwalay na kayo ng GF/BF/Asawa mo dahil wala ka nang panahon sa kaniya) at marami pang iba. Hindi mahirap tumanggi kung malinaw sa iyo ang mga bagay na dapat mong “unahin”. Ito ang dapat pagkakasunod-sunod: una si Lord, pangalawa ang iyong pamilya/asawa, pangatlo ang iyong career o ministry. Hindi ka dapat magkamali sa bagay na ito. Marami na akong nakitang mga pastor na nasira ang pamilya dahil mas inuna ang ministeryo. Our family is our first ministry.

Keep your life simple. Isa sa nagpapahirap sa atin ay ang pagiging kumplikado ng ating buhay. Get rid of things na nagbibigay sa iyo ng stress. For instance, kung inuubos na ng Facebook ang iyong panahon, deactive your FB account. Puwede ka ring magkaroon ng Cellphone Hiatus—huwag kang gagamitin ng cellphone para hindi ka kulitin nang kulitin ng ibang tao. Huwag ding kukuha ng mga commitments na magbibigay ng kapaguran. Set a maximum number of meetings you can attend per day. Mahalaga rin na magkaroon ng "cognitive restructuring". Pag-isipan ang nangyayari sa buhay. Renew your mind and assess your life. Baka naman ikaw rin ang may dahilan kung bakit ka nabi-burn-out. Tanggalin ang mga pagpapahalaga at gawain na dapat tanggalin.

Have regular exercise, proper amount of sleep and healthy diet. Lahat ng youth ministers ay tulad ng isang astronaut. Kung masira ang ating space suit siguradong mapapadali ang ating misyon. Mission Fail ika nga. Alagaan natin ang ating katawan na ating space suit. Kung nais nating magtagal sa isang ministeryong physically exhausting/demanding, sanayin natin ang ating sarili na laging nag-e-ehersisyo. Laging magpa-check ng blood pressure. Iwasang ang pagkain ng junk foods. Drink plenty of water. Take multi-vitamins. Kapag nakakaramdam na ng lagnat, agapan na ng paracetamol. Prevention is always better than cure. Iwasan din ang sobrang pagpupuyat. Kapag puyat ka, mababa ang iyong tolerance level kung kaya maari kang maging iritable at magagalitin.

Have an accountability group. This is important if you experience emotional stress. An iron sharpens an iron (Proverbs 27:17). Leaders also need people who can mentor and minister to them. Sila ang mga taong makakaunawa sa atin at maaaring magbibigay ng payo sa panahon ng kalituhan at problema. Aminin sa ating sarili na hindi natin kayang nag-iisa. That's why we always need a team sa ministeryo. Kahit sa mga mayroon nang asawa, kailangan pa rin nila ng mga taong mapagsasabihan ng mga hinaing sa buhay—mga bagay na hindi nila tuwirang masasabi sa kanilang kabiyak. Have regular prayer partners. Prayers serve as our spiritual protection.

Listen to Soothing/Worship Music. This may sound trivial but effective for many. Kapag maraming proyektong kailangang tapusin, subukan ninyong sabayan ng pakikinig sa mga awiting nagbibigay kapurihan sa Panginoon. You can be in a "meditative mode” if you will listen worship instrumentals. Mararamdaman ninyong kasama ninyo si Lord habang gumagawa. Worship songs will surely give you joy in doing your job.

TAWAG NG KARUNUNGAN Editorial: Paglaganap ng STD

2010-08-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

Isang survey ng UP Population Institute (UPPI) ang pumukaw sa atensyon ng sambayanan noong Enero. Ang paksa: ang paglaganap ng sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) sa mga young professionals sa call center companies. Pinag-aralan nito ang uri ng pamumuhay ng 675 na call center agents sa Metro Manila at Metro Cebu, at kinumpara sa pamumuhay ng mahigit 200 na propesyunal na nagtatrabo sa ibang industriya.

Lumabas sa pag-aaral namalapit sa paggawa ng mga mapanganib nagawaing sekswal ang mga call center agents. Bahagi na ng kanilang kultura ang pagkakaroon ng "sex buddies" o sex partner na hindi ka-relasyon. Maraming kasong same-sex intercourse lalo na sa mga kalalakihan. Bagaman mataas ang kanilang kaalaman ukol sa STDs katulad ng HIV-AIDS virus, marami sa kanila ang hindi masyadong nababagabag sa sakit. Kakabit ng ganitong life style ang mgakalagayang nakakaapekto sa kanilang kalusugan tulad ng "unhealthy diets", hindi sapat na oras na pagtulog, paninigarilyo at pag-inom ng alak.

Sa isang konserbatibong bayan tulad ng Pilipinas, nakakagulantang ang mga estadistikang ito. Mas pinatingkad nito ang resulta ng naunang pag-aaral ukol sa sexual behavior ng kabataang Pinoy. Ayon sa Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality III na inilabas noong 2002, at isinagawa rin ng UPPI, 5 milyon o 23 porsyento ng kabataang Filipino edad 15 hanggang 24 ang nakibahagi na sa premarital sex (PMS). Nagsisimula silang makipagtalik sa edad na 18 kung saan sila ay nasa ikalawang taon ng kolehiyo.

Ang paglaganap ng STDs sa ating bayan ay bunga ng maraming bagay. Kailangang atakihin natin ang problema sa iba't ibang anggulo. Halimbawa, mahalagang solusyunan ang kawalan ng trabaho sa ating bayan na sanhi ng pagpunta ng ating kababayan sa ibang bansa na siya namang bumibiyak sa pamilyang Filipino. Dahil malayo sa mahal sa buhay, maraming OFWs ang naghahanap ng sekswal na relasyon. Sila ang isa sa mga most vulnerable groups pagdating sa STDs.

Kailangan ding bantayan ang mga impormasyon nasasagap ng maraming kabataan mula sa media at kanilang mga kabarkada. Maraming kabataan ang nabababad sa mga mensaheng sekswal na siyang nagiging paksa ng usapan ng magkakabarkada. Ilang pag-aaral din ang nagsasabi na ang mga kabataang nakikipagtalik sa murang edad ay madalas na dumidikit sa mga kabarkadang gumagawa rin nito.

Hindi rin mapasusubalian ang pagsasagawa ng mga "age-appropriate" sex education upang mabigyan babala ang mga kabataan sa panganib ng STDs at iresponsableng pakikipagtalik. Maraming nabibiktima dahil sa kakulangan ng kaalaman. Iwaksi na natin ang kaisipang hindi dapat pag-usapan ang sex dahil isa itong "maruming" paksa.

HIGIT SA LAHAT, ang pagsugpo sa paglaganap ng STDs ay usapin, unang-una, ng moralidad. At kung mabuting pagpapahalaga ang pag-uusapan, kailangan nating balikan at isabuhay ang Salita ng Diyos.

Sa 1 Tesalonica 4:7 makikita na hangarin ng Diyos na mabuhay tayo sa kalinisan at hindi sakahalayan Ang pakikipagtalik sa maling dahilan, maling panahon at maling tao ay magdadala sa atin sa kapahamakan. Sinisira natin ang ating katawan tulad ngsinasabi sa 1 Corinto 6:18. Ganundin, mayroon itong epekto sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin. Basahin ang naging bungang pakikiapid ni Haring David sa 2 Samuel 12:1-25. Nagkalamat ang kaniyang relasyon kay Yahweh. Pinatay niya ang kaniyang sundalong si Urias. Namatay ang kaniyang panganay na anak kay Batseba. At sinundan ng trahedya ang kaniyang mga anak at mahal sa buhay.

Marami ang hindi masyadong natatakot sa STDs dahil hindi agad nakikita ang kanilang masamang epekto. Ang ilan tulad ng gonorrhoea at syphilis ay tumatagal pa ng ilang buwan o taon bago maramdaman ang sintomas. At kung ikaw ay sadyang "promiscuous" o walang patumanggang nakikipagtalik sa kung sino-sino, maari mong ipasa ang sakit sa iba nang hindi mo nalalaman.

Sa isang henerasyon na nagwawagayway ng "indibidwalismo" at sumusunod sa agos ng "sexual revolution" ,dapat lamang na maging aktibo ang lahat ng Cristiano sa pagsugpo ng mga maling kaisipan at pagpapahalaga sa sex. Ang panlaban sa mga maling kaisipan ay ang katotohanan ng Bibliya na dapat ituro sa loob ng tahanan. At kung hindi kayang gampanan ng mga magulang ang kanilang papel bilang unang guro ng kanilang mga anak, kailangang laging handang umalalay ang simbahan.

Pag-isipan natin ito. Kung matindi ang ating kampanya laban sa masamang bunga ng paninigarilyo, bakit hindi rin tayo gumawa ng mga karatula na ipapaskil sa mga pampublikong lugar na nagsasabing, "Premarital Sex/Sex with Multiple Partners is Dangerous to your health"?

Ito po ang SA GANANG AMIN ni Ronald Molmisa ng Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, naghahatid ng mga pananaw na tumutugon sa mga hamon ng ating panahon...

SEX EDUCATION, Anyone?

2010-07-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Amidst the brouhaha caused by Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines's (CBCP) rejection of sex education modules introduced by former DepEd secretary Monico Valisno, cases of premarital sex resulting in teenage pregnancies continue to soar. The debate not only touches on the moral and legal acceptability of the instructional materials but it also reveals the dynamics of power between the Roman Catholic Church and the Philippine government. Fact: The ghost of frailocracy still haunts us.

The ruckus commenced when former Department of Health chief Esperanza Cabral started distributing condoms last Valentine’s Day as part of the education campaign against HIV-AIDS. Cabral gained the ire of the bishops and politico-religious conservatives who considered the program as a misuse of public funds and an encroachment to the private lives of citizens.

The controversy was followed by the move of former DepEd secretary Valisno to introduce sex education to basic education curriculum. DepEd Memorandum No. 26 called for the integration of reproductive health concerns into the existing Population Education (PopEd) program for elementary and secondary school students.

The CBCP and the Ang Kapatiran Party filed a class suit against the sex education proposal saying that it “assaults the values and moral sensibilities of the youth." Weeks after, a Quezon City court dismissed their petition for a temporary restraining order.

SPECTRUM OF OPINIONS
The prelates have been, time and again, accused of clinging to Jurassic values which are incompatible to the needs of the time. Critics say that they should never engage in issues which are simply not their domain. Simply put, if they are really sexually abstinent, how can they speak on the topic of sex?

The president, a Catholic, already declared that "zero education” “might lead to wrong decisions." It is imperative that young people are educated regarding the concern.

Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz believes that sex education should start at an early age. This, however, must be complemented by systematic and effective training of teachers.

The current DepEd chief has been silent on the issue, saying “sex education” is not a priority in the first two years of Aquino administration. Nonetheless, his department will initiate consultations on the matter.

Others perceive the teaching of sex education as an instrument of promoting promiscuity. This does not have any scientific and empirical basis. A UN-funded research reveals that sexuality education rarely, if ever, leads to early sexual initiation. It must be noted that 1998 Aids Prevention Act (Republic Act 8504) already calls for HIV/AIDS education in schools.

ENGAGE THE PARENTS
Parties are barking at the wrong tree. Let set the records straight. The main culprit in the increasing number of teenage pregnancies are parents themselves who do not assume their primary role in educating their children about responsible sexuality. As Professor Randy David puts its

...the family is indeed the primary school for love and intimacy. But, when the family drops these values in favor of other values like money or power, it quickly loses its distinguishing mark as an institution. The resulting gap is never adequately filled by other institutions—not by the school or by the church. When the family fails to deliver on its basic nurturing functions, the impact on society is incalculable...”

If parents neglect their responsibility to educate the youth about human sexuality, the government and religious organizations often feel that they should take the cudgels to combat the problems caused by such negligence. But, the influence of social institutions is minimal compared to the relational pressure parents exert over their children. The government is legally-bound to only complement, and not supplant the job of parents, as written in Article 2, Section 12 of the Constitution.

The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.

One of the main fears of the Catholic Church is the lack of competent teachers who would handle sex education seminars. The values of the facilitators can easily reflect on their pedagogy. The bishops are not also comfortable with the term "sex education", which according to them is ladened with sensual meaning. They would rather call it as a seminar on human sexuality.

Sex education during my high school years came as a shock because those who introduced it to my “virgin” mind were more concerned with the mechanics of sex. Instead of focusing on more relevant issues (i.e. effects of population growth and spread of Sexually-Transmitted Diseases), we were more exposed to the rudiments of fellatio and cunnilingus.

Communication between the church and parents is crucial in this regard. If families find the topic of sex too hot to handle, they can request their religious denomination to provide proper guidance. Article 14, Section 3(3) of the Constitution provides for the following:

At the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, religion shall be allowed to be taught to their children or wards in public elementary and high schools within the regular class hours by instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion to which the children or wards belong, without additional cost to the Government.

PNoy's First State of the Nation Address (SONA) Transcript

2010-07-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

Mga minamahal kong kababayan:

Sa bawat sandali po ng pamamahala ay nahaharap tayo sa isang sangandaan.

Sa isang banda po ay ang pagpili para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan. Ang pagtanaw sa interes ng nakakarami; ang pagkapit sa prinsipyo; at ang pagiging tapat sa sinumpaan nating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. Ito po ang tuwid na daan.

Sa kabilang banda ay ang pag-una sa pansariling interes. Ang pagpapaalipin sa pulitikal na konsiderasyon, at pagsasakripisyo ng kapakanan ng taumbayan. Ito po ang baluktot na daan.

Matagal pong naligaw ang pamahalaan sa daang baluktot. Araw-araw po, lalong lumilinaw sa akin ang lawak ng problemang ating namana. Damang-dama ko ang bigat ng aking responsibilidad.

Sa unang tatlong linggo ng aming panunungkulan, marami po kaming natuklasan. Nais ko pong ipahayag sa inyo ang iilan lamang sa mga namana nating suliranin at ang ginagawa naming hakbang para lutasin ang mga ito.

Sulyap lamang po ito; hindi pa ito ang lahat ng problemang haharapin natin. Inilihim at sadyang iniligaw ang sambayanan sa totoong kalagayan ng ating bansa.

Sa unang anim na buwan ng taon, mas malaki ang ginastos ng gobyerno kaysa sa pumasok na kita. Lalong lumaki ang deficit natin, na umakyat na sa 196.7 billion pesos. Sa target na kuleksyon, kinapos tayo ng 23.8 billion pesos; ang tinataya namang gastos, nalagpasan natin ng 45.1 billion pesos.

Ang budget po sa 2010 ay 1.54 trillion pesos.

Nasa isandaang bilyong piso o anim at kalahating porsyento na lang ng kabuuan ang malaya nating magagamit para sa nalalabing anim na buwan ng taong ito.

Halos isang porsyento na lang po ng kabuuang budget ang natitira para sa bawat buwan.

Saan naman po dinala ang pera?

Naglaan ng dalawang bilyong piso na Calamity Fund bilang paghahanda para sa mga kalamidad na hindi pa nangyayari. Napakaliit na nga po ng pondong ito, ngunit kapapasok pa lang natin sa panahon ng baha at bagyo, 1.4 billion pesos o sitenta porsyento na ang nagastos.

Sa kabuuan ng 108 million pesos para sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, 105 million pesos nito ay napunta sa iisang distrito lamang. Samantala, ang lalawigan ng Pangasinan na sinalanta ng Pepeng ay nakatanggap ng limang milyong piso lamang para sa pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Cosme, na nangyari noong 2008 pa.

Ibinigay po ang pondo ng Pampanga sa buwan ng eleksyon, pitong buwan pagkatapos ng Ondoy at Pepeng. Paano kung bumagyo bukas? Inubos na ang pondo nito para sa bagyong nangyari noong isang taon pa. Pagbabayaran ng kinabukasan ang kasakiman ng nakaraan.

Ganyan din po ang nangyari sa pondo ng MWSS. Kamakailan lamang, pumipila ang mga tao para lang makakuha ng tubig. Sa kabila nito, minabuti pa ng liderato ng MWSS na magbigay ng gantimpala sa sarili kahit hindi pa nababayaran ang pensyon ng mga retiradong empleyado.

Noong 2009, ang buong payroll ng MWSS ay 51.4 million pesos. Pero hindi lang naman po ito ang sahod nila; may mga additional allowances at benefits pa sila na aabot sa 160.1 million pesos. Sa madaling sabi, nakatanggap sila ng 211.5 million pesos noong nakaraang taon. Beinte-kuwatro porsyento lang nito ang normal na sahod, at sitenta’y sais porsyento ang dagdag.

Ang karaniwang manggagawa hanggang 13th month pay plus cash gift lang ang nakukuha. Sa MWSS, aabot sa katumbas ng mahigit sa tatlumpung buwan ang sahod kasama na ang lahat ng mga bonuses at allowances na nakuha nila.

Mas matindi po ang natuklasan natin sa pasahod ng kanilang Board of Trustees. Tingnan po natin ang mga allowances na tinatanggap nila:

Umupo ka lang sa Board of Trustees at Board Committee meeting, katorse mil na. Aabot ng nobenta’y otso mil ito kada buwan. May grocery incentive pa sila na otsenta mil kada taon.

Hindi lang iyon: may mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, at Financial Assistance. May Christmas bonus na, may Additional Christmas Package pa. Kada isa sa mga ito, nobenta’y otso mil.

Sa suma total po, aabot ang lahat ng dalawa’t kalahating milyong piso kada taon sa bawat miyembro ng Board maliban sa pakotse, technical assistance, at pautang. Uulitin ko po. Lahat ng ito ay ibinibigay nila sa kanilang mga sarili habang hindi pa nababayaran ang mga pensyon ng kanilang mga retirees.

Pati po ang La Mesa Watershed ay hindi nila pinatawad. Para magkaroon ng tamang supply ng tubig, kailangang alagaan ang mga watershed. Sa watershed, puno ang kailangan. Pati po iyon na dapat puno ang nakatayo, tinayuan nila ng bahay para sa matataas na opisyal ng MWSS.

Hindi naman sila agad maaalis sa puwesto dahil kabilang sila sa mga Midnight Appointees ni dating Pangulong Arroyo. Iniimbestigahan na natin ang lahat nang ito. Kung mayroon pa silang kahit kaunting hiya na natitira – sana kusa na lang silang magbitiw sa puwesto.

Pag-usapan naman po natin ang pondo para sa imprastruktura. Tumukoy ang DPWH ng dalawandaan apatnapu’t anim na priority safety projects na popondohan ng Motor Vehicle Users Charge. Mangangailangan po ito ng budget na 425 million pesos.

Ang pinondohan po, dalawampu’t walong proyekto lang. Kinalimutan po ang dalawandaan at labing walong proyekto at pinalitan ng pitumpung proyekto na wala naman sa plano. Ang hininging 425 million pesos, naging 480 million pesos pa, lumaki lalo dahil sa mga proyektong sa piling-piling mga benepisyaryo lang napunta.

Mga proyekto po itong walang saysay, hindi pinag-aralan at hindi pinaghandaan, kaya parang kabuteng sumusulpot.

Tapos na po ang panahon para dito. Sa administrasyon po natin, walang kota-kota, walang tongpats, ang pera ng taumbayan ay gagastusin para sa taumbayan lamang.

Meron pa po tayong natuklasan. Limang araw bago matapos ang termino ng nakaraang administrasyon, nagpautos silang maglabas ng 3.5 billion pesos para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasalanta nina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Walumpu’t anim na proyekto ang paglalaanan dapat nito na hindi na sana idadaan sa public bidding. Labingsiyam sa mga ito na nagkakahalaga ng 981 million pesos ang muntik nang makalusot. Hindi pa nailalabas ang Special Allotment Release Order ay pirmado na ang mga kontrata.

Buti na lang po ay natuklasan at pinigilan ito ni Secretary Rogelio Singson ng DPWH. Ngayon po ay dadaan na ang kabuuan ng 3.5 billion pesos sa tapat na bidding, at magagamit na ang pondo na ito sa pagbibigay ng lingap sa mga nawalan ng tahanan dahil kina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Pag-usapan naman natin ang nangyari sa NAPOCOR. Noong 2001 hanggang 2004, pinilit ng gobyerno ang NAPOCOR na magbenta ng kuryente nang palugi para hindi tumaas ang presyo. Tila ang dahilan: pinaghahandaan na nila ang eleksyon.

Dahil dito, noong 2004, sumagad ang pagkakabaon sa utang ng NAPOCOR. Napilitan ang pambansang gobyerno na sagutin ang dalawandaang bilyong pisong utang nito.

Ang inakala ng taumbayan na natipid nila sa kuryente ay binabayaran din natin mula sa kaban ng bayan. May gastos na tayo sa kuryente, binabayaran pa natin ang dagdag na pagkakautang ng gobyerno.

Kung naging matino ang pag-utang, sana’y nadagdagan ang ating kasiguruhan sa supply ng kuryente. Pero ang desisyon ay ibinatay sa maling pulitika, at hindi sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Ang taumbayan, matapos pinagsakripisyo ay lalo pang pinahirapan.

Ganito rin po ang nangyari sa MRT. Sinubukan na namang bilhin ang ating pagmamahal. Pinilit ang operator na panatilihing mababa ang pamasahe.

Hindi tuloy nagampanan ang garantiyang ibinigay sa operator na mababawi nila ang kanilang puhunan. Dahil dito, inutusan ang Landbank at Development Bank of the Philippines na bilhin ang MRT.

Ang pera ng taumbayan, ipinagpalit sa isang naluluging operasyon.

Dumako naman po tayo sa pondo ng NFA.

Noong 2004: 117,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply ng Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 900,000 metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit pitong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra pa rin ang binili nila.

Noong 2007: 589,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply sa Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 1.827 million metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit tatlong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra na naman ang binili nila.

Ang masakit nito, dahil sobra-sobra ang binibili nila taun-taon, nabubulok lang pala sa mga kamalig ang bigas, kagaya ng nangyari noong 2008.

Hindi po ba krimen ito, na hinahayaan nilang mabulok ang bigas, sa kabila ng apat na milyong Pilipinong hindi kumakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?

Ang resulta nito, umabot na sa 171.6 billion pesos ang utang ng NFA noong Mayo ng taong ito.

Ang tinapon na ito, halos puwede na sanang pondohan ang mga sumusunod:

Ang budget ng buong Hudikatura, na 12.7 billion pesos sa taong ito.

Ang Conditional Cash Transfers para sa susunod na taon, na nagkakahalaga ng 29.6 billion pesos.

Ang lahat ng classroom na kailangan ng ating bansa, na nagkakahalaga ng 130 billion pesos.

Kasuklam-suklam ang kalakarang ito. Pera na, naging bato pa.

Narinig po ninyo kung paano nilustay ang kaban ng bayan. Ang malinaw po sa ngayon: ang anumang pagbabago ay magmumula sa pagsiguro natin na magwawakas na ang pagiging maluho at pagwawaldas.

Kaya nga po mula ngayon: ititigil na natin ang paglulustay sa salapi ng bayan. Tatanggalin natin ang mga proyektong mali.

Ito po ang punto ng tinatawag nating zero-based approach sa ating budget. Ang naging kalakaran po, taun-taon ay inuulit lamang ang budget na puno ng tagas. Dadagdagan lang nang konti, puwede na.

Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon.

Ilan lang ito sa mga natuklasan nating problema. Heto naman po ang ilang halimbawa ng mga hakbang na ginagawa natin.

Nandiyan po ang kaso ng isang may-ari ng sanglaan. Bumili siya ng sasakyang tinatayang nasa dalawampu’t anim na milyong piso ang halaga.

Kung kaya mong bumili ng Lamborghini, bakit hindi mo kayang magbayad ng buwis?

Nasampahan na po ito ng kaso. Sa pangunguna nina Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares at Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, bawat linggo po ay may bago tayong kasong isinasampa kontra sa mga smuggler at sa mga hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis.

Natukoy na rin po ang salarin sa mga kaso nina Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio at Miguel Belen, tatlo sa anim na insidente ng extralegal killings mula nang umupo tayo.

Singkuwenta porsyento po ng mga insidente ng extralegal killings ang patungo na sa kanilang resolusyon.

Ang natitira pong kalahati ay hindi natin tatantanan ang pag-usig hanggang makamit ang katarungan.

Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno.

Nagsimula nang mabuo ang ating Truth Commission, sa pangunguna ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Hahanapin natin ang katotohanan sa mga nangyari diumanong katiwalian noong nakaraang siyam na taon.

Sa loob ng linggong ito, pipirmahan ko ang kauna-unahang Executive Order na nagtatalaga sa pagbuo nitong Truth Commission.

Kung ang sagot sa kawalan ng katarungan ay pananagutan, ang sagot naman sa kakulangan natin sa pondo ay mga makabago at malikhaing paraan para tugunan ang mga pagkatagal-tagal nang problema.

Napakarami po ng ating pangangailangan: mula sa edukasyon, imprastruktura, pangkalusugan, pangangailangan ng militar at kapulisan, at marami pang iba. Hindi kakasya ang pondo para mapunan ang lahat ng ito.

Kahit gaano po kalaki ang kakulangan para mapunan ang mga listahan ng ating pangangailangan, ganado pa rin ako dahil marami nang nagpakita ng panibagong interes at kumpyansa sa Pilipinas.

Ito ang magiging solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships. Kahit wala pa pong pirmahang nangyayari dito, masasabi kong maganda ang magiging bunga ng maraming usapin ukol dito.

May mga nagpakita na po ng interes, gustong magtayo ng expressway na mula Maynila, tatahak ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, hanggang sa dulo ng Cagayan Valley nang hindi gugugol ang estado kahit na po piso.

Sa larangan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas:

Mayroon po tayong 36,000 nautical miles ng baybayin. Ang mayroon lamang tayo: tatlumpu’t dalawang barko. Itong mga barkong ito, panahon pa ni MacArthur.

May nagmungkahi sa atin, ito ang proposisyon: uupahan po nila ang headquarters ng Navy sa Roxas Boulevard at ang Naval Station sa Fort Bonifacio.

Sagot po nila ang paglipat ng Navy Headquarters sa Camp Aguinaldo. Agaran, bibigyan tayo ng isandaang milyong dolyar. At dagdag pa sa lahat nang iyan, magsusubi pa sila sa atin ng kita mula sa mga negosyong itatayo nila sa uupahan nilang lupa.

Sa madali pong sabi: Makukuha natin ang kailangan natin, hindi tatayo gagastos, kikita pa tayo.

Marami na pong nag-alok at nagmungkahi sa atin, mula lokal hanggang dayuhang negosyante, na magpuno ng iba’t ibang pangangailangan.

Mula sa mga public-private partnerships na ito, lalago ang ating ekonomiya, at bawat Pilipino makikinabang. Napakaraming sektor na matutulungan nito.

Maipapatayo na po ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin para palaguin ang turismo.

Sa agrikultura, makapagtatayo na tayo ng mga grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, maayos na road networks at post-harvest facilities.

Kung maisasaayos natin ang ating food supply chain sa tulong ng pribadong sektor, sa halip na mag-angkat tayo ay maari na sana tayong mangarap na mag-supply sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Kung maitatayo ang minumungkahi sa ating railway system, bababa ang presyo ng bilihin. Mas mura, mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at makakaiwas pa sa kotong cops at mga kumokotong na rebelde ang mga bumibiyahe.

Paalala lang po: una sa ating plataporma ang paglikha ng mga trabaho, at nanggagaling ang trabaho sa paglago ng industriya. Lalago lamang ang industriya kung gagawin nating mas malinis, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawa ang proseso para sa mga gustong magnegosyo.

Pabibilisin natin ang proseso ng mga proyektong sumasailalim sa Build-Operate-Transfer. Sa tulong ng lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno at ng mga mamamayan, pabababain natin sa anim na buwan ang proseso na noon ay inaabot ng taon kung hindi dekada.

May mga hakbang na rin pong sinisimulan ang DTI, sa pamumuno ni Secretary Gregory Domingo:

Ang walang-katapusang pabalik-balik sa proseso ng pagrehistro ng pangalan ng kumpanya, na kada dalaw ay umaabot ng apat hanggang walong oras, ibababa na natin sa labinlimang minuto.

Ang dating listahan ng tatlumpu’t anim na dokumento, ibababa natin sa anim. Ang dating walong pahinang application form, ibababa natin sa isang pahina.

Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs. Habang naghahanap tayo ng paraan para gawing mas mabilis ang pagbubukas ng mga negosyo, pag-aralan din sana nila ang kanilang mga proseso. Kailangan itong gawing mas mabilis, at kailangan itong itugma sa mga sinisumulan nating reporma.

Negosyante, sundalo, rebelde, at karaniwang Pilipino, lahat po makikinabang dito. Basta po hindi dehado ang Pilipino, papasukin po natin lahat iyan. Kailangan na po nating simulan ang pagtutulungan para makamit ito. Huwag nating pahirapan ang isa’t isa.

Parating na po ang panahon na hindi na natin kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng seguridad ng ating mamamayan o sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak.

Oras na maipatupad ang public-private partnerships na ito, mapopondohan ang mga serbisyong panlipunan, alinsunod sa ating plataporma.

Magkakapondo na po para maipatupad ang mga plano natin sa edukasyon.

Mapapalawak natin ang basic education cycle mula sa napakaikling sampung taon tungo sa global standard na labindalawang taon.

Madadagdagan natin ang mga classroom. Mapopondohan natin ang service contracting sa ilalim ng GASTPE.

Pati ang conditional cash transfers, na magbabawas ng pabigat sa bulsa ng mga pamilya, madadagdan na rin ng pondo.

Maipapatupad ang plano natin sa PhilHealth.

Una, tutukuyin natin ang tunay na bilang ng mga nangangailangan nito. Sa ngayon, hindi magkakatugma ang datos. Sabi ng PhilHealth sa isang bibig, walumpu’t pitong porsyento na raw ang merong coverage. Sa kabilang bibig naman, singkuwenta’y tres porsyento naman. Ayon naman sa National Statistics Office, tatlumpu’t walong porsyento ang may coverage.

Ngayon pa lang, kumikilos na si Secretary Dinky Soliman at ang DSWD upang ipatupad ang National Household Targetting System, na magtutukoy sa mga pamilyang higit na nagangailangan ng tulong. Tinatayang siyam na bilyon ang kailangan para mabigyan ng PhilHealth ang limang milyong pinakamaralitang pamilyang Pilipino.

Napakaganda po ng hinaharap natin. Kasama na po natin ang pribadong sektor, at kasama na rin natin ang League of Provinces, sa pangunguna nina Governor Alfonso Umali kasama sina Governor L-Ray Villafuerte at Governor Icot Petilla. Handa na pong makipagtulungan para makibahagi sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin. Alam ko rin pong hindi magpapahuli ang League of Cities sa pangunguna ni Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.

Kung ang mga gobyernong lokal ay nakikiramay na sa ating mga adhikain, ang Kongreso namang pinanggalingan ko, siguro naman maasahan ko din.

Nagpakitang-gilas na po ang gabinete sa pagtukoy ng ating mga problema at sa paglulunsad ng mga solusyon sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo.

Nang bagyo pong Basyang, ang sabi sa atin ng mga may prangkisa sa kuryente, apat na araw na walang kuryente. Dahil sa mabilis na pagkilos ni Secretary Rene Almendras at ng Department of Energy, naibalik ang kuryente sa halos lahat sa loob lamang ng beinte-kwatro oras.

Ito pong sinasabing kakulangan sa tubig sa Metro Manila, kinilusan agad ni Secretary Rogelio Singson at ng DPWH. Hindi na siya naghintay ng utos, kaya nabawasan ang perwisyo.

Nakita na rin natin ang gilas ng mga hinirang nating makatulong sa Gabinete. Makatuwiran naman po sigurong umasa na hindi na sila padadaanin sa butas ng karayom para makumpirma ng Commission on Appointments. Kung mangyayari po ito, marami pa sa mga mahuhusay na Pilipino ang maeengganyong magsilbi sa gobyerno.

Sa lalong madaling panahon po, uupo na tayo sa LEDAC at pag-uusapan ang mga mahahalagang batas na kailangan nating ipasa. Makakaasa kayo na mananatiling bukas ang aking isipan, at ang ating ugnayan ay mananatiling tapat.

Isinusulong po natin ang Fiscal Responsibility Bill, kung saan hindi tayo magpapasa ng batas na mangangailangan ng pondo kung hindi pa natukoy ang panggagalingan nito. May 104.1 billion pesos tayong kailangan para pondohan ang mga batas na naipasa na, ngunit hindi maipatupad.

Kailangan din nating isaayos ang mga insentibong piskal na ibinigay noong nakaraan. Ngayong naghihigpit tayo ng sinturon, kailangang balikan kung alin sa mga ito ang dapat manatili at kung ano ang dapat nang itigil.

Huwag po tayong pumayag na magkaroon ng isa pang NBN-ZTE. Sa lokal man o dayuhan manggagaling ang pondo, dapat dumaan ito sa tamang proseso. Hinihingi ko po ang tulong ninyo upang amiyendahan ang ating Procurement Law.

Ayon po sa Saligang Batas, tungkulin ng estado ang siguruhing walang lamangan sa merkado. Bawal ang monopolya, bawal ang mga cartel na sasakal sa kumpetisyon. Kailangan po natin ng isang Anti-Trust Law na magbibigay-buhay sa mga prinsipyong ito. Ito ang magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga Small- at Medium-scale Enterprises na makilahok at tumulong sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.

Ipasa na po natin ang National Land Use Bill.

Una rin pong naging batas ng Commonwealth ang National Defense Act, na ipinasa noon pang 1935. Kailangan nang palitan ito ng batas na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng pambansang seguridad sa kasalukuyan.

Nakikiusap po akong isulong ang Whistleblower’s Bill upang patuloy nang iwaksi ang kultura ng takot at pananahimik.

Palalakasin pa lalo ang Witness Protection Program. Alalahanin po natin na noong taong 2009 hanggang 2010, may nahatulan sa 95% ng mga kaso kung saan may witness na sumailalim sa programang ito.

Kailangang repasuhin ang ating mga batas. Nanawagan po akong umpisahan na ang rekodipikasyon ng ating mga batas, upang siguruhing magkakatugma sila at hindi salu-salungat.

Ito pong mga batas na ito ang batayan ng kaayusan, ngunit ang pundasyon ng lahat ng ginagawa natin ay ang prinsipyong wala tayong mararating kung walang kapayapaan at katahimikan.

Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.

Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.

Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?

Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Mag-usap tayo.

Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.

Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.

Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan.

Inaasahan ko po ang ating mga kaibigan sa media, lalo na sa radyo at sa print, sa mga nagbablock-time, at sa community newspapers, kayo na po mismo ang magbantay sa inyong hanay.

Mabigyang-buhay sana ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng inyong bokasyon: ang magbigay-linaw sa mahahalagang isyu; ang maging patas at makatotohanan, at ang itaas ang antas ng pampublikong diskurso.

Tungkulin po ng bawat Pilipino na tutukan ang mga pinunong tayo rin naman ang nagluklok sa puwesto. Humakbang mula sa pakikialam tungo sa pakikilahok. Dahil ang nakikialam, walang-hanggan ang reklamo. Ang nakikilahok, nakikibahagi sa solusyon.

Napakatagal na pong namamayani ang pananaw na ang susi sa asenso ay ang intindihin ang sarili kaysa intindihin ang kapwa. Malinaw po sa akin: paano tayo aasenso habang nilalamangan ang kapwa?

Ang hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataong mag-aral, paanong makakakuha ng trabaho? Kung walang trabaho, paanong magiging konsumer? Paanong mag-iimpok sa bangko?

Ngunit kung babaliktarin natin ang pananaw—kung iisipin nating “Dadagdagan ko ang kakayahan ng aking kapwa”—magbubunga po ito, at ang lahat ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon.

Maganda na po ang nasimulan natin. At mas lalong maganda po ang mararating natin. Ngunit huwag nating kalimutan na mayroong mga nagnanasang hindi tayo magtagumpay. Dahil kapag hindi tayo nagtagumpay, makakabalik na naman sila sa kapangyarihan, at sa pagsasamantala sa taumbayan.

Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin?

Ang mandato nating nakuha sa huling eleksyon ay patunay na umaasa pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagbabago. Iba na talaga ang situwasyon. Puwede na muling mangarap. Tayo nang tumungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pinangarap.

Maraming salamat po.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Use of Internet Technology

2010-06-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

Malaki ang impluwensiya ng Internet technology sa buhay ng maraming kabataan. Halos lahat ng estudyante sa urban areas ay mayroong Friendster, Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler o Multiply accounts. Idagdag mo pa ang Skype at Yahoo/Gmail Video Chat kung saan nakikipag-usap sila sa kanilang mga kaibigan kahit ang mga ito ay nasa ibang panig ng daigdig. Marami ang nagugumon sa online games dahil sa kakaibang “thrill” at “excitement” na dulot ng Internet competition. Hindi rin nagkukulang ang mga mobile phone companies ng mga estratehiya upang pagsamba-samahin ang mga magagandang applications sa isang modelo ng cellphone.

Paano natin dapat tingnan at gamitin ang teknolohiya? Tandaan natin na kahit marami itong benepisyong maaring ibigay sa ating ministeryo, may mga panahong kailangang maghinay-hinay tayo sa paggamit nito. Technology has its downsides.

The technology must enhance, not replace personal interaction – Although we can build a community through social networking sites, it should never supplant real-life relationships. Ang isang samahan na hindi nabuo sa pamamagitan ng malapit at personal na pakikipagniig ay nakatuntong sa buhangin na pundasyon. Kaduda-duda ang mga pag-iibigan umano na tumindi sa pamamagitan ng SMS at Chat. Maraming kabataan ang nagsasabing “in-love” na sila dahil sa mga jejemon na love notes ng kanilang textmate. Huwag umasa sa pakikipag-text kung puwede namang mag-usap nang personal.

Know the costs of using the technology - Maaring libre ang applications o website hosting na ginagamit ng inyong ministeryo subalit may kakabit pa rin itong non-financial costs. For instance, you need to invest time to upload/download pictures, answer email messages, engage in Facebook chat counselling, among others. Producing fresh ideas and relevant contents for your blogs/website also requires intellectual energy. Kung hindi kaya ang demands na hinihingi ng isang teknolohiya, maaring ibigay ito sa isang taong maaaring tumutok sa trabaho.

Use a technology that is appropriate for your group. Huwag ipilit ang isang bagay kung hindi pa akma sa inyong sitwasyon. Mahirap iyong sumasabay lang sa uso. Bakit ka gagawa ng Facebook account para sa iyong youth group kung wala naman silang access sa Internet? Use the technology kapag talagang kailangan na. Baka puwedeng text-text na lang muna. Nonetheless, if you want your group to have Internet presence, you can create a dormant website or social networking account. There is no harm in being forward-looking.

Know that the Internet is a jungle. Huwag agad maniniwala sa mga nababasang Web articles. Confirm and verify the sources first. Beware of posers and email fraud. Maraming online personalities ang maaring magpanggap na iyong kamag-anak. Huwag agad maniniwala sa mga mensaheng nakukuha sa kanila hangga’t hindi nakukumpirma. Nagkalat din ang ang mga email scams na nagsasabing nanalo ka ng P10M at nanghihingi ng salapi upang makuha ang iyong napanalunan. Don’t be gullible. Huwag agad papadala sa ganitong mga imbitasyon. Also, maari kang dalhin ng iyong pagreresearch sa mga lugar na hindi mo dapat pinupuntahan (i.e. pornographic and violent websites). Siguraduhing matatag ang iyong spiritual life sa paggalugad sa mundo ng Internet dahil maaari kang madala ng tukso na bubulaga sa iyo.

Be careful about the information you upload/post– Huwag maglalagay ng mga impormasyong maaaring makaapekto sa inyong privacy. Be discreet in uploading pictures. Maging mag-ingat din sa pagsusulat ng opinyon sa mga discussion boards at blogsites. Kapag naisulat na, maaring hindi na mabura. Huwag pag-usapan virtually ang mga seryosong bagay na mas mabuting pag-usapan nang personal. Maaring maiba ang interpretasyon ng isang tao sa pangungusap na iyong naisulat. Walang instant reaction sa virtual communication. Hindi mo agad malilinaw ang mga bagay na malabo para sa iba. At kapag ganun ang mangyari, your silence maybe misconstrued as something else. Dito minsan nagsisimula ang miscommunication.

EDUCATION AND ITS PURPOSES by Randy David

2010-06-05T00:14:00.001-07:00

AFTER I FINISHED HIGH SCHOOL, THERE was only one career that my father had in mind for me: law. And there was only one school in which he thought I should get an education: the University of the Philippines. His lifelong dream was for me to follow in his footsteps. I had no problem embracing that dream. He was a fine lawyer, passionate about his profession. He believed that, with the right kind of training, I could be a great lawyer. In the eyes of my family, therefore, the whole purpose of my education was to continue my father’s legacy.

But his choice of UP puzzled me. My father was a product of Catholic schools. And like every parent with great ambitions for his children, he was not unaware of UP’s long-standing reputation as a spawning ground for atheists, communists and violent frat men. This did not bother him at all. He was of that generation for whom nation-building was a religion. He believed that a UP education would not only make me a good lawyer; it would also, more importantly, instill in me an enduring commitment to the Filipino nation. My father sent me to UP to make sure I would serve not just family but, above all, country.

UP introduced me not just to nationalism but to the broader world of learning, to the sheer pleasure of acquiring a new pair of eyes with every new paradigm. Before I realized it, I was cultivating intellectual interests that had nothing to do with a career in law. Literature, philosophy and the social sciences opened new horizons for me that I found intrinsically fulfilling. To cut a long story short, I ended up being a professor rather than a lawyer. My family had a hard time imagining how being a sociologist could be a profession.

There is a simple point to this story. Education means many things to many people. To a family, it spells the difference between being trapped in poverty and having a rewarding job. To a government, education is a crucial instrument for molding young people into productive and loyal citizens. But to teachers like me, education is, more than anything else, an open-ended adventure into the world of ideas. What appeals to me is not so much the practical task of forming professionals—important as that is—but the sense of exploration and discovery, of critique and experimentation that I try to nurture in my students. As a professor of many years, I have drawn more satisfaction from students who can look upon learning as the wondrous unfolding of a new world, than from those who spend all their time chasing after grades and honors.

I think the best possible condition for learning is precisely when students lose themselves in a subject enough to forget to ask what its practical value might be. By the same token, I also believe an educational system works best when it is able to do its work autonomously—that is, when it can resist co-optation by other institutional systems that seek to harness it to their own myopic agenda. This is not to say that an educational system can afford to be blind to demands from its environment. It is to say rather that an educational system can perceive more and respond better to complexity when it surveys its environment through the prism of its own function, rather than through the prisms of other systems. To do otherwise is to compromise the very meaning of education. Some examples might help to illustrate this.

Not too long ago, every college or university in the country tried to cash in on the thriving global market for nurses. Almost overnight, nursing schools sprouted or expanded, drawing scarce resources away from courses and degree programs that had no immediate market value. The curriculum was re-arranged to make room for those skills that were needed in hospitals abroad, while the general education courses were trimmed down to a minimum. Then, almost without warning, the nursing market crashed, leaving in its wake thousands of unemployed graduates and desperate students who had borrowed money to pay the high tuition being charged.

One would think this is a disguised blessing for a country where the health needs of the many have remained unattended. But the truth is that the local absorption of surplus nurses is not automatic. Hospital-based skills are very different from those needed in rural settings where the majority of underserved Filipinos live. This lack of fit has given us one of the greatest ironies of our time—an army of unemployed nurses waiting for work in a society where more than half of the people die without the benefit of health professional attention.

Yesterday, the demand was for nurses. Today, the call is for personnel for the fast-growing business and knowledge process outsourcing industry. This industry delivers more varied services than those associated with “call centers.” There is a growing demand for graduates who are not just proficient in English but also have basic training in computer applications, statistics project management, data analysis and interpretation. One can almost anticipate how schools may once again try to tinker with existing curricula—instead of, for instance, being content with offering supplementary certificate courses—just to accommodate this surge in demand from the latest employer.

Nothing could be more disastrous for a nation’s educational system than to fasten its curricula to whatever is the current flavor in a rapidly changing global market. The function of education is to prepare people to live in the future. If students were trained merely to live in the present, that would be tantamount to teaching them to live in the past.

Link: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20100605-273901/Education-and-its-purposes

Ang Aking Pagsusuri sa Resulta ng 2010 Presidential Election

2010-05-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

Kahit hindi pa tapos ang trabaho ng Kongreso bilang National Board of Canvassers, alam na natin (o tanggap na) kung sino ang nanalo bilang bagong president ng bansa. Others may question the integrity of the PCOS machines, but they cannot deny the fact that people were generally satisfied with election results. This is my analysis of the result of the presidential election.

Noynoy Aquino - Malaki ang papel ng kaniyang pagiging “Mr. Clean” upang makuha niya ang mahigit 14M na boto. Nanganino rin siya sa magandang reputasyon ng kaniyang ama at ina. Dahil sa matinding problema ng korupsyon sa ating bansa, naghanap ang sambayanan ng isang taong may “karakter” kahit walang nakakabilib na “track record” o galing sa pagsasalita. Nakaabang ngayon kay Noynoy ang napakalaking expectations ng sambayanan. Kailangan niyang patunayan ang kaniyang “competence” bilang pangulo sa kabila ng mga batikos na wala siyang naipasang batas sa Kongreso at hindi naiangat ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka sa Hacienda Luisita. If he cannot have a good and strong cabinet, mahihirapan siyang daigin ang puwersa na kakalaban sa kaniya mula sa Kongreso at Senado. Iniintriga na rin ang tambalan nila ng dark horse VP candidate na si Jejomar Binay.

Erap Estrada- May “magic” pa rin ang bigotilyong artista. Pinatunayan ng eleksyon na isang “Middle Class” uprising ang EDSA 2. Hindi mapapasubalian ang mahigit 8M na bumoto sa kaniya dahil sa lakas ng kaniyang “appeal” sa mga botante sa probinsiya at sa mga urban poor sa Kamaynilaan. Sa isang ngang dokumentaryo, ibinoto si Erap ng ina ng isang batang endorser ni Manny Vilar. Kung hindi nakipagkumpetensiya si Villar sa slogan na pang-mahirap, maaring mas mataas pa ang botong kaniyang nakuha. Nakakabiglang marami pa rin ang naniniwala sa kaniya sa kabila ng PLUNDER Case na ipinataw sa kaniya at napatunayan sa Sandiganbayan. Mapagpatawad talaga ang mga Pinoy. Nagbago rin ang kaniyang slogan mula sa “Erap para sa Mahirap” patungo sa “Kung may ERAP, may Ginhawa!”. Hindi lang malinaw sa akin kung mas inangat niya ang pagtingin sa mga mahihirap. Ang pagkatalo ni Estrada ang huli na niyang laban sa pagkapangulo. Pero hindi ibig sabihin, mawawala siya sa political limelight lalo na ngayong may tatlong aktibong Estrada sa gobyerno—ang kaniyang asawa at anak na mayor at Congressman ng San Juan at si Jinggoy na siyang pinakamalakas na “fiscalizer” sa senado.

Manny Villar – Matalino na ang mga botante ngayon. Hindi napaniwala ni Villar ang sambayanan na hindi niya babawiin ang bilyon-bilyong ginastos sa kampanya kapag siya ay manalo sa pagkapangulo. Matagumpay din ang demolition jobs ng media sa kaniya. Kaya mula sa ikalawang puwesto sa survey, bigla siyang naungusan ni Erap sa mga natitirang 3 linggo patungo sa araw ng eleksyon. Nakuwestiyon din ang kaniyang “paglangoy sa dagat ng basura”. Madaling natanggap ni Villar ang kaniyang pagkatalo dahil, ayon sa kaniya, hindi kayang labanan ang tadhana—kung talagang hindi siya mananalo, hindi siya mananalo. Masayang-masaya naman ang mga TV stations at online social networking sites sa ipinasok na pera ng kaniyang kandidatura. Nakatatak na rin ang lyrics at tono ng kaniyang mga campaign jingles sa pahina ng kasaysayan (katulad ng Mambo Magsaysay). Malaki ang posibilidad na bumalik sa pagiging Senate president at maging opposition leader si Villar sa termino ni Aquino. Abangan natin kung paano niya lilinisin ang kaniyang pangalan at haharapin ang lahat ng kontrobersiya na ipinukol sa kaniya noong eleksyon.

Gibo Teodoro – Malakas ang “appeal” niya sa mga estudyante at intelligentsia. Pero hindi sapat ang "galing at talino" para sa sambayanang Filipino. Hindi naiwaglit sa isipan ng marami na isa siyang “administration candidate". Na isang "kiss of death" ang iendorso ng partido ni GMA. Hindi sapat ang mga "assurances" mula kay Gibo na magiging independent president. Naroon ang takot na kung siya ay malulukluk sa puwesto, maaring balewalain niya ang mga kaso na maaring isampa laban kay GMA. Nakaapekto din ang pagkakahati ng kaniyang partido sa paglapit ng eleksyon. Ang suportang ipinangako sa kaniya ng mga local chief executives ay biglang naglaho dahil nagpulasan sila at kumampi sa partido ni Aquino at Villar. Hindi lang iyon, bahagi rin siya ng pamilya Aquino, na kaniyang kinalaban sa ngalan ng pulitika. Bilib ako kay Gibo dahil siya lamang ang kandidatong hindi nagpaanod sa normal na “negativities” ng pangangampanya. A real gentleman sa pagsasalita at kilos. Ang aking payo, maghanda na siya for 2016 kung nangangarap pa siyang maging presidente. Bata pa naman siya.

Dick Gordon – I consider Gordon as a transformational leader. Lahat ng hawakan niyang posisyon sa gobyerno ay talagang mahusay niyang nagagampanan. Napaunlad niya ang Subic sa loob lamang ng ilang taon. Tumingkad ang turismo sa bansa dahil sa kaniyang WOW Philippines program. Naging bahagi rin siya ng negotiation team upang mapalaya ang ilang bihag ng Abu Sayyaf sa Mindanao. Isa rin siyang aktibong volunteer ng Red Cross at sumasama sa mga mapanganib na operations ng organisasyon lalo na noong salantahin ang bansa ni Ondoy at Pepeng. Sa kabila ng kaniyang napakagandang record ng paglilingkod sa bayan, hindi niya nabihag ang imahinasyon ng sambayanan. Ang kaniyang “confidence” ay napagkakamalang “kayabangan”, na sadyang mahirap paghiwalayin. Para sa iba “napakalakas” ng kaniyang leadership drive na maaring humantong sa pagiging diktador. Pati slogan ng Partido Bagong Bayan ay matigas ang dating – “Sigurado, Titino Tayo!” Mas lalong napatibay ang kaniyang imahe nang madikit siya kay Bayani Fernando na kilala rin sa pagkakaroon ng matigas na prinsipyo.

Eddie Villanueva –Hindi mahirap para sa Bangon Pilipinas na mag-tawag ng libo-libong tao sa Luneta upang mag-rally dahil isa ito sa mga lakas ni ECV bilang pastor ng Jesus is Lord Church. Pero ito ang nakakapagtaka: bagaman inaangkin ng Bangon na mayroong 3M miyembro ang JIL, kabaligtaran ito ng larawan ng bumoto para kay ECV. Madaling magsabing may dayaang nangyari. Pero mahirap hanapin ang mga botong, sa simula pa, ay wala na talaga. Masyadong “utopian” para sa akin ang slogan ng Bangon at deklarasyon ni ECV sa mga press conferences kung paano niya babaguhin ang bansa. If you don’t know the internal dynamics of Philippine politics, you can easily declare statements which are implausible. Hindi tanggap ng sambayanan ang mga may "Messianic complex." Sa kabila ng lahat, kung hindi man nagtagumpay si ECV sa kaniyang kandidatura, naipakita naman ng Bangon na ang mga “evangelical Christians” sa bansa ay dapat lumahok sa proseso ng pulitika at maghain ng mga rebolusyunaryo at alternatibong plataporma.

Nicky Perlas, Jamby Madrigal at JC delos Reyes – Sila ang "bottom three" at itinuturing na mga "alternative candidates" kabilang si ECV. Nakakatawa dahil mas marami pang nakuhang suporta ang na-disqualified na si Vetellano Acosta kaysa pinagsama-sama nilang boto. Hindi gamay ng tao ang kandidatura ni Perlas dahil sa kakulangan ng makinarya upang maisulong ang kaniyang programa. Nabigo siya dahil hindi siya kilala at hindi naihanda ang kaniyang makinarya para sa halalang pambansa. Lumutang naman ang usapin na kaya tumakbo si Jamby ay upang mabawasan ang boto ni Manny Villar na kaniyang mortal na kaaway sa Senado. Malaking dagok sa kaniyang kandidatura ang alitan nila ni Judy Ann Santos na sinasabing ginamit lamang niya upang manalong senador noong 2004. Masyado namang bata (sa edad at karanasan) si delos Reyes upang makumbinsi ang sambayanan na kaya na niyang maging pangulo. Napaka-long shot ng kaniyang kandidatura (mula Olongapo papuntang Malacanang).

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Helping the Poor and the Needy

2010-04-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

Isa sa pinaka-exciting na gawin sa youth ministry ang tumulong sa mga taong nangangailangan ng kalinga. Isang makabuluhang bagay sa mga kabataan na maramdaman nila kung paano magministeryo sa mga mahihirap.

Social action is one way of getting the young people "out of their comfort zones" for them to know the real meaning of the Great Commission ("Go and preach the gospel to all") and the Great Commandment ("you shall love your neighbor"). Ito ang misyon ng Panginoon nang siya ay magkatawang-tao at ialay ang kaniyang buhay para sa lahat:

The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1-MKJV)

Kalooban ng Panginoon na palayain sa kahirapan, espirituwal o pisikal man, ang lahat ng tao. Malapit ang Diyos hindi lamang sa mga “poor in spirit” kung hindi maging sa mga “poor in material needs”. When God said to his disciples that “the poor will always be with you” (John 12:8), He was explaining to them that poverty will never cease. This is the reason, we should always lend a hand to those who are physically and spiritually poor.

Ito rin ang sinasaad ng Lausanne Covenant, isang kasunduan ng mga iglesyang Cristiano mula sa 150 bansa, tungkol sa pagtulong sa mga mahihirap at pagpapalaganap ng Mabuting Balita ng Kaligtasan sa buong mundo.

"...Although reconciliation with other people is not reconciliation with God, nor is social action evangelism, nor is political liberation salvation, nevertheless we affirm that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty. For both are necessary expressions of our doctrines of God and man, our love for our neighbour and our obedience to Jesus Christ. The message of salvation implies also a message of judgment upon every form of alienation, oppression and discrimination, and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist...The salvation we claim should be transforming us in the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead. (Acts 17:26,31; Genesis 18:25; Isaiah 1:17; Psalms 45:7; Genesis 1:26,27; James. 3:9; Leviticus 19:18; Luke 6:27,35; James 2:14-26; John 3:3,5; Matthew 5:20; 6:33; 2 Cor. 3:18; James 2:20) (italics mine)

The proclamation of the Gospel should go hand in hand with social care. Bagaman ang pagdedeklara ng Balita ng Kaligtasan ang unang responsibilidad ng bawat mananampalataya, kailangan mapatunayan ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa kababayan nating nangangailangan. Our preaching must be validated by social action. Responsibilidad ng bawat Cristiano na tumulong sa kaniyang kapwa.

TUMULONG SA WASTO AT MATALINONG PARAAN
May mga lungsod sa Metro Manila na ipinagbabawal ang pagbibigay ng limos sa mga pulubi sa kadahilanang mas nalalapit sila sa disgrasya lalo na ang mga batang kalye. Minsan, may pumapasok na lamang sa loob ng jeep, nagpapahid ng mga sapatos ng mga pasahero tsaka isasahod ang kamay. Mayroon namang natutuwa kapag tag-ulan dahil may business silang “windshield wash”. Sa tuwing sasapit ang Pasko, may bubulaga na lang sa bintana ng sasakyan mo na mga batang nangangaroling. Ang tanong: paano natin dapat tulungan ang mga namamalimos? Kailangang sa panahon pa lamang ng ating kabataan ay maintindihan na natin ang karunungan sa tamang pagtulong.

Pagkain, Hindi Pera
Nakaugalian kong magbigay ng pagkaing limos at hindi pera dahil sa ilang hindi makakalimutang karanasan. Minsan, nilapitan ako ng isang gusgusing bata na nanghihingi ng piso. Piso lang. Nagtaka ako kung bakit piso lang at bakit may presyo pa. Iyon pala, taktika niya iyon para makarami. Very effective naman siya dahil nang binigyan ko siya nang piso, nakahingi rin siya ng piso sa ibang tao. Ito ang problema: ipinansugal niya ang pera kasama ang kaniyang mga kabarkada nang makita ko siya sa hindi kalayuan. Sa isip ko: parang binigyan ko lang ng pansugal ang batang iyon ah!

Habang kumakain naman ako sa food court ng isang mall, may lumapit sa aking batang lalake na mga edad 8 hanggang 10. Nanghihingi rin ng pera. Wala daw siyang pangkain. Kinausap ko muna siya at tinanong kung saan nakatira at bakit siya nanlilimos. Habang kinakausap ko siya, angat siya nang angat ng kaniyang short pants. Iyon pala, hirap na hirap na siya sa bigat ng mga baryang nasa bulsa niya! Noong sinabi ko sa kaniya na marami na pala siyang pera, nahiya siya sa akin at biglang umalis.

The Lord instructed his disciples to be harmless as doves but be wise as serpents. Kailangang maging matalino tayo sa pagtulong. If we will help those who are in need, we should know their needs. Bakit ba sila namamalimos? Madalas, hindi nila makuha ang kanilang mga basic needs—pagkain, damit, tirahan. Wala namang sigurong manlilimos para makabili ng cellphone. Kung basic needs ang kailangan nila, dapat basic needs din ang ibigay natin. This is the reason, I do not easily give money sa mga nanlilimos. Madalas, pagkain ang ibinibigay ko, bata o matandang pulubi. Kung walang pagkain, hindi ako nagbibigay ng malaking halaga kung hindi iyong sapat lamang upang makabili sila ng pantawid-gutom.

We must also be aware of the negative schemes of some. Marami sa mga namamalimos na mga kabataan ay hawak ng mga masasamang elemento ng lipunan. Ilang beses na ba nating napapanood sa telebisyon at pelikula kung ano ang buhay ng mga pulubing inaabuso ng mga sindikato. Sometimes, they do not have a choice. Marami sa mga kabataan ay napipilitang mamalimos dahil pinupuwersa ng kanilang mga abusadong magulang. Kung tutulungan natin sila, kailangan nating siguraduhin na hindi mapupunta sa wala ang ating itutulong. Mahirap mang gawin, kailangang isaisip natin kung paano makakatulong sa binigyan natin ng limos ang ating tulong.

Mag-Ipon para sa isang Proyekto
Hindi ko makakalimutan ang ginagawa ng isa kong kaibigan sa haiskul tuwing sasapit ang Pasko. Namimigay siya ng mga damit at laruan sa mga pulubi. Alam ninyo ba saan niya kinukuha ang kaniyang pinamimigay? Iyong mga napapanalunan niya sa mga contest sa FM stations sa loob ng ilang buwan. Minsan, para hindi mahalata na siya na lang lagi ang nananalo, kami naman ang pinapasali niya. Minsan napuno namin ang isang steel cabinet ng prizes mula sa mga contests. Kilala na nga kami sa mga FM stations dahil pabalik-balik kami sa pagkuha ng mga prizes. Pero talagang enjoy siya! We can think of ways kung paano tayo magkakaroon ng pantulong. Puwede tayong mag-ipon ng barya na ilalagay sa alkansiya, pagkatapos ay ibibili ng pagkain o damit sa mga mahihirap. Maari rin naman tayong magkaroon ng fund-raising para sa ating target beneficiaries.

Magbigay sa Charitable Institutions
Maraming mga Christian foundations and charitable organizations and ministries ang nangangalap ng pondo upang matulungan ang mga nangangailangan. Mas may kakayahan silang malaman at magplano kung paano mas epektibong maaabot ang mga mahihirap. Kung malaki-laki ang nais nating ibigay para sa mga nangangailangan, inirerekomenda kong makipag-usap sa mga organisasyon o iglesya na maaring mangalaga sa iyong ibibigay na tulong. We must also apply what the Lord has said to his disciples. Huwag tayong maging mapagimbabaw at huwag nang ipaalam ito kahit sa ating pinakamatalik na kaibigan kapag nagbibibgay ng limos. God knows our hearts. If we want to give alms dahil gusto lang nating masabing mabait at charitable tayo, mali na ang motibo ng ating puso. Tumulong tayo sa ating kapwa kahit hindi nakikita ng marami. Ito ang mas gustong makita sa atin ng Diyos.

Get involved in Social Welfare Projects
Christians should be models of tangible service. We are called to serve people. Naparito ang Panginoon sa daigdig upang maglingkod. Dapat ganoon din tayo. Maraming paraan kung paano tayo makikibahagi sa mga worthwhile social welfare projects. Real joy comes in serving the people, when you pour out your life to them. Bahagi ng isa kong subject sa kolehiyo ang Service Learning Option (SLO) o pagbibigay-serbisyo sa mga komunidad. Masarap ang pakiramdam na nalalaman mo ang pangangailangan ng iyong kababayan. Iyong simpleng pagbibigay ng tulong sa tuwing ikaw ay bumibisita o kaya naman ay pagtuturo sa mga bata kung paano magbasa at magsulat ay nagpapatunay na tao ka, at may responsibilidad kang ibahagi sa iba ang mga bagay na ipinagkaloob sa iyo ng Diyos.

Isang magandang paraan ang National Service Training Program (NSTP) para mapaigting ang kamalayan ng maraming kabataan sa serbisyo-publiko. Noong ako ay nasa kolehiyo pa, mga lalaki lamang ang may in-service training sa pamamagitan ng Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Naisip ko, unfair yata dahil walang requirement sa mga babae. Nayon, wala na silang kawala dahil required na rin silang kumuha ng isang programa sa loob ng dalawang semester, mula sa tatlong pagpipilian: ang ROTC, Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) o kaya ay Literacy Training Service (LTS). Ang CWTS ay naglalayong makatulong ang mga kabataan sa pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan na may kinalaman sa kalusugan, kalikasan, pagnenegosyo, disaster management and safety at iba pang social welfare services. Ang LTS naman ay inilaan sa sinumang estudyante na nais magturo sa mga out-of-school youth at iba pang sektor ng lipunan na nangangailangan ng basic education skills tulad ng pagbasa, pagsulat at pag-aaral ng Matematika.

ABOLISH THE CULTURE OF MENDICANCY
Bagaman kailangan nating tumulong sa mga mahihirap, kailangan nating maintindihan na kailangan din nating kalabanin ang kultura ng panlilimos o mendicancy. Hindi tayo kailanman uunlad bilang bansa kung lahat ay nakasahod ang kamay sa gobyerno. Totoo ang kasabihang, “Give man a fish and he will ask for fish everyday. Teach him how to fish and he will catch the fish himself.” Kailangan turuan natin ang ating kapwa na huwag laging umaasa. Kapag nagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng limos, hindi natin sila tintutulungan at ang ating sarili. Kailangang magsimula sa lahat ng kabataan ang bagay na ito.

CHRISTIAN POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT: Paano?

2010-04-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

Paano ba dapat makisangkot ang mga Cristiano sa pulitika? Pumasok sa loob ng pamahalaan o manatili sa labas nito? Ang aking sagot: pareho.

Kung tinatawag ang isang mananampalataya upang maging mambabatas o pulitiko (batay sa kaniyang karanasan at kakayahan), kailangan niyang sundin ang ipinagkaloob sa kaniyang misyon ng Panginoon. Pero hindi lahat ay tinawag sa ganitong trabaho.

Hindi lahat ay tinawag katulad ni Moises, Josue at Jose upang maging lider sa pamahalaan. Huwag nang magpilit ang mga taong mas epektibo sa loob ng iglesya na pumasok pa ng pulitika. It would only cause vocational confusion. Siguraduhing tinatawag ng Diyos na maging lingkod sa pamahalaan bago suungin ang anumang laban.

Sadly, several people (including church leaders and ministers) have depicted politics as the ‘territory of the unbelievers’. Many Christians in the past have left the political arena, considering it inherently evil and outside the legitimate realm of Christian influence. But it is necessary for Christians not to distance themselves from the affairs of the state. When believers of Christ abandon their moral responsibility to influence society with their values, other influences will fill the gap.

Isang paraan upang mabago natin ang masamang sistema ng pamamahala ay maging bahagi mismo tayo ng pamahalaan. Hindi minsan sapat ang magsisigaw sa kalye upang humiling ng pagbabago. Ngunit, hindi lahat ng Cristiano ay tinawag upang maging pulitiko. Ang ibang hindi matatag sa pananampalataya ay nilalamon ng sistema. Kaya, kailangang "tinawag" ka at hindi lamang "tinulak" o "tinuring ang sarili" sa ganitong trabaho.

Minsan, tinanong si dating Senador Jovito Salonga kung bakit iniwan niya ang kaniyang pagtuturo sa unibersidad at bigla siyang pumasok sa mundo ng pulitika. Iito ang kaniyang sagot:

“It is partly because of a strong, deep-seated conviction that I had no right—whatever to condemn or criticize the governance of public affairs—as I usually did—if I were not prepared or willing, in my own little way, to do something about it. How could I talk about the need of cleaning up the much talked-about mess in the government unless I was prepared to disregard, for the moment, personal interests and get something done?”

Pumasok siya sa gobyerno sa pagnanais na maging bahagi ng pagbabago sa pulitika sa bansa. Masasabi kong sadyang tinawag siya ng Panginoon sa misyong iyon kung kaya't naging matagumpay siya at itinuring na isa sa pinaka-iginagalang na pulitiko sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Ganunpaman, naniniwala akong mas magiging epektibo ang mas nakararaming Cristiano kung sila ay maglilingkod sa labas ng pamahalaan. They can have a far greater impact through personal witness and prayer by participating in socio-civic projects which may have direct or indirect effects on the political life of the country.

Christians should never sacrifice their faith for the sake of a particular political or social ideology—right, left or center, for several reasons.

Una, walang pinapanigang political group o party ang Diyos. Hindi natin puwedeng sabihing mas papaburan ng Panginoon ang isang partido dahil sa kaniyang posisyon. Walang kinakampihan ang Diyos maliban sa mga taong naninindigan sa katwiran, kabanalan at katarungan. Kung lahat ng Cristiano ay may political party na yayakapin, palagay ko mahirap magkaisa ang Body of Christ. Pinatunayan na ng kasaysayan ng sangka-Cristianuhan na mas epektibo ang mga mga mananampalatayan kung mananatiling walang pinapanigang partido.

Pangalawa, walang maituturing na isang fixed political agenda ang Diyos. Ang ating posisyon ay dapat nakabase sa kung anong isyu ang pag-uusapan. Dito na pumapasok ang pansariling paniniwala ng mga Cristiano. Tandaan natin na maraming aspeto ng ating buhay kung saan sadyang tahimik ang Bibliya. We must realize that political judgments are subjective and relative. Mahirap bumuo ng isang tunay na Cristianong pananaw sa bawat isyu sa ating lipunan.

Pangatlo, ang pagiging partisan o bahagi ng isang partido ay maaring makaapekto sa patotoo ng isang Cristianong seryosong sumusunod kay Cristo. Kailangang maging matalino kung makikisangkot sa mga gawaing pampulitika. Politics is a messy process. Hindi maiiwasang kahit ang mga Cristiano na may iba’t ibang posisyon sa mga isyu ay magkabanggaan. Remember that our first identity is to be Christians. Saan man tayo ilagay ng Panginoon, kailangang mauna ang ating pagiging Cristiano.

The diversity of our political persuasions and positions should not divide us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Nagkakaiba man tayo sa pananaw, kailangan nating maunawaan na tayo ay pare-parehong iniligtas ng Panginoon mula sa kasalanan at may responsibilidad na ideklara ang kaniyang kabutihan sa lahat ng mga hindi mananampalataya. Kung tayo mismo ang magsasakmalan at mag-aaway na parang mga mababangis na hayop, mahihirapan tayong mapaniwala ang iba na tayo ay mga taga-sunod ni Cristo. Minsan sinabi ng Panginoon, na sa pamamagitan ng ating pag-ibig sa isa't isa, makikilala ng iba na tayo ay kaniyang mga disipulo.

Kung sa pagnanais nating maging bahagi ng proseso ng politika ay negatibong naapektuhan ang ating patotoo bilang Cristiano, makabubuting pag-aralan natin ang ating desisyon. Kapag nasira ang ating patotoo sa maraming tao dahil sa pulitika, mahihirapan na nating mailapit sila sa paanan ni Hesus. Huwag na nating hintayin ang puntong sabihin nila sa atin, "Naniniwala kami kay Cristo, pero hindi kami sa inyong mga nagsasabing Cristiano!"

Ang CRISTIANO at ang PAMAHALAAN

2010-04-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Itinatag ng Diyos ang pamahalaan upang maging katuwang ng Iglesyang Cristiano sa pagpapatupad ng katuwiran at katarungan sa lipunan. The Church is mandated by God to accomplish three things: 1) fulfill the Great Commission 2) minister to and nurture believers and 3) reach out the society as a fulfillment of the Great Commandment.

Ang unang misyon ng lahat ng Cristiano ay ang ipahayag ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaligtasan sa lahat ng tao--ang kahalagahan ng kamatayan ni Cristo sa krus upang tubusin ang sangkatauhan mula sa kasalanan. This is the proclamation aspect of the Church's mission.

Secondly, the Church serves as the spiritual family of all believers. Christians are considered children of God because of faith in Jesus Christ. All believers are being discipled, nurtured for God’s service and bonded with one Spirit within the context of the Church.

Thirdly, Christians are members of the kingdom of God as well as the social order of this world. This is the demonstration aspect of the Church's calling. They are the representatives or ambassadors of Christ on earth. As Christians, we are commanded to act as responsible citizens of our country, abide by the civil laws, respect and pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), pay our taxes, and participate in community and governmental activities.

ROMANS 13 PRINCIPLES
May malinaw na pamantayan ang Salita ng Diyos kung paano dapat makitungo ang mga Cristiano sa pamahalaan. Sinabi ni Pablo sa Romans 13:1-5 (GNB)

Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. For this reason you must obey the authorities---not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

Una, ang Diyos ang lumikha at nagbibigay kapangyarihan sa lahat ng pamahalaan. Siya ang nagtatatag ng lahat ng pamahalaan at tumawag sa lahat ng namumuno rito (Daniel 2:21, Colossians 1:16). Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang lahat ng batas at panuntunan na ipinatutupad ng pamahalaan ay kailangang salain at suruin ng katotohanan ng Salita ng Diyos. The government was instituted by God to represent His will.

Pangalawa, ang sinumang sumusuway sa pamahalaan ay sumusuway sa Diyos, KUNG ang pamahalaan ay lumalakad sa katwiran ng Diyos. This is the premise of Paul’s statement when he said that “rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil.” Governments are ordained to promote good and restrain evil. Bakit natin susuwayin ang gobyernong sumusunod sa utos ng Diyos at nagnanais ng kapayapaan? Rebellion against a righteous government is rebellion against God.

Binigyan ng karapatan ang Diyos ang anumang pamahalaan na parusahan ang mga taong sumusuway sa mga batas (1 Peter 2:14). We must submit to authorities for three main reasons: 1) for the Lord’s sake; 2) for our conscience sake; and; 3) to avoid wrath. Kailangang tayong sumunod sa pamahalaan dahil sa ito ang kalooban ng Diyos. Kung hindi naman tayo susunod, kakalabanin naman natin ang ating konsensiya dahil sa kinakalaban natin ang pamahalaang ang nais lamang ay mapabuti ang ating pamumuhay. Ganundin, hindi tayo dapat sumuway sa mga batas at pamantayan ng pamahalaan kung ayaw nating makaranas ng parusa.

Sa kabilang banda, may karapatan ang mamamayan na suwayin ang pamahalaan kung kinakalaban nito ang lkalooban ng Diyos. When rulers reverse the divine design for the government--by promoting evil and restraining good--they lose their moral authority to rule. Hindi dapat tangkilikin ang batas na magbibigay-karapatan sa mga ina na ipalaglag ang kanilang mga sanggol sa sinapupunan (abortion) dahil kinakalaban nito ang utos ng Diyos na huwag tayong papatay ng ating kapwa (Exodus 20)

Submission to government does not necessarily mean obedience. Ito ang pamantayan na sinunod nila Daniel at ang kaniyang mga kaibigan nang suwayin nila ang utos ni Haring Nabucodonosor na sambahin ang diyus-diyusan (Daniel 1). Ito ang ipinakita ng mga komadrona sa Ehipto (Exodus 1:15-19) nang hayaan nilang mabuhay ang mga lalaking sanggol ng mga Israelita bagaman inutusan silang patayin ang mga bata. Ganito rin ang naging prinsipyo ni Pedro (Gawa 5:29) nang pilit silang pinagababawalan ibahagi ang Salita ng Diyos sa mga Hudyo at Hentil.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Organizing Camps and Retreats

2010-03-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Napakahalaga ng mga camps at retreats sa paghubog sa pananampalataya ng maraming kabataan. Sa katunayan, isinuko ko ang buhay ko sa Panginoon nang ako ay piliting dumalo sa isang youth camp. Doon ko naramdaman at naranasan ang pag-ibig ng Diyos. Dahil malapit na ang summer vacation, nais kong magbahagi ng ilang bagay kung paano magiging epektibo at magkaroon “long-term effects” ang inyong gagawing camp/retreat. Kailangang isaalang-alang ang mga sumusunod.

PURPOSE AND POINT OF THE CAMP. Gustong-gusto ng maraming kabataan ang magpunta sa mga camps sa iba’t ibang kadahilanan. Ang iba, gusto lang “sumilay” sa mga cute na dadalo. Ang iba naman ay walang magawa sa bahay kaya sumasama na lang. Ang iba, nagtatanong kung may swimming pool, mountain climbing o “zip line” na puwede nilang mag-enjoy. A Christian youth camp must be Biblically-centered. By nature, hindi ito purely recreational. Kailangan silang mailubog sa mga espiritwal na gawain. Mas dapat na mangingibabaw sa atin ang mailapit sa Panginoon ang mga dadalo. Ano ang gusto ninyong mas pag-usapan ng mga kabataan pagkatapos ng camp: ang ganda ng mga “laro” at “facilities” ng campsite o ang kanilang relasyon kay “Cristo”?

PLACE. This can be a “make or break” factor. Minsan, sa sobrang pagnanais na maging “cool” ang pagtitipon, natuon sa recreation ang okasyon. Babalik tayo sa unang prinsipyo. Find a place where your youth can experience “stillness” and “peace”. Masyadong maingay ang mundo kaya kailangang sanayin sila sa katahimikan kung saan maririnig nila ang tinig ng Diyos. Scout for campsites and reserve the place in advance para hindi na makipag-unahan sa maraming nagpapatala tuwing peak season. Kung nais ninyong maganda ang lugar subalit malaking isyu ang halaga, ilagay na sa kalendaryo ng iglesya ang camp para mapaghandaan ng mga kabataan at sila ay makapag-ipon.

PEOPLE AND STAFF. Sino ang dapat maging counselors and staff? Camp counsellors must be maturing Christians and have a heart for the young people. They must be models of faith and integrity. Kailangang physically fit din sila. To some extent, maaaring silang mamamayat sa panahon ng camp dahil may mga pagkakataong sila ang unang magigising sa umaga at ang huling matutulog sa gabi. Hindi sila makakain nang maayos dahil laging mayroong kailangang gawin.

Importante: mag-ingat sa pagtatalaga ng high school students bilang camp counselors. Dahil dumadaan pa sila sa napakaraming pagbabago (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual), maaring maka-apekto iyon sa kanilang trabaho. Puwedeng sila pa ang maging sakit ng ulo.

Sino ngayon ang qualified? Maaaring kumuha ng mga subok na sa pananampalataya sa iglesya katulad ng mga magulang o elders sa simbahan. O kaya, naman ay pumili ng mga college students na nagpapakita ng kaseryosohan sa pananampalataya at nagsisilbing ehemplo para sa mga nakababatang campers.

PROGRAM. Importanteng maayos ang programa para sa lahat ng dadalo. You can categorize the campers according to their spiritual commitment (i.e. unbeliever, new believers, potential leaders). Makakatulong ito upang maging akma ang inyong mga activities para sa kanila. Make sure that your camp is “beefed up” with spiritual food that can strengthen the spiritual life of young people. Ibig sabihin, lahat ng sayawan, laro, musika at gawain ay dapat nakatuntong sa Salita ng Diyos upang mas lalo nilang makilala ang Diyos. Halimbawa, bago sila kumuha ng pagkain, kailangan nilang i-memorize at i-recite sa harap ng kanilang assigned camp counselor ang memory verse para makakuha sila ng meal stub.

Hindi rin dapat mawala ng rules and regulations sa loob ng campsite. Asahang may mga “pasaway” sa ganitong pagtitipon—iyong mga nagliligawan at humihiwalay sa karamihan, nagdadala ng sigarilyo at beer sa kanilang cooler. Ituro sa kabataan ang disiplina at paggalang sa maykapangyarihan.

Most importantly, resolve the question, what’s next after the event? You must carefully plan for your post-camp programs. Don’t forget to challenge the campers to elevate their spiritual commitment before the camp ends. Kaya, mahalagang may discipleship program ang iglesya para sa mga bagong mananampalataya.

PRAISE/WORSHIP AND PRAYER. Buhay na buhay ang camp kung maayos at puspos ng Banal na Espiritu ang pagpupuri at pagsamba sa Panginoon. Kapag natutunan ng mga kabataan ang magpuri at umawit sa Panginoon sa isang seryoso at personal na paraan, siguradong mapapabilis ang kanilang paglagong espiritwal. When they praise and worship God, they DIRECTLY relate with God. Doon mas umiigting ang kalapitan nila sa Diyos. Napakahalaga ng papel ng mga nagpapakanta sa bagay na ito. A worship team should be composed of people who are foremost worshippers. Hindi ito usapan ng galing sa pagtugtog o pag-birit sa kanta, kung hindi ng puso na maglingkod at magpuri sa Diyos.

In addition, pray before, during and after the camp. Kailangang maging mapanalanginin ang mga nag-oorganisa. Tandaan natin na hindi sa pamamagitan ng ating lakas at galing magiging epektibo ang camp, kung hindi dahil sa pagsama ng Banal na Espiritu sa ating gagawin. Humiling din ng tulong mula sa mga intercessors ng church.

POST-CAMP EVALUATION. Magkaroon ng evaluation forms na sasagutan ng mga campers bago matapos ang pagtitipon. By nature, youth are lazy answering long survey questions. Kaya, itanong lamang ang mga bagay na makakatulong sa inyo upang matimbang at masuri ang “effectiveness” at “impact” ng pagtitipon sa kanilang buhay. Ito ang rekomendasyon ko na dapat isama sa inyong survey:

· Have you surrendered your life to Christ?- Ito ay para malaman kung sino ang dapat isama sa inyong discipleship program. Mag-assign ng magtuturo sa bawat isa sa kanila. Kung ayaw dumaan sa discipleship process ang isang kabataan, hindi maaaring masabing talagang tinanggap niya si Cristo. By their fruits you shall know them.

· Most unforgettable experience – Ito ay upang malaman kung ano ang mga bagay na nagbigay sa kanila ng magandang karanasan. Malalaman ninyo rin dito kung ano ang mga pamamaraan upang mas lalo nilang maunawaan ang mensahe ng Panginoon. Sa aking karanasan, sa konteksto ng “active learning” madalas natututo ang mga kabataan. Ngunit maari din namang may “impact” sa kanila ang small group, film showing o kaya ay simpleng open forum.

· In a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the camp? – (with 10 being the highest) to give you a general idea kung naging maayos at maganda sa mga dumalo ang camp. As for our ministry, we should get at least an average of 7.5 points para masabing pasado. Maaring isama sa evaluation ang mga speakers, accommodation, pagkain at iba pa.

· Other Comments and Suggestions – May mga bagay na hindi maaring makuha sa mga survey questions. Hayaang sila ang magbigay ng kuro-kuro. Subalit, kailangang suriin ang mga komento. Minsan, repleksyon ng personalidad ng isang kabataan ang kaniyang suhestiyon (i.e. mas maraming games—mula sa isang unbeliever). The camp should be camper-sensitive, not camper-driven. Sa pamamagitan ng evaluation meetings, matututo kayo sa inyong mga kamalian, mapapanatili ang magagandang nasimulan, kaya maari kayong magkaroon ng mga camp traditions.

The Validity of Scientific Survey: The Case of SWS (PDF File)

2010-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Bakit kapag lumalamang sa survey ang mga kandidato, nakakataba daw ng puso. Pero kapag nangungulelat sila, hindi daw dapat pakinggan ang inilalabas ng mga survey poll organizations. May isang kandidato pa nga ang nagsabi na hindi kayang salaminin ng opinyon ng ilang libong interviewees lamang ang sentimyento ng 40 milyon na botanteng Filipino. Is this a valid statement? Of course not. Scientific survey does not need 40 million responses to arrive at valid results. SWS's predictions for the past national elections prove the validity of scientific surveys.

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"Traditional politicians are often antagonistic to election surveys. They accuse it of having power to influence the vote, although the truth is that what they fear is the voter-power reflected in honest, scientific polling."

"SWS never contends that a survey of a sample of the votes can judge the accuracy of a full count of the votes. On the contrary, the reverse is true: it is the full count that judges the quality of a sample survey. In the Philippines, it is far better to judge official results by comparing them with the parallel counts of the non-governmental National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) than with sample surveys."

"Whereas many political players are skeptical of opinion polls, the public in general is quite appreciative of them. Seven or eight out of every ten Filipinos call polls, and election surveys in particular, a good thing. I think citizens understand, at least intuitively, that opinion polls are their means of knowing their own collective opinion. Definitely, they enjoy the regular reports of how candidates are faring in election races."

PDF File Link: http://kuyaronald.multiply.com/journal/item/205/The_Validity_of_Scientific_Surveys_The_Case_of_SWS_PDF_File

SHOCKING, SUPRISING AND SAD: Benny Hinn's Wife files for Divorce

2010-02-20T06:43:00.001-08:00

ORANGE, Calif. (AP) — The wife of televangelist Benny Hinn has filed for divorce in Southern California.

Suzanne Hinn filed the papers in Orange County Superior Court on Feb. 1, citing irreconcilable differences, after more than 30 years of marriage. The papers note the two separated on Jan. 26 and that Hinn has been living in Dana Point, a wealthy coastal community in southern Orange County.

Hinn is one of the best known advocates of the prosperity gospel, which teaches that Christians who are right with God will be rewarded with wealth and health in this lifetime.

His TV broadcasts on the Trinity Broadcast Network, a Pentecostal broadcasting juggernaut, and other TV networks are seen by millions of people around the world nearly every day. He travels the globe in his ministry's plane, named Dove One, holding events he calls "Miracle Crusades" that include spiritual healings.

Hinn has never fully publicly disclosed how he spends the money he raises, but his vast ministry is believed to be a multimillion-dollar operation. There was no mention of finances in the court filing, which listed three recent Southern California addresses for the family.

Over the years, Hinn has been the target of intense criticism from fellow Christians and watchdog groups who call his teachings false and accuse him of raising money only to enrich himself.

He is one of six televangelists under investigation by Sen. Charles Grassley, the Iowa Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, over whether he complied with IRS rules for nonprofits. Hinn has said on his website that external auditors ensure his compliance with IRS regulations and that in 2008, 88% of the money he collected was spent on ministry.

Benny Hinn Ministries is based in Grapevine, Texas, and operates a church and television studio in Aliso Viejo in California's Orange County, according to its website.

Sorrell Trope, the attorney listed on Suzanne Hinn's court filing, did not immediately return a call for comment.

J. Lee Grady, contributing editor of Charisma, a news magazine on the Pentecostal community, said Hinn's divorce is the latest in a string of high-profile ministry divorces and moral failures among the Pentecostal leaders, beginning with Ted Haggard's fall from grace in 2006.

He said Hinn's followers will want an explanation because of the high profile the couple had.

"It will be devastating to the people who have supported Benny Hinn's evangelistic work around the world," Grady said.

"Obviously because their ministry has been very public (and) they will need to issue a statement to their supporters to explain how this happened," he said.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-02-18-benny-hinn-divorce_N.htm

LOVESTRUCK: Commitment and Stages of Intimacy

2010-02-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

I have been conducting surveys and seminars on love, courtship and dating for the past 6 years. My encounters with students and teenagers further exposed me to the "flawed" nature of the current "US-style" dating system. Many of them have the penchant to conclude that they are “in-love”, when in fact, they are just victims of the intense, short-lived, irrational infatuation. When a relationship ends, they would approach me, saying that real love “hurts”.

It is indeed unfair to love a person who cannot reciprocate and appreciate the love you offer. This occurs because of the absence of REAL COMMITMENT. Simply put, commitment is about loyalty and dedication. It is an act of will to love the person forever despite his/her weaknesses. Without it, everything will be superficial, shallow, unstable and untenable. This is the reason we should study the character of the person before entering into a relationship with him/her.

Young lovers would like to enjoy only the romantic perks of a relationship without thinking of its long-term requirements. Christian apologist C.S. Lewis likened this to “chewing” a delicious food without the intention of “swallowing” it. Dating, for many, has become an end in itself. We must bear in mind that the end-goal of dating is to find a lifetime partner. Long-lasting relationships, however, are built by following God’s will in developing intimacy.

First Stage: SPIRITUAL INTIMACY (spirit). The couple must first achieve spiritual oneness. The 2 Corinthians 6:14 principle is non-negotiable. We must first establish an intimate relationship with God before becoming intimate with a person. God is a jealous God. This is the period that the persons involved will try to work through doubts to determine if the relationship is of God. Seek God’s will together through prayer, Bible studies, ministries and service opportunities.Spiritual oneness is developed by doing spiritual activities together. It must be nurtured from the courtship stage up to marriage.

Second Stage: EMOTIONAL INTIMACY (soul). If the partners already show signs of serious and stable relationship with God, sharing of emotional feelings between each other is necessary. The need for a heart-to-heart communication is essential in strengthening the foundations of marriage. Intimacy needs like acceptance, affection, empathy, encourage, respect and support should be provided and nurtured by the persons involved. This, however, should only commence during the engagement stage (if the couple already signified a commitment to prepare for marriage).

Third Stage: PHYSICAL INTIMACY (body). Emotional oneness should never rationalize sexual activity. You know that you have crossed the threshold of sin, if your physical involvement already produces arousal. It must not be started (Song of Songs 2:7) before marriage. God's will is for us to remain chaste and physically undefiled while enjoying our singlehood.

Studies show that, in marriage, women give primacy to affection as their greatest need while men often desire for sexual fulfilment. Similarly, single men tend to start with and focus on physical intimacy while single women often find themselves prioritizing emotional attachment. This trend validates the statement, "women give sex to get love while men give love to get sex." Sadly, the couple seldom entertain the idea of spiritual compatibility.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: While You are Single...

2010-02-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

Marami ang hate na hate ang kanilang sarili dahil kabilang sila sa NBSB/NGSB clan (No BF/GF since birth). Ang Valentine’s Day para sa kanila ay laging SAD (Single Awareness Day). Pero, tama bang malungkot kung wala kang significant other o beloved? Of course, not! Just bear in mind the following habang hinihintay ang pagdating ng inyong Prince Charming/Miss Universe.

It’s time to do the Father’s business - Use your singlehood as a period to love and serve the Lord. Be focused on God. Jesus set the example for us to follow how to live our single life. He accomplished what His Father wanted Him to do when he was a teenager. Labingtatlong taon pa lamang siya, nangangaral na siya sa templo. Teenage years should not be years of carefree, independence and self-gratification. Commit to a Godly and clean lifestyle.

Preserve Emotional and Physical Purity – Matindi ang physical and sexual temptations kung ikaw ay wala pang asawa. Be an example of purity, physically and emotionally. Gusto mo bang bago ka ikasal ay maraming guys/girls ka nang pinaluha dahil sa natapos na relasyon? O ikaw mismo ang lumuha dahil sa paulit-ulit na break-up? Hindi lisensya ang pagiging single para gawin ang mga bagay na hindi kalugod-lugod sa mata ng Panginoon. Severe ties to people who pressure you to date. Flee youthful lusts. You must understand that purity isn't a destination, it's a process. Kailangang araw-araw kang magdesisyon na lumayo sa kasamaan. You are built for spiritual war! But you can only do that if you have a close and intimate relationship with God.

Build Friendship with others especially with same sex- Singles can feel loneliness. They can also be self-centered because they only care about themselves. To combat these, widen your network of friends. Mas maraming kaibigan, mas masaya di ba? Kailangang ng mga kabataan na maging malapit sa kapareho nilang kasarian (boy to boy, girl to girl) upang mapagtagumpayan ang anumang pressure na makipag-date. Learn teamwork with others, because MARRIAGE is teamwork. Let your Christian friends be accountable to you and you accountable to them. Huwag hayaang laging nag-iisa. Lalo ka lang made-depress.

Learn Life Skills. Marunong ka na bang maglaba? Mamalantsa? E magluto ng sinaing? Magkumpuni ng sirang gamit? Maaring sabihin ng iba na hindi na nila trabaho iyon dahil may gagawa naman noon para sa kanila. Ang katotohanan, hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon, mayroon kang maasahan. Iba ang taong marunong dumiskarte at marunong sa gawaing bahay. Your youth should also be spent to learn household chores and basic life skills. Dahil kailangan mo iyon sa buhay may-asawa. Kaya, dapat ngayon matuto ka na.

SO, KAILAN PUWEDE NANG MAGKAROON NG BF/GF?
Sa isang survey na aking ginawa sa 120 high school students, tinanong ko sila kung ano ang tamang edad kung kailan puwede nang magka-BF o GF ang isang kabataan. Sa mga tinanong ko, 63 porsyento na ang nagka-BF o GF. Mahigit apatnapung porsyento (43%) ang nagsabi na dapat 18 taong gulang pataas. Sinundan naman ito ng nagsasabing kahit anong edad ay puwede na (40%) samantalang 17 porsyento naman ang nagsabi na puwede na ang mga may edad 18 pababa.

May tatlong pre-requisites o kinakailangan sa sinumang nais pumasok sa isang seryosong relasyon:

Spiritual Maturity- Kaya mo na bang harapin ang anumang responsibilidad na bunga ng pagkakaroon ng boyfriend/girlfriend? Naisaulo mo na ba sa iyong isip at puso ang pamantayan ng Diyos pagdating sa bagay na ito? Remember the 2 Cor. 6:14 principle--magmahal ng taong mahal din ang Panginoon. This is non-negotiable.

Emotional and Intellectual Maturity - Alam mo na ba ang dahilan kung bakit ka makikipag-date? Seryoso ka na bang hanapin ang nais mong makasama habang buhay? Why date someone if you do not have plans to get married? Sa halip na manligaw, kilalanin mo muna ang iyong "prospects". Kapag pumasok ka sa relasyon, hindi na dapat “recreational”. Ito ang panahon upang ikaw ay maging matalino sa pagpili ng mamahalin.

Financial and Personal Stability- Study hard and acquire a sustainable job. Sa mga lalake, magtapos ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo at mag-ipon bilang paghahanda sa buhay-pamilya. Ang mabuting ama ay "good provider". Ganundin sa mga kababaihan. Magtapos ng pag-aaral, humanap ng trabao at matutong maging mabuting ina at maybahay.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Counselling Youth

2010-02-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

Nakilala ko si Erwin (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) sa isang retreat camp kung saan ako nagsalita bilang speaker. Hiwalay ang kaniyang mga magulang kaya napasama siya sa magugulong barkada. Nangunguna rin siya sa "mischievous list” ng kaniyang paaralan dahil laging siyang nagka-cutting classes at nang-aasar ng mga kaklase. Sa isang small group session, nagtapat siya kung bakit siya naging “bully”. Inapi siya ng kaniyang mga kaklase noong siya ay nasa elementary school. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit nagpalakas siya ng katawan at pinangatawanan ang pagiging “maton”. Nais niyang patunayan sa iba na hindi siya dapat inaapi. Pinatigas siya ng kaniyang karanasan. Lahat ng ito, sinabi niya sa harap ng kaniyang mga kaklase sa unang pagkakataon.

Malaking bahagi ng pagiging isang youth minister ang counselling. Laging mayroong kabataang nalulungkot, nalilito at naghahanap ng karamay sa panahon ng problema. Minsan masyadong abala ang kanilang mga magulang para sila ay pakinggan. Sa Facebook na lamang, kapag ako ay naka-online, may bigla na lamang sumusulpot na makikipag-chat sa akin upang humingi ng payo. Minsan wala na silang malapitan kaya kahit sa kanilang mga shout-out messages, binubulalas nila ang kanilang galit at hinanakit.

Hindi mo naman kailangang magtapos ng degree sa psychology o kaya ay theology upang magpayo at tumulong sa iba. Kailangan mo lang maunawaan ang karakter ng “Biblical counselling” o paggabay sa pamamagitan ng Salita ng Diyos. You may not be called to be a professional counsellor, but you are called to be a people-helper.

I recommend the book written by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler, Handbook on Counselling Youth (1996, Word Publishing). It discusses various psychological issues of the younger generation (emotional, relational, familial, sexual, abuse, addictions, disorders, educational, physical and vocational) and offers practical answers and guidelines. You can visit Josh’s website at www.josh.org for information. Also look for articles and books by Dr. Gary Collins, a renown Christian counsellor (www.garyrcollins.com). Following are some ideas on how to minister to a youth counselee, from the HCY Book (pp. 12-15)

ATTEND. Give the person undivided attention. Kailangang maramdaman ng isang kabataan na “concerned” ka isyung kaniyang kinakaharap, sa oras na lumapit siya sa iyo. Mas magandang i-schedule ang pag-uusap upang walang ibang iniintindi. Mag-usap sa lugar na walang "distractions". Kung malabo ito mangyari, siguraduhing hindi tayo nagpapakita ng kawalan ng interes sa hinaing ng ating counselee habang siya ay nagbabahagi ng problema. Maintain eye contact. You may lean toward the counselee to show that you are interested to what he/she is saying.

LISTEN. Ang pag-unawa sa isyu ng isang kabataan ay nangangailangan ng matalas na tenga at pusong mapagmahal. Listening must be active. Hayaang ilabas ng counselee ang lahat ng kaniyang nararamdaman. Look for subtle messages that come from the posture, facial expression, tone of voice, among others. Avoid subtle verbal or nonverbal expressions of disapproval or judgment. Sa puntong ito, tanggapin ang kabataan kahit mali ang kaniyang pananaw at paniniwala. Katulad ito ng konsepto sa psychology na “unconditional positive regard”.

FILTER. Hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay naipapahayag ng isang counselee ang buong istorya. Maaaring may ibang ugat o dahilan ang kaniyang isyu. Sikaping malaman ang lahat ng importanteng detalye. Dito pumapasok ang “discernment” na nagmumula sa pananalangin at tulong ng Banal na Espiritu.

RESPOND. Respond to what the counsellee is revealing to you. You may lead the person to give you useful information. Ipaalam sa kabataan na nauunawaan natin ang kanilang nararamdam (sympathy). Ask questions to clarify things. Take notes if necessary. We should also confront a counselee’s excuses, behavior and harmful attitudes in a loving and gentle manner. Kailangang ipaunawa kung saan siya nagkakamali at ang dahilan kung bakit siya humantong sa ganoong sitwasyon.

TEACH. Hindi natatapos sa pakikinig ang isang counselling session. Importanteng matupad ang tunay na motibo nito. Our ultimate goal is for the counselee to achieve wholeness through a personal relationship with Christ--the author and giver of life. Christian counselling should always be anchored on the Word of God. Kung kaya, kailangang marunong sa Salita ng Diyos ang isang nagpapayo at nagsasagawa nito. We do not use relativistic humanistic standards. This means that even discovered truths (i.e. theories in psychology and social science), must be consistent with and tested against the norm of revealed Biblical truth. We cannot substitute psychological techniques in place of biblical teaching and understanding.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER Tips: Developing Youth Ministry Leaders

2010-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dalawang babae ang naglalakad sa kalye nang bumulaga sa kanilang harapan ang isang palakang nagsasalita. Kinausap nila ito at sinabi sa kanila, “Dati akong matipuno, sikat at mayamang negosyante. Dahil sa isang sumpa, ako ay naging isang palaka. Ngunit kung ako ay hahalikan ng isang babae, babalik ako sa dati kong anyo.”

Kinuha ng isang babae ang palaka at isinilid sa kaniyang bag. Habang sila ay naglalakad, tinanong ng isang babae ang kaniyang kaibigan, “Hindi mo ba hahalikan ang palaka?”

Sagot ng kaniyang kaibigan “Bakit ko siya hahalikan? Mas cute kaya ang nagsasalitang palaka!”

Katulad ng babae, maraming lider ang mas gustong "isilid na lamang sa bag" o manatiling tagasunod ang kanilang mga miyembro, kaysa linangin ang kanilang kakayahan. We should develop the leadership skills of our members so that they reach their full God-given potential. Ika nga ni C. Gene Wilkes sa kaniyang librong, Jesus on Leadership: “You will never be an effective leader until you include those you lead in what you do.”

Have a leadership track/curriculum. This is a must if you want to systematize your discipleship program. Sa ganitong paraan, maaring mong i-monitor o alamin ang spiritual "commitment" at "maturity" ng iyong mga miyembro. They must be well-trained as Jesus instructed his disciples on how they should evangelize (Luke 9:1-6). Hindi ko sinasabing magiging isang tunay nang disipulo ni Cristo ang isang kabataan kapag natapos na ang isang lesson series. The materials will only help them to become one. As for our ministry, we have our Discipleship Curriculum- 101 (Gospel Lessons), 201 (Discipleship Track), 301 (Soul-Winning Track), 401 (Leadership Track) and 501 (Mentoring Track). For each meeting, we provide practical steps on how to apply the lesson. Ang isang kabataan na nais maging lider ay kailangang maging “estudyante” (mathetes) ng Panginoon. Ang mga ayaw matuto ay hindi pa handang maging disipulo ni Cristo.

Prioritize CHARACTER. Maraming mga lider na mainipin. Dahil sa kawalan ng mga manggagawa ay agad-agad naglalagay ng lider. Nagbibigay ng responsibilidad sa mga taong hindi pa hinog sa panahon. Maaring mayroon tayong mga napipisil na maging ministry head dahil sa magaling magsalita, magaling magsayaw, magaling makiharap sa tao, magaling magbahagi ng Salita ng Diyos at kung anu-ano pang kagalingan. Pero hindi ito ang pinakamataas na pamantayan pagdating sa pagpili ng pinuno. Ituntong natin ang lahat ng konsiderasyon (i.e. kaalaman at galing) sa ugali at karakter ng isang tao. Ito ang naging problema ni propeta Samuel nang isipin niya na ang matipunong si Eliab, ang panganay na anak ni Jesse ang susunod na hari ng Israel. God rebuked him and said, “I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart .” (1 Samuel 16:7). Kung babasahin ninyo ang pamantayan na ibinigay ni Pablo kay Timoteo at Tito ukol sa pagpili ng mamumuno sa iglesya, lutang na lutang ang pangangailangan sa matitino, “walang maaring ipintas”, at “sinubok” na ng panahon (1 Timoteo 3:1-13, Tito 1:6-9). Kapag hindi maayos ang karakter ng isang tao, siguradong apektado ang ibang bahagi ng kaniyang pamumuno.

Invest time and resources. Masakit sa bulsa ang katotohanang ito kasi kailangan ilibre at gastusan ang mga kabataan na ating sinasanay. Hindi kailangang malimitahan sa mga gawain sa ministeryo ang ating relasyon sa kanila. Nakahanda dapat ang mga greeting cards para sa kanilang mga birthdays. Maglaan din ng panahon for personal counselling and casual fellowship. Tandaan natin na hindi nawawalan ng kabuluhan ang lahat ng salapi na ating inilalaan upang maging matatag sila sa pananampalataya (1 Corinto 15:58). We are giving the resources not really to them but to God for the expansion of His kingdom.

Let them SEE you do the works of the ministry. Mas maraming matututunan ang mga kabataan kung makikita nila kung paano tayo gumagalaw sa ministeryo--nagbabahagi ng Salita ng Diyos, nakikipag-usap sa ibang tao, at marami pang iba. Ika nga, “more is caught than taught.” Isa itong hamon para sa ating mga lider dahil kailangang maging modelo tayo ng kabanalan, pag-ibig at kabutihan ng Diyos. Kung hindi, sira na ang ating patotoo.

Let them DO the works of the ministry. Para daw madaling matutong lumangoy ang isang kabataan, itulak mo sa ilog at ipahabol sa buwaya. If you want to develop leaders, hindi puwedeng youth ministry pastor lamang ang nag-o-organisa at nagpapatakbo ng youth service. We should not be control-freaks. Delegate jobs to your members. Huwag matakot na sila ay magkamali. Bahagi iyon ng kanilang paglago bilang lider. As you teach them, unti-unting iangat ang kanilang kapasidad na mamuno sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng iba’t ibang antas ng trabaho. Baka inaakala natin na hindi nila kaya pero kaya palang lampasan ang ating “expectations”. We can never know this if we will not given them the chance to do the work. Huwag kalimutang alalayan sila habang gumagawa.

LEARN from other ministries. In the Body of Christ, churches should be interdependent. Nagtutulungan at natututo sa bawat isa. Hindi dapat “big deal” ang mangopya ng sistema. Hindi puwedeng sabihin ng isang grupo na sila ang “original” at “pirated” ang iba. Hindi nagbebenta ng “franchise” ang Panginoon pagdating sa pagdidisipulo. Pag-aaralan ang ginagawa ng ibang ministeryo. Maaring tipunin ang kanilang mga leadership materials. Dumalo sa mga leadership seminars. Pag-aralan ang mga “prinsipyo” at gumawa ng mga programa na akma sa inyong sitwasyon.

Pray that God will provide leaders/workers. Minsan, kahit gaano karubdob ang ating pagnanais na magsanay ng mga kabataan upang maging lider, parang sumusuntok lang tayo sa buwan. Ang iba sa ating mga apprentice at trainee ay nawawala o kaya ay nagkakaroon ng kumplikasyon ang buhay kaya hindi na nakakapagpatuloy sa ministeryo. Babalik pa rin tayo sa “basic requirement”—ang manalangin. Nanalangin muna si Hesus bago piliin ang kaniyang mga disipulo (Lucas 6:12-13). Kung masyadong mabigat ang gawain, sinabi ng Panginoon na dumalangin tayo sa Ama upang magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa (Lucas 10:2). Kapag ang Diyos ang nagpadala ng manggagawa, siguradong seryoso at tumatagal. Isama ito sa inyong prayer items. Tried andtested ko na ito sa aking ministeryo.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: MATIPID ngunit MASAYANG Christmas Party

2009-12-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

Kasabay na ng pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan ang paggastos at pagbibigay ng regalo. Kahit mga boksingero (closed fist) at mga kuripot ay nagiging generous sa panahong ito. Ang iba nga, hindi daw masaya ang Pasko dahil wala silang Christmas bonus. Pero hindi lahat ay may kakayahan na gumastos nang libo-libong piso sa Divisoria at mga malls para mamili ng mga regalo at give-aways. Lalo na ang mga kabataan na umaasa lamang sa magulang para sa kanilang baon at aginaldo mula sa kanilang mga ninong at ninang. Tanggap na natin ang katotohanang laging mahirap ang buhay sa isang developing country tulad ng Pilipinas. Pero may paraa para maging makabuluhan at masaya ang pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan sa ating mga iglesya.

Ipaunawa na ang Kapaskuhan ay hindi tungkol sa regalo at halaga nito, kung hindi tungkol kay Cristo – Hindi ito palusot para hindi tayo maghanda. Ito talaga ang dapat na maisapuso ng bawat isa. Do not forget the REASON for the season. As we teach youth this Christmas, emphasize thanksgiving and gratitude. Most importantly, let the youth share the GIFT of salvation they received from Christ.

Maaring pagsabayin ang mga Christmas parties ng church—Madalas hiwa-hiwalay ang Christmas party ng mga bata, matanda, youth, singles, ushers at iba pang ministries. Walang masama dito kung talagang may pondo at workforce. Pero, minsan, mukhang hindi na aabutan si pastor ng bagong taon dahil sa pagod sa lahat ng preparations. Kung mayroon mang puwedeng ihiwalay, iyon ay ang Kids Party dahil siguradong hindi magi-enjoy ang mga matatanda sa gathering kung inaasikaso nila ang mga batang magugulo at nag-iiyakan.

Have a WHITE ELEPHANT Exchange Gift – Ito ang tawag sa sistema ng exchange gift kung saan ang ibabahagi mo sa iba ay mula sa iyong sariling gamit na may halaga. Hindi mo kailangang gumastos. Young people can also give gifts from the works of their hands.

Make Christmas Decorations from Recycled Materials. Kalimitang mga 3 oras lang ginagamit ang mga Christmas decorations para sa mga parties. At hindi praktikal na umubos ka ng napakahabang panahon at napakalaking halaga para sa mga dekorasyon na itatapon lamang. Kung ganito ang kalakaran, itago sa isang selyadong kahon (para hindi maalikabukan) ang mga dekorasyon para magamit sa susunod na taon. Mas maganda kung gagamitin rin ang mga dekorasyon sa ibang mga church events. Gumamit ng mga recycled materials na makikita sa iyong bahay para hindi na kailangang gumastos.

Food Tip # 1: Maghati-hati sa gastos sa pagkain – Dito makikita ang pagkakaisa ng church members. Madalas ko itong ginagawa sa aking quarterly food fellowship sa aking mga kabataan. Hindi lang gagaaan ang gastos, magiging smorgasbord pa ang inyong handa. May i-assign para sa appetizer, para sa dessert, para sa drinks. I suggest na church na ang sumalo sa main meal na kakainin ng mas nakakarami.

Food Tip # 2: Celebrate Christmas Party in the Morning (8AM-12NN) – The main reason: Food Costs and Preparation. Parang kasal lang yan. Mas tipid kung Breakfast Wedding.

Real Essence of CHRISTmas

2009-12-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

Many people, even religious leaders, tend to undermine the real meaning of Christmas. They say it is about giving, caring, sharing, loving, joy, peace, hope, among others. Pero ang hindi nababangit ng marami, ang Pasko ay tungkol sa plano ng Diyos para sa tao sa pamamagitan ni Cristo. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit kailangang mas nakatuon tayo sa KALIGTASAN na ibinibigay ng Diyos, hindi sa nagmamahalang regalo, Christmas parties, monito-monita at Christmas bonus.

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GOD’S FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION. The name Jesus Christ means “Savior-King.” It represents God's universal plan for all men. He sent His son to SAVE and RESCUE man from the curse of sin (John 3:16, Galatians 3:13). Hinubad ni Jesus ang kaniyang pagka-Diyos, upang mamuhay kasama ng makasalanang tao at iligtas ang sanlibutan mula sa sumpa ng kasalanan (Juan 1:1,14; Filipos 2:6-11). With Christmas, God provided an opportunity to reach out to man. It is Christ who serves as a MEDIATOR between man and God (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6).

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GOD’S SECURITY AND JOY. Because of Christmas we should never fear of what will happen tomorrow after this life, for God will be with us in eternity (Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:31). Unless we internalize this message, we can never have true peace. Ang tunay na kapayapaan ay nagmumula sa Diyos. Kahit anumang problema at trahedya ang dumating sa ating buhay, hangga’t nariyan ang Panginoon, hindi tayo kailanman dapat mag-alala. The peace that He gives is different from the peace that the world gives (John 14:27)--fleeting and temporal. Ang kasiyahan at saya na tinutukoy ng Bibliya ay ang kasiyahan bunga ng KAPATAWARAN na maaring ibigay ng Diyos sa sinumang gagawing Diyos at Tagapagligtas si Cristo. We can only have peace WITH God through Christ.

CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT GOD'S LOVE FOR MANKIND THROUGH CHRIST- Natagpuan ng mga pastol ang sanggol na si Jesus sa isang SABSABAN, kainan ng mga hayop. This is symbolic of Christ’s mission on earth—to offfer His life as a food for humanity. He is the bread of life (John 6:51) and the living water for the thirsty (John 4:13). Even the name of Christ's birthplace--Bethlehem--means "house of bread/food". We should be reminded of the truth that the real essence of Christmas is JESUS Himself. The major question is, “Have you already received God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation through Christ?” Ask for God’s forgiveness so that you can have PEACE with your Creator. This is the only way you celebrate Christmas in its REAL ESSENCE.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Youth Evangelism Principles (Part 2)

2009-12-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

Evangelism is a PROCLAMATION of the Gospel in words and in deeds. All evangelistic efforts must end with the proclamation of the Gospel (2 Timothy 4:2). Two extremes must be avoided. Minsan, nakakalimutan nating ipahayag ang Salita ng Diyos sa sobrang "relational" ng ating istratehiya. Relationship/friendship evangelism has its own merits. Ngunit kailangang matapos pa rin ito sa direktang pagbabahagi ng Mabuting Balita. Sa kabilang banda, mayroon namang natuon nang husto sa "verbal proclamation" na nakalimutan na ang pagmamahal at pagtulong sa kapwa, kung kaya lumalabas na "matabang" ang ibinabahagi nilang Salita ng Diyos.

Evangelism requires PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE. Paul evangelized for two years in Ephesus before getting significant results (Acts 19:8-10). When he felt that many who did not believe were creating problems, he departed from the synagogue where he first preached and went to the school of Tyrannus. He preached in the place for over two years which resulted in the conversion of many people in Asia, both Jews and Greeks. Katulad ni Pablo, we should never grow weary in sharing the Gospel. Laging may resulta ang ating ginagawa, kahit hindi natin nakikita. Be FAITHFUL.

Evangelism should rely on the POWER of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of our power and boldness to share the Gospel (Acts 1:8, Zechariah 4:6). He is the CONVICTER of sin and the One who will CONVERT the person, not us. We are only messengers (John 16:8). Before embarking on any evangelism activity, pray. Before you speak to man about God, first speak to God about man. Ang ebanghelyo ay ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos at may kakayahang magbago ng buhay ng tao (Romans 1:16). If you want your evangelism programs to be effective, connect with the Holy Spirit through intense prayer and intercession.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Youth Evangelism Principles (Part 1)

2009-12-07T10:32:00.001-08:00

Studies show that the response of people toward the Gospel is indirectly related to their age. The lower the age, the greater the possibility that the person will have a personal relationship with Christ. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit mas mataas ang “success rate” kapag teenagers at kabataan ang ating binabahaginan ng Salita ng Diyos.

Our ministries should always be evangelistic and discipleship-focused. Hindi dapat mawala sa ating programa ang pag-aakay ng kaluluwa. Sometimes, churches polish the art of worship and preaching to the detriment of their evangelism and discipleship programs. This should not be the case. Following are some principles we should consider when we do Youth Evangelism.

Evangelism is the PRE-DISCIPLESHIP tool. We cannot disciple a person unless he heard the Good News of salvation (Romans 10:13-14). The first step to discipleship is conversion. We cannot truly say that a youth is ready to be discipled if he/she never fully understood the Gospel. Kung kaya, kailangang paigtingin natin ang pagbabahagi ng Ebanghelyo sa mga taong hindi pa nakaririnig nito.

Evangelism is a PROCESS. It is not a one-time event. One study tells us that a person must be exposed to the Gospel at least seven (7) times before He surrenders himself to Christ. It is like planting (John 4:37-38, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Huwag tayong magtaka kung hindi biglaan ang pagtugon ng mga kabataan sa ating mga evangelistic programs Minsan, kailangan muna nilang mababad sa Salita ng Diyos upang lubusang maunawaan ang plano ng Diyos sa kanilang buhay.

Evangelism is PERSUADING people about the Truth of the Gospel. It can be considered as an intellectual exercise because it involves the mind (1 Corinthians 5:11). Evangelism is not really responding to the person of Christ but to the “truth of Christ”. Kailangang patunayan mo ang katotohanan ng misyon ni Cristo--dumating sa lupa mula sa langit, namatay sa krus upang bayaran ang kasalanan ng sangkatauhan at nabuhay muli upang ipahayag ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos. When you persuade, you present proof and evidence about the validity of your arguments (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Revelations 12:11). Kaya, kailangang matutunan natin ang sistematikong pagbabahagi ng Salita ng Diyos.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Youth Evangelism Principles (Part 1)

2009-12-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Youth and Prayer

2009-11-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

Isa sa mga pinaka-iiwasang ministeryo sa church ay ang Prayer and Intercession Ministry. Kapag may handaan o “feasting” sa church, siguradong puno at jampacked ang church. Pero kapag “Prayer and Fasting” na ang inaanunsiyo ni Pastor, parang nabibingi ang marami. Ito rin ang naging problema ng Panginoon sa kaniyang mga apostol. Nang siya ang nanalangin sa Hardin ng Getsemane bago siya ipako sa krus, nakatulog sina Pedro, Juan at Santiago. Kailangan pa niyang ipaalala sa kanila na manalangin upang hindi madaig ng kasalanan (Mateo 26:41).

Prayer is an effective armor against our sinful nature. It will keep us from sinning. Kaya hindi tayo dapat padaig sa kaaway. Dahil sa napakaraming “tukso” na humahatak sa kanilang atensyon, nahihirapan ang maraming kabataan na maglaan ng panahon sa pananalangin. Hirap silang intindihin ang konsepto ng “quiet time” dahil “napakaingay” ng kanilang paligid. Following are some recommendations on how to improve their prayer life.

Be a model of prayer. You can’t give students what you don’t have. Kung tayo mismo ay hindi “prayerful”, don’t expect them to be prayerful. Prayer is a lifestyle. Kailangang makita nila iyon sa ating buhay.

Do not encourage memorized prayers. God hates repetitive and empty prayers (Matthew 6:7).Kailangang manggaling sa puso ng bawat kabataan ang mga salitang lalabas sa kanilang bibig. Their relationship with the Lord will be strengthened if they can speak from the bottom of their hearts, as they are talking to a friend.

Let the youth pray. Madalas lagi ang youth pastor o small group leader ang nananalangin. Napaka-passive ng involvement ng iba dahil nakiki-agree lang. Kaya minsan nagiging Eutico sila at nahihimbing sa pagtulog (Gawa 20). Maiwasan ito by assigning a prayer item for each member of your group. Kung hindi marami ang prayer items, divide the group with the number of members na kasing-rami ng prayer items. Minsan, tinatanong ko muna ang mga estudyante ng kanilang mga prayer requests. Pagkatapos, hinahayaan ko silang manalangin for their concerns.

Include worship songs in your prayer. Isa itong susi sa isang “glorious” prayer session. In this way, we are not only seeking God’s hand (through petitions and requests), we are also, foremost, seeking God’s face through intimate worship. For instance, you can sing a song in-between prayer items. Iakma ninyo sa inyong ipapanalangin ang inyong kakantahin.

Always incorporate prayer in everything you do. You must be intentional about this. Mag-pray bago umalis sa church. Manalangin bago umusad ang sasakyan patungo sa campsite. Manalangin ng pasasalamat pagdating sa camp site. Mag-pray bago simulan ang food fellowship. Magpanalanginan bago magsimula ang youth service. Pray. Pray. Pray.

Have a regular prayer time for your youth group. Napakahalaga nito lalo na sa youth ministry leadership. Maglaan ng isang meeting para sa pananalangin. Siguraduhing nakatuon ang isipan ng bawat isa para sa layuning ito. It is very difficult to concentrate on seeking God’s face if your mind is cluttered with other concerns. Pumili rin ng lugar kung saan walang masyadong “distractions”.

Establish a prayer partner system. Napakagandang isipin na laging may nananalangin para sa iyo. Maari kayong mag- “draw lots” o palabunutan kung sino ang mananalangin para sa bawat isa. Maari din kayong gumawa ng PRAYER THREEs o tatlong kabataan na mananalangin para sa bawat isa. You can also involve church adults to pray for young people. It is important for the youth to have a prayer covering. Ibigay ang pangalan ng inyong mga kabataan sa mga elders o mga magulang sa iglesya. Gawin silang mga “secret” prayer partners.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER Tips: Teaching Youth

2009-11-08T03:44:00.000-08:00

Isa sa pinakamahalagang papel ng isang youth minister ay ang pagiging guro. Helping young people to grow in the knowledge of Christ requires Biblical instruction. We cannot separate teaching from learning. In Deuteronomy 4:1 and 5:1, there is one Hebrew word for teaching and learning (“law-mad”). Kung kaya, masasabi nating nasusukat ang galing ng isang guro sa pamamagitan ng antas ng galing ng kaniyang mga estudyante. In my years of teaching

You must LOVE your students. The main foundation of teaching is LOVE. Kung hindi mo kayang mahalin ang iyong mga estudyante, hindi mo magagawang turuan sila sa panahon ng kanilang kahinaan. Kahit gaano pa kapurol ang kanilang isipan, kakulit, ka-pasaway, kailangang iangat mo ang kanilang kakayahan. Students need guidance from responsible adults. Teaching requires effort, energy and empathy. You must learn put yourself in the shoes of the young people. TIP: Kilalanin ang iyong mga estudyante nang personal. Alamin ang kanilang kalakasan at kahinaan. Relationships can reinforce learning because students learn better when they trust and love their teacher. Make yourself available for teaching consultations.

Know the learning styles and preferences of your students. Tandaan natin na hindi lahat ng kabataan ay palabasa. Mayroong mas gustong panay activities lang. Mayroon namang mahilig sa musika. Young people have different ways of accumulating knowledge. The most popular categories are the VAK (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic). Visual learners learn best when they see something (movies, diagrams, letters). Auditory learners prefer to listen to understand lectures. Kinesthetic people are those who process information when they are on the “move”. American psychologist Howard Gardner also provides the theory of multiple intelligences (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences). Malaking tulong ang teoryang ito sa pag-unawa sa kasabihang, “walang taong bobo”. Knowing the unique intellectual capabilities of young people is a great help in adjusting your teaching strategies. TIP: Studies show that how we learn is often the same with the way we teach. Make sure that your teaching style can hit the different learning styles. This has been a challenge to all teachers. Nonetheless, there are ways to do this. Research on different teaching approaches and methods.

A curriculum or lesson plan is essential. Isa sa kinaliligtaang aspeto ng pagtuturo sa mga iglesya ay ang pagkakaroon ng curriculum o lesson plan. Isa itong manipestasyon ng kawalan ng direksyon sa pagtuturo. Kaya, minsan, dumadalo ang mga kabataan sa mga youth gatherings na walang natututunan kung hindi ang “makipag-bonding” sa kapwa-kabataan. We must bear in mind that one of our goals is to help them grow in the KNOWLEDGE of Christ. We cannot do this with non-existent or unpredictable discipleship lessons. Having a curriculum can make your programs clearer to your youth members. Kasi alam nila kung ano ang nais mangyari ng Diyos para sa kanila. As for our ministry, we offer Class 101 (for unbelievers), Class 201 (for new Christians), Class 301 (for those involved in the ministry), Class 401 (for youth leaders) and Class 501 (mentoring courses). Linawin ko lang. Curriculum lessons cannot make a disciple. They will only guide the youth how to become a genuine follower of Christ. TIP: Kung wala kayong sistematikong curriculum, decide on what curriculum to use or apply in your church. You can visit www.youthspecialties.com and other related youth ministry websites for ideas. Or much better, write your own curriculum. If you don’t know how to make one, study the curriculum of other ministries and seek help from education specialists.

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER TIPS: Understanding Youth Culture

2009-10-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

Mas mahirap daw intindihin ang mga kabataan ngayon. I agree. Walt Mueller, head of Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU) has said that there are two things we need to understand about youth culture: “1) Its rate of change is speeding up, not slowing down; and 2) Not only are there more voices taking up space in youth culture all the time, but they’re also getting louder, more attractive, and more convincing.” Napakahalaga na unawain natin ang kulturang kinasasadlakan ng mga kabataan. We may speak to them in a language or way which is alien to them hence decreasing our effectiveness as youth ministers. When the cultural-generational gap widens, relationships also become strained.

Theologian Karl Barth once said, "We must hold the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other." As we uphold the truth of God’s Word, we must also maintain relevance by always being “in touched” with the culture of the younger generation. May apat na bagay tayong maaring gawin upang lubusang maunawaan ang kanilang kultura at mapasok ang kanilang mundo.

Immerse. You need to hang-out with teenagers to understand them. As Christ, who is God, became man to save man, we also need to identify ourselves with young people. Studying them from afar will not provide us a comprehensive knowledge of their character and day-to-day experiences and issues. Youth ministry should be RELATIONAL. You cannot build relationships if you will not spend time with them. This is the reason I always maintain small group meetings with students. Tuloy-tuloy din ang aking mga informal surveys sa tuwing ako ay magsasagawa ng aking seminars.

Listen. Youth ministry requires a lot of listening. Teenagers are notorious talkers. If you desire students to pay attention to you, you must first listen to them. Makinig sa lahat ng kanilang sinasabi, problema, hinaing, at opinyon. Have focus group discussions (FGD) if you want to study a concern which affects them. Kailangan mo ring pag-aralan ang kanilang “lingo” at paraan ng pananalita/pagte-text sa cellphone. Minsan ginagamit ko ang salitang “Bro” to refer to Jesus. Alam ninyo na siguro ang epekto ni Santino sa sambayanang Filipino. You can easily connect with young people, if you can use their language.

Watch. If we desire to address youth issues, we need to, at least, know the movies/TV shows they watch. Nang lumabas ang pelikulang Da Vinci Code, maraming estudyante ang nagtanong sa akin kung talagang mag-asawa si Maria Magdalena at Hesus. Dahil sa libreng tiket na binigay sa akin, napanood ko ang pelikulang, kinatakutan ng mga taong simbahan dahil maaari nitong guluhin ang isipan ng marami upang mag-alinlangan sa katotohanan ng Bibliya. Matapos kong mapanood ang pelikula, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na ipaliwanag sa mga estudyante ang kasaysayan ng Bibliya at ang mga maling aral tungkol kay Hesus. Ganundin, I occassionaly watch the latest MTVs, at Youtube Videos upang MASURI ang kinahuhumalingan ng mga kabataan.

Understand. Understanding youth culture is neither blind tolerance nor endorsement. Ang pag-unawa ay pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa ating sarili upang mas lalo nating maintindihan ang mga hilig ng kabataan. Adolescence is a period of transition. Kung mayroon man silang niyayakap na mga pagpapahalaga, bahagi iyon ng kanilang paglago bilang isang tao. Be careful in judging their personality. Look beyond their behavior. What we need to do is intensify our efforts to draw them closer to Christ.

Young people are not always wrong. They are only different. Let teens be teens. Minsan lang sila magiging bata. Nonetheless, they need to be guided by responsible adults who can offer them righteous advices and help. Understanding their culture can help us formulate emphatetic and effective programs.

Cristianismo at Nasyonalismo

2009-09-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Nasaan ang kabataang naglalaan ng magagandang sandali, ng kanilang mga pangarap at kasiglahan alang-alang sa ikabubuti ng kanilang bayan? Saan naroon ang handang magpakamatay upang hugasan ng dugo ang napakaraming pagkakasala? Upang karapatdapat ang pagpapakasakit ito’y kailangang malinis at busilak. Nasaan ang kabataang may lakas na tumanan na sa aming mga ugat, ng kalinisan ng diwa na narumihan na sa amin, ng apoy ng sigla na patay na sa aming puso? O kabataan, kayo ay aming hinihintay! -PADRE FLORENTINO, El Filibusterismo ni Jose Rizal

Nasa Grade 2 ako noong maganap ang unang EDSA Revolution. Galing ako sa maghapong paglalaro nang makita ko sa aming Black and White TV set ang maraming taong nagmamartsa sa kahabaan ng EDSA. Wala akong pakialam dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari. Noon lamang nang tumuntong ako sa kolehiyo lubos kong naunawaan ang pagdiriwang ng EDSA Revolution taon-taon. Sinalamin ng EDSA 1 ang diwang makabayan ng lahat ng Filipino. Pinatunayan nito na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ng pamahalaan ay nasa kamay ng mga mamamayan. Makalipas ang dalawang dekada, marami ang nagsasabing unti-unti nang nawawala ang diwa ng EDSA.

Madali daw makalimot tayong mga Filipino. Hindi ako naniniwala.

Ang pagiging makabayan ay hindi magwawakas. At hindi kailanman ito mawawala sa puso ng bawat Filipino. Ngunit, no ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging “nationalistic” o makabayan? Paano ito dapat tingnan ng mga kabataan?

MAKABAYANG CRISTIANO
Nationalism promotes the idea that the nation-state (composed of the people in a given territory with its sovereign government) is paramount for the realization of social, economic, and cultural aspirations of a people. It complements the idea that we should love our neighbor as we love God. I can cite three major reasons why we should love our nation.

Una sa lahat, mahalaga sa Panginoon ating bansa dahil siya ang maylikha nito. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God initiated all world governments. Siya ang nagbibigay ng lugar kung saan titira ang anumang lahi. Siya ang nakakaalam ng kasaysayan ng lahat ng tao sa daigdig. May kapangyarihan siyang magbuo at magwasak ng anumang bansa. Kung nais nating manatili ang pagpapala ng Diyos sa ating bayan, kailangang lumakad tayo sa Kaniyang katwiran at kabanalan.

Pangalawa, we must exercise nationalism because of the things we have in common as a people. Pinag-iisa tayo ng iisang kultura, karanasan at kasaysayan. Kung paano natin mas kailangang pahalagahan ang ating mga kapatid sa pananampalataya at kapamilya, ganundin, pahalagahan rin natin ang ating mga kababayan. Kailangang kalabanin natin ang pagkakanya-kanya. Ang Panginoong Hesus mismo ay nagpakita ng kaniyang pagmamahal sa kaniyang bayan nang iniutos Niya sa kaniyang mga disipulo na unang ibahagi ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaligtasan sa kaniyang mga kababayan. Ganito rin ang ipinakitang pagmamahal ni Pablo sa kaniyang bayan nang ipakilala niya ang sarili bilang isang totoong Hebreo at tagapagtaguyod ng Judaismo bilang isang Pariseo.

Pangatlo, kailangan nating ipahayag ang nasyonalismo dahil sa bisa ng social contract o kasunduan sa pagitan ng mga mamamayan at namamahala ng bansa. Kailangan nating magpailalim sa pamahalaan kung nais nating mapanatili ang kaayusan, kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ating bayan. Nakakatanggap tayo ng proteksyon mula sa pulis at mga sundalo, nakakakuha ng serbisyo mula sa mga pampublikong ospital at iba pang serbisyong bayan. Mangyayari lamang ito kung may sapat na pondo ang pamahalaan. Kung kaya, kailangan nating magbayad ng buwis sa pamahalaan para magpatuloy ang mga pampublikong serbisyo. Dahil sa nagbabayad tayo ng buwis, may karapatan naman tayong makibahagi sa paggawa ng batas ng pamahalaan at makisangkot sa mga isyung panlipunan.

Ang ating pagmamahal sa ating bayan ay dapat nakatuntong sa katotohanang mahal ng Diyos ang lahat ng tao at ang ating mga kababayan. Kailangan nating mahalin ang ating kapwa-Filipino dahil mahalaga sila ng Panginoon. Gawin natin ang lahat upang makilala nila at maramdaman ang pag-ibig ng Diyos. A Christian patriot works to see the kingdom of God and His righteousness established in the land of his earthly citizenship.

Bible References: Deuteronomio 26:19,Awit 86:9, Gawa 18:24-26, Psalm 24:1, Colossians 1:16, Gawa 17:26, Jeremias 18:7-10, Galacia 6:10, Mateo 10:5-6, 15:24, Filipos 3:5-6, Roma 13:7

YOUTH MINISTRY WORKER Tip: Teenage Relationships in the Church

2009-09-21T19:08:00.001-07:00

Hindi maiiwasan na mayroon kayong mga kabataan sa loob ng iglesya na mayroon nang “significant other”. Kahit ilang beses pagsabihan minsan ng kanilang magulang at church leaders, sige pa rin sa pagkakaroon ng boyfriend/girlfriend. Some couples would even justify that they are both “Christians” and adults should never worry. Hindi ba talaga tayo dapat mag-alala? I don’t think so.

Do not buy the idea that your young members will never suffer the negative consequences of early dating. Kakabit lagi nito ang physical intimacy na maaring magdala sa kanila sa mas malaking problema (premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy). Putulin na natin ang ugat ng problema.

Christianity is a lifestyle and all those who profess that they are Christians must set a good example for all (1 Timothy 4:12). Kailangang magsimula ito sa ating youth ministry group. I have certain guidelines for my ministry members regarding this concern. Note: guidelines, not policy (compulsory). Wala naman akong magagawa kung talagang ayaw papigil ng mga kabataan. Nonetheless, as for my leaders, I would reconsider their involvement in the ministry if they do not abide by these guidelines.

1. Walang magbi-BF/GF hangga’t hindi tapos ng pag-aaral (kolehiyo). Kung hindi naman kayang makakuha ng 4-year course, ok na ang mga kurso na magbibigay sa kanila ng maayos na trabaho. They must prepare for family life kaya requirement sa akin ang pagtatapos ng pag-aaral.

2. Kailangang LEGAL ang relasyon. Importante ang blessing ng mga magulang (nanay at tatay ng babae/lalake) at church leaders. Ilang beses na akong nakasaksi ng mga Romeo-Juliet love affair na giyera-patani ang kinahahantungan. Kaya nagkakaroon ng "You and Me Against The World" feeling ang magsing-irog.

3. Kailangang “spiritually-maturing” na Cristiano ang pipiliin (2 Corinthians 6:14), hindi lang basta matawag na “Cristiano.” This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. If he/she is not a Christian, the relationship must be ended. Higit pa rito, kailangang mas mamahalin ng pipiliin nilang partner si Lord, higit sa kanila. At mas mamahalin nila ang Panginoon higit sa kanilang partner. Kaya bago sumuong sa anumang relasyon, kailangan ng matindihang panalangin at pakikipagniig sa Panginoon.

Not complying with just one of these guidelines gives me a reason to talk to the couple for an unsolicited pastoral advice. At kung sakaling natupad naman ng magsing-irog ang mga requirements at pormal nang naging mag-ON , hindi ko naman pinapayong magtagal ang BF/GF stage. Three (3) years for me is enough to be in the courtship stage dahil laging nakaabang ang threat ng PMS. Kaya importanteng matagal nang magkakilala ang mag-partner para mas maikli na ang panahon ng GTKY (Getting to Know You). Bakit pa papatagalin ang relasyon kung alam mo na "kayo" na ang ibinigay ni Lord sa isa't isa? I will discuss marriage preparations in a separate article.

Lagi kong sinasabi sa aking mga Lovestruck Seminars: “Kapag sira ang lovelife mo, sira din ang ibang bahagi ng iyong buhay”. Let us admonish our young members to “guard their hearts with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23). Nakakabulag daw talaga ang pag-ibig dahil matindi ang emosyon. Emotions have zero IQ. Hence, the feelings they have for the opposite sex must be premised on the will of God in their lives.

Adolescent Development and Youth Ministry

2009-09-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

Adolescence can be defined as a developmental transition between childhood and adulthood. It can be considered, roughly, as the “second decade of the lifespan.” Recent studies show that the term, which used to be identified with teenagers (13 to 18), has been lengthened considerably in the past century, because young people mature earlier physically and because so many individuals remain economically dependent on their parents well after they turn 20.

When American psychologist Granville Stanley Hall, coined in 1904 the phrase "storm and stress" with reference to adolescence, he was well-aware of the changes young people experience and, perhaps, the changing variables youth ministers have to contend with—the teens themselves, the cultures which influence them, their families and friends, among others. To say the least, youth ministers are hitting a “moving target.” As a result, one program may be effective in one group but can prove to be inoperative in another. Understanding adolescent development is crucial in formulating excellent, effective and empathetic programs. This essay presents the essential information on this concern and some recommendations on youth ministry strategies.

PHYSICAL/INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
More physical changes take place during adolescence than during any other time in life except for the first 18 months. Adolescence starts with the onset of puberty or the stage when somebody becomes capable of sexual reproduction. The Bible declares that the glory of every youth is his strength (Proverbs 20:29). Since teens find physical activities irresistible, youth ministry leaders must capitalize on their “energetic years” by involving them in worthwhile bodily activities (i.e. camps and outdoors, missions and outreaches). Similarly, they must also be taught of appropriate personal hygiene to address the inevitable consequences of biological progress (i.e. body odor and menstrual period).

Body image issues and self-esteem can also become areas of concern. Many youth see themselves being described and evaluated according to their physical appearance. Adults can help them develop a healthy self-esteem by providing venues where they can excel and affirm their strengths. One good intervention is the constant admonition to the youth to love themselves as God values them (Matthew 22:37-39). The Lord primarily looks at the heart and not on our outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). We are wonderfully made by God despite of our perceived physical weaknesses (Psalm 139:14).

Adolescents develop the ability to reason more logically, to conceptualize and to think in abstract terms. These observations were first presented by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in his theory of cognitive development. Youth ministry leaders must be well-informed of this well-established fact because it can greatly help in preparing Bible studies and applying teaching strategies. We must understand the recurring awkwardness in philosophy of many teenagers because they are just starting to get accustomed to their new thinking skills. They have different learning styles hence the need for variegated and responsive teaching schemes. We can also coach creativity among our youth members given the diversity of their thinking patterns. Repetition of activities and lessons should not be considered as a boring method. Teens sometimes need more time to process abstract ideas and thoughts. It is helpful to be reiterate lessons (with variegated approaches of course) to inculcate Biblical truths in their minds significantly.

EMOTIONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Teenagers can be emotional people. They can laugh uncontrollably during the first part of the youth meeting and then become depressed and resentful in the second half. Mood swings can be caused by the erratic surge of hormones in their body. Their feelings can be tense as well as unpredictable. Since they are just beginning to experience adultlike emotions, they are having difficulties dealing with them. On a negative side, they can be susceptible to emotional appeals they receive from music videos, movies and even occult groups (i.e. emotional (Emo) culture). Knowing their emotional roller-coaster experience can help youth ministers identify with them, not to be hypercritical and be more sympathetic and patient about their emotional conduct.

Emotional changes among teens can also be understood by viewing it through the lense of identity development. They tend to detach themselves from their parents and start to attain their separate sense of identity. According to German-American psychologist Erik Erikson, one of the main tasks of adolescents is to resolve the question, “Who Am I?” Erikson saw adolescence as a period of “moratorium” or a “time out” period during which a person experiment with a variety of identities (i.e. tough student, class clown, spoiled brat). If an adolescent receives positive feedbacks about the identity he is embracing, he/she would surely continue the behavior. Else, he/she would experiment with other identities.

In his landmark article, American child psychologist David Elkind used Piaget’s study to explain why adolescents act and feel the way they do. One of their attitudes is pseudo-stupidity or the tendency to respond to situations in a much more complex manner and conceive many different alternatives. The problem, however, is that they fail to assign priorities in decision-making. For instance, an adolescent may over-intellectualize a simple concept hence not understanding its simple meaning.

They can also yield to imaginary-audience behavior. They think that people surrounding them are always monitoring their behavior. Simply put, they feel that they are the “center of people’s attention”. This is the reason they are always conscious of their appearance and mannerisms when they go to place where they can meet many people. Complementing this attitude is what Elkind dubbed as “personal fable” which reinforces the self-centeredness of many adolescents. They would consider themselves not only “unique and special” but also “invincible”. The fable is the untrue story that young people tell themselves. This is the reason they are not receptive to the warnings given by adults because they just do not believe those things will actually happen to them.

It is not unusual for teenagers to shift their interest from parental to peer relations. Sometimes, they go to school not because they enjoy studying but rather they want to be with their friends. Furthermore, they could social acceptance as one of the prime indicators of their self-esteem, more important than their cognitive/academic competence. Youth ministers must understand that although peer influence increases during adolescence, studies confirm that it can never outweigh the influence of parents. Hence, youth ministry programs must always include forging stronger relationships with parents as partners in discipling the young people. Educating teens about righteous relationships with the opposite should also be emphasized. Peer pressure may lead to early dating which can influence young people’s attitudes toward premarital sex.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Wayne Rice’s description of adolescent faith is instructive. First, it includes doubt and disbelief. With their newly acquired ability to think, it should be expected that adolescents will challenge the faith of their childhood. They are also bombarded with different information that complicates their faith-formation.

Second, it is personal. Young people experience the transition from “received faith” (from parents, church) to “existential commitment” (personal decision to embrace a moral standard). Hence, the church and family should always create an atmosphere of acceptance and friendship and opportunities for teenagers to discover Christ. Sometimes, forcing them to attend church will provide them more reasons to resist the faith we want them to embrace.

Third, adolescents always have difficulty living their faith. Rice writes, “One of the most frustrating aspects of youth ministry is seeing adolescents not good at connecting what they believe with what they do.” Elkind calls this phenomenon “apparent hypocrisy”—young people do not walk the talk by living two lives. They may show “appearance” of religiosity/spirituality by attending youth worship services and Bible studies, but may not truly “received Christ” as their Lord and Savior. Given this scenario, it is essential that youth ministry leaders possess a “sower mentality”—not to get frustrated by superficial confessions of faith. As Kurt Johnston puts it, “Youth ministry is a process and that we won’t always see immediate results. The world is full of Christians who were exposed to the gospel in junior high, but did not become believers until later.”

Fourth, adolescent faith includes failures. As toddlers in faith, they are expected to stumble and fall in some areas of their Christian walk. Adults must help them learn from their moral lapses rather than be overpowered by them.

Fifth, it involves feelings and emotions. Young people must validate their faith through tangible and spiritual activities. Positive emotional experiences can reinforce their spiritual convictions. When a youth shed tears, they represent their real feelings which will have significant impact on their lives. Nonetheless, adults should be always cognizant of the dangers of using teenage emotions to achieve ministry ends.

Lastly, adolescent faith is idealistic and requires models of faith. The church should affirm their idealism through positive activities that will enhance their spiritual beliefs. Teens can be easily misled by people who can capture their admiration and allegiance. Hence, their “hero-worshipping” attitude should be complemented by adults and church leaders who demonstrate integrity, righteousness and Christ-like character. They must be instructed to imitate “heroes of faith” rather than mimic secular music/movie “idols” who can lead them astray.

HOLISTIC YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS
The major areas of development previously discussed have a direct effect on how an adolescent experience spiritual transformation—a period when he/she places a “God-filter” in his or her life. Physical development, for instance, influences the way youth relate to God. G. Stanley Hall once wrote that it is no accident that the age of personal religious awareness and that of sexual maturity and love coincide. He compares the awakening of love in adolescents to their love for God.

Youth ministry must be a venue where adolescents can positively develop holistically--as Jesus manifested during his teenage years. He grew in “wisdom (intellectual) and stature (physical) and in favor with God (spiritual) and man (social/emotional)" (Luke 2:52). As we desire to witness genuine spiritual growth among adolescents, we must also reflect on the effects and implications of growth in other areas of their lives. Overall, balance is the goal!

REFERENCES

Elkind, David. 1978. “Understanding the Young Adolescent”, Adolescence, vol. 13 (9).

Rice, Wayne. 1987. Junior High Ministry. Youth Specialties Inc. Pp. 127-140

Steinberg, Laurence. 2002. Adolescence. McGraw Hill: New York.

Jackson, Allen and Dwayne Ulmer. 2000. Introducing the 21st Century Teenager. Lifeway Press: Nashville.

Johnston, Kurt. 2001. Controlled Chaos (Making Sense of Junior High Ministry). Standard Publishing: Ohio.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America approves "Chaste" Same-Sex Relationships

2009-08-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

ELCA validates 'chaste' same-sex relationships
By JEFF STRICKLER, Star Tribune

One vote. That was the margin Wednesday by which the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America churchwide assembly approved a social statement that, among other things, acknowledges the validity of same-sex relationships that are "chaste, monogamous and lifelong."

The margin was so close that Bishop Mark Hanson, the ELCA leader who presided over the vote, hesitated before announcing the outcome. Rules required the social statement to pass by a two-thirds vote; the final result was 66.67 percent.

"I thought it was going to be close, but I doubted very much that it would come out at exactly two-thirds," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, chairman of the task force that drew up the social statement and pastor of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake.

Close as it was, the vote bodes well for a proposal to repeal a ban on gay and lesbian ministers from leading churches unless they promise to be celibate. That motion, which is to come up for a vote Friday afternoon, requires only a simple majority to pass.

Earlier in the afternoon, a storm battered the Minneapolis Convention Center where the ELCA was meeting. That storm turned out to be nothing compared with the whirlwind going on inside.

The day's agenda called for a vote on the social statement before the afternoon plenary session was adjourned at 5:45 p.m., but at 5:30, the debate on the statement itself hadn't even started. Convention-goers had spent the afternoon arguing about amendments.

It was suggested -- but never officially voted on -- that the discussion be suspended until today. At that point, some delegates who had dinner reservations started to drift out of the hall.

Then, in quick succession, a delegate called the issue for a vote. That resulted in two quick votes, the first to halt discussion and the second on the social statement itself. As it turned out, 29 of the 1,045 registered voters did not vote.

The vote was followed by several minutes of confusion in which a number of motions were made, one of them for a closer look at the exact vote. But the motions all failed, either because they conflicted with ELCA bylaws or they were deemed to be out of order by the convention's parliamentarian.

Until then, the most angst had been generated by a prolonged debate over an amendment that would have changed the wording of the social statement. Proposed by opponents, it sought to change the wording to say, "This church regards the practice of homosexual behavior as contrary to God's intent for His children."

After a long and contentious debate, that amendment was defeated.

Supporters of Friday's proposal to change the rules governing gay clergy were pleased by the vote.

"It bolstered our optimism," said Emily Eastwood, executive director of St. Paul-based Lutherans Concerned/North America. "We are encouraged and hopeful that on Friday this foundation will result in the church's elimination of the current ban on ministers in committed same-gender relationships."

Opponents of the rule change were disappointed, but not to the point of conceding Friday's vote.

"We knew this was going to be an uphill battle," said the Rev. Mark Chavez, spokesman for Lutheran CORE. "But we're still here."

Source: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/53738512.html?page=2&c=y

MAY ARAW DIN KAYO ni Conrado de Quiros

2009-08-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

Tatagalugin ko na nang makuha n’yo. Kahit na lingwaheng kanto lang ang alam kong Tagalog.

Tutal Buwan ng Wika naman ang Agosto. Baka sakali ’yung paboritong wika ni Balagtas ay makatulong sa pag-unawa n’yo dahil mukhang ’yung paboritong wika ni Shakespeare ay lampas sa IQ n’yo. Kung sa bagay, ang pinakamahirap gisingin ay ’yung nagtutulug-tulugan. Ang pinakamahirap padinggin ay ’yung nagbibingi-bingihan. Ang pinakamahirap paintindihin ay ’yung nagmamaangmaangan. Bueno, mahirap din paintindihin ’yung likas na tanga. Pero bahala na.

Sabi mo, Cerge Remonde, alangan naman pakanin ng hotdog ang amo mo. Bakit alangan? Hindi naman vegetarian ’yon. At public service nga ’yon, makakatulong dagdagan ng cholesterol at salitre ang dugong dumadaloy papuntang puso n’ya. Kung meron man s’yang dugo, kung meron man s’yang puso.

Bakit alangan? Malamang di ka nagbabasa ng balita, o di lang talaga nagbabasa, kung hindi ay nalaman mo ’yung ginawa ni Barack Obama at Joe Biden nitong nakaraang Mayo. Galing silang White House patungong Virginia nang magtakam sila pareho ng hamburger. Pina detour nila ang motorcade at tumuloy sa unang hamburgerang nakita nila. Ito ang Ray’s Hell Burger, isang maliit at independienteng hamburger joint.

Tumungo ang dalawa sa counter at sila mismo ang nag-order, hindi mga aides. Nagbayad sila ng cash na galing sa sariling bulsa at kagaya ng ibang customers ay pumila para sa turno nila.

Ito ay presidente at bise presidente ng pinakamakapangyarihang bansa sa buong mundo. Kung sa bagay, ’yung amo n’yo ay hindi naman talaga presidente. Di lang makita ang pagkakaiba ni Garci kay God kaya nasabing “God put me here.” Pekeng presidente, pekeng asal presidente.

Sabi mo, Anthony Golez, maliit lang ang P1 million dinner kumpara sa bilyon-bilyong pisong dinala ng amo mo sa bansa.

Ay kayo lang naman ang nagsasabing may inambag ang amo n’yo na bilyong-bilyong piso sa kaban ng bayan. Ni anino noon wala kaming nakita. Ang nakita lang namin ay yung bilyon-bilyong piso—o borjer, ayon nga sa inyong dating kakosa na si Benjamin Abalos—na inaswang ng amo n’yo sa kaban ng bayan. Executive privilege daw ang hindi n’ya sagutin ito. Kailan pa naging pribilehiyo ng isang opisyal ang di managot sa taumbayan? Kailan pa naging pribilehiyo ng isang opisyal ang magnakaw?

Maliit lang pala ang P1 million, ay bakit hindi n’yo na lang ibigay sa nagugutom? O doon sa mga sundalo sa Mindanao? Tama si Archbishop Oscar Cruz. Isipin n’yo kung gaano karaming botas man lang ang mabibili ng P1 million at karagdagang P750,000 na nilamon ng amo n’yo at mga taga bitbit ng kanyang maleta sa isa pang restawran sa New York.

Maliit lang pala ang P1 million (at P750,000), bakit hindi n’yo na lang ibigay doon sa pamilya ng mga sundalong namatay sa Mindanao? Magkano ’yung gusto n’yong ibigay sa bawat isa? P20,000? Sa halagang iyan 50 sundalo na ang maaabuluyan n’yo sa $20,000. Pasalu-saludo pa ’yang amo n’yo sa mga namatay na kala mo ay talagang may malasakit. Bumenta na ’yang dramang ’yan. At pasabi-sabi pa ng “Annihilate the Abus!” Di ba noon pa n’ya ’yan pinangako? Mahilig lang talagang mangako ’yang amo n’yo.

Bukod pa d’yan, saan ba nanggaling ’yung limpak-limpak na salapi ng mga kongresista na pinansisindi nila ng tabako? Di ba sa amin din? Tanong n’yo muna kung ayos lang na i-blowout namin ng wine at caviar ang amo n’yo habang kami ay nagdidildil ng asin—’yung magaspang na klase ha, ’di yung iodized. Ang tindi n’yo, mga p’re.

At ikaw naman, Romulo Macalintal, tapang ng apog mo. Maiisip mo tuloy na sundin na lang ang mungkahi ni Dick the Butcher sa “Henry VI” ni Shakespeare: “First thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” Pa ethics-ethics ka pa, pasalamat ka di nasunog ang bibig mo sa pagbigkas ng katagang ’yon.

Marami mang sugapa rin sa aming mga taga media, di naman kasing sugapa n’yo. At di naman kami sineswelduhan ng taumbayan. Wala naman kaming problemang sumakay sa PAL at kailangan pang bumili ng P1.2 billion jet. Anong sabi n’yo, kailangan ng amo n’yo sa pabyahe-byahe? E sino naman ang may sabing magbabyahe s’ya? Ngayon pang paalis na s’ya—malinaw na ayaw n’yang umalis. Bakit hindi na lang s’ya bumili ng Matchbox na eroplano? Kasya naman s’ya ro’n.

Lalo kayong nagpupumiglas, lalo lang kayong lumulubog sa kumunoy. Di n’yo malulusutan ang bulilyasong ginawa n’yo. Para n’yo na ring inagaw ang isinusubong kanin ng isang batang nagugutom. Tama si Obama at Biden: Sa panahon ng recession, kung saan nakalugmok ang mga Amerikano sa hirap, dapat makiramay ang mga pinuno sa taumbayan, di nagpapakapariwara. Sa panahon ng kagutuman, na matagal nang kalagayan ng Pinoy, at lalo pang tumindi sa paghagupit ng Typhoon Gloria, dapat siguro uminom na lang kayo ng insecticide. Gawin n’yo ’yan at mapapawi kaagad ang kagutuman ng bayan.

Sa bandang huli, buti na rin lang at ginawa n’yo ’yung magpasasa sa P1 million dinner habang lupaypay ang bayan sa kagutuman—di lang sa kawalan ng pagkain kundi sa iba pang bagay—at pagdadalamhati sa yumaong Ina ng Bayan. Binigyan n’yo ng mukha ang katakawan. Katakawang walang kabusugan. Mukhang di nakita ng masa sa usaping NBN, mukhang di nakikita ng masa sa usaping SAL. Mukhang nakita lang ng masa dito sa ginawa n’yong ito. Sa pagpapabondat sa New York habang naghihinagpis ang bayan.

At buti na rin lang mayroon tayong sariling wika. Di sapat ang Inggles para iparamdam sa inyo ang suklam na nararamdaman namin sa inyo. Di sapat ang Inggles para ipakita sa inyo ang pagkamuhi na nararamdaman namin sa inyo. Di maarok ng Inggles ang lalim ng poot na nararamdaman namin sa inyo.

Isinusuka na kayo ng taumbayan, mahirap man sumuka ang gutom.

May araw din kayo.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090817-220654/May-araw-din-kayo

Real Christians of this Country UNITE!

2009-08-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Nakakasawa nang pakinggan ang lahat ng kaso ng graft and corruption sa pahayagan, radyo at TV. As a fact of the matter, we are already desensitized to these things. Corruption fatigue, ika nga. Iniisip ng marami na kailangan na lamang nating tanggapin ang lahat dahil wala na tayong magagawa. Siguro nga…kasi mismo ang Body of Christ, kung hindi manhid sa nagaganap sa lipunan, nagtatago sa apat na sulok ng simbahan at ayaw makialam.

Magalit man sa akin ang ibang relihiyoso dahil sa aking ipapahayag, so be it. Naninindigan ako sa katotohanang ang magpapasimula ng pagbabago ng bayang ito ay mga taong tunay na nagsuko ng buhay kay Cristo, mga taong nasusuklam sa kasalanan, mga taong hindi nagagalak sa paglaganap ng kasamaan.

We need people like Habakkuk who would never condone and tolerate evil in this country. We need individuals like Moses and Joshua who would stand in the gap between God and their countrymen, and will do everything to accomplish God's will for their nation.

I have witnessed how the so-called Christian leaders in the Body Christ succumb to mudslinging and bickerings just like traditional politicians. Ito ba ang iiwan ninyong halimbawa sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga kabataang Cristiano? Itinuturing kayong mga ama ng Sangka-Kristiyanuhan ngunit kayo ang nagpapasimula ng nakalulungkot na awayan at alitan.

Bakit kailangang hatiin ng PULITIKA ang Body of Christ?

Hangga't hindi nagkakaisa ang mga matataas na lider ng mga TUNAY na Cristiano sa bansang ito, mababa ang pag-asa kong malalampasan ng ating bayan ang lahat ng krisis-panlipunan. Bakit? Malaki ang impluwensiya ng sinumang lider sa kaniyang kongregasyon. Buo ang aking paniniwala na nasa kamay ng mga tunay na CRISTIANO ang susi ng paggaling sa ating naghihingalong bayan.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

God's judgment begins at the house of the Lord (1 Peter 4:17, Revelations 2-3). May this serve as an open letter to all genuine Christians and Christian leaders in this country to UNITE, and PRAY TOGETHER for the HEALING of this Land.

Ganundin, tinatawagan ko ang lahat ng Cristiyanong Kabataan ng bansang ito na MAGKAISA hindi lamang sa pananalangin kung hindi maging sa PAKIKISANGKOT upang mamayani ang katuwiran at kabanalan sa ating bayan.

Panginoon, muli mong pasimulan ang magandang kabanata sa aming kasaysayan!

(Signed)
PTR. RONALD MOLMISA
Head Pastor
Generation 3:16 Ministries

How would you respond to this Dilemma?

2009-08-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

In Europe a woman named Hilda was near death from a rare type of cancer. There was one drug that doctors thought might save her. It was a form of radium that a druggist in the same town had recently discovered. The drug was not expensive to make, but the druggist was charging ten times what the drug cost to make. He paid $200 for the radium and charged $2,000 for a small dose of the drug.

Hilda's husband, Heinz, went to everyone he knew to borrow the money, but he could only get about $1,000.He told the druggist that his wife was dying, and asked him to sell it cheaper or let him pay later.

But the druggist said, "No, I have worked very hard and sacrificed a great deal to discover this drug. It is my property. I have a moral right to it, protected by law, and another moral right to decide what to do with it. And what I want to do is make as much money as I can so I can make my life more enjoyable. I am not running a public charity." So Heinz got desperate and began to think about breaking into the man's store to steal the drug.

Should Heinz steal the drug?

The Little Boy and the Rattlesnake (A Good Story)

2009-07-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

The little boy was walking down a path and he came across a rattlesnake. The rattlesnake was getting old. He asked, "Please little boy, can you take me to the top of the mountain? I hope to see the sunset one last time before I die." The little boy answered "No Mr. Rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you'll bite me and I'll die." The rattlesnake said, "No, I promise. I won't bite you. Just please take me up to the mountain." The little boy thought about it and finally picked up that rattlesnake and took it close to his chest and carried it up to the top of the mountain.

They sat there and watched the sunset together. It was so beautiful. Then after sunset the rattlesnake turned to the little boy and asked, "Can I go home now? I am tired, and I am old." The little boy picked up the rattlesnake and again took it to his chest and held it tightly and safely. He came all the way down the mountain holding the snake carefully and took it to his home to give him some food and a place to sleep. The next day the rattlesnake turned to the boy and asked, "Please little boy, will you take me back to my home now? It is time for me to leave this world, and I would like to be at my home now." The little boy felt he had been safe all this time and the snake had kept his word, so he would take it home as asked.

He carefully picked up the snake, took it close to his chest, and carried him back to the woods, to his home to die. Just before he laid the rattlesnake down, the rattlesnake turned and bit him in the chest. The little boy cried out and threw the snake upon the ground. "Mr. Snake, why did you do that? Now I will surely die!" The rattlesnake looked up at him and grinned, "You knew what I was when you picked me up."

What's the MORAL Lesson of the STORY?

Filling Up the Affliction of Christ (PDF Attached) by John Piper

2009-07-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Piper writes, "My hope for this book is that our hearts and minds have been shaped more deeply by the work of the Spirit so that when the crisis comes, we will be guided more by the ways of God and less by the worldly assumptions of security and comfort."

When I Say "I am a Christian" by Carol Wimmer

2009-07-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

The Scientific Way of Counting Ralliers

2009-07-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

Below are two articles published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer to inform the public about the politics of mass mobilization. Asahan na nating gagamitin ng mga presidentiables ang mga "crowd estimates" para kumbinsihin ang mga botante na malawak ang kanilang suporta and they "have the numbers". I once interviewed Dr. Tapang for my research. The academic is authoritative and and I fully subscribe to his findings and claims.

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Measuring the size of crowds
By Giovanni Tapang
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:21:00 06/21/2009

ANNOUNCEMENTS about the size of a crowd after a big mobilization or event are usually as varied as the organizations giving the estimate.

At the Ayala rally on June 10 against a House resolution seeking to convene a constituent assembly (Con-ass) to amend the Charter, we had estimates ranging from a low of 6,000 from the Philippine National Police to a high of 15,000 from organizers.

Politics of numbers

The politics of numbers of a mobilization is obvious, as one story lead last year in the Philippine Daily Inquirer clearly put it: “The crowd is the statement.”

Every time a sizeable mass action is conducted, whether on Mendiola, Ayala or Edsa, conflicting estimates are issued that either downplay or magnify the data. Is there some way to effectively quantify the size of the crowd in a mobilization?

The accepted method for estimating crowd size is to measure the area covered by the protest and the crowd density, and then count the number of those who attended at a certain time.

This estimation is most easily done with overhead shots and aerial surveys. This method was used way back in the late 1960s, when Herbert Jacobs, a professor at the University of California in Berkeley, counted the number of students that can fit within the grid lines of the plaza where students gathered to protest the Vietnam War.

Rule of thumb

He developed a rule of thumb that is still being used in crowd estimation today. A crowd where each one is at arm’s length would cover about one square meter per person.

In a tightly packed, high-density crowd, a person would fill about a quarter of a square meter of space. This means that in these tight situations, four individuals can still comfortably stand and occupy a square meter of space.

There are several other points to consider. Crowd density is usually not uniform, except in very crowded areas, and will taper off from the hub of activity. The time the estimate was made is also important, as crowds are dynamic systems.

Over a period, the crowd size can swell or ebb due to people coming in and out of the assembly area.

Making an estimate at only one point can lead to a different count if it is taken at the peak or near the end of the event.

Assigning marshals to monitor people coming in and out of the hanay (line) would keep a contingent relatively organized.

Militant groups such as those under Bayan have this honed to an art and thus their numbers stay relatively intact until the end of the program.

Ayala area

The Ayala area, where the broad anti-Con-ass mobilizations were held, can be divided into four major areas: Ayala going toward Herrera, the central area of the intersection, along Paseo de Roxas and Ayala toward Makati Avenue and Edsa.

In our estimates, sidewalks and establishments are not included even though there are people who would usually stand there during mobilizations.

The maximum that these areas can hold at 4 per square meter would be about 90,000 people.

If we extend the coverage to the whole stretch of Ayala from De la Rosa to Edsa, the whole of Paseo and Makati Avenue, this maximum can reach 300,000.

Organizers would have different objectives for the mobilizations they organize.

Some events would be a show of force measured in number, while some provide a venue for gathering different political forces.

Edsa Shrine

If crowd size is the target, areas like Edsa or other multiple staging areas would be good places to assemble instead of Ayala.

The central Edsa Shrine-Ortigas area would comfortably contain more than 70,000 and there would be room to expand in four different directions if the crowd increases as it did during Edsa II.

Mendiola

Other assembly points like Plaza Miranda in Manila can accommodate around 5,000 in its central area. The length of Quezon Boulevard from C.M. Recto to Quezon Bridge can hold up to 50,000, while some 35,000 people can fit from C.M. Recto to Mendiola.

Near the foot of Mendiola Bridge, where most rallies are stopped, 5,000 would already fill the area and the central intersection. This estimate excludes C.M. Recto and Legarda and the stretch of Mendiola behind the statue of Chino Roces.

Liwasang Bonifacio

España Boulevard from Welcome Rotunda to Lerma can contain a bit more than 100,000 people marching along both directions. If we take only those who will fit from A.H. Lacson to Lerma, the number is around 36,000.

Liwasang Bonifacio, from the National Press Club to Padre Burgos, including the central area, can sustain 46,000 or more if we count people standing under the shade of trees.

Rizal Park

The Katipunan monument’s central area near Manila City Hall would hold 30,000, while Quirino Grandstand and Rizal Park (Luneta) can hold about half a million people. The exposed area of the central quadrangle in front of the grandstand can hold up to 170,000 people.

These estimates exclude covered areas, sidewalks and structures. Due to this limitation, these numbers are in the lower limit of the maximum capacity even if we use a density of four individuals per square meter.

Composition

Yet, it is not all about numbers. At the recent Ayala mobilization, what was more interesting was the composition of the rally rather than the size of the crowd.

The groups of religious, businessmen, militants and the political opposition attending the rallies have broadened since a few years ago. Who protested is as important as how many came and participated.

(Giovanni Tapang, a Ph.D., is the chair of the scientists’ group Agham [Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan]. He is an associate professor at the National Institute of Physics in UP Diliman. Calculations used in this article can be found at www.agham.org.)

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How to count ralliers in Luneta
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:27:00 06/21/2009

CROWD estimates of political rallies are often contentious because rally organizers and police estimates vary greatly. As someone put it the estimates usually depended on the political bias of the one doing the counting.

A case in point was the number of people who attended the proclamation rally of presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva on Feb. 22, 2004 in Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila. It was reported in a newspaper that 2.8 million attended the rally. Other newspapers reported a much lower figure of less than a million.

Gauging the size of crowds at rallies accurately is difficult because the people are usually in constant motion. Densities also vary with respect to the distance from the stage.

In “Chronology of a Revolution 1986,” author Angela Stuart Santiago presents a method of determining crowd density, which, she says, depends on the positions assumed by the people in the crowd.

She presents different positions that characterize a typical rally and the number of persons per square meter based on accepted architectural dimensions.

These positions include a person sitting or squatting and occupying 0.313 square meters; standing, with persons at the sides and directly in front at arm’s length and occupying 0.44 sq m; standing, with elbow room at the sides, front or back and occupying 0.640 sq m; and standing, shoulder to shoulder, no space between people and occupying 0.125.

Based on her estimates, the densest is eight persons per sq m when they are standing shoulder to shoulder, with no space between them. The least dense is 1.56 per sq m when people are standing with elbow room at the sides and at the front and at the back, and 2.27 per sq m when people are standing with others at the sides and directly in front at arm’s length. The average, considering the most dense and least dense positions, is 3.56 persons per sq m.

Getting the total crowd estimate would then entail getting the area and multiplying this with the estimated crowd density.

The entire Luneta Park, for example, from the sea wall to Taft Avenue is 528,832.5 sq m (52.89 hectares). The area, which includes the roads surrounding the park, can accommodate 4.2 million people. That is, if it is totally devoid of structures and if eight people are packed in one square meter, standing with no spaces between them.

But if the average of about three people occupying a square meter is used, a totally barren Rizal Park can accommodate about 1.6 million. But this is an overestimation as at least 8,000 sq m of the area is used for the huge Philippine map, lagoon, fountains, plant boxes, gardens, monuments and poles, canteens and other structures.

Aerial photos of the Villanueva rally showed that his supporters nearly filled up only the grandstand to the Roxas Boulevard area. This has a combined land area of 122,671 sq m. Based on the least dense estimate of 1.56 per sq m and most dense estimate of 8 persons per sq m, the crowd could be as low as 191,367 or as high as 981,368 but still way below the 2.8 million estimate of Villanueva’s supporters.

(This article appeared in the Inquirer on May 7, 2004.)

FIRST LOVE should Never Die

2009-06-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Revelations 2 explains the word of the Lord to the Church in Ephesus which deals with the lost of FIRST LOVE of Christians in the community--their love for God. It affected how they related with the brethren. The Ephesians were successful in getting rid of "false doctrines/prophets". Nonetheless, their quest for doctrinal led to inquisitorial and legalist spirit among the believers. Due to the decaying state of Christianity in the community, Jesus told the Ephesians, through Apostle John, to remember where they have fallen, to repent of their sins and to return to their old good works.

In the same manner, some "senior" Christians fall into a "state of rut" in their spiritual walk with God. This is often caused by religious rituals and practices which often provide artificial mechanisms to relate with God. Without relationship, our worship can become mechanical and ritualistic. Religious activities can change our image, but not our heart and character. God knows us to the core. We can never fake our worship.

We should always go back to the period when we first met Christ and His cross. The time when we first experienced the "sparks" and "intense romance" with our Lord. Intimacy is what God desires from His children.

Michael Jackson (40) and Farrah Fawcett (63) - You will be MISSED

2009-06-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Nagluluksa ang buong mundo ngayon sa pagpanawa ng "King of Pop" at dating "Charlie's Angel"

Death is no respecter of persons. We must always be prepare to meet our God (Amos 4:12)

News:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029/ns/entertainment-music/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090625/ap_on_en_tv/us_obit_fawcett

Internet Sex Scandals and the Battle for Purity

2009-05-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Napapadaan ako sa Quiapo sa tuwing ako ay umuuwi ng bahay mula sa trabaho. Anecdote: Dahil sa kasalukuyang isyu tungkol sa isang starlet at isang batang doktor, isa lang ang tanong (note: pabulong) ng mga parokyano sa lahat ng bilihan ng DVD sa lugar, babae man o lalake: Mayroon na ba kayo ng scandal ni KH? Hindi naman makapagbenta nang lantaran ang mga pobreng tindero dahil halos isang dosenang pulis ang nakaposte ngayon sa kalye ng Arlegue. Matindi ang crackdown sa mga nagbebenta ng video scandal. Ang sabihing “pinagpipiyestahan” ng sambayanan ngayon ang KH scandal ay isang “understatement.” Ang katotohanan, nagkalat na sa Internet sites ang video. You can never put the genie back in the bottle again. Dahil sikat ang mga kasama sa video scandal, knee-jerk response ng lahat na hanapin ang video sa Youtube at mga web sites.

Hindi pa uso ang Internet, sandamukal nang sex videos ang nagsulputan. Dati sa Betamax at VHS pa lang. Sa kasalukuyan, lahat ng may email ay imposibleng hindi mabigyan ng mga unsolicited, spam mails na may mga pornographic contents. Nakalulungkot isipin na hindi lamang mga estudyante at kabataan ang madalas na “stars” sa mga iskandalosong pelikula, kung hindi sila na rin ang pasimuno sa pagpapakalat ng mga ito. Sa isang bansang konserbatibo, hindi katanggap-tanggap ang ganitong deviant behavior. Dahil napag-uusapan ang iba’t ibang scandals, this is my way of making sense of the issue.

Violation of people’s privacy and man’s sinful nature. Bahagi ng ating pagkatao ang personal nating mga sikreto o mga bagay na ayaw nating ipaalam sa iba for personal reasons. The Bible also values privacy. With regards to private property, pinagbabawalan tayong magnakaw at kumuha ng asawa ng iba (Exodus 20). Maging ang Diyos ay may sikreto na hindi na natin dapat ungkatin pa (Deuteronomio 29:29, Isaias 45:15). When we violate people’s privacy, we also destroy their dignity—dahil nagmumukha silang helpless. May nais silang itago sa maraming tao pero nadiskubre na at nabuksan na ang libro ng kanilang buhay. Man’s sinful and fallen nature enjoys intruding other’s privacy. Gusto nating nakikialam sa buhay ng iba because it gives us pleasure. Voyeurism is a self-centered activity.

Ika nga ng tiyuhin ni Spiderman, great power comes great responsibility. Naging malaking isyu ang kasalukuyang scandal dahil prominenteng mga tao ang involved. Pinapatunayan lamang nito na hindi ang “video scandal” per se ang naging sentro ng usapan, kung hindi ang mga sikat na taong naging bahagi ng istorya. Isang malaking hamon sa mga lider na panatilihin ang kanilang integridad. Kahit sabihin ng ilang mga artista na hindi nila kailanman nanaisin na maging mga “role models”, the fact na humaharap sila sa kamera, by default, sinusubaybayan ng publiko ang kanilang buhay. Hence, they have the moral obligation to live moral lives. That’s the cost they have to pay by being famous and powerful.

Use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for our benefit, not for our destruction. Maraming kabataan ang walang patumanggang pinagkukunan (cellphone, digicam) ang kanilang sarili—sa kalye, sa eskwelahan, sa poste, sa kanilang kuwarto, kahit sa loob ng CR. Ang iba walang paki- kung naka-underwear lang o halos wala nang saplot. Para sa kanila, kailangang i-celebrate ang kanilang kaseksihan at voluptuous na katawan. Tuwang-tuwa rin silang tawagan ang kanilang mga sarili CAM-WHORES at i-upload ang lahat ng kanilang “sexy pose” sa kanilang Friendster, Multiply at online websites. Tapos, magtataka sila kung bakit may nakakuha ng kanilang mga sexy photos samantalang naka-private ang setting ang kanilang album. They are simply clueless about the possibility of hacking and information-sharing in the Net. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit dumarami ang mga video scandals.

We must remember that the Internet is a jungle and an information black hole. Kapag nagpakawala ka rito ng impormasyon, hindi mo na uli iyon mabubura. For instance, kahit i-cancel mo na ang account mo sa Facebook, gagawin lang nilang inactive ang iyong account. Kapag magbago ka nang isip at gusto mong balikan ang iyong profile, mag-log-on ka lang uli sa dati mong username at password, activated na naman ang iyong account. Ganundin, napakadali nang sumikat sa Youtube. Kumuha ka ng digicam., i-edit mo sa movie-maker, lagyan ng effects, may instant digi-film ka nang puwedeng pagkaguluhan ng lahat ng tao sa buong mundo.

We need the power of God’s Spirit to overcome lust and temptation. Madaling sabihin na huwag tumingin sa mga pornographic materials. Kasi kahit ayaw mo, may bigla na lamang bubulaga sa harap mo. Dahil halos lahat na mabalingan ng iyong tingin ay may sexual content, mukhang imposibleng hindi marumihan ang iyong isip. Manood ka sa TV, making ka sa FM stations, magbasa ka ng magazines at mga tabloids---lahat may sex messages at ang iba ay lantaran at bahagi na ng mga jokes ng mga TV host at radio DJs. Halos lahat ng teenagers ay may Friendster, Multiply at Facebook accounts kung saan nabubuo minsan ang mga MU (malalaswang ugnayan).

Nasaksihan ni Pablo sa mga taga-Roma ang ganitong kalagayan kung kaya’t sumulat siya sa mga iglesya doon (12:1-2). Noong panahong iyon, talamak ang homosexual activities, at nasa peak ang sexual revolution sa Imperyo. Ang kaniyang sulat ay siya ring mensahe sa kasalukuyang henerasyon. Kailangang “baguhin natin ang takbo ng ating pag-iisip at linisin ang ating mga puso”. We must not conform to the standards of this dying world. Overcoming lust and temptation is a matter of decision and spiritual will. We must develop spiritual disciplines that can help us overcome lust and negative sexual thoughts.

Since we live in a sex-saturated world, our mind is the main battleground. Kung ano ang makakabihag ng ating isipan, iyon ang maaring bumihag sa ating katawan at puso. Simply put, a mind that is not controlled and subjected to the authority of God cannot overcome worldly sins and values. Pornography is always crouching at our door. Hence, we also need to make a "covenant with our eyes" (Job 31:1).

The GOSPEL According to PrisonBreak

2009-05-18T04:16:00.000-07:00

Una kong napanood ang life adventures ng magkapatid na Michael Scoffield at Lincoln Burrows noong 2006 through a cable TV channel sa isang hotel sa Malaysia kung saan ako lumagi. I watched the first episode and I was really hooked sa istorya. Interesante para sa akin ang relasyon ng dalawang magkapatid--malalim at hindi madaling mabuwag. Since then, I religiously watched all episodes of all four seasons. Overall, Prison Break is a thriller with a heart.

Do not be deceived by the title. Honestly, I find it is misleading. The protagonists are not hardcore criminals and “fugitives” but only collateral sufferers. For instance, Lincoln an Michael were only victimized by the mistakes of their parents and they endured so many agonies in the process. To give you more ideas on the flow of the story, below are the summaries of season episodes.

SEASON 1: The first season’s suspenseful and fast-paced character attracted millions of viewers around the world. Nagpakulong (sa pamamagitan ng simpleng shoplifting) si Michael sa Fox River State Penitentiary upang tulungang makatakas ang kaniyang kapatid na si Lincoln. Nadiskubre niyang biktima ng isang sindikatong kinabibilangan mismo ng presidente ng Amerika ang kaniyang kapatid. Ang sindikato rin ang nagpapatay sa kanilang ama. He was falsely accused and was sentenced to die. Pina-tatoo niya sa buo niyang katawan ang mapa ng Fox River upang matandaan ang escape plan. Pinakilala rin si sa season si Brad Bellick, ang maton na prison guard ng Fox Penitentiary na nagpahirap sa buhay nila Michael. Dito rin nabuo ang love story ni Michael at Sarah Tancredi. Natapos ang season sa pagtakas ng Fox River Eight—si Michael, Lincoln, ang lovesick na si Fernando Sucre, ang child molester na si T-Bag, ang na-born-again ngunit muling nagbalik sa pagiging criminal na si John Abruzzi, ang responsableng ama na si Benjamin Miles, ang binatang naging biktima ni T-Bag na si David Apolskis at ang mentally deranged na si Charles Patoshik.

SEASON 2: Ito ang second-half ng the Great Escape. Pinalutang ng season ang istorya ng mga mahahalagang karakter. Natapos ang buhay ng tatlo sa Fox River Eight—Abruzzi, Apolskis at Patoshik. Natanggal sa trabaho si Bellick at isa-isang hinanap ang mga pugante kapalit ng reward money. Nagkita-kita naman ang mga karakter nang malaman nilang totoo ang sinabi ng isang prisoner na may ibinaon siyang kayamanan sa isang bahay. Unang lumabas si Agent Alexander Mahone na naatasan upang hulihin ang mga tumakas. Nagtatrabaho pala si Agent Mahone para sa The Company. Sa isang court case, pinawalang-sala si Sara at Lincoln. Silang dalawa ang nagplano upang makatakas si Michael. Natapos ang season sa isang kulungan sa Panama, ang Penitenciaría Federal de Sona, kung saan panibagong pahirap naman ang naranasan nina Michael, T-Bag, Bellick at Mahone.

SEASON 3: Sinundan nina Lincoln at Sara si Michael sa Panama. Nakipag-usap si Lincoln sa isang miyembro ng The Company, si Gretchen Morgan na kumidnap sa kaniyang anak na si LJ at Sara. Sinabi ni Gretchen na kailangang maitakas ni Michael si James Whistler. Nakakuha ng trabaho si Sucre sa kulungan upang tulungan si Whistler at Michael sa pagtakas. Nang magtangka si Lincoln na iligtas ang kaniyang anak at si Sara, binigyan siya ng warning ni Gretchen. Pinadalhan siya ng isang kahon na may pugot na ulo. Inakala niyang si Sara ang pinatay. Kinidnap din ang girlfriend ni Lincoln na si Sofia bilang garantiya na maibabalik si Whistler sa The Company. Natapos ang season sa pagtakas ni Michael at Mahone. Hinanap naman ni Lincoln si Gretchen upang maghiganti sa pagkamatay ni Sara.

SEASON 4a: Ipinaalam ng istorya na hindi ulo ni Sara ang nasa loob ng kahon. Nadiskubre din ni Michael na nakikipagtulungan si Whistler kay Agent Mahone upang pabagsakin ang The Company. Nasunog ang Sona at nakatakas si Sucre, Bellick at T-Bag. Nang marating ni Michael ang Chicago upang iligtas si Sara, ni-recruit naman siya ni Agent Don Self upang pabagsakin ang sindikato kapalit ng kaniyang kalayaan. Dinala ang mga Fox River escapees at si Bellick sa Chicago upang bumuo ng isang team. Kasama din si Sara at ang isang computer hacker, si Roland. Inatasan silang kunin ang SCYLA, ang little black book ng sindikato. Nang makuha ng grupo ang microchip, tinaraydor sila ni Agent Self na napag-alamang interesado rin dito upang pagkakitaan. Nakuha rin kay Agent Self ang Scyla sa isang engkwentro.

SEASON 4b: Pagkatapos ng isang season break, ipinakilala ang ina nina Michael at Lincoln, si Christina, na siyang may hawak ng Scyla. Ilalako ito ni Christina sa gobyerno ng India at China upang magpasimula ng panibagong sigalot sa dalawang bansa. Nagkaroon ng mas malaking problema si Michael nang mahuli ni General Krantz ng the Company si Sara at naging hostage rin ni Christina si Lincoln. Kailangang mamili si Michael kung sino ang kaniyang ililigtas. Sa mga huling episodes ng season, nasagip ni Michael si Sara at Lincoln nang ibigay niya kay General ang walang lamang lalagyan Scyla, samantalang isang bomba ang ibigay niya kay Christina. Tinulungan ang grupo ni Paul Kellerman, ang dating miyembro ng The Company, upang maisuko sa UN ang microchip. Lahat ay nakatakas at nabigyan ng exoneration agreement subalit hindi pinayagan ng grupo na makalabas ng kulungan si T-Bag. Ipinakita ang libingan ni Michael na namatay sa edad na 31 bunga ng isang malalang sakit sa utak.

Below are some of the wonderful messages of the series. We can relate Michael’s work to the redeeming work of Jesus. Michael is typical of Christ who sacrificed his life and personal comforts to save his brother from the hell of prison life.

God loves us so much. Malalim ang naging pagmamahal na ipinakita ni Michael sa kaniyang kapatid kahit hindi niya ito “biological” brother. Hindi niya iniwan si Lincoln mula sa Fox River Penitentiary hanngang sa Chicago kung saan nila nagapi ang the Company. That’s real LOVE in action.

Man is separated from God because of sin. The wages of sin is death. This is very true sa buhay ni T-Bag. Kahit lang beses siyang magtangkang magpakabait, siya pa rin ang lumalabas na “hooligan” sa grupo. Ilang beses siyang iniligtas sa kamatayan ng kaniyang mga kasamahan ngunit hindi pa rin siya nagbago sa kaniyang saliwang buhay. He even attempted to rape Sarah to give Michael pain. Sa bandang huli, kulungan pa rin ang kaniyang binagsakan.

Christ died on the cross, to save man from the consequences of his sins. I don’t want to force this observation but I think this deserves to be noticed. Namatay si Michael for a purpose. And that is, to save his brother and bring life to the hopeless characters of the series. When you love someone, you will do everything for him/her. There is no greater love than this---that a man will give his life for a friend/brother.

We must repent of our sins and follow God. Isa lang naman ang nais ng mga pugante sa kanilang buhay—ang maging malaya at makasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. That’s why in the end they cooperated with the government and the UN officials to get rid of Scyla. That’s an act of repentance. They wronged people and they rectified all the troubles they caused.

Evangelicalism and the Environmental Movement

2009-05-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

This thinkpiece by John McArthur also reflects my position on the emergent Global Green Movement. I agree with the proposition that man, as a manager of earth, should take care of God's creation. But we should avoid the ideological/spiritual pitfall of worshipping nature.

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I do think we have a responsibility to care for the environment—we ought to care for every resource God has provided for us. That’s illustrated in the Old Testament account where God put Israel in the Promised Land, a fertile land flowing with milk and honey. God provided them that productive land and commanded them to let the soil rest every seventh year.

You shall sow your land for six years and gather in its yield, but on the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the needy of your people may eat; and whatever they leave the beast of the field may eat. You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove (Exodus 23:10-11; cf. Leviticus 25:1-7).

God gave that command because He didn’t want them to exploit the land and extract all its life. Allowing the land to rest every seven years ensured that it rejuvenated itself and continued to provide in the future.

When the Lord gave the Israelites the Mosaic Law, He warned them if they apostatized, He would remove them from the land (Deuteronomy 28). Sadly, the children of Israel did just that and came under judgment—the Northern tribes fell to Assyria in 722 B.C., and Judah to Babylon in 605 B.C. In fact, God designated the Babylonian captivity as a seventy-year captivity to rest the land for all the Sabbath years that Israel violated (cf. Leviticus 26:33-35; 2 Chronicles 36:17–21).

So I believe we are charged to treat responsibly all the wonderful resources God has given us. But that, in fact, has very little to do with the environmental movement. The environmental movement is consumed with trying to preserve the planet forever. But we know that isn’t in God’s plan.

The earth we inhabit is not a permanent planet. It is, frankly, a disposable planet—it is going to have a very short life. It’s been around six thousand years or so—that’s all—and it may last a few thousand more. And then the Lord is going to destroy it.

I’ve told environmentalists that if they think humanity is wrecking the planet, wait until they see what Jesus does to it. Peter says God is going to literally turn it in on itself in an atomic implosion so that the whole universe goes out of existence (2 Peter 3:7-13).

This earth was never ever intended to be a permanent planet—it is not eternal. We do not have to worry about it being around tens of thousands, or millions, of years from now because God is going to create a new heaven and a new earth. Understanding those things is important to holding in balance our freedom to use, and responsibility to maintain, the earth.

Just a footnote. Though this earth is our temporary home, do take time to enjoy God’s beauty. Take care of your yard. Stop to smell the flowers. Enjoy the forests. God placed those rich resources on this planet for our comfort and His enjoyment. Let us be thankful to Him for that.

NAKIKITA ng Panginoon ang iyong mga LUHA...

2009-04-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

“You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them.” (Psalm 56:8-CEV)

Marami nang pagkakataong lumuha ako nang todo sa Panginoon. Lumuha ako noong nagkasakit ang aking ama pagkatapos kong magtapos sa haiskul. Lumuha ako noong nagtapos ako sa kolehiyo dahil sa labis na pasasalamat. Lumuha ako noong namatay ang aking lola dahil siya ang naging dahilan kung bakit ako naging pastor ngayon. Lumuha ako habang kami ay kinakasal ng aking kabiyak na si Gigi. Lumuha ako at nagsumbong sa Panginoon nang ilang beses magtangka ang ibang tao na sirain ang aking pagkatao.
There are times we can’t feel the presence of God in our lives. Sa mga panahong iyon, madalas tayong lumuluha. Luha ng lungkot. Luha bunga ng depression. Luha ng saklolo. Luha ng kawalang-pag-asa.

God acknowledges our tears. Anuman ang dahilan ng iyong pagluha, batid iyon ng Panginoon. As David wrote, nasasaksihan iya kung gaanong karaming luha na ang ating nailabas dahil mayroon siyang “record” noon sa langit.

In 2 Kings 20:5-6, Hezekiah wept before God. In response, God extended his life.
Si Jeremias ang tinatawag na “weeping prophet” dahil siya ang tumatangis sa Panginoon upang maligtas ang bayan ng Israel sa lahat ng kapahamakan at sumpa.

In 1 Samuel 1:9-10 Hannah wept because she was childless. God saw her tears and answered her prayer. Umiyak din ang balo ni Nain dahil sa pagkamatay ng kaniyang anak. Nahipo ang puso ng Panginoon kung kaya’t binuhay muli ang kaniyang supling (Lucas 7:11-15).

Umiyak si Pedro nang magsisi siya sa kaniyang pagtatwa sa Panginoon (Mateo 26:75).
Lubos na nalugod ang Panginoon sa babaeng nagbuhos sa kaniyang paa ng mamahaling pabango at naglinis nito sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga luha (Lucas 7:36-48).

Marami pa akong luhang ilalabas sa paglipas ng panahon. Pero, OK lang. Dahil alam ko na sa bawat pag-iyak at dalamhati na aking nararamdaman, nakikita iyon ng Panginoon.

HAS GOD SEEN YOUR TEARS? Iiyak mo lang iyan. Nararamdaman ng Diyos ang damdamin mo. Be honest with Him. Nakikita niya ang laman ng iyong puso. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

LET GOD VINDICATE YOU...

2009-04-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Nakakalungkot isipin na may mga pagkakataong mas lumulutang ang kasinungalingan kaysa katotohanan. Mas pinaniniwalaan ng marami ang mandarayang kaisipan kaysa yakapin ang katuwiran. Nagdurusa ang ilan dahil sa maling akusasyon, tsismis at kuwentong barbero.

When we (feel we) are falsely accused, what should be our response?

Foremost, we must search our hearts. Maaring may nagawa o nasabi tayo na hindi natin nalalamang nakasakit sa iba kaya sandamukal na negatibong akusasyon ang ating natatanggap. Ask the Holy Spirit so that He can help in identifying our mistakes. Humingi ng tawad sa Panginoon kung talagang may pagkukulang. Thereafter, rectify the problem using God’s wisdom.

E, paano kung talagang naakusahan ka lamang at naging biktima ng maling tsismis?

That’s the time we should seek God's face for spiritual comfort and wisdom. Psalm 109 provides the answer on how to overcome the issue. Naranasan ni Haring David ang maging biktima ng maling paratang at akusasyon. He writes in Psalm 109:1-5 (GNB)

“I praise you, God; don't remain silent! Wicked people and liars have attacked me. They tell lies about me, and they say evil things about me, attacking me for no reason. They oppose me, even though I love them and have prayed for them. They pay me back evil for good and hatred for love."

Sa kabila ng mga paratang, ano ang ipinalangin ni Haring David? He relied on God for his vindication. In the last verses of Psalm 109 (v. 26-31), David declares, “Help me, O LORD my God; because of your constant love, save me! Make my enemies know that you are the one who saves me. They may curse me, but you will bless me. May my persecutors be defeated, and may I, your servant, be glad. May my enemies be covered with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe. I will give loud thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the assembly of the people, because he defends the poor and saves them from those who condemn them to death."

If you are righteous before God, no one can put you to shame. Let God be your greatest defense lawyer. Hindi mo trabahong maging abogado para sa mga kasong ibinabato sa iyo. If God is with you, He would surely defend and vindicate you.

Parable of the Gossiper

2009-04-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

In his remarkable work, "The Book of Jewish Values" Rabbi Joseph Telushkin relates a 19th century Jewish folktale about a man who went about town slandering his rabbi. One day, realizing that many of the things he had said were unfair, he went to the rabbi's home and begged for forgiveness. The rabbi told the man that he would forgive him on one condition: that he go home, take a feather pillow from his house, cut it up and scatter the feathers to the wind. After he had done so, he should then return to the rabbi's house.

Though puzzled by the rabbi's strange request, the man was happy to be let off with so easy a penance. He quickly cut up the pillow, scattered the feathers, and returned to the rabbi.

"Am I now forgiven?" he asked.

"Just one more thing," the rabbi said. "Go now and gather up all the feathers."

"But that's impossible. The wind has already scattered them."

"Precisely," the rabbi answered. "And though you truly wish to correct the evil you have done, it is as impossible to repair the damage done by your words, as it is to recover the feathers."

THE PHILIPPINES NEEDS MORAL, NOT TRAPO LEADERS

2009-04-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Puno moral force movement in place

Eight-man group has met twice in 3 weeks

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—A Moral Force Movement envisioned by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno has taken shape and is set to come up with a criteria on who voters should elect in the 2010 balloting—from president down to the local levels.

Court spokesperson Jose Midas Marquez said Puno had chosen highly respected individuals to make up the movement’s core group and has attended its two meetings over the past three weeks.

The group is composed of Henrietta De Villa, chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting; Msgr. Gerardo Santos, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission; and Marixi Prieto, chair of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Also in the group are Methodist Bishop Emerito Nacpil; Retired Gen. Jaime Echeverria, president of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers; former Finance Undersecretary Milwida Guevarra; Far Eastern University law dean Andres Bautista; and Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines 2008 awardee Noorain Sabdulla.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone chair Manny V. Pangilinan was among those considered to join. But Marquez said that Pangilinan wanted certain issues first clarified. He said the business tycoon supports the movement.

“In essence, they are focusing on the 2010 elections and trying to define what a transformational leader is,” Marquez said.

Puno earlier told law students that transformational leaders induce followers to transcend self-interest for the sake of the organization or the greater whole as against “transactional leaders” who motivate followers by appealing to self-interest.

Moral pariah

Marquez’s announcement came a day after Puno, in the United Methodist Church in Manila’s launch of its own moral force movement, said the Philippines has become a “moral pariah” in the community of nations because of widespread corruption.

Puno said that the country was a “social volcano about to explode.”

“We would like to choose and have elected transformational leaders from the highest post to the lowest post being contested in the forthcoming 2010 elections and the moral force movement would also like to unite all similarly minded organizations,” Marquez said.

He said that the core group in its two meetings was briefed by Jesuit experts and has decided to focus on defining leaders that would bring about transformation in the country.

“It will not be endorsing any specific candidate. It will only give the qualities of the candidates that we need to be elected,” Marquez said.

He said that a technical working group of volunteers has been formed to assist the movement.

“The core group will again meet after Holy Week. In between meetings, a lot of assignments are being given to the technical working group,” Marquez said.

Advocacy vs corruption

Marquez said the movement is Puno’s personal advocacy against corruption. “This is a personal call, a personal crusade of the Chief Justice. It does not involve the court in whatever manner,” he said.

“The judiciary is as much as possible being shielded from this,” he said. Once the movement is in full operation, Marquez said Puno plans to step aside.

He said the group would have its launch sometime in May, a year before the 2010 elections.

“We don’t want it to be identified with the administration nor do we want any of the members identified with the opposition or supportive of either group,” Marquez said.

“So it was really not very easy to get a respected member of the business community who is not allied one way or the other,” he said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita welcomed the movement.

“That serves as a wake-up call for many, especially those serving in government. That’s how we should look at it. We can’t say we’re all clean,” he told reporters at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan province.

Ermita, however, said that rooting out corruption was part of the program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who has ruled for more than eight years since January 2001.

“All leaders of countries would like to rule under a program of morality,” he said.

Ermita also said that it wasn’t surprising that Puno made such a call, pointing out that having rose through the ranks of the judiciary he was “aware of the causes of anomalies.”

Touchy issue

“Chief Justice Puno knows what to do, and knows why our morality has dipped because of the crimes he has witnessed,” he said.

Corruption has been a touchy issue to the Arroyo administration, which has been rocked by a string of scandals since 2001.

Link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090408-198458/Puno-moral-force-movement-in-place (With a report from TJ Burgonio)

TAMING YOUR TONGUE (Profanities, Swearing and Cussing)

2009-04-05T03:17:00.000-07:00

Mayroon kaming kapitbahay noon na ang lutong nang magmura kahit anim na taong gulang pa lamang. Na-develop sa kaniya ang ugaling ito dahil sa laging siyang minumura ng kaniyang magulang. Ganundin ang ilang kaklase ko sa hayskul na sadyang bulaklak na ng kanilang bibig ang pagmumura. Madulas, mura. Makakita ng magandang babae, mura. Kapag nagalit, talagang malutong magmura! Kahit kapag nagbibitiw ng jokes, mura nang mura sa tuwa. Kaya pag-uwi ko sa bahay, ang mga mura niya na minsan ang laman ng utak ko. Nang ako ay tumuntong ng kolehiyo at magtrabaho, ibang level naman ng pagmumura ang naririnig ko-English na!

OK LANG BANG MAGMURA?

Our culture often determines what words can be considered as profanities and vulgar. Malalaman mo na mali ang sinasabi mo kung hindi mo masasabi iyon sa pakikipag-usap sa iyong magulang, amo mo sa trabaho, o sabihin sa broadcast at print media tulad ng diyaryo, telebisyon at radyo. Para naman sa iba, ok lang magmura kasi dapat lamang ilabas ang iyong galit na kalimitang bunga ng pagmumura. Kung hindi magkaka-alta presyon ka at magkakasakit sa puso. Ang pagmumura daw ay isang paraan ng “emotional release”. Vulgar words are considered by many as normal expressions and should never be a big deal.

Sa lahat ng ito, babalikan pa rin natin ang sinabi ng Panginoon---na ang anumang bagay na lumalabas sa ating bibig ay sumasalamin sa kundisyon ng ating puso. Kailangang unahin natin ang pagbabago ng puso kung gusto nating mawawala sa ating mga bibig ang masasamang pananalita. In short, ang mga taong madalas magmura ay yaong may problema ang kundisyon ng puso. As Christians, we should stop telling crude or vulgar words. Kung mga pangit na salita pa rin ang lalabas sa ating bibig, wala tayong pinagkaiba sa mga taong walang takot sa Diyos na parang imburnal ang mga bibig sa dumi ng kanilang pinagsasabi.

KICK THE “OH MY GOD!” HABIT

Kapag tinatawag ang pangalan mo, napapalingon ka ba o wala kang reaksyon? Siyempre, lilingon ka kasi narinig mo ang pangalan mo. Palagay mo, kung sasabihin mo, OH MY GOD!, mapapalingon ba ang Diyos? E, kung sabihin mo sa Kaniya, “Sorry Lord, hindi naman kita tinatawag e!” Kung ganoon, parang niloloko mo lang ang Diyos. Nasasaktan ang puso ng Diyos kung binabanggit natin ang Kaniyang pangalan sa mga bagay na walang kabuluhan. We are cheapening the name of our Creator if we say His name as a mere expression. These words are called profanities which express irreverence to things that are sacred or holy. Dahil sa Siya ay banal, ipinagbabawal Niya ang maling paggamit ng Kaniyang pangalan. Ang Kaniyang pangalan ay ang Kaniyang karangalan. Ito ang pangatlong utos ng Diyos. We must use the name of God with holy fear and reverence.

Kailangang nating iwasan ang maling paggamit ng pangalan ng Diyos. Minsan, ginagamit pa natin ang pangalan ng Diyos sa pangangako sa ating kapwa: Saksi ko ang Diyos, Mamatay man ako, babayaran kita! Minsan sinabi ng Panginoon na huwag na huwag tayong susumpa sa Kaniyang pangalan dahil wala tayong maipagmamalaki. Lumalabas na dinadamay pa natin Siya sa mga pagkakataong hindi natin matutupad ang ating pangako. We should not swear in behalf of His name or His creations. Just say “Yes” or “No” whenever we promise something.

Mayroon din tayong tinatawag na mga “minced oaths” o mga patagong panunumpa sa pangalan ng Diyos. Minced oaths are corrupted forms of (usually religion-related) swear words that originally arose in English culture sometime before the Victorian Age. Ang mga salitang ito ay mga tagong pagmumura na ginamit noon sa Great Britain upang hindi mahalata ng mga makapangyarihan ang mga pangit na pananalita. May parusa kasi sa mga taong sumusumpa sa pangalan ng Diyos. Madalas natin itong maririnig sa mga pelikula, radyo at telebisyon, pero hindi na pinapansin ng marami. Ilan lamang sa mga ito ay ang sumusunod:

By golly = By God's body
By gosh = By God
My gosh = My God
Chrissakes = For Christ's sake
Darn = Damn (hell)
For crying out loud = For Christ's sake
Gee = Jesus or Jerusalem
Geez = Jesus
Gee whizz = Jesus
Good grief = Good God
Goodness gracious = Good God
Gosh = God
Heck = Hell
Jeepers Creepers = Jesus Christ
Jeez = Jesus
My goodness = My God
Susmaryosep = Jesus, Maria, Jose

The Bible declares that the name Jesus is above every name. It should be respected and revered. Hindi natin dapat ginagawang simpleng “emotional expression” ang pangalan ng Panginoon kung nabibigla, nagugulat o kaya naman ay wala nang maisip sabihin. Malinaw ang pamantayan ng Panginoon. Kailangang iwasan natin ang mga usapan at pananalitang walang kabuluhan. Kasama ito sa tinutukoy ni Pablo na mga birong hindi nararapat. Profanities do not not please God in any way.

SPEAK BLESSINGS, NOT CURSES

Our lips should speak blessings, not curses or cusses. Kapag galit tayo, madaling sabihin sa kaaway natin, “Masagasaan ka sana ng ten-wheeler truck!” Matalisod ka sana at mahulog sa imburnal! Hindi ito nakalulugod sa Diyos. Hindi tayo dapat nagsasabi ng masasamang bagay sa ating kapwa. Romans 12:14 declares that we should ask God to bless those who persecute us, ask Him to bless, not curse them.

Kahit sinisira ng mga maling impormasyon ang ating reputasyon, umasa tayong ipagtatanggol tayo ng Panginoon. Just like David who was once a victim of false accusations, believe that God will vindicate us. Siya ang magtatanggol sa atin sa bandang huli. Kung mayroon mang mga taong nag-iimbento ng mga akusasyon laban sa atin dahil sa ating pagiging Cristiano, matuwa tayo dahil sa napapatunayan natin sa ating sarili na tayo ay talagang mga anak ng Diyos. Wala na dapat sa bokabularyo natin ang paghihiganti. Hindi natin dapat ginagantihan ng masama ang mga taong gumagawa sa atin ng masama. We must always overcome evil with good.

Hindi lamang tayo nakapagsasabi ng sumpa sa ating kapwa. Nakapagsasalita din tayo ng mga sumpa sa ating buhay. Iyong tayo ang may kagagawan. Mga salitang nagbibigay sa atin ng problema. Kapag sinabi mong, “Bobo ako. Hindi na ako gagaling kahit kailan sa Math”, maaring bumagsak ka nga sa Math exam mo kahit hindi ka bobo. Kailangang bawiin natin ang lahat ng mga masasamang bagay na sinabi natin sa ating kapwa at ating sarili. God does not want us to suffer from curses. It is his will for us to live in blessings and good life.

Our words should be used not to tear down but to build-up. Huwag na huwag gagamitin ang pananalita para manakit ng kapwa. Our speech should always be pleasant and interesting. We should not use harmful words but only helpful words that could build us up and other people’s lives. Let no unwholesome words or worthless talk come from our mouth, but only those which are beneficial and would be blessings to those who will hear it.

TAMING YOUR TONGUE (Sa lahat ng Tsismoso at Tsismosa)

2009-03-31T01:55:00.000-07:00

Isa sa nagpapaandar sa mundo ng showbiz ay ang tsismis. Kung walang tsismis, babagsak ang industriya ng pelikula dahil wala nang magpapasikat sa mga artista. Sabi nga nila, good or bad publicity, it is still publicity. Hindi dapat umayon ang mga taga-sunod ni Cristo sa matsismis na mundo ng showbiz. Walang lugar ang mga kuwentong nakakasira sa ating kapwa. Kailangang iwaksi natin ang mga bagay na ito.

Paano ba natin malalaman kung nagtsi-tsismisan na tayo? May dalawang elemento ang isang tsismis. First, gossip is talking about other people behind their backs. Kapag wala ang taong pinag-uusapan, tsismis iyon. Hindi mo masasabi ang isang tsismis kapag kaharap mo ang taong inyong pinag-uusapan. Second, it usually involves negative or private details that put the individual in a bad light. Maaring totoo ang mga bagay na ating pinag-uusapan natin ngunit hindi na dapat pinagkakalat dahil sumisira sa reputasyon ng taong ating pinag-uusapan. Gossip “demonizes” the person.

Gossips greatly damage relationships causing anger and bitterness. Ipakita mo sa akin ang pagkakaibigan na puno ng tsismisan at ipapakita ko sa iyo ang isang sirang relasyon. Kapag may siraan at tsismisan, siguradong may pag-aaway at pagsasakmalan. Walang panalo sa tsismisan. God considered gossip to be such a serious matter that He included the avoidance of it as one of the Ten Commandments. "Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor".

The biggest problem with gossip is that most people don’t realize when they are doing it. Para sa iba, inosenteng usapan lang ang lahat (“…talaga bang ganiyan siya….). Dinadahilan naman ng iba na concerned lang sila at nagbibigay ng opinyon (“…naku dapat ganito siya…”). Ang iba naman, para maging espiritwal, sinasama pa sa mga prayer requests. Kung kaya, isa sa pinakamagandang magagawa ng maraming iglesya at Christian small groups ay ang kontrolin ang tsismis sa kanilang mga prayer gatherings.

Inihalintulad ng Bibliya ang mga tsismoso at tsismosa sa mga hangal. Christians should stay away from these people because they can never keep a secret. Even Paul told Timothy that he should admonish the wives to be of good character and not gossip. Kapag pinagtsi-tsismisan natin ang isang tao, akala natin tayo ang tama dahil sa pinag-uusapan natin ang kaniyang kasalanan. At the back of our minds, we’re saying we are better than the person. We feel that we are morally superior. We must remember that love covers a multitude of sins. Kung mahal natin ang isang tao, hindi natin siya sisirain sa pamamagitan ng ating salita. Bantayan natin ang ating mga sinasabi lalo na kung ang kahinaan na ng isang tao ang ating pag-uusapan. We must always think what will the person feel if he/she hears our conversations. Then try to imagine if you were the person.

Gossips can destroy friendships. Maraming magkakaibigan sa matagal na panahon ang puwedeng sirain ng isang maling kuwento at malisyosong mga usapan. Kung kaya, huwag agad maniniwala sa sabi-sabi. Minsan sinabi ng Panginoon sa mga Israelita na kung nakarinig sila ng mga tsismis, kailangan nilang alamin muna ang katotohanan at huwag agad maniniwala.

Ano naman ang dapat nating maging reaksyon kapag nabibiktima tayo ng mga maling tsismis? Remember that God promises good things. Proverbs 19:5 (MKJV) declares, “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and a breather of lies shall not escape”. Siguradong may kaparusahan sa mga taong nagkakalat ng maling mga impormasyon at naninira ng pangalan ng kaniyang kapwa. Kung babantayan natin ang ating mga pananalita, siguradong hindi tayo mapapahamak. Mahalin natin ang ating kapwa katulad ng pagmamahal natin sa ating sarili. Huwag na huwag magkakalat ng tsismis.

TAMING YOUR TONGUE (Natatawa ka ba sa Green Jokes?)

2009-03-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

Minsan, habang nakasakay ako sa isang FX taxi papuntang mall, nabigla ako sa mga pananalita ng isang babaeng DJ ng isang FM Station. With matching hagikhik at halakhak, nagbitiw siya ng isang joke na may double meaning. Hindi niya iyon ginawa in 20 seconds. Sa loob ng 3 minuto, nilaro niya ang imahinasyon ng mga nakikinig sa kung anong parte ng katawan ng tao ang kaniyang pinapahulahan. Nang sabihin niya ang sagot, tuwang-tuwa siya at sinabihan ang mga makikinig na huwag masyadong maging green-minded dahil hindi naman talaga bastos ang sagot. Tiningnan ko ang reaksyon ng mga kasama ko sa sasakyan. Ang mga matatanda, hindi natuwa. Pero ang mga kabataan, nakangisi lahat.

Isa sa paraan para malaman mo kung lumalago ka na sa iyong relasyon sa Panginoon ay kung hindi ka na nag-eenjoy sa mga green jokes o malalaswang usapan. God hates those things. Kapag nagsasama ang barkada at wala nang mapag-usapan, napupunta sa human anatomy ang diskusyon. Pinag-uusapan ang human anatomy ng opposite sex. Ito ang sinulat ni Pablo na mga usapan ng mga hangal at mga nakakahiyang usapan ng mga taong walang magawa sa buhay. Kapag lagi ito ang laman ng ating mga usapan, mas lalo tayong nalalayo sa Diyos.

Ano ngayon ang gagawin natin para maiwasang makapagsalita o kaya ay matuwa sa mga green jokes? First and foremost, we must discipline our minds. Huwag ibabad sa ating isipan ang mga malalaswang kaisipan at bagay. Iwaksi agad ang mga nakikita, naririnig o nararamdaman na maaring magdala sa atin sa kalaswaan. For instance, avoid pornographic sites and sexually stimulating webpages sa iyong pagsu-surf sa Internet. Huwag nang ibabad ang paningin sa mga dyaryong may mga hubad na larawan. Do not visit places that could give you sinful thoughts.

Second, tanggalin ang lahat ng mga malalaswang materyales sa iyong paligid. Kung nakikinig ka ng radyo o nanonood ng telebisyon at narinig mong kabastusan na ang pinagsasabi ng mga hosts o announcer, kailangang may knee-jerk response ka—ilipat o patayin ang istasyon ng pinanonood o pinakikinggan. Kung nakita mo namang may naligaw na mga smut magazines and newspapers sa sala ng inyong bahay, huwag nang basahin, kung puwedeng itapon sa basurahan, itapon na.

Third, huwag nang makihalubilo sa mga taong panay kalaswaan ang pinag-uusapan. Agad umiwas kapag kabastusan na ang sentro ng kasiyahan ng barkada. Walang ibubungang maganda ang ganitong mga kuwentuhan kung hindi kasalanan at maruming pag-iisip. Mas mabuti kung pagsabihan ang grupo na ibahin ang usapan. Kung ayaw talaga paawat, iwan ang grupo. If you do not want to corrupt your mind, never listen to lustful stories.