Kaibigan Fall 2018 by Analisa Chua

Kaibigan

contents

Taipei International Church Tagalog Fellowship

FEATURES

Magazine

Publisher

11 PRAYER THAT GOD ANSWERS

Atty. Fredrick Norman Voigtmann

Know the truth on how to pray to God and what kind of prayer He answers.

Co-Publisher

Rev. Roberto Awa-Ao

24 MAGPAPASALAMAT O HINDI

Editor-in-Chief

Mga kaisipan na dapat pagbulayin upang malaman sa ating buhay kung tayo ba ay dapat maging mapagpasalamat o hindi.

Analisa N. Chua Managing Editor/Designer

Rev. Paul Ko Rev. Ron Adhikari Rev. Zhang Ren Ai Rev. Immanuel Scharrer

DEPARTMENTS

Multilingual Contributing Editors

04 PANANAW Usapang Retirement

Ann Cielo Ko Contributor

Alamin ang mga bagay na dapat gawin upang makapaghanda sa ating pagreretiro.

Nelissa Ilog Shih Contributing Photographer

08 PATNUBAY Double Blessings

Lilia Tan

Tunghayan ang mga kadahilanan kung paano makamit ang ibayong pagpapala sa buhay.

Mailing Coordinator

Kaibigan

is published by Tagalog Fellowship of Taipei International Church AKA ROC International Christian Goodwill Association. TAGALOG FELLOWSHIP HOTLINE:

2834-4127 SMS request for magazine, write your complete name, address with zip code: 0922300808, 0972921681 (text, viber, line) ©2018 by Kaibigan magazine, Taipei International Church, Tagalog Fellowship. Printed in Taiwan Volume 22, Number 3 For donations to Kaibigan Magazine Ministry for print and mailing cost to all Kaibigan magazine subscribers. Please send to: #432, 7F, Suite 704, Keelung Rd. Sec. 1, Sinyi Dist. Taipei City or to #248, 7F Chung Shan N. Rd. Sec. 6, Taipei City, and write or attached a note saying,“this is a donation for Kaibigan magazine,” and you can send it by registered mail or postal money order.

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PANGKALUSUGAN MY TESTIMONY MESSAGE PAROLA (ENGLISH, MANDARIN, INDONESIAN) PAMPAMILYA FAITHWALK VIETNAMESE BIBLE WORD SEARCH

COVERSTORY PAGE 27

bible word search

Roberto Awa-ao, Editor-in-Chief

Ann Cielo Ko

Search and put a loop around on each of your answers in the letter box. Words can be found spelled horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forward, or backward. Proverbs 4:20-27 NIVIntegrity My son, pay [att_nti_n] to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your [s_ght], keep them within your [he_rt]; for they are [life] to those who find them and [h_alth] to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep [c_rrupt] talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look [str_ight] ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give [car_ful] thought to the paths for your feet and be [ste_dfast] in all your ways. Do not turn to the [r_ght] or the left; keep your foot from evil. Answers to Summer 2018 Issue

1. Wisdom 2. Heaven 3. Pure 4. Peace 5. Considerate

6. Submissive 7. Mercy 8. Impartial 9. Sincere 10. Righteousness

The Book of Revelation and the Throne of Heaven

he book of Revelation, fascinate and polarized people, reading it brings a chill to some while others are strengthened in their faith. I remember when I was young, I have an old Bible, and in that translation, the name of the book of Revelation is Apocalypse. The title paints a gloomy scenario of end times. But, is it really scary? Maybe, many will agree, considering the current scenario; Natural calamities and man-made catastrophes are the frequent headlines of today’s news. Wars are not just rumors there are armed conflicts in different parts of the world, from regional secessionist, full-scale national revolution, and conflict between nations. But as I read the book, especially chapters 4, 7, and 21, I gained hope and encouragement in the faith. Here is Revelation 4:1, 2; After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. The word throne was used forty-six times in the entire book. Reminding us that no matter what are happening on earth, God is on His throne and is in complete control. Three things are sure, Jesus is coming soon to make everything new, there will be a great harvest of souls, and God will be glorified; In Revelation 7:9, we read a great harvest of souls from every nation; After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every

nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. We read in Rev 21:3-5, Rev 22:20-21; And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything ne w!” T he n he said , “Wr ite this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. So the next time you opened the last book, focus on Him who is seated on the throne.

To help you in your pilgrimage here in Taiwan, please contact and join us, you may visit our office during weekdays for prayer and counselling @ 7F No. 248 Zhong Shan N. Rd. Section 6,Taipei City 11161. Contact: (02) 2833-7444, 2835-2788. We also post encouraging Word of God at Tagalog Facebook Page, visit ‘Tagalog Fellowship’ Live Stream: Our Sunday Tagalog Worship Celebration is being broadcast live in our Youtube Channel; Tagalog Fellowship, every Sunday 2pm – Taiwan Time. Archives of messages and teachings are both posted in ‘Tagalog Fellowship’ facebook page and ‘Tagalog Fellowship’ youtube channel.

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Kaibigan

pananaw

Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Pierre Amerlynck

ni Pastor Roberto Awa-ao

angang kailan ka dito sa Taiwan? Hanggang kailan mo kayang maghanap buhay? Ano ang plano mo sa iyong ‘retirement?’

Ang totoo, darating ang panahon nang panhihina ng katawan. Ang itim na buhok, ay malalagas o puputi. Maging ang lakas ng tuhod ay maglalaho, mabubungi ang ngipin at lalabo ang mga mata. Ang sabi ng Mangangaral ay, “Darating ang araw na malalagot ang tanikalang pilak na nagdadala sa ilawang ginto; babagsak ito at madudurog. Darating din ang araw na malalagot ang tali ng timba at

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KAIBIGAN Magazine publication started 1996 with the goal to be of help to the Filipino workers in Taiwan especially those who cannot have a day off from their work. It now incorporates other articles of different languages from other ministry group of the TE&B (Taiwan Expatriates & Beyond) Ministry and prayerfully and hopefully to print more copies for more souls for His Kingdom here in Taiwan. We will need all of your prayers that Kaibigan magazine can reach more people for the glory of God. With God all things are possible (Mark 10:27). The magazine is made possible also by the donations and prayers from friends and subscribers and by Taipei International Church-Tagalog Fellowship. You can be a partner of KAIBIGAN to help the guestworkers (foreign contract workers) by praying for us or if you would like to send a donation, you can send it to 7F, #248, Chung Shan N. Rd. Sec. 6, Taipei City, or to 432 Keelung Rd. Sec. 1, Suite 704, 7F., Sinyi Dist. Taipei City

Kaibigan

vietnamese corner

ito’y babagsak at masisira.” Ibig sabihin, hindi habang panahon ang lakas at sa huling bahagi ng buhay ay mababawasan ang ating kakayanang maghanapbuhay.

magtayo ng tore, hindi ba uupo muna siya at tatayahin ang magugugol para malaman kung may sapat siyang salaping maipagpapatapos niyon?” – Luke 14:28

Ang Salita ng Diyos ay nagsasabing maghanda sa panahon ng na hindi na kayang kumita, o ibig sabihin mag ‘prepare for retirement’. Ang Salita ng Diyos ay nagsasabi na ang Diyos “ang nagbibigay sa inyo ng lakas upang managana kayo,.”(Deuteronomy 8:18)

4. Learn to Save (pay yourself) napakaraming pamamaraan ang pagiipon, nariyan ang SSS, PAG-IBIG at mga saving packages ng mga Banko, ang pagiipon ay ang pagbayad natin sa ating sarili.

Ngayon ano ang makikita natin sa Salita ng Diyos upang tayo ay makapaghanda sa ‘retirement’? 1. Value hard work “All hard work brings a profit,” Proverbs 14:23 “Ang kamay na tamad ay tiyak na magdarahop, Ngunit magbubunton ng yaman ang kamay na masinop. Ang nag-iimbak kung tag-araw ay nagpapakilala ng katalinuhan, Ngunit ang natutulog kung anihan ay nagtitipon ng kahihiyan.” – Proverbs 10:4-5 2. Honor God with your wealth “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 Kaibigan

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3. Learn to Plan “Kung ang isa sa inyo’y nagbabalak

Ang mga langgam: sila ay mahina ngunit nag-iipon Ng pagkain kung tag-araw. – Proverbs 30:25 Tingnan mo yaong langgam, ikaw taong ubod tamad, Pamumuhay niya’y masdan mo at nang ikaw ay mamulat. Kahit s’ya’y walang punong sa kanila’y nag-uutos, Walang tagapamahala o tagamasid na sinusunod Ngunit nag-iimbak ng pagkain sa tag-araw, Kailanga’y iniipon kung panahon ng anihan. – Proverbs 6:6-8 5. Learn to Invest and be entrepreneur hayaan mong ang iyong salapi ay kumita hanggang sa panahon ng iyong retirement. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.” Matthew 25:16 NLT Ilagay ang itlog sa iba’t ibang lalagyan “But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” Ecclesiastes 11:2 NLT

Kaibigan

6. Be Generous “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Prov 11:25

Ang dalangin ko, nawa ang panahon ng ‘retirement’ ay panahon na mabunga at maging pagkakataon na makapaglingkod sa Diyos at sa kapwa.

7. Value God’s guidance and wisdom “Ang bahay ng matalino’y napupuno ng kayamanan Ngunit lahat ay winawaldas ng taong mangmang.” Proverbs 21:20

Kaya, samantalahin ang panahon habang tayo ay malakas at kumikita, dahil darating ang panahon ng panghihina.

“Sa Panginoon ay buong puso kang magtiwala, at huwag kang manalig sa sarili mong pang-unawa. Sa lahat ng iyong mga lakad siya’y iyong kilalanin, at itutuwid niya ang iyong mga landasin.” Proverbs 3:4,5

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Kaibigan

_________________________________________ Hangad namin na kayo ay matulungan sa inyong buhay Espritual, para sa karagdagang pagtuturo, bible study, prayer or counseling tumawag sa (02)2833-7444, o kumontak sa line ‘obet awa-ao’. Bumisita din at i-like ang Tagalog Fellowship facebook page. Email, obet70@gmail.com

Bro Obet Awa-ao -Pastor, Taipei International Church, Tagalog Fellowship Church Office: 7F No. 248 Zhong Shan N. Rd. Section 6, Taipei City 11161.

faithwalk Analisa Chua

You Got Me

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. –– Psalm 73:23

s I looked around the auditorium. Volunteers were busy helping each other preparing things needed to set-up the Sunday Church morning service. Inspired to be there and arrived 10 minutes before 8 a.m. of that said Sunday––to help for church set-up. Pretty amazed that I woke up so early at 3 a.m. which honestly the Holy Spirit did a lot of work on waking me up. The worship singing and the preaching were great, but I was already filled by the Spirit just by looking intently with volunteers that worked behind the scenes that had waked up so early that Sunday morning to give the congregation a good worship service. The Tech team and the Media Team that I fondly called the modern-day prophets of the millennial age (MDPMA)––from the sound to the lights, the powerpoint presentation, the video recording and photoshoots that they painstakingly have been doing on Sundays, and even weekdays for the processing of those videos to post online. Media is one of the communication tools used to deliver information. God had used prophets then to communicate His message to people, nowadays besides having print media, the millennials now are more on audio and video way of communication (social media). In another turn of my sight, I saw the Hospitality team, the Ushers and the Greeters working with joy preparing the Sunday church service. And everything that they’ve been doing was out of love––the love that they have for the Lord and for the church. Knowing the Lord can really make us do some remarkable work, because we are His hands and feet––His

instruments to share His love to others. I remember I found my Lord or rather He found me in a wardrobe when I was very young. A little girl hiding in a wardrobe––crying and fearful of her mother who used physical punishment for her children’s mistakes and disobedience. There I began my personal talk with Him and there He filled me up with His love, and it felt good then and It is still today. He got me––the way He got my heart and it must be love and I just could not get enough of His love. I see Him everywhere and even on that Sunday service. I kept on smiling and kept on saying, “You got me, You got me.” The way I saw volunteers worked on His behalf––it was like God smiling at me and showing me His love through these people working hard for His church. And I felt His love and it felt good. Smiling, I remember some words of a song and I whispered it to Him in my heart, “I give up, I give in, no matter what I do my heart is filled with You. You got me! Prayer: My Lord Father, yes You got me, I know that in my heart that You will never leave me and You will always fill my heart with Your love, no matter what circumstances I am in now and would be in the future. You got me in my past and You got me in the present and I faithfully believe that You still got me in my forever with You. Thank You for that unconditional love. In Jesus name, Amen. Kaibigan

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na hinihintay ako ng kaaway (diyablo) sa labas. Takot ang nararamdaman ko. I asked my leader in church to pray for me, dahil sa sobra akong nahihirapan sa paglalaro sa akin ng Diyablo. Pinilit kong labanan ang struggles kong ito. Wala na akong ginawa kundi magalit, umiyak, malungkot, o ma-depress. I can’t even eat and sleep well. One morning bago ako pumasok sa work , nagkulong ako sa room ko. Patay ang ilaw at malakas akong umiyak at kinausap ang Diyos. Sinuko ko kay Lord yun hirap na nararamdaman ko. Sabi ko kay Lord, “Lord, hirap na hirap na po ako, please bring back to me the Joy, the Happiness, the Forgiveness, and to be a good servant of Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Patawarin mo ako sa mga kasalanan ko. Sa mga nagawa kong mali. Tulungan nyo po ako na matutunan ko rin magpatawad sa mga nagkasala rin sa akin.” Hindi talaga ako tumigil sa pakikipaglaban sa kaaway. Lumapit rin ako sa pastor namin. Sa leader namin, sa kasama ko sa church and they prayed for me. And sa pamamagitan ng 700 club Asia, dito nangusap sa akin ang Diyos. Lahat ng episode niyang mga testimony, hatred, forgiveness, love affair , confession, bitterness, nagtugma sa mga struggles ko. Little by little, God lightened me up. Unti-unti ko na-overcome ang matinding struggles ko. Hangang sa napaglabanan ko na. Now, I’m free from all struggles. I do let go of the past and forgave all the people who hurt me. I did asked forgiveness sa mga taong nasaktan ko rin. Yun lang pala ang key… ‘FORGIVENESS’! Through forgiveness, kusang mawawala ang bitterness, hatred, sa puso ko, at higit sa lahat, I have big “PEACE” sa buhay ko, at sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. Doon ko rin na realize ang hirap palang mawala sa Diyos. Kung minsan iniisip natin ang hirap kapag nawalan tayo ng trabaho, pamilya, kaibigan, pera ,tirahan, bagay at marami pa na parang nawalan na tayo ng buhay––Lagi na tayong depress, lagi na tayong galit, at kung ano ano

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na ang naiisip natin na ikapapahamak sa sarili natin. Nagkakamali tayo. Ang pinakamahirap talaga ay ang mawala sa piling ng Diyos! Sobrang hirap ang mawala ka sa Diyos. Lahat ng ito ay na experience ko, that’s why I’m sharing my story to everyone. We should know and accept the key, “ FORGIVENESS, FAITH, and BELIEVE in God. Kaya heto ako ngayon, patuloy na naglilingkod sa Diyos. I keep praying that I can help people who are imprisoned by hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness. Dahil sa pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin, magkakaroon tayo ng punong-punong pagmamahal at pagpapatawad sa kapwa natin. Last August 18 ,nagkaroon ng night to remember sa church to experi-ence God’s Holy Spirit, and I experienced it for the first time, and every year 2 times kami nagkakaroon ng A night to Remember, pero hindi ko pa naranasan ang nangyari sa akin ng gabing ito. Before that night come, I was praying to God and claiming GOD will heal me,–– 1 month na ang sakit ng dibdib ko, at masakit ang likod ko dahil sa sakit kong Ankylosis Spondylitis. That night while we were praying for ourselves¬¬––wala akong katabi, but nararamdaman ko may katabi ako...Then when our pastors praying for 1 by 1 ,nun ako na pinag prepray, nakatayo sa harap ko yun pastor na nagpray sa akin, pero hindi sya yun nakita ko––maputi at maliwanag ang nakita ko,at bigla na ako tumumba, naramdaman ko nanigas ako at nanginginig pa mga mata ko. Pagtayo ko gumaan dibdib ko, yun panankit ng likod ko nawala––I felt full of joy. I couldn’t really talk long and sing because of my cough, but during Sun-day morning when we were worshipping–– I could sing long and loud, natuwa ako, God is really amazing! Kaibigan

pangkalusugan 9 Reasons to Eat Cucumber 1. Protect Your Brain — Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. 2. Reduce Your Risk of Cancer — Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, which also have anti-cancer properties. 3. Fight Inflammation — Cucumbers may help to “cool” the inflammatory response in your body. 4. Antioxidant Properties — Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and betacarotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits. 5. Freshen Your Breath — Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath. 6. Manage Stress — Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.

7. Support Your Digestive Health — Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. Adding cucumbers to your juice or salad can help you meet the ideal of amount of fiber your body needs — 50 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it’s possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect. Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination. 8. Maintain a Healthy Weight — Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gellike texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control. 9. Support Heart Health — Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly. Kaibigan

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Dito ko na-realize na it’s true based on my experience, ano man ang pinagdadaanan natin mga problema, sa Diyos lamang natin sabihin. Minsan akala natin hindi naman natin nakikita ang Diyos, paano natin siya makakausap? Paano natin maririnig ang mga sagot niya sa atin? Mali ang ating akala. Sa pamamagitan ng Bible, ang lahat ng kanyang salita sa Bible nandoon lahat ang sagot nya sa tanong at sa problema natin. Sa pamamagitan ng ating prayer, naririnig niya tayo at sa pamamagitan ng ating pagsunod sa kanya, pinagpapala niya lalo tayo.

patnubay

bumuka ang opera ko.

Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Sanja Gjenero

ni Pastor Paul Ko

arangya at magagandang mga parada sa iba’t ibang siyudad ng Taiwan sa Double Ten Holiday nitong buwan ng Oktubre. Parada ng iba’t ibang civilian propesyon, militar, Lion dance, Drum beats, fireworks at iba’t ibang eksibiyon ng mga lokal na industriya. Napapasama rin ang mga delegasyon ng mga Migrant

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workers. May mga patimpalak pa nga para sa mga Migrante. Pasyalan duon at dito naman ang iba. Para sa ibang workers, panahon ito ng mahabang pahinga. Sa National Palace Museum, may eksibisyon ng mga priceless artifacts at chinese art treasures. Of course kainan ng beef noodles at iba’t ibang pagkain. Pero alam ba ninyo, may Double

Nitong nakaraan 2017, isa nanamang pagsubok. My landlord told me that they will sell the house na daw. I started to worry a bit again. Everytime I was walking on the street, I was looking up sa mga bahay and talked to God, “Lord alam mo naman ang hirap maghanap ng bahay, kung yun bahay ko nga halos 2 taon saka ko nakita, ngayon sa pabilisan ng panahon. Saan naman ako makakakita ng bahay na malilipatan? Paano kaya yuon Lord?” The Lord gave me a Bible verse again sa Matthew 6:34, “Kaya nga, huwag ninyong alalahanin ang bukas; sapagkat ang bukas ang mag-aalala sa sarili niya. Sapat na ang inyong mga suliranin sa bawat araw.” Sa araw nang bayaran ko ang rent, tinawagan ko ang Landlord upang sabihin na-transfer ko na yung payment sa kanya, she told me na hindi na daw nila ibebenta ang bahay. Laking tuwa ko napasabi ako ng, “Thank you Lord.” God is really amazing, and merciful.

Minsan nakagawa ako ng isang kasalanan sa Diyos––I felt so guilty. Pakiramdam ko biglang ang layo-layo ko sa Diyos at hindi ko maramdaman ang Holy Spirit Niya. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, “Bakit kahit anong prayer ko, bakit hindi ko maranasan ang Holy spirit ni God?” Napansin ko that time na pinaglalaruan na pala ako ng Kaaway (Devil). Akala ko very strong na ako bilang isang Christian, pero hindi pala. Pwede pa pala ako paglaruan ng Diyablo. Sa tuwing nagdadasal ako nakikita ko ang sarili ko, namumula ang mga mata ko at galit na galit. Nakakakita ako ng mga may sungay. Nakakarinig ako ng dalawang tinig. Isang tinig na panay sulsol sa akin, panay negative ang mga sinasabi. Isa naman ay boses ng angel. Nagawa kong saktan ang sarili ko sa pamamagitan ng pagsugat sa balat ko. Naisipan kong tumalon sa mataas na gusali habang dumadaan ang mga sasakyan. Nagmo-motorsiklo ako na nawawala sa sarili ko. Kamuntikan na akong mabanga, but nandoon pa rin na may pumipigil na angel sa akin. Nasa loob ako ng church ngunit nakikita ko Kaibigan

Sumulat ako sa Landlord ng ganito, “I was so thankful that I can live in a house, owned by a Christian like me. Maybe your friends don’t know my situation. I’m just a single mom, at may sakit pa. Even though my work is in recruitment agency, my salary is only 30K NTD. As a single parent, that is not enough.” I prayed that God would speak to her heart. After one hour, the landlord mom called me at sinabi niya na ok na sa asawa niya na hindi na ako tataasan at sige 10K NTD pa rin daw. Laking tuwa ko nuon. Super thankful talaga ako kay Lord…. Nuon nakaraang 2015, I felt pain in my spinal chord. Ilan beses ako pabalik-balik sa doctor. The doctor told me that I got Spinal bone spur, and I would be needing surgery. I went to many hospitals for their opinions. I took medicine, had theraphy, but it didn’t help. Palala ng palala dahil nakatusok na pala sa ugat ko. I insisted not to have surgery, dahil wala akong malaking halaga. 150K NTD for surgery and one month financial and kakailanganin ko habang nagpapahinga ako after surgery. Also walang mag-aalaga sa akin, at maraming nagsasabi na huwag daw ako magpa-opera kasi spinal yan. Siguradong hindi na daw ako makakalakad pa. That time, aburidong-aburido ako at nagkasabay sabay ang mga problema ko and at the same time, mag se-senior high school na ang anak ko. I needed 20K plus for his tuition fee––I tried asking my ex-husband for help, but wala siyang maitulong, ang sagot niya, wala siyang pera. After a few days, nalaman naming nagkaroon na siya ng girlfriend.––galit ang naramdaman ko. One day, I really couldn’t walk na, lagi akong umiiyak at aburidongaburido ako sa problema ko––sa needs namin mag-ina at sa kalagayan ng health ko and I felt hopeless, angry, bitter and self pity. I kept praying to God, “Lord Jesus, If you really can heal me, like what I’ve read in the Bible about

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how You healed the blind, the leprose and You raised the dead, please I want Your miracle healing grace for me. A miracle that I won’t go thru surgery anymore. Heal me Lord. Sana gumaling ako agad.” I felt God was speaking into my heart that moment, “Ibaon mo na sa lupa ang mga nakaraan mo.” That time nadadrive ako ng motor bike ko. Hindi ko alam na nagsasalita na pala ako mag-isa, “Ngayon pa kung kelan lahat nawala na sa akin, kung kelan sobra na akong naghihirap.”And then God reminded me His Word in Habakkuk 2:3-4 (Good News Version), “Isulat mo ito sapagkat hindi pa panahon upang ito ay maganap. Ngunit mabilis na lilipas ang panahon, at mangyayari ang ipinakita ko sa iyo. Bagama’t parang mabagal ito, hintayin mo. Tiyak na mangyayari at hindi maaantala ito. Ito ang mensahe: “Ang hambog ay mabibigo sa kanyang pagmamataas, ngunit ang matuwid ay mabubuhay sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pananampalataya.” I felt the Lord God urging me. “Go…go and have a surgery…ako ang bahala sa iyo.” And in my mind I responded, “Ok Lord I will listen to you, I will let go of the past, I will learn to forgive, I will obey you Lord.” So nagpa-iskedul na ako sa surgery. God really worked his plan for me. Hindi ko akalain ang miracle na hinihingi ko kay God ay kakaibang miracle. He brought one person to me, our church sister in Christ na samahan ako sa pagpasok sa hospital hangang paglabas ng hospital, then my son took care of me and I couldn’t believe it––sa financial naman, my relatives, officemates and church helped me, sobra-sobra pa. Sa ikatlong araw pagtapos ng operasyon ko, mabilis ang recovery ko–– nakalakad na ako agad…so amazing! I’m so thankful to God. Nuong nagpapahinga na ako sa bahay, ilan beses din ako nadulas, thanks God he was always there protecting me, hindi

Ten celebration din ang bayan ng Panginoon! Hindi lamang para sa mga Taiwanese kundi sa lahat ng tao sa mundo. Ito ang tinatawag na “Jubilee”—literally, “ram’s horn” sa Hebrew—at ito ay ipinahayag sa Leviticus 25:9 bilang taon ng Sabatiko (ibig sabihin pagpapahinga) matapos ang pitong siklo ng pitong taon (49 years). Ang ika-50th taon ay taon at panahon ng selebrasyon at pagpupugay ng mga Israelita. Ang sungay ng ram ay hinihipan sa ika sampung araw ng ikapitong buwan upang simulan ang ika limampung taon ng pangkalahatang pagtutubos. Ang taon ng Jubilee ay taon ng pagkakakalag sa pagkaka-utang (Leviticus 25:23-38) at sa lahat ng uri ng pagkaka-alipin (vv. 3955). Lahat ng preso o bihag ay pinalalaya. Lahat ng alipin ay pinakakawalan, ang mga utang ay pinatatawad at lahat ng ari-arian ay ibinabalik sa orihinal na mga may-ari. Ang malaking benepisyo ng Jubilee ay ang lupa at tao ay makapagpapahinga. Ang Jubilee ay isang magandang pigura ng Bagong Tipan sa pagtutubos at kapatawaran. Si Jesu Cristo ang manunubos na pumarito upang palayain ang mga alipin o naalipin at ang mga preso ng kasalanan (Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1; 3:22). Ang utang ng kasalanan sa Diyos ay binayaran sa krus sa pamamagitan ng

pagkamatay ni Jesus para sa sangkatauhan (Colossians 2:13-14), at ang tao ay pinatawad na sa pagkakautang magpakailanman! Hindi na tayo alipin ng kasalanan sa ginawang pagpapalaya sa atin ni Cristo. Makapapasok na tayo sa kapahingan ng Diyos at tigil na sa sariling pagsisikap na matanggap ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng ating gawa (Hebrews 4:9-10). Ganito ang pangako ng Jubilee ayon sa pahayag ng Propeta Isias (tinutukoy ang Manunubos na padala ng Diyos): “Ang Espiritu ng Panginoong Yahweh ay sumasaakin sapagkat ako’y kanyang hinirang; sinugo niya ako upang dalhin ang Magandang Balita sa mga inaapi, upang pagalingin ang mga sugatangpuso, upang ipahayag sa mga bihag at sa mga bilanggo na sila’y lalaya. Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag na darating na ang panahon ng pagliligtas ni Yahweh; at ang paghihiganti ng Diyos laban sa kanyang mga kaaway; sinugo niya ako upang aliwin ang mga nagluluksa; upang pasayahin ang mga tumatangis sa Zion, kaligayahan sa halip na bigyan ng kapighatian, awit ng kagalakan sa halip na kalungkutan;matutulad sila sa mga punong itinanim ni Yahweh,na ginagawa kung ano ang makatuwiran, at maluluwalhat i ang Diyos dahil sa kanilang ginawa..... Sa halip na k ahihiyan, ang bayan k o’ y t a t a n g g a p n g k a s a ga n a a n . S a h a li p n a p a g h a m a k , s i l a’y magsasaya sa kanilang minana,magiging doble ang inyong kayamanan; at ang inyong kagalaka’y magpasawalang hanggan.”(Isaias 61:1-7). Kaibigan

Sa panimula ng misyong pagsasatupad ng Jubilee ni Jesus, pumasok siya sa isang sinagoga sa Nazareth sa araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumayo siya upang bumasa ng kasulatan, at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni Propeta Isaias. Binuksan niya ito sa dakong kinasusulatan kung saan ipinahayag ang pangako ng Diyos sa sulat ng Propeta Isias. Matapos basahin ang ipinahayag na “Jubilee,” Inirolyo niya ang kasulatan, isinauli sa tagapag-ingat at siya’y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga, at sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ang kasulatang ito na inyong narinig ay natupad ngayon.”(Lucas 4:17-19). Oo, tinupad ni Jesu Criso ang pagpapalaya sa lahat ng taong nanalig at mananalig sa Kanya. Sila ay tatanggap ng kalayaan sa pagkaka-alipin sa kasalanan, kalayaan sa lahat ng pagkakautang sa Diyos, sa lahat ng uri ng pagkakapiit o pagkakabihag. Palalayain ang lahat ng naapi, nagdurusa, nabibigatan kung sila ay lalapit at mananawagan kay Jesu

Cristo. Dadanas sila ng tutuong “Jubilee!” Nais mo bang maranasan ang tunay na kalayaan sa pagkakabihag mo sa ano man uri ng kasalanan? Nagdurusa ka ba sa bisyo? Sa pagkamakalaman? Sa pagiging gahaman sa ano mang bagay? Sa pagpapagal? Sa mga sakit? Higit pa sa Double Ten ang iyong sasapitin kung aanyayahan mo si Jesu Cristo ngayon din pumasok sa iyong puso at buhay. Dadanas ka ng tutuong kapahingahan (Jubilee)! Hala, anyayahan mo na si Jesu Cristo ngayon na. Happy Double Ten Holiday and Jubilee! Kaibigan

If you need me to pray for you or you have question/feedback, simply send an email message to: paul@launchpoint.cc

coverstory souvenirs at may kumpletong gamit pa. Tinawagan ko ang may ari ng bahay. I asked, “When can I see the house?” He said, “When can you come and see it?” I replied, “Anytime, huwag lang Sunday because I attend church every Sunday.” He told me that he too attends church on Sundays. I asked him if he is a Christian and he replied, “Yes.” Natuwa ako. On that night, tinignan ko yung bahay and tatlo kaming tumingin––may tumingin din na Vietnamese at Taiwanese. I the landlord, “Baka pwedeng “The biggest miracle in my life is asked tumawad, kasi 2 lang naman kaming God’s Amazing grace to me ! My life mag ina, at may isa akong kasamang really changed….I found the key to kaibigan at single mom lang ako.” He answered me that he would ask my life’s struggle..” his mom first. So pag uwi ko nung gabing yuon, I prayed to God, “Lord ni Shirly Ann Kaw sana matawaran ko yung bahay. pat na taon na ang nakaraan, Sana ibigay niya sa akin kahit 10,000 matapos akong ma-opera NTD.” Pero kay Lord ko lang sinabi ang sa matris, non-stop na ang presyo. Then the next morning, nag blessings na dumating sa akin. Sa text sa akin ang land lord. Tumawag loob halos na dalawang taon na ako sa landlord, at sinabi niya na, paghahanap ko ng bahay na malilipatan pumapayag na daw ang mom niya at sa tuwing may madadaanan akong na ibigay sa akin ng 10,000 NTD a mga condo––I always pray to God na month ang rental. Nagulantang ako sana makahanap ako ng bahay na ganuon sa sinabi niya at napaisip ako na, kaganda at mura, para sa aming mag“How amazing God is!” Nasambit ina. I was giving up na nga, dahil ang ko, “Lord thank so much!”––kasi hirap maghanap talaga ng bahay. then kay Lord ko lang sinabi ang price, one day after I had my Bible devotions hinde ko naman sinabi sa landlord. and scripture memory…naisipan kong Matapos ang isang taon na nakatira tumingin sa internet ulit ng house for ako sa bahay na iyon, sabi sa akin ng rent––may nakita ako. Usually kapag mother ng Landlord ko na marami sa internet naghanap, may agent fee daw siyang mga friends na nagsabi na pa, but dito, nakalagay hindi pwede sobrang cheap daw rental niya sa akin makialam ang agent at 12,000 ang rental. at dapat 12,000 daw talaga. I prayed Nagustuhan ko kasi malaki siya again, “Lord paano ba ito, ganuon at may mga cabinet na lagayan ng 2,000 agad agad ang itataas sa akin.”

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Kaibigan

PAPURIHAN AT PASALAMATAN MO ANG DIYOS NGAYON AT KAILANMAN Nasasa iyo ang desisyon, magpapasalamat MAN. Utos sa Biblia, o hindi? Kaibigan “Umawit sa kagalakan ang lahat ng Happy Thanksgiving Day! mga bansa! Si Yahweh ay papurihan, paglingkuran siyang kusa; lumapit Kung nagkaroon ng kahulugan sa inyo ang mensaheng sa presensya niya at umawit na may ito, mangyari na i-text ang iyong pangalan at tirahan sa tuwa! O si Yahweh ay ating Diyos! 0922300808 o tumawag sa 02-2833-7444. Padadalhan ka ng libreng aralin at babasahin. Kung nais maipanalangin, Ito’y dapat na malaman, tayo’y kanya, isulat o i-email ang prayer request sa paul@launchpoint. kanyang lahat, tayong lahat na nilalang; cc. lahat tayo’y bayan niya, kabilang sa kanyang kawan. Pumasok sa kanyang templo na ang puso’y nagdiriwang, Rev. Paul Ko, Associate Pastor | LaunchPoint Church, umaawit, nagpupuri sa loob ng dakong www.launchpoint.cc banal; purihin ang ngalan niya at siya’y He also served Taipei pasalamatan! Napakabuti ni Yahweh, International Church as pag-ibig niya’y walang hanggan, Tagalog Fellowship pastor for twenty years. pag-ibig niya ay tunay, laging tapat kailanman!”-Salmo 100:1-5

Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Sarah Kobunski

by Danny Q. Junco

hat we usually come into our minds when we consider people as powerful are those who are leaders of mighty nations like US President Donald Trump, Russia President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, China President Deng Xiaoping or United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May, among others but in reality they are powerless as the real authorities and powers reside on believers in Christ Jesus. Why? Because the believers in Christ Jesus have authorities to let God answer their

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prayers over the problems of all nations in the world. Unlike the leaders of the nations, they are detached from God and the solutions to their respective problems are beyond their abilities, controls and powers which only God can do it. If only Christians have realized this truth, that they can shape or command on the destinies of their nations they are living in, it will be a different story as their nations or Kaibigan

empires will bow down before the living and and Yahweh or Jehovah, the God of Israel almighty God. and Elijah to pour out fire on their offerings, respectively. How they should do it? They can do it through the right prayers to God as He The contest began in the morning and answers them according to His specified Baal’s false prophets called him and even instructions. bruised their bodies to spell out blood as their way of getting answers from their Baal god but no answers came till dusk and this In Matthew 21:22 Jesus said that whatever time Elijah asked his and Israel’s God and things you ask in prayer, believing, you God answered his prayer and consumed the will receive. sacrifice animal through fire coming from heaven (I Kings 18:18-40). Knowing the background for this, Jesus and His disciples passed by of this location where He saw the fig tree full of leaves. He went to Another thing that Elijah did was to pray see if it had fruits but none. So He cursed the to God that there would be no rain for three fig tree saying, “from now on, no one can eat and a half years in the Northern Kingdom from you” then they left the place. (Israel), administered by wicked King Ahab, and God answered his prayer (I Kings 17:1On the following day, Jesus and His 24; I Kings 18:1-15). disciples passed by again on the same place and they saw that the fig tree dried up from Second, God answers prayer in accordance its roots to the leaves. So the disciples with God’s Word. In John 14: 7 says, were amazed and the Lord Jesus made this “If you abide in Me, and My words abide statement that believing without doubting in in you, you will ask what you desire, and prayer, God answered. The requirement of it shall be done for you.” the right prayer is faith. The requirement to prayer being answered The Lord Jesus even said if you have is abiding with the Word of God. God has faith and do not doubt, you can say to given all things to the believers pertaining to the mountain be cast into the sea and it life and godliness and it can be found through will happen (Matthew 21:21). His promises of His Word (2 Peter 1:2-4). Real faith can move God to answer the Apart from God’s Word, He cannot give believer’s prayer. an answer to prayers. This is the reason why sometimes believers’ prayers even how sincere and aggressive it was, no answered Example for this is Prophet Elijah when he from God was given because it was already confronted the 850 false prophets of Baal, god there on His Word. of Queen Jezebel. Their contest was to offer an animal sacrifice in Mt. Carmel without the use of fire and the only course to consume This is the reason why believers should the sacrifice was to call Baal, god of Jezebel always read and study the Bible so they can

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pinagpapala ang marunong magpasalamat at patuloy na lumakad sa aral ng Diyos. Alalahanin na lahat ng mabubuting bagay ay galing sa Diyos. Maging mapagpasalamat sa Diyos sa kakulangan o sa kasaganaan man. BINABANTAYAN KA NG DIYOS. Ganito ang pahayag ng Biblia, “Ako’y nakakatulog at nagigising, buong gabi’y si Yahweh ang tumitingin” (Mga Awit 3:5 MBBTAG). “Kahit ako’y nagdaranas ng maraming suliranin,ako’y walang agam-agam, panatag sa iyong piling. Nahahandang harapin mo mapupusok kong kaaway, ligtas ako sa piling mo, sa lakas na iyong taglay” (Mga Awit 138:7 MBBTAG). Ang mga malaki o maliit na kompanya ay bumabayad ng proteksyon. Bumabayad ng guardiya at mga modernong gadget upang bantayan ang mga ari-arian ng kompanya. Ang gobyerno ay naglalagay na rin ng cctv sa mga daanan ng mga mamamayan bukod pa sa mga patrolya ng mga Pulis upang pangalagaan ang seguridad ng bayan. Ang mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan ay bumibili rin ng home alarm system. Sa mga mahihirap, aso ang ginagawang bantay. Ok naman ang mga bagay na iyon ngunit temporaryo, may limitasyon at pumapalya din ang mga iyon. Hindi kayang pigilin ang intensyon ng mga masasamang loob kung gusto ka ipahamak. Sa dami ng paraan ng masasamang loob at mga natural na kalamidad gaya ng baha, lindol, sunog o pagkawala ng trabaho, tukso at iba pa, ano man ay puedeng mangyari. Walang ligtas na lugar liban sa proteksyon ng Diyos. 24/7 gising ang Diyos at nagmamasid. Dapat lamang na magpasalamat sa Diyos at hindi ka pa inaagos sa kapahamakan. Huwag mo lamang subukin pa ang Diyos sa iyong pagkalimot magpasalamat.

BINIGYAN KA NG LIBRENG DAAN S A I K A PA PATAWA D N G I Y O N G KASALANAN. “Magalak kayong lagi, palagi kayong manalangin, at magpasalamat kayo sa Diyos sa lahat ng pagkakataon; sapagkat ito ang kalooban ng Diyos para sa inyo sa inyong pakikipag-isa kay Cristo Jesus.”-1 Tesalonica 5:16-18 (MBBTAG) Sa pagmamahal ng Diyos sa tao, sa kabila ng pagtalikod at pagrerebelde ng tao sa Diyos, ginawa pa rin niyang isugo si Jesu Cristo, ang Bugtong niyang Anak. Inihandog ni Jesus ang sarili sa ikaliligtas ng tao sa kasalanan at tiyak na walang hanggan kapahamakan sa impierno. Puede mong pagsikapan mabayaran ang iyong mga utang sa buhay ngunit hindi mo kayang bayaran ang utang mo sa Diyos gawa ng iyong mga kasalanan. Ang dugo lamang ni Jesu Cristo ang itinakdang ganap at banal na maghahatid ng kapatawaran at kabayaran sa mga kasalanan ng tao. Sa tutuo lamang kung itatanggi mo na makasalanan ka ay ginagawa mong sinungaling ang Diyos (1 Juan 1:10). Kung tatangihan mo ang libreng alok ng Diyos na kapatawaran at kaligtasan sa pamamagitan ni Jesu Cristo, wala ka ngang dapat sisihin kundi ang iyong sarili sa kapakamakan na iyong pupuntahan gaya ni Judas Iscariote. Ngunit kung aangkinin mo ang libreng alok ng Diyos at hihingi ka ng tawad sa iyong kasalanan at tatanggapin mo si Jesu Cristo na iyong Tagapagligtas, daranasin mo ang walang hanggang kaligtasan at kapatawaran ngayon din. Iyan nga ang pasasalamatan mo sa pagmamahal ng Diyos dahil ini-aalok sa iyo ng libre. Huwag mong palampasin pa sapagkat may hangganan ang iyong buhay. Kapag tinanggap mo ang libreng alok ng Diyos kay Cristo, Kaibigan

kalangitan. Hindi siya nagbabago, o nagdudulot ng bahagya mang dilim dahil sa pagbabago.” -Santiago 1:17 (MBBTAG)

ni Pastor Paul Ko

uwing Nobiyembre, ipinagdiriwang ang Araw ng Pasasalamat sa Estados Unidos. May kanya-kanyang takdang araw ng pasasalamat ang iba’t ibang bansa. Ngunit bakit ugali ng marami na hindi magpasalamat? Ilang dahilan ang matutunghayan (1) Sarili daw nila ang dapat pasalamatan dahil sa sariling pagsisikap (2) Ang iba, dahil busog naman sila, may trabaho, at wala naman malaking problema, so wala sa isip nila ang magpasalamat (3) Ang iba naman, obligasyon daw ng Diyos na tulungan sila sa buhay kaya hindi na dapat magpasalamat pa (4) Ang iba, may sama ng loob sa Diyos. Bakit daw pinabayaan ng Diyos magkasakit o mamatay ang kanyang ama, ina, asawa o anak. O kaya naman nawalan ng trabaho. Ang mga dahilan na ito ay nagpapahayag ng kakulangan ng kaalaman sa mga biyayang kaloob ng Diyos sa kanilang buhay. Tunghayan natin ang ilan pahayag sa Banal na Salita ng Diyos. B I N I G YA N K A N G D I Y O S N G MABUBUTING BAGAY. “Ang lahat ng mabuti at ganap na kaloob ay buhat sa Diyos, mula sa Ama na lumikha ng mga tanglaw sa

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Masasabing ang lahat ng tao ay ipinanganak na may kaloob mula sa Diyos hindi lamang ang sariling buhay. Binigyan ng sapat na talino, lakas ng katawan, mga abilidad na magagamit niya upang mabuhay ng ganap. Sa nakakarami, nagagawa ng tao ang mga pang-araw araw na responsibilidad sa sarili at sa mga mahal sa buhay gawa ng kaloob ng Diyos. Mayroon din ilan na ipinanganak na may kapansanan ngunit may kakayanan din. May layunin din ang Diyos para sa kanila. Puede rin mabaldado ang isang normal na tao sa iba’t ibang paraan at mabawasan ang kakayanan magamit ang talino dulot ng sakit, aksidente, at iba pang pangyayari. Mga pagsubok na nararapat na magdala sa kanila na lumapit sa Diyos upang mapagkalooban ng katugunan, hindi lumayo sa Diyos. Hinihinggi ng Diyos na magpakumbaba ang tao, manalangin sa kanya, hanapin ang Diyos at talikuran ang kanilang kasamaan at papakinggan sila ng Diyos sa langit. Patatawarin sila sa kanilang mga kasalanan at muling pasasaganiin ang kanilang lupain (2 Cronica 7:14). Isang storya sa Biblia, kung saan may sampung ketongin ang nagmakaawa kay Jesus na pagalingin sila sa karamdaman. Inutusan sila na magpatingin sa mga pari. Habang naglalakad, gumaling silang lahat. Ngunit nang mapuna ng isa na siya ay magaling na, nagbalik siyang sumisigaw ng papuri sa Diyos at nagpatirapa sa paanan ni Jesus at nagpasalamat. Sinabi ni Jesus, “Hindi ba’t sampu ang pinagaling? “Nasaan ang siyam? (Lucas 17:11-19). Maraming tao ay ganito ang ugali, matapos makamtan ang kahilingan ay hindi marunong magpasalamat at tumalikod na muli sa Diyos. Higit na

Because the Lord Jesus already said to them claim and hold on to the promises of God for that they will have to escape to the mountains their lives. in Israel or if not they will die. After Jesus Christ’s resurrection He According to historian, this prophecy of instructed His 11 apostles and disciples numbering to 120 to go and wait there in the Lord Jesus has double fulfillments: This Jerusalem to fast and pray in a room waiting happened in 70 A.D. when General Titus of for the promise of the Holy Spirit to come Rome invaded Jerusalem. The report said that and they obeyed and after 10 days after Jesus there were more than 2 million Jews were went to Heaven the Holy Spirit came down killed by the swords, another 1 milllion were in the form of tongues of fire, and alighted on captured and were made slaves and those them and they spoke in different languages women were forced into prostitution trade. as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (Luke And another fulfillment will be on the time 24:49-53; Acts 1:4,8; 2:1-4). of antichrist who will sit there on the altar of the temple and force the Jews to worship him Third, God answers prayer in accordance as though he is god. So they have to listen to the advice of the Lord Jesus to flee to the with His will (I John 5:14). It says, mountains thus their lives will be spared. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Another example was Apostle Peter who It is a waste of time praying if what the was next in line to be killed by King Herod believers pray is contradictory to the will of God. of Jerusalem. Earlier, Herod ordered to cut off the head of Apostle James, brother of Apostle Take for example, in Matthew 24:15-18 says, John. When Herod learned that the Jews were “Therefore when you see the happy of what he did to James, Apostle Peter ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken was next but deffered his execution because of by Daniel the prophet, standing in it was Passover Feast. But the believers were the holy place (whoever reads, let him fasting and praying to God that He would understand), then let those who are in rescue Peter and God did by sending His angel Judea flee to the mountains. Let him and freed Peter from the maximum cell. Not who is on the housetop not go down to only that but God killed Herod through worms take anything out of his house. And let eating his whole body because of his being him who is in the field not go back to get wicked ruler in Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-23). his clothes.” Based on this passage the Lord Jesus told the Jews to flee to the mountains when Jerusalem is besieged by their enemies (lead by antichrist) but believers won’t obey hoping that through their prayers God will rescue them from the onslaught of their enemies. This is the kind of prayer that is not in accordance to the will of God.

To wrap our study, believers have the answers to the nations’ problems if they will pray the right prayers to God. God definitely will answer the believers’ prayers according to Faith, to God’s Word and to God’s Will and their nations will be blessed and under His rulership. Kaibigan Kaibigan

sister happy, care for her, serve her, or just be nice. Sometimes Jack resisted and Mom would require him to take a Break until his heart was ready to do the right thing. Several times Jack surprised his Mom with ideas that came from his heart. She saw his initiative, prompting ideas that worked. He saw his sister smile and began to enjoy her positive reactions as well. Now it’s been three months. Dad and Mom are reporting a big change in their son. The meanness has definitely decreased substantially. And, they’ve noticed that Jack is being more kind and respectful to others as well. They are so hopeful about continued work and growth in their son. Training to do what’s right is a powerful way to bring about change and reduce unwanted behaviors. 3) The Parent Child Relationship Improves Let’s face it. Correction involves tension. Training also takes work, but it’s much more positive. The relationship between parent and child grows stronger. Jack and his Mom now have moved the problem from tension between them to a target they’re both working on together. Jack’s Dad had a conversation with his son and was surprised to hear him say, “I feel like you guys are on my side now, not just on my case all the time.” Children who are self-focused often resist training. It takes a lot of work, and some kids repel work at all costs. But the change in perspective on the part of the parents positions them differently. Now the parent is moving toward a positive goal, instead of focusing on a problem.

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4) The Child Learns Life Skills Challenges children experience are the garden where character can grow. The child who is easily angered can develop self-

control. Disrespect can foster cooperation. Poor response to correction can nurture humility. In Jack’s case, his meanness became the opportunity to build kindness, but it likely wouldn’t have happened without intentional work on the part of his parents. The beautiful thing about moving from emphasizing training instead of correction is that it models the way God works with us. Certainly he corrects us but he also sets a Point B in front of us. We are all becoming more like Christ. The challenges we face are producing character in our lives. Romans 5:3-4 says, “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” A training approach is encouraging because it produces hope not just in the parents but also in the child. We are going forward and God wants to do something big inside of us. Parents are in the business of change. Kids are changing whether we like it or not. The question is, “Are their changes moving them in a good direction and how can you guide them?” Training is a powerful heart based strategy that helps children for the long term, not just for the present. Paul exhorted Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7, “train yourself to be godly.” That statement provides some good thinking for parents as well as they choose their approach. Jack is not only feeling better about himself as he learns kindness but so will all the other people he will relate to over the years. If your child is stuck and not responding to the normal good things you’re doing, try training. It can make all the difference. Kaibigan _____________________________________________ Penned by Scott Turansky Copyright @ Thriving Kids Connection

Kaibigan

1) Parenting Becomes More Positive Let’s call the problem area Point A. When parents focus on getting rid of point A they use rebuke and correction as their primary tools. Of course, this isn’t wrong. Those are two valuable tools that we all need and God uses them with us. But if parents at the same time focus on Point B, where the child needs to go, then good things happen. That involves teaching and training. In Jack’s case, Dad and Mom determined that Jack needed to develop more kindness. This would be demonstrated in “othersthinking,” thoughtfulness, and initiative in positive ways. They had a meeting with Jack and explained the value of kindness, what

parola

I it looked like specifically for Jack and how they would be helping him to work on it in his life. They would be doing practice sessions to exercise his heart in areas of kindness. They even asked Jack to help them come up with ideas that would help him develop this life skill. 2) Parents become Coaches instead of Policemen Dad and Mom felt so much better, focusing on where Jack needed to go instead of where he was. It was a tremendous relief for them. Their comments changed. Their conversation changed. Even their correction required that Jack practice something different. Coaches practice. They do drills. They have strategy meetings. Mom determined to set her phone to beep every hour to remind her and Jack that it was time to practice. At those moments, Jack would need to stop what he was doing and do a kindness drill. Look for a way that he could make his

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(lighthouse prison ministry)

A New Kind of Enthusiasm

have listened to a pastor on TV not long ago––preaching about “Christian Enthusiasm,” and he made three main points: (1) circumstances and events in our life are UNPREDICTABLE; (2) therefore, our reactions to our circumstances or events by our emotions are UNDEPENDABLE; (3) but, enthusiasm is UNDEPLETABLE. In explaining why “enthusiasm” is undepletable––it can never be ended––we can never run out of enthusiasm, he explained that his study of the word “enthusiasm” led him to find out that it comes from the Greek word “enthouiasmos,” the root of which is “en-theos” which means “from, or inspired by God.” I always thought about enthusiasm as a word that meant being excited about something; maybe about something in the past but most often being excited about something that would happen in the future, something to look forward to with anticipation, something that would be fun or rewarding. However, a child could be filled with enthusiasm when told that he would get an ice cream cone; a teenager could be enthusiastic over plans for going to a music concert; we could feel enthusiasm over many things that do not come from God and have nothing to do with God. Truly, then, the enthusiasm which comes “en theos” (from God) is something else.

This is how the pastor’s sermon explained this new kind of enthusiasm. We all know that we cannot control the events and circumstances of our lives. We did not choose to be who we are, in our current life situation, whether it is good or bad. We each have our own destiny––the general path of life along which each one of us must travel. Then, on top of that, there are things that happen everyday, good things, and bad things, that we do not choose and over which we have no control. We would like to be able to totally control our own destiny; we cannot. We would like to be able to control our day to day lives, so then we could have only good experiences, good results from our efforts, happy endings in everything; we cannot. We have to admit that the ups and downs of every day are UNPREDICTABLE. As human beings, we will usually be happy when good things happen, and angry or sad when bad things happen, disappointed when we fail or lose, frustrated when we can’t control things. In fact, we are pushed from highs to lows in our emotions as we react to the unpredictability of our daily lives. It would be great if we could rely on only good reactions and good emotions, but who can do that? We get feelings of jealousy when we see others who have more than we have; we are confused when others have better fortune than we do; we get greedy when we are in need; revengeful when others hurt us; all sorts of bad emotions can emerge and, even when good things happen, we often react with sinful pride or Kaibigan

arrogance. We do have to admit our emotions and reactions are UNDEPENDABLE. But our enthusiasm, if it is truly from God, is always UNDEPLETABLE. WHY? Because it comes “en theos” (from God), so that the unpredictability we all face every day, and the undependability of our emotions and reactions can never deplete our enthusiasm since we know that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Once we can realize and accept that the enthusiasm which can fill our lives is predictable, because it is based upon the promises of God, it is reliable because we know about it from God’s own words in the Bible, and it can never end, then we can approach each day with a totally new outlook and a renewed confidence in God’s abiding presence and love. What a difference this new enthusiasm makes! It gives us so many new “tools” in our “spiritual toolbox” that we can use every single day. It gives us 1 Peter 4:13 which tells us to “be happy when we share in Christ’s sufferings, for when His glory is revealed, we will be happy with exceeding joy.” It gives us Romans 8:28 which tells us we can “know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” It gives us Romans 8:17 which says that we can be sure that “the sufferings of this present time are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us” as enthusiastic heirs of eternal life. Would you be enthusiastic if someone told you that you had just won a million dollars in a lottery? Even that million dollars is not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in you. Your biggest successes, your greatest joys, your wildest dreams are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be

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revealed in you as an heir of eternal life. We as Christians have far more about which to be enthusiastic than any person who does not know God’s love in Jesus Christ, no matter how rich, how famous, or how successful they may think they might be. The faith-generated enthusiasm which is ours comes from an enthusiastic God who has told us He wants us to live our lives “abundantly” and promises us an eternity of joys beyond what we could ever even imagine. Here are some verses in the Bible that can help you to live each day with real enthusiasm: If you are feeling unhappy: John 15:10-11 If you are feeling in need of comfort: 2 Cor. 1:3-7 If you are feeling burdened: Matt. 11:28 If you are feeling guilty: 1John 1:9 If you are feeling stressed out or worried: Matt. 6:24-34 If you are feeling weak or mistreated: 2 Cor. 12:9-10 If you are feeling tempted: 1 Cor. 10:13, James 1:13-14 If you are feeling separated from God: Rom. 8:38-39 God wants us to be encouraged and uplifted every day by the true enthusiasm which comes only from Him and which is promised to each of his children. Are you feeling enthusiastic today? Kaibigan

__________________________ Penned by Atty. Fredrick N. Voigtmann and translated into Chinese Traditional and Indonesian. Lighthouse Prison Ministry is a group of pastors and volunteers that visit inmates and held Bible studies in Kweishan prison. Inmates also get Kaibigan magazines every issue.

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Parenting Game Changer: Training vs Correction

f you’re doing a lot of good parenting but your child isn’t changing, then it might be time to think differently. That’s not to say you’re doing something wrong, but your child likely needs a different approach. Many children have a hard time changing even when parents try to remain positive, correct consistently, and set appropriate limits. So, if you want to refocus your parenting, here’s one solution that can make all the difference.

Kids Get Stuck Some children are strong-willed and others are highly emotional. Still others have ADHD or complicated challenges resulting from adoption and the list goes on and on. The challenges children face can come from a variety of sources including personality, biological differences, past experience, and of course a sin nature that complicates life considerably. The heart of a person addresses tendencies or patterns. The heart is where desires, emotions and beliefs come together to form attitudes, make decisions, and develop passion and drive. Parents who focus on the heart of a child can motivate deeper and longer lasting change. But what does that look like on a daily basis when it’s their behavior that gets them into trouble?

Jack is ten years old. He continually picks on his younger sister. It’s frustrating living with Jack because of the tension he creates in family life. Mom and Dad have been correcting Jack for years. He doesn’t seem to change. They set limits but he goes right past the guardrails they’ve set up and continually makes unkind remarks. The problem is such a pattern now that Dad and Mom feel like their correcting all the time. The stress in their home is continual. The problem? Jack is stuck.

The Value of Training Dad and Mom made a major change in their parenting three months ago. They started emphasizing training over correction. They were drawn to the fact that God helps us change and He uses the scriptures in four ways. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” As Dad and Mom evaluated their own parenting they realized they were doing much more rebuke and correcting and not enough teaching and training. Four things happen when parents emphasize training over correction. What Dad and Mom did for Jack made a major difference. Here’s how it works. Kaibigan

Tuhan, dia akan selalu ada. Mengapa? Karena itu datang “en theos” (dari Tuhan), sehingga ketidakpastian yang kita semua hadapi setiap hari, dan ketidakmandirian emosi dan reaksi kita tidak akan pernah menguras semangat kita karena kita tahu bahwa sukacita Tuhan adalah kekuatan kita. Sekali kita menyadari dan menerima bahwa antusiasme yang mengisi hidup kita dapat diprediksi karena itu didasarkan pada janji-janji Allah, maka hal itu dapat kita Andalkan karena kita mengetahuinya dari firman Tuhan didalam Alkitab, dan itu tidak akan pernah dapat berakhir, sehingga kita dapat melalui setiap hari dengan pAndangan yang benar-benar baru dan keyakinan baru akan kehadiran dan kasih Allah yang kekal. Alangkah berbedanya antusias yang baru ini!! Dia memberi kita begitu banyak “pedoman” baru dari “Alkitab” kita yang bisa kita gunakan setiap hari. Dia memberi kita 1Petrus 4:13 yang memberitahu kita untuk “bersukacitalah, sesuai dengan bagian yang kamu dapat dalam penderitaan Kristus supaya k amu juga boleh bergembira dan bersukacita pada waktu Ia menyatakan kemuliaan-Nya.” Dia juga memberi kita Roma 8:28 yang memberi tahu kita bahwa kita dapat “Kita tahu sekarang, bahwa Allah turut bekerja dalam segala sesuatu yang mendatangkan kebaikan bagi mereka yang mengasihi Dia yaitu bagi mereka yang terpanggil sesuai dengan rencana Allah.” Dan dia juga memberi kita Roma 8:17 yang mengatakan bahwa kita dapat yakin bahwa “penderitaan zaman sekarang ini tidak dapat dibandingkan dengan kemuliaan yang akan dinyatakan kepada kita” sebagai ahli waris yang penuh semangat di kehidupan kekal. Apakah Anda akan merasa antusias jika seseorang mengatakan kepada Anda bahwa

Anda baru saja memenangkan undian satu juta dolar? Bahkan jutaan dolar itu tidak sebanding dengan kemuliaan yang akan terungkap dalam diri Anda. Keberhasilan terbesar Anda, kebahagiaan terbesar Anda, mimpi terliar Anda, tidak layak untuk dibandingkan dengan kemuliaan yang akan dinyatakan dalam diri Anda sebagai pewaris kehidupan kekal. Kita sebagai orang Kristen memiliki lebih banyak hal untuk menjadi antusias daripada siapa pun yang tidak mengenal kasih Allah di dalam Yesus Kristus, tidak peduli seberapa kaya, seberapa terkenal, atau seberapa sukses mereka nanti. Antusiasme yang kita miliki yang dihasilkan oleh iman berasal dari Tuhan yang antusias, yang telah memberi tahu kita bahwa Dia ingin kita menjalani hidup kita “melimpah” dan menjanjikan kita sukacita yang kekal di luar apa yang kita bayangkan. Inilah beberapa ayat dalam Alkitab yang dapat membantu Anda untuk hidup dengan antusiasme yang nyata setiap hari: Ketika Anda merasa tidak bahagia: Yohanese 15:10-11 Ketika Anda merasa butuh penghiburan: 2 Korintus 1-3-7 Ketika Anda merasa penuh beban: Matius 11:28 Ketika Anda dihantui perasaan bersalah: 1 Yohanes 1:9 Ketika Anda merasa stres dan gelisah: Matius 6:24-34 Ketika Anda merasa lemah atau dianiaya: 2 Korintus 12:9-10 Ketika Anda merasa dicobai: 1 korintus 10:13, Yakobus 1:13-14 Ketika Anda merasa terpisah dari Allah: Roma 8:38-39 Tuhan ingin kita didorong dan diteguhkan oleh antusiasme sejati yang hanya datang dari Tuhan dan hal itu dijanjikanNya kepada setiap anak-anakNya. Apakah Anda merasa antusias hari ini? Kaibigan Kaibigan

Sept-Oct-Nov 2018

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Sebuah jenis Semangat Baru

Kaibigan

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eberapa waktu yang lalu, saya mendengarkan khotbah pendeta mengenai “Antusiasme Kristen,” di TV. Dalam tayangan itu, dia membuat tiga poin penting: (1) keadaan dan kejadian dalam kehidupan kita tidak dapat diprediksi; (2) Karena tidak dapat diprediksi, reaksi kita terhadap keadaan atau kejadian tidak dapat bergantung pada emosi kita (3) berbeda dengan antusiasme, antusiasme bersifat abadi atau tidak bisa hilang. Dalam menjelaskan mengapa “antusiasme” itu abadi, pendeta itu menjelaskan bahwa penelitiannya tentang kata “antusiasme” membuatnya mengetahui bahwa antusiasme berasal dari kata Yunani “enthouiasmos,” yang akarnya adalah “en-theos” yang berarti “Berasa,” atau “insipirasi yang berasal dari Allah.” Saya selalu berpikir tentang antusiasme sebagai kata yang berarti bersemangat akan sesuatu; mungkin tentang sesuatu di masa lalu, akan tetapi biasanya tentang sesuatu yang akan terjadi di masa depan, sesuatu yang dinantikan dengan antisipasi, sesuatu yang akan menyenangkan atau bermanfaat Namun, seorang anak dapat dipenuhi rasa antusias ketika diberitahu bahwa dia akan mendapatkan es krim; seorang remaja bisa merasa antusias dengan rencana pergi ke konser musik; kita dapat merasakan antusiasme atas banyak hal yang tidak datang dari Tuhan dan tidak ada hubungannya dengan Tuhan. Tetapi sesungguhnya Antusiasme yang berasal “en theos” (dari Tuhan) adalah sesuatu yang lain. Beginilah cara pendeta itu menjelaskan khotbahnya tentang jenis antusiasme baru ini. Kita semua tahu bahwa kita tidak dapat mengendalikan peristiwa dan keadaan dalam hidup kita. Di dalam situasi

kehidupan kita saat ini, apakah itu baik atau buruk, kita tidak dapat memilih menjadi siapa diri kita, Kita masing-masing memiliki takdir kita sendiri, jalan hidup di mana kita masing-masing harus melakukan perjalanan, ada hal-hal yang terjadi setiap hari, baik hal baik maupun hal buruk yang tidak kita pilih dan yang tidak dapat kita kendalikan. Kita ingin sepenuhnya mengendalikan nasib kita sendiri; tetapi kita tidak bisa. Kita ingin dapat mengontrol kehidupan kita sehari-hari sehingga kita hanya memiliki pengalaman yang baik, mendapat hasil yang baik, akhir yang bahagia dalam segala hal akan tetapi kita tidak bisa. Kita harus mengakui bahwa pasang surut dalam kehidupan setiap hari tidak dapat diprediksi. Sebagai manusia, kita biasanya akan senang ketika hal-hal baik terjadi, marah atau sedih ketika hal-hal buruk terjadi, kecewa ketika kita gagal atau kalah, dan frustrasi ketika kita tidak dapat mengendalikan sesuatu. Bahkan, emosi kita dipaksa berubah dari level tertinggi ke level yang terendah saat kita bereaksi terhadap ketidakpastian dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Akan sangat bagus jika kita bisa hanya mengAndalkan reaksi yang baik dan emosi yang baik saja, tetapi siapa yang bisa melakukannya? Kita merasa cemburu ketika kita melihat orang yang memiliki lebih dari yang kita miliki; kita bingung ketika yang lain lebih beruntung daripada kita; kita menjadi tamak ketika kita membutuhkan; balas dendam ketika orang lain menyakiti kita; segala macam emosi buruk dapat muncul dan bahkan ketika hal-hal baik terjadi, kita sering menjadi tinggi hati dan sombong. Kita harus mengakui emosi dan reaksi kita tidak dapat kita Andalkan. Tetapi antusiasme kita, jika itu benar-benar dari Kaibigan

Sebuah jenis Semangat Baru

Kaibigan

Sept-Oct-Nov 2018

Kaibigan

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Parenting Game Changer: Training vs Correction

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Sept-Oct-Nov 2018

(lighthouse prison ministry)

A New Kind of Enthusiasm

We’d love to hear from you!

Write us at Kaibigan, #432, Suite 704, 7F, Keelung Rd. Sec. 1, Sinyi District, Taipei 110; or email us at kaibiganmagazine@me.com or text us at 0972921681, or LINE or Viber.

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4) The Child Learns Life Skills Challenges children experience are the garden where character can grow. The child who is easily angered can develop self-

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kalangitan. Hindi siya nagbabago, o nagdudulot ng bahagya mang dilim dahil sa pagbabago.” -Santiago 1:17 (MBBTAG)

ni Pastor Paul Ko

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by Danny Q. Junco

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If you need me to pray for you or you have question/feedback, simply send an email message to: paul@launchpoint.cc

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patnubay

bumuka ang opera ko.

Photo credit: FreeImages.com/Sanja Gjenero

ni Pastor Paul Ko

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6. Be Generous “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Prov 11:25

Ang dalangin ko, nawa ang panahon ng ‘retirement’ ay panahon na mabunga at maging pagkakataon na makapaglingkod sa Diyos at sa kapwa.

7. Value God’s guidance and wisdom “Ang bahay ng matalino’y napupuno ng kayamanan Ngunit lahat ay winawaldas ng taong mangmang.” Proverbs 21:20

Kaya, samantalahin ang panahon habang tayo ay malakas at kumikita, dahil darating ang panahon ng panghihina.

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Bro Obet Awa-ao -Pastor, Taipei International Church, Tagalog Fellowship Church Office: 7F No. 248 Zhong Shan N. Rd. Section 6, Taipei City 11161.

faithwalk Analisa Chua

You Got Me

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. –– Psalm 73:23

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ito’y babagsak at masisira.” Ibig sabihin, hindi habang panahon ang lakas at sa huling bahagi ng buhay ay mababawasan ang ating kakayanang maghanapbuhay.

magtayo ng tore, hindi ba uupo muna siya at tatayahin ang magugugol para malaman kung may sapat siyang salaping maipagpapatapos niyon?” – Luke 14:28

4. Learn to Save (pay yourself) napakaraming pamamaraan ang pagiipon, nariyan ang SSS, PAG-IBIG at mga saving packages ng mga Banko, ang pagiipon ay ang pagbayad natin sa ating sarili.

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3. Learn to Plan “Kung ang isa sa inyo’y nagbabalak

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pananaw

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ni Pastor Roberto Awa-ao

angang kailan ka dito sa Taiwan? Hanggang kailan mo kayang maghanap buhay? Ano ang plano mo sa iyong ‘retirement?’

Sept-Oct-Nov 2018

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bible word search

Roberto Awa-ao, Editor-in-Chief

Ann Cielo Ko

1. Wisdom 2. Heaven 3. Pure 4. Peace 5. Considerate

6. Submissive 7. Mercy 8. Impartial 9. Sincere 10. Righteousness

The Book of Revelation and the Throne of Heaven

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contents

Taipei International Church Tagalog Fellowship

FEATURES

Magazine

Publisher

11 PRAYER THAT GOD ANSWERS

Atty. Fredrick Norman Voigtmann

Know the truth on how to pray to God and what kind of prayer He answers.

Co-Publisher

Rev. Roberto Awa-Ao

24 MAGPAPASALAMAT O HINDI

Editor-in-Chief

Mga kaisipan na dapat pagbulayin upang malaman sa ating buhay kung tayo ba ay dapat maging mapagpasalamat o hindi.

Analisa N. Chua Managing Editor/Designer

Rev. Paul Ko Rev. Ron Adhikari Rev. Zhang Ren Ai Rev. Immanuel Scharrer

DEPARTMENTS

Multilingual Contributing Editors

04 PANANAW Usapang Retirement

Ann Cielo Ko Contributor

Alamin ang mga bagay na dapat gawin upang makapaghanda sa ating pagreretiro.

Nelissa Ilog Shih Contributing Photographer

08 PATNUBAY Double Blessings

Lilia Tan

Tunghayan ang mga kadahilanan kung paano makamit ang ibayong pagpapala sa buhay.

Mailing Coordinator

Kaibigan

is published by Tagalog Fellowship of Taipei International Church AKA ROC International Christian Goodwill Association. TAGALOG FELLOWSHIP HOTLINE:

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